YOU Podcast Lifeway Christian Resources

Can you name a “new beginning” in your life—a time when you started over in some way?







Sometimes new beginnings come when we move to a new place. Others experience a new beginning after graduation from college, when they marry, or take a new job. These new beginnings often bring excitement and great anticipation. Other new beginnings tend not to bring joy. The death of a family member, a failed marriage, an unexpected medical diagnosis, or even a natural disaster can leave us sad and devastated.







New beginnings, whether we view them as good or bad, are transitions. We all face various transitions in our lives at some point, but God will give us the grace to move forward in these transitions, no matter our circumstances.







God will give us the grace to move forward in transitions, no matter our circumstances.”







The Book of Genesis records how God judged the world through a great flood, but through Noah and his extended family, God preserved His creation and provided a fresh start. God’s instruction to Noah reinforces for us God’s continued care for His creation. He reaffirmed His covenant with humanity, affirmed the value of human life, and promised to preserve His creation.

God created you on purpose for a purpose. Think for a few moments about the implications of that statement. What if life does have purpose? What if I have a purpose, a specific purpose? What if there truly is a God who has created me to fulfill His purpose, and if so, what is that purpose? People have responded to questions like these in various ways:









* “Life has no lasting purpose, so I’m just doing me.”







* “I’m going to devote myself to a particular purpose to make the world a better place.”







* “My purpose is my ministry. It is a calling from God, and I find joy in doing His will.”









I once heard someone say, “Many people spend more time planning their vacations than they spend planning their lives.” Indeed, some individuals arrive at the end of life disappointed they didn’t live more purposeful lives. They regret missed opportunities.







“Most people spend more time planning a one-week vacation than they spend planning their life.”Michael Hyatt







In the book of Genesis, we read the biblical perspective on God’s purpose for humanity. God created us in His image and gave us dominion over all the earth and everything in it. Although sin has marred God’s image in us, His purpose for us remains. Oh, what a blessing it is that we can represent God and His purposes on earth!

With the annual charity drive in full swing, a university representative reached out to fellow alumni. One conversation sounded like this:







“Good evening. Our records indicate that you haven’t yet contributed to our “Building the Legacy” fund. This year, we’d like to provide more scholarships to help more brothers and sisters achieve their dream of going to college. Would you like to give today?”







Without hesitation, the man replied, “Brother, I have a family to take care of. We just rebounded from the pandemic, and between the wife, kids, and bills, I don’t have the extra to give.”







To put it mildly, generosity is a stretch for some of us! It doesn’t flow naturally from our hearts, even for believers. Though giving is a delicate subject, God’s Word puts a great deal of importance on it.”







“I get it,” the alumni rep stated. “Family first. No worries. We’ll reach out again next year.”







With a shrug, the man replied, “Honestly, even if I have it, I probably won’t give it. I have to look out for me and mine. If I don’t, who will?”







To put it mildly, generosity is a stretch for some of us! It doesn’t flow naturally from our hearts, even for believers. Though giving is a delicate subject, God’s Word puts a great deal of importance on it. Let’s look at a powerful passage that has some practical insights to grow in generosity!

A familiar analogy that my pastor frequently says to the members is that we are not called to be “Lone Ranger” Christians. We were never meant to live this Christian life alone. God has put us around other Christians so that we might shape and sharpen one another. One of the greatest examples of this that I have seen is when a fellow believer has experienced the loss of a loved one.







We are not called to be “Lone Ranger” Christians. We were never meant to live this Christian life alone.”







How encouraging it is for the suffering, distressed, or saddened person to receive a phone call from their fellow brother and sisters in Christ? How comforting it is when they wrap their arms around you and give the person an encouraging word? Death can be a tough time for any person, but it is so much tougher if you’re dealing with the loss by yourself. I have heard from many who experienced a loss that it would have been impossible for them to endure it without their church family. Let’s continue to be there for one another and live life together in Christ!

The sports industry is big business. One of the most popular to watch is football. The fanbase of some of these teams is huge. I remember my husband wearing a sweatshirt of his favorite team, the Tennessee Titans. A Titans fan walked up to him and enthusiastically discussed with him their team. This person was a complete stranger. Families during Superbowl season host parties in honor of their team. During the game, you see them comforting and encouraging one another. The funniest thing is when they start encouraging the players on the screen. The players can’t even hear them, but they are supported. This proves that sports fans have an unusual brotherhood.







We must carefully shine before others that they may see God’s love, care, goodness, mercy, grace, and patience. Let us shine for Christ!”







This is the image that Christians must display before the world. When they see us; they must see a true brotherhood and sisterhood. In a world where people are constantly at odds with one another; we must be unified. There is a song that says, “the Jesus in me loves the Jesus in you. It’s so easy (x3), so easy to love.” The church should reflect Christ. We must emulate Him. The world is looking at the church and the way we interact with each other. We must carefully shine before others that they may see His love, care, goodness, mercy, grace, and patience. Let us shine for Christ!

Maranda Curtis sings a song entitled, “Nobody Like You Lord.” Some churches sing this song as part of praise and worship on Sunday mornings. In the recorded version of the song, toward the last part of the song the artist says, “Who wouldn’t serve a God like this?” These lyrics speak to the magnificence of the Lord God Almighty, particularly His works and ways. Ms. Curtis’s song highlights why Christians serve God the Father through Jesus Christ. He demonstrates that He is a healer, sustainer, and provider.







When you think about all of the tragedies that have happened in the world and how God has kept you; it’s easy to say, “Who wouldn’t serve a God like this?””







When you think about all of the tragedies that have happened in the world and how God has kept you; it’s easy to say, “Who wouldn’t serve a God like this?” He has healed many of us from illnesses that sometimes even the doctors were baffled. Their medical studies couldn’t even explain it. Even as we hear testimonies like that; we can say, “Who wouldn’t serve a God like this?” You see as we, a body of believers, come together on Sunday morning; we all have experienced the faithfulness of God. When you hear the testimonies of others and even think of how God has kept you; it is easy to say, “Who Wouldn’t Serve a God Like That?” As we are experiencing the mercies of God through the week, the momentum has built up. It evokes us to worship our King of King and Lord of Lords. How encouraging it is to corporately worship this amazing God! He is worthy to be praised!