Old Things--New Things Dec.31

Old Things—New Things

“Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.” 

[2 Cor.5:17, GWT].

What was the old way of living?

One view of life says there are three main motivators:

1)   Wanting to be a part of the crowd.

2)   Pleasurable sexual activity at all costs.

3)   Self-interests stimulators.

in Christ, these get changed from:

1)   Wanting love from crowd to loving God toward group.

2)   Selfish sexual pleasure to Christlike creativity.

3)   Self-centered drive to other centered, innovative persuaders.

The old things have passed and become new.

Idols Dec.30

Idols

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” [1 Jo. 5:21, NKJV].

What is an idol today?

The Amplified Bible expands on the concept of idols when it adds to the verse, “false gods, from anything and everything that would occupy the place in your heart due God, from any sort of substitute for Him that would take first place in your life.”

We are to be careful how we love who and what.

Every Christian Significant Dec.29

Every Christian Significant

“Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head. He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint.” [Eph.4:15-16, GWT].

Just as every body part, like joints, fit together, all believers are joined together like one body or family.

We all have our important part.

No Complete Failure Dec.28

No Complete Failure

“Nevertheless, He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good . . .” [Acts 14:17, NKJV].

Whatever work we attempt for the kingdom of God, we have to remember: that we may gather where others have sown or we may sow for others to gather.

Regardless, God is never without His witness here on earth. We may not do all we can, but if we are trying to glorify God with Biblical intent, He will not count us failures.

Eternal Hope Dec.27

Eternal Hope

“You, oh Lord, are my refuge! You have made the most high your home, No harm will come to you . . . he will put his angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways.” [Ps.91:9-11, GWT].

The psalmist is looking out on a scene of much failure but reminding us of eternal hope.

In a day of multiple crises, we are still to live as people of hope.

A Questionable Question Dec.26

A Questionable Question

In the book of John 5:1-9 is a situation when Jesus asks a man if he wants to be healed. The man had been an invalid for 38 years.

What kind of question was that?

As you review the scripture, evidently the man had excuses for not getting healed, like someone else always got ahead of him while dipping in the healing waters of a pool.

So, Jesus asks him as he does us: Are you willing to give up any excuses and become totally well?

Thankfully, the man said yes---and so should we.

Total Surrender Dec.25

Total Surrender

“The love of God invades me,

The peace of God pervades me,

The will of God persuades me,

I am totally His.”

    E.S. Jones