Devotion #2 NEW YEAR - FRESH START Series: How Do You See Jesus
Dec 31, 2022 09:35:37 #
As the new year begins, for some it’s traditional to make resolutions as a way to improve our lives, in one way or another. For some, it may be HEALTH motivated (diet -
exercise), for others, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, and for a few, it has more to do with RELA-
TIONSHIPS with family or friends, or even spiritual.
For those who make “health” res-
olutions, it will take a conscious, daily effort to reach whatever goal you have chosen. Maybe your res-
olution involves an “accomplish-
ment”, like a bucket list item you would like to finally check off - a trip, or possibly a task you’ve been putting off. ( for years! ) Lol. To ful-
fill this, it will probably take only two things - some advanced planning
( $$$ ), and a decision on which bucket item to choose. The third category, “relationships”, might be the toughest resolution to tackle, but if resolved, can be the most satisfying and long lasting of all resolutions.
At this time of year, I often hear of families with estranged members, due to divorce, wrongdoings, mis-
understandings, or whatever. This also happens with (former) friends in many cases, and whether it be family or friends, most of the time both parties blame the other for the alienation. As a result, families (or friends) remain broken and separated from each other, or are in constant conflict if they “must” be together.
What would happen if either of the “offended” parties were to go to the other “offended” party, and just ask for forgiveness - whether they were at fault or not? Wouldn’t it be worth
“taking one for the team”, if there was even a chance to “heal” the family, or friendship?
That is exactly what Jesus did for all of us. He was guilty of doing NOTHING wrong; yet He died so we could all be forgiven of our sins, and then restored, or reconciled to God.
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.5.21.NLT
“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.”
1 Peter 2:24 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.2.24.NLT
“For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.”
Romans 5:10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.5.10.NLT
“This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”
Colossians 1:21-22 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/col.1.21-22.NLT
In the same way as Jesus forgives us, we MUST forgive others, no matter who is at fault.
““If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Matthew 6:14-15 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.14-15.NLT
These are Jesus’ words, (the ones in RED in the Bible) not mine.
Please take the time to watch the following two videos, y’all. They explain more in detail about the principles of forgiveness. If you do, I’m sure you will agree it was worth your time.
God bless you, and I hope you all have a Happy & Prosperous New Year!
1.
https://subsplash.com/+04d2/lb/mi/+974qkf4?embed=true&recentRoute=app.web-app.library.list&recentRouteSlug=%2Bxhbv3sn
2.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5nYEbhYkJ9U
exercise), for others, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, and for a few, it has more to do with RELA-
TIONSHIPS with family or friends, or even spiritual.
For those who make “health” res-
olutions, it will take a conscious, daily effort to reach whatever goal you have chosen. Maybe your res-
olution involves an “accomplish-
ment”, like a bucket list item you would like to finally check off - a trip, or possibly a task you’ve been putting off. ( for years! ) Lol. To ful-
fill this, it will probably take only two things - some advanced planning
( $$$ ), and a decision on which bucket item to choose. The third category, “relationships”, might be the toughest resolution to tackle, but if resolved, can be the most satisfying and long lasting of all resolutions.
At this time of year, I often hear of families with estranged members, due to divorce, wrongdoings, mis-
understandings, or whatever. This also happens with (former) friends in many cases, and whether it be family or friends, most of the time both parties blame the other for the alienation. As a result, families (or friends) remain broken and separated from each other, or are in constant conflict if they “must” be together.
What would happen if either of the “offended” parties were to go to the other “offended” party, and just ask for forgiveness - whether they were at fault or not? Wouldn’t it be worth
“taking one for the team”, if there was even a chance to “heal” the family, or friendship?
That is exactly what Jesus did for all of us. He was guilty of doing NOTHING wrong; yet He died so we could all be forgiven of our sins, and then restored, or reconciled to God.
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.5.21.NLT
“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.”
1 Peter 2:24 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.2.24.NLT
“For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.”
Romans 5:10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.5.10.NLT
“This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”
Colossians 1:21-22 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/col.1.21-22.NLT
In the same way as Jesus forgives us, we MUST forgive others, no matter who is at fault.
““If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Matthew 6:14-15 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.14-15.NLT
These are Jesus’ words, (the ones in RED in the Bible) not mine.
Please take the time to watch the following two videos, y’all. They explain more in detail about the principles of forgiveness. If you do, I’m sure you will agree it was worth your time.
God bless you, and I hope you all have a Happy & Prosperous New Year!
1.
https://subsplash.com/+04d2/lb/mi/+974qkf4?embed=true&recentRoute=app.web-app.library.list&recentRouteSlug=%2Bxhbv3sn
2.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5nYEbhYkJ9U
Dec 31, 2022 12:46:49 #
Amen. Good reading and videos. Forgiveness is very important. Thank you so much.
Jan 1, 2023 10:00:32 #
HenryG
Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts
Randyhartford wrote:
As the new year begins, for some it’s traditional ... (show quote)
Amen thanks for those comforting words ☝️😑🙏
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