A YEAR FOR CHANGE We’re still at the start of a brand-new year: time to start again, to live differently, to be different. For many of us that means ‘New Year's Resolutions’, promises we make to ourselves to exercise more, lose weight, tackle household issues, enrol in an evening class and a host of other things—all laudable aims. However, this desire to change often involves an enormous amount of self-effort and stress. Many times, we don't manage to stick the course, and the latest failure adds to an overall sense of missing the mark, discouragement, and even despair. Our plans for improvement once again hit the dust. Perhaps there is a better way? God knew that not only did we need to be washed clean from our shortfall—we also needed the ability to live differently. And so, He made a promise: I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. [Ezekiel 36:25-27, underlining mine] Many of us have heard the good news that our sins have been forgiven, but have not realised that Jesus has bridged the gap for all our shortfall—every way we have missed the mark! In fact, we stand continually under what has been described as ‘a waterfall of forgiveness and cleansing’, meaning the Evil One has no grounds to accuse us [Romans 8:1], neither should we feel condemned. The first part of this promise, the dealing with our shortfall, was fulfilled, of course, through Jesus’ death and resurrection. But the ability to do right comes through the Holy Spirit’s work in us. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal power or force, but God Himself who has taken up residence in us. Take a look at these verses: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. [John 15:5] …I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. [Philippians 1:6 NKJV] …continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil His good purpose. [Philippians 2 :12-13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. [Philippians 4:13] A MUCH BETTER WAY...Jesus described the activity of the Holy Spirit in our lives like this: If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. [John 7:38] Just imagine. Rivers! Rivers of love… joy… peace… self-discipline… wisdom… Rivers of the life of God flowing from inside out. Let’s shelve our good intentions, and make our number one goal for 2023, to develop our reliance upon the Holy Spirit. Now this sounds like a plan... and it sounds much more restful than striving for change. THIS WEEK'S GRACE RHYTHM:
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you? NEXT WEEK: A LITTLE PRUNING Time to tidy up your view? PASS IT ON[Photo credits: Tim Mossholder (New Year list); Carlo Trolese (bubbling stream);
Priscilla du Preez (girls talking) @ Unsplash, with thanks]
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