Scripture Reading — Hebrews 8:6-13“I will make a new covenant with the people. . . . I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more.”— Hebrews 8:8, 12I can still remember the first time I really understood the gift of God’s grace. I had been used to the idea of “earning” favor and a
Scripture Reading — Galatians 2:20-21I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. . . . I live by faith in the Son of God. . . .— Galatians 2:20When I reflect on my life and who I once was, it’s easy to see how I’ve tried to define myself by my past, my mistakes, a
Scripture Reading — Romans 6:1-4Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.— Romans 6:4One of the most powerful truths of the Christian faith is that we don’t have to stay the same. Through Jesus, we’ve been given the gift of new life—right he
Scripture Reading — Psalm 118:24-25This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (NRSV)— Psalm 118:24Some mornings don’t feel worth rejoicing over. The weight of yesterday’s worries or the dread of today’s challenges can steal our joy before the day even begins. But Psalm
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 55:6-13Turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy . . . for he will freely pardon.— Isaiah 55:7There’s something powerful about a fresh start. Whether it’s a new year, a new chapter, or a new morning, we all long for the chance to begin again. But sometimes we wonder if God
Scripture Reading — Philippians 3:13-14Forgetting what is behind . . . I press on . . . to win the prize for which God has called me. . . .— Philippians 3:13-14Some memories cling to us like shadows—our failures, our regrets, our missed opportunities. We replay them over and over, wondering what we
Scripture Reading — Romans 12:1-2Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is. . . .— Romans 12:2Every January, people focus on external changes—better diets, improved finances, new routines. But a transformation that lasts always begins w
Scripture Reading — Colossians 3:12-14Bear with each other and forgive one another. . . . Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love. . . .— Colossians 3:13-14At some point, we all face the sting of broken relationships. Whether it’s because of betrayal, misunderstanding
Scripture Reading — Romans 8:9-11If Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.— Romans 8:10I used to think that becoming a new person in Christ meant I had to change myself—clean up, perform better, strive harder.
Scripture Reading — 2 Corinthians 5:16-19The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ. . . .— 2 Corinthians 5:17I’ve spent a lot of time in conversations with people who are holding on to shame, anger, or deep disappointment over things they ca
Scripture Reading — Philippians 3:13-14Forgetting what is behind . . . I press on toward the goal. . . .— Philippians 3:13I remember cleaning out the garage one spring, determined to get rid of clutter. As I opened old boxes, I found items tied to painful memories—things I had held on to “just in ca
Scripture Reading — Romans 12:1-2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.— Romans 12:2There was a time in my life when I thought change had to begin by starting new routines, meeting new people, setting new goals, and so on. But no matter what I t
