New Beginnings:“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
There’s something refreshing about a new year. With the turning of the page on the calendar from December 31st to January 1st means the old is gone, and the new has come. It’s a great time to forget those things that are behind, and reach ahead to all of the wonderful things that lie ahead. I believe that God wants to do a new thing in all of our lives as we head into this New Year.
The above Scripture, spoken by the prophet Isaiah, is a prophetic picture for us as we begin this New Year. God is saying, “Forget the past. I am going to do a new thing in your midst!” And I love the visual picture that the Lord gives to us through the prophet: “I will make rivers in the desert.” In other words, even though your life may feel like a dry, barren wasteland, even though you may feel cracked, dry and brittle, God wants to pour out rivers of living water into our lives.
Isaiah 44:3 says, “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.” Are you tired of the usual? Do you want a new and fresh start in this New Year? Then let’s forget the past. If you have messed up, then simply confess that sin to Jesus and receive His free forgiveness. Then let’s start this year with a clean slate. Isaiah 1:18-19 says: “Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.”
Here are some suggestions
for some goals that you can set for the New Year, to start your own new
beginnings!
GOALS FOR NEW BEGINNINGS:
- Pray – work on
developing your personal relationship with Jesus.
- Read your Bible regularly - discover God's wonderful plan for your life.
- [Click HERE to download a printable Bible reading schedule]
- Serve in your local
church - ask your pastor how you can get involved.
- Witness – tell other
people the good news about Jesus.
- Get involved in
missions – giving financially, praying, or going on a mission trip.
- Do acts of random
kindness - always look for ways to bless other people.
- Pray for the sick –
never pass up an opportunity to pray for someone.
- Break a bad habit or
stop a habitual sin - get help you if you need it.
- Forgive someone who
has hurt or offended you.
- Work on relationships with others! (the two greatest commands = love God & people)
Praying that you would go deep, grow strong, and bear fruit in this New Year…
Pastor Chris Jordan
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