God is Doing A New Thing!

Fresh Manna New Years, 2008© by Pastor Tim Burt

Isa 43:18-19 ”Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

There are many reasons people love America. One is because it stands as a place of hope. People that come to our country have heard that “in America, anything is possible.” They have heard, “in America, anyone has the opportunity to achieve success.” Of course America also stands for freedom and liberty and many other things that could be written about, but today as we approach this New Year I would like to focus on hope. People see our country as a place of hope. For those of us who have been born in and lived in this country all our lives, this powerful word has possibly become dull to us. To someone who has come to this country from another – especially if the place they came from was in turmoil, this land of hope means great things to them. It mostly means the opportunity for a fresh start to create a new life and succeed in a supportive atmosphere. .

To anyone who is a Christian, this should be one of the most empowering and ongoing truths of our lives. 2 Cor 5:17-18 TLB says, “When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! All these new things are from God who brought us back to Himself through what Christ Jesus did…”

God is telling us that He is the one who has the power and ability to make our lives new – to give us more than a fresh start. He can give us a new start. Rom 12:2 uses the word “transformed” which comes from the word metamorphose – analogous of a caterpillar transformed to a butterfly. It means to be transfigured or completely changed. The verse says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

To those who have received Jesus as their Savior, there CAN BE a powerful work of the Holy Spirit at work within us. Rom 8:11 says, “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Are you catching the strength and power of this verse? It is the source for all hope – for all our ongoing hope!! It says that it is the same Spirit that brought Jesus Christ from the grave and resurrected Him to the Father that is also at work within us! The question is; is He at work in us? He is only if we engage in His promises to us by faith.

The devil would like to have us think that we are helpless, can’t change, can’t overcome our flesh, and that we can’t accomplish God given dreams in our heart because we inept or incapable. What a lie from the pit. Maybe in our own ability we do face limitations but God’s grace – His supernatural help is our strength in the face of our weaknesses! What we accomplish isn’t about what we accomplish. What we accomplish is about what God accomplishes through us.

Today’s Fresh Manna says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” God wants to do a new thing in us. If you were to go to the chapter where these verses are written you would see that for many this won’t be true because they’ve drifted and walked away from God and don’t know of or have forgotten His love and His desire to work in and through them. They don’t praise Him for who He is. How about you? Do you know your God? Do you know His will for your life? Did you know that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is the power that CAN BE at work through you by faith?

To me this always creates and renews great hope! I have watched God transform my life little by little over the past 24 years and it has been nothing short of miraculous. I won’t let it stop now. I am praying and thinking about this New Year and a fresh start to things I know God has been dealing with me about. The New Year represents a new start to a New Year. I believe it is part of God’s doing to help us think new and afresh. Just remember that as a Christian, you don’t fall into the same category as the world. You have the transforming power of God available within you.

First be a seeker of Him out of your love for Him. Pray and ask Him to speak to you consistently through His Word. (That means you’ll have to spend time in His Word to hear from Him.) And then exercise your faith for Him to find that ways to speak into and direct your life in His righteous paths. He is God. He can and will if you earnestly seek Him with the expectation to hear and it becomes more than a one day quest! He’ll honor your faith, speak to your heart, lead you by His Spirit and do a “new thing” in your life! Happy New Year!

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2007 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.

What is Fresh Manna? God’s Word – the Bible, should be exciting and alive to us. God wants to speak to us through His Holy Spirit and give us a fresh word from heaven every day. Fresh Manna is a daily devotional – that nourishment of daily bread from His heart to ours!

Overwhelmed by God’s Love at Christmas

Fresh Manna© by Pastor Tim Burt

“Overwhelmed by God’s Love at Christmas”

Romans 1:5 (LB) “And now, through Christ, all the kindness of God has been poured out upon us undeserving sinners, and now He is sending us out around the world to tell all people everywhere the great things God has done for them, so that they too will believe and obey Him.

It happened to me twice in two days. I became literally overwhelmed with what I think is the heart of the Christmas spirit. The first time was in church on Christmas Eve. It was toward the end of the service. We had just taken communion and were now standing and singing. Each person had a lit votive candle they were holding up. The lights in the church had come down except for the lights that decorated the sanctuary and the votive candles. We were all singing Silent Night. The presence of God was strong and it was such a beautiful moment. In my heart I could hear those words the multitudes of angels spoke to the shepherds in perfect harmony, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14) At that moment, a feeling of “good will” – this overwhelming love for everyone around me welled up within my heart. It was an experience – that’s all I can say in trying to describe it. It was like something God dropped in my heart that was greater than words could describe.

