God specializes in giving people a fresh start. –Rick Warren

A fresh start in life can be so attractive and most of us would admit that we’ve longed for one at various times. Thankfully, God specializes in giving people a fresh start. Through Jesus Christ we can have a fresh start, a clean slate and a new beginning in life.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

On New Year’s Day, people make resolutions, and while I’m not opposed to them, it was 30

years ago this month that I yearned for something so much more. I had made resolutions to

improve myself, but I had failed. I needed the kind of life change that comes only through a

personal relationship with Jesus Christ. So, it was on Sunday, New Year’s day, in 1989, that I attended church and heard that through Christ, I could have a new life and a fresh start. That same day, I prayed to accept Him as my Lord and Savior.

Since then, I regularly ask God to convict me of my sins and empower me to confess and turn

from them quickly. As I do so, I know I’m forgiven and it’s wonderful to know that because of Christ, I can have a clean slate.

But, there’s another type of fresh start that God gives me and that is renewed hope. I often find myself depleted and in need of hope and encouragement in life. I pray and recite Bible verses and soon I am filled with His peace, and my faith is strengthened (Romans 15:13).

Most of us want a fresh start in life when we have failed or have regrets. We may experience

despair or feel that we are beyond hope and too far gone to believe that a come-back or a new

beginning is possible.

But, that isn’t true, because through Christ, we can have a new beginning and a fresh start; because of God’s extravagant love (1 John 3:1).

However, we need to come to Christ, because apart from Him we are lost. Indeed, we need a fresh start, but we also need forgiveness, because we have all sinned (Romans 3:23, 6:23). We need to make peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). He alone died for our sins and was raised from the dead to give us a fresh start and a new life (Romans 5:8, 10:9-10).

Jesus is our hope for a fresh start. When we come to Him for salvation, He comes into our lives and makes everything new, and we become born again (John 3:3-8).

Revelation 3:20 says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (NIV)

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)

It seems like a contradiction, but we’re actually blessed when we need a fresh start. Because,

when we’re at the bottom, the only way to go is up and when we’re empty, we’re perfectly

positioned to be filled.

As we realize our inability to help or save ourselves; we are blessed, if we recognize our need for God (Matthew 5:3). This is the best place to be, because it’s in our humility that we are

candidates to receive God’s grace (James 4:6).

God can give us a fresh start when life seems barren.

• Isaiah 43:19 says, “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (NLT)

• Psalm 40:3 says, “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” (NLT)

• Psalm 98:1 says, “Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!” (NLT)

Becoming a Christian, doesn’t mean that we won’t have problems, or have to face negative

consequences as a result of our sins; but that God will walk with us through difficulties and He will use them for our good (Romans 8:28).

Sometimes, we need a fresh start, because we are discouraged or even worn out. But, who better to restore hope to us than the One with inexhaustible resources?

"Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT)

How wonderful to know that God specializes in giving people a fresh start through Christ. We

can come to Him and know that He will be faithful to extend mercy and love to us each day.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” (NLT)

Could you use a fresh start in life?

Please click here if you would like to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior now and

read more about the next steps that you can take to grow spiritually in your new faith.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word!

If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or

otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance.

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God specializes in giving people a fresh start. -Rick Warren CLICK TO TWEET

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• Who needs Jesus, I'm a good person

• Five Questions for Those Who Think Many Roads Lead to Heaven

• Podcast: Will someone lose their salvation if they commit terrible sins?

• Podcast: Have I committed the un-pardonable sin?

• How To Overcome The Agony of Discouragement and Find Hope Again

• Does Salvation Come Only Through Faith in Christ (Exclusivism)?

• Setting Goals and Solving Problems

• How a Life Vision Helps You Reduce Stress and Accomplish More

• What is the Meaning of Life?

• How to Tackle a Mountain-Sized Goal in Faith

• Quotecard: We Make Our Decisions...

• 5 Reasons God's Definition of Success is Wonderful

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• Video vlog: Feeling low?

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Every accomplishment begins with the decision to try. –Esther Thomas

Every accomplishment begins with the decision to try. For every goal or objective that’s been

achieved, one has made a decision of their will to invest and expend the necessary resources to complete the task.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

Every accomplishment begins with a decision to try, but also for me, an admission of my lack of ability and complete dependence on the Lord. God presents an opportunity for me to serve Him or to work on spiritual growth, and initally I experience some fear and doubt. Then He helps me to make a decision to try and I’ve found that if I am willing to take a step of faith and trust Him, He will help me. He is faithful to give me His grace and power to reach each accomplishment that previously seemed impossible.

Recently, with God’s help I’ve been working on contentment and I’ve found that in addition to Scripture memorization, listening to Gospel music every morning is extremely helpful. Both habits fill my mind with truth about God’s character and increase my contentment. I know that for each accomplishment that honors God, I can count on His help to reach every goal.

For every accomplishment there is a price to pay. One must sacrifice resources of time, money and effort for each gain; whether we are seeking fame, fortune or to advance the Kingdom of God.

One must first decide what accomplishment is worthy of our pursuit. We can evaluate how we spend time and money to see what is most important to us.

We can ask:

• What do I value most in life?

• How do I want people to remember me?

Every accomplishment takes planning, work and effort. A deficiency in any of these areas will

affect the success of our goal. But, the good news is that even if we have failed, we can learn

from it and try again each day, and with fresh resolve and God’s help continue until we reach the desired outcome.

As Christians, each goal and accomplishment should be in harmony with God’s will and Word. In other words, each accomplishment should honor Him.

We need wisdom to know what goals honor God, and thankfully we can ask for that, along with His guidance. Then we can trust Him to provide the knowledge we need; and to lead us according to His Word and will.

