Newness of Life Steps To Take.

  As I celebrate Christmastime with my family and the wonder of God sending His Son into the world to give us a Living Hope and freedom, I think about the steps He made.  He stepped out of the glory of Heaven to enter our world and stepped in to our lives, calling us to come to Him and follow Him in newness of life.  He also stepped around the obstacles that seemed to bar him entrance into the purpose of which He came.  He stepped up in living a life of righteousness and integrity and was, in fact, perfect and without sin so that He could be our spotless sacrifice as He gave up His life so that we might live eternally.
  As we walk in this incredible trek of life He has laid out for each of us, we also have the opportunities to make and take the steps that bring us joy in this journey and further towards our ultimate destination.
  *Stepping up.  As we step up and make choices to live with integrity and an eternal perspective and living to please God instead of other people first, we experience some tremendous blessings.

  "The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in His way." - Psalm 37:23

  As we take the steps of obedience, though definitely sometimes hard, and take time to delight in the LORD in reading and studying the Bible, His Word, and in showing Him worth by living worthy lives marked by worship - it is then that we can be assured that the directions we take are true North and full of rejoicing, knowing He is there with us.

  *Stepping out.  There are timed we simply need to step out in faith.  There are moments when we come to an uncrossable river or gorge and can take what God says and promises in His Word and step out to see the bridge appear below us.  Praying that God will grow our faith and strengthen us along the way is always a step out and ahead.  And He makes known to us the absolute best direction as we ask Him as we treasure the Scriptures.

  "You make known to me the path of life:  in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.: - Psalm 16:11

  *Stepping around/over/through.  Many times as we venture out into life we run into things that trip us up or weigh us down or pull us back or darken our view.  The three enemies of our soul rear their ugly heads, sometimes ferociously like a lion, and threaten to attempt to undo us, but as we follow Christ and trust and obey Him, we stay on track.  Also, when the trials and tribulations of this world bring us to places of confusion or intense pain, He lets us know that though we walk in the valleys and shadows for a season, He is with us a very present help in trouble.  When the pain of the present or the past arises, we have the chance to step through valleys and around the things that have tried to block us from moving fearlessly ahead.  With His comfort and guidance, the road is navigable and even can hold joy.  And another way of traversing the more difficult times is by surrounding ourselves with others who give godly advice and comfort, along with using the sound mind that He has given us as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Him.

  "The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps." - Proverbs 14:15

  *Stepping in.  There are times we simply cannot stand back and let things happen.  The time sometimes comes to be brave, ask God for wisdom, and step in to help others.  Showing sacrificial love to others by leaning and working to bring reconciliation, giving extravagantly like God does, and forgetting about inconveniences to us so that we can share the good news are examples.  We are rewarded more than we can imagine, too.
  "God will not be behindhand in love to us.  For our drop of love to Him, we shall receive an ocean of His love." - Thomas Watson

  *Stepping up.  Stepping up our game, living to please the LORD in our life, following Him in total abandon is the avenue to travel. 
 
  "For this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps." - 1 Peter 2:21

  It takes courage, but following in His steps is walking in newness of life that begins to bring glory to God, who is worthy of all honor and praise and glory.  Never move on from that - His goodness and grace and mercy and majesty that know no end.

A prayer:
  Dear Father in Heaven, I stand amazed by You, gripped by Your greatness.  As I take the steps of walking in newness of life, let me follow closer to your Son's footsteps and please give me courage and clarity in sharing the greatest news ever told.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.



 

Newness of Life With His Benefits.

  As Christmastime has hurried upon us again, and gifts are bought and delivered and opened and great food is shared, it is hard not to think about the goodness and gifts from God.
  The benefits we think about in a savory  dinner or a new gadget or toys that garner our attention can't really compare to all the benefits that come from an awesome God who cares for His own.
  Psalm 103:2 helps us to remember:
"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and forget not all His benefits."
  First and foremost is the amazing gift of Jesus Himself.
 
  "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given..." - Isaiah 9:6

  The problem each person faces is inside of us, sin.  The only answer is outside of us.  Each person has gone our own way and broken God's law.  The incredibly good news is that Jesus Christ kept God's law and chose to die in the place of sinners.  If you have not trusted in Jesus as LORD and Savior, today is the day to do so.
   And if we have trusted Christ and are set free,  we should be bold to take the opportunities given to us to share the gospel, at a time when people are more thoughtful and may very well be more likely to listen to the truth of what the good news is all about.
  Also in Isaiah 9:6, we see more of the incredibly good benefits given by God to His own as we look at the names for Jesus that He reveals to us.

  "...and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

  *  Wonderful Counselor.  I think about how thankful I am to have wise and caring parents who have helped me innumerable times with sound advice.  I much more so  cannot be thankful enough to God for His counsel.  He is our first and best resort, not our last. The untold riches of wisdom and being closer to His heart by reading and studying the Bible are available and inexhaustible.  Hope will arise as the benefit of knowing He is perfect and sovereign.
  *  Mighty God.  No one, nothing is more powerful than He. As you think about the impossible things that begin to appear as mountains in life at Christmastime or other times, take some moments to realize and remember how awesome He really is and then let Him know by giving Him praise and giving Him a return of worship.  Joy will arise and be our benefit as we do.
  * Everlasting Father. From before time began to 10,000 years into eternity, He has never changed and will not.  His love truly endures forever.  Love will arise and grow as our benefit as we love Him and love others.
  *  Prince of Peace.  No matter what good times or tough times come into life, His greatest good is our benefit. Trust Him for He is Faithful and True.

  Walking in newness of life is walking with thankfulness for all His benefits and  knowing that the good news is still good and those around us still need to know of His perfect love.

  A prayer.
Father in Heaven, thank you for the indescribable gift of Your Son, Jesus, and the benefits of knowing you.  Please help me to be bold in sharing what this season is really all about.  I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Newness of Life Being Committed.

  Are you the same everywhere?  At work, in the marketplace, in the public eye, at church, or home on the range, it is essential to show our true colors.
  As a committed believer in Christ, we have the opportunity for influence at any given moment.  Actually, we make an impact ever single day, either good or bad.  As we grasp the gift of navigating our time walking in newness of life, we are able to live with a heart of total commitment to Him in service to Him and sharing the good news of the gospel every chance we get.
  At least three reasons for giving total commitment to Him are: to have a closer walk with God, to encourage other believers, and to bring people to Him.
  Spending time with Him in His Word is the way to know Him more and let your love for Him grow exponentially.  When we find a specific place and set aside a certain time and a open the Bible in our hands, with our heart's focus and mind on His truth, we are starting and staying in the best place imaginable.  Asking Him to reveal His truth to us and reaffirm what He has previously taught us and renew our minds will bring us ever closer to His heart.  It is then, as we have regularly treasured time with Him, that we walk throughout our days with a greater peace, a greater expectancy of seeing His goodness, and a greater love for the same things he loves.
  A commitment to Christ involves surrender...which is the key that unlocks the vault of God's best and deepest treasure and extensive benefits of knowing His ways.
  Edification is the building up of others.  It involves encouragement, along with the strengthening power of stirring others up by helping them know when they are getting it right and turning away from wrong actions.

  "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." - Hebrews 10:23-24

  In a world where discouragement and harmful blends of sarcasm seem to rule the day, walking in newness of life and encouraging others is vital.
  Then there is a third reason to be "all in" in our commitment to Him- to bring people to Him.  I do not have to tell you that this world is not getting better.  People need to know the hope given to those who are followers of Jesus, which is forgiveness of sin, grace for now and eternal life.
  The clear sign of your faith is not just what you say, but what you do.

  "But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - James 1:22

   We can claim to be committed, but do people call us committed?  Two things will stand out with your true commitment:
  * Your faith will be obvious.  If I were wearing a blue shirt tomorrow morning and came up to you and said, "Good morning, I'm wearing a blue shirt.", what might you think?  You do not have to call attention to that which is obvious.  So, displaying the marks of faith in God, such as humility and devotion to a task and passion (burning commitment towards His commands) and especially, love, will help point people to God.
  *  You will have a contagious spirit (enthusiasm).  Apathy and complacency can only be overcome by enthusiasiasm.  It is a life set apart for the cause of Christ.  There is really no such thing as an uninfluential Christian, as we will impact either in a good way or negatively. 
  "Nothing can keep you and me from living lives of power, meaning, and vibrancy, from making decisions based on the transcendent, biblical principles that should guide our lives...when we decide to live by them, we are freed up to live with passion and principle, joy and calling." - Richard L. Ganz
  We can live a contagiously good life, complete with everything we need for life and godliness, given graciously from His hand.

