January 2018 Anticipation Update
A New Year…
2017 is past, and we have entered a new year, a “fresh start”…
At times like this it is common to REFLECT on that which was experienced in the prior year. You may REFLECT on memories; both good and bad. Or you may recall goals; achieved or unachieved, accomplishments and significant life events. As you think about these things and others, how does it affect you? Perhaps there is some joy – maybe some bright spots and a few fond memories?
But do you also find yourself discouraged by the unmet goals that you set out to accomplish? Do you feel any anger or frustration over someone else’s choices and how they have affected you? Is there any depression linked to an unmet desire or a dream that you did not see realized. Or can you identify with a vague uneasiness and overall lack of peace and sense of purpose as you head into another year?
In Proverbs 27:19, God’s Word says:
As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.
We cannot REFLECT something that we are not aligned with. You will not see your face in a mirror – unless you are facing it and focusing on it…
The world is filled with people who are allowing themselves to REFLECT what has been done to them, or what they themselves have done, or not done. They have chosen to ALIGN themselves with these things and their lives now REFLECT them… And whatever we ALIGN ourselves with will either DEFINE or REFINE us.
Your Life, a Reflection…
As Proverbs 27:19 clearly states, our lives will be a direct REFLECTION of the condition of our hearts. And that reflection will reveal either INFECTION or AFFECTION:
The INFECTION of not fully participating in allowing the Lord to take care of our hearts; allowing unforgiveness or ungratefulness to occupy any part of our hearts, and looking to anyone or anything to satisfy us – when only Jesus can, will, and wants to!
Or, will our hearts be a REFLECTION of AFFECTION?
A love-motivated life that is lived-out with others as a response to the love that we ourselves have experienced – in being first FORGIVEN and LOVED by The LORD!
Future Goals
What do you want your life to REFLECT this year, and in the years to come?
Are you allowing what you have done or experienced in the past, to DEFINE you in the present?
Do you want to be free from the effects of those offenses, hurts and losses – and to invite Jesus to use it all to REFINE you MORE and MORE into HIS IMAGE?
Will you ALIGN yourself with HIM so that your life might REFLECT more of HIM?
You can, and it all starts with YOUR HEART. And remember, “It’s NEVER too late… for a FRESH START”!
-David Anderson on behalf of the Fresh Start Team
Leaders & Locations
Fresh Start Marietta, Georgia
A Fresh Start Story:
“BEFORE Fresh Start, I was broken; my husband had suddenly passed away and left me penniless as a single mom to our children. Time passed and the hurt subsided a bit, the kids and I managed well on the outside, but the bitter roots were taking hold of my heart causing strain on all my relationships, but more importantly on my relationship with the Lord…
AFTER Fresh Start, my heart and my relationship with the Lord have been transformed. The Lord is my Savior, and He has graciously blessed me with a heart that can now be a wellspring for others (Proverbs 4:23). “
-Reeny
Fresh Start South Africa
A Fresh Start Story:
“BEFORE Fresh Start everything was hopeless and dark, I wanted to just run away…. to not be here anymore. I just could not face life or anyone or anything anymore…. I knew I must get help.
AFTER my Fresh Start…WOW!! I can breathe again, I can make good choices and experience and walk in God’s freedom peace, Light, Truth of His Word, Guidance of His Holy Spirit, and his Father love. I can know His purpose for me – I have purpose, I am not a useless nobody, I am His Daughter, a daughter of the King, His princess…I am HIS… I am Forgiven and FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
-Cecelia
Update from Brad & Susan Thomas
“Greetings from Marietta, Georgia, USA! We are celebrating five vital partnerships that Fresh Start Marietta (FSM) currently has in place:
1. North Metro Church (NMC): 12 trained Fresh Start Leaders are currently in place leading both groups – and one-on-one processing.
2. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (JFBC): 12 trained Fresh Start Leaders are currently in place leading both groups – and one-on-one processing.
3. Friends of Nazareth (FON): Taking Fresh Start into The Holy Land
4. Harvest India (HI): Investing into a network of 2000+ pastors
5. Young Life (YL): Investing in young people in The Holy Land and throughout the world
It is truly wonder-FULL… And we are looking forward to MORE!”
-Brad & Susan
Update from Gail Wingreen
“Fresh Start operates under the ministry of LIVING WELL though KING OF KINGS BAPTIST CHURCH. Additional Fresh Start Expressions include:
1. Grief Connect: Support for mothers who have lost children
2. Africa 4 Jesus: Discipleship school for at risk young adults
3. Apples of Gold: Women’s mentoring and discipleship
4. Trauma Care Workshops: Trauma workshops all over South Africa – and Ecuador!
5. Pollsmoor Prison: Prison ministry
…More people in South Africa are becoming convinced carriers of the message of Fresh Start. I am humbled and honoured to be playing a small role in this.
It’s NEVER too late!”
-Gail (& Andy)