SUBMIT AND BE TRANSFORMED AND WALK IN THE LIGHT

Proclamation:

“But if we walk in the light, as He is The Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle John, the youngest of the twelve disciples who often referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. (John 13:23)  John wanted the people of God to know that the only way they could have true fellowship with The Lord God and with each other was if they walked in The Light and behaved in a Christ-like manner.  However, only those who believe and submit to Him will be purified from sin.

Application:

As most people come to the end of the calendar year, they complain about how bad the year was for them and they hope that things will be better in the New Year.  We cannot change the events of life, all we can do is change how we respond to them.  Some of our problems are due to our bad habits and our bad choices, so for a better year we need to change.  We can develop a new habit by deciding to do something differently and then doing it daily for seven days.  However, the only way to become a truly new and better person in the New Year is if God changes us.  Only if we have The Spirit of God within us will we have the desire to do His will.  And, only if we submit ourselves to Him, will we be able to resist the devil and his temptations, and cause him to flee from us, which will allow us to have and enjoy a much better life. (James 4:7)  The LORD God appeared to King Solomon, after he had built the temple, and said "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)  The only way that we can be sure of a better life in the upcoming year is if we submit to Christ.  Therefore, I urge you, do not conform to the sinful pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able enjoy God's will. (Romans 12:2)  If we want a different outcome next year, then we must behave differently.  Submit to The Lord God, be transformed, and walk in The Light in the New Year.