New Beginnings - Daily Devotional December 31st, 2009

Daily Bible Reading - Job 41-42, Malachi 3-4, Revelation 21-22

New Beginnings

As we conclude this year and our Bible reading plan my sights are clearly set on the new year that is ahead of us. I am excited for 2010 because it does not just represent a new year, but a new decade and new beginnings. Every year I am excited for the new year to start but even more so for 2010. I do not have my long list of things I want to accomplish this year just a simple desire to live more radical for Jesus Christ.

In Revelation 22:2 it talks about a river flowing from the throne of God and "also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations". This verse is so powerful because the last time
this tree is mentioned is in Genesis . This is a true sign of restoration and a new beginning and I can't think of a better picture then God restoring something as we conclude 2009.

2009 has been a tough year for many and even worse for others. Rather then looking at the past in defeat I choose to look at the promise of a life giving tree that has leaves of healing for all people. Healing from divorce, poverty, sickness and even comfort from the sting of death. I choose to believe that God is restoring the promise that He gave in the beginning. I choose to believe that 2010 has a new beginning for me and a new one for you!

The Bible is a book of new beginnings, you see it in every chapter and every verse. From Genesis to Revelation God is reaching out to His people longing to give them a new start and a new chance. Every time I pick up the Bible and read it I am filled with hope, faith and a new beginning. One of my favorite verses and a promise that was given to me as we moved back to San Diego to start Urban is Isaiah 42:9. Listen to what it says in this verse and claim it for yourself in 2010. "Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them". Wow what a promise! It is a promise that we see being fulfilled in Revelation 22:2 and it is a promise I believe God is making to you as we conclude this year and move into a new one. It is time to remember the dreams you have had and to know that He is bringing them back. Just like the Tree of Life your dream will bring healing to you and to many - this is the year of new beginnings!

As we enter into the new year believe that your new beginning is here. Start your new year off right and a new decade off right by putting Him first. Let this be the year where you do Matthew 6:33 and, " seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you".

New Beginnings are here!

Tomorrows Bible Reading (New plan, - M'Cheyne One Year Reading Plan)
Genesis 1, Matthew 1, Ezra 1, Acts 1

Dream Big
Ben