iTrain30

Reading for Day 16
September 16

Eph. 4:17-32
Psalm 14:1-7
Prov. 3:19-20

There is something great about buying and wearing a new shirt. Old shirts get stained, torn, nubby, faded and just not so good. I like the look and feel of a new shirt. I love this passage in Ephesians. To think that it is possible to PUT OFF THE OLD MAN and to PUT ON THE NEW MAN is just amazing. This passage is one of the most practical, convicting and hope-filled sections of scripture. We don't have to be dominated by the old nature. The lusts of our flesh that lead us wrong decisions. There are several simple and yet life changing commands.

• Stop the lying and speak the truth.
• Be angry and do not sin. Anger does not have to dominate us.
• Don't let the sun go down on your wrath. Cindy and I agreed when we got married that we would never go to sleep mad at each other. By God's grace, we have been blessed by this simple decision. No grudge holding or silent treatment that lasts for days. Simple accounting, everything goes back to zero everyday. Grace pours out and covers it all. I know this is God's work and rejoice in His gift.
• No stealing, but hard work. Not getting what we did not earn but the goal of earning enough to give. What a change in focus. Transformed from takers to givers.
  
• No corrupt communication. This is kind of a blanket statement that overcomes any legalistic list of words not to say. The goal is to let words be about building up not bringing down.
• Get rid of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, mean spirited words and malice.
• Be all about kindness and forgiving. We are not perfect and from time to time sparks will fly. While our old man wants to fight, and hold on to hurt and anger, God leads us to a great door of freedom and renewed fellowship. A simple word with big effects - forgive. Just like Christ has forgiven us. None of this is easy, but what a git to have the hope of living above the fray.

One of the most stirring verses is 30, "do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God". God wants great things for us. When we live lessor lives than what He wants to give us, we loose and He is grieved for us. God has a profound sadness for us when we don't take advantage of the NEW MAN.

I remember that there came a time in my life when one of the greatest motivations was to please my parents. To look in their eyes and see they were disappointed in me hurt. And so today, I confess where I have gone wrong and ask God to give me His supernatural strength to put on this NEW MAN.

And so it serves us well to ask the Holy Spirit each day if there is something that grieved Him and make it right and ask for His help.

Reading for Day 17

September 17

Eph. 5:1-21
Psalm 15:1-5
Prov. 3:21-26