From God comes…
From God comes something new.
The word “new” sounds hopeful and happy. As kids we relished that new toy. As a teen we loved getting that new car. It might have been a second hand Toyota, but it was new to us. As adults we dreamed of moving into a new home or getting a new higher paying job.
God likes giving us new things, too. In fact, He tells us in Isaiah 43:19, “Behold I will do a new thing.” He loves to give these new things to His chosen people. (Isaiah 43:20-21)
In the Bible, the word “new” is often used in reference to the Christian life. Once we surrender our lives to Christ, new things begin to happen. Our old selves pass away and we become a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) God actually makes us a new creation. This is a miracle! We begin to realize that we should no longer live for ourselves but live for Christ. It’s a new concept for us but we discover that we actually belong to Christ. We are His and He lives in us. (Galatians 2:20)
This gives us a new focus. We see the world through spiritual eyes. It doesn’t happen instantly but progressively as we journey with Jesus. We learn to abandon our old ways and embrace a new way to live. (Colossians 3:9-10) Kindness, humility, meekness, forgiveness, and love become our new motivation. (Colossians 3:12-17) By following Jesus, we learn how to put off our former conduct so we can live a new and better life. (Ephesians 4:20-24)
When we become a new creation, God puts a new song in our mouths to praise Him. (Psalm 40:3) He gives us a new commandment which is to love others the same way He loves us. (John 13:34-35) He gives us a new heart and spirit so we can walk with Him. (Ezekiel 11:19) One day, God will give us a new body to replace one filled with aches and pains. (Philippians 3:21) Until then, God’s love and mercies are brand new every morning so we can benefit from receiving them daily. (Lamentations 3:22-23) Each day is an opportunity to experience every new thing God makes available to us. (Psalm 118:24)
A life lived for God is never dull or boring. It’s full of joy and hope for the future. We can anticipate the new heaven and earth that is coming. (2 Peter 3:13) We can look forward to the time when God makes all things new. (Revelation 21:5) God is amazing and He is always doing something new!
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“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God…”
~James 1:17 (NLT)