A prayer:
  Father, as I know You more, please change me to be more like Your Son, and please let me show enthusiasm and be a person that never shies away from telling the good news of the gospel.  In the matchless name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Newness of Life In Mission Training.

  In every new endeavor, whether it is starting a new job or running a marathon or learning a new software system or grasping a set of plays on the football field, training is foundational to successfulness.
  In walking in newness of life (living a life of grace and dependence on God), there are some vital components, such as prayer and worship and practice of faith, that enable us to train for the mission God has for us.
  We start with prayer, as Nehemiah did.

  "O, Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name..."- Nehemiah 1:11a
  In 445 B.C., Nehemiah led a group of Jewish exiles from Persia back to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall around the city. He faced heavy discouragement from within and opposition from without, yet the mission was done in 52 days.  What was his secret? The key was his prayer life:
  When he was discouraged and depressed, he prayed. (See Nehemiah 1:4-11)
  When he was weak or powerless or under attack, he prayed. (See Nehemiah 4:4,5,9 & 6:9)
  When he had a busy schedule, he prayed (See Nehemiah 2)
  When he was happy, he prayed. (See Nehemiah 12)
  He had a running conversation with God.
What about me and you?  Is prayer a regular part of our daily lives?  Do we rely on God in hard times?  Do we regularly thank God for His incredible blessings?
  To pray is one of the most commonly mentioned commands in Scripture.  We could and can be people of great prayer, as it is one of the greatest and highest callings we know if we are followers of Christ.  I would like to encourage you to make a decision to pray more.  Start a prayer time for your family and/or a prayer group in your home.  Prayer is vital to training in the mission God has for you.
  Another important aspect of mission training and walking in newness of life is worship.  Start with looking into the Psalms.  Asaph wrote Psalm 50 and Psalms 73-83.  He and his fellow Levites  were responsible for writing and performing music that would thank and praise the LORD.  His powerful psalms help us to see God's majesty, faithfulness, mercy, patience, and our utter dependence on God.  God can be counted on to rescue and uphold His people.  The Psalms take us into the heart of worship, where we may get daily refreshments to garner perspective to our hurried lives and help us to know we are meant to worship and love God with all our being.

  "But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble."- Psalm 37:39

  Stop and take a few minutes to consider the blessings He has lavished on you.  Express your gratitude through:
  *Prayer
  *Singing
  *A life that is devoted to Him.

  Practice of faith is also vital in training in His mission for us.
  Justus (see Acts, chapter18) gives us an example.  He opened his home for the apostle Paul's ministry for a year and a half.  He did not have much, but gave what he could when he could.  Whenever we make the best we have available to God, the results are often extraordinary.

  "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."- Hebrews 11:1

  Faith is the belief that God is real and that God is good.  It is belief that He will do what is right.  And part of walking in newness of life is walking by faith, not sight.
  "Doubt sees obstacles, Faith sees the way,
  Doubt sees the darkest night, Faith sees the day,
  Doubt dreads to take a step, Faith soars on high,
  Doubt asks 'Who believes?', Faith answers 'I'.   - Unknown
 
A prayer:
  Father in Heaven, please help me to know Your ways by spending time in Your Word, and train me to live a life that brings honor to You and fame to Your name.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.
 

Newness of Life With Bragging Rights.

  Have you ever heard it said, "Nobody likes a braggard."?
  It is certainly mostly true.  Certain athletes, especially select professional ones, have an extreme braggard, boasting mentality.  Hollywood lives on and breathes boastfulness.  It can be seen in the ritzy neighborhoods of Scottsdale, and the small towns of quiet north Alabama. And the mindset can creep into any life, if one is not careful to keep it in check.  We are warned that pride becomes before a fall, and ultimately, destruction (see Proverbs 16:18).
  But as I think about newness of life, there is a boasting that will help us to travel well through the sometimes rough roads of life. 

  Jeremiah 9:24 lets us know:

"But let him who glories, glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.  For in these I delight says the LORD."

   So, here it is, that we see that we can boast in Him.  Let the world know how awesome He is.  Let the world know of His amazing grace, what He has done.
  It is clear that we begin by beginning to know and understand God, as He has revealed Himself.  This comes by keeping the main things as priorities in front of you.
  Number 1 - Spending time reading and studying the Bible, so that you can know Him better and also be able to share what you know of Him and are learning about Him.
  Number 2 - Spending time in prayer, treasuring quality time in His presence.
  These two things are top priorities, and sharing the Good News and helping others to be disciples naturally coincide and follow.
  We can never keep to ourselves what we know God has done, what He is doing, and what He has promised to do.  And as we align ourselves with His will, He delights in us.
  "Repentance, faith, prayer, and righteous living all please God because they are expressions of love.  That's the overarching principle.  Whenever you express your love to Him- whether by words of praise or by acts of obedience- you bring Him joy.
  Doesn't it thrill you to know that the God of the universe delights in you? It should!  Let that realization motivate you to find as many ways as possible to bring Him joy today." - John MacArthur

  He also tells us this:

  "Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4

  Please also know that whatever gifts and delights He has given to us should be used, and used for His glory and honor.
  Ask Him to give you pleasure in your relationship with Jesus.  And take the talents He has graciously given and bring Him glory with them.
 
  So, let us boast with wise boasting - which is proclaiming that we are His and known and loved by Him.

A prayer:
  Dear Father, please let me see any things that I boast in myself, and submit them back to you, knowing your gifts are to honor you alone.  Please let me treasure time with You in your Word and in prayer more than ever before.  I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
 

Newness of Life Under God's Direction.

  There are three kinds of people in life - those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who take a look around and say, "What happened?"
  Lot seemed to fall into that last category.  As we read about him in Scripture (Genesis, chapters 12-19), we get the impression of a floater, just drifting through life, choosing the easy roads.  He never seemed to wrestle with some pertinent questions, such as:

  What are the long term consequences of this choice?

Or,

  I wonder what God wants me to do?

  He never seemed to anchor himself in the truth of God, and so he was swept away by a corrupt culture.  He seemed to allow the world to shape his life and determine his direction.
  Have you ever found yourself drifting?  Have you and are you making sure to anchor yourself in His truth?  Do you have defined goals in life, whatever station you are currently in?  If we don't take precise and diligent steps to place ourselves under God's direction, we are in danger of ending up like Lot.  People who drift without God's direction will usually end up in places they do not want to be.

  "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may approve what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."- Romans 12:1-2

"As followers of Christ, we are called to be supermodels- not glamorous stars walking the runways of fashion, but flesh and blood men and women walking the streets of daily despair with the good news of God's love."- Jim Daly

  "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."- Psalm 16:11

  There in the Psalms, God is not just letting us know that He will give us direction on the way to go, but He is speaking of walking in newness of life- indicating the eternal life given by the resurrected Savior (Jesus) to all who trust in Him.

  In spending time treasuring and reading and studying God's Word, our minds can be renewed, our heart can be refreshed, and our hands and feet spurred on to action and service to Him.
  And if you have drifted a little or a lot?
  Come home. Remember His goodness, return to His everlasting arms, refine the life you have by:

  Refusing to be conformed to what the world is touting and spouting.
  Getting involved and staying involved in seeking first His kingdom and righteousness.
  Being encouraged in spending time with others who are active and interested in growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.
  And giving extravagantly whenever possible.  This includes not just financial, but of our time and talent and wisdom as we walk closer to the heart of God.
 

A prayer:

  Heavenly Father,  would you give me a greater hunger for reading Your Word and sharing the gospel with others?  Be glorified in this life I live.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Newness of Life With God's Love.

  We aren't always sure ourselves what we mean when we use the term love.  That word has become one if the most widely misused words in our language.  We say we love chocolate cake, we love our new car, or the decoration in our home.  We even say we love our neighbors- but we can many times not do much more than say it and let it go at that.  It is no wonder we sometimes do not have a very clear idea of what the Bible means when it says "God is Love."
 
