And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Eph 4:24

There are times in life that we all need a fresh start. Times when we have fallen, missed the mark, or just run dry. No matter how far you may have fallen, or how far off the target you may be, a fresh start is always possible. The scripture passage reminds us that a start fresh is possible if “ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Each day as we rise to face a new day, we can choose to put on our old clothes covered in the strains and stench from yesterday or start the day fresh and new in a new clean set of clothing.  The child of God is made new in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17) and can start each day fresh and new because of the mercies of God (Lam 3:21). Yet, like a young child, we must learn to dress each day. We need to take our place in the School of Christ and be taught by Him (Eph 4:20-21). The first thing to learn is to “put off the old man” (Eph 4:22) which is our former and very familiar manner of life. Praise be to God who has made it possible for fallen man, who missed the mark, and is dead with the dry bones of sin, has paid the penalty of sin through the shed blood of Son, Jesus Christ and made us alive in Him (Eph 2:1). All who believe in Jesus for salvation from sin “He has made alive together with Him” and has received the guarantee of eternal life through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Yet sin is present and continues to surround us, with its allures, appeals, and temptations. The presence of sin is all around us, to stain us, and to cover us with stench of old habits, old thoughts, and ways of speech and life which are unworthy of the children of God. He says, “put off…the old man” and do it daily. Each day, the child of God must “deny” the old man (Mk 8:34) and look to the Holy Spirit to lead, renew, and refresh our spirit with “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16). With that we must learn to “put on the new man,” which is the life of Jesus Christ, which is in the likeness of God, and which the Lord created for us by His blessed life and death and resurrection. By the “new man” we learn to look to the Holy Spirit to live in the will of God and in a life pleasing to Him. The “new man…is created in righteousness and true holiness” and relies on the help of the Holy Spirit who entered his hearts at the moment of regeneration, and He has been with us ever since. Dear friend, will you learn the things of Christ that your life can start fresh and new each day? Will you dress daily in the “whole armor of God, that ye may stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph 6:11) and “walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4) in Christ? My friend, God desires to walk with you at every moment throughout your day. He is there to pick you up when you fall. He will carry your burden when the weight is heavy. You can trust Him and learn from Him (Eph 4:20). Father thank You for Your love and Your faithfulness to never leave me nor forsake. Thank You for Your help along life’s journey. I am eternally grateful to You and salvation through Your Son, Jesus. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.