“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
Father God,
You are still the creator. Not the God who made and then stopped. Yes, You rested but not stopped. You are still as creative and active in the universe and in our world and lives today.
Some people today like to think themselves great creators. And today on World Malaria Day we are grateful for the creators and developers of new pre-treated with two types of insecticide nets which are reducing cases by half! But some are more occupied with creating excess things. New clothes, new looks and styles. New home designs. New garden designs. New shaped cars. Not just for improvement and comfort but to sell for more profit. It has led to slavery in the fashion and style industry and many an impossible credit card debt. It does not bring inner joy, contentment and make anyone new.
This little verse from Paul’s second letter, to the Corinthian early church, speaks of Your creative work in us. In Christ we are made into a new creation, made beautiful, clean and new in Christ. We will never be the same again. It does bring joy, contentment and thanksgiving. Christ does not do half a job on us and leave a little sin, a smidgen of condemnation or a passing guilt or two. He forgives absolutely. He adopts fully. We are planned for and prepared for.
We do not need the latest fashion, the most expensive branded potions and gels. We have the scent of holiness to Christ. When the enemy comes to condemn, remind us of past mistakes or tell us we are not good enough – we can quote this verse back at him. The old has gone. Hallelujah.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,
For our family and friends. We pray for their needs physically, emotionally and spiritually.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. A church that loves Your Word and each other.
For the royal family. Thank You for continued healing.
For our Parliament. We pray You will take out and bring in the right people. Stability.
For Ukraine, peace. A supernatural end to war.
For Gaza, a way to live with neighbours, together in peace.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all other places of conflict and Military oppression. Bring them to the end to war. Speak peace to hard hearts. Bless peacemakers with power.
For our neighbourhood and the council members that manage it. Vision and Your priorities.
For the Christians in countries where there is persecution, famine and poverty.
For Christian media, magazines, radio, TV, You tube . . . Your inspiration.
For us amid the business of work, home or whatever needs our attention today. .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 25th April 2024
2 Corinthians 5:17
Dave Bilborough says he began writing scriptural worship songs out of a sense of community. God was doing some powerful things amongst them as a group of young people. Like many who had gone before and doubtless will follow on, he says, he found himself as the writer of songs that reflected the movement emerging across the Churches. New expressions and new emphases for a new generation but with the age-old truths of the Gospel.
I am a new creation
No more in condemnation,
Here in the grace of God I stand.
My heart is overflowing,
My love just keeps on growing,
Here in the grace of God I stand.
And I will praise You Lord,
Yes, I will praise You Lord,
And I will sing of all that You have done.
A joy that knows no limit,
A lightness in my spirit,
Here in the grace of God I stand.
Lyrics: Dave Bilborough (1983)