New Beginnings
Sunday September 8th 2024 (week 78)
2 Corinthians 5: 11-19
Over the last few days, I have watched and listened as our grandchildren returned to school for the start of a new academic year. For one, a new class and teacher. For another, a new school without his little brother in tow. For that younger brother, a sudden realisation that he’s on his own. And for the eldest of the four, the beginning of those all-important GCSE years. Thankfully, all appear to have managed the transition with a smile.
September might not feel like the beginning of anything in calendar terms, but lot’s of us are starting over again. Whether we are schoolteachers preparing a terms’ study, parents getting back into the swing of the twice daily school run, volunteers running groups, someone moving into a new home, or beginning to write devotionals after a summer break, we are all starting a new season.
We all need new starts at some point in life. It may be as simple as refreshment after a prolonged period of hard work, or that life has taken a heavy toll and we need a complete new beginning. I did. I remember it well despite being nearly thirty years ago. The Damascus Road for me was a prison cell when Jesus came and said He was running my life from that point on. What He did following that call has been amazing and my life has not been the same since. What He is doing now is just as exciting! And He wants to do the same for you.
Whatever your new beginning is right now you can be assured it will be better if Jesus is in it with you. Today’s reading tells us that “Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old has gone, the new has come”. This is a promise repeated in Revelation 21:5 when Jesus said to the disciple John, “And now I make all things new!.........Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted.”
Jesus also said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8: 31&32). Jesus wants to set you free to live the life He has already planned for you, (Ephesians 2:10) and God is the only one who knows what those plans are (Jeremiah 29:11).
A new beginning with Jesus is the best beginning of all. If you’ve never given your life to Jesus or need to return to Him you can start by praying the prayer below. Then follow Jesus closely to see where He wants to take you. You will not be disappointed!
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from all that is wrong in me and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.
Neil Bromage, 08/09/2024