New Life with Christ
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 that a believer is not just cleansed of their sins, they are reconciled with God and metamorphosed into a new creation:
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.
Accepting the gift of grace means that you have been reconciled with the Father through Jesus as your intermediary. Only now, as a disciple or follower of Christ can you really start to live the life that God envisioned for you. You can start to bear fruit for God, instead of living just for yourself and living in opposition to God.
Consider what Jesus says in Luke 15:
1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
God makes His promise to provide for you and equip you what you need to get through. Paul writes in Hebrews 13.
Hebrew 13: 20May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
If your life seems like it is out of control and has lost it’s purpose or meaning, consider these points:
1) Have placed your faith in God, or have you misplaced your faith?
2) Have you prayed to God and asked Him for help? God wants to hear from you. If you do not pray, now is a good time to start. Ask God to help you in praying.
3) Have you read your Bible? The New International Version or New American Standard Bible are in modern English and can be much easier to read than the old English version. Perhaps start with the books of Luke or John in the New Testament and understand for yourself the awesome plan God has for you.
4) Do you have Christian friends or advisors who you can ask for advice or for help? Some of our problems may be cause of foolish mistakes or decision we have made. Seek out people in your life who have a mature relationship with God. God loves to works through people. Consider contacting Christian Pastors in your community, or the Florence-Carlton Community Church at (406) 273 6811 or via the email link.
5) Join a Bible-based church. If you do not attend church regularly now, pray that God will point you to a group of believers that truly have the Holy Spirit at work in their lives.
Thanks for reading this message. I pray that it may be a blessing to you, especially if you are suffering through a particularly hard in your life. God loves you and He has a plan and purpose for your life, even if we cannot see it or make sense of it. The 23rd Psalm has comforted millions of people since King David penned it almost 3,000 years ago. I hope it brings some comfort to you, too.
Psalm 23:
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Continue with the Message of Hope…
Please contact me… I would like to speak with someone who can help me.
