WEDNESDAY'S WORD-REINVENT- Sadell Bradley 1/5/2021

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD REINVENT 1/5/2021 "The true essence of fashion is being able to reinvent yourself with what you have." - Melanie Fiona NEW YEAR, NEW YOU—that's what they say. The change of a year, and celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, can cause us to evaluate our lives. It is important to remember that we are already valuable and worthy. We have learned and grown significantly in many areas, though some qualities still could use a bit of tweaking. Aspects of our lives might require renovation or even a total overhaul. Actress Mary Pickford said, "You may have a fresh start at any moment you choose." Opportunities for REINVENTION - which means to change something so much that it appears to be entirely new, are not confined to a New Year. They can come at any time—and that's good news! THE GOSPEL IS ABOUT REINVENTION. "Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new creation. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new." (2 Cor. 5:17, TPT) Born again Christ followers are aware that the call to discipleship is a summons to deny ourselves and become conformed to the image of Christ. Our drastic reinvention is not so much about self-improvement, as it is about learning to live, love, and become more like Jesus. Usually, New Year's Resolutions revolve around losing weight, going to school, getting our homes or finances in order, and gaining or repairing relationships. I wonder what would happen if in 2021 we all resolved to know Christ better, to abide in His Word and presence, and live and behave as He would. YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE. This is something I will remind myself over and over again in 2021. Though internal and external pressures are present, I need to take the time because my choices have implications beyond myself to my family and those I serve. They must be made with care. Moses gave the Children of Israel this challenge, "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! " (Deut. 30:19) Holocaust survivor Victor Frankel, gained much insight into living, forgiving and choosing to reinvent his life after severe trauma. He said, "Between stimulus and response is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." Here's to wise choices in 2021.