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New Year in Christ: Embracing a Deeper Walk with Jesus Every Day
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it is an opportune moment to reflect on our spiritual journey and renew our commitment to living a Christ-centered life. The Bible offers profound guidance for this journey. Let’s delve into the scriptures, allowing them to illuminate our path as we strive to draw closer to Jesus and grow in our faith throughout the coming year.
Reflecting on the Year Past
Reflective Questions:
- How have I seen God’s hand at work in my life this past year?
- In what ways have I grown in my faith, and where have I struggled?
- How can I align my daily actions more closely with Christ’s teachings?
As we ponder these questions, we are reminded of the Apostle Paul’s encouragement in Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Embracing a New Beginning
With the dawn of a new year, we are given a fresh start. Lamentations 3:22-23 reassures us of God’s steadfast love and mercy: “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
This renewal is not just a one-time event but a daily commitment to live for Christ. To embrace this new beginning, we must intentionally invite Jesus into every aspect of our lives.
Steps to Grow in Christ
1. Daily Devotion and Prayer: Begin each day with scripture reading and prayer, seeking God’s guidance. Psalm 119:105 reminds us: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
2. Reflective Journaling: Maintain a journal to record your thoughts, prayers, and insights from God’s Word. Reflecting on these can help you see your growth and God’s faithfulness over time.
3. Christian Fellowship: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and support your walk with Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
4. Serving Others: Look for opportunities to serve others in your community. Jesus taught us in Matthew 25:40 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
5. Personal Worship: Make time for personal worship through singing, meditating on God’s goodness, and expressing gratitude.
Reflective Exaltation
As we commit to these steps, let us continually exalt God for His endless grace and mercy. Psalm 34:1 beautifully expresses this attitude: “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Living Every Minute for Christ
Living for Christ every minute means being conscious of His presence in our daily routines and interactions. Colossians 3:17 instructs us: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Conclusion
As we embark on this new year, let us embrace it as a precious gift from God, a chance to deepen our relationship with Jesus, and to grow in our faith daily. By dedicating ourselves to these practices and living intentionally for Christ, we can make each day a testament to His love and glory.
Let us strive to be more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions, and encourage one another in this journey. May the new year bring abundant blessings and a renewed sense of purpose in our walk with Jesus.
“LORD -Heavenly Father, in the blessed name of Jesus Christ, we come before Thee with grateful hearts as we embrace the dawn of a new year. We thank Thee for Thy unwavering love and mercy, which are new every morning. Lord, we seek Thy guidance and strength to walk closer with Thee each day. Help us to grow in faith, to serve others with humility, and to glorify Thy holy name in all that we do. Grant us wisdom to discern Thy will and the courage to follow it. May our lives be a testament to Thy grace and truth. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”
Scripture to Ponder
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
God Bless You All
