The hard-cold reality is that there are no "do-overs", no "mulligans" in life. However, with each new day comes the opportunity for something that I believe is even better... A Fresh Start!
Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! "
This morning as I prayed over what God might have me share with you He pointed me to the verse above, and to the reality that some of you feel "consumed" by life and all of life's circumstances. Some of you are feeling overwhelmed, tired, ready to quit, like you can't go on... Others of you are stuck in a pit of contentment that is holding you back from being all that God has for you to be. And then there are those who feel that God has abandoned you, given up on you...and as a result, you have turned your back on God.
One of my favorite verses is Romans 5:8 which says, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
You see, God did not send His Son to dies for us because He "thought" we were perfect. And He didn't send His Son to die for us with the expectation of getting something in return...
God sent His Son to die in our place because He loves us UNCONDITIONALLY! God knew we would sin, fail, let Him down, mess up, whatever. And the reason we have such a hard time understanding His love is that it is far greater than anything we can fathom. It is an unmerited, undeserved, gracious love that only the God of the universe could give. And His love and compassion for us is new every morning, which allows today to be a new day, a fresh start, a new beginning in Him.
This Sunday we will embark on a new series titled, "Loving God, Loving People". This series marks a new day, perhaps even a "fresh start" for Living Bridge. You see, this is far more than another series. These words have now become our mission, what will or will not define us. And I am calling on you, the church, to join with me as we set out on this journey together. We have learned much from the past, but now a new day is dawning at Living Bridge. And the time has come to step out in faith in the light of God's mercies for a fresh start, and a new mission. To live out and to show others that we love God; to live out and to show people that we love them. And to ultimately live out our faith by making disciples and fulfilling our ultimate calling which is the Great Commission!
It's time to get off the sideline and get in the game. It's time to stomp out fear and the lies of the enemy. It's time to see the church of Jesus Christ rise from the ashes and become the glorious bride we are called to be!
So... will you join us? Or will you settle for contentment? The ladder is there, just waiting for you to use it to climb out of the pit. So let me encourage you to take that first step! And together, we'll move forward in the light of God's love, mercy, and grace.
Keep Loving God and Loving People!