  "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."- 1 John 4:7-8

  God has no needs.  He gives goodness but cannot need or get it.  His love is bottomlessly selfless.  It has everything to give and nothing to receive.
  His love is unfathomable (immeasurable), unchangeable, inseperable, undying, and unselfish.
  Walking in newness of life under the influence of His great love gives us courage to face every day.
  To know the width and depth and length and height of His love, as Ephesians 3:14-21 describes, is like a cup running over and a well that never will run dry. 
  His love is unchangeable too.
  "For I am the LORD, I do not change..."- Malachi 3:6
  Don't ever question His love, for it is as unchangeable as His holiness.  Were it not for God's love, none of us would have a chance in future life.  His love is everlasting.
  His love is also inseparable.
  "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" - Romans 8:35
  When we look at the world around us, sometimes it is difficult to understand the unfairness of life.  It is not fair that the young should suffer or hunger touch the innocent.  But then, it isn't fair that God would have to come from Heaven to earth and hang on a cross of His own.  It isn't fair, but that is real love, and that's God.  He is absolutely faithful.  He has an unrelenting love from which you cannot be removed from if you have trusted in Christ for freedom from the power of sin and death.
  His love is undying, enduring forever.
  See what He shows us in His Word in Jeremiah 31:3:
  "...Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you."
  And His love is unselfish.  This is tremendously an understatement.
  "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."- Romans 5:5
  God's love is the cross of Jesus, by which people can have forgiveness and cleansing.  It was the love of God that sent Jesus Christ to the cross.  In turn, we also want to show this love back to Him and others.
  "Repentance, faith, prayer, and righteous living all please God because they are expressions of love.  That's the overarching principle.  Whenever you express your love to Him-whether by words of praise or by acts of obedience-you bring Him joy."- John MacArthur
  Let His love reside in your heart and share and show it to everyone you come into contact with.  Don't hold back.

A prayer:
  Father, please give me a loving heart and help me to show Your love is alive to a watching world. In Jesus's name, Amen.
 

Newness of Life In Bearing Fruit.

  Is it possible to depend on God too much?  Not if you are to be fruitful in bringing glory to Him and knowing Him more.  Every person who has placed their trust in Christ as LORD and Savior can and should bear fruit.  There are two main ways of bearing fruit and therefore glorifying God. 
  By the way, the quality of one's life cannot be measured in years.  Some have lived a long time and not lived full lives.  The bottom line is that life on earth is connected to eternal life in Heaven.  You will receive a full, rich life with purpose and direction if you choose to walk with Jesus Christ.
  How do we glorify God?  By bearing fruit.  We were placed on this earth primarily to enter into a relationship with our Creator and to bear fruit for Him.  Bearing fruit is the results of someone having a relationship with Jesus.

  "...walk worthy of the LORD, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."- Colossians 1:10

"I am the Vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."- John 15:5

  Walking in newness of life is only attainable because of God's enablement.  By His unending grace, we are able to love Him and know Him.  Then, as an outgrowth of this, you will bear fruit.
  Many people may incorrectly reason, "I must bear fruit." No, actually, Jesus said we must abide in Him.  If we abide in Him, we will bear fruit, which is evidence we are indeed abiding in Him.
  God intended for ancient Israel to bear fruit and glorify His name before the nations of the world.  Sometimes they strayed, as Hoses 10:1 states, "Israel empties his vine, he brings forth fruit for himself."  We must be careful, because that is true of many of us at times.  There has to come a point in our Christian life when we are asking, "LORD, what do you want me to do for You?", instead of only, "LORD, what can you do for me, how can You bless me?"
  The secret to living life to the fullest is in bearing fruit.  He created us and Jesus purchased us so we can know Him and invest the lives He grants us in giving.
  What is this fruit?
1.  Winning others to Jesus Christ and helping them to grow - you are a vital link in the chain through faithful witness of your Christian life.  We will never know here how many souls will be impacted when we lead one person to Christ.
2.  Change in conduct and character - being conformed into the image of Christ, which is a lifelong process.  We must sink our roots down in Christ and stay put.  It is a continual commitment. (Read Romans 12:1-2 when you have a moment or three)
  "Jesus desires to rule every inch of your heart.  When you live your life in submission to His rule, He is able to change you into an extraordinary man or woman."- Richard Ganz
  Sometimes, God may lead us differently than we want to go.  He may have put desires in our heart that may one day break ground and bear fruit, but it may be later.  It's during these times of waiting for our fruit to ripen that we must trust Him.  He is trustworthy.
  Be a fruitful branch.  Depend on Him.  Abide, and grow.

Pray:
  Father, please help me to focus on Christ and abide in You by faith.  Your way is the only way to salvation.  Be glorified in this life I live. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Newness of Life With A Good Foundation.

  Sometimes I dream of owning a home and some of the comforts associated with it. At times, I have even put thought into the layout of the floorplan and the aesthetics of the outside. But whatever best-laid plan ends up on the blueprint, without a strong and firm foundation, trouble will abound.
  I see in life that the same applies.  Without building upon the right foundation, the brief time here on earth can be pretty fruitless indeed, even downright futile.  But the greatest news is that God graciously lets us know what foundations of living should and can be.

  "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it..." - 1 Cornthians 3:11-13a

  As one who has trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD, there comes the added blessing of strength to gird up the life and endeavors He blesses us with.  Therefore, whatever you put your hand to do, build on His strength and establish the work you do and the family you have and the time you spend in seeking His kingdom and righteousness, walking in newness of life.
  In the the work we do, we do well to remember God's Word in Colossians 3:23, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the LORD and not to men."

  In the establishing of our families, let us build upon the wisdom of God's Word, praying together and bringing glory to God together.  Let us strive not just to patch things up, but actually solidify the foundation.

  "There is no place where the foundation of America needs to be stabilized more so than in the home.  Strong families hold the key to a strong society, while conversely, weak families lead to a weak society.  This is so because every other institution in society is predicated on and dependent upon strong families.  And you can't have strong families without God as their foundation." - Tony Evans

  In all the ways we spend the time we have been gifted with here, starting with the sold rock of Truth is the key.  No better investment to make could match the time spent with God in His Word.

  A prayer:

  Father, I come to You with a thankful heart, grateful that You have given me the ultimate gift- your Son- to be the only foundation worth building upon.  Please help me to honor You with the life You give.  I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Newness of Life In Anticipation.

  What are you looking forward to?  There's just something about the anticipation of getting something new, waiting for a loved one's arrival, or getting a new set of circumstances.
  I remember as a kid, how I loved waiting for a piece of mail, especially if it was a package.  And, of course, at Christmastime, being able to tear into a wrapped surprise to see what was hiding underneath was always surrounded by excitement.
  Waiting to see someone you have been missing can be tough, but the beauty of their arrival after a season of anticipation makes it worthwhile.
  Then there is the waiting, sometimes in such difficulty, for a new bend in the road to appear, taking us to better days, or a situation of life to turn around, helping joy to be restored.
  In walking in the newness of life, we can experience unsurpassed encouragement knowing that God's faithfulness never changes.  That anticipation of waiting for something good and new actually can be known day by day.  In Scripture, it is amazing to see how God is pleased to give us something incredibly good and new each day.
  Lamentations 3:22-23 lets us know:

"Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassionate fail not.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."

  So, look for this amazing kindness from His hand.  Rise, and shine, and give God the glory due to His name each morning.

  Also, live with the anticipation of the return of the LORD Jesus Christ.  This is closer than it has ever been and may be closer than we think.
  Jesus said in John 14:1-3, "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
  He makes good on His promises. Always.
  Since His return is sure, examine your heart today.  Have you placed your trust in Jesus as Savior and LORD?   If not, today can be the day of salvation.  If you have trusted Him- His taking your sin on Himself, dying in your place, taking your punishment and then being raised from death, rejoice and remember His promise to return and the promise of heaven.

  Anticipating your real home, heaven, encourages you to live with eternity in mind and understanding this world is not all there is.  It will be an ultimate change of venue and circumstances, but we can already relish the goodness of it.
  "Believers regularly taste the sweetness of the same heaven to which someday we will go to dwell forever.  Praising and loving God with all your being, adoring and obeying Christ, pursuing holiness, fellowship with other saints- those are the elements of heavenly life we can begin to taste in this world." - John MacArthur
  The blessings of anticipation of new mercies each morning, the return of the Prince of Peace, and the hope of heaven can spur us onward and upward and closer to the heart of the Father.

A prayer:
  Heavenly Father, thank you for Your amazing mercies and amazing grace.  Please place in my heart a fervent longing for the return of Your Son and a willingness and boldness to tell others the good news of the Gospel. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Newness of Life Gaining Momentum.

