Happy New Year 2020!

“For I am about to do something new.”  Isaiah 43:19

In Isaiah 43:1-17 GOD is reminding Israel of the many wonderful and miraculous acts He’s done and describes some others He will do: He chose them over richer and more powerful Nations; He rescued them from exile and slavery in Egypt; He’s fought battles for them and will deliver them from every adversity; He’s going to return the diaspora to the promised land...and more.

But then GOD says something that should give you and me pause: “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new…” Isaiah 43:18-19

The old is gone...embrace the new

Matthew Henry’s Commentary tells us that Isaiah 43 is looking far beyond GOD’s miraculous acts on Israel’s behalf then to “the great work of man’s redemption by Jesus Christ, and the grace of the gospel, which through Him believers partake of.”

Isaiah 43:25 supports this, “I (GOD)—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”

The blotting out of sin, total forgiveness, came to us through CHRIST’s atonement – His death on the cross and resurrection; the greatest of all miracles, no comparison. And GOD did it for the same reason He kept rescuing Israel. Love!

"Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you." Isaiah 43:4

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8

As you enter this new year, fret not about things past. Despite yesterday’s failures, GOD’s plan for you is relevant today and everyday of your life. If you belong to GOD, He authored that plan and He is able to finish that which He started. 

"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where GOD is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever." 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 The Message (MSG)

Stay in the game…GOD gives grace for each new day!

Prayer and Thanksgiving: All glory and honor to the KING of kings and LORD of lords. For He has done great things for us and we are glad! Father, we thank you for the miraculous exchange which provided us with a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for despair. Thank YOU for YOUR great grace that forgave our failures in 2019 and we look forward with great excitement and anticipation to each new day of year 2020. In the name of JESUS CHRIST, our LORD. Amen

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile