Jon Taylor – Lead Pastor

It’s a new year and it’s time to make a fresh start! It is interesting how many times Scripture refers to “new” things. One of the best known is 1 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone and the new is here!”

Luke 22:20 – “In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'”

John 13:34 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Acts 5:20 – “’Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people all about this new life.’”

Romans 6:4 – “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Ephesians 4:23-24 – “…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.”

We can be made new. We can have a fresh start. Here’s how:

S – Stop making excuses – Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9

T – Take an inventory – What have I learned from my experiences? What are my strengths? Who can help me?

A – Act in faith – Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 9:27-30a; Acts 3:1-10

R – Refocus – Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:2; Joshua 1:8

T – Trust God – Zechariah 4:6; Proverbs 3:5-6

Ask God this question, and then be silent a listen for His answer: “God, what new thing do you want to do in me today?”

Here’s to God doing new things in you and through you in 2015.

(START acronym points courtesy of Jim Mooney)