Happy New Year, brothers and sisters. Out with the old, in with the new. Can’t wait to see what the Lord will do in each of our lives and look forward to hearing about it, from each of you.

bible.com/bible/100/isa.43.18-19.NASB1995

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Living and walking go hand in hand. It doesn’t mean we won’t sin, but it does mean, that we a walking toward the Hope we have in Faith, that one day, we will be made perfect, because of the one who was perfect. Thank you, Jesus.

www.bible.com/100/gal.5.25.nasb1995

When you give your life to Jesus, you are acknowledging, that you cannot earn you way to heaven, by following a bunch of rules (The Law). Your faith in Jesus, takes away any condemnation from the penalty of the Law.

www.bible.com/100/gal.2.20.nasb1995

Taken from John MacArthur Study Bible (Highly Recommend)

I have been crucified with Christ. See notes on Ro 6:2–6 . When a person trusts in Christ for salvation, he spiritually participates with the Lord in His crucifixion and His victory over sin and death. no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The believer’s old self is dead ( see note on Eph 4:22 ), having been crucified with Christ ( Ro 6:3 , 5 ). The believer’s new self has the privilege of the indwelling Christ empowering him and living through him ( see notes on Ro 8:9 , 10 ). gave Himself up for me. The manifestation of Christ’s love for the believer through His sacrificial death on the cross ( Jn 10:17 , 18 ; Ro 5:6–8 ; Eph 5:25–30 ).

Because we have a loving Father, he forgives us. This is not a license to sin, but a source of great joy. He picks us up and washes us when we fall. All because of Jesus!

www.bible.com/100/psa.51.1-2.nasb

Temptation or Trial…….It may depend on whether you choose God, or your own selfish desires. What do you think?

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
James 1:13 NASB
https://bible.com/verse-of-the-day/jas.1.13/1094

There is always many opportunities to sin, when your mouth is always running. It risks more sin. Wisdom says, to be guarded with our word’s, AND to use them carefully and for good and not evil. May your tongue, be blessed with word’s that build up, and not tear down, and may Jesus be lifted up.

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 10:19 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.10.19.NASB

The Gospel is truly liberating. In recognizing our sin, and Jesus taking that sin in our place, we have been pardoned by God. He never see our sin again. We are truly set free to serve him, and never have to worry, because even, in our failures, he is there beside us. Thank you Jesus.

and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
John 8:32 NASB
https://bible.com/verse-of-the-day/jhn.8.32/39664

Freedom……a word in the US, that seems to mean these days, you can do, and say whatever you want. Freedom in Christ, our heavenly citizenship, is freedom from the bondage of sin, and condemnation that Satan proclaims, as well as the system of legalism of the Law, which only Jesus could keep. We are free to devote ourselves to love and good works, and if we fall, we are cleansed by the work of Jesus, on the cross. Can I get an Amen?

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2 Corinthians 3:17 NASB
https://bible.com/verse-of-the-day/2co.3.17/10796

Think about the men and women who have gone before us. They are who we look to for inspiration. They are not looking at us, but we at them. Take a moment to remember, someone who has guided, and shown you the way, of true faith. Set aside the legalism, that the Hebrews were surrounded by, and put your faith and Trust in Jesus, the one and only one, who provides salvation to those who accept his free gift. Finally, get rid of the temptations and distractions, around us, that take away our focus, from running the race. May we all run with focus, today, and with vision. May we point the way to Jesus, for future generations to follow.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1 NASB
https://bible.com/verse-of-the-day/heb.12.1/15572

In a day, when there is no accountability where we live, anyone can make an accusation without proof. How refreshing to know, that God says, don’t do this! So……there is accountabiliy. It is not of this worldly system, but from God. We all might want to think twice, about what comes out of our mouths, and make sure we have the facts straight, before we start throwing stones. I am reminded of what Jesus said to the accusers of the adulterous woman. He who is without sin, cast the first stone. Even in this case, there was undeniable proof of her sin.

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
EXODUS 20:16 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/exo.20.16.NASB