"They who wait for the Lord, shall RENEW their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31
Eagles typically live between 20-30 years in the wild. As apex predators, they are relatively long-lived compared to many other birds, living up to 70 years. But to reach this age, an eagle must make a hard decision.
In its 40's an eagle's long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey that serves as food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent. Due to its thick feathers, its old-aged and heavy wings become stuck to its chest, making it challenging to fly. Then the eagle is left with only two options; DIE or go through a painful process of RENEWAL which lasts 150 days.
The process requires that the eagle fly to a mountain top and sit on its nest, which is typically only used for a few months when they actively raise their young. At the nest, the eagle knocks its beak against a rock until it plucks it out. Beak and talons are critical to eagles' ability to catch and consume food. NO eagle can survive without a beak or talons.
An eagle cannot survive without food for anything close to 150 days. A few days without food might be possible, but not longer than that; therefore, regrowing their beak and talons is crucial to their livelihood.
When its new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking its old-aged feathers.
After five months, the eagle takes its famous flight of RENEWAL and lives for 30 MORE YEARS.
The Bible analogically compares the Christian life to the life of an eagle. We also must have our season of renewal spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
For the last thirty years, I have used the first week of the new year for a time of spiritual, physical, and emotional renewal. Fasting is one of the keys to my spiritual renewal. I only eat vegetables and fruits and drink water the first five days, limiting my intake to only water the last two days. I pray and read the word. I also walk 2 miles every other day and do my routine stretching and weight lifting exercises. Perhaps the process is a little painful, but the results are worth the pain; In that renewal season, God has always spoken to me and given me direction for the New Year.
Once I finish with my week of renewal, I feel ready to tackle the new year.
We are looking forward to a great move of God's Spirit this new year, yet God is looking for a great "move" by His people.
What great things are you going to do this year?
I cannot speak for anybody else but as for me…
The new me is about stepping out further than I ever have.
It's about living out my faith in a bolder way.
It's about believing God at a whole new level.
Make the choice today and get a plan of action on what you will do this new year for God. Here are three steps to make changes to become a RENEWED you.
1. Make A Choice
The first step in making changes is choosing to change.
Figure out who you want to be in this new year and be intentional about it.
Stop making excuses and start setting expectations.
Believe that you can step out and become who you've always wanted to be.
Maybe that person is more spiritual, maybe that person is bolder, maybe a healthier person, or perhaps a more encouraging person. Whatever it is, choose who you want to be and start acting like it today. We must first see ourselves as the person we want to become to fulfill that goal.
2. Plan That Choice
Once you get clarity on who you want to be in the new year, make a plan and follow through. If “the new you” will be a more spiritual person, start to plan out what you will do to accomplish that.
If your goal is to be a healthier person, start asking yourself what would a healthy person do? The answer to that question gives you the plans and behaviors you need to fulfill.
Start to challenge yourself to specifically behave in a new way that reflects the person you want to become.
3. Follow Through With The Plan
Will you get it perfect when working on the new you? NO! But don't let that discourage you or derail you from the journey. Remember, it's about progress over perfection when it comes to change.
It's more important that you move forward, closer to the person you want to become than giving up because you're not getting it perfect.
Renewing yourself is a journey, not a destination. Ask the eagle, and it will tell you. It's a daily process of small steps that make big changes. So follow through with your choice and plans, but don't beat yourself up if you don't nail it overnight.
Just keep moving forward!
Have a blessed week,
Pastor (Rev. Elias Limones)
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