New Beginnings

Don't you love the way we get to start a fresh calendar on 1st January each year. Actually, I don't have any new calendars to start. Maybe there are some in the mail. Anyway, that doesn't matter, because it's still a new year.

What is even more amazing is that God allows us to start each day afresh! He doesn't keep a record of those things we stuffed up, of the things we didn't do, or of the things we did that we shouldn't have done. Of course there is a proviso on this "forgetfulness". We do need to bring our sins and failures to Him. We need to be honest with both ourselves and Him. Only when we humbly admit our failure to reach His standards can He forgive us and allow us to begin again. The beauty of it is that He does do that.

Why? Why should an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, holy God forgive us and put our sins away from Him? Is it because we are somehow good enough for Him? Did we do something to deserve His forgiveness and grace? No. It is simply because He loves us. He loves us so much that He sent Jesus to earth as a baby (the source of our Christmas celebrations), for the express purpose of saving us from our sins. Was that an easy thing for Him to do? I don't think so. Would you find being separated from your only child easy? Would you find being cut off from God easy? Would you like to die on the cross, deserted by all your "friends"? I didn't think so. Neither would I. God did it though. Jesus died on the cross, separated from His Father, was buried, and the triumphed over death.

Thanks Lord for all you have done for us. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you that you take us just as we are, and love us with your everlasting, unconditional love. Thank you Lord.

May the year ahead be one of growth, especially in the knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Saviour, as I continue to seek to serve Him. And may those who read this also experience the amazing, wonderful love of Jesus Christ, the only way we can truly know God.