Happy New Year

Revelation 21:5a  And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!"  

Happy New Year.  Resolutions, new diets, maybe quit smoking, be a little kinder, give a bit more...out with the old, in with the new, right?  I think everyone likes a new beginning.  A the new year is a great place to start with some new thinking.

Colossians 3:10-15  Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand.  Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.  For you died to this life and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.  And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed, you will share in all His glory.  So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking with you.  Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust and evil desires.  Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.  Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.  You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.  But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander and dirty language.  Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all it's wicked deeds.  Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.  In this new life it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free.  Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.  Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you.  Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.  And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts.  For as member of one body you are called to live in peace.  And always be thankful.  

That's quite a challenge, isn't it.  But we are not alone in this.  We have the Holy Spirit to lead and empower.  We don't change overnight, but we can continue fighting the good fight.  And remember, when we fail we have Jesus as our advocate and payment for our sins.  1 John 1:9  But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

And everyday we get to start again, secure in God's love and mercy.  Lamentations 3:22-23  The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is His faithfulness;  His mercies begin afresh each morning.

So here's to a new year for all of us!  Let's go forward, grow and become more like our Savior.  And let's share His love far and wide!

Lord, thank You for new beginnings.  Thank You for the tender love and mercy You give us each day.  Help us to shine Your glory and share Your love a hundredfold this year!  We know it's You who do the changing, but I do ask that You give each of us hearts of obedience and break down any stubbornness that may impede this journey towards holiness.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Perhaps use these Scriptures as daily meditations this year, or find ones that fit with Your areas of need to focus on and claim as Your own.   And please keep me in prayer as I will You that we all grow up into mighty men and women of  Christ. 

And one admonishment that I believe comes directly from God:  There are some of us who are harboring unforgiveness in our hearts.  I truly believe God is saying right now to give it up.  Let it go.  Do not start another year hating and reliving past injustices or hurts.  Even if you never see the person again, even if they have passed on, even if they never acknowledge what they did was wrong or hurt you, even if your feelings kick and scream...you must, for your own sake, for obedience sake FORGIVE.  Start the new year off with a clean heart.