Extreme Makeover

I have always thought of my heart as a house, where Jesus can make His dwelling place.
When we first give our lives to Jesus, our Spirit is made completely new and holy and perfect and pure. That is clear. So when I speak of renewing things I refer to our soul, which starts the renewal process once we have become a new creature in Christ.

I want you to close your eyes and imagine (apparently you cannot really close your eyes... but you know what I mean). Imagine an old house that has not been lived in for a very long time. When you walk into that house you have to watch your steps because you do not know if it could collapse or break. The windows inside are really dirty and merely let in any light. Where you look is dust and spider webs. The air is heavy and smells like mold. It's hard to breathe.
This is the state we were in before we met Christ. We were like an old house, moldy and run down. But when Jesus comes into our life, makes His dwelling there, He completely renews us, not only restores us, but makes us completely new.
Now, of course this is a process. He comes into every room and floods it with His light. He cleanses every area of our life. We get new windows, the dust is wiped away.
Yet sometimes there are areas in our life that we hold back, that we keep for ourselves. We close the door to these areas and do not allow Jesus to come in and renew. These are usually things we like to hold on to, because WE like them and they are enjoyable. But Jesus is a gentlemen. He will not kick the door open and force us to let go. In my life it has always been a soft knock on the door, a question of, "Will you let me in, will you let go and let me give a go in this room?".
Then it is up to us, to open the door. Sometimes this can be a hard process, but I can assure you, it is the best thing you can do. Once Jesus enters that room, that certain area of your life, which is still dusty he comes in and floods it with His light. In His light nothing can be hidden. Every little corner gets enlighted. What happens next? He opens the window, let's the fresh air come in and than he restores, paints the room new and makes it look bright and beautiful. It is then no longer your room, but His room and He dwells in it. The things which were once in that room find no dwelling or existence there anymore. It is completely renewed.

What happens when every single room in our house is flooded with light, restored and renewed? It cannot be hidden. You will start shining even more. When you enter a room His purity and love and dwelling that is upon you will enter the room. You are the light in the darkness and everybody will see it. People will be drawn to you, because they see something in you that they want.

Therefore today I want you to look into your house. Does Jesus live in there at all? And if He does, what rooms do you still keep for yourself? Can you hear Him knocking?
I want to encourage you to let Him in, let Him take residence in every area of your life.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Math. 5:14-16)

xoxo

Ramona