New things, new hopes, new beginnings. The Bible, God’s word, has much to say about these thoughts—for example, a season of new wine (Gen 27:28), an offering of new growth (Lev 2:14), the care of a new wife (Deut 24:5), anticipation of a new covenant (Jer 31:31), the giving of a new commandment (Jn 13:34), the singing of a new song (Rev 5:9), and the blessed hope of “a new heaven and a new earth” (Rev 21:1). In fact, God promises that He will one day make “all things new” (Rev 21:5).
What about you? As you look upon a new year, is there something in your life that you would like “to make new”? Perhaps, a new way of life, a new start in the things of God? Listen—God Himself is the author of new life, the God of second chances, and the God of new beginnings!
As I look personally upon the horizon of a new year and the beginning of new things, I am always reminded of the New Year’s resolution that I once heard my brother-in-law declare. He, a rock-solid Christian and deeply committed to the things of God, said simply, “I wanted to live better for Jesus this year than I did the last.” I was first stunned—for in all my many years of knowing him, I had never once seen him falter in his devotion for Christ . . . and then I rejoiced, for I was sweetly reminded that our love for Jesus should always compel us to strive for our absolute best in Him.
What a wonderful resolution my brother-in-law made—reflecting a genuine confession of his own humanity before God and a deep desire to love Jesus with all his “heart, mind, and soul.” Indeed, may we go and do likewise!
In Joy—Dennis
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