SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1415

 “New Beginnings”

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

Change. It is the only constant in life.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven… – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

We are continually faced with change, and we cannot escape the fact that we have to continually make course correction decisions in life.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

So, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

Embracing Change – The key differentiator between those who embrace change and those who fear it and are paralyzed by it is, in a word, trust. But this trust must be placed in the only One who is Trustworthy and True, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. – Psalm 20:7

Life experience in this fallen world has taught us to wary and distrustful so we grow to base our trust in ourselves and in what we can control such as our finances, intellect, health, skills etc. But even these are nothing more than a paper tiger and we eventually find ourselves woefully inadequate to face a key decision required of us by a change in circumstances.

Only a personal relationship with Jesus provides a solid foundation of trust from which we can live a life of embracing change. With Jesus we view every decision and course correction as a new beginning and growth opportunity through a fresh start. Change with Jesus brings abundant life, not loss.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

New Beginnings: Born-Again – The first and foremost new beginning for us is to be born-again by the Holy Spirit of God through faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This new beginning opens the door to eternal life and gives our temporary life on earth meaning and purpose.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

New Beginnings: Course Correction Decisions – A born-again relationship with Jesus is much more than a religion or religious experience. It is walking with Him, following Him, listening to Him, and obeying His Word of Truth. This provides clarity in direction and decision-making. You know it by His peace, the peace that surpasses all worldly understanding in the choices you make.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path; And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. – Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 30:21

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established; Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. – Proverbs 16:3; Psalm 37:5

New Beginnings: Fresh Starts – Every change brings a ‘death’ of sorts to a past way of life and opens the door to a fresh start. There is no need to fear the change you are faced with when you abide in the love of the Father.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – 1 John 4:18; Galatians 2:20

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

New Beginnings: Walking with Jesus – His path is the narrow path of faith and integrity without compromise with the world. It is also the path that He has walked before you and will now walk with you. You can trust that He will never leave you or forsake you.

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14