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. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
One of the spiritual principles that I treasure most is that of new opportunities.
Throughout the Bible, we learn of a God who does new things daily for his people and the world. The new is a recurring theme throughout all its pages.
New Birth,1Peter 1:3; New Creation, 2 Cor 5:17; New Spirit, Ezequiel 11:19 New heart, Ezequiel 36:26; New strength, Isaias 40:3; New Heaven and Earth, Isaias 65:17; New Name, Rev 2:17 among others. God’s love and mercy are new every morning for each of us. Lam 3:22-23
The new tells us about the various opportunities that our Lord, in His infinite grace, allows us every day so that we continue to grow in His love, serve our neighbors, and get closer to Him.
As Methodist people, each year, we enjoy two opportunities to embrace the new: the administrative year that begins in January and the year of appointments that starts in July. These are opportunities to pause, be grateful for the past, reflect on the present, and embrace the path ahead. It is a time of change.
Change is a constant in life. It does not imply that the past was better or worse, nor that the present or the future can always surpass it. Change is simply the opportunity to enjoy the multiform grace of God, who reminds us every day that the best is that He is with us always.
Let us keep our minds and hearts open to the new things God is and will continue to do in our lives and hearts. Let us enjoy each moment as a new opportunity to continue being the body of Christ for a world that needs it so much. The hands and feet of Jesus Christ for our community. May God help us to do so.
Pastor Yoly