Newness of Life

Happy Sunday!

Happy New Year!

Romans 6:4 says, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in NEWNESS of life."(KJV).  Don't miss this!  Not just on New Year's Day, but everyday we are to walk in newness of life.    

Every day we have another chance.  One minister compared it to being resurrected every morning. Think about it.  You may not remember when you fell asleep, you may not remember if you dreamed...and you have no idea what happened during that time.  But miraculously, you were awakened.  Lamentations 3:22-13 says, "We are still alive because the Lord’s faithful love never ends.  Every morning he shows it in NEW ways!  You are so very true and loyal!"(Easy-to-Read Version).  

Titus 3:5 says, "He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us NEW birth and a fresh beginning."(CEV).  Isn't that what we all want?  A fresh new beginning?  A chance to start again?   Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III reminded us of the necessity of the Holy Spirit.  We need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and daily filled with the Holy Spirit.  We must have the power, wisdom, and guidance of the Holy Spirit to make the most of this new life, and new year.  We can lean on, trust in, and rely on the Holy Spirit to help us.

This discussion brought to mind an old familiar song, one of my Mother's favorites.  It's entitled, "Yield Not to Temptation".  The chorus says, "Ask the Savior to help you, Comfort, strengthen, and keep you; He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through".  Admit that you don't know it all, and ask the One who does.

Love and prayers, Cynthia