Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here. 2 Corinthian’s 5:17
Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. 1 Corinthian’s 3:13
There was a time in my life I lived by the yesterday’s. It took me many years to realize that you cannot control everything that happens to you, nor can you live in the past. For whatever reason sometimes we are dealt a tough hand, and expected to play it out. Although I had gone to church my whole life, and knew all the stories you should know - I was lacking. I never could really get a handle on the verse that states the old had passed, and was replaced by a new creation in Christ. In essence, I didn't understand Grace. When I was sitting in the sand this week I was overwhelmed with grateful emotion, as I gazed briefly to the past. For years I wasted so much time worrying about things that were already done. I didn’t realize Satan was stealing my future everyday little by little. God wanted me to look ahead to see what I could be in Him, not what I had been without Him. The fact is just like that sand was fresh every morning; God gives us the same chance with Him everyday. In Lamentations three it states “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” NIV The fact that I am a children's minister is proof to me that God can do anything he wants. He took my life, so unworthy on its on merit to be in that position, and breathed not only new life, but also a new purpose into my heart. When I finally realized what Grace really was, it changed my life forever.
Maybe you are saved today but you are living a defeated life. You have never really come to terms that you are free. Everyday that Satan wraps you with guilt, feelings of unworthiness, shame, regret he steals the peace and joy that is yours in Christ. I ask you today to believe that in all your sin, in all your failures, there is a Savior who not only loves you, but also died to set you free. Why not celebrate this Easter in complete freedom allowing God to make you all you can be in Him.
I believe today there is someone reading this that needs to know “you are someone worth dying for”. Today is Good Friday and Jesus hung on the cross for you. He knew the future and your sin, but still loved you so much that he gave the ultimate sacrifice- his life. He was buried, but on the third day he rose again. Do you understand what that means? He died so you don’t have to worry about the past. He died to set you free so Satan no longer has a hold on you. He died so you could be made new. He died because he loves you unconditionally! No matter what you have or have not done, you have always been worth it to Jesus! He loves you and is waiting to wash you with a new life, and a new peace! As we remember the cross today, I hope you will accept the worth you have always had in your Savior’s eyes.
Dear Lord I am a sinner and do not deserve your mercy, but because you love me, I receive it. I believe that you hung on a cross and bled for every sin I have and will commit. I ask that you forgive me of my sins now and set me on a new path with you. I ask that you be my light and my guide so I may glorify you. Amen