A New You Weekly Recap

In Daily Devotional by Tim Chester

Theme of the Week: All Things New: A New You

Bible Verse:  “He who calls you is faithful; he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24, CSB

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

This week, we have journeyed through a real and yet challenging aspect of the Christian walk – how we can actually change. We’ve seen that it is not only possible, it is God’s very intent for our lives.

Here are some of the highlights to encourage you and continue to pursue Jesus, as you trust that He who called you is faithful to do His work in you.

What Would You Like to Change?
Jesus shows us God’s agenda for change. God isn’t interested in making us religious.

Why Would You Like to Change?
Change is about discovering the delight of knowing and serving God. Our job is to stop wallowing around in the dirt and instead to enjoy knowing God, to give up our cheap imitations and enjoy the real thing.

How Are You Going to Change?
External activities can’t change us, says Jesus, because sin comes from within, from our hearts. Our rituals might change our behavior for a while, but they can’t change our hearts.

When Do You Struggle?
Our struggles reveal our hearts. But that means they’re a great opportunity to tackle the root causes of our sinful behavior and negative emotions. Sin happens when we believe lies about God instead of God’s word and when we worship idols instead of worshipping God.

What Truths Do You Need to Turn To?
Change takes place as we see the glory of God in Jesus, as we know the truth that sets us free. But seeing and knowing don’t properly capture the force of understanding we need. Seeing and knowing Christ isn’t just receiving information but means recognizing him as the one who is altogether lovely. It’s embracing the truth about God and delighting in it.


Taken from You Can Change: God’s Transforming Power for Our Sinful Behavior and Negative Emotions by Tim Chester, © 2010. Used by permission of Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, crossway.org.
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About
Tim Chester
Tim Chester is the pastor of Grace Church Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, UK; a faculty member of Crosslands Training; and the author of too many books.
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Tim Chester
Tim Chester is the pastor of Grace Church Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, UK; a faculty member of Crosslands Training; and the author of too many books.