01/01/2020
We are beginning a new year, and in so doing there is much hope for the future. This is a perfect time to leave old failures, and anxieties behind, and grasp new goals, but more than that it is an opportunity to vanquish our own efforts to defeat the sins that have controlled us for so long, and let God stand against them. Against all our enemies God is strong, and able to conquer. In all our needs and shortcomings He is our provider... In this first day of the new year hand all to Him.
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
Romans 8:31-32 ESV
It is so easy to become chained to our shortcomings, and to lose heart in our attempts to overcome them. Sometimes we find that even our best efforts are truly not enough, and in these situations we need a new approach, or a hero to step in and save us. Well, Jesus is the unfailing new approach we should follow, and God is our Hero who never faces defeat in our defense. This new year is our opportunity to turn completely to them...
“"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV
There is an old saying that goes like this “Imitation is the highest form of flattery.”, and it was most often used to lessen the sting, and pain, of someone copying your idea, or imitating an invention we had thought of. We have all had such occurrences in our lives; a time when we came up with a new idea, and upon seeing it someone began to do the same thing, and even claimed ownership for it... occasionally with greater success. At times like that this we can use this saying, and it helps to sooth us, but there is a very positive use of this saying as well... I am talking about those times when it really is flattery, and with their permission we us someone else’s idea because it is bold, perhaps new, and allows us to make a breakthrough in an idea, or our life, which has been stalled for some time. A good example is imitating Jesus Christ and how His life brings a fresh start to ours... we not only have faith in Him, but walk as He walks, obey as He obeys, and in every way... even in the cross that we puck up, we do as He does. In my devotional reading this morning I read a Puritan writer’s encouragement to follow Jesus; listen to his words that were written long ago...
“Christ the Captain of your salvation has gone this way before you, and now he is engaged to make you a conquerer. Do not be afraid where Christ is leading the way. Do not draw back when you see His steps and His blood.” - Richard Baxter, “A Christian Directory, I:43”
We are on the doorstep of a new year, and what more perfect place and time to look at fresh new ideas, and to call on the Holy Spirit to open a new understanding of Jesus, or the Word of God, than NOW? What better time to knock on the door of the Lord, and ask for help... to seek out God the Father as your Hero?
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
1 John 5:4-5 ESV
I wish you more than the Happy New Year that the world offers; no, I wish you a joyous and Happy New Year that faith, modeling your life after Jesus, and claiming God’s promise to be your Hero in times of trouble will bring you. I wish you an everlasting happiness that will last throughout the coming year, and into eternity.
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for this time of the year in which we claim a new beginning in our journey around the Sun. We understand that every day, and every second can be a new beginning, but we have selected today as the day when we will celebrate this idea. Help us Holy Father to take advantage of this symbolic new beginning to pronounce you as our Hero, and our God. Strengthen us in our belief, and faith, so that we more perfectly claim your Son Jesus as our Savior, and Redeemer as we pattern our lives after His. Hear our merriment, and joyous celebration as we lift up your name, and call you Lord, Provider, Conqueror, Father, and so many others, as we praise and worship you this day. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God of Mercy, Grace, and New Beginnings. We praise your name Lord for your Son Jesus Christ who leads us by His example throughout our lives. He is Emmanuel, God Is With Us, and He who abides within us, and through His coming we began anew our relationship with you. Great are you who is our Hero who defends us, and worthy are you of our worship and praise in all things. In you all things are made new... every minute, and every day, even in the midst of our lamenting.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Rich Forbes