Devotionals

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(excerpt from Morning Meditations by Martin Wiles)

II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (NIV)

“I can’t believe someone would give me something used for Christmas!”

I didn’t grow up in a wealthy family. Large quantities of Christmas presents were only experienced if grandparents contributed. I was a grown man before my parents were able to purchase the types of gifts they wanted to give when I was young.

The gifts, while not elaborate, were new. Nor did my parents give used presents to anyone else. But I did have relatives who “regifted” and gave homemade gifts. I was the recipient of some, and I remember feeling cheated. I admit I was selfish. I wanted new, not old and definitely not used.

Many years later I rethought my position on old and used. In fact, I craved the old stuff preferring it over newly purchased gifts. A forty year old grader was better than a new microwave. And my wife welcomed old pocketbooks and proudly hung them on our hat pole. It really was the thought that mattered.

I tend to collect matured things. But there’s one old thing I must cast aside-my old nature. Christ gives a new one when we ask for our sins to be forgiven. Our old lifestyle must be put aside so we can act like the new person we are. Most of our old thoughts, attitudes and actions don’t fit the new nature. Once self centered we must now be others centered. Once trapped by unhealthy addictions, we should now be Christ satisfied. Previously involved in damaging relationships, we should now make friends who encourage us in our journey with Christ.

Enjoying old things is acceptable when it’s antiques but not when it involves loving the old lifestyle Christ has freed us from. When you feel the enemy pulling you back to unChristlike actions and attitudes, pray for God’s strength to love the new and avoid the old.

Prayer: When we feel pressure to choose old patterns, Lord, guide us to the new paths You desire we walk on. www.morningliteministry.com

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