Brand New

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”     During church service this past Sunday my pastor mentioned how God makes all things new; not making new things. This revitalization is consistent with his word as recorded in today’s scripture reference. 
     Yesterday I experienced this renewal as I changed a part of my outward appearance with a new hairstyle. The positive feedback I received boosted my confidence and really gave a shot in the arm to my self-esteem. It was a great feeling to hear and read all of the nice comments that people thought about my being made ‘new’.
     Imagine how wonderful it is when God ‘renews’ us through our relationship with Jesus Christ. As we allow the Holy Spirit to embrace us and make us better from the inside out we experience the passing away of the old self and the new creature that emerges is more vital, more on target and more in line with the will of God.
     It was ‘painful’ in a way to watch as my natural dreadlocks fell to the floor; but the cutting away of the old was necessary to release the potential beauty that lay beneath. God will use whatever steps are necessary to cut away the things that hold you captive so that you may bloom.     Allow God to make you over again by not fighting when he places you on the potter’s wheel. Things may seem to spin a bit out of control at first; and it may take a while to get used to the firm hand that he places upon you to reshape and remold you; but in the long run the refining process will make you ‘new’ again and fit for even more service.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose! Have a great weekend. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn