File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940219.txt
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          OUR DAILY BREAD                     Saturday, February 19, 1994
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          Read:  2 Chronicles 33:1-16

                                    A FRESH START

                  When he was in affliction, he ... humbled himself
                       greatly before the God of his fathers.
                                --2 Chronicles 33:12

          A young man was driving an old worn-out car on a desolate road in
          a  downpour when the engine died.  As he coasted to the  side  of
          the  road, another car stopped and the driver got out  and  asked
          what  was  wrong.  The stranger opened the  hood,  tinkered  with
          something,  and  signaled the driver to turn  the  ignition  key.
          When  the car started, the amazed driver shouted, "Thanks, I  was
          afraid the engine had failed for the last time."

          The rescuer replied, "Every car has at least one more start in it
          if  you can get a spark.  The same principle applies  to  people.
          Someday   you  will  have  occasion  to  apply  this   knowledge.
          Remember, as long as a single spark of life remains, it's not too
          late for anyone to make a fresh start."

          Thirty years later, this once-stranded driver is a chaplain in  a
          large prison.  He testifies that those words about a fresh  start
          have come back to him again and again.

          Just as God gave Manasseh a new start when he repented (2  Chron.
          33:12-13), this chaplain has seen God work miracles with hardened
          men.

          If  your life is in disarray, don't despair.  Through  repentance
          and faith you can begin again.  "As long as a spark remains, it's
          not  too late to make a fresh start."

          Author:  Herbert Vander Lugt

                       We're thankful, Lord, that when we fall
                                  We can begin anew
                            If humbly we confess our sin,
                              Then turn and follow You.
                                       --Sper

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
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          It's never too late to make a fresh start with God.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:   Numbers 7-10
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