A NEW YOU

Ephesians 4:23 “to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self…” (NIV)

Beginnings are thrilling, don’t you agree?  They are filled with anticipation, with hope and excitement.  With a new beginning we can put things behind us and move forward.  And let’s be honest, some things are better left behind.   

There are times that new beginnings can be more horrifying than thrilling I agree, and I have been in those places as well.  But with a new year upon us it brings the hope of new adventures to experience, new joys to delight us and even new trials to walk.  They await us in 2015.

As I look to the future and ponder the journeys yet to be taken and milestones that are yet to come my way, one thing burns in my heart.  I want to face them all, these terrific and even tragic and beautiful things, as a new me. 

I want new eyes that perceive what God is doing, to see how He is working everything out for His glory and my good (Rom 8, Ps 119:18, 1 Cor 2:9, Eph 1:18).  I want to experience every terrific moment with a new heart that is tender to His promptings (Ez 36:26).  I want new ears to know and hear His voice (Jn 10:3).  Wouldn’t it be cool to hear the sound of Angels’ wings?  I want new feet to walk out of my comfort zone (Isa 52:7-8). 

I want a new me!  I like me so I don’t want to get rid of me, I just want a new awareness, a fresh awakening.  2 Cor 5:17 tells us, “if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” and Ecc 3:11, “He makes everything beautiful in its time.” 

I’ll be made new by being in His word.  When I am in His word I’m being transformed (Rom 12).  I want to consume it, I want to live it, breathe it, speak it, EAT IT!! 

1 Chr 29:17 says God cares nothing for the surface – He desires our true selves .  This is the pursuit of Authenticity and this is what I want to frame EVERY new thing that is yet to be. 

(MSG)