Verse of the Day and Devotional 4/22/2021

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April 22nd, 2021

Scripture

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

Devotion

A new year feels like a fresh start. A time when we make resolutions, plans, or bucket lists. We want to do better, try harder, achieve more than the previous year. Personally, I ask God for a phrase and Scripture verse to build on for personal and spiritual growth. I am always amazed on how God achieves the goal. It generally is not how I anticipated the year’s journey would be. Thank God that He who began a good work will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Our verse of the day reminds us if we are in Christ, we are a new creation. New in every way eternally! It is not just a temporary resolution or commitment; we are given a whole new way of thinking, living, and loving. We devote our life to God because we have been born again (John 3). We were spiritually dead, but now we are alive! Paul goes on to clarify how this happens: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (v. 21).

It is through God giving us a new nature that He begins to develop His character within us. He develops the fruits of the Spirit in us (Galatians 5:22-23). Many of you have walked with Christ for several years like I have. Sometimes I become frustrated that I am not further along in the process. I look at the results instead of looking at the One who began the good work and who promises to complete it.

Jesus warns the Church of Ephesus in Revelation 2, you have abandoned the love you had at first. May we be resolute to pursue the love we had at first. When God has our heart, the rest will follow. He will strengthen us and empower us to complete His mission. “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation… Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God,” (2 Corinthians 5:18, 20).

This year is a fresh opportunity to drink in deeply the love of God and exalt His Son. You are the righteousness of God in Christ and you have been given the ministry of reconciliation to God.

Stand firm in His Word and be diligent in prayer. His steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136).

By Debbie Mesin, Bible League International staff, Crete, Illinois USA

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