I used to work years ago in the new home construction business. I was in the model home looking out at the vast emptiness that would soon be filled with homes and construction. I worked with couples and families to plan and prepare everything for the construction of their new home and I lived in one myself! There was something special about moving into a brand new home. The smell of never-stepped-on carpet, fresh paint, and wood always made me smile.
I think we all like things that are “new”! Many people love the smell of a new car and, in fact, there are items for sale that can re-create that new car smell in your old car! We all received new items for Christmas probably and unwrapped some new clothes or gifts. There is usually some excitement for a new restaurant or store when they come to town. There is something about things that are new.
What do we do, then, when we feel “old”? What if we aren’t up for celebrating, resolutions, or anything “cheery” or happy? God still loves us and God is still in the business of helping us feel new, even when life around us feels “old”.
No matter where you are as 2014 ends and 2015 begins, and no matter how overwhelmed, lonely, afraid, sick, or angry you are God still comes new! God always comes new and our Bible says “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see everything has become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17). We are the ones that need to let go and bury the “old”. We hold on to old hurts, pain, issues in life and God longs to take those things, bless them, and turn us into a new creation.
It’s a free gift of grace that God offers…no matter your past God has forgiven you. And no matter who you are, and no matter race, color, creed, belief God loves you and makes you new! And that’s not just something to celebrate in early January. No, that’s something to celebrate any day! Happy New Year! Happy New You! See you next year!
GLYASDI
Pr. Doug
NSD
“The fragrance always remains on the hand that gives the rose” Mahatma Gandhi
Eric is our current Webmaster and works on the NLS Communications Team. Raised in Judaism, he found Christ and the New Testament at age 16 in a Southern Baptist Church. He searched many denominations for the real church, only to find the Holy Spirit is present in all of them. He's worked for One for Israel, a group of native Israeli believers who are sharing the gospel in the holy land in Hebrew and is part of the only Hebrew speaking seminary in Israel.
