2009 – Can You Believe It!?

How will 2008 be better than 2009? I think we need to get to that place where we truly desire to live life with God every day.

But … YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP BEFORE YOU GO UP …

2 Corinthians 5 [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Romans 6 [6] For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

Ephesians 4 [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [ 24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

So what are some old things that we can give up and what are the new things that God wants us to do … so that we really start living out this new me that we really are – as Christians … so that we start to live life the way God intended for us in 2009?

~ Give up negative thinking … instead, learn to be content no matter what. Ph.4:10-12.

Contentment: Realizing that God has already provided everything we need for our present happiness.

~ Give up your unbelief … instead, believe that you can change. (Phil 4:13)

We’re not talking here about positive thinking. We’re talking about supernatural power. I believe I can change – not on my own power but with the power that Christ gives me.

~ Give up your grip on things … instead, invest your life in sharing what you have to help others connect with God.

Galatians 6 [8] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. [9] Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [10] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Doing good means investing your time, talent and treasure in helping others …

You have to give up before you can go up. You have to give up some things in order to live the life that God intended you to live … give up your