September 3 | Ephesians 4:20-24

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DAILY READING

Ephesians 4:20-24

Practice the Presence

By Judy Webb

“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.” (Ephesians 4:22-24) NLT

I remember the day that I finally had enough of life as I was living it and I turned to God to beg for help. I felt different. I couldn’t define it then, but I knew something major was beginning to take shape. Each new day I would identify a way I was acting and recognized the need to change. I wasn’t Christian then, but I did know who Jesus was. For a long time, I felt like something was off, but not having a relationship with Jesus, I couldn’t put my finger on it. I must have had a moral compass because I recognized a peace I never had felt before.

This all came to mind as I read and re-read this passage in Ephesians. “Throw off your old sinful nature…” As I continued adjusting to this new way of life, God kept putting people in my path who seemed to have what I wanted. And so it continued. That was 30 years ago and God is still doing these things. Do you have a similar story, a testimony to God's goodness and his faithfulness? I would be surprised if you didn’t.

For changes of this magnitude to continue for all of us, we need to let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. We learn how to live a new life in Christ and recognize:

1) We are called to a way of life different from the worldly way

2) We must open our hearts and minds to this change

3) We need to step out of the darkness and seek the light (2 Corinthians 4:4)

4) Enjoy and share this new way of life

5) Sin is no longer your master (Romans 6:14), Christ set us free (Romans 6:6)

6) We have a new nature, we are transformed (Romans 12:12)

7) We are renewed as we become like Jesus (Colossians 3:10)

We must open ourselves to the Holy Spirit and renew our thoughts and habits through daily discipline. Let us surrender our hearts and minds to God, so they reflect His. This is often called practicing the Presence.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, Your Holy Spirit is like life's blood to us. It courses through our veins and keeps our Spiritual well-being in top shape. I can't imagine life with Your Holy Spirit to help and guide me. He makes all the difference in the life of a Believer. Thank you. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for almost 20 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.