24/7Sample

Day 2: Renew Your Heart and Mind

By: Kelly Schmidt

Ready:

“… to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” - Ephesians 4:22-24

Set:

One of the best things about being an athlete was making the team and getting to put on the new uniform. I remember how excited and proud I felt to put on my high school varsity uniform for the first time, not to mention the first game I got to actually compete in it! But let me tell you, as soon as I went to college and received my new jersey, I wasn’t putting that high school one on again. High school was in the past; collegiate basketball was my present.

I wonder if there are seasons of our lives where we are trying to hold on to the old jersey, or our old way of living. I love what Paul reminds us of in Ephesians 4, that we have been taught to take off the old and leave it behind. When we remove the old, we replace it with something new. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we have a new identity and purpose in Him. He makes all things new, including our hearts and minds. Who we used to be and what we used to do, don’t matter anymore. What matters is what God says about us, and He has called us chosen and beloved. And through the power of His Holy Spirit, He renews our minds, which allows us to let go of our old thoughts and way of thinking to move forward with the mind of Christ.

Receiving a new jersey usually means a new season is not far off. And a new season brings great hope and excitement of what our teams might accomplish. Receiving a new way of living as we walk in step with God brings us an even greater hope and excitement for what He may accomplish in and through us. God renews our thoughts, words, and actions, and He refreshes our souls and minds. Receive the hope and joy of being a new creation in Christ. Leave the old behind and live in the new promises God has for you. You are on a new team, His team. And the best part is, we know who wins.

Go:

● Do you remember a jersey you felt most proud to wear? Why did you feel that way?

●Is there anything in your life you want to pray for God to renew in your heart, mind, body, or spirit?

● Spend some time thanking Jesus for His sacrifice on the cross and making you new in Him.

Workout:

Psalm 51:10

Isaiah 40:31

2 Corinthians 4:16

1 Peter 1:3

Overtime:

God thank You for being a God who renews and refreshes our souls. Thank You for the freedom You have given us through Jesus Christ. Would we be a people who leave behind our old ways and thoughts and live in the freedom of all You offer. Give us hope and a future in You and You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.