January 27
New Life Now
Derek Sum Wei Siang
Daily Devotional Guide

I was talking to some friends about financial planning.  I was explaining that we can plan and invest within our means but ultimately nothing is certain.  Nothing and no one can guarantee our future security except God.  Hearing me say that, one friend replied, "Yes, that is good for us after we die.  But what about now, while we live on earth?

What my friend said echoes in the hearts of many people.  For many, faith is nothing more than a ticket to heaven. But Jesus Christ did not come just to die on the cross for our sins to save us only in eternity ;  he came to bring us new and abundant life now.   The apostle Paul wrote, "Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."  (Rom 6:4)

Living the new life God offers starts now.  It is not only about Christ preparing us for heaven; it is also about Christ giving us new life so we can work to make this world more like God wants it to be, to show a little of God's eternal kingdom to  the people around us. We are ambassadors for Christ, showing the world that Christ is relevant for our life both here and hereafter!

Reflection
Another word for that kind of living is
Risen Life. crsr