The word “new” is used twice in this verse, but each with slightly different meanings. The first is Neos…as in a man can reform himself and become new. The second is Kainos…but it is only by God’s divine nature and activity that man becomes qualitatively new. When we say yes to Jesus, we become a new creature…a very small portion on our part, a huge work by God.
John 2:5 ” His mother said to the servants, ‘ Do whatever He tells you.’ “
In this familiar story, Jesus and His mother are attending a wedding in Cana. Mary is aware that the celebration wine has run out, and she has come to her Son to help the newlywed couple avoid embarrassment. Mary, of all people, knew Jesus the very best. And while she might not have known exactly what He would do…she had the ultimate trust in Jesus to do the right thing.
Isaiah 65:24 ” Before they can call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”
Sometimes when I’m praying, I feel like I must get God’s attention before He’ll listen…so I jump up and down, yelling, and waving my arms, thinking maybe He’ll notice me. But this verse says quite the opposite. The Lord is waiting for me to speak, listening for my voice, eager to answer my prayer according to His perfect Will. I don’t have to guess if the Lord has heard my prayer…for He’s already at work.
Ezekiel 37:26 ” I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put My sanctuary among them forever.”
The sanctuary…that sacred place where the presence and glory of God resides is much closer than you can imagine. For if you think about it – your body is that temple, that sanctuary, if the Holy Spirit lives within you. That glorious presence, peace, and power of our God resides in you – His sanctuary here on earth.
Ephesians 2:5 ” It is by grace you have been saved.”
The simple definition of grace is unearned, unmerited favor. There is absolutely nothing you can do in and of yourself to gain this favor…it’s accomplished only by the atonement of your sins by Jesus Christ dying on that Cross in your place. God’s unwarranted favor…His abundant, extravagant grace… is available to all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Ezekiel 34: 26 “…I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessings.”
God’s blessings come at just the right time…not too early, not too late. The Lord’s favor is like the gentle Spring rains that soak the ground so it can produce a crop. Those showers of blessings are poured out on our own thirsty souls that we too might be fruitful for Him.
II Thessalonians 3:16 ” Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
The message of salvation brought about by God’s abundant mercy towards us is called the Gospel of Peace. And it’s peace that the Lord gives us. Peace in the midst of chaos…peace in the middle of turmoil and fear. The Lord is ever near us, His companionship and fellowship are always there, always waiting. Peace is yours today.
II Chronicles 16:9 ” For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”
Who is your reliance on? If it’s man, you’ll be constantly disappointed. But the Lord is ever there for you, supporting and encouraging … always present to be your cheerleader and confidante. And the result for you…a soul at peace in all situations.
Job 12:13 ” To God belongs wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His.”
Even through his suffering, Job was keenly aware of the Lord’s awe-inspiring strength, might, and insight. Elsewhere in Job 9:4 he declared, “His wisdom is profound, His power is vast.” One cannot but agree with that statement…our Lord is all-knowing, His power limitless and infinite.
Galatians 5:7 ” You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?”
Let’s put a face to the Who in this verse…the Who that keeps us from spending time with God. Hectic schedules at work and home…business deadlines…errands, appointments, and practices…all these can chip away at our day, until there’s nothing left for God. By first identifying the “WHOs” in our life, we can then come up with a plan on how to spend that daily time with our Lord. It may be as simple as shutting down your phone or computer for a little while and focusing on Him instead.
Safetypinlove 