A Fresh Start
"If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
2 Corinthians 5:17
Chinese New Year celebrations are observed by Chinese families everywhere. These festivities are tied to the lunar calendar, usually falling somewhere in late January to mid-February. These times for family reunions come with many traditions—some of great significance. Buying and donning new clothes, giving our homes a good cleaning, and paying off outstanding debts remind us we’re putting the past behind and starting the year with a clean slate.
These traditions also remind me of our new life in Christ. No matter who we used to be or what we’ve done, we can put it all behind us. We can stop beating ourselves up over our past and let go of the guilt, knowing we’re completely forgiven because of Jesus’ death on the cross. And we can start afresh, knowing we can rely on the Holy Spirit to daily transform us to be more like Jesus.
That’s why Paul reminds believers “the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). We too can say this because of the simple but powerful truth: God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and no longer counts our sins against us (v. 19).
Others around us may not be willing to forget our past wrongdoing, but we can take heart that in God’s eyes we’re no longer condemned (Romans 8:1). As Paul points out, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v. 31). Let’s enjoy the fresh start He’s given us through Jesus.
By: Leslie Koh - OUR DAILY BREAD
2 Corinthians 5:17
Chinese New Year celebrations are observed by Chinese families everywhere. These festivities are tied to the lunar calendar, usually falling somewhere in late January to mid-February. These times for family reunions come with many traditions—some of great significance. Buying and donning new clothes, giving our homes a good cleaning, and paying off outstanding debts remind us we’re putting the past behind and starting the year with a clean slate.
These traditions also remind me of our new life in Christ. No matter who we used to be or what we’ve done, we can put it all behind us. We can stop beating ourselves up over our past and let go of the guilt, knowing we’re completely forgiven because of Jesus’ death on the cross. And we can start afresh, knowing we can rely on the Holy Spirit to daily transform us to be more like Jesus.
That’s why Paul reminds believers “the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). We too can say this because of the simple but powerful truth: God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and no longer counts our sins against us (v. 19).
Others around us may not be willing to forget our past wrongdoing, but we can take heart that in God’s eyes we’re no longer condemned (Romans 8:1). As Paul points out, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v. 31). Let’s enjoy the fresh start He’s given us through Jesus.
By: Leslie Koh - OUR DAILY BREAD
Recent
Archive
2024
January
A New Year, A New StartThis Year, Do First Things FirstNever Stop Learning (1)Never Stop Learning (2)Get Out Of Debt And Stay Out Of DebtDon't Be So ControllingThe Seven-Day ChallengeParent, Keep PerseveringTurning Two Families Into OnePut Your Heart Into Your PartFour Principles For Victorious LivingTake Control Of The Small ThingsDon't Give UpLearning To Listen To God (1)Learning To Listen To God (2)Learning To Listen To God (3)Learning To Listen To God (4)Set Other Things Aside And ServeGod And WorkHow To Enrich And Strengthen Your RelationshipsProphecy FulfilledDon't Shout About ItYou're Growing In GraceWalking With GodYour Secret PlaceWork On Growing CloserAre You Worried About Retirement?Gideon's God Is Your GodTo Grow We Must Keep Asking QuestionsBe Interested In Everything God DoesTo Know God, Examine What He Has Made
February
God Will Speak to You - If You ListenDo The WordPraying Without Saying A WordShow Grace Under FireHaving Job Security (1)Having Job Security (2)Having Job Security (3)Having Job Security (4)The Holy Spirit Prays Through YouYour Personal GuideStop and Ask For DirectionsYour Harvest Is On The WayGive Your Children Convictions To Live ByYour Limted Window of OpportunityPull Down Those StrongholdsUse The Gift God Gave YouFinding Self-WorthMuzzle Your MouthChoosing a LeaderGod Knows What's Best For YouAre You Tired of Living in Defeat?Make an ImpactBe a Disciple of JesusTake Time to Wonder and WorshipLive the Living WordBe Patient, God Is At WorkTo Be Conformed Is To Be CreativeLive In The "Here and Now"You Need God's Help
March
Going Forward Or Going BackCome Out Of That CornerTell The TruthBelieve God For Greater ThingsHonor God, And He Will Honor YouMoving From Failure To Success (1)Moving From Failure To Success (2)The Right Attitude (1)The Right Attitude (2)"Strong, Firm And Steadfast"Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (1)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (2)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (3)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (4)Raising Great Kids In A Troubled World (5)Are You Hooked On Pornography?You Can Rise Above Worry (1)You Can Rise Above Worry (2)Your Boaz seasonStand On God's Word (1)Stand On God's Word (2)Stand On God's Word (3)Stand On God's Word (4)Stand On God's Word (5)God Will Forgive And Restore YouDon't Strike BackAre You A True Friend?The Right Balance
2023
January
Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (1)Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (2)This Year Think "Possible" (1)This Year Think "Possible" (2)This Year Think "Possible" (3)Let God Lead YouGod Is Your ProviderYour Overflowing Cup Of BlessingSteps To Overcoming Your WorriesFocus On Your God-Given VisionThe Story Of Your BibleHow God Leads Us
Categories
no categories