All Things New

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          I have yet to meet anyone who has never needed a new beginning. One of the benefits of teaching is a new beginning each fall. There is absolutely nothing as scary or exciting as the first day of classes because even though they are dreading the work that accompanies the return to school, most high school students come in smiling and eager to see all of their friends and (GASP) even their teachers. Many of these students are hungry for new beginnings because they know that they can do more or better than they did the year before. They are ready to leave the failures behind. This year I can relate because I have a new beginning at school as well. I am taking on new teaching assignments that will move me into the realm of the "mature" world of 11th and 12th graders. I may need many new beginnings before the year is over...but they may too.
          Likewise, I am so grateful that Jesus offers us new beginnings. Fortunately, we aren't kicked to the curb for messing up once, twice, seven, seventy, or seventy times seven. It is easy to be grateful for this, but it is really hard to apply the same grace to the others around us. This idea of new beginnings  is seen throughout the Bible, but it is also very evident in the last book of the New Testament. Revelation 21:5 reveals that Jesus is constantly at work in and around His own: And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true" (NASB).
          If you need a new start, remember that Jesus IS MAKING all things new. If that's not encouraging, I don't know what is.

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