Thurs.’s Devo - Our New Nature

Read: Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27 The people of Judah had a false sense of security just because they had God’s laws. They thought that just having them would save them; they cared nothing about following them. They had twisted the law so that it fit their conscience and made sin legal and acceptable. The ones who were supposed to be the teachers of God’s laws would be judged for their foolishness. Their wives and their farms would be given to strangers. Their lives had been ruled by greed and false lies of peace. God was going to consume them and all they had. There was such lawlessness in Jerusalem and Judah that no one could trust anyone, not even their neighbor or their brother. They would be friendly to their faces while scheming to kill them in their hearts. They had been so stubborn and determined to worship Baal that God said he would feed them bitterness and give them poison to drink. They boasted in their wisdom and power and riches but God said that those who wish to boast, should only boast in the fact that they truly know Him and understand that He is the only God. He is the one who demonstrates unfailing love and brings justice and righteousness to the earth. Many nations circumcised their men: Egypt, Edom, Ammon. Moab and Israel. God wasn’t interested in who was circumcised in their flesh but who was circumcised in their heart. Circumcision was a picture of blood covenant with God. Paul explained circumcision like cutting off the old sinful nature. When we experience salvation it is a new life with Christ and our old life and who we used to be is dead and gone. We still have a sin nature which is our responsibility to cut off as an act of our will. The old nature was full of anger, malice, slander and idolatry. But we must put on our new nature which is tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. When have to allow others to make mistakes and have fault and forgive them when they offend us. The good news of Christ should fill our lives and give us wisdom to share with others. We build up our faith by singing praises to God from a grateful heart. Lord, we are truly grateful of all you do for us. May we strip off our sinful nature and put on Christ. May we be your glory on the earth.