“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)
January is a time of reflection and anticipation. The New Year marks a season of new beginnings, where the old is put behind us, and we look forward to the promise of the future. As we step into this fresh start, we find ourselves hopeful and excited about what lies ahead. The New Year is like a blank canvas, ready to be painted with new experiences, opportunities, and growth.
In the beginning, way back in Genesis, in God's new creation and before original sin, man had a perfect and pure relationship with God. Through man's sin, a rift was created in that relationship; we became separated from God. In His care for us, God sent Jesus as an atonement for man's sin so that we might once again have a right relationship with God. Like in the Garden of Eden, man is still given a choice: will we choose God or sin? If we decide to live in Christ, we become a new creation. We die to our old sinful self and fill that void with the Holy Spirit, becoming a new person. The perfect and pure relationship with God is restored.
Each New Year is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to living in Christ. To live in Christ is not a one-time event; each day is a new creation and a fresh chance for us to remain in Christ through the spiritual disciplines of prayer and scripture study. As we set our resolutions and goals for the year, let us remember to prioritize our relationship with God and strive to maintain it amidst the daily temptations and challenges we face.
God, we thank You for the blessings of the past year and the promise of the new one. As we enter this new beginning, we yield full control of our lives to You. Transform us, renew us, and guide us in Your will. Help us to remain in Christ, embracing each day as a new creation. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)
Happy New Year!
Pastor Tim
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