Just think, three weeks ago we celebrated Christmas and ushered in the New Year two weeks ago. The New Year is a very special time. For some it is starting over and putting the past behind and learning from mistakes. For others it is a new beginning.
The New Year might mean a time of reflection and making resolutions. Perhaps one of the best words I like in describing the new year is "renewal." The Psalmist (51:10) found renewal with these words, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
Another Scripture dealing with renewal includes 2 Corinthians 5:17. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Upon surrendering our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we are made "whole." We are made "new." The slate has been wiped clean.
One of the Christmas presents that I received as a young boy was a Magic Slate. I was able to create a page with drawings, pictures, and words. After it was filled, I could lift the plastic sheet, and everything would be erased as if by "magic." I then had a clean slate with which to begin a new creation. The Christian life is like that. When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, our slate (life) is wiped clean and we are given a fresh start with Jesus at the helm of our lives.
Let us continue our faith journey and spiritual pilgrimage while remembering that only those things done for, and, in the name of Christ will last for eternity. In this brand new year that God has given us, may each of us ask the question, “How can we be more effective for the Kingdom work?” Because of our faithful witness and testimony, may others be added to the Kingdom.
Galen
Comments for this post have been disabled