OUR NEW BEGINNING
As we are about to enter a brand new year, what changes could we make in our lives that would make us MORE USEFUL to our Abba Father?] “Therefore if any man be in Christ, HE IS A NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW.” (2 Corin. 5:17) [Wow! What a powerful promise “ALL THINGS” are become new! Our old state is changed: we were a child of Satan, we are now A CHILD OF GOD; we were a slave of sin, and our works were death; we are now made FREE FROM SIN, and OUR FRUIT IS UNTO HOLINESS, and THE END IS EVERLASTING LIFE. Previously, all was in chaotic disorder; now, there is A NEW CREATION, which GOD HIMSELF OWNS as his workmanship, and which he can look on and pronounce VERY GOOD.
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? BY LIVING ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. I seek you with all my heart; DO NOT LET ME STRAY FROM YOUR COMMANDS. I have HIDDEN YOUR WORD IN MY HEART that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, LORD; TEACH ME YOUR DECREES (rulings).” (Psa. 119:9-12). “Study and be eager and do your utmost TO PRESENT YOURSELF TO GOD APPROVED (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15)
[How about renewing the following commitments:]
STUDY THE WORD OF GOD.
MEMORIZE THE WORD OF GOD.
LIVE ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD.
SEEK THE LORD WITH ALL OUR HEARTS IN DAILY PRAYER.
RENEW THE DESIRE IN US TO DO WHAT PLEASES GOD. “WE MUST PAY THE MOST CAREFUL ATTENTION, THEREFORE, TO WHAT WE HAVE HEARD, SO THAT WE DO NOT DRIFT AWAY. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE IF WE IGNORE SO GREAT A SALVATION? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.” (Heb. 2:1-3)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that we should STUDY, MEMORIZE, LIVE AND PRAY HIS WORD EACH DAY!
-Bill Stockham