In a moment’s time, I could see God’s goodness touching every area of my life. I was such a mess when I first opened my heart to God at the age of 24. “How could God love me – I have failed Him so badly – I have failed living for Him so badly – How could God love me?” It was good people that knew God that took the chance of telling and convincing me of this truth till my heart was open enough to see it and know this love for myself.

The angels were saying together in harmony, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” We imagine them singing to the shepherds that night and maybe they were. The scriptures say the angels were saying it. They wanted all mankind to know – God has peace and goodwill toward us. He hates what the devil has done to this earth and to mankind but because He’s given man the ability to choose his course and life, God can only tell us of His love and good will. He has been in a variety of ways throughout time. It’s up to us as to whether we will believe it. I could feel it in church that night.

The next day, Christmas day, Renee’s family came over. The house was decorated and looked beautiful. The food was cooking in the kitchen. Christmas was in the air. The doorbell rang and her parents entered. As I was helping them come in and take their coats off, suddenly, just like it did the night before at church, it hit me again – that feeling of the Christmas spirit. It again was this overwhelming feeling of thanks – thanks to God for my family, thanks that I had a wonderful extended family, and thanks they I had a home they could come to, to celebrate this occasion with. For a flash, I was covered with thoughts of the mercy of God. As they were entering into my home, in an instant I thought “Lord, if it wasn’t for you, I’d be dead. I wouldn’t have a life, a family, a home. Christmas would have still been a holiday that never measured up – that empty feeling I felt all my childhood. I would have killed myself on drugs or alcohol or something stupid. Instead here I am in your love surrounded by your goodness and all this love.” It was momentary, it was powerful, and it was almost overwhelming, but it was so real.

We went up into the kitchen and the first words out of Renee’s mom’s mouth were, “where would we be without Jesus.” She then quoted Psa 27:13 “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.” I looked at her astonished and laughed and shared with her those same thoughts I had just had as they were entering the house. We stayed in the kitchen for some time eating Christmas treats while praising God for His goodness in our lives.

That brings me today’s Fresh Manna verse. It describes this Christmas for me. “And now, through Christ, all the kindness of God has been poured out upon us undeserving sinners, and now He is sending us out around the world to tell all people everywhere the great things God has done for them, so that they too will believe and obey Him.” I can’t not talk about the goodness of God. God’s goodness is so powerful to those who believe. He hasn’t wanted us to hoard it up for ourselves. He’s wanted us to give it away – to share it. Even when people think that we are trying to condemn them or shove something down their throats.

To me the best packaging of this good news is sharing God’s desire for peace – peace between Him and mankind – His good will toward them! His goodness has transformed my life and yours. I can’t not tell others about it!

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2007 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.

What is Fresh Manna? God’s Word – the Bible, should be exciting and alive to us. God wants to speak to us through His Holy Spirit and give us a fresh word from heaven every day. Fresh Manna is a daily devotional – that nourishment of daily bread from His heart to ours!

“Sam’s Christmas Peace” by Pastor Tim Burt

Fresh Manna© by Pastor Tim Burt

Santa was as big as any event could be to Sam. The experience of Santa visiting him personally and leaving gifts once a year – it just couldn’t be compared to anything! It was truly amazing that Santa managed to get him most of the things he really wanted. He was forgiving for the few things he didn’t get understanding that Santa had a task bigger than life itself.

Suddenly, Christmas was slightly confusing and created some anxiety in Sam’s heart. His dad had just told him a truth he never wanted to hear. Finding out that Santa wasn’t real created a hole in his heart. Add that to some confused thoughts about the purpose and meaning of Christmas and it left Sam with some apprehension as to whether he even looked forward to it this year.

