"New"

Is the new year really new,

Or just a sad repeat,

Of everything that’s gone before,

The bitter and the sweet.

New year’s resolutions,

Promises and such,

Often don’t last very long,

Or really mean that much.

Getting healthy is a big one,

And trying to lose weight,

But calories are stubborn,

Desserts your try negate.

Guess what I am saying,

Is the old routine, you see,

Is the habit that we follow,

Hard to break for you and me.

And that is why I tell you,

That if you want to change,

Your success is hidden,

But well within your range

It’s right there in the daily,

Things we do and say,

And if we want to change it,

It must be day to day.

That is why our practice,

Of God’s presence in our lives,

Is based on praying day to day,

Or else the rut deprives,

The daily bread He gives us,

The grace to overcome,

He says it is sufficient,

And all we need to run.

So if you want to make a change,

And make the new year new,

Call on the Lord Jesus Christ,

He’ll show you what to do.

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn fromm godless living and sinful pleasures…” (Titus 2:11-12, NLT)

The grace that saves us also transforms us. It gives us forgiveness for sin, and empowers us to turn from sin. But it’s all about our daily choice to receive and apply it. The new life is renewed each day, as we receive the grace each day to live for the Lord. He actually graces us by His Spirit to live a righteous life, and turn from selfishness. He lives through us as we die to our selfish egos. That’s why Jesus called His disciples to take up their cross daily and follow Him. We are saved when we receive the gift of eternal life. That settles that, and our eternal destination. Then comes our transformation, and living a changed life means we intentionally practice God’s presence and cooperate with His grace. We can live a new life that advertises grace to others.

Lord, show us how to live a new life everyday, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Anton, billantonstudio.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Bill, and God bless you.