The Beginning of Months
“This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year to you.” Exodus 12:2
In a word, how would you describe this past year? I asked a group of people in my church this question and here are some of the responses: confusing, over, blessed, stressful, disappointing.
Can you identify with any of those descriptive words? What would your response be to this question?
I love the book of Exodus, but I had totally missed this truth in 12:2: “This month shall be the beginning of months for you”. We are accustomed to thinking of January as the “beginning of months” for us. But God said the “beginning of months” for the children of Israel was on the eve of their redemption from their captors, the Egyptians. And it wasn’t January – more like mid March to April.
A new year that begins with redemption…I love the sound of that!
You see, anytime God gives us a chance to start over, it is the beginning of months for us. It could be any month of the year – the only requirement is starting fresh with God.
God also told his children to be READY to get up and go in the new year. In Exodus 12:11, they were told to have their shoes on, have staff in hand, and have their loins girded. Their redemption would happen swiftly now – after 430 years of waiting.
Are you ready for swift changes in this new year? If you are wallowing in the regrets or sorrows of the last, probably not. Your redemption could come swiftly…are you ready? It is the “beginning of months” for you! God wants to bring us up and out of bondage which often requires our active participation by being willing and ready.
2013 – Tumultuous
2014 – Peace
Even the disciples endured tumultous storms Terri – here’s to a more peaceful 2014!
2013-Focus
2014-Prayer
2015- I’m still waiting…He will send it to me.
I am still waiting on my too Genea!
Breakthrough for 2015
Beautiful Linda!
2014–trying
2015– deliverance
Trying Indeed Linda – remember what Deuteronomy 6:23 says, “He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our fathers.'” God doesn’t bring us out of bondage to leave us in a wilderness. He brings us out to bring us into his abundance! Count it all joy Linda! Love you and praying like my hair’s on fire!
2014 – good
2015 – better!
One word is hard for me….Endings. End of sickness beginning of a life with new possibilities. Here we go God keep me close.
2015 rut, 2016 thirsty
Thirsty! I loved that lesson tonight! Great choice.
Trying but blessed. I know that’s two words, but that’s been our year.
For the coming year: grateful.