And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”
Revelation 21:5 ESV
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
We are officially into week three of 2014, and the luster of the New Year has begun to fade, and life is well, life. New Year’s tends to be a chance for people to reset, to try something different, and to seek to change or adjust patterns of behaviors in their lives. God promises to renew us, to transform us, to send His Holy Spirit to do this work inside of us, our families, our workplaces, and our relationship with God. Jesus offers this to His people, to those who are in Christ. Those who profess faith in Him, who are in relationship with Him, who have Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
As we begin 2014, what does newness look like to you, or perhaps what newness do you want to see? Newness for you might be something you desire in your marriage or with your children. Newness might change the tenor of your conversations, it might mean spending more time with one another, or giving each other the benefit of the doubt, instead of assuming the worst.
Perhaps there is a relationship that comes to mind that you want to see newness in. Maybe you have a relationship where there is a pattern of using hurtful language, of distrust, of negativity. What places in your life do want to see newness, to see God’s Holy Spirit refresh, change, and renew?
What new do you want this year? Take time not just once or twice, but take time regularly each week for the next month at least to pray for God’s renewal and newness in specific places in your life that you desire to see it. Trust in His promise for newness, and take time to thank God as you see Him answer your prayer, even if He answers it in a surprising or unexpected way.
Pastor Bill