WORDS (Scripture Reflection & Meditation):
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
THOUGHTS (Viewpoints & Considerations):
Living and doing life in the day-to-day can cause a lot of wear and tear on a person. The weight of responsibilities, the heaviness of carrying relationships or of learning how to exist beyond or in spite of dysfunctional relationships, the burden of proving self over and over again in the spaces that are occupied, and the pressure of figuring out identity and purpose all while the world steadily tries to shape you according to its will – these things have a way of shaking the foundation of one’s state of mind and state of being. For the individual who does not know the LORD, however, it can especially be an avoirdupois weight. It – the totality of the load – can be wearisome and worrisome, bringing about a dilapidation in spirit.
A dilapidation in spirit, much like an old, worn out, used up, tired, on-its-last-leg clunker that has born miles and miles of usage, tells of a life that has been exposed to decay and overuse. It tells of a life that has exhausted itself by replacing parts over and over again until no proper replacements can be found. It tells of a life that is, perhaps, out of alignment and therefore cannot function or run optimally. It tells of a life that may have structural integrity issues, thereby making it fall into a state of disrepair sooner than is wanted, needed, or expected. It tells of a life, a vessel, a vehicle (for all intents) that is not performing at its best. This is what a life without Christ is akin to.
BUT…what if an opportunity presented itself where the ideal trade-in could occur? What would happen if the person who has yet to know Christ as LORD and Savior (or even the person who knows of Christ but has lost his or her direction where He and His way are concerned) decides to take the used up, dilapidated parts of self to the Master [Mechanic]? Dare I say that the [holy] upgrade is worth eternal salvation? The LORD’s new creation model with its new life interior and transformed vessel exterior can become the purposed vehicle it was always meant to be. It can run more smoothly, without limitations, fully and optimally, with a guaranteed life warranty.
DEEDS (Actions & Intentions):
Trade in your fear, and replace it with faith.
Trade in your sorrow, and replace it with joy.
Trade in your bondage, and replace it with freedom.
Trade in your unrest, and replace it with peace.
Trade in your weakness, and replace it with strength.
Trade in your negativity, and replace it with praise.
Trade in your bitterness, and replace it with sweetness.
Trade in your brokenness, and replace it with wholeness.
Trade in your life of old, and replace it with a new life in Christ.
THE TAKEAWAY & ENCOURAGEMENT: Exchange all that is [old self, old life] with all that could be [new self, new life] by subscribing to Jesus’ restoration model. His contract is sure. Transfer the ownership title of your life into His hands. You will not regret it.
SCRIPTURE STUDY: Matthew 11:28-29
GOING FURTHER: Complete a comparative analysis of 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Matthew 11:28-29.
Photo Credit: Kia Country of Savannah
The Phone Tree Bible Study Group 
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