A Fresh Start

3 08 2015

IMG_0160Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

We have entered the eighth month of the year.  The number eight signifies new beginnings. I am thankful that even though it is near the end of summer, we can experience a fresh start.   I need a fresh start with a renewed mind and spirit.  I am so thankful that the Lord can provide a revival for my soul.  He is faithful to give me a fresh vision for my life.  It requires faith on my part.  It requires discipline on my part to adopt the daily practices that will keep me healthy and strong in Him.  Prayer, meditation, praise and living by His word are my commitments for everyday living.  I am grateful that no matter what has brought us to this day and time, we can repent to the Lord and He is faithful and just to forgive us. Repentance is a place of sharing our regret and turning in a new direction. I am thankful today for a fresh start in Him.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! II Corinthians 5:17





A Fresh Start

31 12 2014

Newport_Sun_Set3Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  II Corinthians 5:17

A new year starts tomorrow.  It is a blessing to be able to turn the page and have fresh start.  I am thankful that God provides increments of time where we can start anew.  The 24 hours that make a day, the 7 days that comprise a week or the 12 months that make a year allow us to consider time in smaller doses that cumulatively make up our lifetime.  The ability to begin again in a new year is a special progression of time.  For many it is a time to celebrate and to consider a fresh start.

I am thankful for the year past and the year to come. We all get another chance to embark on a new year where we can seek to achieve God’s will in our lives.  It is a time to dedicate or rededicate our lives to Our Heavenly Father.  In Him, we receive a new chance and a fresh start to live in relationship with His Son Jesus Christ.  We all get another chance to focus on the “one another” commandments.  Love one another, Pray for One another, Be at Peace with Each Other and to Encourage one another.  We all get another chance to listen for God’s voice and to follow His leading.  He is speaking.  We all get to put bad habits aside and seek to run our race with more focus and determination to accomplish our purpose in Him.  I am thankful that we all get a fresh start.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.   Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.  Hebrews 12:1-3