Paul is quick to remind us that having the fruit of the Spirit (5:22-5:23) means that we need to leave behind our old self and our old ways of living. To crucify them means that they are dead to us. They do not control us or influence us. Keep the past in the past… don’t drag it around with you every day. DON’T carry it into the new year. You are a new creation in Christ. The old has passed away. Become ALL that He has planned for you. It will be amazing!! I can hardly wait!!
Please copy this blog or the link to this post to send along this verse to family, friends, and co-workers in His kingdom. Ask if they have thought about things that they would like to leave behind them…forever. Ask if those memories or feelings still impact them even now. Share with them the great Good News of Jesus that He has taken away ALL of our sins. Encourage them to trust Jesus. Leave their sins at the foot of the Cross. Start fresh and new in Christ and never, ever look back. Help them to Take Time For God’s Word(c) at 5:24 am or pm or as you see the image of a cross anywhere, remember this verse and how your past was crucified there. You may want this to be a Reminder on your phone at 5:24 pm with the title ‘crucified the flesh’ as a reminder. You can easily copy the verse from this post into that Reminder so that you have the whole verse there to review it. Pause to give a quick prayer of thanks to God for sending Christ for you and for me. Begin each day with that freedom from sin in your heart and in your mind. Be blessed!
Take an extra minute or two to pray for all of your family and friends. Name them and what you want for them. We so often get caught up in our own issues that we forget to pray for those closest to us. They need our prayers as well. Let them know that you are praying for them. Ask them to remember you in their prayers as well. You may be surprised at the number of people who are already praying for you! If some could not be with you for Christmas or New Year’s, then call them and talk to them. Encourage them. Listen to their needs. Be the blessing that they have been praying for. Let the love of Christ show through you. Pass it on by leaving the sins of the past with Christ so that you can enjoy the bright future He has planned for you!
