I have often struggled with the passages in the Bible that talk about God making us into NEW creations; verses that tell us that God is doing a NEW thing. I often wonder to myself, why isn’t He doing something new in me? I want to be a new person in Christ! New beginnings. New creations. Our God is a God of all things new.
And then God gently reminds me that if I am to trust Him, I am to take Him at His Word. His Word tells us that each of us are new creations in Him. If we are Christ followers, He is making us new. God’s timing may not be ours, it may not happen as quickly as we would like. God isn’t a magic genie who snaps his fingers and makes us into a new creation in 24 hours. And truly, we wouldn’t want Him to be.
20 Verses for New Beginnings
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘“The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him’” (Lamentations 3:22-24). Here we see the beauty of a new day. A new morning. New mercies awaiting us. We see that they are new every morning… thus acknowledging that we are on this journey and it’s not a one time fix all. Today is a new day! Let’s be grateful!
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). We see in this passage that while Jesus was here on earth, even He was doing a new thing! He was teaching believers a new way of living, a new commandment, a new covenant: to love as we have been loved.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19). God tells us, even in the Old Testament, that He is doing a new thing. A new thing is a good thing. He is making a WAY for us in the wilderness, He is giving us streams of living water in times we are in the wastelands.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). There it is! Right on the pages of God’s Word we are told that we are being made new. We can choose to believe it and walk in that truth, or we can deny the power of God and His power to change even the deadest of hearts into hearts softened with love. He is making all things new, He is bringing the dead back to life!
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). From day one on this earth God was a creator God. He creates. He is the ultimate creative Being. He is always in the business of making us new and giving us new beginnings.
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him” (Psalm 40:3). The Psalms are full of praise and singing NEW songs to God! When you find yourself in a scary new place, sing a new song of praise to our God! Praise is our weapon against the enemy and fear.
“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God” (Isaiah 62:1-3). Have you noticed how often God gave new names to the characters in the Old Testament? I think just like He gave new names in those days, He brings new seasons into our lives as well. Maybe your new name is Strength, Fearless, or Grateful. Walk in the beauty of His new work in your heart!
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind” (Isaiah 65:17). Sometimes we just need to let go of the past and embrace the new season. Just like God does.
“‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah’” (Jeremiah 31:31). The new covenant was given to us through the blood of Jesus. This is our hope. Newness is our inheritance. Jesus is the truest gift of newness in our lives. Newness of heart. Newness of eternity. From death to life.
“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). We are given a new spirit as children of God. He turns our hearts from stone to flesh. New beginnings. New mercies. Newness of life forevermore.
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:14-16). What matters? How you messed up yesterday doesn’t matter. Your mistakes of tomorrow don’t matter. You are a new creation in Christ. That is what counts.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). This is what we do with this new life in Christ: we put off the old ways and we allow God to make us over in our new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (Colossians 3:9-11). It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, who you’ve been or what others think. Christ is all and in all. We are putting off the old self and putting on the new self. We are being renewed in Christ daily!
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:10-13). None of us knows the day or the moment that Jesus is coming back for His beloved bride. But, we do know that this world will not be as we know it any longer. We ought to live holy and godly lives as we wait for His coming. And while that day will bring about destruction, God will keep His promise and we will then know a new heaven and a new earth!
“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God” (Psalm 98:1-3). Sing to the Lord a new song! Why? Because He has done marvelous things. He is so worthy of our praise. We already have the victory through Christ. Praise Him for all the wonderful things He has done!
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” (Ezekiel 18:30-32). A new heart and a new spirit means a new beginning for us. Why not turn toward Christ and let Him make you into a new creation? That newness brings LIFE.
“Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:27-29). His very body, His blood, gives us new life. This newness of life and fresh beginnings isn’t anything we can muster up on our own. Christ is our only hope of new life! And He scarified His very life for us to have that new life in Him.
“And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love” (2 John 1:5-6). Want a fresh start? Want a new beginning? Start loving. That is the new command that Jesus came to bring us. Walk in love.
