A New Year, A New Chapter – Part 1: Make Room for New Chapters!

January 8, 2023

[1] To make room for new chapters, the old ones!

 

Isaiah 43:18-19 (MSG)

“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. 19 Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?”

 

Philippians 3:13-14 (GW)

Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I forget what is behind, I don’t look back14 I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.

 

[2] To make room for new chapters, lose some !

 

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

 

  • How beneficial are my attitudes and actions? To me, to others, and to God’s calling and purposes for my life?

 

1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)

“Everything is permissible for me”–but not everything is beneficial.

 

  • Are there appetites or desires in my life that are controlling me or am I controlling them?

 

1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)

“Everything is permissible for me” — but I will not be mastered (controlled) by anything.

 

  • Are there activities in my life that aren’t sinful, but they could hinder or hurt someone else in their spiritual walk?

 

1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

Be careful … that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

 

  • Are my beliefs and behaviors making a big deal out of God?

 

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

 

[3] To make room for new chapters, seize !

 

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

 

  • Seize every moment you can!

 

Ephesians 5:18 (NLT)
Don’t be drunk with wine (which is a choice), because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, (which is also a choice!)

 

  • Seize every moment you can!

 

Galatians 5:13 (CEV)
Don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love.

 

  • Seize every sharing moment you can!

 

Colossians 4:5 (TLB)

Make the most of your opportunities to tell others the Good News.

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