Week One – Day 2
TODAY’S FAST – Fast one meal today and use that time as an appointment with God
Devotional:
Advertisements try to impress us by boasting, “New and improved!” Usually the words are in the middle of a star, as though the promise of “new and improved” should quicken our pulse. The words are misleading. After all, what exactly has the company done to their product: Is it new? Or is it improved?
If you’re not convinced that there’s a big difference between “new” and “improved,” a trip to a car lot can settle the issue. First, test drive a car with 300,000 miles on it. A car with that much wear will have undergone a ton of repairs—or improvements. The luster will have given way to dings on the dull paneling. No matter how much wrench-twisting the mechanic has done, you’re likely to find the steering wheel pulls, there’s a weird grinding noise when you turn, traveling above 40 mph makes the car shake, and at least one of the windows is stuck. Plus, what’s that odd smell that the car dealer’s air freshener can’t quite cover up?
Next, test drive a brand new car. The shiny, unblemished exterior will invite you inside. This ride will be smooth. Quiet. It will accelerate when you even think about stepping on the gas pedal. And it will have the pleasing aroma of new leather.
Which would you prefer: New? Or improved?
Did you know that God is not interested in your self-improvement? Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking that God wants us to improve. But the truth is that He wants to make us new. He wants to give you a new heart and a new spirit. Decide now to stop your repeated attempts to upgrade, and instead invite God to make you completely new from the inside out.
Prayer Focus:
Pray for a new heart. Pray for God to fill you with His Spirit. Ask God to remove the stony parts of your heart. Ask God to break you free of anything that is holding you in bondage.
Key Scripture:
“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
Ezekiel 36:25-27
