JAN 02 / Sunday – Read Deut. 29:9-15 / Josh. 24:1, 14-25 / 2 Kings 23:1-3
Overview: Renewing vows/covenant is not just for married couples.
03 / Mon – Covenant | Read Gen. 2:15-17 and 9:1-17 and 17:1-13 / Ex. 19:1-8 / 2 Chron. 21:7
Covenant means contract or agreement. In the Bible, there are many examples of covenants made between God and His people…Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses and David. Promises were made in these covenants. Today, people make covenants when they get married or buy a house or take a job. What are some agreements you have made in your life? Are there similarities between these examples and the promises between you and the Lord?
04 / Tue – Old and New | Read Matthew 5:17-20
Jesus, as God’s Son, made a new covenant that was signed with his blood. Did that abolish the Old Testament covenant? He seems to answer that question in the Sermon on the Mount when he uses Old Testament laws that govern outward behavior and applies them to a person’s heart. Laws are important but even more so in the eyes of God is the attitude of your heart. How significant is it that those who claim Jesus’ name live differently than those who live for themselves?
05 / Wed – Trust | Read Joshua 23:14-16 / 2 Peter 3:9
The level of trust depends on past promises made and kept. This applies to your relationship with God. It is one thing to believe in God and another to trust Him. The testimony of the generations who have gone before is that God always keeps his promises. You may ask – when times are hard – can I trust the Lord? But there is another important question to ask yourself – can He trust me? Will you remain faithful even when it is difficult to do so?
06 / Thu – A searching question | Read Joshua 24:1, 14-25 / Psalm 85:8-9
Some people renew their wedding vows after they have been married for many years. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness and were at the edge of the promised land when they were given a choice. They could walk away and follow the other gods they had known or they could renew their vow to faithfully serve the Lord God (v. 15). That is something every believer will be asked many times throughout their life. How would you answer Joshua’s question and why?
07 / Fri – Never only once | Read Romans 8:31-34
Saying “I do” once is not enough, as you well know, if you’ve been married very long. There are days when you still say “I do” even though you may be tempted to walk away. It is the same with God. In the scriptures, God continually expresses his commitment to you. Have you taken the opportunity recently to express your commitment to Him? John Wesley had a tradition of recommitting himself to the Lord at the start of each new year outloud, publicly with other believers. Would you do that?
08 / Sat – A prayer | Read Isaiah 43:1 / Philippians 3:7-9
John Wesley’s prayer of recommitment begins with the words I am no longer mine but thine… and ends with these words …I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thou art mine and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. Are you bold enough to pray something like this?
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