I get a little nervous whenever my husband starts hmmm-ing around my – uh, excuse me, our – computer. It usually means he wants to change something. It usually takes him several weeks to convince me it’s a good idea. He managed to do so a while ago and it entailed some major changes to our internet connections. I reluctantly gave up my chair and let him sit at my – um, our – keyboard.
He fiddled for quite a while and was on the phone to get help a few times, but finally it was all set to go. Then he clicked into a menu with two rather scary options listed. The first selection was “release all,” the second, “renew all.” I held my breath. Spence double clicked. Then he grinned at me. “See? he said, “That was easy.” Well, not quite. It took a few more persistent phone calls, but eventually the new system was complete. And I had to admit it was a lot better than the old one.
Release all. Renew all. Two phrases that have parallels in our spiritual lives. In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul talks about the process. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires…” Perhaps if Paul were alive today he would say, ‘release all’ – release all the habits and ways of living that have taken us in the wrong direction. They are habits that have corrupted our connection to God.
Like a computer, a person cannot be renewed until he gives God the permission to begin the process in him that will get rid of the old ways. He then has to grow in an awareness of his new identity in Christ. And as he does so, he releases more and more of what used to be, the corrupted connections, the “old man” who is now a decaying corpse.
Paul goes on to say – “to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Renew all. Once the old is dead and discarded, the new can begin to grow and flourish. Our new identity in Christ, the identity we were originally intended to have, is a clear connection to our Father, one that cannot be corrupted.
Does that sound easy? I wish I could say it’s as easy as double clicking a selection on a computer’s menu, but it’s not. Real life is never easy, but the rewards of persevering in this pursuit cannot be underestimated. The rewards lead us straight to God, to His holiness, His righteousness, His love. As we strengthen our connection with Him, He pours all of these and more into us and through us.
Release all. Renew all.
****
Keep up with all my writing plans and life adventures – subscribe to my Substack
marcialeelaycock.com 
Marcia, what a lovely surprise and wonderful read to find in my “In Box” – hoping that you and Spence are well. We continue to enjoy life here on tiny Moloka’i! All is well. I had a short but ever so happy trip earlier this month to California to surprise my son Daniel at his retirement party! He has retired after 25 years of service with the California Highway Patrol and he and Katie (wife) will move to Prescott Valley, Arizona in January. He said that he will relax for a few months and then look for another job. Our horses, ukulele club and my teaching card making class once a week keep us busy. Much aloha, Ana
Given with love, a fistful of dandelions means as much as a dozen roses.
Hello Ana! Yes I have been rather slack in posting through my website in the past while. I write mostly on Substack now – I think there’s a link at the end of the devotional if you would like to join me there. I’ll be sending out a post today, if all goes well. 🙂
Spence and I are doing pretty well now. I can’t remember if I told you he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis a few months ago – it took 5 months to get to a doctor who finally did something about it – after he’d lost over 40 pounds in a very short time. He was so weak he could hardly get out of a chair by himself. But they got him on a med that helped right away and after some infusions of iron he started to feel much better. He just had a check up and the Dr. called to say he couldn’t understand the results so wanted to do more tests, which he did. Those results were so good the Dr. said if it continues he’ll cut the med dosage in half. “And this NEVER happens with Colitis. I don’t understand it! Spence said he did – it’s the power of prayer answered by a loving God!
I’ve been battling vertigo for the past 2 months since taking a bit of a fall when we were in Newfoundland in Sept. But a few trips to physio has helped and I’m pretty much back to normal now.
I’ve been working on my writer’s memoir and am delighted to say it may be up on Amazon just before Christmas. 🙂 We’ll do the launch in January. 🙂
So glad you are both well and enjoying life! Blessings abounding.
Love, Marcie