Christian Reflection and Prayer

(The next Reflections will be a series
of 14 brief messages on how you can make a
Fresh Start in your life. It is my prayer
that these suggestions will help provide
a real renewal in your total life.)


How You Can Make a Fresh Start
Whitney Hopler

Do you feel stuck?  Maybe you don't
like the way your life has been going
lately, but can't seem to change it.
No matter how stuck you may have
become, you can move forward with
God's help.  Here's how you can make
a fresh start to change your life for the better:


#2. Be honest about how something bad
makes you feel good.  Sin that you're hanging
onto has something about it that attracts you:
If you try to control other people, you may be
getting a feeling of power from your efforts. 
If you often express your anger through fits
of rage, you may be enjoying the adrenaline
rush that results.  If you struggle with lust,
you may find the sexual fantasies that come
with it exciting.  Admit what pleasure you're
deriving from your sinful habits, confess it to
God, and ask Him to help you really desire
to make a fresh start.

{Adapted from Fresh Start: God's Invitation to
a Great Life copyright 2009 by Doug Fields.
Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
Nashville, Tn., www.thomasnelson.com.)
Article publication date: August 20, 2009