Monday, Psalm 33
This new season of the year is a great time to evaluate your life and relationships, and it is also a great time to consider the wonder and majesty of the God you serve. God, as Creator, is always making things new. As this new season begins, you too should start out with a new song in your heart for the God who loves and takes care of you.
• List the reasons that the psalmist gave God praise in today’s reading. Which of these resounds in your heart also?
• What “new song” do you need to sing to God?
Tuesday, Isaiah 55:6-9 and Luke 15:11-32
Not only is God the creator of new things, God is a God of new chances. One of the most striking characteristics seen between God and the Israelite people in the Old Testament is the continual opportunity for repentance, grace, and restoration. And in Jesus’ teaching and ministry you see God’s great desire for everyone to return to right relationship no matter what they have done or how many times they have failed.
• What are the characteristics of the Father in the story of the prodigal son? Which means the most to you?
• How has God shown you love and mercy this year even when you didn’t deserve it?
Wednesday, Romans 6:1-14 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
The God of another chance is also the God who restores you to new life and power. You no longer have to live in sin and defeat; in Christ you are blessed and given renewed life so that you can live to honor God. Christ also honors you by commissioning you to take this wonderful message of life to those around you who are broken.
• According to Romans 6, how do you break from the bands of sinful living?
• What will you do in this new year to serve as Christ’s ambassador?
Thursday Isaiah 40:25-31 and Corinthians 4:7-18
Everyone goes through time of spiritual struggle or fatigue, whether from persecution, personal struggles, physical issues, or spiritual burnout. But God promises to renew you and give you continual strength if you will just rely on the Holy Spirit day by day. Even when things around you are seemingly in turmoil, fix your eyes and faith on God and you will become rejuvenated and refreshed.
• What does Isaiah advise in order to become renewed in strength? How about Paul in the 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 reading?
• How much time each day do you allow God the opportunity to renew your life and spirit?
Friday, Acts 16:1-15 and 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
The same God who brings you into a new life and service also at times desires to send you in new and fruitful directions. To become the true hands and feet of Jesus you must always be open to the guidance of God and receptive to where God might send you. Because Paul was continually open to God’s leading, he was able to reach whole new communities and cultures for Christ.
• What was Paul’s reaction to both the impeding and the prompting of the Holy Spirit in his ministry?
• How can you become more open to God’s guidance leading in your life?
Saturday, Psalm 96:1-13
Because you serve a wonderful God who brings you new life and purpose, choose an attitude of gratitude, worship, and praise on a daily basis. It is in lifting up the name of God that you become filled with the joy and inspiration that will keep you on the right path and in the direction God leads. Sing to the Lord your new song each day, and watch your life be filled with God’s presence.
• Make a list of the characteristics of God in this psalm.
• Make your own list of the things for which you want to thank and praise God.