Daily Devotionals
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 (Paula)
Yesterday, a few of us from the RCCares ministry had the opportunity to visit women at MN Adult + Teen Challenge in Minneapolis. There were about 70 women in the long-term program- all at various stages in their 12 month recovery process.
These troopers were intentionally putting on new lives:
surrendering their former lives…
fighting for freedom from addiction…
believing God is still writing their story….
hoping for a healthier, healed life…
working intentionally on their physical and emotional health…
and studying about a Savior who knows them, loves them, forgives them, and has a plan for them!
We met each of these overcomers, face to face. We got to know their names and many of their stories. We got to help style them while they shopped brand new outfits donated by Rachel’s Closet. We prayed, laughed, and shared tears with them. We got to tell them that 80 women from our RCCares bible study prayed over them and the clothes the night before!
It was no small thing to observe their faces as they donned new outfits!
This is the image the apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote to the Ephesians and Colossians and shared the greater spiritual principle of “taking off and putting on.”
Check it out: (emphasis is mine)
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to PUT OFF your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to PUT ON the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph 4:22-24
and
“Do not lie to each other, since you have TAKEN OFF your old self with its practices and have PUT ON the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.” Col 3:9-10
Paul’s teaching is for ALL of us, no matter if we are at bible study, at work, in treatment for addiction, or anywhere else!
The process of our becoming remolded into the image of Christ is an ongoing process that is only strengthened and enhanced by daily dependence that comes from the Lord. It indeed does require something of us. It does require intentional action… afterall, no one gets dressed every morning by accident, right?
“I accidentally got dressed today” said no one ever!
We are to put off the old self and put on the new:
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Col 3: 12-14
One of the ladies I encountered, was there for treatment and is graduating from the year-long program next month. She found a gorgeous, black blazer and blouse to wear for her graduation ceremony. She was elated! “I’m not going to wear it until my big day. This outfit represents my new life! I am blessed!” We could see the hope and joy dance in her eyes.
Our God makes all things new! Let’s invite Him into our dressing rooms and allow Him to style us in His love today and everyday!
Better Together
Paula
These troopers were intentionally putting on new lives:
surrendering their former lives…
fighting for freedom from addiction…
believing God is still writing their story….
hoping for a healthier, healed life…
working intentionally on their physical and emotional health…
and studying about a Savior who knows them, loves them, forgives them, and has a plan for them!
We met each of these overcomers, face to face. We got to know their names and many of their stories. We got to help style them while they shopped brand new outfits donated by Rachel’s Closet. We prayed, laughed, and shared tears with them. We got to tell them that 80 women from our RCCares bible study prayed over them and the clothes the night before!
It was no small thing to observe their faces as they donned new outfits!
This is the image the apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote to the Ephesians and Colossians and shared the greater spiritual principle of “taking off and putting on.”
Check it out: (emphasis is mine)
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to PUT OFF your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to PUT ON the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph 4:22-24
and
“Do not lie to each other, since you have TAKEN OFF your old self with its practices and have PUT ON the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.” Col 3:9-10
Paul’s teaching is for ALL of us, no matter if we are at bible study, at work, in treatment for addiction, or anywhere else!
The process of our becoming remolded into the image of Christ is an ongoing process that is only strengthened and enhanced by daily dependence that comes from the Lord. It indeed does require something of us. It does require intentional action… afterall, no one gets dressed every morning by accident, right?
“I accidentally got dressed today” said no one ever!
We are to put off the old self and put on the new:
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Col 3: 12-14
One of the ladies I encountered, was there for treatment and is graduating from the year-long program next month. She found a gorgeous, black blazer and blouse to wear for her graduation ceremony. She was elated! “I’m not going to wear it until my big day. This outfit represents my new life! I am blessed!” We could see the hope and joy dance in her eyes.
Our God makes all things new! Let’s invite Him into our dressing rooms and allow Him to style us in His love today and everyday!
Better Together
Paula
