Today's Devotional

December 31, 2004

Subject:  A New Year Every Day

Revelation 21:5 - "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.  And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."

They will fill Times Square in New York tonight and around the world tremendous celebrations will be held.  Everyone will find a special way to ring in the New Year.  It's the anticipation that the word "new" brings to the lives of everyone.  Many people see the new year as a time to start over or to change things.  There will be New Year's resolutions coming from many who have determined that they need to start or stop something.  What a concept.  It's a shame that we only do that once a year.  In reality, as believers, we should do it every day.

In Christ, all things are new and we should face every day with the excitement and anticipation of what God is going to do that day.  However, we often get caught up in the "oldness" of life.  We think about the problems of yesterday, and how they are not only affecting today, but we speculate on how they will affect tomorrow.  This is not good.  God not only has yesterday's problems solved, He has tomorrow's already worked out.  

I've been in prayer with others concerning the acquisition of a church property back in Texas.  It's exciting to think about beginning a church and just trying to see how God grows it.  The struggles have been and will continue to be many, but oh the newness of it all.  One day it seemed that perhaps we might not be able to acquire the property and God even made that an exciting adventure.  When our expectations are no longer focused on the outcome, but instead on the God who makes all things new, we can live daily in His "new year" excitement.

The dawning of a New Year is indeed exciting, but the thrill comes from Him who makes all things new.  Have a Happy New Year today and every day because God has always got another exciting adventure for those who want to see Him do new things.       

Carlen