“Calibrate” means to mark (a gauge or instrument) with a standard scale of reading.
Our standard scale is the whole counsel of God. Recalibrate simply means to repeat the process of adjusting something to fit the standard. Wouldn’t you agree that we all need a little tune up now and then? If you’re like me, I need to realign myself with biblical truth on a regular basis. So, in 2005 join the party as we recalibrate our faith together!
Notice the word “faith” is not capitalized which means it’s our personal trust and adherence to the Lord God. When I capitalize Faith with a capital “F” that refers to the whole body of Christian doctrine, both the Book of the Covenants (OT) and the Renewed Covenant (NT).
In Luke 22:33 we are told that the Apostle Peter is being sifted by Satan, with the permission of Christ, in order to test his faith. The King James version reads like this.
“31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.” – Luke 22:31-33 KJV
Don’t you love Peter’s fervency?
Peter’s “conversion” here in the text was not for his salvation but for the increase, refinement and stability of his faith. There ought to be multiple “conversions” in the life of any sincere follower of Christ. In modern terms I am using the word “recalibrate” for “conversion.”
Many of you are living godly and obedient lives with multiple conversions taking place in your faith each year! I rejoice with you and celebrate your good works through the power of the Holy Spirit. May your tribe increase and may you help others refine their faith!
Also, over the years I meet Christians who have become stagnant in their faith. Much of this has to do with their familiarity and contentment with the things that they already know about God and about themselves. They seem to repeat the same things over and over without receiving a spiritual nudge from the Holy Spirit.
I believe equilibrium in our faith leads ultimately to the paralysis of our faith.
“22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Recalibrating Your Faith in 2025
Once again, recalibrating means rethinking and realigning your faith, so it becomes stronger.
As you consider these 10 pithy statements, what resonates with you most regarding potential actions you might take in order for them to become reality?
#1 Catch people doing the right thing and celebrate their actions.
Recalibrate your praise for others.
“Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.” – Proverbs 27:21 NLT
#2 Be an overcomer, not an over-reactor.
Recalibrate your zeal.
“Don’t let evil conquer you but conquer evil by doing good.” – Romans 12:21 NLT
#3 Never substitute wisdom for knowledge.
Recalibrate your wisdom.
“These are the things which you shall do: speak the truth to one another; act with wisdom and render true and sound judgments for peace at your gates.” – Zachariah 8:16 (JPS)
#4 Intentionally fashion your legacy.
Recalibrate your inheritance.
“Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.” – Psalm 37:18 NLT
#5 Learn as if you will live forever.
Recalibrate your understanding.
“Summon the people before me, and I will personally instruct them. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will teach their children to fear me also.’” – Deuteronomy 4:10 NLT
#6 Never lose holy curiosity.
Recalibrate your vision.
“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right] …” – Matthew 6:33 AMP
#7 Make everyday a masterpiece.
Recalibrate your obedience
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” – Ephesians 2:10 NLT
#8 Sacrificially love people when they least expect it and least deserve it.
Recalibrate your love for others.
“And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.” – Jude 1:22 NLT
#9The greatest risk is taking no risks at all.
Recalibrate your courage.
“Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it (the land of promise with giants), for we will surely overcome it.” – Numbers 13:30 NASB95
#10 It’s never too late to be who you might have been.
Recalibrate your hope.
“The LORD says, ‘I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts… 26 Once again…you will praise the LORD your God, who does these miracles for you….’” – Joel 2:25-26 NLT
Actions to Take
• From the above statements and verses, where do you most need to punch the reset button?
• If the above areas do not resonate with you, list a few areas where you desire to see the refinement of your faith take place.
• Repentance (turning away from our sins) is a gift and a privilege! For me, I access repentance every day!
“When the others heard this (the gift of repentance given to Gentiles), they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.” – Act 11:18 NLT
• Christ told Peter that his new refined faith was to be used to “strengthen thy brethren.” Who will you intentionally strengthen in 2025? Be specific!
Hey, gang, welcome to a recalibrated 2025!
Happy New Year in Christ!
Dale