For SCC - Catch The Wave Of Renewal 7-22-07

Sunrise continues the them of Catch The Wave. On 7-22-07 the service was planned around the theme of renewal. GLARE did an awesome job of leading us to worship and encounter God via music and there addition of U2's the Streets Have No Name to I Am Free was sweet. Look forward to singing it again this coming Sunday. Renewal is something we understand and desire. In order to be renewed this week and in weeks to come keep in mind and heart the following.

Be Made New. The first and foremost step to renewal is being made new in Jesus Christ. When you and I accepted Christ we were made new. this is the theme throughout the Bible. God makes people new for His glory, for His Kingdom, for Him. God is into to new and renewal. Be made new. When you become a follower of Christ God and all of heaven rejoices over you. You are made new and you become a saint of God. Yes, you are a saint of God. Today, heaven is rejoicing over you and you have the opportunity to walk in sainthood. Hopefully that is encouraging.

Allow God to Renew You. Throughout days, weeks, months and sometimes years we will become tired, weary, worn down and even downcast. In these times seek god and allow Him to renew you. Stop. Look. Listen. Stop. Be still and hear from God. Even if you do not hear from Him be still and be in His presence. Look. Look to God. Look to His power. Look for His renewal. Look beyond your circumstances and look to the God who really does care for you. I am aware of difficult and hard circumstances. So are you. But may we not dwell in them and even look to them. When you feel as if you are about to breakdown look to God for a break through. Listen. Listen to god through His written Word. The Bible is more than a book. The Bible is God's Word. The Bible is power. The Bible is renewing and refreshing. Listen to God. Draw hope and renewal from God as you listen to Him through His word to you and me.