There are a number of thoughts that have been cascading through my mind as I asked the Lord about the year ahead. More will come from these cascading musings in the months ahead.

However, one thought has germinated around the concept of staying “new” or “fresh” in God! In Mark chapter 2, when speaking about the issue “new wine” and “new wineskins”, Jesus uses two different words for “new”. In the NASB it picks this up as: “new” wine must be put into “fresh” wineskins (verse 22). I think this fits right in with what Jesus was saying in Revelation 21:5, “Behold, I make all things “new” – that is, this “new thing” is really about “God’s continually new thing” happening in our lives. So regardless of how you see yourself (old wineskin or not), God is in the business of restoration; restoring to original condition and purpose.

It’s time to let God make all things “new” and “fresh” in our lives! I am convinced, that what we allow God to invade through His grace, He saves and restores to pristine condition. Like Lamentations 3:23 says, His stuff is, “… new every morning; Great is His faithfulness.” God is the real ’Manna Man’, as I heard one pastor say.

Some expectations that are based on absolute promises the “Manna Man” has made:

1 – Expect him to keep His promise to reward you now, when you are in greatest need. The Lord rewards those who diligently seek him – it’s a daily seeking. (Heb.11:6)

2 – Expect to see God working in mysterious ways, unseen to the human eye. Speak out; “I don’t know how it will come to pass – I don’t see much happening right now, but I believe God set in motion an answer to my prayers the very first minute I asked.” (Mark 10:27)

3 – Expect to enter into God’s refreshing - “new” place of rest; know the Lord desires you trust him to bring you through into a large and more spacious place of grace and provision. (Heb. 4:9,11; Psalm 188:5)

4 – Expect the Holy Spirit to always be in His temple. Yes, He’s omnipresent throughout the world and universe, yet He abides in the heart of everyone who believes. (1 Cor. 6:19) His mercies and His refreshing presence are “new” every morning. Therefore we need to acknowledge this truth as reality; He is the comforter who comforts; He is the one who brings wisdom and encouragement and the one who walks with us every step of the way. He is your supply!

So what are you expecting from God this year? Understanding that whatever it is, your future is hidden in the daily routines of life and this process of "newness" – “God’s continually new thing”, will happen everlastingly daily.