CHRIST IN LIFE WILL HEAVE SPIRIT.
Many hope and long for a new beginning in their lives. Due to repeated failures and subsequent frustrations they become melancholic and wish, ‘if only I could start all over again!' Quite often this remains a dream. Even if one begins to take a new step soon realizes the need to change afresh and start new! Frequent new beginnings and abrupt endings in life lead to depression and hopelessness.
There are some others who desire for a new beginning but waiting for a better opportunity to begin like a new month, year or some other auspicious time! But all his efforts become futile.
Is there then no way to start all over again? Let's consider three facts:-
1. God alone is the beginner of all beginnings.
Bible starts with the statement that “In the beginning God created” Gen.1:1. We know that the book of Genesis is the book of beginnings. He began everything: the earth, the sky, nature, day, night and man etc. Bible says that: - “All things came into being by Him and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.”Jn.1:3 (Col.1:16).
So the best of all beginnings are made by the Almighty God who Himself has no beginnings. He made no mistake, needed no correction. In His eternal wisdom and plan He began things that never become a failure. Yes, ‘He does everything well'.
2. Man by nature is finite and fails in his beginnings.
By the God-given mind he can think, and plan many things. Pro.19:21. He has the wonderful capacity to imagine, investigate and scheme things. He has the ability also to execute those things that he designed. But due to sin he ends up in breakdown and frustration. In the beginning everything may seem to be right, productive but in the end disappointment remains. “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Pro. 16:25.
Failure doesn't stop man from scheming new ways. He will try another avenue only to face the same fate. Without yielding to the one who is above all and began everything, man continues with the cycle of beginnings and endings. He conveniently forgets that he is finite and need God's help.
3. God is a beginner of new beginnings.
The Lord not only began He is actively engaged in renewing everything. True, sin marred the prospect of man and the earth. But human failure can never frustrate the eternal purposes of God. In His sovereign will and wisdom He makes everything new according to His eternal purpose.
The increased wickedness of man led to God's wrath and punishment. But He began again with Noah and family. Gen. 6:7, 8. When that generation also failed to stay faithful to God He chose Abraham to start afresh. Gen. ch.11, 12. He did not cancel His dealings with man because of the rebellion and disobedience of Israelites. Instead He declared repeatedly that He will make a new covenant with them and give a new heart with a new spirit. Jer.31:32; Ezk.36:24.
Thus we see that the Lord allows men to start all over again. Make no mistake; His purposes will never fail. We believe even such renewal- new beginnings- had been planned by Him in eternity. He is more than happy to deal with us again. What a comfort it's for the failed and depressed soul! It's not too late to take a new turn. Of course any such step should come from God, through Him and for Him. Rom.11:36.
The basis of all the beginnings.
The Lord begins with the heart of man. Heart is the emotional and intellectual centre of our being. It is the fountain of life. ‘From it flows the springs of life'. Pro. 4:23. “The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, and slanders.” Mt. 15:18-19. If the source of all evil be clean and clear, everything else will be alright. Without having such a new beginning in his heart, man can never live and enjoy a pure and joyful life. Transformation should take place there first. God alone can do it for man.
Prior to such wonderful divine operation man is required to cast away the transgressions of heart and break it open before the Lord. Ezek. 18:31; Joel.2:13. We need to sincerely acknowledge our sins and confess it to the Lord with sorrow. Ask for forgiveness and cleansing on the basis of the finished work of Christ on the cross. “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin”. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse we form all unrighteousness.” 1Jn.1:7,9.
Immediately as per His promise The Lord gives us a new heart. Spirit of God begins to indwell within us and everything becomes new. A new creation takes place. As a result a new nature, new direction, new purpose, even a new name we get. “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2Cor.5:17.
Everyone has to begin here. Sad, many make a number of resolutions month after month, year after year. They just try to become better by self effort. With all the evil and enmity in heart, rebellious man will never be able to begin afresh, how much firm decisions he may take.
