Scripture Reading — Revelation 21:1-5He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”— Revelation 21:5Have you ever felt like you’ve missed an opportunity or that life has passed you by? Maybe you have faced setbacks, disappointments, or closed doors. It can be easy to feel that y
Scripture Reading — Colossians 3:1-11Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.— Colossians 3:2In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to become consumed by the distractions and stresses of the world. Our focus often shifts from eternal perspectives to temporary, earthly matters. We
Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 1:6-10The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.— 2 Timothy 1:7Fear is one of the greatest obstacles to embracing newness. It can hold us back from stepping into the new chapters of our lives, from trusting God’s promise
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 2:8-10We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.— Ephesians 2:10As I think about the new year and fresh starts, I’m reminded of the deep truth that each one of us has a purpose—a purpose that was ordaine
Scripture Reading — Matthew 7:24-27Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.— Matthew 7:24-25When I reflect on times in my life when things seemed uncertain or challenging, I realize that what truly made the difference was
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:28-31Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.— Isaiah 40:31The challenges of life can feel overwhelming at times. I remember when I was faced with a difficult decision that required more energy and wisdom than I felt I had within me. I tried to rely on my o
Scripture Reading — Jeremiah 29:10-14“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”— Jeremiah 29:11I remember a time in my life when everything seemed uncertain. It felt as though the world was moving by on fast
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
