GOD’S MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY MORNING, says King Solomon in Lamentations 3:23. During Israel’s wilderness wanderings, the people would go out each morning to gather a new supply of manna provided by God. Do you look and gather His new mercies each morning? You can start in the Word of God. His mercies are new every morning. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Look for God’s new mercies every day in your daily activities and experiences. Confess your need. (I John 1:9)

My friend “Dusty” received a new electric wheelchair. Dusty is severely handicapped. His body is deformed and weak. Each day someone must bathe him, put him in his wheelchair, and take care of his daily needs. Dusty’s new wheelchair gave him added mobility and joy. His cheerfulness draws people around him like a magnet. He has pointed many to his source of joy, hope, and peace – Jesus Christ. Some would view Dusty’s life as not worth living. But God has given dignity and purpose to Dusty’s life. God has promised Dusty and all of God’s children a NEW BODY someday. When Christ returns we will be changed “in the twinkling of an eye.” Our bodies will be clothed with immortality and incorruption. (I Corinthians 15) Dusty won’t need a wheelchair in heaven – he’ll have a new body.

Jesus taught the need for NEW WINE SKINS to put NEW WINE in. If you put new wine in old skins the bottles will burst and both will perish. (Matthew 9:17-18) Traditions and old ways of doing things keep many people from experiencing the new wine of God’s blessings. What about you?

God ushered in a NEW COVENANT through the blood sacrifice of His only begotten Son. The New Covenant brings forgiveness of sins and eternal life. (I Corinthians 11:24-26) It is called a NEW and LIVING WAY, “through the veil, that is to say his flesh” (Hebrews 10:19-22). By faith in Christ’s sacrifice of His life on the cross, we receive this NEW and LIVING WAY for pardon and cleansing.

God wants to do a NEW THING in your life this New Year. (Isaiah 43:19) He will make you a NEW, SHARP THRESHING INSTRUMENT to accomplish His purpose in your life and to reap a fruitful harvest. (Isaiah 41:15) But we must not let fear keep us from allowing God to do a NEW THING in our life. (Isaiah 41:10)

This year sing a NEW SONG of praise to God. (Isaiah 41:10) Ask God to put a NEW SONG of joy in your mouth. (Psalm 41:3) Perhaps you have lost your song because you have not kept the NEW COMMANDMENT given by the Lord, “That you love one another as I have loved you” (Matthew 13:34). Keep the new commandment.

God has made the way for us to become a NEW CREATURE in Christ and put on the NEW MAN. (Colossians 3:10; 4:24) This is far better than a New Year’s resolution. “If any man be in Christ, He is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold all things are become new” (II Corinthians 5:17).

The last few years we have seen a great increase in terrible calamities and upheavals. Many are fearful and hopeless. But there is good news. One day and soon, I believe, the Creator of the universe (John 1), Lord of Lords, and King of Kings will return to earth and make ALL THINGS NEW. (Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 21:5)

You can have the blessed assurance of dwelling in the heavenly city called NEW JERUSALEM. (Revelation 3:12; 21:2) You will have a NEW NAME and a NEW CITIZENSHIP. (Revelation 2:17) All of the blessings of heaven come to those who have experienced the NEW BIRTH (John 3:3) and live an overcoming life in Christ. (Revelation 2 and 3) Have you received the glorious NEW LIFE in Christ?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).