
A Lesson in Abundance
All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.—ISAIAH 43:19 NIV
There is something about a fresh beginning. At the start of the new year, people decide to make positive changes in their lives. The new school year seems to usher in another round of hope for achievement and organization. For a while at least.
God specializes in giving us a new start. Lamentations 3:22–23 tells us that His compassion is new every morning. We can never make a mistake so big that God can’t give us a fresh start. Nothing is too big for the blood of Jesus to cover. He wants to give us a new life, right where we are.
As we trust in Him, He will make us into new creatures. That’s not something we can do ourselves. Our pasts can’t hold us back. While Satan loves to remind us of our past and the mistakes we’ve made, God is turning the wilderness of our lives into beautiful growth with His living water. Remember to trust God for the changes He is making in you and to thank Him for His unfailing love.
Heavenly Father, we thank You that Your love never runs out on us. Thank You for covering our sins with the blood of Your Son and giving us new life every day. Amen.

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)