Christmas Eve would soon arrive as would a number of Sam’s relatives. It was a large group of people and a festive time. They’d eat and talk. They’d sing and talk more. They’d tell stories and laugh and talk louder. It seemed like the present opening time would never come. All his brothers, sisters, and cousins were always on pins and needles waiting for the time to open presents. Sam was the same – anxious to see what he would get. But Sam also knew there was something almost sinister that would happen inside and it confused him. It happened the last two years. It would come about the time he was opening his second-to-last present. He knew that all the anticipation of Christmas, all the build up, the tree decorating, the parties at school and church, the performing and singing in the local shopping mall with his class, helping dad hang Christmas lights on the house, all the shopping, and wrapping and more – it was all about to be over. He’d open these last two presents and it would be over. He would soon feel that ache of disappointment he dreaded. It made him feel like he was unthankful and selfish. His second to last present was the same one he got every year from his grandparents. Five brand new crisp dollars that looked like they were just made at a factory. And then the final present that was overshadowed no matter how good it was by the mere fact that it was the last one. He’d open his presents and although he was happy, he’d experience the feeling – “Is that all there is?” Christmas never seemed to live up to all that it was built up to be. He’d feel disappointed and then felt guilty about feeling that way.

He decided this year was going to be different. Sam was determined. He was assured by his father that they would not one day come to him and tell him Jesus wasn’t real either. “Jesus is the Son of God and He really was born in a manager and the angels really did come and sing and proclaim His coming to the shepherds,” his father said. Santa is just a fun story but Jesus is real!

Sam was only eight but a bright eight year old. It was three weeks before Christmas and he didn’t want any more bad feelings or disappointments at Christmas time. As he went to bed one night he got on his knees and prayed, “Dear Jesus, thank you for being real. I know you are because my dad promised me you were. Christmas is about you but I think I spent more time thinking about Santa and about what I’d get than I did about you. It’s your birthday. I want to think about you. Please show me how and help me to make this the best Christmas ever.” It was a simple prayer but one God would answer for Sam.

The next morning at church, Sam seemed to hear more words from the Pastor’s sermon than he could ever remember hearing before. He heard the Pastor read the words “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” He didn’t understand everything the Pastor was saying but he did hear the Pastor say that Jesus brought us a true peace in our hearts that couldn’t come from any other source. Sam had remembered his prayer the night before. That was what he wanted. Peace not disappointment.

Then the Pastor spoke the words “God so loved the world that He gave – He gave – He gave us Jesus – that is what Christmas is about, giving joy to others as Jesus brings new life and joy to us!” Sam caught those words. In his own way with his eight years of life and understanding, he caught those words. “Christmas is about giving…” “No wonder I’ve been disappointed,” Sam thought. “The only thing I’ve thought about is getting.” As the Pastor finished his message, he received that morning’s offering. He said something else Sam paid attention to. Pastor had read from Matthew 2:11 “And when they came into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” “I’ve never brought Jesus a gift for Christmas,” Sam thought. He knew just what he would do.

The following day he noticed his mother was unusually happy. She was going out. “Where are you going mom?” “Your father gave me a special gift certificate to be pampered in a special women’s salon where they will do my nails and give me a massage. I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time.” “What’s a massage mom?” Sam asked. “Oh you know, like when your father gives me a neck rub while we are watching television.” Sam smiled big. He had an idea!

When Christmas Eve came Sam was happier than he’d ever been. He wasn’t thinking only about opening presents that night. He was more excited for His Dad and Mom to open his presents. When his dad opened Sam’s gift, it was a coupon that Sam made that said, “Two fifteen minute hot ziggaties any time you want.” His dad lit up like a Christmas tree. A hot ziggity was a head scratch which his dad loved more than anything. Then his mom opened her present. It was a coupon that said, “two fifteen minute neck rubs any time you want.” His mother swept him up and gave him a big kiss. “You said you love massages so I’ll give you two of them!” She was thrilled. Sam was excited. “Mom are we going to that special candlelight service tonight?” “Why yes honey, why do you ask?” “Because I have a special present for Jesus tonight that I want to give Him for His birthday.” Sam had the box all made. All it needed was the five brand new dollars he knew he’d get from Grandpa and Grandma and sure enough, he did.

At church that night when the offering came by, Sam put a little box he wrapped himself in the basket. It was the best Christmas ever – no disappointments and great peace! God had answered his prayer and shown him the real meaning of Christmas!

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2007 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.

What is Fresh Manna? God’s Word – the Bible, should be exciting and alive to us. God wants to speak to us through His Holy Spirit and give us a fresh word from heaven every day. Fresh Manna is a daily devotional – that nourishment of daily bread from His heart to ours!