Ephesians 4:22-23

Scripture: 

Ephesians 4:22-23  "…that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind…" (NASB) 

Observation:

I had to get past it. He told me just score it, then strike it, but I just wasn't confident that I could do it. I was learning how to cut glass, and the guy teaching me kept repeating himself: “Score it, then strike it.” I had the scoring part down, but when it came to striking, I just didn't use enough force and ended up breaking more glass than cutting.

Today's verse speaks of laying aside those things from our old self, our former manner of life, that is being corrupted by sin, and to renew our minds. Striking the glass with the right amount of pressure meant the difference between a nice clean cut or breaking the whole piece. As I began to learn the difference, I thought back to my anger days when my temper ran my life, and not Christ. I had to learn the right way to do things, the right amount of pressure in life, and how to get rid of the former things. Sometimes we have to apply the right amount of pressure to our lives to rid those things that need to be cut clean. So when you find them, score them, then strike them out of your life by having a renewed mind in Christ.

Application:

1) Think about what you just read.

2) Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity and insight.

3) Share this with someone who would benefit from reading it.

4) Make sure others see Jesus in YOU today.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network. Tom lives with his wife, Carolyn, and children in New York. You can connect with Tom on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.