When Is The Renovation Complete ??

The sound of saws, sanding machines, tile cutters and hammers has ceased.  The contractors have gathered their supplies and tools and left the building. My guy Ron and I are walking from room to room with huge smiles on our faces and amazed at how a fresh coat of paint and a new room configuration along with updated furniture can lift one's spirit.  I don't have "before" pics but trust me....both rooms needed an overhaul.

Our room has become a real sanctuary.  Below you can see that I'm really spoiled with a spot by the window.  It's a perfect place to read and meditate on the day.

As I ponder these last few weeks and the happy outcome I'm reminded of how God is in the business of renovating (transforming) his children, one heart at a time!!  The apostle Paul stands out as one whose heart was turned inside out to follow Christ. His conversion is one of the best-known and miraculous of conversions. He went from a persecutor of believers of Christ into what many would describe as a "key figure" in delivering the gospel message to Jews and Gentiles.
Paul, himself, describes His heart change in Gal. 1:12-17 -
"For I did not receive it (the gospel) from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation from Jesus Christ.  For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I persecuted God's church to an extreme degree and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond my contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.  But when God, who from my mother's womb set me apart and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me, so that I could preach Him among the gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.  I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.  Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas  (Peter), and I stayed with him."(Read more of his conversion in Acts 9:1-22, 22:4-16, Acts 26:9 - 18, 1 Cor. 9:1, 15:7-10a.)

Unlike our home renovation a heart transformation can not be seen at first glance.  Yesterday as I was pondering how to put this blog on paper a familiar verse of my daughter, since high school days,  kept running through my brain  - 1 Samuel 16:7 NCV -

"People look at the outside....but the Lord looks at the heart."

During a break I ran out to Lifeway and when I went to check-out with my purchase I was taken aback by a gift bag hanging on the wall:

I love when the Lord keeps bringing me back to what he wants me to hear:  "remind them my daughter, that without the right foundation we can "beautify" our homes and ourselves but it will not last.  What was once new and shiney (physical beauty) fades with age.  It's what's on the inside that counts!" Houses are built and renovated according to the state building code.  When we give our hearts to Christ, He gives us a new heart and keeps making it more beautiful ( like His) according to His Word, the divine building code, with every year we follow Him.

As grateful as I am for God's gift to me as I enjoy my refreshed home spaces, may I remember that keeping my heart closely aligned with Christ brings the greatest gifts of all!

I'd love to read your comments and reflections, sooo...."When you think of the construction going on in your heart and life what verses come to mind?"

Loving Jesus,
Judy