Scripture Reading — Romans 12:1-2 Be 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 th
Scripture Reading — Colossians 3:12-14 Bear 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 be
Scripture Reading — Romans 8:9-11 If 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
Scripture Reading — 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 The 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 disappoint
Scripture Reading — Philippians 3:13-14 Forgetting 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 ha
Scripture Reading — Romans 12:1-2 Do 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
Scripture Reading — Lamentations 3:22–23 His 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 previ
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:22-24 You 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
Scripture Reading — Psalm 37:3-9 Commit 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 wh
Scripture Reading — Philippians 3:13-14 Forgetting 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 ou
Scripture Reading — 2 Corinthians 5:17 If anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here!— 2 Corinthians 5:17I have always loved the idea of starting fresh, shedding old habits or mindsets that no longer serve well. I remember the first t
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! . . .”— Isaiah 43:18-19Change has a way of making us feel uneasy. It often comes with the uncertainty of the unknown and the discomfort of moving away from wha