Renovation, renovation, renovation!
The title is a bit like ‘Location, location, location’, but it’s all about the ‘DIY SOS’ that we need, but so much more impactful and intense. This was the theme for the Youth for Christ National Conference. ‘Renovate’ being the exact title.
The word ‘Renovate’ comes from the Latin verb novare which means to make new, so it is all about God making things new.
“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” – Rev 21:5-6
God is in the Renovation business.
But renovating something is a costly and sacrificial work. You have to tear down the old in order to rebuild the new. It takes time, effort, money, sweat & tears to complete a renovation project, but the goal is always worth it.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12:1-3
Jesus considered everyone who would believe in Him worth it as He faced the cross.
In the same way, as we pursue God and look for Him to renew our hearts and lives, it is at times going to be tiring, painful, costly and be full of tears and joy, but it will always be worth it. We must always consider the joy set before us of becoming more like Christ, of knowing Him in deeper and fuller ways as we submit to His divine work of renewing us. And remember it is His work in us, not our own striving. We submit to Him and He renews us.
“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” – Philippians 3:7-11
So this year of 2018, Llandudno Youth for Christ is looking towards God doing something new in the hearts and lives of our supporters, volunteers and the young people that come to our events.
We encourage you to pray for us for all that God has in store as we take the gospel relevantly to many young people in 2018.
Be blessed!
