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
Scripture Reading — Lamentations 3:22–23His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.— Lamentations 3:22–23One of the most comforting things I have come to cherish is the rhythm of mornings. No matter how chaotic or discouraging the previous day was, the sun sti
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:22-24You were taught . . . to put off your old self . . . and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.— Ephesians 4:22-24There comes a time when carrying the baggage of our old life just weighs too much. I remember a season wh
Scripture Reading — Psalm 37:3-9Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will . . . make your righteous reward shine like the dawn. . . .— Psalm 37:5-6There’s something sacred about starting a journey—even more so when we commit it to the Lord. I remember a season when I launched into a new
Scripture Reading — Philippians 3:13-14Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal. . . .— Philippians 3:13-14It’s easy to get trapped in the past, isn’t it? We hold on to things we wish we could undo, replaying those moments in our minds again and again.
