The Separation of Oneself from things that are unclean, especially that would contaminate one’s relationship with a perfect God. Transformation by renewing your mind; A Living Sacrifice
“Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but but transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:1-2 KJV
Every year in the month of April, my gardener begins Spring clean up. He cleans the yard from all the debris and remaining leaves from the Fall, turns over the dirt and seeds the yard to prepare for a new season. It’s probably my favorite time of year because I look forward to the grass getting greener and picking new flowers for the yard. The trees have grown and provide a little more shade than last year, so there is some pruning that needs to be done. I love to get up early in the morning, while everyone is still asleep, with a cup of coffee and just to sit in silence in the yard, just to listen. That is transformation in its purest form. The activity in the yard goes through a metamorphosis, and it dramatically changes right before my eyes. I begin to see God’s hand in creation in a new and exciting way. The Bible says, “The Earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world and those who dwell in it” (Psalm 24:1). It is in those moments that I reflect on who God is and how my life has changed since I began to really study His Word. I notice a change in me.
January is our time corporately each year that we set aside as our time of Consecration. During the month, for one week, we spend time together fasting, praying and studying God’s Word. This time is critical in our relationship with God and to the world as Paul reminds us that we are called to be different than the world, and transformation comes by renewing our mind. It’s a time when we reflect on who God is, and who He has been in our lives. I quiet myself from the everyday norm of life and hear what the Spirit is speaking to me about God’s will for my life. There is nothing more powerful than a renewed mind with new thoughts and new visions. I begin to think differently and recognize God’s hand in my life. I begin to understand that all things have worked together for my good, and I begin to glorify Him. I start to love differently and to understand that love requires patience, and being kind to those I love. I begin to forgive people around me, and not hold a grudge because I begin to understand that I too, am flawed and God still loves me; and forgives me every time I do things my own way. It’s a time of self-reflection. I start acing like the child of God that I was called to be, I am transformed by the renewing of my mind. This is a time to be still, pull away, and just to be with Him. This is the place of renewed foundation. I begin to reflect on what my fundamental beliefs are, and who God is and who I am in Christ.
I reflect on what I know about God and me; and I am sure that He is a healer, because He healed me. I am sure He is a provider, because He provides for me. I am sure He is my God, and I am among the called. I am sure that He has purpose for my life. I begin to understand that I am nothing without Him and through Him all things are possible, if I only believe.
Consecration is your time with God. It is in our time of fasting and prayer that we seek God’s voice. I encourage you not to let this time of transformation and renewal pass you by. If you want a different result, you have to do something different.
Submitted By Sis. Aretha Vaughn