A new life and renewed relationship with God is the right beginning for all new beginning in our life.
More new beginnings!
Once we begin to experience the new life in Jesus Christ we begin to realize that we need new strength and new grace as the days go by. As with our physical body we need to nourish our inner man by feeding on the word of God and staying close to the Lord. Is.40:31. But unfortunately some believers fail miserably in walking with the Lord consistently and there by stop growing as they ought to. Though they are Christians and Spirit of God dwells within them, they walk after the flesh and behave like ordinary men. Paul terms them as ‘carnal men'. 1Cor.3:1ff. Being convicted of their true state they too would cry in despair, ‘can I start all over again?' Is there any hope for such miserable believers?
Yes, indeed! That's what the Bible says. He needs not to be saved again. No need to be born again either. The relationship he got with the Lord by accepting Christ is for ever. Jn.10:28. He only needs to renew the enjoyment of that relationship. Praise God, it's possible. Listen these words; “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth. Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a road way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” Is.43:18, 19.
What encouraging words to the fallen, depressed and tired Israelites. In the second section of Isaiah, God wants to encourage the exiled Jews. They are so discouraged and demoralized due to prolonged captivity. He calls upon them to forget the past. Don't judge the future with the past experiences. He will do unprecedented, unexpected things for them. Path in a wilderness and rivers in a desert are something that man will never imagine.
Such a new beginning for Israel will be evident and people will see the newness and enjoy their fruit, even call them a new name. Isa.41:4; 62:2 Ezek. 47:12. Their lost glory and status will be restored.
All these are applicable for a Christian's spiritual life too. No need to be discouraged and depressed due to the lingering problems and trials. Even now, a new beginning possible. Refuse to dwell on the past. Look forward. Phil.3:13, 14. Come close to the Lord.. Wait upon Him. Be cleansed afresh by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Renew relationship and grow from strength to strength.
Remember, victorious life is always a series of new beginnings! No need to consider the present state to be an end in itself. Any end can be a new beginning. Failure could be a back door to success, stumbling block could be a stepping stone and weakness can be our strength through the amazing grace of the Lord. Halleluiah!
You are not alone. We have plenty of examples. Apostle Peter who denied the Lord and John Mark who deserted the Lord's servants could start all over again and succeed. Job's story is more pertinent. A blameless, upright, God fearing man who led a very exemplary life suddenly loses all what he has- wealth, health, family and everything. Every one forsook him. Friends, even wife were not willing to stand with him. Nobody thought that he can start a new.
Yet we read, “The Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.” Job.42:12. The Lord not only restored all what he lost but gave it double. A close study of the portion reveals that 4 things took place before he regained his past glory.
1. He saw the Lord and His greatness. Ch.42:1,2,5
2. He saw his true self and hated it. Ch.42:6
3. He repented with sorrow. Ch.42:6
4. He prayed seriously and selflessly. Ch.42:10
Beloved, what are you waiting for? Start afresh now. Any moment can be a new beginning with Christ. Why waste precious opportunities? Before too late take the above steps and ask the Lord Almighty to start a new beginning in your life.
Climax of the new beginnings.
While explaining the divine programs of new beginnings, Isaiah goes on to explain the future programme of God too. There we see the climax of the new beginnings God initiated. Is.65:17-25 cp. Rev.21:1-5
When the world leaders are trying to bring about a new world order and fail miserably, Isaiah says God will set up a new heaven and the new earth. Many scripture portions refer to that glorious period when Christ shall be on the throne. Is.2,11 etc. Then the born again believers who live for Him will reign with Him. 2Tim.2:11. That's the hope of a believer.
Any beginning will have an end, but the beginning of our life with Christ will have no end. Everlasting peace and joy will be their portion. Make sure that we begin with Christ and Celebrate your Christmas.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
2007-12-25 02:38:05
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answer #6
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answered by ? 3
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