New Beginnings Church of Brownwood TX

Friday devotion

Repentance as Restoration
Repentance is not merely about feeling sorry for our sins; it is about returning to the highest place God has for us. It is an invitation to rise above our circumstances and align ourselves with the kingdom of heaven, which is at hand. This perspective on repentance brings hope and renewal. Repentance is a call to transformation, urging us to leave behind our old ways and embrace the new life that God offers.
Repentance is a supernatural act between God and man. To honestly repent one must have help from the Lord. It’s not something you can just “decide” to do on your own.

True repentance involves a change of heart and mind, leading to a change in behavior. It is a process of turning away from sin and turning towards God, seeking His will in every aspect of our lives. This journey of repentance is not about condemnation but about restoration, bringing us back into right relationship with God and positioning us to fulfill our divine purpose.

Acts 3:19: "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you need to repent and return to God's highest place for you. What steps can you take today to begin this process of restoration?

Wednesday devotion: it ain’t always easy.

“Without commitment. You’ll never start.
Without consistency you will never finish.
Ease is a greater threat to progress, than hardship.” ~Denzel Washington
Don’t curse the storm, count the cost to get thru it.
If you pray for rain, don’t curse the mud. Learn how to walk around some things. Smile at your scars, but don’t worship them. Midnight might break your heart, but dawn brings the joy of the Creator to embrace you… and give you strength.
References:
Psalm 30:5
Nehemiah 8:10

Daily devotion. What’s in a Name. Day 1: The Power of Jesus' Name
The name of Jesus holds immense power, capable of commanding the universe to align with His word. When we invoke His name, we take authority over sickness, adversity, and any form of oppression. This authority is a privilege and a responsibility, reminding us to live boldly in faith. The name of Jesus is not just a label; it is a declaration of His sovereignty and our trust in His ability to intervene in our lives. By calling on His name, we align ourselves with His will and invite His power to work through us.

In our daily lives, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable. However, the authority given to us in Jesus' name empowers us to confront these challenges head-on. Whether it is a physical ailment, a difficult relationship, or a personal struggle, invoking the name of Jesus brings divine intervention. This practice is not about using His name as a magic word but about recognizing and submitting to His ultimate authority. [24:10]

Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."

Reflection: Think of a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can you invoke the name of Jesus to take authority over this situation today?

Day 5: God's Outstretched Hand
No matter who you are or what you've done, God's hand is always outstretched towards you. His love and grace are ever-present, inviting you to believe and trust in Him fully. This assurance allows us to move forward in faith, knowing that His hand is always there to guide and support us. God’s grace is sufficient for all our needs, and His love is unconditional.

Reflect on the times when you have felt distant from God. Remember that His hand is always reaching out to you, ready to pull you back into His embrace. Trust in His love and grace, and take a step towards Him today.

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: When have you felt distant from God? How can you reach out and take hold of His outstretched hand today? If you’re away from Him, He loves you and has not changed His mind about you.

Everlasting Father daily devotion
Day 4: Transformation from Jacob to Israel
God transforms our identity and reality when we surrender to Him. Just as Jacob became Israel, a prince with God, we too are given a new identity in Christ. This transformation is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to us, even in our rebellion. When we surrender our lives to God, He changes us from the inside out, giving us a new purpose and a new identity.

Think about the areas in your life where you need transformation. Surrender those areas to God and allow Him to work in you. Trust that He is committed to your growth and transformation.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What is one area of your life that needs transformation? How can you surrender this area to God today?

Everlasting Father: Day 3: God's Unchanging Nature
God is a Father who never abandons His children. His peace and government are everlasting, and His commitment to us is unchanging. This truth provides a foundation of security and hope, knowing that His love and care are eternal. In a world that is constantly changing, it is comforting to know that God remains the same. His promises are sure, and His love is steadfast.

Reflect on the ways God has shown His faithfulness in your life. Even when circumstances change, God’s nature does not. He is always there, always loving, and always working for your good.

James 1:17 (ESV): "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

Reflection: How has God shown His unchanging nature in your life? How can this truth provide you with comfort and security today?

Daily Devotion from “Everlasting Father/Prince of Peace

Day 2: Willingness to Obey
True obedience to God requires a willingness to do whatever He asks, even if it seems uncomfortable or illogical. The story of Homer Pitsinger illustrates that when we are willing to step into uncomfortable places, God meets us there and fills us with His Spirit. Obedience is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. When we trust God enough to follow His lead, we open ourselves up to His blessings and His presence in our lives.

Consider the areas in your life where God might be calling you to step out in faith. It might be a new job, a relationship, or a ministry opportunity. Whatever it is, know that God will equip you and meet you in that place of obedience.

1 Samuel 15:22: "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

Reflection: What is one area in your life where God is asking you to step out in faith? How can you take a step of obedience today?

Day 3: Mountain of Promise
Discerning True Promises from God
It's crucial to distinguish between God's true promises and our religious emotional desires. Abraham's story teaches us that genuine promises from God require patience and trust. Misinterpreting our desires as God's promises can lead to disappointment and spiritual harm. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrated his trust in God, which was ultimately rewarded. This act of faith showed that Abraham valued God's promise above all else, even when it seemed impossible. Religious emotion masked as “God’s will” destroys lives and will lead you in the opposite direction of the promises of God.

