Inner Renewal by the Holy Spirit Day by Day

February 10, 2013 - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18


4:16  所 以 我 們 不 喪 膽 ． 外 體 雖 然 毀 壞 、 內 心 卻 一 天 新 似 一 天 。4:17  我 們 這 至 暫 至 輕 的 苦 楚 、 要 為 我 們 成 就 極 重 無 比 永 遠 的 榮 耀 。4:18  原 來 我 們 不 是 顧 念 所 見 的 、 乃 是 顧 念 所 不 見 的 ． 因 為 所 見 的 是 暫 時 的 、 所 不 見 的 是 永 遠 的 。

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

My Father God, this is the first prayer of me in this Chinese Lunar New Year - I know that my outward physical body is decaying or declining but I pray that my inner spiritual life can be renewed day by day like Paul has proclaimed. My dear Holy Spirit, help me fix my eyes on the eternal glory of God by faith that even thought it is unseen but is realized to me every day in the midst of temporary and light troubles. Discipline myself on fixing my eyes on Your glory and seek for the works of the Holy Spirit in me, my family and the church. 

I also pray that the Holy Spirit continues to do renewal works in my family that many unbelievers can really experience God's love and work in their lives. I also pray that the church this year is a special year that God is powerfully present in us, cleansing us and lifting up our spirits by His Spirit to love and serve Him wholeheartedly.