- Significant Changes
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly is quite amazing. It may go through five stages of molting its skin before the chrysalis is formed – the place in which it is transformed into an adult butterfly. The changes are breathtaking: wings and antennae are formed, and the chewing mouthparts of the caterpillar are transformed into the sucking mouthparts of the butterfly. When all that is complete, it emerges as a beautiful, delicate, colorful butterfly!
The transformation of a person who has accepted Christ as their Savior is equally amazing. It is a remarkable makeover from the inside out! Though outer changes may be subtle, the inner ones are evident in the believer’s transformed personality. The presence of the Holy Spirit within creates a change of heart in the child of God. As new Christians yield to His Lordship, old things pass away… old thoughts, old principles, and old practices. New believers learn to live by new principles, new rules, in new friendships, and with new thoughts inclined toward God’s kingdom and eternity. The follower of Christ is no longer an enemy of God. Harmony is restored because the believer takes on the righteousness of the Son before the Father.
Beloved, lift your prayers for restoration in this nation. The Lord is the only One who can replace the malice, hatred, division, and destruction in human hearts, filling them with calm understanding, an acceptance of differences, encouragement to work together, restored friendships, and a country that receives His blessings. Be firm in your faith. Delve into God’s Word. Receive His knowledge and wisdom from Scripture to be discerning in all circumstances, and pray continually.
Today’s Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Isaiah 57:14-19
And it shall be said,
“Build up, build up, prepare the way,
remove every obstruction from my people’s way.”
15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
16 For I will not contend forever,
nor will I always be angry;
for the spirit would grow faint before me,
and the breath of life that I made.
17 Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry,
I struck him; I hid my face and was angry,
but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart.
18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him;
I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners,
19 creating the fruit of the lips.
Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord,
“and I will heal him.All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
