THE OLD AND THE NEW

READ; Galatians 5:16-23
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If anyone is in christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become a new. -2 Corinthians 5:17
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Typical resolutions in January are to lose weight, excercise more, spend less time at work and more time with family - maybe stop chatting on the cell phone while driving.
It's not surprising that we want to change the things in our lives that we're unhappy about-even though most New Year's resolutions are kept for no more than 3 weeks.
Whant if wre ask to God what He wants you to change, improve, or begin this year? He might tell you to:

• Demonstrate more of the fruit of the Spirit in your life, which is "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23)
• "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate, and pray for those who...presecute you" (Matt. 5:44)
• "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15)
• "Be content with such things as you have" (Heb. 13:5)
• "Walk according to His commandments" (2 John 1:6)

As believers and new creation, we can be free from old patterns and failures. We musk ask God to help us live each day in the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we can shed the old and embrace the new (2 Cor. 5:17). -Cindy Hess Kasper

How can we live to please the Lord?

By knowing what He says to do

And trusting in the Spirit's strength

To make us into someone new. - Sper