For a long time, even until recently, I had an improper view of myself. When I looked at myself, all I saw was my sin. All I saw was my darkness. I was looking at the old creature... The man I used to be. The man I still struggle to not be. But God, infinite in wisdom and gentle in approach, has reminded me of the truth! Because of Jesus, I am washed! I am justified! I am sanctified! I am a new creation! God, being rich in mercy, has saved me and adopted me as His son. Who am I to wallow in the guilt and regret of my sin? Who am I to tell God that His grace isn't enough? Who am I to cling to the old creature when Jesus died so that I could be separated from it? Far be it from me to identify as that old creature anymore! For that old creature is dead and I, as a new creation, have been made alive by Christ! Praise be to the Father who sent His Son to take on my sin so that I might become the righteousness of Christ. My struggles will not cease, but the strength of God will hold me up. My sins may try to rear their ugly heads, but the power of God as already crushed them. The enemy may try to inhibit my ministry, but the mercy of God will sustain me. All of us in Christ Jesus are new creations and we will be upheld by the love from our Holy Father. #hereadstruth @hereadstruth @sc3sm #staffordcrossingcommunitychurch #sc3sm (at Stonehouse Wooded Estates, Fredericksburg, Virginia)