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December 29, 2011

Entering 2012 with a clean slate

By Ruth Ann Replogle, Columnist Enid News and Eagle

The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is behind us and 2012 is rapidly arriving.

As I reflected on the weeks since Thanksgiving, I discovered it was mostly a blur. There was family galore and activities jam-packed into every week. There was barely time to sleep, let alone breathe.

It made me think about who I am and where I am headed.

Without Him I am nothing despite my experience, training and knowledge.

Without Him I am defiled, full of sin, unclean.

Without Him I am doomed to eternal separation.

The new year brings new resolutions and new beginnings.

I ask that you consider entering it with a fresh start, an internal house-cleaning if you will.

We humans are spiritually filthy, covered in the dirt of our sins — from pride and materialism to lust and power trips. This sin makes us unclean and unable to walk in the presence of our Lord.

But by the blood that Jesus Christ shed on the cross, bearing the debt we owe and making us right with God, we are given a clean slate by the High Priest himself.

Are there some closets in your conscience that you need to throw open wide and let the light shine in? Are some actions of this past year keeping you in chains of hurt and shame, unable to face Him? Are you unsure whether He will take you back?

Nothing is hidden from Him but rest assured that Christ intercedes on our behalf, forgives us and makes us clean, able to stand and press forward. (Hebrews 4:13-16, 5:1-3, 6:19-20, 7:25-28, 8:10-12, 9:14)

He is calling you to come to Him today. Do not wait for another year to go by. Resolve to know Him better or meet Him for the first time.

Take this moment to experience a truly happy new year by believing two things: the Lord will help you deal with your struggles and He will stand by you even if you feel everyone else is against you. (1 Peter 5:7, Romans 8:31)

And remember this simple phrase: He loves you. (John 3:16, 1 John 4-5)



Just Hold On is written by Ruth Ann Replogle and published every Friday in the Enid News & Eagle. Email her at cropwith ruthann@yahoo.com.

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