Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV — Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth.‬‬

This week, we are sharing what the rainbow symbolizes to Christians and what it represents in God’s new covenant. When you see a rainbow, what do you think of? From a biblical standpoint I think of God’s promises and how God is always doing something new. Last week Deborah shared new beginnings with Christ. 

In today’s key verse, God is telling Noah about the covenant He is establishing. A covenant is an eternal agreement, a sacred relationship between God and humanity. That sacred relationship is only offered through God’s son, Christ Jesus. We read in ‭‭John‬‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Do you know Christ Jesus is your way to the covenant? On this Trust Tuesday examine your sacred relationship with Christ Jesus. Do you trust that His promises are everlasting?

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your son to die for my sins so that I can experience a sacred relationship with You. I put my trust in Your everlasting promises. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

This week, we are sharing what the rainbow symbolizes to Christians and what it represents in God’s new covenant. Take some time today to meditate on the following scripture verses for the week.

Genesis 9:8-17 NIV

‭‭John‬‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬ — When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

@biblegateway @youversion 

This week, we are sharing what the rainbow symbolizes to Christians and what it represents in God’s new covenant. Take a moment to worship with Ever Be by Natalie Grant.

The opening lyrics sing, “Your love is devoted. Like a ring of solid gold. Like a vow that is tested. Like a covenant of old. Your love is enduring. Through the winter rain. And beyond the horizon. With mercy for today. Faithful You have been. And faithful you will be. You pledge yourself to me. And it’s why I sing.”

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV — You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Reflect over our week together on the topic of new beginnings. Has God revealed an area of your life in which He is working on a new beginning? Are you open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit’s guidance to lead you in your new beginning? Examine where you have been, where you are, and where you are headed. What steps do you need to take to be totally surrendered to God’s will for you in your new beginning?

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart to receive Your message for me. Guide and direct me as I surrender my will and accept Your will. Lead me toward Your new beginning for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV — You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

One of the most known stories of redemption and new beginnings is the story in the Bible of Saul who later became known as Paul who Julie and I shared about several weeks ago. Take a few moments to reacquaint yourself with the story of his conversion in this short video titled Saul To Paul by Chuck Knows Church.

Did you learn something new about Paul? He certainly embraced and lived out the concept of today’s featured scripture by forgetting his former way of life and putting on his new self. He truly had a new beginning which even included being called a new name. Did your revelation of Jesus Christ spark a new beginning for you? Reconnect with your conversion story and examine your response. Is it time for you to have another new beginning in Christ? Are you allowing God to produce new fruit through you?

Let’s pray. Thank You God for new beginnings in Christ. Forgive me for times I forget my new self in You. Help me to refocus my attention and guide me to point my life in Your direction. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Isaiah 40:31 NIV — but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

As spring approaches, we look forward to a new season, new birth, new life, and new beginnings. Is there an area of your life that needs a jolt of newness? Do you need to make a fresh start and a new beginning? Do you need a “do over” in some way?

I refer to today’s featured scripture as my life verse. This verse is the one I turn to in times of struggle and in times of joy. I gain strength, comfort, and insight from this scripture. I also turn to this scripture when I am in need of a new beginning or fresh start. What better time, than spring, to wipe the slate clean and start something new? What do you need to do today to make your new beginning successful?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for spring. As I take a deep breath of the fresh spring air, may I inhale Your strength and exhale Your love and mercy. May I be courageous as I start a new beginning in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

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

Are you familiar with Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples? Google Peter in the Bible and a plethora of scriptures will guide you in gaining a synopsis of his life. You will also learn of how “human” he was and the various mistakes he made as a disciple. The one that sticks out most to me is when Jesus was arrested, the night before He was crucified, Peter denied knowing Him three times. However, if you continue to follow his story you will learn of Jesus’ forgiving love for Peter and how Peter became a leading disciple in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

How are you changed by knowing Christ? Are you a new creation or are you dwelling in the “old” of your past? Whether you are new to Christianity or grew up in the faith, I encourage you to reconnect with your new beginning in Christ and may your words and actions reflect that you are His new creation. 

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making me Your new creation through Christ. May all that I say and do reflect my new beginning in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion