Changing clothes – Taking off the Old. Reading Ephesians 4:22-24 was a good idea before diving into the study today. The Message translation was particularly poignant. So, removing the old life is like changing clothes? I wish it were that easy. Maybe the hard to release habits are like that favorite ratty t-shirt that just needs to go, but we have trouble getting rid of it?
Isaiah 43:18-19. Don’t dwell on the past. God is doing a new thing, and it’s definitely distinguishable as His activity because it’s just so odd! At least it looks odd to us. Especially if we’re stuck in the past, continuing bad habits that are hard to get rid of like that ratty old, but comfortable t-shirt. Let go. Look for where God is working. Keep your eyes open and join Him in what He is doing. A tough, but rewarding, lesson.
So, what do I need to let go of? Pain. What is the point of holding onto it? Mistakes I’ve made. Just remember enough not to make them again. Mistakes others have made. People can grow and change. I know I have. Shouldn’t I give others the same benefit?
Is there a process for getting rid of the old self? I think I may have come up with something. First, pray for God to reveal what needs to go. Second, ask God to get rid of it and to give me the strength, courage and confidence in who I am in Christ not to pick it up, again. Third, if/when I feel tempted to pick those things back up, ask God to renew my strength to resist and realign my thoughts with His about that thing I am trying to pick up and remind me who I am in Him. Fourth, keep walking in faith and doing what He has taught me. Study the Word and apply it to put on the new nature.
Isaiah 43:18-19. Don’t dwell on the past. God is doing a new thing, and it’s definitely distinguishable as His activity because it’s just so odd! At least it looks odd to us. Especially if we’re stuck in the past, continuing bad habits that are hard to get rid of like that ratty old, but comfortable t-shirt. Let go. Look for where God is working. Keep your eyes open and join Him in what He is doing. A tough, but rewarding, lesson.
So, what do I need to let go of? Pain. What is the point of holding onto it? Mistakes I’ve made. Just remember enough not to make them again. Mistakes others have made. People can grow and change. I know I have. Shouldn’t I give others the same benefit?
Is there a process for getting rid of the old self? I think I may have come up with something. First, pray for God to reveal what needs to go. Second, ask God to get rid of it and to give me the strength, courage and confidence in who I am in Christ not to pick it up, again. Third, if/when I feel tempted to pick those things back up, ask God to renew my strength to resist and realign my thoughts with His about that thing I am trying to pick up and remind me who I am in Him. Fourth, keep walking in faith and doing what He has taught me. Study the Word and apply it to put on the new nature.
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