  What do you know about Big Mo?  Momentum, by definition, is the product of an object's mass and its velocity, as you see in a boulder rolling down a hill, gaining ground and gaining force. When certain circumstances happen together, there is a creation of something that incites, a stimulus.  It is a little like what we were supposed to have in the US economy with an infusion of moves made together by financial experts.  And as you see in football, when players and coaches are on the same page and plays are made just right, there is created a force to be reckoned with that helps a team move down the field toward the end zone.
  In walking in newness of life, momentum can be seen too, when certain variables are met together, such as teamwork, knowing and doing the right things to develop healthy habits, and encountering confidence in believing God's promises and power.  With this momentum in place in our families and our marriages and our church and whatever endeavor we are working toward, we can begin to see an unstoppable march to bringing peace to our battle-worn lives and bringing glory to our Mighty God.

   "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." - Galatians 6:9-10

  If we want to know what is good, to put these things into practice, gaining momentum in this life, look to God's Word and make time reading and spending time with Him a treasured priority.
  Philip Graham Ryken has written, "Staying on track in life means going down the Biblical path.  The psalmist loved, read, meditated on, and prayed through God's Word.  As he did those things, he discovered that the Bible is like a smooth pathway for a difficult journey...The ancient path, the good way, is the Bible."
  Teamwork, whether it be a family or church or group of friends, gain momentum as they each do their part to make life better - by being concerned with the other first, working together, building relationships, and building the kingdom of God.
  "...a threefold cord is not quickly broken.."- Ecclesiastes 4:12
  As we understand and experience the precious promises of God (see 2 Peter 2:1-4), our confidence grows and helps us to face adversity that threatens to swing momentum away around the bends and twists and turns of life.
 
A prayer:
  Father in Heaven, thank You for being our abundantly available help and providing Your powerful and precious promises to us.  Please help us to look to Your Word for true wisdom and gain traction in the right direction- Your way- the only way worth going. In Jesus's name, Amen.
 

Newness of Life With Integrity.

  Do you delight in doing what is right?
  It is a key component in integrity (moral excellence that is developed in your mind and heart and showcased in your walk before a watching world around you).  It is conforming to God's directives as a pattern of life.
  And with integrity comes some expected benefits that encourage us as we walk in newness of life, like security and guidance and blessings for you and your family and a more vibrant faith.

  "He who walks with integrity walks securely..."- Proverbs 10:9

  If we want to know safety and security in our paths we choose and decisions we contemplate, then integrity of heart will be integral.  We develop this mindset by spending time in God's Word, where our minds can be renewed and our hearts refreshed as we let Him teach us from His storehouse of treasures of wisdom.  We need not fear any foe or mistake or moral failure when our integrity is intact and applied to the steps we take.  Even in a misstep, since perfection is not quite attainable, He restores us when we call out to Him, turn back toward Him, and realign our integrity with His commands.
 
  "The integrity of the upright will guide them..."- Proverbs 11:3

  What do you do when you don't know what to do?  We can see a great place to start - with an upright heart and integrity.  It is having a made-up mind, before a situation hits you head on, that you want to walk in His ways.  Then, when you come to a fork in the road, take it. Each time, with confidence, you can know the best way is His way.

  "The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him."- Proverbs 20:7

  Even better than knowing blessings yourself, knowing that walking in integrity also brings bountiful benefits to your children motivates us to diligently pursue pleasing God and trusting Him with the outcomes of the twists and turns in life's journey.

  Also, as you are growing in faith, remember how we are called urgently to add integrity.  2 Peter 1:5 says, "...in your faith supply moral excellence..."
  "Pay attention to being faithful, no matter where you serve.  Whether in the military, the ministry, the marketplace, or the home- be faithful." - Chuck Swindoll

  A vibrant faith awaits as we walk in newness of life, looking to bring glory to God and living an exemplary life that others will notice and wonder about. 

A prayer:
  Father, integrity is not automatic or produced with ease, which is why we desperately need You.  Please enable us to be determined and encouraged to be intentional in living a life of moral excellence, and therefore be able to experience Your incredibly good blessings that accompany it.  In Jesus' name, Amen.
 
 
 

Newness of Life With Comfort.

  What brings you comfort?  Is there a favorite place?  It could be on a walk under the stars and moonlight or the cool morning sunrise or in the confines of home with quietness or a weekend drive listening to a favorite CD. I know a friend who says the best place in the world is in a black leather chair with a red-letter Bible.  Is there a particular meal?  Fried chicken with macaroni and cheese or meatloaf and mashed potatoes or a big pile of pasta or pancakes or a simple cup of fresh coffee may come to mind.  Are there certain people?  Friends, loved ones, close family who lighten our hearts and bring warmth to life are always welcome and treasured.  As humans there are things we crave- comfort and shelter and absence of danger. 
  The amazing truth is that God has promised to be our shelter, our peace.  His invitation to us to find rest from our weary walk in this troublesome world and peace that passes the pressure test can help us face every new day and challenge as we walk in newness of life.

   "Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort." - 2 Corinthians 1:3

  "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." - Romans 15:4

  "Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort,
According to Your word to Your servant." - Psalm 119:76

  Wherever you find yourself today, whatever battle rages around you or circumstances surround you, however near or far from home, know that the God of all Comfort is a very present help in trouble and longs for us to trust Him completely and consistently and encourages us to also comfort each other, building each other up in our marriages and friendships and families.
   The comfort He gives to our hearts helps us to be established in every good work and every good word so that our lives can prove to be living letters of hope and grace to those around us.
  His comfort also comes in the safety of being secure in Him to live free and sheltered from all alarm. 
  In a ragged world that does not readily offer rest, the God of all creation certainly does, and peace can pervade your life if you only allow His comfort to settle over you.
   "Life can be relentless with the clamor of technology and media, with on-the-job stresses, with relationship struggles.  Where can you go to find an oasis of peace and quiet?
Near to the heart of God." - Anonymous

  God is waiting for you to call on Him.  Spend some time reading the Word of God today and let Him bring healing and comfort to your heart.

A prayer: 
LORD, You love me more than any other.  Let me find shelter in You today and know You more. I love You and pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Newness of Life With The Lights On.

   "We'll leave the light on for you." Not just a slogan for a hotel chain, this saying is a message that lets you know you are welcome and provides you some guidance in the night.  Streetlights, first introduced in America in 1757 in Philadelphia, PA, also provide a welcome and direction, as well as a level of safety.  As I stroll under these streetlights at night in the vast city I dwell in, I am thankful for how they remind me of God's illumination into the life He has for me. 
  His light provides me with so much, but sometimes I take for granted the amazing benefits He gives when I choose to spend time with Him, especially in reading and treasuring His Word. 
 
  "Your Word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path" - Psalm 119:105

  In choosing to dive into the Truth of Scripture, we are exposed to the blessings of illumination, guidance for living, and safety in His care in an increasingly dark world.
  When He says His Word is a lamp to my feet, He is showing me with a spotlight where I stand, where I am, what I am doing this very moment in time.  We need this illumination, this spotlight to help us find out if we are on the right track in life, if we are doing what we should or could in obeying His commands and trusting Him in our hearts. 
  "We would not know the way or how to walk in it if the Scripture, like a blazing torch, did not reveal it.  One of the most practical benefits of the Bible is guidance in the acts of daily life.  Scripture is not sent to astound us with its brilliance, but to guide us by its instruction.  Happy is the one who personally appropriates God's Word and practically uses it as comfort and counsel, as a lamp to the feet." - Charles Spurgeon
  As God says that His Word is a light to our paths, it is also like a flashlight showing us which way to go, guidance for living and choosing wise paths of following Him to being a devoted disciple, becoming more like Christ in our walk and talk.  And it leads to decision and determination to resolve the questions of our hearts brought upon by stressors and circumstances of life.
  As you look into the Scriptures, ask the LORD:
   Would You show me Your truth and reaffirm truth You have previously taught me?
  Would You give me natural opportunities to share this truth and Your love with someone today?
  In applying this truth, will You help me to reorient my steps toward where You would have me go and to doing what pleases You most?
 
  And with this light from Him from His Word, as we know Him more, we know His safety and can experience restfulness in our hearts to encourage us in walking in newness of life every single day.

A prayer:
  Dear Father, please help me to develop a hunger for righteousness and reading and studying the priceless gift of your revealed Word.  And please also help me to share with others what You are teaching me.  I pray in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
 

Newness of Life In Expectations.

