Happy New Year

JAN 01, 2023  / Sunday | “Happy New Year” – Read 1 John 1:5 – 2:6

Overview: It’s the first day of a brand new year, so what better time to re-commit ourselves to God than by way of a personal promise.

02 / Mon – A fresh start  |  Read Isaiah 43:19

Doesn’t it feel good to get a fresh start? The beginning of a new year offers that possibility. Many people make resolutions to eliminate bad habits and start new (good) ones in everything from healthier lifestyles to better spiritual practices. The temptation is to think that, if you just try harder, this new year will be better than the last. God is the source of all new beginnings. As you consider what changes you will make this year, will you ask God what new thing he wants to do in you?

03 / Tue – Heading into the unknown  |  Read Genesis 28:10-22 / Matthew 28:19-20

Jacob was given a new start even though he didn’t see it coming. He had deceived his father and so angered his brother Esau that his life was in danger. He fled temporarily to a distant relative so Esau would have time to cool off. Jacob did not realize it would be 20 years before he returned home and his life would be radically different. But God did. What reassurance did the Lord give Jacob at the start of this life-altering journey? What promise for uncertain times has Jesus given us?

04 / Wed – Never too old  |  Read Exodus 3:1-10

Moses’s 120 years can be divided into 3 sections of roughly 40 years each. The first 40 he lived the life of a royal prince and the last 40 years he led the nation of Israel. The middle 40 were spent in the wilderness quietly tending sheep. Maybe he expected to live out the rest of his life there. But at age 80, God had a new plan for him. This new beginning started with an unexpected encounter. Do you relate to Moses’ story? In what way? Would you be open to a new calling?

05 / Thu – God has a plan  |  Read Exodus 14:21-31 / Hebrews 10:23

Slavery was all they knew. It is difficult to imagine there was any hope for freedom left in the hearts of God’s people after 400 years. In fact, when Moses came with God’s message, they had trouble believing him. But it wasn’t up to them. God had a plan and he executed it so decisively that even the reluctant had no doubts of his intentions for them. What difficult situation have you endured for so long you’ve lost hope? Hold on to your resolve. Don’t give up.

06 / Fri – Don’t be surprised  |  Read Nehemiah 9:9-15

New beginnings are not always easy. Just ask the Israelites as they started the journey to their promised destination. They had only known one kind of life. This new freedom brought its own set of challenges. What to eat, what to wear, how to travel in new terrain, how to act, how to govern, how to worship. All these and more God patiently taught them, providing what they needed when they needed it. Do you believe he’ll do the same for you as this new year unfolds?

07 / Sat – The end goal  |  Read John 17:4 / Philippians 1:6

Jesus’ words in John 17 are a worthy goal that many believers desire to achieve. How about you? There are times when a person feels they have failed miserably and it becomes fertile ground for condemnation the devil loves to heap on God’s people. Have you experienced that too? If so, you are not alone. It is vital to remember the words Paul wrote to the Philippian believers. Will you let these encouraging words be your answer to the devil’s accusations?