A Brand New Day! - Psalm 40:1-3

As we begin this New Year, many thoughts are turned to the idea that 2012 might be the year that ends it all!  Movies, Mayan calendars, and doomsday prophets have all had their say in the great debate surrounding this year. 

But I see this as a year of hope.  There is something grand about the turning of the time, the resetting of the calendar to a new day - a new year and new opportunities presented by God. 

But, to get to this "Brand New Day" there are some things that must transpire.  Let me encourage you to read Psalm 40:1-3 before you go any farther.

Okay... if you've read the Scripture, let's begin.

First: Patiently Wait.  Know that God has a plan and purpose for you and it is not to leave you in the mud and mire of life.  He waits for you to cry out to Him, and when you do, trust that He will hear and respond.  So many who are hurting and hungry will ask: how long?  When will God show up? Be patient, and wait, for the Lord has promised deliverance to all who hope in Him.

Second: Trust God's Powerful Work.  He will lift you up!  God's powerful work is to give you a firm and permanent place to stand.  Reach up to Him and know that He will take you from the mud to a Solid Rock—from the mire of sin to the firm place of salvation.

Third: Express Passionate Worship.  On this brand new day, voice your praise to the God of your salvation.  The delivered soul cannot help but worship Him.  The redeemed of the Lord will lift up their voices in songs of praise and in passionate worship of Him who has secured their lives.

Fourth: Become a Personal Witness.  God has delivered you! Now is not the time to become closed off to humanity and never let your light shine in this world.  An artist will sign his or her masterpiece in order to verify its authenticity. You are the masterpiece. You are not a cheap imitation but the signature portrait of God's great love, the handiwork of the Master who others will look upon and sense the powerful draw to Jesus Christ. 

Remember: This is the day the Lord has made - let us rejoice and be glad in it!  You have a brand new day, a new opportunity, a refreshed hope to accomplish what God has purposed for you.  Let me encourage you to take this year and make it the very best for Jesus Christ.

All for His Glory
 
Your Servant,
Michael