The month of August brings with it the anticipation of several different kinds of newness. There’s the oohing-and-aahing (or weeping-and-wailing) of students, parents, and teachers as the new school year arrives. After the blisteringly-hot temperatures of summer, most of us look forward to the newness of a season which will bring cooler days. And most folks I know look forward to the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas in some way.
What about the newness that God wishes to bring about in each of our lives? That newness isn’t limited to late summer. God’s design for His work in our lives is based on a 24-7-365 operation. His desire is to renew our spirits in His image each and everyday – and He never goes on vacation or takes a ‘sabbatic leave’.
In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul speaks of the renewal transformation that comes to those who are in Christ:
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Cor 5:16-17
Each of us who are in Christ Jesus are a new creation. The old creation was born into sin. The new one was born into eternal life. The old creation had no power within itself to live a godly life. The new creation plants that power deep within each of our spirits and hearts.
How is God bringing about newness in your life today?
How does He desire to bring about newness in the life of our congregation?
I encourage you to join me in meditating and praying on these questions throughout the week.
God’s blessings upon your week! I’ll see you Sunday.
In His Grip, Christopher Reed
