Devotion: Ephesians 4:22-23

Ephesians 4:22-23 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds…

Each day is a new opportunity, a new chance to change, a new moment to step into a world changed and made new. But if we want to do that we first have to let go of the old. We have to put aside the old things, the old ways, the old behaviors and habits. And then when there is space for the new, then change can take center stage.

In today’s verse, we don’t see the word transformed used anywhere. We don’t see the word changed either. But at its core, that is what is happening. We see Paul telling the Ephesians that they had been taught to put off their old self. The old self was being corrupted by its own deceitful desires and it was not good. It needed to be removed, set aside, taken off and done away with.

And instead, we are being made new. We are being changed, transformed. The old has been removed, set aside, put away from you, and in its place, the new is taking shape, the new you, the new self that is being made new through your mind, your thinking, your core. He works in you, works through you, works on you. And YOU are new, changed, transformed into a child of God who is loved beyond measure.

How are you starting your day? How do you step out into your day and the world around you? Do you step out changed, new each day? Or are you moving forward in the same way you have done day on day before?

Today let’s pause. Let’s give our day to the Lord. Let’s ask Him to bless it and fill you with joy today. Ask Him to help you step out into the day as a fresh, new, prepared child of God ready to share His grace with the world. Set the old self aside, and don the new you, the changed, renewed, transformed you. Then step out and let His love shine through you to a world needing His light.

Prayer: Lord, Use me today. Remove the old. Renew me, Lord. Fill me, equip me, and then use me. Let me touch the lives of others and share Your glory with them. Let them see YOU and not me. Amen

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