Daily Reading 10-10-17
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Living Bible (TLB)
I went and bought plants today to replace some in a planter that had begun to whither and die. I tried to nurse them back to health, but some of them just were too far gone. The plants had been through hurricane Irma and they had taken quite a beating. These new plants are vibrant and filled with flowering buds; these plants are healthy and producing new life.
In our spiritual formation we can run into times when the storms of life really take their toll on us. When we are weary, we can slide into sloppy living and lose our zeal and passion for Christ’s work. But unlike the plants, we are connected to the Vine of Life. When we are in need of restoration, Christ is there to bring it. He restores our souls, imparts the courage to keep going, and lifts our heads with faith. The life of Christ pulsing through our being, is always there to respond to our cry for healing and regeneration. When we said, “yes” to Christ, we said “yes” to abundant and eternal life for our souls. If you are weary in well-doing and need the Healer, cry out to Him today. As He rises up to touch and restore our souls, we have a testimony of the power of His goodness.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
17 When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!
18 All these new things are from God who brought us back to himself through what Christ Jesus did. And God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled to him. 19 For God was in Christ, restoring the world to himself, no longer counting men’s sins against them but blotting them out. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. 20 We are Christ’s ambassadors. God is using us to speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you—be reconciled to God. 21 For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the continual regeneration you bring to my soul. I am alive in you! Thank you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.