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (NIV)

Psalm 143:10 says, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.” (NLT)

"Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." (Psalm 25:4-5 NIV)

Some goals have specific time frames while others are more fluid. For example a goal of debt

reduction usually requires setting specific deadlines. But, working towards contentment is an

accomplishment that is ongoing and less tangible to measure.

Both are Biblical and God honoring, but with debt elimination, we can see when our goal is

reached, whereas with contentment our progress is more subjective.

Our success in the accomplishment of our goals requires prayer and accountability. In addition, we need God’s help and His Word to find promises to help us.

We can prayerfully seek Bible verses that are relevant, appropriate and faith building for the

goals that we set.

• Philippians 4:13 says, “For I can do everything through Christ, [a] who gives me strength.” (NLT)

• Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (NIV)

• Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (ESV)

For every accomplishment that we try to achieve for spiritual growth and progress; we can besure that we will face temptation and trials, to hinder and discourage us. Therefore, we need to watch and pray, and look for the way of escape when tempted. We can also fight using the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Matthew 26:41 says, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (NLT)

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)

Each accomplishment begins with the decision to try.

Often times, that requires that we take a risk and attempt to make a change. While change is

never easy, and we may enter unfamiliar and uncharted territory; with each success, we will

grow in our faith and confidence in God’s faithfulness.

“Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” (Colossians 1:10 NLT)

What accomplishment would you like to make?

Please click here if you would like to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior now and

read more about the next steps that you can take to grow spiritually in your new faith.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word!

If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or

otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance.

Thanks for your help!

"Every accomplishment begins with the decision to try." -Esther Thomas | CLICK TO TWEET

For more FREE Inspirational Quote Cards you can use and share click HERE.

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• 4 Easy Steps to Set Goals and Become Far More Productive

• Setting Goals or Solving Problems?

• Finding Your Life Purpose

• Developing Your Life Vision

• 7 Biblical Christian Mantras I Find Helpful

• How To Balance Content and Discontent in the Christian Life

• How To Be Smarter About Failure In Life

• How To Be Successful In Life When You Have Failed

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• How to Medal In Every Event In Life

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• How To Tackle A Mountain-Sized Goal In Faith

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What is your favorite childhood memory?

Do you have a favorite childhood memory? Perhaps you have one specific memory or maybe

you have several. Recalling a favorite memory from childhood can be a great blessing. It can

warm our hearts and bring us cheer, when the pressures of life weigh too heavily upon us.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

I, like perhaps many people, have more than one favorite childhood memory. But, the first one that comes to mind are the Sunday dinners that we had with my maternal grandparents. There was always plenty of good home-cooked food, laughter and fun. My grandmother had the gift of hospitality and grandpa was a practical joker.

There were also vacations and trips to Disneyland. Summers spent at the beach and birthday

parties. School field trips, summer camp and Girl Scout’s activities.

However, the childhood memory that I am most grateful for isn’t one specific event, but rather the security of knowing that I was wanted and loved by my father and mother. My parents cared for my brothers and I at great personal sacrifice. Today they are both in their 80’s and I am deeply indebted to them for giving me a lifetime of love and support.

Most people probably have a favorite childhood memory, perhaps indelibly etched in their

minds; while others may struggle to remember a favorite childhood memory.

Recalling a favorite childhood memory can be fun. A good childhood can provide a rich

storehouse of memories to withdraw from and replay to bring us joy. But, for some people trying to remember a favorite childhood memory can be a painful process.

Childhood should be a time of innocence. We are born dependent on others for survival, wide eyed with wonder, trusting and unwearied.

However, no childhood is perfect, because even those with an ideal childhood still had imperfect parents and families, even though well meaning.

If we’ve had a good childhood and can recall a favorite memory, then we should praise the Lord and give Him thanks. It is right to remember His goodness to us.

"I remember the days long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” (Psalm 143:5 NIV)

But, for those who didn’t have a good childhood and can’t remember a favorite childhood

memory; please know that as believers in Christ, we have a perfect heavenly Father, whose love for us is constant.

He planned for each one of us to be born and live, and we are very much wanted by Him. We can let God’s truth heal painful memories, and minister to our hearts, minds and souls.

Psalm 139:13-16 says, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (NLT)

We don’t want to let the pain of a childhood memory keep us stuck and steal our joy. It’s better to work towards forgiving those who have caused us pain, than to remain bitter about a painful past. The past shouldn’t defeat or define us; because as believers, our identity and worth should be found in Christ.

As Christians, we are God’s children and He can redeem painful pasts and give us purposeful futures. He can give us a life of meaning, and make everything new.

• John 1:12 says, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” (NLT)

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.” (NLT)

• Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 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.” (NIV)

We can remember and give thanks for favorite childhood memories, and those with difficult

childhoods, should seek God’s help to forgive others and to heal (Psalm 34:18). We forgive

because we have been forgiven by God through Christ. In addition, forgiving others, is a gift we give to ourselves, because it sets us free from harboring negative and harmful feelings.

Most of all, we can strive to live in the present with gratitude, knowing that our identity, worth and value are found in Christ alone; and we can look forward to the future that God has prepared for us.

Please comment below and answer: What is your favorite childhood memory?

Please click here if you would like to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Savior now and

read more about the next steps that you can take to grow spiritually in your new faith.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word!

If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or

otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance.

Thanks for your help!

What is your favorite childhood memory? | Click To Tweet

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

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• 6 Strategies to Handle Insults Without Becoming a Doormat

• 7 Biblical Christian Mantras I Find Helpful

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• 6 Solutions When You Suffer for Doing Good

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• My Classmate Bart Ehrman's Hopeless Response to Suffering
  

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