The New Is Here!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

Today I was blessed to fellowship with men of all ages who have been delivered from years of addiction.  Praise God that the beauty of the moment was that I was able to witness the manifestation of the truth of God’s Word in each of them.  For when I looked upon their faces I did not see addiction I saw Christ.  I saw His love and power shining brightly on them and through them.  I rejoiced with them as we celebrate the freedom that we all have in Christ Jesus.  Black and white, men of all creeds, we are one.  We are united in the sanctifying blood of Jesus.  The past was gone and the new is here!  

I was inspired by these brave men who shared their testimony with the congregation.  They bore witness to their deliverance.  They shared what they once struggled with out in the open for all to see without guilt and shame because there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus ( Romans 8:1).  

All believers can be just as bold.  We too can share our stories of deliverance from lying, fornication, idolatry, covetness, envy, gossip, strife, lack of self control and all types of wickedness.  I was once bound by depression and roots of bitterness.  I was once addicted to the search for love and acceptance from men instead of embracing the love of God.  But now I am free.  The woman you see is a new creation.  I am being refined by my Master, Savior, King, and friend.  No more shame.  I am free.  We all are free in Christ Jesus.  May we celebrate the sanctifying grace of God and rejoice as a body of believers for all that He is doing for us and through us.

Ignore the voice of the enemy that wants you stuck on your past.  Ignore the voice of the enemy that wants to keep you blind to the plans that God has for you. Every thing that the enemy is trying to take God can restore.  He can make all things new.  Including you.  

Father I thank You for the testimony of your witnesses.  I thank You for your abundant grace, mercy, and love.  Thank you for making me new. Bless those who believe and help those who doubt.  Open our eyes to see the truth and hearts to receive it.  In Jesus name. Amen