All Things New
My word for 2015 is NEW.
The Bible has a lot to say about “New”. I did a keyword search in Bible Gateway for the word “new” and found around 280 references. In 2013, I made “All Things Good” jars to remind me of Romans 8:28. This year, that jar will be replaced with my “All Things New” jar.
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5
God is making me new. He’s making you new, and sometimes we just need to be reminded! This jar will be my reminder.
Throughout the year, I will add new verses, new insight, and examples of the ways God is making me new. What am I learning about God that is new? I’m taking these truths and writing them down! I don’t want to be stagnant and just going through the motions. I want to be intentional to recognize how He is changing me from the inside out. These are the things I want to remember!
My jar is in front of my dresser mirror as a visual reminder of my NEWNESS in Christ. It’s His Beautiful Gift to me! There may be times throughout the day, week or year, where I will need to open that jar to remember truth and ground myself in who I am in Jesus who makes all things new.
How is God making you new? What verses have you come across in a fresh, new way? What new songs are you singing to praise the one who redeemed you? How is your heart and mind being made new? Grab a jar (or a box, or an envelope) and join me. Can you imagine next year at this time, the treasure that this ‘new’ jar will store? Can you feel the thanksgiving and anticipation in your heart already? It’s exciting and new!
Here are some verses and questions to ponder as you discover “New” in your own walk with Jesus!
What is something new you have learned in His word?
Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.
What new song are you singing to praise Him for what He has done in your life?
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
How is your life and the way you perceive the world around you being made new?
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.
How is your heart being made new?
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh
New replaces old! Write the old and cross it out, and write the new with a big exclamation point! For example:
FEAR, DOUBT, INSECURITY, WORTHLESS
TRUST! HOPE! SECURE IN CHRIST! WORTHY!!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Writing it down makes a difference! Remember. Be encouraged as you grow in your “newness” with Jesus! Look to Him and all of the new that He brings! Happy ‘New’ Year to the ‘new’ you!
Linking up with Jennifer Dukes Lee
Michelle, you need to add this post to the #raralinkup! Such a powerful post and one that others need to hear starting with me. Happy New Year, sweet one!
Thank you sweet friend! I added it, and I so appreciate your encouragement. I can’t wait to have coffee with you in person. Happy New Year to you. <3
What a cute idea. Do you add to it as ideas come to you, or do you pick out a set time/schedule to make it intentional? I can see how this would not only be a form of thanksgiving and worship, but also build your own character in a significant way.
Hi Deborah! Usually, I would just add to it occasionally but you are right! I think setting a time weekly as well to jot down notes would be powerful. This year, I would find myself marking my bible with the date and snapping a pic of the song playing that took me to my knees etc… how awesome to have those compiled together and to see them all connect to the new truths He is teaching me. I’m excited, and plan to share some here too! Thank you for stopping by! Happy New Year to you!
Wow. With all that documentation and pictures, you might need a box 🙂 This is really an inspiring idea.
Happy New Year to you as well Friend.
Blessings,
Deborah,
Ha! I wasn’t going to even admit it… but yes, there are box(es!!) for those things that do not fit in the jar, and I even decorated the boxes with pink bling. (I KNOW!) Anyway, here is that post from May 2013:
http://journeypink.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/journey-treasure-box/
The second box is full…maybe it’s time to head to Michael’s again 😉 Blessings to you in 2015!
Such a meaningful word and post! I love your reflections here, Michelle, especially the intentional crossing of out the old and writing the new. 🙂 Have a Blessed New Year!
Thank you Trudy for your encouragement. You are truly a gift! I am so thankful He gives us new truth to replace the old lies. It is time. I hope you had a lovely Christmas – and enjoy your NEW YEAR as well!
I love this idea of keeping verses and what you are learning about the key word in a jar! Thank you for sharing at the #raralinkup 🙂 God bless and Happy 2015!
Thank you Ruth for stopping by! Wishing you a Happy New Year too!
Michelle, what an awesome idea! I really love this fresh approach. I was thinking that everyone in the family should do this. Way to go on an awesome post with a practical application. I am blessed. Happy New Year to you! I love being on your blog.
Thank you Kelly! Your gift of encouragement blesses us all! That is a wonderful idea to have the entire family involved and can allow for many fruitful discussions! Thank you ~ and many blessings to you in 2015!
What a great idea, Michelle! I have a blessings jar at home, and your name is in it 🙂 I look forward to keeping up in 2015 and seeing what new things God has in store. Happy, blessed new year to you, my sweet friend!
Thank you Renee! You are such a blessing to me too! Thank you so much for everything. <3 Happy New Year to you!
LOVE LOVE THIS!!! I was just getting all whiny and frustrated then read this post…awesome! Thank you Michelle!! Great idea and I love the crossing out and keeping a jar for constant additions thru the year. Thank you for a great post!! 🙂 Miss you!
Angela, thank you so much sweet friend. I miss you too, bunches.
Love this idea! Visiting from the link-up on Faith Barista.
Thank you Debbie for stopping by!