NEW LIFE
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
I'm so thankful that we are given a fresh start in Christ. When I think back on who I used to be, I realize it's easy to go to a place of fear and shame. I lived a horribly selfish life, thinking primarily of myself, rarely of others, and never of God. I was on a path of destruction even though I didn't see it. But God, in His mercy, stepped in and rescued me. I didn't earn salvation—it was a free gift that God granted me. The Holy Spirit stirred within and transformed me into a new person.
I've been set free—this is cause for celebration! It doesn't mean I was immediately freed from the consequences of my previous actions. It doesn't mean that I don't, at times, feel a draw back to my old ways. But I know I am no longer compelled to obey my sinful nature. I'm to put on my new nature that Christ has given me. See what Paul says in Ephesians 4:21-24 (NLT): Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Now, every day, I consciously seek to live in surrender and submission to the Spirit. Walking with Christ is a daily journey—not a one-time decision I can set and forget. I get to walk in daily renewal, made righteous and holy by the work of Jesus.
APPLICATION: When was the last time you thanked God for saving you? Take time to do so now! If you're struggling with shame from who you used to be, or perhaps you're even considering going back to your old ways, take that to God. He knows you intimately and loves you! Ask His Spirit to be with you in a tangible way.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for the gift of new life. Thank You for making me brand new. Help me as I endeavor to walk more fully in tune with Your Spirit. Be glorified in my thoughts, words, and deeds. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?