New Year. New in what sense? When we think of something new it seems to bring with it the connotation of bright, shiny, fresh, and fulfilling. The “New Car” smell. The anticipation of getting something that we either have never had or a new one to replace the old one.

What will make this a New Year? Is it going to quickly turn into just a replay of the past years? Am I looking forward to the coming year with anticipation or dread? Do I hope for something new but deep inside my heart I really believe it will be more of the same. Is there any hope for New?
In the Book of Psalms new is mentioned 7 times. Six out of those seven times the Psalmist speaks of a “New Song.” A song, the message of the heart. A New Song, the heart singing a new melody.
Through Isaiah The Lord declares that New is possible! “Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.” (Isa 42:9)
And again He asserts: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” (Isa 43:19)

The Lord speaking through the Prophet Ezekiel stated that there would be a new covenant where men would be given a new heart and a new Spirit. He also declared plainly that it would be the Spirit of God.

The Book of Acts gives us first-hand accounts of men becoming “New Creatures.” Fishermen become great preachers. Tax collectors become Apostles. Men made new with an overwhelming, transforming, experience from God. The record is clear. They all received the Holy Ghost (Spirit) and New Lives began.

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Let us set 2015 as the “Year of the Spirit!” Let us seek God continually for the baptism of the Spirit of God! We want the “New” Lord! Grant us Jesus to once again taste of your Great Spirit as the Apostles of old.

We will have a New Year!

Pastor