It's Not Too Late...
For a Fresh Start (Part 1)
November 14-18, 2005

For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert!

Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)

Have you ever wished for a fresh start in life? How about just in the last year? Eventually, every one of us runs up against a situation we wish we could do over, start over, or erase. It's not specific to any age group: kids feel this way often when they get their report cards; parents often wish they could start over with their kids; bosses in the marketplace continually want to re-invent the strategy that isn't working; we long to repair a broken relationship. Many people go to church seeking a spiritual fresh start. We all love the idea of "new". The good news is, God does too. Begin this lesson by reading Isaiah 6:1-8, and consider this prophet, a man in need of a fresh start from God.

MONDAY

1. IDENTIFY THE PAIN.
[Your Objective: Learn how to begin a fresh start by identifying our pain instead of disguising it.]

What happened in Isaiah 6:1a that may have caused Isaiah pain?

  • Many times when we go through pain we try to disguise it, pretending there is nothing wrong. Do you think Isaiah identified or disguised his pain?
  • What can happen to us emotionally if we continually disguise our pain? How painful does it have to get before we ask God into our lives and to help us through our pain?
  • What is a cause of pain in your life that is under your control to change? If there is a cause of pain in your life that is out of your control, how are you responding to it (our actions and attitude are in our control)?
  • Ask yourself, "Why should I change?" If you changed, what pain could be healed?

WHY should I change?

Fellowship (Membership) - Fresh starts are often triggered by pain. When we are in fellowship with other believers we have the opportunity to take off our masks and reveal our hurts. We all have pain in our lives. We have all felt alone, hurt, lost, spiritually dry and lacking a purpose. Can you identify a pain in your life that you have been disguising? Make time in your group or during the week to meet with another believer who will support you as you take off your mask and identify your pain. Remember, when you have identified the pain, you are able to move on toward a fresh start in your life.

TUESDAY

2. RECOGNIZE IT'S ALL ABOUT GOD.
[Your Objective: Understand that everyone centers their life around something and that a God-centered life will allow for permanent change.]

Look at Isaiah 6:3. What were the seraphim calling out? What did they say shows the full glory of God?

  • Everyone worships something. Who or what do people put at the center of their lives?
  • What makes a God-centered life different?
  • How can we demonstrate in our daily lives that it is all about God?
  • In what way does a relationship with God allow long-lasting changes in our lives?

WHO is my God?

Worship (Magnification) - Recognizing God's goodness is motivation for a fresh start. Take time on a daily basis this week to recognize God's glory in the world around you. Discuss with your spiritual partner the good things you see.

WEDNESDAY

3. REVEAL THE TRUTH ABOUT MYSELF.
[Your Objective: Recognize our need for God.]

In Isaiah 6:5, how does Isaiah feel about himself in the presence of God?

  • How do those who don't believe in God face problems and evil in our world?
  • In what way does a relationship with God change a person's perspective on this world?
  • Why is it important to see ourselves in the light of God's perfection?
  • How does the need for a change in your life reveal your dependence on God?

WHERE is my heart?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Spend quiet time this week revealing yourself to God. Let God see your evil thoughts and impure motives. Ask God for His guidance and help in being more Christ-like.

THURSDAY

4. RELEASE THE PAST.
[Your Objective: Get past the wrongs and regrets in life.]

Why did the hot coal from verse 6 take away the guilt and atone for the sin in verse 7 of Isaiah Chapter 6?

What action was taken in Psalm 32:5 that took away all guilt?

Who forgives all sin, according to Psalm 103:3?

  • Why is it important to release past wrongs? What happens if we don't?
  • What happens when we forgive ourselves or others?
  • How does it feel to be forgiven?

WHAT am I holding on to?

Worship (Magnification) - Pray about an area in your life that needs forgiveness. Write down any regrets or past wrongs you have been feeling, and then confess them to God. Afterwards, write down what you experienced when you received God's forgiveness. If you can, share the experience with the group when you meet again, giving praise for what God has done in your life.

FRIDAY

5. SAY "YES" TO GOD.
[Your Objective: Commit to God's will in our life.]

What caused Isaiah to say "send me" in Isaiah 6:8?

Why are God's mercies fresh every morning in Lamentations 3:23?

  • Discuss areas of service to God to which you feel drawn.
  • How can we use our gifts and abilities to minister to God?
  • When is the best time to respond to God?

WHEN will I get started?

Evangelism (Mission) - Saying "yes" to God is the first step of living an "on mission" lifestyle. Where do you need a fresh start in order to adopt a heart for all God's people? If we are to win the world for Christ, we start with Isaiah's words, "Here am I. Send me." Is there a place where you have been reluctant to say "yes" to God? Pray with your group for God to tear down any walls that might be keeping you from stepping into His plan for your life. Ask Him to make you willing to say "yes," for the glory of God.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Agree that our God is Lord of Second Chances. With Him, it's never too late for a fresh start.]

Is there a dry place in your heart right now? A dry area in your life? Pursue God's fresh starts by reviewing this lesson frequently in the upcoming week. Learn to: 1) Identify the pain in your life. Give it a name, and realize why you need to change. 2) Recognize it's all about God. Know who God is. 3) Reveal the truth about yourself - see your sin for what it is. 4) Release the past - stop holding on to guilt and shame and live in God's forgiveness. And finally, 5) say "yes" to God. Determine to do His will all the days of your life, from this moment on.

Take hold of this fresh start with God. Don't miss the moment by hiding or living in denial. Be ready next time to talk about how to apply your fresh start to relationships.

SATURDAY

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SUNDAY

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