  What do you expect?
  As the college football season has gotten underway, I have begun to see how expectations have been playing out on the field.  Some teams have met their exciting expectations, some have exceeded theirs, and some have proven to fall below theirs in some difficulties for one reason or another.  We will see as the season unfolds how it all will shake out, as teams' hopes are met as they show discipline, adherence to the fundamentals, continuously constant improvement, and a spirit of unity.  For many teams, it will not just be another fall, another same ole season, but one of brightness and championship caliber.
   What are you expecting?  Believe it or not, that simple question has powerful implications in each of our lives.  Are our expectations predicated on faith in God, who created us, sustains us, stirs us to good words and good works, and has us here for a reason- to know Him and make Him known?
  Realistic expectations are important in every area of our lives.  As traces of fall make their way toward us, will this be the "Fall of '13", when some things so incredibly good happened, that we never imagined at work, in our families, in marriage, and in life, instead of being just another fall?  What caliber will we say was shown in us, as we expect God's help in our reliance upon Him as He works in us and through us as the leaves begin to change and then quietly fall?

  "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.  In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.  Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."- Psalm 62:5-8

  Prayerful expectation is key.  As we walk in newness of life with this truth in hand, we should apply it to our lives.  Just as in Acts 1:14, "These all continued with one accord in prayer...", as the disciples prayed together, know that prayer brings unity.  Gathered together at church praying, gathered together as a family around the living room praying together, gathered together with your spouse praying, and praying together across the miles, united we are able to stand.  I believe that nothing will bring people closer to each other, to face what the world throws at us, than praying together.  And even more importantly, brings us closer to the heart of God as we hope in Him. Bring intentionality to it. Then just do it.  Regularly.  Honestly. Joyfully. 
   Even when the difficult times find us, note these sage words from Alexander MaClaren about waiting upon God in expectation:
  "That is the highest blessing we have to seek for in our waiting on God, and that is the blessing which we get as soon as we wait upon Him.  The outward deliverance may tarry, but ever there come before it, as heralds of its approach, the sense of a lightened burden and the calmness of a strengthened heart.  It may be long before the morning breaks, but even while the darkness lasts, a faint air begins to stir among the sleeping leaves, the promise of the dawn, and the first notes of half-awakened birds provide the full chorus that will hail the sunrise."
  Raise the bar on your expectations.  Spend time with God in His Word and let Him lead you to faith-filled hopefulness.

A prayer:
  Father, let us come expectantly, as Your children, to Your will and Your ways in unity.  Please heal our hearts that we may bless You and glorify Your name.  Our hope is in You alone in this life.  Thank you for Your strength and grace.  In Jesus's name we pray, amen.

Newness of Life In The Big Picture.

  What is the first movie you saw in a theater?  When was the last time you watched a flick on the big screen?  There is just something about it, and not just the popcorn with calorie-laden butter and the six dollar drink.  There's the larger than life screen that gives the different perspective view.  There are those special effects that enhance the experience.  Also,  it is almost always enjoyed with others. 
  In thinking about walking in newness of life, living with the big picture view of an eternal perspective helps.  So many times we can think it is all about us in our own little worlds, but that simply is not truly the case.  It is good to remember what on earth we are here for:  to know God and to make Him known.  When we remember and reflect upon this truth, we can begin to see that life, although incredibly hard sometimes, is bearable and even vastly fulfilling when we get the right big picture perspective that God is in control, that He is up to something good, and that He wants us to join Him in it.  Joy enters the picture as we realize that His plan is what life is really about.
  Adrian Rogers wrote, "Of all the truths that I have finally learned, I do not know of one that is more encouraging and life-changing than the marvelous and vital truth that God is alive and well in me through His Son, Jesus Christ...It may take us this lifetime and into eternity to finally understand and grasp all that this means, but I know this: God meant it to be a bright, living reality in our daily lives!  God wants to change the mundane into the momentous and drudgery into delight.  He wants to turn struggle into victory."
  Just as there are special effects in the movies on the big screen, there are even better special effects that are ours in Christ in looking at His grace, His amazing love, His holiness, His mercy beyond compare, His forgiveness, His power, His majesty, His goodness without end, and His wisdom.
  As we walk through life as His children, He lets us know that He has given us everything needed for every single step.

  "By His divine power, God had given us everything we need for living a godly life.  We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.  And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises."- 2 Peter 1:3-4a

  Then we have the blessing of being with others we love sharing time watching a movie.  In walking through life, we can reflect on the blessings of our loved ones, and others who share faith in the LORD, and have grateful hearts that God has brought us together.  Never lose sight of the beauty of relationships in drawing close to others, and in drawing closer to the heart of God.

A prayer:
  Father in Heaven, please help me to see Tour grand design and the bigger picture in every circumstance that comes my way.  Thank you for letting me share the truth with others. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

 

Newness of Life Identifying With Christ.

  Do you have your identification on you?  In this world you have to have it.  Paying for merchandise at the mall?  The clerk will usually ask for it.  Driving to a game or on a Sunday drive?  You better have it with you.  Looking to get an official document?  You will need it close at hand.
  Even more importantly, those who have placed their trust in Jesus, should definitely be ready to readily show their identification in what matters most in newness of life.  Early followers of Christ, under constant threat of persecution, developed a simple yet powerfully effective way of letting others know they were believers.  In writing the Greek word for "fish", the letters written out did three distinctive things:
Firstly, the letters formed an acrostic (a clever form of writing in which each letter of the word or phrase corresponds to a word or idea).  In this case, the letters indicated "Jesus Christ, God, Son, Savior.".  Each of those names and titles helped them and us to identify with who He is and the implications of belief. 
Secondly, when the word was written out, with the way the Greek letters stand  beside each other, as a curved line is drawn around them and crossed over at the end, a symbol is formed in the shape of a fish.  This was important too, in that the early followers came to know the symbol of significance without the writing of the words that could endanger them day to day in a world with the persecution of believers incredibly real.
  Thirdly, the association with the symbol of a fish and sharing the Good News of the Gospel, was evident in the LORD'S teaching that the early believers and us too should become "fishers of men."

"And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  Then He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.' They immediately left their nets and followed Him." - Matthew 4:19-20

  Identifying with Christ will bring some changes, and some of them will be obviously immediate.  Peter and Andrew layed down their nets.  By the way, they and James and John (two other disciples who left their nets), were giving up essentially their livelihoods, their careers (and profitable ones, as their fishing business included hired workers).  Later, we see in history that it ultimately would cost them their very lives.  So it may be with all who follow Him - we all are called to give up some things, and actually everything.  He says that without Him we can really do nothing and that He is our all-in-all.
  We can cling to His precious promises as we walk in newness of life, even in giving up things and in being persecuted, which is also inevitable in the life of a believer (2 Timothy 3:12 - "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.").

  Make the Gospel your ongoing life-study and purposefully tell others. 

C.J. Mahaney writes, "To grow in your passion for what Jesus has done, increase your understanding of what He has done.  Never be content with your current grasp of the Gospel.  The Gospel is life-permeating, world-altering, universe-changing truth.  It has more facets than any diamond.  Its depths man will never exhaust."

  More than a great man.  More than a great teacher.  Share what He has done because:
Of His love for you.
Of your love for Him.
Of your love for others.

A prayer:
  Father, please give me courage and boldness to lay aside anything that hinders me from sharing the good news of Your Son.  Please give me natural opportunities today to do so.  I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
 

 

Newness of Life With Singing.

  The question has been asked of me before, as I sang a line from a popular tune:
"What did you you do with that money I gave you?"
"What money?"
"That money I gave you for singing lessons."
  It is true, I can't seem to be able to carry a tune in a bucket.
  I have told people that I sing just like a prisoner- always behind a few bars and trying to find the key.
  But even with my struggles in the sounding great department, I continue to sing from my heart.  Especially, as I am encouraged to do so from God's Word:

  "I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O LORD, I will sing praises."- Psalm 101:1

  So, at least two places are reserved for belting out a song or two- when I am alone where I and He only have to hear, and during the time of singing at church with others, where my voice can be enveloped by others as we sing of God's worthiness to be loved and praised.
  Thankfully, even with a less than stellar voice, I am told this:

  "Praise the LORD!  For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful."- Psalm 147:1
 
  For all He has done, our hearts give thanks to God.  For who He is, we give praise to Him.  Praise is ascribing greatness to Him, recognizing His majesty, acknowledging His goodness and grace and all-sufficiency.  We were created for this, to know Him and enjoy Him forever, and while here as pilgrims in this life, to bring fame to His name.
  "Praise the LORD!  Such an exhortation may properly be addressed to all who owe anything to God's favor.  And which of us does not?  Pay Him we cannot, but praise Him we will, and not only now but forever.  For it is good to sing praises to our God.  It is good because it is correct.  It is good because it is acceptable with God, beneficial to us, and stimulating to others...Singing divine praises is the best possible use of speech.  It speaks of God, for God, and to God, and it does this in a joyful and reverent manner.  Singing in the heart is good, but singing with heart and voice is better, for it allows others to join in." - Charles Spurgeon

  And in one of my personal favorite passages of Scripture, the tables are turned in the most incredibly unsuspecting way. 

