Page 1 - Good News January 2007 paper
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ew begin- promise, free of problems and been healed.
nings are a filled with potential. For years I believed for the abundant life that
Nw o n d e r f u l Each day is a new opportunity God promised me, but I wasn't willing to give up
blessing from God. to close the door on the past the ashes of my past in exchange for it.
They are full of and experience a brand-new My ashes consisted of things like hatred,
start. Even the fact that days bitterness and unforgiveness toward people
are divided into twenty-four- who hurt me, as well as a negative attitude,
hour segments is evidence that complaining and self-pity.
we need to start over on a What's in your pile of ashes? Are you battling
regular basis. with guilt and condemnation? Do you feel bad
There is always a new day, a about something you did years ago or
new month and a new year. But something that happened yesterday? No matter
in order for us to make good how much time has gone by, the past is still the
use of these new beginnings, past. What is done is done, and only God can
we must make a decision to do take care of it now. Your part is to admit your
so. What better time to decide mistake, repent, receive God's forgiveness, and
than the first month of the New go on.
Year. In Lamentations 3:22,23 the prophet Jeremiah
Maybe you've been struggling encourages us with the news that God's mercy
with depression, anger or is new every morning. I'm so glad that God
bitterness. Or possibly you're sends a new batch of mercy daily - we can
like I was - you've been burned decide to have a new beginning every day!
by past relationships and cir- Isaiah 30:18 says, And therefore the Lord
cumstances, and you're still [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and
carrying around the ashes. longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He
These are the deep hurts from lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you
old wounds that have never and show loving-kindness to you...
Why not let this be the year when you decide to
climb out from the pain and problems of your
past, and press on to the bright future God has
planned for you?
Welcome this New Year with a decision to
release your faith for God's gift of a new
beginning, and focus on His good plans for your
future. Get excited about the fresh start God has
for you! Happy New Beginnings!
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