What steps can we take to prepare our hearts for spiritual renewal today? Seeing the Crowds Go Out – Matthew 3:5 “At that time people from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him.” Why This Matters Today The pilgrimage toward John shows hearts already leaning toward renewal. Their actions give us a pattern to follow. Recognize the Divine Invitation • John’s first word was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 3:2). • Renewal begins when we admit God is summoning us now, not later. • Supporting verse: Acts 3:19—“Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Step Away from Familiar Comforts • The crowds “went out” from cities and routines. • Practical response: set aside media, obligations, even good things, to give God unhurried space. • James 4:8 reminds, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Confess What the Lord Reveals • “Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River” (Matthew 3:6). • Confession is naming sin as God sees it. • Use Psalm 139:23-24 as a daily prompt—“Search me, O God…” Submit in Obedient Action • Baptism was an outward act showing inward change. • Today obedience may look like reconciling with someone, giving generously, or following a call God has made clear. • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Pursue Heart-Level Change, Not Mere Rituals • Joel 2:12-13—“Return to Me with all your heart… Rend your hearts and not your garments.” • Fasting, worship, journaling—helpful tools, but only when they foster genuine surrender. Stay in Community • Renewal was experienced together; isolation is rarely God’s plan. • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” Gather with believers who will celebrate progress and confront drift. Live Ready for Continual Renewal • Spiritual life is not a one-time trip to the Jordan; it’s an ongoing walk. • Keep short accounts with God, practice daily gratitude, and remain teachable. • 2 Corinthians 4:16—“Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.” Summary Checklist for Today □ Hear God’s call and respond promptly. □ Create margin by stepping away from distractions. □ Practice honest confession. □ Obey whatever God shows next. □ Seek heart change over outward performance. □ Engage with believers for encouragement and accountability. □ Maintain daily habits that keep renewal fresh. Following these steps positions us, like those first-century crowds, to experience fresh movement of God’s Spirit in our hearts. |
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