Friends, this is the season when one seeks coziness and comfort. With the chill, and sometimes frigid temperatures in the air, warm blankets and hot mugs call us to snuggle inside. While much pleasure can be taken in this time of “tucking in,” in our walk of faith we may be called to unwrap ourselves from comfort to get uncomfortable. We may be asked to shed our comfort zone dwellings to step into new territories the Lord has for us. Like Abraham, our life must be directed by faith more than comfort: “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8). Where will you allow God to take you with your “by faith” moment?
“Out with the old, in with the new,” they say. Whether we are using that phrase to declutter closets or our lives, it awakens us to the possibility of allowing something fresh to enter.
Fresh can’t come when we hold on to unprofitable and unproductive things which is why countless individuals use the passing of the old year into the new as a marker for change in many areas of their lives.
As time goes by, we can often get into ruts or feel stale in our routines and daily lives, and we need this refreshing point to reinvigorate us, to reevaluate and reawaken our perspective, and challenge our resolve to do better and to do more. This is a time for redirecting paths that may have gone off-kilter in our relationships, work, ministry, health, life, etc.
When bringing in the new, what are we looking for? That is a question only you can answer for yourself.
When introducing the new for myself, I am looking for an increased awareness of distractions to my goals, which can help me navigate each one as it comes in a fitting manner.
Knowing that distractions will come since we live this thing called life, I am also trying to be more aware of my priorities. How do I best use my time each day to get the most out of the gifts and life God has given me? Am I spending the proper amount of time developing the things that I say are “priorities,” or am I just talking about them?
There is a measure of accountability with oneself that comes with those questions. Am I happy with what I see? If not, what can I do to improve those areas? Where and how can I inspire and challenge change?
Approaching the idea of new is not supposed to be stressful or put a sour taste in your mouth as you grit words of resolve through your teeth. It is a breath of fresh air, bringing with it renewed inspiration to work and/or improve areas of my own life where I desire to see positive adjustments made.
There are countless stories in the Bible where people had the chance to start over and walk into the new, but two of my favorites are Ruth and Abraham. I find their experiences encouraging for all who are pressing forward and inviting this level of change in their lives.
Ruth, especially, in the natural, lost everything. And when she was willing to walk away from everything familiar, comfortable, and reliable – she found what she was walking toward to be so much more fulfilling.
Her story, like Abraham’s, stretched them to go forward into an unknown future, and holding on to faith in God, they went. Neither one of them knew exactly where each step would lead, but they walked forward and were greatly rewarded for their press, for their diligence, and for their continued faith in God.
Starting over, bringing in the new, and allowing these fresh steps to happen can look different for each person. The example of Ruth and Abraham can teach us all a little something about letting go of an unprofitable past and moving forward in faith (take time to read their stories in the Bible).
I don’t know what last year looked like for you and can’t predict what’s in store for this year. As with Ruth and Abraham, we may not have all the answers about the future we are currently going into, but through it all, may we be found moving in the forward press of our faith in God. As we are walking into the new and opening the door of our lives to allow this freshness in, be confident that He has us, and may we continue holding on to Him as we trust in God’s guiding hand, for He is the “same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” Psalm 48:14
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8
I recently attended an event where the fathers of our organization were looked to, recognized, appreciated, and honored for their contributions to the faith and the church body. In an age, where sadly, there seems to be an absence of good, godly role models, I am reminded, currently speaking, that we are never without wholesome examples to pattern our lives and walks of faith after.
In the Bible, the children of Israel did not always have current, good representatives to follow. King Hezekiah, for example, had the wicked King Ahaz as his biological father. But as Hezekiah grew and came to reigning as king at the age of twenty-five, he didn’t follow in his birth father’s footsteps. Through him, a great reformation took place in the land because his heart was stirred to do more and for that, he looked to better examples. 2 Kings 18:3 says, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father did.”
Hezekiah reached beyond the experience of those around him and those who raised him to find a good life to pattern his ways after. And yes, David, like all humans, had his moments of weakness and frailty, but in the end, was still dubbed a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). David’s heart was directed toward God and this is what Hezekiah wanted for himself and for the people.
He recited to the people the evil their fathers have done (2 Chronicles 29:6-9; 30:6-9) and pled with them to return to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel – the same God who the faithful fathers followed and not the practicing of current affairs or political influences.
Even if one is devoid of what we would call a good example in their present life and circumstances, we have what the Bible calls a great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:) whose lives we can look to as a holy example to follow after. And of course, Jesus Christ is the litmus test that everyone should judge their steps by and seek to represent in their own lives and order their steps after (Hebrews 12:2).
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” Philippians 3:17
“I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth,” Genesis 9:13
This morning I was reminded of a day long ago when I woke up feeling, well . . . . blah!!! That day, I had a headache, no energy, and not feeling really with it. It had been a hard week and it took its toll on my body. That day, and the original post I wrote, came to mind this morning and I decided to share some of it again here.
