We experienced “new” yesterday. New was in the form of tiny fuzzy chicks and snuggly little baby bunnies. It was a divine experience. There is no other explanation as far as I can tell. I watched my children hold these tiny animals, God’s handiwork, and snapped many, many pictures…
All the while my mind was completely caught up in the theme from Scripture: Our God is the God of New. Everywhere in His Word, since the fall He has been promising over and over that He will make all things new. These little creatures are only a picture of the new life He promises. Typically we revel in this truth around the Easter season – not necessarily during the “in between” of Thanksgiving…
Last night when all of the excitement had subsided and my little creatures where in bed, I asked the Lord again and again – “How was that experience supposed to change my heart?” Because I’ve learned one thing (and even this one thing I forget sometimes…) – everything in my life is there for purpose, to instigate change.
This morning, I happened across words from a Psalm that moved my heart.
from Psalm 104:
24 O LORD, how manifold are Your works!
In wisdom You have made them all.
The earth is full of Your possessions—
25 This great and wide sea,
In which are innumerable teeming things,
Living things both small and great.
26 There the ships sail about;
There is that Leviathan
Which You have made to play there.
27 These all wait for You,
That You may give them their food in due season.
28 What You give them they gather in;
You open Your hand, they are filled with good.
29 You hide Your face, they are troubled;
You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created;
And You renew the face of the earth.
There is a book scheduled to arrive on our doorstep tomorrow called “Herein is Love.” It is a Bible study on the book of Genesis for my Emily and I to work through together. I didn’t realize when I ordered it how timely it would be, for her heart or for mine. Here, in this Thanksgiving season, my daughter and I are planning to experience His New. We will learn of His promises. Freedom and forgiveness, and all good things generously given from His hand.
Tonight my sweet girl filled out a card for the “thankful jar” and it said: “I am thankful for the forgiveness Jesus gives me.” And at that moment when she read the note aloud, my heart and mind simultaneously became aware of this: there is not a better time of year to experience His New.
While Autumn’s crisp breezes are blowing the leaves from the trees, I am reminded of His promise of redemption. He will continue the renewing work in my heart and in my children’s hearts too. In the middle of regular, ordinary life He promises New. A follower of Christ now for more than 25 years, my heart can find fresh beginnings with the touch of His Spirit. And for His New I will be eternally grateful. Amen.
daily portion 
Email pictures!!!