“Anyone who comes to Christ becomes a new person. The past is forgotten and everything becomes new” — 2 Cor. 5:17
It’s officially 2012. Pastor Rick Warren tweeted today, “The calendar gives us a new year but only Christ can give us a new life: ‘I make EVERYTHING new!’ – Jesus Rev.21:5.”
If you’re anything like me, you may be thinking, “sure it’s a new year, but what in my life has really changed, is really new?” I have to go to work tomorrow, just like I did last year. I have to struggle with getting the proper amount of sleep, just like I did last year. I have to struggle to keep my peace and joy, just like I did in 2011. I have to struggle to keep my thoughts pure, just like I did in 2011. I have to struggle __________ (fill in the blank), just like I did last year.
While these things may be true, the Good News is that if you’re in Christ, that is, really know Him (click here to find out how), then you are a new person, you have a new life, and you have hope for a better today and an even better tomorrow.
Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
The truth is that most true change is slow and steady. It usually does not happen overnight. It does, however, eventually happen as we keep renewing our minds day after day. As we keep our minds focused on Christ and the truths that are found in His Word, slowly but surely we begin to change into the people that he desires us to be. This process is known as sanctification.
There are many good resources to assist in renewing our minds. The Bible and prayer being the top two. Others include, listening to sermons, talking with other believers, reading Christian books, etc.
Currently, I’m listening to Pastor Dan Backens’ sermons as I drive back and forth to work. This has proved very helpful to me in renewing my mind.
Whatever way you choose to renew your mind, you can be sure that God is working in you and you will be prosperous and successful. Please be careful though, for there are many false doctrines and teachings out there. Always make sure that the information is consistent with what the Bible teaches.
Whatever you may be facing today, be encouraged that, if you are in Christ, then you are already are a new person, already have a new life, and are being made into the image and likeness of Christ Himself. Your future is bright because He is your hope. This may sound like a platitude, but it’s true and not meant as such.
If you are facing something in your life that is bigger than you can handle, cry out to Jesus and let Him be your hope. He is the only hope that we really have anyway.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” — Romans 12:2
gary lee millner.com 