The Daniel Fast Day 15 Devotional 10/7/13

Extreme Makeover

 " . . . if indeed you have heard [Christ] and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:21-24

Have you seen those makeover programs on television? The first one was Extreme Makeover where individuals with serious physical issues are transformed using plastic surgery, dentistry, cosmetology, and other treatments to "makeover" their appearance. The spin-off program was Extreme Makeover Home Edition. That's where they take a disheveled house and totally convert it into a beautiful home that is completely changed!

We too can have an "extreme makeover" by allowing the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit to convert us. We can be renewed, as we see in Ephesians 4. Just like the people on the television programs, we have to give ourselves up, relinquish control, if we are to receive the extreme makeover the Lord wants to perform in our lives. We do that by submitting to Him.

 

Sometimes, the homes that need renovation in Extreme Makeover Home Edition are in such need of overhaul that the workers have to demolish the existing structure. Then they start from the ground up and build a spectacular home for the family. In Galatians 5:24 we learn, "And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." When we are in Christ and living the glorious life with Him, we also have demolished our previous "lives" and renewed ourselves with the life of Christ.

Do you want an extreme makeover in your life? Do you want a life filled with peace, joy, abundance,

Healing and deliverance? Do you want your weary and austere life to be redeemed and transformed into life anew? The extreme makeover is available to us . . . except this one is even more profound. Our makeover is by the One Who created us . . . and it's from the inside out! The makeover we receive is all new and perfect in His sight.

What must we do? Give it up for Him. We must let go and put our lives in the hands of the Master Transformer. The choice is ours. We can submit ourselves to an extreme makeover, or we can hang on to the shabby house, the tattered clothes and the old way of life. The Lord won't force His makeover upon us. On the other hand, He will never turn us down . . . we merely need to say, "I'm ready, Lord. Have your way with me!" Let the work begin!

Be blessed.

 

(From Daniel-Fast.com by Susan Gregory- Author, Speaker, Christian Life Coach)