Good morning:
Does a new day mean a fresh start? Not necessarily. The words, actions, and happenings of the previous day often carry over into the next. The dirty dishes left in the sink last night are still there this morning. The unfinished business at work needs to be addressed Monday morning. The hurt caused by an unkind remark is still on the mind today. Wouldn’t it be nice to have all those burdens and failings erased so that every morning would truly be a fresh start?
Reflecting on his life, the psalmist wrote: “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you, there is forgiveness” (Ps. 130:3-4). A fresh start is not an unrealistic, impossible dream, but a gift of God’s grace. He has promised, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Jer. 31:34). God kept His word by sending Jesus to take upon Himself the guilt and punishment for the sins of all people. Those sins of yesterday? Paid for in full by Jesus’ bloodshed on the cross. God doesn’t remember them. By faith, you are holy and couldn’t be more pleasing to Him.
Today really is a fresh start. While it’s true that the consequences of your actions or inaction may follow you, you don’t have to drag the guilt of yesterday along with you. Your sins are forgiven. You are a child of God and heir of eternal life in heaven. Let that relief and joy show in everything you take on today. Let it show in a joyful attitude which trusts that the challenges and setbacks of life are not signs of God’s anger, but things He will use to strengthen faith and keep you close to Him. See today as a fresh start at showing the Lord’s love in kindness toward family and in being considerate and helpful to everyone around you. The hours ahead are a fresh start to spend time with the Lord in His Word and prayer and prepare for gathering in His name tomorrow. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17).
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
Tomorrow’s service is at 9 a.m.
Photos will be taken after the service in the classroom for the update of the picture board.
