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I got to thinking (that's how we say it around these parts), would a couple new sweaters really offer the fresh start I desire? Does organizing every room of the house really offer a fresh start? How about healthy eating -- does that change the entire course of my life, erasing the past so I can start fresh?
Sure, these things are good. New clothes in the closet brings a smile to the face, definitely a brighter look than the same old-same old tired look... but those clothes get old. The colors, no matter what color brightening detergent we use, fade with time. Sweaters lose their shape. Blouses lose their buttons.
An organized, uncluttered home does offer the benefit of being easier to maintain. Just this week, we emptied our family room and cleaned it from ceiling to floor. We rearranged the furniture and it "feels" cozier and more intimate. Everyone likes it. But rooms get dusty. Windows get dingy. And papers pile up.
Healthy eating offers many benefits: a trimmer waistline (I'm in my 40's -- such things don't come naturally anymore), shinier hair, and a clear complexion. Healthy eating certainly improves the quality of life, but it doesn't mean we'll live forever. No diet offers that.
If I'm going to start fresh, I'd like it to last. Forever. The only fresh start that offers forever is a relationship with Jesus. My prayer is that each one of you will know Him this year. If you've never asked Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of your life, I pray that my story, coupled with His love, will move your heart to want to know the same Jesus I know. If you know Him, but don't have his peace or joy in your life, I pray your heart will long to know Him better.
My words are not God-inspired like the Bible. This blog simply shares my journey as a Christian wife, mother and daughter of the King. When you read, I pray God speaks to your heart and nudges you into deeper relationship with Him. Living in His love is the one and only way to permanently start fresh!
If you know that Jesus is waiting on you to accept His gift of salvation, it's as simple as ABC!
- Admit you are a sinner and ask God's forgiveness.
- There is no one righteous, not even one... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:10, 23.
- Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13.
- Believe in Jesus, God's one and only Son sent to live, die on a cross and be resurrected for you.
- For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16.
- To all who receive him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12.
- Confess that Jesus is your Lord.
- If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord (of my life)," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (to stand in punishment on your behalf for the forgiveness of your sins), you will be saved." Romans 10:9.
Pray this simple prayer:
Dear God,
I know that I am a sinner who needs a savior. I believe that Jesus is your Son, who was born to Mary, lived as a man and died on the cross sinless. I ask Jesus to be the Lord of my life so that my sins are forgiven and I may live in heaven eternally with You. Please forgive me of my sins and help me as I start fresh today, with You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Maybe you've already asked Jesus into your heart, but you want to start fresh too. Friendship with Jesus, like with anyone, requires that you invest time. Pick that Bible up and dust it off. Open the cover and read. Let God's inspired word remind you that Jesus loves you -- all the time! Take a few minutes today, and every day, to talk with him. He will change your life forever! A friend of mine recently shared that time with him led her to forgiveness and an indwelling of peace that she never knew existed. Isn't that kind of friendship worth a bit of your time?
My prayer for us all is that God will fill us with a fresh start that lasts not just for a few days or weeks, but one that lasts a lifetime, into eternity.
With much love in Jesus,
5 comments:
Beautiful blog Karen! The new year has always been a time when the majority of people look at making goals of a fresh start. If only the majority would realize this decision can be made any day of the year, not just a new year's resolution.
Thanks for the refreshing read...so many are trying to create themselves anew after the New Year. It's best to focus on what we can actually change about ourselves...our outlook on life! Found you on VB...my blog is about being a new mom...check it out :)
thecupcakeinmybelly.blogspot.com
What perfect timing. After failing at so many resolutions and fresh starts, I decided the only thing I needed was to strengthen my relationship to God. I have been faithful to my Bible reading plan and that is the greatest gift I could ever receive.
Your prayer on your blog is one we should all keep in our hearts.
I like fresh starts too - I like to know and feel that the past doesn't really matter, and every morning is a chance to do something better or try something I haven't done before. It's a nice attitude to have:)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
Kristina :)
I completely agree with Tara. You can make goals any time, and have a fresh start! Great post!
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