“Better” Part One
Discovering the Power of "Better": A Journey of Growth and Grace
As we step into a new year, many of us feel the pressure of resolutions and the concept of a "new you." But what if the goal wasn’t a complete transformation? What if, instead, the focus was on being better—better in our relationships, our faith, and our daily lives? This journey of gradual growth, guided by God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness, is both achievable and transformative.
The Path to Better: One Step at a Time
Improvement doesn’t come from overwhelming change but from daily disciplines. Think of the old saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” This simple truth applies to personal growth as well. Each day, ask yourself: Was I better today than I was yesterday? Even small steps forward create momentum. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Growth comes not from perfection but persistence—getting back up each time we fall.
Forgiveness is a divine reset button.
God’s Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness: Our Tools for Change
1. Grace: God’s riches at Christ’s expense. Every good thing in our lives comes from His unmerited favor. As Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
2. Mercy: God doesn’t give us what we deserve. Instead, He provides what we need. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”
3. Forgiveness: A divine reset button. Just as the Monopoly game has a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, God’s forgiveness releases us from the prison of guilt and failure. Micah 7:19 assures us, “You will hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.”
A God of Second Chances
We all stumble. We make mistakes, damage relationships, and fall short. But God’s love offers endless opportunities for restoration. Proverbs 24:16 declares,“Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” No matter how many times you fall, God calls you to rise, heal, and move forward. This truth is beautifully illustrated by the story of a pastor who lost everything due to his mistakes. After years of repentance and restoration, he started a new ministry aptly named "Second Chance Church." His testimony reminds us that our failures don’t define us; God’s grace does.
Moving Forward: Letting Go of the Past
In Joshua 1:2, God tells Joshua, “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River.” This powerful verse signals the need to leave the past behind and embrace new beginnings. God buries the past so we can move forward without distractions. What do you need to bury? Perhaps it’s guilt, bitterness, or the weight of past mistakes. Trust that God’s plan is always forward-focused. As Hebrews 8:12 promises, “For I will
forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Anchoring Your Year with Scripture
To navigate 2025 with hope and strength, hold onto these foundational verses:
1. Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
2. Trust that God can turn every trial into a triumph.2. James 1:2-3: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
3. Perseverance is built through challenges, one step at a time. 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
4. God provides a way out in every struggle. Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
5. Trust is the foundation for God’s guidance. Proverbs 24:16: “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again.” Resilience is key; God’s strength is endless.
From Mess to Masterpiece
Life’s challenges can feel chaotic, like a canvas smeared with confusion. But remember, God is the master artist, turning chaos into beauty. As Ephesians 2:10 states,
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Passion for God: The Ultimate Resolution
As we passionately pursue God, our lives will shine as a testimony to others. Psalm 85:6 pleads, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” Revival begins with a heart fully committed to worship, prayer, and service. This year, let’s take Jesus off the back burner and place Him at the center. By doing so, we invite transformation not only in ourselves but also in our communities.
