So, it’s a new year. What were you doing last year, on January 1? What were your resolutions? What were your goals? What did you hope to accomplish and to see? We were facing so many new things.
As you reflect on last year, what are you hoping to change this year?
Do you want to grow, or do you want to stay in the same place forever?
What will 2010 mean for you?
This year, would you consider resolving that the new thing be Christ in you? Would you consider resolving that the new thing be allowing faith to arise in your heart, to trust God thru each and every situation in your life?
You know, often times in fashion magazines and culture, different new trends are advertised as “the new black.” I want to suggest that perhaps “the new black” this year is Wisdom and Maturity.
The mayhem of holiday shopping for loved ones has come and gone, and now you can exhale.
Take a few moments to look around and peruse this online shopping experience that you will find below, full of “Happy New Year 2010!” gifts, GIVEN FREELY just for you:
New Gift #1: Put on the new man.
Colossians 3:10
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Ephesians 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
New Gift #2: Behold I make all things new.
Revelation 21:5
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
New Gift #3: Behold I will do a new thing, and it shall spring forth.
Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
New Gift #4: If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
New Gift #5: Faith
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight:
Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
New Gift #6: Fear of the Lord
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
New Gift #7: Wisdom
Proverbs 3:5-6
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 8:10-11
10Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Proverbs 8:33-35
33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
As we embark on this new year, let us remember hope. The things which we see, and the situations that we go thru are for our benefit, they are necessary for us to grow. Take each situation as a learning experience, and glean from it. Instead of playing the victim, look up. There is always something in it that has to do with us and our own heart. In situations where we are tried and stretched, or where tasks seems menial, or where we are surrounded by what seem to be “disagreeable” people, let us be slow to judge and slow to anger, but diligent and humble in prayer. God is always after something in our heart. Often times, it is even a mirror. It is something that He is trying to teach or show us, about ourselves, that must be dealt with, so that He can take us to the next step, and ultimately propel us into the stratosphere!
These gifts on this page are not about being religious. Not even in the least bit.
Please do not be deceived or misunderstand. It is not about Religion.
It is about having a Relationship with He who created you and the Universe, and understanding that Relationship.
In a motor vehicle, there is only one steering wheel for a reason! Two people cannot drive the same vehicle at the same time! (and don’t you know how frustrating and annoying a “backseat driver” can be!)
You will find that as you begin to untie the ribbon and open these gifts, that even if you thought that you had a glimpse of what your life would be, it is still, at best, short-sighted. And that this is not even a taste, not even a morsel, of what God has planned for you.
Will you trust him fully in 2010? Will you completely let go of the reins, and grab hold of wisdom?
Will you open your heart, and receive Instruction?
Will you resolve to let your life be a witness and bear the testimony of Jesus Christ in you?
Why spin around in circles when you don’t have to? Why make promises and resolutions that you know that you can’t keep?
Resolve to put on The New Man, and Behold, you will watch and see (and be blown away!) at how HE will do a New Thing.
Happy New Year!
