All Things Are New

 

Every person ever born inherits a sin nature from the first Adam, which results in our fall from God's grace (1 Corinthians 15:45). That is why God gives us both the desire and the power to walk in His salvation (Philippians 2:12-13). He purifies us in order to present us holy, blameless and beyond criticism. Holiness unites us with the Trinity of God (John 17:21).

Holiness does not involve legalism, stoicism or an angry God. There is nothing we could ever do, which is too hard for God to forgive. He knew we were going to commit sins before He ever created the world (2 Timothy 1:9). He sent Jesus to pay the debt for each sin we commit, as well as those things, which He led us to do and we failed to obey (John 1:29).

When we come to Christ in repentance, Jesus makes us a brand new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). He moves in and gradually removes every area, which stands in opposition to God. Then He remodels and restores us from the inside out (Romans 2:4, 12:1-2; Acts 11:18). God changes our will and our intentions. He is purifying for Himself a people who are passionate about obeying Him (2 Corinthians 5:15).

God helps us to stand firmly on the Rock of Christ, to remain steadfast in our devotion to Him and to cling to the hope He gives us through the Gospel of Christ (Psalm 18:2; Colossians 1:22-23). The entire Godhead is found in Jesus, and He and His divine nature abide in each of us (Colossians 2:9; 2 Peter 1: 2-4). I heard it said, "God cares about every aspect of our life, from the nursery to the nursing home."

Prayer:

Father God, by Your Holy Spirit and with Christ in us, we contain the fullness of Your power, authority, fruit and gifts (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:19). You call us to be light and salt in the earth so that people will see You in us (Matthew 5:13-16; Colossians 1:27). Remind us to cooperate with Your Spirit as He transforms us into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Thank You for loving us enough to send Jesus to die in our place (Romans 4:25).

 

Thought for the Day:

God has good plans for our future; and He always gives us hope, regardless of our circumstances in life. - Jeremiah 29:11

The Peaceful Eye of the Storm

Read: 2 Corinthians 1: 2-7

Jesus said, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Mankind tries relentlessly to create a utopia in which to dwell. We surround ourselves with fashions, comforts and toys meant to bring joy to our soul. However, the daily news entails multiple accounts of damaging deeds playing out in the lives of many of those around us. Evil eventually even knocks at our own door.

Like is full of trouble and toil. Although joyous events occur, devastation soon follows. Our choices or the choices, which others imposed upon us, often bring us grief and despair. Tears fill our eyes and flow down our cheeks, often unbidden; yet, impossible to quell. We live in a world, which ignores God’s love.

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). In the midst of our difficulties, God makes a way for us to enjoy peace that passes all human reasoning. In spite of the whirlwind of chaos around us, we know that Christ is with us, giving us the strength to withstand the cruelty of life and allowing us to enjoy His tranquility and comfort in the peaceful eye of the storm.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, my heart breaks with news of tragedy in every corner of the earth, even right here in my own hometown. I pray for Your soon return, so that You can right the wrongs, which cause all of this suffering.

Thought for the Day:

We capture from the seeds of suffering, all the resources we need to inspire us to create new life.