fresh start

one of the things i love about God is that everyday He provides a fresh start to anyone that needs one or wants one.  truth be told, i have to take God up on his offer several times a week.  every 24 hours God makes it clear that we can tap into His mercy and be released from any mistakes we have made.

“Once God has forgiven you, he doesn’t keep track of your sins. What great news! Your slate is clean. You are greeted daily with God’s mercies.”  Lamentations 3:23 (MSG)

i recently talked to a friend that had to declare bankruptcy.  he shared with me that he was bummed to find out that this will stay on his credit for at least seven years.  it made me think… thank God that he does not keep a record of wrongs against us - he doesn’t hold our mistakes, failures and sins against us.  

“I know their pain and will make them good as new. They’ll get a fresh start, as if nothing had ever happened. And why? Because I am their very own God, I’ll do what needs to be done for them.”  Zechariah 10:6 (MSG)  When God extends a fresh start to us, it is with no strings attached.  God forgives us instantly, he forgives us completely, and he forgives us permanently.  

You might be thinking… if God offers me a redo every 24 hours, then i can just do whatever i want. remember paul warned us not to purposely blow it - just because we know God’s grace is available. a fresh start is not a license to take God for granted.   take the fresh start you need, but be extremely thankful and appreciate the price that was paid for God to make us this most generous offer.

“God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. Now I’m alert to God’s ways; I don’t take God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I’m watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.”  Psalm 18:20-24 (MSG)

i pray you experience the mercy of God as he grants you a fresh start today!  Tap into his mercy and be grateful that he gives us what we need, not what we deserve.