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January 3, 2004

"I Smile"
Read: Psalm 118:14-21

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. —2 Corinthians 5:17

Bible In One Year: Genesis 7-9; Matthew 3

A few years ago, singer Russ Lee came out with a song titled "I Smile." When you discover how his life was changed by Jesus Christ, you'll know why he sings a song that says, "I smile when I think about the way You turned my life around. I smile when I think about the happiness in You I've found."

When Russ was 17, his days were wasted on drugs, alcohol, boredom, and pain. His life was full of self-inflicted trouble and hopelessness. One day, while listening to an old rock song called "I Can't Get No Satisfaction," he realized that this described his life. Two days later, a friend invited him to church. There Russ heard that real satisfaction comes from knowing Jesus Christ, so he reached out in faith to Him.

So, what was the first thing Russ did after trusting Christ? According to the book Touched By The Savior by Mike Yorkey, Russ said, "I walked back out to my car. In the trunk was a garbage bag filled with drugs I had been selling.

I won't be needing these again, I thought, and I was right. I threw the bag away. From that day forward, God transformed my life from the inside out. I became a new creation."

No wonder Russ Lee can sing with exuberance, "I smile." Can you? —Dave Branon

BECOMING A NEW CREATION
Admit that you are a sinner and ask for God's forgiveness (Romans 3:23). Accept the free gift of eternal life, paid for by the death of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

A song in the heart puts a smile on the face.