Scripture for Today  Deuteronomy 30:19  “I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses;  therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live.”

This sign is not so clear, is it?  It looks as if either direction may work.  The signs in France can be almost as confusing to an American.  They seem to indicate a turn to the left when in fact they are pointing ahead, but at a slight angle.

This sign reminds me of the person who believes they can go two directions at once, even opposing ones, and do fine.  The verse today talks about making a choice.  These words were spoken by Moses to God’s chosen people.  In fact it was his farewell address.  Moses knew that the people would be tempted to follow after other gods while at the same time worshiping the Lord.  It doesn’t work.

There are times when we are tempted as well to have one foot in the world and one foot in the church.  Like the sign, that is going in two opposing directions.  There is a choice to be made.

It sure seems obvious which is the correct choice!  Wouldn’t one want life over death and blessing over curse?  The choice is just that clear.  When we follow the world’s values we are setting ourselves up for a life complicated by sin.  We miss out on God’s blessing.  Jesus said in John 14:6 that HE is the life!  Outside of Him there is death and curse.

I need to remind myself that even when the choice is difficult and I am tempted to go another way, choosing Him is worth it!  He rewards my obedience with blessing and life!

Scripture for Today:  Ephesians 4:22  “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.”

From time to time we all need to go through our closets and throw out what no longer works for us.  In France, one is more likely to go through the armoire, as built-in closets are not the norm.  Sorting means making some hard decisions, especially getting rid of that item we still like but is now too small!  We look to see what piece of clothing is outdated, needing repair or is a multiple.  Sometimes we are attached to an item only because of the memories it invokes or because of the person who gave it to us.

Our verse today is about putting off our old self.  Like a piece of clothing we are to take it off.  The old self or old nature is who we were before Christ changed us and gave us a new nature, resembling Him.  The old self is characterized in Eph. 4 by lies, sinful anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, bitterness, rage, brawling, slander and all malice.

If you are like me, some of these items are still hanging out in your closet!  Like a ratty comfortable robe, I slip back into habits that should not be a part of my wardrobe any longer.  I am often unaware of what I am wearing.  But those old clothes are NOT pretty.

I do have a choice.  Nothing obligates me to put my hand on that old worn out sin and wear it again today.  Because of Christ, I can be new.  I can have a whole new look, a look that resembles Him.  Help me Lord, to recognize the old and throw it out!