By seeking God's guidance and discerning His true promises, we can avoid the pitfalls of following our own desires. This discernment requires a deep relationship with God, built on prayer, study of His word, and a willingness to listen to His voice. When we align our desires with God's will, we can trust that His promises will come to fruition in His perfect timing.
Romans 4:20-21 (ESV): "No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised."

Reflection: Reflect on a desire or goal you have. Have you sought God's guidance to discern if it aligns with His promises for you? How can you ensure that your desires are in line with God's will?

daily devotion “Mountain of Promise”Day 2: Standing Firm in God's Promises/write the vision
Like Caleb, who waited over 40 years to see God's promise fulfilled, we must stand firm in our faith. Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. [3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Writing down and regularly reflecting on God's promises helps us stay focused and strengthens our belief that He will bring them to pass, even when it seems unlikely. Caleb's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and unwavering faith in God's word. Despite the long wait and numerous challenges, Caleb never lost sight of the promise God made to him.

By keeping God's promises visible and reflecting on them regularly, we align our hearts and minds with His word. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also helps us remain steadfast during difficult times. It is a reminder that God's timing is perfect, and His promises are always fulfilled, even if it takes longer than we expect.

Joshua 14:10-11: "And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming."

Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are holding onto? Write it down and place it somewhere you will see it daily. How can this practice help you stay focused and strengthen your faith?

Re-envision Your Life Through God’s Promises
Description: We are called to re-envision our lives through the lens of God's promises. This means discarding the emotional and religious expectations that are not from God and focusing on the genuine promises He has made to us. By doing so, we can reclaim the mountains that the enemy has tried to possess and redefine them according to God's purpose. This requires a deep, personal connection with God and a willingness to seek His vision for our lives. It encourages us to align our lives with God's promises and trust in His plan for us.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Reflection: What emotional or religious expectations do you need to discard to focus on God's genuine promises for your life? How can you seek God's vision for your life and align yourself with His purpose today?

Hey Mountain Get Out of My Way/Day 3: Give your heart to Jesus and Despise Not Small Beginnings
Description: God sees beyond our current circumstances and is more interested in who He has called us to be rather than our past mistakes or natural abilities. We should not despise small beginnings or the seemingly insignificant stages of our journey. God is working in us, even when it’s not visible to others. This truth encourages us to embrace the process and trust that God is shaping us for His purposes. It reminds us that every step, no matter how small, is significant in God's eyes.
Zechariah 4:10 (ESV): "For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.”

Reflection: What small beginnings or seemingly insignificant stages in your life can you embrace today? How can you trust that God is working in you, even when it’s not visible to others?
Ask The Lord to help you recognize His work in your life, even when it’s not visible to others.
- **Focus on God's Vision**: pray that He helps you focus on who He has called you to be, rather than your past mistakes or natural abilities. Pray for a clear vision of His purpose for your life. Don’t be afraid of the impossible.
- **Celebrate Progress**: Thank God for the progress you have made, no matter how small. Ask Him to help you remain patient and faithful as He continues to work in you.

Hey Mountain Get Out of My Way: daily devotion

Day 2: Hold Onto God's Promises
Description: Caleb's story in Joshua 14 is a powerful testament to the importance of holding onto God's promises, no matter how long it takes. At 85 years old, Caleb still believed in the promise God made to him 45 years earlier. Despite the giants and fortified cities that stood in his way, his faith never wavered. This story serves as a reminder that God's promises are worth holding onto, regardless of the obstacles. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and trust that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.

Joshua 14:10-12 (ESV): "And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.”

Reflection: What is a promise from God that you have been holding onto? How can you strengthen your faith and trust in God's timing, even when the fulfillment of that promise seems distant?

Daily Devotion: taken from Sunday: “Hey Mountain Get Out of My Way”
Day 1: God Levels Our Mountains
Description: In life, we often face mountains that seem insurmountable—whether they are sins, fears, doubts, or other obstacles. Zechariah 4:7 reminds us that God has the power to level these mountains. The cornerstone of our faith, Jesus Christ, is the foundation upon which we must build our lives. Even if our past decisions have led us astray, God is ready to replace our faulty foundations with His unshakeable cornerstone. This truth encourages us to trust in God's ability to remove any barrier that stands in the way of our God-given destiny.

Zechariah 4:7 (ESV): "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”

Reflection: What is one "mountain" in your life that you need God to level? How can you actively trust Him to replace your faulty foundations with His unshakeable cornerstone today?

Pastor Andrew White, who ministered at New Beginnings with such a powerful anointing back in March, returns for four services starting on Friday August 30th at 6.30pm. He will also minister on Saturday August 31st at 6.30pm and Sunday 1st September at 10.30am and also at 6.30pm. Definitely one not to miss.

Pastor Andrew is the senior Pastor of Victory Gospel Church in Southampton England. He has a rich heritage of faith. Both of his parents were senior pastors. The spiritual legacy that is upon his
family is touching the lives of thousands of people right across the world. The anointing on his life will bring you into the very presence of God and release revelation that will transform your spiritual life. The church he leads has over forty nations represented. God has gifted Pastor Andrew with the ability to minister into people's lives no matter their background or ethnicity. He preaches, with passion and power, a message of hope, help and healing.

New Beginnings Church of Brownwood TX We reserve the right to love anyone