A Gift That Makes You New

This holiday season was a wonderful time for my family and me. I hope the same for you. A new year is here and I hope to do better in everything. I want to play more music, write more, and paint more. Most of all I want to draw nearer to God and love others more. Deep down, I think we all long to do better.

So what are your goals for this new year? How are you going to accomplish what you want to do? What is going to make this year wonderful for you?

In the end, there's only One who will make your year - your life - wonderful. Do you know Him or did you forget to receive the best Christmas gift ever? If you've forgotten, it's not too late.

God wants to exchange gifts with you. Let me describe His gift to you. He loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to this world to set you free from sin and give you eternal life (see John 3:16-17). See how much Jesus loves you, too? Jesus wants to be your faithful friend (see Hebrews 13:5), He wants to carry your burdens for you (see 1 Peter 5:7), and He wants to fill your life with peace and joy. All you have to do to receive His gift is give Him the gift that delights Him the most...give Him your heart and life...just give Him yourself.

When you do this, your life will be better. No matter what happens you'll know that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). It is also calming to realize that all you have to do is "trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

As I write this devotional, 2004 is still new, but it won't be that way much longer. But no matter what time it is, it never ever is too late to begin life anew! Jesus' love covers over a multitude of sins. Right now, He's standing at your heart's door and His hand is gently knocking upon it. Do you hear Him calling you? He said that if You will hear His voice and open the door, He will come in (see Revelation 3:20). Open your heart to Him and let Him make you and your life new.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, come into my heart. I'm sorry for my sins. Please forgive me. Take me and my life, Lord, and make it new and beautiful. Walk with me as You said you would and help me to serve You from now on. Thanks You, Jesus. The old has gone and the new has come! I love You and I thank You for loving me, too. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

- Eryn Eubanks (January 2004)