I remember looking for something to wear and I reached into my closet and pulled out a white shirt (black and white shirts are a standby for me because they usually don’t have to be ironed 🙂 – telling on myself, I know). But, even though it didn’t need to be ironed, I put it back declaring, in my dreariness that day that I needed a pop of color.
As I was going through the drudgery of ironing my pop of color, I wondered if that’s why God made His covenant with Noah and all the earth in the form of a rainbow. After the rains and the storms of life, after the hardships and turmoils, after being tossed about to and fro, maybe we all need that promise in a pop of color. We all need that beautiful and colorful covenant to gaze upon to let us know that despite what we are going through, God’s got this and His promises never fail (Joshua 21:45).
Today, I don’t know where life may find you or what you are going through. I don’t know if you have rain and storms with the possibility of seeing a physical rainbow at the end. I don’t know how your day begins or ends, but God does. I don’t know how it will all turn out, but our Heavenly Father is still watching over His children. He is sovereign, beautiful, and perfect in plans (Jeremiah 29:11), and He does all things well.
Friends, the rainbow is just one of the beautiful reminders of God’s hand and promise in our lives. Never are we left to fight these circumstances alone (Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 13:5). Never are we left without the assurance we have in our God who is for us (Psalm 56:9; 118:7; Romans 8:31). So today, if you need it, here is your promise in a pop of color.
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“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee,” Isaiah 26:3
Peace is something that may seem far out of reach for most. It is greatly desired and sought after; yet, many will never lay hold of it. Why is that? The answer is because of where it is found. It is found in a made-up mind centered on who He is and a devoted heart that believes in the promises He has made. “Perfect peace” speaks of the character of God at work. Wherever He operates and whatever He delves into is marked by perfection. That means when He established something that He wants to offer to all mankind He does so without there being anything wrong with it. No fault in it whatsoever. And He does here also. As a matter of fact, the only thing that can mar this “perfect peace” that He is so willing to give is how man (the human race) accepts it.
When one’s mind is focused wholeheartedly on an idea, then that becomes the single vision of that person. Once the picture of the mind’s eye is narrowed in one direction, that’s where one will be led to follow. Now imagine a time of being in the midst of arduous and severe trials and tribulations. Where there are sorrows and disappointments that seem to do nothing to encourage one’s focus on God, only working to tear away at one’s faith. Yet, through it all, that person takes a stand within them and says, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).
The person who is able to stir up his faith in this manner as a defense and a shield to his mind, using the focus of God at work in his life and verifying it through His Word, will be kept in “perfect peace.” He has made an on-purpose decision that no matter how bleak and dismal it may seem right now, God is greater than all, and “His tender mercies are over all His works,” (Ps. 145:9). “How is one able to do that?” you may be crying out in frustration. I answer you with Abraham’s example as referred to by Paul in Romans 4:20-21, where it says, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Simply put, as our verse in Isaiah 26:3 says, “Because he trusteth thee.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” That is including, “perfect peace.” All His promises are in His Word and the one who bases the foundation of all that he believes on that one rock-solid truth will be upheld and kept through the worst of storms.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Friends, countless of us use the passing of the old year into the new as a marker for beginning again in many areas of our lives.
And, I believe that’s okay.
As time goes by, we can sometimes get into a rut or feel stale in our routines, life, etc. Using this time as a point of evaluation can wake up our perspective and challenge our resolve to do better, to do more. This time of year is also used by some to reinvent oneself or to redirect one’s path, relationships, work, ministry, health, life, and so on.
So, what do we look for in the new?
Truthfully, that is a question only you can answer for yourself. I can only speak of what I am looking for. When pursuing the new for myself, I look for increased awareness of distractions to my goals which can help me navigate each as they come in a befitting manner.
Knowing that distractions will come since we live this thing called life, I am also trying to be more aware of my priorities. In order to get the most out of the gifts and life that God has given me, how do I best use my time each day? Am I spending my time developing those things that I say are “priorities,” or am I just talking about them?
There is a measure of accountability with oneself that comes with those questions. Am I happy with what I see? If not, what can I do to improve those areas? Where and how can I inspire and challenge change?
Beginning anew is not supposed to put a sour taste in your mouth as you grit out words of resolve through your teeth. To me, it is a breath of fresh air, bringing with it new inspiration to work or improve in areas of my own life where I desire to see positive adjustments made.
There are countless stories in the Bible where people had the chance to start over, to begin again, but two of my favorites are Ruth and Abraham. I find their experiences encouraging for all who are pressing for the new.
Ruth, especially, in the natural, lost everything. And when she was willing to walk away from everything familiar, comfortable, and reliable – she found what she was walking toward to be so much more fulfilling (more on returning to the familiar in an upcoming article).
Her story, like Abraham’s, stretched them to go forward into an unknown future, and holding on to faith in God, they went. Neither one of them knew exactly where each step would lead, but they walked forward and were greatly rewarded for their press, for their diligence, for their continued faith in God.
As I said before, beginning anew can look like so many things to so many people. The example of Ruth and Abraham can teach us all a little something about letting go of an unprofitable past and moving forward in faith (take time to read their stories in the Bible).
