From the Heart of Pastor Deb

ALL THINGS NEW

Here I sit, the last day of the year, reflecting on my life in this past 365 days.  The only problem is, everything is a blur.  The year has passed by so quickly I am having a difficult time pin-pointing anything in particular to reflect upon.  I know that there are things I would do a lot differently if given a second chance.  I would NOT say things that I had said impulsively and I WOULD speak love and comfort when I had not  – not permitting an opportunity to bless someone pass by.  There are times that I would have stopped and given some thought before acting rashly or out of anger, causing hurt and possible division.  I would pray more; study the Word more; show more love toward my husband and family.  Yes, there were many good times throughout this past year – times that I blessed others and times that I had spent with my Lord, but I look at this time as opportunities lost that I cannot gain back.

The Autumn of my years are upon me and I find myself reflecting deeply on the lack in my character and in my spirit.  I find myself wanting to take hold of the special moments the Lord gives me with family and friends and put them in a treasure chest that I can open in later days, giving me a sense of solitude and pleasure.  In thinking of this past year, the list of “I will do’s” begins to grow – I will spend more time with my Lord; I will talk more gently to my husband; I will plan special moments with my children and grandchildren; I will bake more; I will read more; I will be more conscious of the needs of my friends and my dear church family;  I will ….; I will …; I will ...  Ha Ha, the list goes on and on. 

This coming year will not be much different than the last – I will not know from day to day what the Lord has in store for me.  I will not know what joy or what calamity is waiting for me around the next bend.  But, I do know one thing – I am in Christ and my God has said, “Therefore, if any man [woman] be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (KJV)  This is not just a statement -- this is a promise from the throne of God.  I do not have to worry about the “I did nots” of last year.  The Lord promises that as I turn my eyes toward Him, if I place myself, my life, totally in Christ, those old things will not pull me down – all things will be made new.  All of those regrets that I may have over last year can be put aside.  I may not be able to re-live the past year, but I can, through Christ, have the chance to do everything I should have done during that time.

“All things made new…”  such comfort in those words.  The Lord is giving me a “new year” to become a “new person” in Him.  I truly do not know what I will do from day to day, however, I know that I will put myself in Him daily and seek His guidance – in good times or bad.  He has promised to never leave nor forsake me and that in Him I am a new creature. 

I welcome the New Year with joy and anticipation -- Joy of having a new year in which to serve Him and anticipation in what He has in store for me.  I look forward to sitting here on the last day of this new year being able to say that He truly made all things new and will be looking forward to the new year to come and all of the new things that He will bring my way.  Blessed New Year to all in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflect upon: 2 Corinthians 5:17;   Hebrews 13:5-6;   Matthew 13:52;   1 Corinthians 5:7-8;   Galatians 5:15-16;   Ephesians 4:22-32