DAY 4 – Exchange! (Throw Off The Old)

As we draw closer to God and go after Him, the Holy Spirit will always help us to see what needs to change in our lives. He never condemns us but His still small voice in our hearts will definitely challenge and encourage us. Everything He encourages us to do, He will also empower us to do!

Both scriptures in our reading today tell us to “throw off” things that might hold us back from God. This is a really powerful idea. It means that you can partner with God to change things in your life! How good is that? You can change the way you think, change the way you act, change the condition of your heart and ultimately change your life. You don’t have to be limited by your bad habits, weaknesses or negative thinking. You can change!

You don’t have to say, “Ah, that’s just who I am”... you can change! You don’t have to see yourself the way you used to… you can change! You don’t have to live with fear, shame, addictions or poor self esteem… you can change! Sometimes this change happens instantly and sometimes it’s a process. But “throwing off” is actually a really simple thing to do. Remember, victory always comes from our faith in Jesus so start by reminding yourself what you believe: Jesus died on the cross and rose again from the grave for ME. Because He rose again, I can live a new life too!

Ask the Holy Spirit if there is anything He wants you to change in your life. If something pops into your mind as you’re praying, declare out loud, “I throw that off in Jesus’ name!” Imagine yourself taking it off like an old heavy coat and decide you’re never putting that on again! You might need to do this every day for a while, but the Holy Spirit will empower you to change.This is a big key for living in victory!