Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. — John 3:3

The old year goes by quickly… We can be new, fresh, and clean, though (cf. 2 Cor. 4:17). People of the kingdom are those who have been reborn through the power of the Spirit and God’s grace (cf. John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 1:11). So, as the old year comes to an end, with all its good and bad, successes and failures, successes and disappointments, let’s approach the New Year as Kingdom people. God’s mercy is new every morning, and the Holy Spirit who lives in us can make our lives new every day. We have been reborn, yes. But every sunrise gives us a chance to start over, to live in a new way, because God’s grace reignites our hopes and the Holy Spirit makes us new when we put our trust in Jesus, our Lord.

 

Thought

The old year goes by quickly… We can be new, fresh, and clean, though (cf. 2 Cor. 4:17). People of the kingdom are those who have been reborn through the power of the Spirit and God’s grace (cf. John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 1:11). So, as the old year comes to an end, with all its good and bad, successes and failures, successes and disappointments, let’s approach the New Year as Kingdom people. God’s mercy is new every morning, and the Holy Spirit who lives in us can make our lives new every day. We have been reborn, yes. But every sunrise gives us a chance to start over, to live in a new way, because God’s grace reignites our hopes and the Holy Spirit makes us new when we put our trust in Jesus, our Lord.

 

Prayer

You are holy and good, Heavenly Father. I have to admit that no matter how hard I try and how much I want to be holy and righteous, I fail without your grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for letting me off the hook. Please change me. As I stand on the edge of a new year, please give me the strength to get past my weaknesses and sins that hold me back. Open my eyes to what you are doing in the world around me, and use me in your work of grace. Fire up my desire to live fully for your Kingdom and for Jesus Christ, my King. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.