September 12

Today's Reading:  Nehemiah 1-3; Acts 2:1-21
Today's Thoughts:  A New Start

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The word "new" strikes a chord with most of us. There is something inspiring about getting a new anything. Shopping is one of our nation's favorite pastimes, bordering on obsession. We love to buy new things, go to new places, eat at new restaurants--you name it, if it is new, then we are interested. And if all of this is not enough, we can go a step further and get a brand new makeover for ourselves. Today, a person has several options to choose from for their new look, from whiter teeth to a whole new face. Plastic surgeons are more popular than ever as they give hope of not only a new look, but a new life. People today are desperately seeking something new and are willing to do anything to re-create themselves.

I keep thinking of the phrases "beauty is only skin deep" and "the new will wear off." The basic point in these sayings is this: surface pleasures that bring joy and excitement do not last as they eventually fade away. Our joy is not on the outside but on our inside. Our happiness begins within us. If we are not fulfilled in who we are in ourselves then we will not ever be able to buy enough new things or make ourselves look good enough to fill the emptiness. How do we find this inner joy? How can we find true contentment? Our verse today is one that should give us all great encouragement and hope. Anyone who comes to Jesus Christ is given a brand new start. "All things have become new." What an amazing promise!

Nothing we could ever buy could compare to actually being given a new start in life. Jesus promises us that we not only get a new start, but we become a new creation. We are born again in His Spirit (John 3:3-8) and are forever changed. "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. (Isaiah 43:25) Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, He wipes all of our sins away and we are given a new start with a new life. If you are in Christ, take hold of this promise today. Do not believe the lies of the enemy who will tell you that you are still the same old sinner. Praise the Lord for His mercies and ask Him to teach you day by day how to live as His new creation. Ask the Lord to help you let go of the past and start living for Him today. Go forward, not backward. The Holy Spirit will lead you.