A new minute, a new day, a new season, a new year, a new generation, and I could go on – God gives us many opportunities for a fresh new start. God is Good and He is faithful!
Thank you, Lord God, for this time to examine ourselves and Your Divine Love for us. Thank you for this new year and these good friends. Amen
In the NIV version alone, these words appear: renew = 29 times, refresh = 22 times, restore x 114, revive x 7, rebuild x 39, return x 424;
Total, in case your math is still sleeping: 635
Perhaps restoration is important to God, especially the restoration of our relationships with Him. If so, then perhaps we ought to pay attention. If He desires to restore us, perhaps we ought to desire to draw closer to Him…
For who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?' declares the LORD. Jeremiah 30:21 niv
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, james 4:7&8 NIV
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. Psalm 73:28 NIV
So it is, as well, when we have communion with Him.
(have the video of the betrothal scene from “The Nativity”, starts at 6:25 of this clip)
Does this look familiar?
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:25 NIV
For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again. 1 Corinthians 11:26 NLT He offers His cup, “whenever you drink it”, until He returns.
I am amazed, overwhelmed and humbled that He continues to offer His covenant, His promises, His love to me; that He would want to spend eternity with me. This He offers to each of us. It is up to us to accept, again and again, to renew our love for Him, just as His love for us is new, each day. Such a wonderful gift!
There was a day, a few years ago, that an amazing sun rise led me to the thought that He has shown His mercy, one more day. He has given us another chance to reach at least one more soul that He would want in His and our Divine family.
Have you taken any new opportunities to restore your love with Him? Have you utilized any opportunity to share His Love or His Word with someone who needs it? I encourage you to seek these opportunities! From my own experience, there is no greater joy! May you experience it, too, and perhaps your joy will be a testimony to others who need a good cup of restored love.