Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Susan Hales, Monday, January 26, 2026

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today’s devotion was written by Susan Hales.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).

My New Year's Eve plan used to be: find a good party and drink too much. After

reconnecting with God and getting sober, I then spent New Year's Eve alone, feeling sorry

for myself with no hope of change.

I'm grateful I discovered a better way to spend New Year's Eve: finding hope for the new

year through time with Jesus, reading the Bible, and praying for guidance.

Our key verse showed me I am a new creation in Christ, leaving my old self behind! But

what does that mean?

First, being “in Christ” signifies we believe Jesus sacrificed His life for us on the cross as

payment for our sins. We’re incapable of being good enough or doing enough to approach a Holy God. So, He sent His Son to die in our place.

God no longer sees our sin; we attain the righteousness of Jesus that we don’t deserve. We died to our old life and are resurrected to a new life. Jesus' resurrection offers us eternal life with Him.

Next, when we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,

God dwelling within us. We experience a radical transformation into new creations. We die to our old selves and develop new attitudes, actions, and habits.

Finally, being “in Christ” means developing a relationship with Jesus and becoming more

like Him. This requires a constant connection, like branches attached to a vine. Otherwise,

we cannot do anything, especially bear fruit for God’s Kingdom.

Transformation by the Holy Spirit’s power to be more like Jesus takes a lifetime.

Are you a new creation in Christ? With whom will you share your testimony of hope today?

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com.