A Fresh New Start

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
 
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:1-10, NLT

Views of the storm in the Sierras out Sister Leigh's front door.

As dark clouds above the fill the sky, we can just imagine the blustery snow storm that looms on the horizon and all of the cold and ice it brings with it. But when I look out my window, I can see beyond the gloom of the storm and envision the clean, white snow and a beautiful, near perfect landscape with a fresh start coming when the snow melts.

This is what we have as followers of Christ. We have a new beginning; not just when we get saved, but every time we seek God’s forgiveness for our sins with a repentant heart. It is just as Paul writes in the passage above.

So ladies, if you feel that you are not where you should be in your walk Christian walk and ministry, try seeking forgiveness for your lost time and efforts. Then move on in Him, seeking His wisdom and guidance for where and how you are to minister to those in your family, your church, and your community.

Remember that every day is a blank slate on which you write the story God has placed in your heart. This ‘story’ is your life. And what you write should come from the heart of God, through your heart, and shared with all those you meet in a day … Those you know and, just as important, those you don’t know yet.

Enjoy the new, clean landscape of your heart. Share it with everyone!

Until next time.
Sister Leigh