Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Living from the New Spirit Within

Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 36:25-32

Key verse:  Vs 26

"And I will give you a new heart and a new spirit I will put within you." 

DEVOTION

In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises, "And I will give you a new heart and a new spirit I will put within you." This declaration stands at the center of understanding the profound transformation that God offers His people.
God's Response to Israel's Defilement
Almighty God, who consistently reconciles and vindicates His people, spoke to Ezekiel about the behavior of the men of Israel. They had defiled His name through their actions and ways, becoming unclean and deserving of His wrath and punishment. Their worship of idols, pursuit of false prophets, and involvement in various sorceries led to their scattering among the nations and dispersion through different countries. Despite their rebellion, God—Jehovah—remained concerned for His Holy Name and declared that He would vindicate His holiness before the people of Israel.
The Promise of Cleansing and Renewal
God further proclaimed, "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean." Alongside cleansing, He assured His people that He would give them a pure heart and a new spirit. This promise reveals that true transformation is not simply external, but an inward renewal initiated by God Himself.
Inner Transformation through Christ
The promise given through Ezekiel points to a change that begins within. The apostle Paul affirms that when someone truly knows Christ and experiences Him, they are completely changed and become a new creation. Similarly, Hebrews 3:7-8 echoes Psalm 95:7-8, warning believers not to be stubborn like the Israelites in the wilderness who turned away when they heard God’s voice. Instead, we are called to respond with faith and obedience to God's will, persevering daily in our walk with Him.
True Renewal and Humility
Genuine renewal produces humility. As we receive and experience God’s mercy and grace, we should remember our past, reflect on our present, and honestly evaluate our lives. If there is a need for a change in our perspective on sin and wrongful deeds, we are called to embrace that change and become a new creation.
Living by the New Spirit
Living from the new spirit within means trusting God each day, obeying Him, and yielding ourselves to the Master Potter so He can mold and shape us. The Spirit continues to work as long as we allow it to dwell in our hearts, nourishing it daily through obedience and right actions. Our calling is to remain open, responsive, and willing, inviting the all-powerful God to display His holiness through us.
 

PRAYER


Lord God, thank you for giving us a new spirit and heart. Help me to be guided and steered according to your will and wishes. Shape my thoughts, desires, and actions to be appealing and pleasing to you. Amen.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)


Dr. Thomas K. Jose
The Mar Thoma Church, Staten Island.

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