December 30th, 2009
“…those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun.” II Corinthians 5:17
A new year is about to dawn. For many, however, the thought of closing out one year and beginning another brings a heightened sense of guilt and regret.
Every January. people make New Year’s resolutions, which they seldom keep. There are those, of course, (perhaps even you) who, through sheer willpower, have broken bad habits and affected huge changes in their lives. But when it’s all said and done, no amount of effort on our part ever changes what’s really true about us deep inside our hearts. Only God can do that.
He has a solution for the “sin” we try to deny and hide from. It’s called repentance, and it brings forgiveness, peace, and transformation. That’s what Jesus paid for on the cross, when He spilled His blood for our redemption.
“Come now, …says the Lord, “No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow…” Isaiah 1:18
What a great way to begin a new year!
PONDER: Do I long to be new and different…on the inside?
PRAYER: I repent, Lord, of the sin and self-centeredness of my heart, of my efforts to run my own life and be my own “savior.” You’re the only One who can truly make me new. Change my heart, O God.
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Thank you very much for that great article