Lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. 
Ephesians 4: 22-24 NASB

     Our kitchen, dining room, and den had to be packed up and transferred to our great room before we began renovations on our downstairs. The contractors stripped and stained our hard wood floors, and new cabinets and countertops were installed. It was a timely project over the holidays that challenged me to consider what was most important in my life and clean house. Some gadgets, knickknacks, and cookbooks had been gathering dust for decades, while others were chipped and pages were torn or missing. I hadn’t had the heart to discard them. Nevertheless, I looked forward to an organized kitchen; and so, I grabbed the garbage bin. 

     Jesus also invites us to do a renovation of our heart, to walk in His Way and strip off the useless and unnecessary, the ugly and filthy. He does a new work in our thoughts, deeds, and character. The old man is done away with as the new man is brought to life. There is no room for pride and deception—lies, exaggerations, trickery, and cheating. Paul writes that in Christ we are no longer children tossed about by the turbulent waves of devious men and their stormy doctrine. We must speak Truth in love and walk in a worthy manner. 

     Do not give the devil an inch.
     Be angry and sin not. Do not steal.
     Work hard and be generous. 
     Let your speech be pure and simple, seasoned with the gift of grace.
     Instruct and build up your tribe. 
     Do not grieve the Holy Spirit. 
     Choose to do good, show kindness, and bestow forgiveness.

     Seek the Lord while He may be found. Remove the old and put on the new. 

Choosing grace,

Lily Mae

     Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.  Ephesians 4: 31,32NASB