A Covenant Moment ~ It's A New Season

It's A New Season

December 28, 2010

Greetings!

I trust you had a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Now, it is time to prepare for the new year and the new things God has for each of us in 2011.

The busyness of Christmas is behind us but the Christ of Christmas is ever present. In fact, the Christ of Christmas is our "forever present". He is, was, and always we be (Revelation 1:8). As December 2010 comes to a close we turn and prepare the heart, mind and Spirit for 2011.

As I was relaxing in the post- Christmas lull, the thoughts of newness shook my being. A mountain bike ride in the foothills found me surrounded by new green growth from the record-setting rain we had in Bakersfield. As I rode, I pondered all the "new things" ahead of me in 2011. The list is long and includes new things I expect and thoughts about the unexpected. I am sure you are experiencing similar thoughts.

Newness and new seasons are not unique. New seasons are part of God's perfect will and plan for our lives. It is through the new season that some things die while others thrive and spring to life. New seasons bring new ideas, choices, relationships and opportunities. The great news about new seasons is that God is ever present through each one ... We just need to tap in.

What the angels didn't know ...

¹⁰ Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, ¹¹ trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. ¹² It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

~ 1 Peter 1:10-12 ~

Be excited ... Be encouraged - It's a New Season!

Peter's letter to the dispersed first century followers of Jesus was a letter of encouragement. After reviewing the basic doctrine of salvation and the hope that comes from Jesus alone, Peter spoke about the newness of the season. His encouragement to these God-followers, in their time of persecution, was to realize that God is not absent nor absent-minded. No, Peter explained that the season they have the privilege to experience is even something the angels looked upon with wonder and awe!

Can you imagine what heaven must have been like the night Jesus left? He was adored, worshipped, and praised. Then, a plan is drawn up and it is time for Jesus to flood the earth but it will be accomplished as a baby born miraculously! Crazy! The angels must have thought something was amiss. Still, they watched on in amazement and waited for orders from the Father.

The angels have had a hand in the history of God and man. Angels ministered throughout the Old Testament. Then, heaven was silent and we have no record of angelic activity until the coming of Jesus. Then, we have the angels waiting and watching while Christ is born. Man, they must have been ready to go! Why, because they were entering a new season. A season of protection, ministry and service.

Friend, new season are not just for angels. New seasons come to each of us. In a few days we will say good bye to 2010 and greet 2011. It is a new season. It is a season where Heaven desires to invade your life just as Jesus invaded our world. I don't know what you will face in the new season God has for you but I know He will be there and ready to help see you through.

This week, take some time to reflect on what God has done in your life and what He is yet to do. This is a great week to reflect on the goodness of God and recount His ways (Psalm 77:10-12). Lastly, may I recommend you read though the book of 1 Peter. It is a wonderful capture of God's plan for humanity and the new season.

May you be blessed in this new season of life and may you trust in the One who has called you by name and provided His life for yours. In every season, one thing is clear, Jesus has come to save your soul and He is faithful to see you through every new season to abundant life (John 10:10).

For King and Kingdom,

Randy Martin

661-326-8304