Monthly Devotional

Time for a Fresh Start

January 2008

Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24).

At the end of the year our dishwasher needed new parts, the washing machine broke down, the vacuum motor gave out, two cars couldn’t pass inspection because of a dinged windshield and a broken exhaust pipe, and our printer died. On top of all that, my husband had cataract surgery.

Time for a fresh start! This January my dishwasher doesn’t smell like an electrical fire, the washing machine spins our clothes, the vacuum cleaner has stronger suction, both cars passed inspection, the new printer includes all sorts of fancy new features and my husband sees life more clearly. Happy New Year to our family.

This past December we also celebrated the birth of the One who brings new life. The Bible uses the word new over and over: new command, new covenant, all things new, new teaching, new life, new self, new attitude, new and living way, and new song.

We, too, are new. Second Corinthians 5:17 says,  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! What about our lives needs to be new or renewed? Where do we need a fresh start or a tune up? Some people make New Year’s resolutions; but as believers, we should look into our spiritual mirror and hearts, and determine what doesn’t reflect the image of God. What old practices need to be taken off and replaced with new ones?

Let’s look at the New Year as a time to put on a new self. Happy New YOU, and Happy New Year!

Lord, as I begin a New Year, help me celebrate each new day as a new creation in You. Transform me into the image of my Creator (Colossians 3:9-10). Help me imitate you in all I do. Each day may I remember anew Your forgiveness, mercies, love, and joy. Just as I celebrated Your birthday, I look forward to Your return. Then You will make all things new.

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” (Rev. 21:5. NIV).

Copyright © 2008 - Ann Marie Stewart. All rights reserved.

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