Devotion 1/20, Renewed Day by Day

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16

Paul is explaining his willingness to suffer for Christ in our verse today. His physical body was wasting away in prison from time to time because of his stand for Christ. His spiritual man was being renewed by the Holy Spirit of God each day, and he has the certainty that one day his body would rise up out of the grave just as Christ said it would!
While we joke about growing older, the challenges of aging are tough. We realize our mortality. Our bodies can betray us. We can’t do what we once could do. As Christians, we know that our aging actually brings us closer to home and to the time when Jesus gives us immortal bodies not subject to decay. God can help us use these physical realities to be heavenly reminders of what is important. With the help of His Spirit, we can refine
our focus to be more like Christ, thus being witnesses for God’s kingdom.

Almighty God, I confess that I dislike aging. I am thankful, however, that each day the older I get, the closer I am to coming home to you. Please help me not to become cynical, negative, or bitter as I grow older. Instead, please renew me and use me to bless others who need to find their way home to you. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. Amen.

Lord, thank you for loving me and for sending Jesus to this earth to die for my sins so that I can live with You forever in heaven. I am looking forward with great anticipation to Jesus’ return one day! Help me to serve You well while on this earth, for Your glory Abba, Amen!
This song is a great message written for a father being a model for his son but is just as applicable for a mother and her daughter.