{"id":1709,"date":"2023-03-17T16:21:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-17T21:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hendersonhwysda.ca\/?p=1709"},"modified":"2023-05-19T11:54:09","modified_gmt":"2023-05-19T16:54:09","slug":"renew","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hendersonhwysda.ca\/blog\/renew\/","title":{"rendered":"RENEW"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Butterflies are so stunning we forget they\u2019re insects that are renewed.

Humbly, they first begin as caterpillars. Crawling from leaf to leaf, they eat for growth and survival. From a human perspective, this stage is a tricky one to appreciate. Their design, their movements, finding caterpillars tucked into the tiniest nooks and crannies may cause our minds to think something is crawling on us. Undetected.

A caterpillar will cocoon itself in a self-constructed chrysalis within a couple of weeks. Safely hidden, a metamorphosis happens. The caterpillar\u2019s body changes as wings grow and delicate legs stretch. After 8-15 days, the chrysalis starts to rumble from the inside out, as the butterfly emerges.

It\u2019s a painstaking process. The struggle is intense as the compacted butterfly struggles to emerge from its hardened shell. 

The butterfly must emerge on its own to strengthen its wings. During the struggle, necessary fluids are pumped from the stomach to the wings, enabling the butterfly to fly when the time is right. Usually within hours of emerging.

As tempting as it might be to stretch the opening or to cut the top off the chrysalis, we should resist. Our good intentions will cripple the butterfly for life.<\/strong> If we help by skipping this final step of the renewal process, the butterfly will never fly. 

In John 3:3,6,&7, Jesus says, \u201cI tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God\u2026 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don\u2019t be surprised when I say, \u2018You must be born again.\u2019<\/em> \u201c

If we want to see God\u2019s Kingdom, we must be born again.

We need to be renewed.<\/strong>

Like a caterpillar, we may start by feasting on God\u2019s Word. Spending time daily in His presence, for our growth and our survival.

Next, in our cocooning stage, the Holy Spirit helps transform us from the inside out. Our thinking is challenged as our hearts and minds undergo makeovers. We fight to surrender sinful habits and break strongholds. We wrestle with softening our hearts to accept God\u2019s unconditional love and then learn how to love others\u2014particularly those we don\u2019t understand. 

As it\u2019s time to emerge, we work to strengthen our trust in Him. We face challenges and temptations, designed by the enemy to distract us from God. To feed doubts and fears. At this stage, we should be cautious to let each person have their own experience with God.

Though our intentions may be good if we push or pull without God\u2019s directive; if we weaponize scripture to force a decision; if we mock or belittle someone without giving the Holy Spirit a chance to work; if we hurry beyond God\u2019s timeline; we risk crippling others. 

It\u2019s not too late to begin with God.

Or to begin again.<\/strong>
\u2014\u2014
From March 18 to April 26<\/strong>, we\u2019re gathering at 6 AM (CDT)<\/strong> for 40 days of prayer. The theme for this session is Renew<\/strong>. One of our main prayer focuses is on youth and young adults. Whether it\u2019s the first time or the umpteenth time, we all need renewal.

Cards with space for your prayer lists and a daily tracker are available at church or download now.
Click the button below to join on Zoom. (For audio-only, please dial 204 272 7920, and use the Zoom ID).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We look forward to seeing you there<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Butterflies are so stunning we forget they\u2019re insects that are renewed. Humbly, they first begin as caterpillars. Crawling from leaf to leaf, they eat for growth and survival. From a human perspective, this stage is a tricky one to appreciate. Their design, their movements, finding caterpillars tucked into the tiniest nooks and crannies may cause our minds to think something … <\/p>\n

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