Meditate on
God’s Word.
So put to death the sinful, earthly things
lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust,
and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater,
worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is
coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this
world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior,
slander, and dirty language. Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off
your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and
be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this
new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised,
barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives
in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must
clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and
patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who
offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians
3:5-13 (Underlined for emphasis.)
Get rid of the old. Put on the new. Sounds
like cleaning out a closet—get rid of the old, worn out useless, ill-fitting,
or the unworn (why did I ever buy that!?) clothes. Get some new clothes that
fit—not in a greedy way, but clothes that will honor God. Same with your “nature”
or your attitude. Off with the old…on with the renewed—that which was renewed
by Christ.
Paul wrote something similar to the church
at Ephesus.
Since you have heard about Jesus and have
learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and
your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let
the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created
to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24
Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and
attitudes—just like Paul wrote in Colossians—get rid of the impurity in your
life—those sinful thoughts and actions that anger God. You have been forgiven;
forgive others.
During this time of isolation we might have
more time to reflect on our lives—so take the time to do just that and see how
God has been and is at work in your life. I’ve experienced some overwhelming
anxiety—maybe it has been from too much time to reflect and looking at not so
good times—but God has helped me through it. Now I am focusing on the positive—on the good,
the true and the fact that God chose me to be the holy people He loves, so I must clothe myself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
God is good.
Prayer
~ I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! ... How
kind the LORD is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! Psalm 116:1-2,
5. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing my prayers…and those of my family and
friends. Please give special grace and mercy, strength and comfort to those who
have recently lost loved ones.
Verses
of Salvation ~ As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for
God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Micah 7:7
Friday’s
Feast at the King’s Table
During these hot
summer days, what do you crave most to drink? Iced coffee or tea, lemonade,
just plain cool, clear water. Be careful not to get dehydrated in this summer
heat. Even without the heat we need to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Drink
additional water, sports drink or for children, Pedialyte, to replace lost
fluids. Water—cool, clear water—is the best. God created it—it is good.
Nojito
If you are looking for a refreshing summer
beverage, consider a Cuban drink made with limes and mint, Nojito. If you add
rum, it is call a Mojito, and it was said to be Ernest Hemmingway’s favorite
drink.
10-12 fresh mint sprigs
1 lime, juiced, saving a slice for garnish
1 Tbsp Agave syrup
12 oz. sparkling water
Mull or crush together mint, lime juice and
agave together. Add ice, pour sparkling water over mixture and serve with a
sprig of mint and slice of lime.
Enjoy!
©
2020 Text, photos and paintings by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless
otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,
copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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