“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” (Heb. 2:1).
Now, you may be saying, “Bishop Butler, now that I know God has a new beginning for me, is there anything that can hinder my new beginning?”
Well, look at what happened in Matthew 13:53-58. Jesus went to his own hometown to heal everybody who was sick. But their response was, “We grew up with you; where did you get this wisdom?” They were offended at Him. So, even though Jesus was anointed to heal every sick person in town, only a few folk were healed.
What stopped them from receiving from Him were their closed hearts, unbelief, fear, and negative words. These things can hinder your new beginning.
The same thing happened in Matthew, chapter 13:10-11, Jesus intended to give them fresh revelation that would have changed their lives. Instead, they refused to receive from Him, so He spoke to them in parables.
Another hindrance is when you make any area of your life off limits to God. If your attitude is, I don’t want to hear it, see it, and do it from the word’s view, then you will not get a fresh start in that area of your life.
You see, some folks want God’s money, but they don’t want to hear His Word concerning their lifestyle. They want God’s blessing, but they don’t want God to tell them what to do. Well, it doesn’t work that way. You must allow God to examine your whole heart and change any part He wants. Whatever you give Him, He will make something new and special out of it – guaranteed.
Holding on to your past is another thing that will delay your fresh start. Do you know God has forgotten your past? Isaiah 43:26 says that God blotted out your transgressions for His sake. Why? Because He loves you so much, that’s why! God has forgotten all your past mess-ups. So you must forget them too.
Mark 7:13 speaks of traditions. A tradition is the way things are done, have always been done, and will always be done. You see, people figure God has to do it this way, and no other way – traditionally speaking.
Wrong. Stop thinking it has to go A-B-C-D. God may start with X…are you listening to me? You don’t know how He’s going to do it, but just open your heart and be ready to receive your new beginning any way it comes.
Scripture References: Matthew 13:53-58; James 1:22-25; Mark 7:8-13
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).