Second Chances

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  -James 4:6 & 7

Some days I wish I could start my life all over.  I feel like I have fallen short.  Other days I am immensely grateful for all I’ve been given, the grace & healing that God has given me, and all of His second chances. 

When we trust God for our lives and repent for our mistakes, He gives us second chances.  This is what I take from the life of David.  Even though David made many mistakes, even adultery and murder, God still gave him a second chance. God gave David grace because he had a repentant heart.  He was a "simple fool."

The Bible talks about the difference between the wise and the foolish.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) A simple fool is someone who is able to change direction, apologize and repent for his or her actions.  A hardened fool is someone who makes poor decisions but for whatever reason does not repent. (Ps 53:1)

Saul was an example of a hardened fool.  Although he was given several warnings, he decided to go his own way.  (1 Samuel 15:11) Because he decided not to turn back to God, he became a hardened fool.  

Aren’t you grateful that God gives us second chances when our hearts are soft toward Him? Take that chance and make something of it today.

A New Heart

"And I 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. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations." Ezekiel 36:24-28

You know, when we begin to think about the New Year, there is a lot of talk about New Year’s Resolutions.  In 2007, Richard Wisemen from the University of Bristol did a survey of 3000 people to see how many actually fulfilled their New Year’s resolutions.  According to his findings, a staggering 88% of people do not fulfill their New Year’s resolutions.  What does that say about us?  I think it says that only 12% of us keep our promises to ourselves!

Right before the time of Jesus, Israel had been stuck in a cycle of idol worship. The prophet Ezekiel prophesied that the people of Israel would become brand new: “I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you.”  Ezekiel prophesied the transforming power that Jesus would have in their lives.

Today, this hasn’t changed.  Jesus is changing lives & hearts all over the world, in every nation, in every kind of community!

Have you ever wanted a new heart, or a fresh start? If you want an authentic change in your life, and a new heart, why not ask Him to give you that today, even if you’ve already asked Him into your heart.  God is in the business of giving away new beginnings, because of His son Jesus who died, so that we might be live completely free and unfettered by our past.