“And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). In heaven it will be one new song after another. Why not join in the chorus of new songs to praise our Father while still here on earth? Sing to Him a new song! A song of praise no matter your circumstance. Can you even imagine the praise that will fill our mouths and hearts when we meet Him face to face?
“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God” (Revelation 21:1-3). Do you ever think about heaven? About that new heaven and earth? About praising God forever and ever? No more tears. No more death. The victory is ours!
Candace Crabtree is just a broken mama thankful for grace and new mercies every morning. She and her husband live in East Tennessee where they homeschool their 3 kids. Candace also enjoys teaching piano, coffee, good books and blogging at His Mercy Is New. On her blog she shares encouragement for weary women from God’s Word along with resources for learning to pray the Scriptures.
Publication date: October 17, 2016
www.crosswalk.com
What new beginning are you experiencing? A new job? A move to a new city? A new year? God is with us in our transitions. New beginnings are the best time to reflect on where we’ve come from and move into the future with a joyful hope.
This meditation may be helpful for life transitions or milestones, or even at the beginning of a new year. If you feel ready to push the reset button and start afresh, sit and pray with this meditation.
Click the image to the right to download and listen anytime. Or you may click play below to pray now.
INTRODUCTION
New beginnings do not just happen at the beginning of a new year. They can occur with a romantic breakup, a move to a new city, a new job, a new child, or another life event. What new beginning am I experiencing now? How am I feeling at this point? … I sit for a while with that feeling.
“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
The stories in scripture show time and time again that God offers people a new beginning, another chance for great things. God frees the oppressed, Jesus heals and restores, and the Holy Spirit imbues new life.
SELFHOOD
When we’re in a new situation, at the beginning of a new year, or in a new state of mind it’s natural to make resolutions. But in those resolutions are we staying true to ourselves or trying to be someone different? When Jesus offers someone a new beginning, he’s simply calling them to be themselves, their best selves. Can I claim my selfhood, my own identity, loved and given by God?
ATTACHMENTS & HOPES
Sometimes new beginnings are chances to take a look at the things we’re holding onto. Saint Ignatius speaks of so-called “disordered attachments”, things we’re attached to that are not helpful to growing closer to God and our True Self. We need to get rid of those things. Are there any things that I can get rid of at this point in my life, things unhelpful to my journey? What do I need to let go of?
At this new beginning, what are my hopes?
FRIENDSHIP
Friendships can be very important to new beginnings. They may help us in our transition or they may help encourage us to awaken dreams. Who are my friends who can help me in my journey forward?
It’s also important to consider our friendship with God who meets us wherever we are. When we look back on a past year or past relationship or past situation, we may nostalgically long to return to that place. But the graces of those times and the memories of the past can come with us. And God, most importantly, is never left behind. God moves with us from the present moment into the future, into new and hopeful beginnings.
The verse from Isaiah says that God is going to do something “brand-new”. What brand new thing is God doing for me now?
Let us start our new beginning with a prayer attributed to St Teresa of Avila and St Thérèse of Lisieux:
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
Music by Kevin MacLeod
godinallthings.com
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criptures: Job 4:12-17, Jeremiah 29:11, Amos 9:11-12, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Joel 2: 25-27, Isaiah 43:18-19, Revelation 21:4 and Isaiah 40:31.
1. Thank You Father that your thoughts of me are thoughts of peace and not of evil that will give me hope and a great future, in Jesus’ name.
2. Thank You Father for a second chance and a new dawn. I pray that your will and not my will be done from now and always, in Jesus’ name.
3. Dear Lord, create in me a new heart and put your right spirit in me. Remove my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh, in Jesus’ name.
4. Thank You Father for a new beginning of restoration, transformation, confirmation and divine establishment, in Jesus’ name.
5. By the grace of God, old things have passed away and the new has come because I am a new creature in Christ Jesus.
6. Father, I thank You for the new things You will do in my life that eyes have not seen, nor ears heard nor any mind can conceive, in Jesus’ name.
