All Things New

 When we think about new, we may think about a new year, new day, new possessions or a new look. Those can definitely be good. However, I'm learning that new doesn't always mean something we can see with our physical eyes. New may mean a new mindset, a new attitude, a new outlook, a new routine. I'm learning that new can begin at any time of the day 💖. When we give our lives to Jesus and begin to live for him, we are made new (II Corinthians 5:17). The Scripture mentions that the old is gone and the new has come. Each day, we should be changing for the better. The past can be put behind us. It's not that it ever happened, but we don't have to let it determine how we live now. You may be wondering what are some things that can be made new. Let's take a few minutes to talk about them 😊. One thing that can be made new is our thoughts. Our thoughts are so powerful and direct our daily decisions. We can't always control every thought that comes in our mind, but we can control how long it stays there. If they don't line up with Philippians 4:8 in the Scripture, we should not be thinking them. We should ask God to help us daily 🙏. I know my mind can be all over the place, so asking God to help my thoughts is necessary. Our thoughts should move us forward in our journey. Our thoughts should be on God's Word and what He says. We have to stay in God's Word in order to choose new thoughts. Our thoughts should be, "I can make it.","God is with me,", "Today will be a good day." and "It will work out." At any given moment of the day, we can change our thoughts and don't have to wait until a "new" day on the calendar has arrived to do so. Thinking good thoughts leads me to the second thing that can be made new daily: our words. Our words are also very powerful 🙌! When we give our lives to Jesus, our talk should begin to change. Ephesians 4:22 talks about putting off the former conversation. Conversation is verbal communication with someone. We have to change daily how we talk to ourselves and others. We have to stop talking how our past self would- words of defeat, doubt, hopelessness, negativity, selfishness, pride. Our words should reflect that we're living for God and should uplift those that hear them (Ephesians 4:29). That also means we have to watch what we say to ourselves and others. Another thing that we should work on making new every day is our attitude. It's the way we think or feel about something and our behavior that reflects that. Our attitude should be one where we are grateful, humble and peaceful 🙌. We should not be starting drama all the time (Romans 12:16). We should be confident in who God has created us to be. We should have an attitude of love (Ephesians 5:2) 💖. We should love ourselves and others. We should look at life through God's Word and see people the way God does. As we work on a new attitude every day, we will have a new way of looking at life and realize that not everything has to be taken personal. We can have the attitude that every day we will do the best we can and it's about pleasing God, not people. Colossians 3:23 is my work motto as it reminds me to do everything as for God. That has to be my attitude daily. Lastly, every day we should work on making relationships new. We can make sure that we are spending time with positive influences and those who want the best to come out, not the worst. We can work on daily making current relationships stronger by communicating, spending time with one another and supporting one another 💚. There may also be relationships that need to not happen anymore. You can speak to them, be respectful, but don't need to hang out with them 24/7. We do need other people. We were made for community, but the right community is the key. God wants to help us make sure we have that. Quality over quantity is important when it comes to friendships. How beneficial the relationship is should be more important than the number of friends we have. Look for the right attitudes and words that those you hang around have. Look for ways to improve positive relationships you already have! Look for ways to grow. Every day, we can be made new in our thoughts, with our words, attitude and in our relationships 👏. We don't have to wait until a new year, month or even day to make a change. Change starts now. Every day, all things can be made new 💗! Every day, throughout our day, let's ask ourselves the question: "What can me made new in me today?"