More Fasting

I found this picture floating around on Facebook this week.  And it goes right along with the type of fast I feel the Lord is leading me to in for Lent.  What I like about this little list is the replacement factor. Everything we give up, we replace with something positive, upright and beneficial.  That seems to be a principle the Lord likes.

We exchange our sinfulness for His righteousness on the Cross.  2 Corinthians 5:21  For God made Christ who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.  

We put off the old man and put on the new.  2 Corinthians 5:17  This means that anyone who belongs to Christ Has become a new person.  The old life is gone; a new life has begun!   

We walk in our new nature.  Ephesians 4:22-24  Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts an attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy.  

Always the exchange.  Always the change.   I am definitely seeing a theme  the Lord is continuing to stress for Lent this year.  And I really like it!!

Lord, help us to exchange our sins, our wrong thinking, our rebellious ways, our negative habits for Your holiness and Your righteousness.  I am thankful that Jesus did this on the Cross so that we may be seen in Your eyes as already perfected, but I know it takes hard work and obedience to the Spirit's leading to make this a reality in everyday life.  I thank You for the amazing power that You have living in each of us to make this happen.  Sometimes I forget that, sometimes I follow my flesh, live to please my emotions instead of You.  Help each of us  to prepare our hearts and lives before You this Lenten season.  To give honor to You by the way we live.  Lord, let us live out the exchange!

Philippians 2:12  Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you.  An now that I am away, it is even more important.  Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.  

Examine your heart in the light of the above list.  See what exchanges need to be made.