7. I will fear not because the Lord has redeemed me and called me by my name.
8. My help will come from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not suffer my foot to be moved because He is my helper, keeper and the shade on my right hand.
9. The Lord will be with me always. When I pass through rivers, they shall not overwhelm me, when I walk through fire I shall not be burned because the Lord is my Savior.
10. The steadfast love of the Lord will never cease in my life; His mercies will never come to an end; they will always be new every morning of my life, in Jesus’ name.
11. I declare by faith, there is a way for me where there seems to be no way. The impossible is possible for me from henceforth, in Jesus’ name.
12. As I wait on the Lord, He will renew my strength; I shall mount up with wings as eagles. I shall run and not be weary. I shall walk and not faint.
13. As I ask of the Lord, I will receive. As I seek, I will find and when I knock on any door, it shall be opened to me according to the will of God for my life, in Jesus’ name.
14. The crooked paths in my life have become straight and rivers are flowing in the deserts of my life, in Jesus’ name.
15. Everything the locusts and canker worms have eaten and destroyed in my life shall be restored a hundred fold, in Jesus’ name.
16. I decree by faith that my latter years shall be greater than my former years, in Jesus’ name.
17. From now on, I will always go forward and never backward because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
18. The Lord is my portion and I hope in Him; I will not be consumed because of His mercies and compassion on me.
19. The glory of the Lord will be seen on me at all times, in Jesus’ name.
20. I will hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord my God to do all He wants me to do, in Jesus’ name.
21. As long as I obey the commands of the Lord, I shall be the head and not the tail. I shall be above only and not beneath, in Jesus’ name.
22. This is my set time of favor. I will arise and shine for my light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon me, in Jesus’ name.
23. The grass wither, the flower fades, but the word of my God will stand in the affairs of my life forever more, in Jesus’ name.
24. I will no longer be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, I will let my requests be made known to God, in Jesus’ name.
25. I will dwell in the secret place of the most high and abide under his almighty shadow.
Jan 20, 2016May Olusola
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May Olusola
Since 2006, I have served as the founder and publisher of MannaEXPRESS. Out of a desire to fulfill a mandate of inspiring and encouraging people, Ibuilt MannaEXPRESS from concept to completion by the special grace of God and a team of extraordinary people.
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www.mannaexpressonline.com
Father, I Praise You with a new song and declare Your glory and great works among Your people. For everything under the sun, there is a plan and purpose. So I pray that the plans You have for those who call upon You will be manifested.
Help us to believe in ourselves and know that whatever happened in the past is done! We are new creatures in Christ and will move beyond past events. With you, we will walk uprightly, because You direct our steps.
We declare new beginnings and new opportunities, as we place Jesus at the center of our lives.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
Isaiah 43:18-19 – Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
New Beginnings
Abba Father, as we focus on new beginnings, show us how to let go of the unforgiveness we hold in our hearts. Help us Lord to release those who have wronged us.
Let us apply wisdom in all situations. In everything we do, it is my prayer that we will surrender to Your will and co-operate with the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 90:12 – So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
You may also be interested in these articles:
- Prayer For The New Year
- Welcoming the New Year with Prayer
- Prayer: All Things Work Together for Good
A Year of Change
Heavenly Father, we declare that this will be a year of change. This will be a year in which we will place You in Your rightful place in our lives, so that everything will find its place and will be set in order.
We will trust in You and believe that You have the ultimate plan for us.
We will walk in love and unity and wait patiently on You Father, for You work all things together for good, for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.
Our hearts and lives will overflow with the abundance that will be manifested from this day.
Praise be to You Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, SO BE IT… Amen and Amen!
Mark 11:25-26 – And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Colossians 3:15 – Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
A woman of God, a worshipper striving for excellence in ALL areas of my life!
I am a daughter, sister, wife and mother who has come to the realization that life without God is boring and empty. Through my prayers I hope to shine the light of truth and encourage others so that we can all glorify God in everything we do. I continue to relay messages that God has equipped me to write for His purpose. I hope my prayers will help you feel inspired and trust our limitless God more deeply.
christianstt.com