  "The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing." - Zephaniah 3:17

  Walking in newness of life is made richer and abundantly refreshing, knowing that He sings over us. 

A prayer:
  Father in Heaven, to know that you loved me so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for me, for my sin, and then be raised back up by You, alive and Sovereign, is something I want to sing about now and forever.  You are worthy of praise. Thank You also for encouraging me even more, letting me know You rejoice over me with singing as I live the life You have treasured me with.
In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

 

Newness Of Life In Growing.

   "I don't wanna grow up..." was made famous by the old toy store commercial.  But truly, it would not work very well if growth never occurred.  Parents acknowledge that one of the hardest jobs and realities they know is that they are preparing their kids to go out on their own into a great big world. We also see that, in nature, certain things come together to ensure growth.  Back home in Alabama, a lot of rain this summer has brought about some tremendous blooms and limbs heavy laden with fruit and more trips out to cut the grass before it gets an upper hand.  The rain helps the growth, along with ample sunshine, and many times pruning is necessary too for optimum growth.
  As with growth in nature, we are also looking to grow.  We need light from the Son, Living Water, and yes, pruning is inevitable too.
  
2 Peter 3:18 says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ."

  Walking in newness of life requires us to examine our lives for any darkness where sin may dwell and stunt our growth.  God lets us know that we need to confess our sins to Him so that we can know His powerful forgiveness and cleansing.  Walk in His light, and let Him grow grace and wisdom in you.
  Some of the evidence of growth are:
*Living wisely (Romans 16:19)
*Walking by faith and abounding in faith (2 Corinthians 5:7 & 8:7)
*Teaching others the truths of God (Matthew 28:20)
*Serving others in love (Galatians 5:13)
*Encouraging others daily (Hebrews 3:13)
*Giving cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)
*Being merciful (James 2:13)
  He is the Living Water.  We need not wait for summer rains.  He replenishes and refreshes every thirsty soul that calls to Him.  As we spend time going back to the Bible, time and again, our growth is assured.
  "When believers want to find and know the truth the way some people look for national treasures, when believers crave the Word as passionately as an infant craves milk, they will grow and mature and become like Jesus Christ." - John MacArthur
  Pruning can be painful, but vital for us too, to mature and bear fruit in our daily lives.  Read John, chapter 15 for more about pruning, but also about abiding in Christ, which is something we really need to get, really want to understand.
  A prayer:
  Dear Father, help me realize how important these few years on earth are and to concentrate on growing in grace and knowledge and the things of eternal value. In Jesus'name, Amen.
 

Newness of Life Rejoicing Always.

  It's worth it.  Keep climbing the hill, even when it becomes difficult.  When I go hiking, I remind myself occasionally of the facts that it is good for me, that the view can sometimes be spectacular, and that the difficult steps draw me closer to my rewarding goal.
  Also, in life, we can see that the tougher times can actually be good for us, making us stronger, taking part in growing our faith, helping us gain wisdom and tools to use later in similar hard times and in helping others.  Asking God for His strength and help and comfort brings us to places of enjoyment, and even rejoicing as we look back and around and forward.

  Look to God's Word into the book of Habakkuk, chapter 3, verses 17 through 19:
  "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls-
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer's feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills."

  So, He will give those who live by faith a confidence in times that seem so rough. Confidence like that of a surefooted deer has in climbing mountain terrains.  Like a victorious army, in God's strength we will occupy the high hills.

  At times, as we work hard traversing the lean times of life while also depending on God's unending grace, we are able to see some spectacular views.  We can rejoice and be thankful always.  When we do, we should take occasion to celebrate. 

  "As brilliantly as the sun shines through some days, there are many days that it does not shine at all.  Some days the clouds cover the mountains, and I must remind myself they are still there. And so I must continually remember that it is God's love that perfects, that makes the windows of our lives clear, that helps us see.  There's much we don't understand now.  All the more reason to accept grace and praise Him exactly from where we are." - Nancie Carmichael

  Then there is the reward of drawing closer to God as we walk in newness of life through dry desert times and valleys of decision and high uphill climbs.  I have found that in the most incredibly stressful and sorrowful times, God has drawn me ever closer to His heart.  There is no better place to be as we wait to know our real home in heaven.

Please pray with me:
  Father, in You there is no room for despair because You are the God of hope.  Please help me to trust You completely and call upon You while You are near.  In Jesus' name, Amen.
 

Newness of Life With Nothing To Lose.

  What have you got to lose?
  Today I found a CD that I lost a year ago.  It was in my truck, but I had searched there many times before, so it must have been freed from captivity somewhere along the way and finally slid into view. I do not like losing things, especially some great music by Fernando Ortega, but it happens.  It makes me think, though, about how, with all the stuff we accumulate, we can easily lose a thing or two.  I lost two mini Swiss Army knives in the very same place.  I used them for opening boxes while stocking the shelves of a store. I just put them down in the wrong place, and I am sure they found their way into someone else's hand or the bottom of the baler. Don't you hate it when you lose money?  Or a piece of valuable jewelry or your senses for a time or two?
  Chris Rice, in his song "Kids Again", sings that "we had so much more back when we had so much less to lose."
  As I think about all that may be lost materially, I cannot help but think also of what I cannot lose.
  This is why my thankfulness overflows to God.  He does not change His mind about our salvation.  Once we trust in His Son,  He says we are never lost again. 

  "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39

  "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand." - John 10:27-28

  "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."- Hebrews 7:25

  If you read that last verse again, notice the word uttermost. It carries the meaning of completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity, forever.  That is powerful truth to help you walk in newness of life, encouraged to keep on keeping on in the struggles and discouragements that beat against us.  Take heart and take courage knowing He is strong and mighty to save and sustain and satisfy.

   "This is a precious mercy.  Coming to Christ you do not come to the One who will treat you well for a little while and then send you about your business, but He will receive you ...and you shall be His forever." - Charles Spurgeon

"Once in Christ, in Christ forever,
Nothing from His love can sever." - Anonymous

  Newness of life is living to know Him more here as we wait for His glorious return.  He is our Living Hope.  Please let someone know today about the hope you have in Him.

A prayer:
  Father, you love me that much. You offer me the gift of eternal life through your Son, and then make sure that when I receive that gift, I will never be lost again. Thank you LORD!
  I praise you and pray in the name of the only one mighty enough to save - Jesus, Amen.

Newness of Life in Being Followed.

  Have you ever been followed? It really does not matter who you are or where you are in life, at times in your life you will have followers.  It could be simply being followed to a destination by vehicle or trekking down a trail. Maybe you have garnered countless followers on Twitter. Anyone who has been gifted with the privilege of parenting has definitely been followed (Thank God for good and faithful parents!). And as a leader, young or seasoned, followers are there to learn and grow with your mentoring and help.
   You may have even had the harrowing experience of unwanted following.  I experienced a little of that out on a long walk at dusk one night in the Phoenix desert.  It seemed as though two coyotes thought it would be fun to track me a while, albeit from a distance, as I ambled along in the heat. Thankfully, there were only two and they found something more appealing an opposite way. Sometimes we can invite unwelcome followers too, in the form of consequences from poor choices or unchecked habits that draw us away from our walk with Christ.  Good news abounds, though, when we remember that we can be forgiven when we confess our waywardness and joy can be restored by His unending grace.
  In God's Word we can find some followers that are very welcome indeed.
  In Psalm 23, verse 6, we read:

  "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the day's of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

  It is incredibly comforting to know that as we walk in newness of life with Him, His infinite mercy is richly available.  Grace is getting what we don't deserve, while mercy is not getting what we do deserve. We can take great delight in that and eagerly show thankfulness to God each day by:
Making sure to read His Word.
Living a life in front of others that points ultimately to Him.  The words of Mark Hall from Casting Crowns expresses it well in part of their song "Slow Fade":

"Be careful little feet where you go,
For it's the little feet behind you,
That are sure to follow."

