A NEW YEAR –
A NEW DAY – A NEW BEGINNING
By Beth Schoeneberg
Are you one of the many Americans that make and break New Year’s resolutions? I confess that I am. But this year what is it that you want to change? The most popular, of course is our health, you know: lose weight, increase exercise and eat healthier. Then, of course, the more practical resolutions: save money, become more organized, read more books or even become more active in volunteer help groups. These are not bad but what must really change? The heart. We must change our way of thinking if we want to change our way of life in order to become better. We must become more like Jesus.
We hear and read often about those in high places who abuse our money and are anxious to take away our rights for the sake of security or capturing the “bad guys.” Again – what is it you want to change this year? Wouldn't it be nice if we could change the many wrongs that exist in this country and/or in this world? Wouldn't it be great if we could change the wrongs committed by our neighbors, family and friends? The truth is, that the very best you can hope to do is change yourself and if you accomplish that, you will have been successful. Change must begin at home. Before we can remove a speck from the eye of another we must remove the plank from our own. (Matt: 7:3-4)
All of us need improvements and changes, none of us is yet “complete.” The Bible tells of a new life, “Therefore, 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) Priorities of us mortal men (and women) seem to begin with ourselves. We look in the mirrors and begin to analyze what we need to change. I’m aware that we do need to physically care for our bodies but I also believe this has to do with a balance in our lives. I’m speaking of a balance of our spiritual, physical and mental health. Perhaps we should begin looking in our hearts to see what we need to change. Many times we are plagued by wants and ambitions that have little to do with self-improvement and nothing to do with becoming like Jesus.
We tend to think diets begin on Mondays and life changes begin with a new year. But every day is new. “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; The Lord is my portion, says the soul. Therefore I hope in Him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24) This tells me each day, each moment the Lord’s mercies are new – a new beginning for me. When you fail, pick it up and begin again. Don’t look back and hold on to those past mistakes or failures but hold fast to Him, our Creator.
Don’t wait for a specific date to make changes or follow the Lord. Today, this moment is new in Him and He is waiting for us to follow. Obey the Lord and think on those things that make us like Him. In Philippians 4:8 we are told, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”
So, what is it that you wish to change or improve? Perhaps when we change our heart and think and consider the things, which the Lord has shown, then all the other annoyances will take their place and become less important and less consuming of our time and energy.
Do I need to lose weight, yes… do I need to consider self improvement – Oh, yes… but more than all these I need to allow my heavenly Father to change and improve my heart that I might be more like Him. When we see and allow God to improve our own lives then we will see other problems differently and I believe, like in Rev 5:9, we will sing a New Song…
Resolve to be more pliable in the hands of your Creator. Read His Word and apply His teachings to your life. Don’t be as the hypocrites who speak of God and desire the things of the world, but follow Him becoming a New Creation each and every day.
I hope you had a marvelous time at Christmas and may the New Year bring a new heart and a new peace within you. We know not what the days ahead may bring, but with Jesus, we can endure all things.
Behold His Glory Is Come!
All of us need improvements and changes, none of us is yet “complete.” The Bible tells of a new life, “Therefore, 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) Priorities of us mortal men (and women) seem to begin with ourselves. We look in the mirrors and begin to analyze what we need to change. I’m aware that we do need to physically care for our bodies but I also believe this has to do with a balance in our lives. I’m speaking of a balance of our spiritual, physical and mental health. Perhaps we should begin looking in our hearts to see what we need to change. Many times we are plagued by wants and ambitions that have little to do with self-improvement and nothing to do with becoming like Jesus.
We tend to think diets begin on Mondays and life changes begin with a new year. But every day is new. “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; The Lord is my portion, says the soul. Therefore I hope in Him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24) This tells me each day, each moment the Lord’s mercies are new – a new beginning for me. When you fail, pick it up and begin again. Don’t look back and hold on to those past mistakes or failures but hold fast to Him, our Creator.
Don’t wait for a specific date to make changes or follow the Lord. Today, this moment is new in Him and He is waiting for us to follow. Obey the Lord and think on those things that make us like Him. In Philippians 4:8 we are told, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”
So, what is it that you wish to change or improve? Perhaps when we change our heart and think and consider the things, which the Lord has shown, then all the other annoyances will take their place and become less important and less consuming of our time and energy.
Do I need to lose weight, yes… do I need to consider self improvement – Oh, yes… but more than all these I need to allow my heavenly Father to change and improve my heart that I might be more like Him. When we see and allow God to improve our own lives then we will see other problems differently and I believe, like in Rev 5:9, we will sing a New Song…
Resolve to be more pliable in the hands of your Creator. Read His Word and apply His teachings to your life. Don’t be as the hypocrites who speak of God and desire the things of the world, but follow Him becoming a New Creation each and every day.
I hope you had a marvelous time at Christmas and may the New Year bring a new heart and a new peace within you. We know not what the days ahead may bring, but with Jesus, we can endure all things.
Behold His Glory Is Come!
Founding Father– Quote
“We … took our horses to the meeting in the afternoon and heard the minister again upon “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” There is great pleasure in hearing sermons so serious, so clear, so sensible and instructive as these…”
John Adams
“We … took our horses to the meeting in the afternoon and heard the minister again upon “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” There is great pleasure in hearing sermons so serious, so clear, so sensible and instructive as these…”
John Adams
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