Newness

Looking at Calvary Part 5

The fountain flows continually as long as the power is not shut off or disconnected. This happens when we take matters into our own hands and refuse to surrender them to the Lord. Have you ever experienced the complete frustration when your self-will is struggling to have its own way? You know you have to yield if you are to stay in fellowship with the Lord, but the strong self is trying to pull the Lord over to our way of handling a situation. It is as if we are saying, “Lord let’s do it my way.” We have to make the decision as the challenges arise not to let our self will rule. There is such victory when we finally let go of the struggle and let the power flow again.

Living in Newness

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

The old year has passed away. 2009 is but a memory to us as we several months ago we discarded the old calendar and put up a fresh new one full of unwritten days. What have we been writing on those days as we scurry to fulfill our “to do” list? Has time for our Lord Jesus Christ been a top priority? Have we penciled in quiet time to be with Him, or has that time given way to the tyranny of the urgent? Let us do a check up to see how we are doing now that we are well into the new year.

Contemplating new beginnings can be intriguing. So many days and hours to deepen our relationship and fulfillment in Him OR to simply let time pass with no plan to know Him better. Will we allow old habits and challenging life circumstances to derail our time with Him, or will we crave out time to know our Savior in a deeper way?

Our world is in turmoil with mankind confounded by many circumstances and the uncertainties of life. Many do not know where to turn for answers. The believer in Jesus has a refuge as we draw on the peace found in our relationship with the Son of God. What an awesome thought that He actually wants to fellowship with us and show us His compassions. We are truly a blessed people to have an audience with Him.

He is faithful to His children. His compassions (mercy) never fail. We can find rest in that no matter what circumstances we face.

A Fresh Start

“Therefore, my brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” II Corinthians 15:58

Here we are at the threshold of a New Year. What will it bring? Will we find ourselves drawing closer to the Lord or will we get dull in our zeal for the Lord?

Do you get weary when what you think the Lord has called you to do does not work according to your plan? I have to confess that this happens to me and I have to get a grip and remember the times He has worked way beyond what my plan would have included.

One of these instances involved a call from a pastor in Pakistan who asked to translate the book I wrote, The Power of the Lamb’s Blood into his language, Urdu. We were not aware the book was in Pakistan. Distribution in the U.S has never reached my expectations but God had a plan beyond mine which has also included translation into Tamil (India) and Vietnamese.

I resolve to renew my commitment to do His work to the best of my ability, pray to know His will, to walk in the light He gives me, and stay steadfast in His work. I invite you to join me.