From Israel walking in the wilderness to the two travelers joined by a Friend on the road to Emmaus, the people of God are a people on a journey. Registration just opened for the Renovaré Book Club, so today’s newsletter is based on this season’s theme of journeying ancient paths into the heart of Jesus. 

Rather than me pontificating about pathways, I’ll treat to you a classic essay by Richard Foster. Enjoy.

– Brian Morykon

We are in the beginning stages of a new reformation; a reformation I fully expect to deepen and expand throughout the century we have just begun. The reformation I speak of could be called the ​“Reformation of the Heart.” This reformation centers on the work of spiritual formation, that is, the formation of the human spirit by the Spirit of God. It gives focused attention to our

… putting on the mind of Christ in such a way that Christ is fully formed in us (Phil. 2:5, Gal. 4:19)

… producing in thought, word, and deed the fruit of love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and generosity and faithfulness and gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22 – 23)

… inculcating into our daily living the holy habits of prudence and fortitude and temperance and justice

… becoming within and without a people of faith, hope, and love.

This is the reformation of which I speak.

But you say, ​“I’m far from perfect. A huge amount of transforming work would need to happen before the things you write about could be said of me!” Yes, no doubt. Paul said much the same thing (Phil. 3:12). But you are on the journey. You have decided to follow Jesus and there is no turning back. Jesus, your ever-living Teacher, will guide you in all things and in all ways. He will give you what you need: disciplines appropriate for your own training in righteousness, wisdom to know what is right and the power to do it, and, above all, grace in all things.

And, you are growing and deepening in your discipleship. You can look back and see areas of your life that have been transformed by the power of God and this gives you hope for those areas that still need a redemptive touch. You know by experience that growth in grace is actually possible, even though your progress seems torturously slow. Even in the midst of all the ups and downs, the stumbles and fumbles of life, you have come to understand that Christ can and does transform ordinary life entirely. Indeed, this is a living reality in your day-to-day walk with God. This is the Reformation of the Heart.

– Richard Foster, January 2000