BRAND NEW

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They don't compose music like they used to, from my point of view at least. Honestly, I get unnerved by most of today's songs, with some exceptions. 

Back in my day―when "traffic" meant making a few stops at intersections because the traffic light or policeman said "Stop!" (and which everyone obeyed)―we easily caught a song's lyrics and melody. (I sound really ancient, don't I?)

One group I particularly liked in the 70s (Now I'm really Jurassic!) was the Stylistics, with their endearing soul songs lovely-fied by its lead crooner Russell Thompkin's yummy falsettos. 

Recall (Now I'm talking to my co-senior-card flashers.) the chorus of "You Make Me Feel Brand New:"

"God bless you

You make me feel brand new

For God blessed me with you

You make me feel brand new

I sing this song 'cause you

Make me feel brand new"

It may have been composed for someone else, but doesn't that sound like a song for Jesus too? For who else could make you and I brand new, except for Jesus―our Creator―who came from heaven to save us? 

2 Cor 5:17―Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

We'll say "Bye-bye!" to 2015 in just a few hours. Bye-bye to what? Maybe a baggage-full of regrets, frustrations, unforgiveness, bitterness. The details are too murky or complicated to even imagine. But He knows what we've struggled with or the life-bombers the devil has thrown our way. 

In Christ, we can confidently say "Adieu!" to the old and welcome the new―and not have the past festering us all over again! He's got new things in store.

Isaiah 43: 18-19―"Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert." 

Our Creator has all the power in the universe to flatten a mountain or calm the storm for us, but that's if we'll let Him! But He's given us the free will to do it our way or His way. Saying "Yes!" to Jesus means He will: 

"…give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart." (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT) 

Problems will still come, yes; but your new heart with its new understanding to deal with situations will make all the difference. Because even wisdom is God-breathed! 

Just like brand new! A new product coming out fresh from the factory gets to be stamped its manufacturer's brand and seal of guarantee.  

Is anything too hard for our Manufacturer?

O Lord, forgive me for having depended on myself and my possessions more than I trusted you. You are my Creator, who by your wisdom can teach me everything for a victorious life. I leave my 2015 baggage out and welcome now my newness in Christ.