READING: 2 Corinthians 5:17
It’s not hard to think about ways that God’s creating and re-creating power are evident. As the psalmist said, the heavens themselves “declare the glory of God” (Psa 19:1). Paul echoed a similar statement in Romans 1: “For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made” (Rom 1:20); that is, even all who reject God can know of His power by looking at what He has created. I think about the sun’s coming up every day, spring’s coming around again every year, life’s making itself miraculously evident through the birth of babies – and I’m amazed at God. Then, I look around and see God’s transforming grace in those He’s redeemed, and I’m filled with wonder at His re-creative power.
In the next few weeks, we’ll experience the first day of fall and the beginning of the last quarter of 2019. As I disciple young men, I encourage them to use calendar times like these to re-engage or strengthen their walk with God. Consider these ways to do so:
- If you’ve not been reading the Word or praying faithfully the rest of the year, make a commitment to change that pattern for the last quarter.
- Set a goal to share the gospel with a particular person by the end of the year.
- Plan some ways to prioritize your spouse and family over the next three months, knowing that the holidays make things busy.
- Join a small group on October 1 if you’re not already in a group.
- Even if you’ve been faithful all year, ask the Lord where/how you might continue to grow in Him for the rest of the year.
- Tell your pastor about your renewed commitment, and ask him to pray for you.
The upcoming last quarter of this year might seem focused toward the end of the year, but it can also be a new start to our spiritual walk. May the Lord let it be so.
PRAYER: “Lord, thank You for new beginnings.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalm 119:1-84, 1 Corinthians 11:27-12:11