The Revivalنموونە

New Ways

Today, let’s consider the truth that God revives us by giving us new ways to live.

In this cultural moment, it seems that wherever we look, there are worthless things to see. We’re surrounded by sexualized billboards, inappropriate TV commercials, skewed algorithms on Instagram, and smartphones giving us access to every kind of searchable evil. So, how can we keep our ways pure? The psalmist gives us the answer: by living according to the ways of God’s Word.

Paul expresses this same idea when he encourages us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which will help us discern what God’s will is – everything that is good, acceptable, and perfect. We renew our minds through confession and repentance. When we renew our minds, we no longer want to conform to the worldliness around us – we resist being shaped by the ungodly values of this world. Instead we choose to walk in new ways, discerning God’s will and living to honor Him. God’s will, Paul tells us, is good and acceptable and perfect. Those are very different value markers from what we see on display around us. As Christians, we have to be ready to think differently from those who don’t hold to our principles and beliefs.

Peter also reminds us that our enemy is always trying to lead us astray, and so we need to be on guard: alert and actively turning our eyes away from worthless ways. Let’s not grow numb to evil, slowly but surely convincing ourselves that sin is ‘not that bad.’ We need to pray that God would empower us to reject the lure of evil, and that we’d find life in His ways.

Let your workout today remind you that while the exercises may be transforming you physically, God’s Spirit is at work within you, transforming you more and more into the likeness of Jesus. Pray that you wouldn’t be conformed to this world, but that God would renew your mind. Ask God to help you discern His will for you, so that you can walk in new ways.

First the Word – now the Workout:

5 x 4 deadlifts or trap bar deadlift

followed by max pull-ups// rest 2-3 minutes

15-minute EMOM (5 total rounds)

Minute 1: 2 power cleans

Minute 2: 2 front squats

Minute 3: 2 jerks