Do-overs, another-shots, re-boots, second-chances, fresh starts … it’s endlessly interesting in life how things cycle. Times change, priorities shift, the calendar rolls and we’re back to where we started, recognizing that we’re in a place of needing a new beginning. One of the greatest things about faith in God through trusting His Son Jesus Christ is the invitation and initiation of New Beginnings that is at the heart of the true Gospel.
In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of a son who rejected his Father, squandered his inheritance and completely messed up his life, and the moral of the story is that when this son turned back to his Father, he was received with glorious and gracious love, no recriminations, no accusations, no guilt-trips or conditions, no questions asked. Just wide-open arms of love and generous gifts and a new status restored and bestowed. Can this really be true about God’s desire and ability to bring a fresh start into our lives? Jesus seemed to think so … He told us about it.
Seven things to know and do to experience a new beginning:
* Identify your identity (Luke 15:17).
You are created in God’s image and as a result have intrinsic and inestimable value … don’t let the times in which we live steal away your true identity!
* Decide to decide (Luke 15:18).
Make a decision to recognize that God loves you and wants to bring your intrinsic value to its most visible manifestation … decide to find him again and trust Him.
* Recognize the wrong (Luke 15:19).
There’s always something wrong in life … sometimes its in us. God understands, wants to help right the wrong and see us get beyond it … for good. Be honest about your faults, take responsibility … look up again … God is present to forgive.
* Redirect your direction (Luke 15:20).
The most important thing in life is not the roadblocks in your journey … but your direction. Are you moving toward God or away from Him … toward Him is the road to change and growth. Take that road!
* Excuse your excuses (Luke 15:21).
Forget about rationalizations, excuses, even good reasons. Nobody really listens to them anyway … especially God. What He cares about is that you trust Him to receive and restore you … and He will, if you give him a chance.
* Receive the recognition (Luke 15:24a).
Let God love you. Period. It’s easier said than done.
* Party and protect (Luke 15:24b).
Celebrate God’s goodness … celebrate life, forgiveness and fresh starts and let the celebration sustain you and protect you from falling short again … there’s strength in joy!
Have a great New Beginning and a happy New Year.
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