A New Life

copyright Millie Plastaras 7/1/2008

Good Morning Everyone,

What happens to a person once they become a Christian
by accepting the atonement of Jesus Christ? By repenting
of their sins and receiving him as their Savior?

Should we see a difference?
Should we be thinking differently?
Should we act differently?
What kinds of friends should we choose?

Paul wrote this in Romans 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view
of all the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication
of your bodies -- presenting all your members and faculties -- as a
living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing
to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent)
service and spiritual worship.

Do not be conformed to this world -- this age, fashioned after
and adapted to its external, superficial customs. But be
transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind -- by
its new ideals and new attitude -- so that you may prove
(for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect
will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable
and perfect in his sight for you.

We have a new life in Christ!

So we are to be transformed. New thinking, new people,
new focus, new goals. We are no longer our own,
we are bought with a price, the blood of the risen Lamb,
shed for you and me that we might have salvation
and eternal life. This great sacrifice deserves nothing
but our greatest attention and highest goals. We are to
be Christlike, in all we say and do.

1 Peter 2:11-12 shows us one of the vital reasons
we must persist in our new life in Christ.

Dear friends, you are like foreigners and strangers in
this world. I beg you to avoid the evil things your bodies
want to do that fight against your soul. People who
do not believe are living all around you and might say that you
are doing wrong. Live such good lives that they will see
good things you do and will give glory to God on the
day when Christ comes again.

Is your life a testimony to the transforming power of Christ?
If you are falling short, if you have not surrendered parts of
yourself, then today is a new day. Get on your knees and
ask God to forgive you and help you be a light to the world,
transforming, strong in His Word and His power, and a joy
to those who meet you. We have work to do, we cannot
be self focused, selfish, or carnal (worldly minded) in our
thinking. We are God's children now. Seek that which
is good and rebuke that which is evil.

Dear God,
I ask you today to help us be honest about our shortcomings.
Help us to see what we need to change and to do it, to have
a desire to please you and be Godly in our lives. We only
have this one life, let us make it count for you, and for all the
souls that are lost and need you. That we may be a light shining
with your glory, and full of your word that we may tell everyone
the good news of Jesus Christ. That you loved us so much
you sent your son to die for our sins.

How we praise you and give you glory. Help us to be all
you would have us to be. Help us to change one step at a time,
one day at a time. To lay aside our selfish desires, and seek
your desire in all we say and do.

In Jesus precious name,
amen

When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride
be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor
to others than yourselves. Do not be interested only in
your own life, but also be interested in the lives of others.
In your lives you must think and act like Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:3-5

Remember others are watching you, and their soul
may depend on the example you set.

Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.

love
millie