Happy New Year!
Revelation 21:5 says, “Behold I make all things new”. It is pretty remarkable that God at the end of the story is still making things new. Genesis 1 and 2 describes God’s new creation and how good it was. We know that sin entered the world soon after and things have gone terribly wrong. We live every day with those consequences. But God in Christ has done the impossible. He has turned things around and we can become a new creation in Christ and put on a new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of the creator.” Colossians 3:10. Decay, destruction, and death are a part of the old order, but revelation, renewal, resurgence is a part of God’s order.
My question for you as we begin a new year is, “What are you committing to God that allows you to be a part of God’s renewing work?” Can I suggest a few possibilities? First, I would like to suggest that you read through the Bible this year. There is nothing that is more transforming for a believer than to be in God’s Word and let it wash you in God’s thoughts and insights. Studies say that the most powerful force for change in a believer’s life is for them to regularly be in God’s Word. One creative way you can do this is to download the Bible App and listen to one of the Scriptural resources that has a summary at the end of the reading. Whatever you do, I encourage you to hear directly from God this year by reading His Word.
Second, make a fresh commitment to God through His church. If you come to church, but are not in a small group, I encourage you to join a Grow Group. If you come to church and go to a Grow Group, but do not give to the church, start giving financially to the church. If you do all or some of these but you do not serve, start serving regularly in one or more areas of the church. If you serve but do not share your faith, start sharing Jesus with others. If you attend a Grow Group but you could teach a Grow Group, step out in faith this next year and get ready to be a multiplier by starting a new group with new people. Hopefully, you see what I am saying, take one small additional step in your commitment to Christ through His church.
Finally, if there is a dimension of your growth that the Holy Spirit is encouraging you to take in the next year, take it. It might be to go on your first mission trip. It might be to start a new Grow Group. It might be to share your faith. I might be to start tithing. It might be to start a new ministry. God is in the business of doing new things. He loves new songs. He reaches new people. He gives new insights. He creates new people. I am praying Isaiah 43:19 for McDonough Road in the new year. It says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Maybe you should claim Habakkuk 1:5, “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.”