Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New You

Ephesians 4:17-24 “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Unbelievers walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

Today is New Year’s day, January 1, 2012 Anno Domini (abbreviate A.D.). We measure time in years, beginning from Zero, the birth of Christ, the incarnation of God, the promised Messiah, and the Savior of the world. Anno Domini is Latin and translated means “In the Year of the Lord”. All time and events prior to the arrival of the blessed Redeemer are also measured in years designated by the words “Before Christ” (abbreviated B.C.). Every time, anyone speaks or writes the year, they acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, whether they know it or not. Every day blesses the Lord. Ecclesiastes 11:7Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.

As another year ends, we sort of put a close on the past 365 days and start a new chapter of history. We steps back and assess the accomplishment, progress, pauses, set-back or failure of goals, then adjustments made and new ones set. Evaluation are taken by us and, also, of us by others, but a fresh new start begins. This is not only true in our lives and livelihoods, but in our spiritual walks with the Lord, our God. Have you ever wondered why we are here? Why God doesn’t just skip this life and have us in heaven now? It’s because He has a purpose and plan for us all here and now in 2012. As we grow and mature as Christians in this pilgrimage (aka “journey”) through life towards our eventual eternal home in Heaven, we make stops along the “Glory” path to take account and learn from our past, check the map with the Lord, make any necessary adjustments (trimming off the burdens and hindrances of ungodly and unfruitful behaviors & actions) renewed in the spirit of your mind and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness, then start the next leg of our adventure set before us, walking with the Spirit as the body of Christ.

Colossians 3:1-11 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.”

But as the Lord Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), we are not only to set ourselves in Holiness apart from the sinful desires of the flesh, the God-rejecting world, and Satan’s lies, but to be a light of truth for Christ and the gospel in the darkness of a lost & dying world. This is what it means to be “in the world, but not of the world”. We are instructed by the Lord (Matthew 28:8-20) to seek the lost and help them find the foot of the cross and a “saving” knowledge of Jesus Christ, who all of time is separated and measured by, because He, and He alone, is God’s plan of salvation and the Savior of the world. Happy New You’s Day, in the year of our Lord -2012.

In Christ, Brian

3 comments:

child of God said...

Happy New Year Brian! 2012, can you believe it? I wonder, will this be the year our Lord returns? I have never received a 'word' for a new year before but this year the Lord gave me "Come!" He also gave me the verse, Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

I felt pressed that our Lord wants me to pray this verse through out this year.

It has been a great year spending time with you here in blog land. Praying and encouraging each other. God has blessed me richly with your mentorship. I am looking forward to another year of reading your post. I hope and pray you keep sharing what our Lord has given you.

God bless you and your family in the year of our LORD 2012.

<><

Undergroundpewster said...

Here's wishing you a fruitful 2012.

Brian Ray Todd said...

Child of God, I'm very interested in seeing where this word "come" takes you and what direction this Bible verse leads all of God's children & the world in 2012. it has already struck a cord with me. Thank you for your faithful and insightful comments along with your wonderful Blog ministry for the glory of God.

UG Pewster, thank you and have a blessed 2012 also.