  His goodness follows those who are His too. His ways are higher than our ways, so we can hardly imagine how good His goodness really is!  But as we spend life pursuing Him and living a life to please Him, He lets us know that His love is unconditional and endures forever.  Praise Him for His goodness, as He says in His Word:

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."- Romans 8:28

A prayer:
  Father, I cannot thank you enough for sending your Son to die for me and take the penalty of my sin, and then You raised Him from the dead so that I may have eternal life if I believe and trust in Him. Thank you too for sending mercy and goodness to follow me in all of life.  I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Newness of Life in Relinquishing Control.

  Have you been on a boat lately? It has been quite a while for me. I remember being on a sailboat with my uncle Nick at the helm. There were some trips I can recall going down the Nantahala River, whitewater rafting. And then there are forays out on the lake on a speedboat.  As I think about those times, it helps me put into perspective who is really in control.  Mostly I feel as though controlling the situations that come into life is the way to go, but it quickly becomes clear that sometimes out on the waters of life's adventure, relinquishing control is key to survival and helping me to see that God is sovereign.
    "Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The everlasting God, the LORD, the creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary.  His understanding is unsearchable."- Isaiah 40:28
  Out on a raft, white waters surrounding you, you learn some things: about working together as a team- a team you are committed to enjoy and endure the adventure with, about trusting that though there are rough waters- God has your back and your front and everything in between.
   On the speedboat, we like to rev up the power and make our own waves and chart a course and we can surely feel good about how good we seem to navigate the waters. Unchecked, we can also find ourselves in trouble spots along the way.  But it seems easy to power ourselves this way and that way and can even forget where we started from.  But we were never meant to be in total control.  That is God's domain, and He wants us, for our own good, to know He is able to maintain and sustain through any desolation and consolation.
  "For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."- Jeremiah 29:11
 
  On a sailboat, you learn to catch the wind. You know that you cannot really have control of the way the wind blows and therefore the way you will need to go can depend on making the best out of what you are given, day by day, moment after moment.  Thankfully, God will gladly help us know the way, if only we ask and relinquish our sometimes stubborn hold on everything. As we walk in His resurrection power, newness of Life, we follow His lead, catch His wind, and let Him be glorified in our lives.
  "Thank the Lord for His gracious care in bringing you safely this far.  Thank Him that He will also continue to work on your behalf throughout the remainder of your life's pilgrimage.  Reaffirm your trust in His faithfulness."- Cheryl V. Ford

A prayer:
  Dear Father in Heaven, please let me know Your direction and the courage to sail with You, remembering You are truly in complete control.  Help me lean on Your everlasting arms, when the way is rough, and it does not seem to make sense. You are good, and I love you. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Newness of Life Balancing Determination and Peace.

  Balance is always a key.  As I walk in newness of life I have found that, undeniably, determination is an important part of the adventure of living. Equally, rest is vital to the journey.
  As I walked and jogged along a five mile trek this morning I saw an ant, exhibiting some fierce determination to get his job done.  Admittedly, I don't know what purpose the feather he was lugging along with him would serve, but the diligence sparks my own diligence.
  As I read 1 Timothy 4:12-15, I am prompted to consider the characteristics of being one who follows Christ- as an example in conversation, in conduct, in love, in enthusiasm of a life of Truth, in faith, in purity.  For all of them, we are called to be determined, as we read in verse 15.
  "Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all."- 1 Timothy 4:15
  Just as the ant was giving his all in his purpose, our purpose is knowing Him and making Him known, and we can do so by God's power in our lives- newness of life.
  To balance us though, we need true rest. Rest for our souls.  This is yet another gift from the hand of our heavenly Father. 
  Consider these words from Tom Eliff: " In your busy life, do you have a quiet time and a quiet place where consistently, day by day, you can spend time in prayer with the LORD?  Quiet places where we spend quiet times will be places and times of intimate communion with God."
  This is also the time to open His Word and read and study and learn and grow.
  Nancy Leigh Demoss teaches three very simple steps to a quiet time with God, to restore our souls and be refreshed:
Make sure it is regular. (time and place)
Let it be early, if at all possible.
Make sure you are alone. ( no distractions from all that may vie for attention)
  The beautiful balance of determination and rest will keep you walking strong in a world that weakens us around every bend.

A prayer:
  Faithful Lord, sometimes it seems hard to carve out time for quiet rest with You, that I may know you more. Please help me find the time and place and also added strength for determination as I strive to be an example of a person that follows You wholeheartedly. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Newness of Life With Good Counsel.

  What is it that everyone wants to give but no one wants to take? Advice.
  Actually there is the difference between advice and counsel that is important.  While advice focuses on a problem, counsel focuses on the person. Advice keys in on the what, while counsel keys more on the why.
  My problem is that many times I may receive good counsel, but then I do not take it to heart enough and take required action.  That practice would produce more wisdom, which I have great need of.
  What I find comforting is that we have access to the greatest counsel imaginable as children of God. There is the resource of other wise people to draw upon in the kingdom of God, and there are those who spent countless hours with Him and recorded their learning from Him, and then there is His indescribable gift of diving into the treasure of His Word to hear from His heart.
  Proverbs 11:14 lets us know, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety."
  Wise and trustworthy people in our lives help us, if only we will ask. I am grateful for parents and seasoned friends who have taken time to guide and encourage me along the way of life's adventure.  Add to this the great pastors and teachers that lead us in studying and applying God's awesome truth.
  Also I am grateful for God's faithful servants throughout time who have shared their gifts and lives and wisdom to help us press on. Hebrews 12:1 speaks of some of these, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses..." This is an enormously good reminder of faithful folks who trusted God and help us do the same by their example.
  Others have left a rich legacy of faithful lives of teaching and serving God- D.L. Moody, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Alexander MacLaren are some who have helped me to confidently trust in God and learn more of His ways and spurred me along to live a life that pleases Him.
  Most importantly, my Saviour and Lord, Jesus, in Isaiah 9:6, is called Wonderful Counselor.  Why would I not seek counsel from Him first and foremost?  He has the qualifications, no doubt about it.  And in His qualifications, he exhibits the following: He shows us the eternal perspective, He is understanding, He loves us, He encourages us, He prepares us for the inevitable problems that arise, He is patient with us. Incredibly, He gives us the opportunity every day to know Him and seek Him and praise Him!  He has given us the treasure of knowing Him as the Living Word.
  Warren Wiersbe writes, "Your Counselor knows the decisions you must make and how important those decisions are to you and Him.  God is lovingly wrapped up in your life.  He has a tremendous investment in you and your future.  He has more to lose if you fail than you do, for His eternal glory is at stake.  He wants to be your Counselor and show you His will.  He doesn't want to counsel you only in the emergencies of life; He wants to counsel you every day in even the mundane things of life.  As you seek His counsel, you get to know Him better.  In knowing Him better, you understand His will."

Please pray with me:
  Heavenly Father, lead me in the way everlasting.  Please help me seek You each and every day and counsel me with Your powerful and loving guidance, so I may please You and make Your name known.  I pray in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.

Newness of Life on the Roads We Travel.

  I know a lot of roads. Well, not really a huge amount, but living in a vast and sprawling city it is good to know at least several ways of getting to and from work when delays and detours are such a common occurence.  There are also roads I have traveled that are good for reflecting or for Sunday drives. One thing I have always enjoyed is taking a drive and sliding in a new CD to listen and ride, maybe even sing along if no one is listening.  And then there are the familiar routes that are the way home, traveled countless times but bringing countless joy as we anticipate seeing those we love and the comforts of the place we hang our hats and our hearts.
  As I think about walking in newness of life (abundant life of knowing Christ and living to obey Him and serve Him joyfully), it is easy to reflect on the roads we travel along the way. The jobs we work and the projects we complete and the hard work we put in are a road traveled.  Another road is the time we have with family and friends, all the relationships we kindle and tend to along the way. One more street we navigate is the enjoyments we have in life, different for each of us, but a necessary part of surviving and thriving the course of everyday living.  All roads are taking us somewhere, all have a destination to be found.  As I struggle through the obstacles that sometimes cloud my view on the road, I love that I can press on according to God's direction, if only I diligently seek Him.

  "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.  Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:12-14

  The roads we travel are not exactly always easy, but as we press on toward knowing God more by reading and reflecting on His word and spending time listening to His faithful servants declaring His Truth and enjoying music that brings fame to His name and drawing us closer to Him, the prize is treasured - being more and more like Jesus and bringing others to Him.

