Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Monday, December 25, 2017
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 12.25.2017” on Spreaker.
God’s Promises are Sure!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17, HCSB).
I was born this way (a sinner, I mean); we all were. Our ancient ancestor Adam bequeathed a sinful nature to us. We were born into a genetically sinful human race. Thus, it is more natural for us to practice sin, than it is for us to submit unto righteousness.
Jesus taught that those who are born of the flesh (natural), are flesh. He taught that those who are (re)born of the Holy Spirit (supernatural), are spiritual. This is why it is necessary for all who wish to live with God forever are born again. Our predisposition to sin, and our near inevitable decisions to cultivate the sinful paradigm, disqualifies us for eternity. The days of those who hate love are numbered.
New Heart. New Paradigm.
Something miraculous happens in the lives of those who hear God’s entreating, and respond favorably. God gives them new hearts, a will to live righteously, the power to live righteously, and the mindset of Christ.
This suffices for our purpose today. In the same way those who hate love are bound to Satan and cannot help themselves do right, those who are in right relationship with God are empowered by the godly seed that abides within us, to live right.
New Lease
All things are become new. What used to be impossible for us, is now at our disposal because of Christ. Old sins are passed away. Forgiveness and cleansing are new. The need to worry has passed away. God’s promise to provide all our needs is new. Constant confusion in life passes away. The light of God’s Word enlightening our understanding is new.
Abide in relationship with Christ and He will give you a new lease on life – an eternal lease. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.
