Something Old

by Tricia Miller
(Connersville,IN)

A new year has arrived and everyone is talking about something new. Many are making new goals for the year. Some are planning new exercise programs and new eating habits. Others are coming up with new ideas for organization, decorating and new schedules. These are all great things to do at this time of year. There is nothing wrong with making some changes in your life, but lets take a turn down a diffrent road for a change.

Lets talk about something old! That's right...something old. That may not make alot of sense but maybe it will if you open your Bible up to Revelation 2:4. It says Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love.

Something old...the love you used to have for the Lord! Dont you remember? Let me take you back in time a bit to refresh your memory. Remember the girl who lied every chance she got? Or the woman who hated her husband and would not submit to his authority? What about the girl who gave her body to any man who gave her some attenion?

Then there was the one who stole money from her boss, and the girl who had a filthy mouth. What about the woman who gossiped in every conversation? Then not to forget the one who was addicted to drugs and alcohol! She would turn that bottle up anytime life got ruff. She would make a fool out of herself at the party, then go home and cry!

All of these women were in slavery! They were slaves to sin. Satan had them in his grip! They were Hellbound right with the devil! They had no hope. Miserable, scared,beaten,confused and tied up with Satan's rope of sin and deceit...they sat crying in the floor holding onto that bottle of pills!

But the grace of God that was rooted deep in someones heart came rushing to the rescue! They brought with them the only thing that could help...the Word of God! The Bible was opened, the gospel was shared, and the truth set her free! Her life was changed!

Maybe you have never committed adultery. Maybe you have never even lied or cussed but the truth is you were once that miserable girl! There is NONE righteous for we had ALL sinned(Romans 3:10,23).

You were on your way to Hell until one day someone told you about Christ dying for your sins. You realized there was no hope except for trusting Christ to free you from this cold and lonely prison of sin! Oh how excited you were!

You were so thankful to the Lord for saving you! You wanted to be as close to him as you possible could! You kept your heart pure by confessing sin the moment it came to your mind. Your love for the Lord was so strong because of what he had done for you. You told everyone you knew about how Christ set you free and how you have a home waiting for you in Heaven!

What happened? Have you forgotten? This new year how about remembering the old love you once had for Christ! There may be someone around the corner holding that bottle of pills clinging to their last few seconds of life! There is no time!

Remember when you were the miserable one? What a blessing it was for someone to tell you how to let go of the bottle and grab on to the Lord! Wouldnt you like to give that same blessing to someone else who is crying tears of pain and hopelessness? How will you convince them of Gods love if you have forgotten how much he loved you?

So while you are thinking of something new this year...how about thinking of something old to...Remember the old you?