| January 6, 2025 Everyone needs a fresh start! As one year ends and another begins, we are reminded of the natural rhythm of life: the old must pass away to make room for the new. The turning of the calendar invites reflection on the past while sparking hope for what lies ahead. It is a moment of transition, a powerful metaphor for the spiritual practice of forgiveness. Just as we release the year that has ended, with its joys and pains, to step into the unknown promise of the new, so too must we release the burdens of anger, resentment, and regret to embrace the freedom God offers us in forgiveness. Forgiveness is an act of letting go. It is not forgetting or condoning wrongs but choosing not to let them define our future. Much like clearing out old clutter to make space for a fresh start, forgiveness allows us to move beyond the weight of past offenses. Holding onto bitterness and grievances may feel like a form of self-protection, but in truth, it binds us to the very pain we long to escape. When we forgive, we release both ourselves and others, allowing God to work renewal in our hearts. The beauty of forgiveness lies in the freedom it brings. No longer shackled by bitterness or regret, we can experience the abundant life Christ promised. Ephesians 4:31-32 urges us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Just as the old year cannot follow us into the new, the chains of unforgiveness cannot hold us back when we choose to let them go. In forgiveness, we find the joy of unburdened living, free to love, grow, and hope anew. As you stand at the threshold of a new year, consider what you might need to release. Are there hurts, disappointments, or grievances that weigh you down? Bring them to God in prayer and trust in His strength to help you forgive. In doing so, you honor the transformative power of grace and step boldly into the future He has planned for you. Like the new year waiting to unfold, forgiveness offers the promise of fresh opportunities, healed relationships, and a heart at peace.  |
This Week’s Readings: Monday – Deuteronomy 18 Tuesday – Deuteronomy 19 Wednesday – Deuteronomy 20 Thursday – Deuteronomy 21 Friday – Deuteronomy 22 We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year! We are now reading Deuteronomy. You may join anytime. Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings. This week’s readings refer to the importance of finding the truth. It warns of untruths and those spreading false information. While the focus is on false prophets, we can apply the teachings of Deuteronomy to our modern lives. |
| Things to Pray About: Pray for the continued hope and renewal that the New Year brings. Pray for world peace and harmony. Pray for those less fortunate. Pray for safety and comfort for those who are hurting. Pray for personal commitment during worship. Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound. Pray for comfort for those who mourn. Pray for guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders. Pray for healing and forgiveness to restore families. Pray for continued strengthening of faith in our community. Pray for a faith that transcends understanding. Pray for spiritual maturity. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |