Easter: Fresh Start

Happy holy week! So I (CA) do a lot of reading and I got this devotional sent to me today and for whatever reason it was calming and just gave me a great feeling of comfort knowing the future, past and present are accounted for so take a look.

Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life, and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven (1 Peter 1:3–4 MSG).

"Jesus is in the business of giving people a fresh start."

As we enter Easter week, I want to make sure you thoroughly understand that Jesus is in the business of giving people a fresh start. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done; it doesn’t matter where you’ve been; it doesn’t matter how bad you think you’ve blown it: Jesus will give you a fresh start.  The apostle Peter says several things happen once you give your life to Jesus:

• You open up your life to God and get to know him.

• You’re given a brand new life, which gives you everything to live for.

• You get a future in heaven.   You can say it this way:

You get your past forgiven, you get a purpose for livin’, and you get a home in heaven. What a deal! You’re past, present, and future are taken care of as you put your trust in Jesus. A fresh start!

“Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30 MSG).

You Want Me To Do What, God?

“The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.”

I received this quote in a chain e-mail, and through the last few weeks it has really been at the forefront of my mind. It seems so simple when you first read it, but it encompasses so much of our faith. Not to mention that it has some very strong points that greatly impact our relationship with God in our everyday lives.

The first thing that I notice about the statement is the fact that faith is so important in just taking that first step. There are several stories in the Bible that illustrate this very well. One of the most notable is the story of Moses and his fear of speaking. Yet, God told him to speak to the Pharaoh about releasing the Israelites from Egypt. Then there’s Jonah who would have rather been swallowed by a big fish than follow God’s command to tell an entire city that they were doomed. In both cases they had to act according to God’s will, but were not confident that God would protect them. Faith is trusting God’s will and being willing to take that first step. That leads right into accepting God's grace and having faith that He will protect us in whatever He has chosen for us. Throughout the Bible, New Testament and Old, He continually tells us that we are His beloved. All we have to do is accept Him and trust Him. His love is infinite.  Our trust leads to a deeper relationship, which leads to mutual love, etc.; and the circle goes on.

 

In the last few weeks, this quote has brought me much comfort.  I know that, as I deepen my relationship with the Lord, His grace is there and His helping hand will guide me and catch me if I stumble. (CA)