August 31 | 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Â
DAILY READING
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Â
REFLECTION
Turning Over A New Leaf
by Judy Webb
Do you remember when you first believed in Jesus? Or when you first realized that you were not living the life of a saved person? Was there a day or season when you were convicted to change, to repent and turn from old ways and become a new creation? I can, and it was a powerful beginning to a new and different life. This new way of living that caused me to examine myself and determine what was wrong with my life. Much as an addict or alcoholic needs to hit bottom before they can surrender to their powerlessness, so to, a person lost in sin and without Jesus' salvation, often reaches a similar turning point.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation..." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)
Sometimes, after having been sick with the flu or perhaps down with a chronic pain, we wake one morning and find that we feel so much better. Our stomach isn't doing flip-flops or that painful ankle seems to be functioning perfect once again. We feel new and fresh. It always feels great to feel good once again.
There is a similar feeling, only even more powerful, when we accept Christ into our lives. There is an Easter morning feel to things. There is a joy, a new outlook on life. There is freedom and clarity and a sense of "I'm not alone." And all this is true. Recognizing Jesus is our Savior awakens a new life, a guilt free way to live. Do you know this feeling?
PRAYER
Dear Lord, Help us to recognize when we need to turn it all over to you. All our pain and sinful ways are so easily healed when we surrender and invite Jesus to be part of our lives. It is like Easter morning each and every day. Amen