These last two years have been something special, to say the least. I can’t predict what’s in store for us this year. As with Ruth and Abraham, we may not have all the answers about the future we are currently going into, but through it all, may we be found moving in the forward press of our faith in God. As we are beginning anew in 2022, be confident that He has us, and may we continue holding on to Him as we trust in God’s guiding hand, for He is the “same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” Psalm 48:14
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8
“It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” Acts 1:7
. . . . But we try to, don’t we? We feel a pull of God on our lives; a tugging to go here, or do this, or start that – and, we begin to question Jesus like the disciples did.
We want to know is it going to happen like this. We want the unfolding of the story now so that we will know how to proceed. We want to know the ins and outs of His plan for our lives. But, we don’t need to know the everything of everythings that we want to know! Yep, I said that on purpose 🙂 !
This is the opposite of the faith walk that we are called to. Think about it. Abraham was called to leave the familiar to step into the unknown which brought about a name and a legacy that would endure through generations. Hebrews 11:8 tells us, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”
He didn’t know! He didn’t know the plan of God! He didn’t have all the details. He just went! By faith, he stepped out where God told him to go and he “obeyed.” He didn’t question God and he didn’t try to figure the path out ahead of him. He just went!
There are certain parts of the plan that God will reveal, and the rest, as Jesus puts it, “the Father has put in His own authority.”
In other words, we have to trust Him to see to His part while we obey, step out, and see to our part even if we don’t know everything.
“He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me; For they were too strong for me,” 2 Samuel 22:18
“Is there anything too hard for me?” is a question God asked Jeremiah, (Jer. 32:27). “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” was the question God put to Abraham after Sarah laughed at the possibility of having a child in her old age. Luke 1:37 tells us, “For with God nothing shall be impossible,” and yet, when faced with things in this life we don’t understand and heartaches untold, we often feel our situations are out of His reach. As if the problems that overwhelm us are too strong for Him, also.
Due to the anointing on his life, David faced enemies who hated him for no reason. He spent many days with his life hanging in the balance. But, in the end, he declared, “He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me; for they were too strong for me,” (2 Sam. 22:18). I’m wondering, is there anything you have been facing lately that just seems off the charts? Do the difficulties you face feel like it’s just too much to handle? Are you going through a situation that seems “too strong” for you?
Take heart today! There is no weight too heavy that God can’t lift it! There is no enemy too strong that God can’t overcome them! There is no miracle too miraculous that God can’t cause it to come to pass! There is nothing too hard for God in any situation, problem or adversity we may face! The enemies and hardship you face today may seem to overwhelm you but they will never overwhelm God. They are never too strong for God to handle. So, with that being said, whatever you face, give it to God and wait for Him to bring you through. God is strong enough to take on anything! We can trust Him with whatever is “too strong” for us. God can deliver you today!
“It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” Acts 1:7
. . . . But we try to, don’t we? We feel a pull of God on our lives; a tugging to go here, or do this, or start that – and, we begin to question Jesus like the disciples did.
We want to know is it going to happen like this. We want the unfolding of the story now so that we will know how to proceed. We want to know the ins and outs of His plan for our lives. But, we don’t need to know the everything of everythings that we want to know! Yep, I said that on purpose 🙂 !
This is the opposite of the faith walk that we are called to. Think about it. Abraham was called to leave the familiar to step into the unknown which brought about a name and a legacy that would endure through generations. Hebrews 11:8 tells us, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”
He didn’t know! He didn’t know the plan of God! He didn’t have all the details. He just went! By faith, he stepped out where God told him to go and he “obeyed.” He didn’t question God and he didn’t try to figure the path out ahead of him. He just went!
There are certain parts of the plan that God will reveal, and the rest, as Jesus puts it, “the Father has put in His own authority.”
In other words, we have to trust Him to see to His part while we obey, step out, and see to our part even if we don’t know everything.
“I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth,” Genesis 9:13
I remember a few years ago, I woke up the morning feeling, well . . . . blah!!! I had a headache, no energy, not feeling really with it. It was a hard week and it was taking its toll on my body. Since I have some days like that this week I decided to write about it again.
I remember I was looking for something to wear and I reached into my closet and pulled out a white shirt (black and white shirts are a standby for me because they usually don’t have to be ironed 🙂 – telling on myself, I know). But, even though it didn’t need to be ironed, I put it back declaring, in my dreariness, that I needed a pop of color.
As I was going through the drudgery of ironing my pop of color I wondered to myself if that’s why God made His covenant with Noah and all the earth in the form of a rainbow. After the rains and the storms of life, after the hardships and turmoils, after being tossed about to and fro, maybe we all need that “PROMISE IN A POP OF COLOR!”
We all need that beautiful colorful, covenant to gaze upon to let us know that everything is going to be alright.
Today, we are nearing the end of the week. And, if your week has been like mine I send out to you this “PROMISE IN A POP OF COLOR!” God is letting us know, EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT!
Word For Life Says... 