New beginnings...

     After awakening on January 1st, 2012 I was on my way home when I realized how beautiful the sunrise was both physically and Spiritually. Physically, it was fresh, clean...new. The day prior was a balmy 75 degrees and then a cold front blew in overnight and it was closer to 40 degrees that morning. The wind from the front cleared out all the smog, pollen, and other junk. It left for an absolutely clear and gorgeous blue sky for the first morning of this new year. Now on to what God spoke to me during this time...

     The photo shows the power of the sun...the light. It also shows the clarity of the sky. The picture message I got from God was that with this new beginning I should be walking towards the light (His son) constantly pursuing to be closer and more intimate with Him. The fresh air and clarity was Him showing me in the physical realm how everything truly is new in the Spiritual realm (Lamentations 3:22-23). He also spoke to me explaining how we should honestly treat every moment as we do a new calendar year. When we fall short and sin we must be quick to acknowledge that sin, confess the sin, and then repent. In that moment we can truly experience His grace and mercy. We do not have to wait until a new year, a new season in our lives, or even a new morning. Right then and right there He will forgive us our sins and, if we receive it, give us the freedom He intended when He sent His son to die on the cross for us.

     However, I do not want to be one the Christians that causes an individual to believe it is simplified to the point of relaxing. Something else God pointed out to me was path between where I was standing and the horizon where the sun had risen from. Notice it is far from a clear path. I was reminded of what Jesus said in John 16:33. We can pray until we are blue in the face asking for peace (and I assure you I do), but we must remember that there will be trials and tribulation. With that being said we will find peace when we focus first on God, regardless of our circumstances.

     So as we move into the year 2012 let us all try to remember that God's grace and mercy never expires and in fact is constant. So we do not have to wait until 2013, next month, or even the morning to experience the sweet love of Jesus. God's grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, etc. is constant in ways we cannot imagine. So do not spend hours, days, weeks, or more beating yourself up and allowing condemnation from the enemy. Lay it down at the foot of the cross and keep moving towards the sun!