Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 1:6-10 The 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, fro
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 2:8-10 We 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
Scripture Reading — Matthew 7:24-27 Everyone 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
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:28-31 Those 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.
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 worl
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
Scripture Reading — Galatians 2:20-21 I 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
Scripture Reading — Romans 6:1-4 Just 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 g
Scripture Reading — Psalm 118:24-25 This 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 da
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 55:6-13 Turn 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 som
Scripture Reading — Philippians 3:13-14 Forgetting 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
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