A New Way to Live

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:1-17)

Sometimes, after having been sick with the flu or perhaps down with a chronic pain, we wake one morning and find that we feel so much better. Our stomach isn't doing flip-flops or that painful ankle seems to be functioning perfect once again. We feel new and fresh. It always feels great to feel good once again. Can you relate? Have you ever experienced this renewed feeling?

There is a similar feeling, only even more powerful, when we accept Christ into our lives. There is an Easter morning feel to things. There is a joy, a new outlook on life. There is freedom and clarity and a sense of "I'm not alone." And all this is true. Recognizing Jesus is our Savior awakens a new life, a guilt free way to live. Do you know this feeling?

Easter morning is the start of something new. Perhaps for some it was a reminder of our forgiven state, of how much we are loved. For others, new to the faith, it may be one of many 'firsts' we experience. A fresh new life is there for the taking. Because He Lives, we can claim our place at His side in eternity. Because He Lives, we do too.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Because He Lives, All Things are Joy-filled

As I was preparing to write this post on our topic, Because He Lives, I noticed two words kept coming up in the scriptures - all things.   

When I consider my life before Christ, before reading His Word regularly, there was little joy. Even though I knew who He was, it didn't matter to me. But, once my eyes and my heart were open, there was, and is, such joy in all things. Not a happy, happy thing. Nor even a life is good thing, but a joy that reaches deep down.

Psalm 51:12 really captures it all for me. "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation," yes, that sums it up nicely. Then I turned to Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."  

I came upon 2 John 12, "I have much to write to you, but I don't want to use paper and ink. Instead I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete." Do you think God is trying to tell me something and maybe you too?

I rounded out my preparation time in Philippians 2:2 "...then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."

Only Jesus can fill our hearts with this type of joy in all things. Only Jesus would put this word in front of me numerous times as I prepared to share this morning's devotion with you. Only Jesus. Could you use a healthy dose of joy all things this morning?  Because He Lives, we can consider it done!

Colossians 1:15-22