Influencers Weekly Devotional

Something New For You by Bryan Craig

"He Who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new.'" Revelation 21:5

"Happy New Year!" That phrase has been so overused as a greeting that is has become somewhat like saying, "Good Morning." However, it is 2013, a new year, and it might do us some good to consider what we have to be "happy" about? Most of us wind down the calendar year as we celebrate Christmas and the holidays. We slow down, take time off work, spend time with family, getting out of our normal routines. For those of us who are a little hyperactive, it takes a few days to relax, but then, we find ourselves getting into super-relax mode, and then, it's hard to think about getting back into action. To all of us, I believe God would like to say, "Happy New Year! It's time to get excited of what I have in store for you this year." God wired us with an appreciation for newness. If you have ever had the privilege of owning anything new- a car, a house, a new electronic device, you will know the innate excitement of it. It is fresh, it is untouched, it is clean, it is waiting to be discovered. Since we were out of town right after the holidays, my kids cannot wait to get back to play with their new toys they received as gifts for Christmas. This appreciation for newness goes way beyond materialism. We have new jobs, new relationships, new churches, new activities, new resolutions. Of course, one of the greatest examples of newness which strikes excitement in all of us is new birth. For all the times we dread visiting someone in the hospital due to affliction, going to the hospital for the birth of a new baby is exhilarating. Thank God that He gives us the gift of new life. God is a God of regeneration. Just as one season must end, so that a new season can be birthed, God is always turning our lives over. Now, we do like new things, but I must say we don't especially like our lives being recreated. We get into our routines where we feel comfortable, and we pretty much like to stay there. I would submit to you that our enemy is the one who likes us to stay comfortable, to stay safe, for this is where our impact is minimized. God, our loving Father, wants to take us to new places, to new heights, where we will be challenged, but where we will find new life. He always has new adventures for us, new assignments for us, new discoveries. I don't know what 2012 held for you. It may have been a great year, with many new conquests and exciting successes and blessings. For you, the temptation will be to hang on to 2012 as long as you can, perhaps uncertain as to how life could get any better in 2013. For some of you, 2012 was filled with misery, challenge, grief, turmoil, and you have no problem saying goodbye to 2012. However, the temptation for you is to fear the future. The enemy may have hardened you to life a bit, with a cynical outlook on 2013. You probably don't expect anything "happy" about this new year. To all of you, I would say, "God has something special for you this year." God brings freshness and newness all the time. Brothers, this is why the message of "Intimacy with Christ" that God gave Influencers and that we share in our Journey groups is "the message" for a lifetime. In our flesh, we are so fickle and emotional and easily swayed. As we abide with Him and open our spirits to His Word and His Spirit, He always takes us to new places where we can better see our lives and His purpose for them. He gives us new gifts every day, gifts of perspective, love and hope. He breathes new life into us. He takes our pains and sadness and disappointment and turns them into wisdom and service. He takes our successes and turns them into gratitude and humility and generosity. He is the great Creator every day. The more time we spend with Him, the more our hearts will awaken to the newness of life He wishes to impart. So, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Who gives us forgiveness and salvation and new life, and Who holds everything together, I wish you a Happy New Year. I pray you will possess a glad and light heart as you seek Him and His plans for you this year. He loves you more than you can imagine. As I wrote last week in my devotional, we at Influencers are excited and hopeful at the prospects for this next year. We know God wants to take us to new places, new cities, new men. We know there may be challenges, but we will be on our knees every day, asking God for the next step, following His Spirit wherever He wants to take us. Again, I pray that you will join us on this mission. To know how you can help, go to this link, Support Influencers. Bless you, men. Download file