Morning Devotional 042325 Embrace Your New Operating System

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  April 23, 2025

Colossians 3:7-11

7 You used to live this way, when you were alive to these things. 8 But now set aside these things, such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene language. 9 Don’t lie to each other. Take off the old human nature with its practices 10 and put on the new nature, which is renewed in knowledge by conforming to the image of the one who created it. 11 In this image there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all things and in all people.

Good Morning. There’s a new name written down in glory, and it’s mine!

When we accept Christ, we are reborn into a new being. Our old ways are washed away, and in their place are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We must practice and learn to utilize these new tools we’ve been given.

When we receive a new device, we need to learn about its updated features and capabilities. We become frustrated when we can’t operate in the way to which we are accustomed. Despite all the amazing features we now have available, we often fuss and say that we want to go back to the old device because we know how things used to work. 

Embracing our new identity in Christ can lead to similar frustrations. We felt comfortable in our old self and understood how to navigate our environment. We were aware of the rules and expectations needed to succeed. Our adversaries and boundaries were clearly defined. 

Now, we are like children again, learning a new operating system. We’re supposed to love our enemies and show love and compassion to those in need. Our anger has been replaced by joy. We ask ourselves, “How can I succeed if I give away all those things I worked so hard to gather?”

Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to help us discover our amazing upgraded system. We are God’s children, and God blesses us with all that we need to walk the path of righteousness. 

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! You made us in your image. Help us see the world through your eyes of love. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: We are no longer consumed by death because Christ lives within us. 

Embrace your new operating system! Pastor Liz