New life

For a long time the old church sat empty and abandoned in a Detroit neighborhood. The decaying building blended naturally into the whole area. Storefronts were boarded up. An old school building was padlocked. Party stores flourished, but little else. Grim, unswept, forgotten — that’s how it all looked.

Then one night things changed. The old church sparkled with lights. Parked cars lined the streets. The sound of music filled the air. What had been dead and abandoned had come to life.

I’ve seen people like that. For years they were dark and empty like that old church. There was little inside except anger, selfishness, and pride. Suddenly the darkness was gone. It was as if someone had turned on the lights.

And that Someone is God. He forgives those who come to Him through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. He specializes in giving new life to those who seem to be beyond hope — those who are dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1).

If all this sounds unfamiliar, it may be because we’ve lost sight of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Let’s remember what He has done for us, and what He can do for others. — Mart De Haan

Christ takes each sin, each pain, each loss,

And by the power of His cross

Transforms our brokenness and shame

So we may glorify His name. — D. De Haan

READ: Ephesians 2:1-7

Salvation produces a change within that breaks the chains of sin.

The Bible in one year:

• Nehemiah 7-9