Wednesday, October 10, 2007

new beginnings, new everything

Isn't it amazing in God's grace how we can have a sense of ongoing new beginnings and how even though life seems to be much of the "same old, same old", it is as if everything is new or has newness to it? Yes, this is the ongoing work of God in Jesus in bringing in the new creation into this old, fallen world, the beginning of Jesus making all things new.

I am tired; drained for a number of reasons from both physical and spiritual struggles probably in the norm of things at least for me at this point. Yet I sense a renewal in my spirit which helps invigorate me. And with that a desire to connect with God and live in God's will by grace in this world.

Of course this newness in Jesus really does need to start with us if we're going to help bring it to others and into this world and its workings. This sense of newness will keep us going no matter what. But for this to be the case, we must settle for nothing less than the grace of God in Christ for us, and seek to bring that grace through love and prayer to others. Others too can begin to sense and experience this newness in Jesus, through seeing the difference it makes in our lives, and then coming to know for themselves the One-in-Three who makes the difference.

10 comments:

Halfmom, AKA, Susan said...

1) I'm a scientist/professor with current curricular and grant deadlines - so 80+ work weeks and a daughter that's a first year 5th grade teacher, living at home for the first time in 3 years, in an urban, high-risk area - so any extra enegry (very little indeed - but you know how parents are - we can find a reserve somewhere when they need us)I have goes to help her survive.

So, blogging must happen: 1)only when there's time and sleep and my own study of the Word seems like it needs to take precedence over that 2)when the Spirit actually lays something on my heart to write.

I would suggest you buy a book by Ed Welch called Addictions: Banquet in the Grave - not because I'm suggesting you are - addicted that is - but because his theology is excellent and very practical. He also, and this book in particular, comes highly recommended by ESI by the way.

Back to the lab and then the microscope and then back to the computer to read and write for the grant deadline tomorrow - you might pray for my neck (spinal arthritis) if you think of me - it gets pretty wicked when I have to do a lot of lab or microscope work.

Hope you are all well - I sense in you a desire for something new, something deeper - I think the Welch book will give you a glimpse of what that might be.

Best!

Marcus Goodyear said...

Hang in there, Ted. I'll be praying for you.

Anonymous said...

you are right on this,

that we really have to put our selves in a place to be renewed and fed by the spirit daily to be able to face the struggles that life on earth brings,

and

to be able to be a vessel for God.

it is interesting to me that two definitions for vessel are accurate to define our life in in the body of Christ.

1. an object used as a container

2. blood vessels are part of the cardiovascular system and function to transport blood throughout the body. The most important types, arteries and veins, carry blood away from or towards the heart, respectively.

to be of use, we must commune with God...with out it we are useless to God.

no commune with God = no use to God

no use to God = no use to others

it all starts with us
seeking to commune with God through the Holy Spirit
in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior.

go.

be renewed.

me too...here i go!

L.L. Barkat said...

That's why I like the changing of the seasons. It is a "making new", even when it looks like the tiring of summer or the demise of winter, and so on.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Susan,
Well, I've got to read that book. This is the second time you've recommended it to me.

Certainly will be praying for you as I remember. Your schedule is mind-boggling. Hopefully you have some time somewhere during the week to relax and enjoy.

Yes, it's good to be open to something new in our lives, though I was just reflecting on the sense of newness. But if we're satisfied where we're at, I don't think we're really following Jesus in the New Testament sense.

Thanks and you too! (wish I could hear you teach, though I'm not sure I'd understand much, but I can find science fascinating and interesting even though it's never seemed to line up well with my gifting) (oh, and I'll let you know when I do read the book)

Ted M. Gossard said...

Marcus,
Thanks so much.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy,
Thanks for those good words. We can't take them or that for granted, but must by grace seek to live this out.

Yes, me too, by grace!

Ted M. Gossard said...

L.L.,
Yes, me too. I do like the four seasons and the change that comes with them, even if I'd like to see one shortened- or even am tempted to just have one season of my liking. But change is interesting and refreshing.

I think surely God wants us to become aware of change as in the change he is bringing in the kingdom and new creation come in Jesus, beginning now, with radically completed change later, and I think continued change ever after- in that newness in God.

preacherman said...

Ted,
Excellent post brother.
You are so right on.
Keep up the great posting!
I hope you have a great weekend.
God bless you as you serve Him.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Preacherman,
Thanks brother. You're a gifted encourager. And same to you.