  "Staying on track in life means going down the biblical path.  The psalmist loved, read, meditated on, and prayed through God's Word.  As he did those things, He discovered that the Bible is like a smooth pathway fir a difficult journey...The ancient path, the good way, is the Bible."- Philip Graham Ryken
"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." - Psalm 119:32

  As we travel today, working or family time or celebrating the joy of knowing Him and longing for our true home in Heaven, be encouraged that His love never changes and never ends. His goodness and grace is able to be seen wherever the next bend in the road takes you.
  A prayer:
  Father, so many places to go and so many things to do, but I want to remember you and be thankful for your guidance and direction on the roads of life. Please help me to press on and stay on course to bring you glory and know you more. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Newness of Life In Diligence.

  Working hard is good for the soul. It is almost hard to believe that I can look back on over 22 years of working at the various places I have been employed.  That is just a drop in the bucket compared to some folks I know, but I  have strived to put forth a good effort with a good work ethic at each place I have toiled.  A big part of it I owe to the excellent teaching of my parents.  But it is also a dynamic choice one makes as we live and move on this earth. How hard and much we work plays a huge part in the unfolding dramas of our lives.  Some live to work and others work to live.  Each of us ultimately decides on which side of the balance beam we fall to. 
  The truth is captured by James Merritt, who writes, "One of the greatest lessons you will ever teach your kids is that all work is valuable.  All work can and should be done for the glory of God.  The sum of the matter is found in this simple statement: 'In all labor there is profit' (Proverbs 14:23)."

Just as in our vocational life, we have a calling to diligence (constant and persistent attention to one's work) in the most important endeavour of all of life - our relationship with Almighty God.  As we contemplate diligence, we can look at hard work in dicipleship, delivering on our word, and deciding to be compassionate.
  "...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.  For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."- 2 Peter 1:5-8
  Read that scripture passage again, slowly, and take it in. See the promise of knowing God more if you begin with diligence.

  Walking in newness of life definitely includes discipleship, the growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus and becoming more like Him.  Reading God's Word is key.  The Bible can and will absolutely change your life - but you have to read it.  You will get the direction you need and long for.  As David Jeremiah so aptly says, "God has His own Route 66, it is the 66 books of the Bible."  Become a true disciple of His and enjoy the unfolding adventure.
  Diligence in delivering on your word is key to every single relationship you have.  Honesty, clear crisp honesty, will refresh each heart touched by it. Honesty is vital for integrity.  Honesty is not just the "best" policy, it should be the only policy.
  Then there is the rewarding hard work of deciding on compassion. Simply, look for opportunities to help those who need it, even if they might not seem to deserve it.  Pray for natural opportunities to share a cup of cold water with a thirsty soul and let them know the Hope you have.

Pray something like this from your heart:
Father in Heaven, please let me know this very day who needs a hand.  Please help me know you more and live out the faith you have measured to me.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
 

Newness of Life In the Winds of Change.

  Change is good but it doesn't always feel good. It is inevitable. Seasons change, and the wind blows through bringing light differences and sometimes noticeable ones that cause us to chart new courses or develop new strategies or learn patience or simply learn to trust.  God is sovereign, in complete control, and we can know that He does not change.  He is steady, immovable, awesome in power and a refuge for any who place their trust in Him.
  Winds of change can help us to develop patience, perseverance, and progress (transformation).
  As you walk in newness of life, and changes roll up the road to meet you head on, patience can be cultivated by thinking and reflecting on the hope of heaven that we have as children of God.  When we go to God's Word and study and know what He lets us know about our eternal home, patience has a much more comforting effect on us.
  The perseverance that can arrive as we deal with change is sprung from an attitude of gratitude.  I believe attitude is the difference maker in approaching change and especially difficult changes.
  Chuck Swindoll wrote, "Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitude toward life.  The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it."
  I am also amazed at how changes can help bring progress or transformation to our lives.  It requires us to make choices, do hard things that are best for us, and help us to remember that it is not all about me.  It is really about Jesus, and what He has done and sharing the good news of the gospel. And as we live with that eternal perspective instead of our natural temporal one, we can be transformed into being more and more like He wants us to - more like Jesus.
  "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:1-2
  Take heart when changes blow in and walk in confidence as you lean on His understanding. Believe me, He knows best.
  A prayer:
Father, please help me to delight in what matters to You, so that when inevitable changes come, I will choose wisely and trust in You alone.

Newness of Life With Living Water.

  There's a small waterfall down the road from me that I pass by as I walk most every day.  It isn't quite Angel Falls or Niagara Falls or even Desoto Falls (pictured), but I take what I can get living out in the Arizona desert. There simply is not much water to be seen, except the canals that flow at angles throughout the city. Water can very much have a calming, comforting effect. This is why people flock to the waterside, beaches or rivers or lakes, even pools, during getaways and vacation stays.  Some folks are even blessed to have waterfront properties.  Water also has the refreshment factor to it, on hot summer days. It can also have healing effects and bring healthiness to life.
  Walking in the newness of life, which is walking in relationship with God by His grace, is actually made possible by His Living Water, a name given of Jesus in God's Word.  When we think about how He saved us from sin by His death on the cross and rising again, we know about how we are healed by Him, refreshed by Him, find calming peace in Him, and complete satisfaction in Him.

"O, God, You are my God; I earnestly search for You.  My soul thirsts for You; my whole body longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water."- Psalm 63:1

"You are the fountain of life, the light by which we see."- Psalm 36:9

  He says that he will lead us beside still waters in Psalm 23. He lets us know that, though life can be grueling and incredibly hard sometimes, there is a place of peace, when we run to Him for help.
  Speaking of the rest and peace His living water brings, Sheila Cragg writes, "The Lord Himself is inviting us to follow Him to a place of peaceful quietness for personal restoration, to find a place of solitude for spiritual recuperation.  Come, sit at the place He's set for you.  He longs to serve you, so let His healing Word quench your thirst; let His tender mercy refresh your starved soul; let His gracious love awaken your spiritual passion."
  He also refreshes us. He gives us exactly what we need to keep going, keep fighting the good fight of faith, keep on keeping on in the heat of summer or the heat of battles of stressful jobs and stressful events of life.
  He may also give us healing water, washing over us to help us in the adventure and sometime struggles if life.  For me, when depression knocks on the door and sometimes rudely breaks it down, I am forever thankful to God for healing water in the form of cherished promises from His Word, faithful friends and family who encourage and comfort, and circumstances that point to God's sovereignty and goodness.
 
A prayer:
  Heavenly Father, thank you for the refreshments of crisp, cool water for my body and my soul. I love you , LORD, and grateful always for the chance to see the still waters you bring me to for restoration and reassurances. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Newness of Life in Life's Storms.

As I think about and pray for the people in Oklahoma this week, who have faced the fierce storms wreaking havoc in neighborhoods and lives, I reflect on how storms blow into life sometimes, sometimes so unexpectedly.
  Walking in newness of life compels me to have a made-up mind, drawing strength from God, who calms storms and circumstances and holds us in the midst of them.
  In Arizona, not many thunderstorms and dangerous windstorms show themselves. Only the dust storms blast through in the hottest parts of summer, but rarely leave devastating marks on lives. Storms are inevitable though, anywhere you live. Each life also has storms of varying degrees that can bring destruction.
  Robert Murray McCheyne wrote, "You will never find Jesus so precious as when the world is one vast wilderness.  He is like a rock rising above the storm.  He is like a rose blooming in the midst of desolation."
  "He calms the storm, so that its waves are still."- Psalm 107:29
  To see the calm and know the stillness of our soul, we can do well to remember, realign and relax.
  We can remember a few thing about God's unending lovingkindness.  Remembering Him in our more prosperous times as the source of our blessings helps us not to doubt Him when struggles show up.  Remembering also that sometimes we have more troubles with ourselves that with anyone else helps us to run to God in repentance and run towards others with compassion and charity.
  As we examine ourselves and get refreshed by God in reading His Word and trusting Him more, we realign with His purpose for us, helping us in the midst of any storm.
  And we learn to relax, discarding worries that seem to weigh us down in our walk, as we trust God's promises to us.  One way to do so is to remember the Sabbath. A time that is essential and not just a suggestion, but actually our reasonable expectation, a command of truth that we can learn to hold to.
 
A prayer:
Father in Heaven, please help me to face all the tough things with resilience and to look to You in dependency.  I need Your strength.  In Jesus's name, Amen.