“I was lost in shame, could not get past my blame

Until He called my name

I’m so glad He changed me

Darkness held me down, but Jesus pulled me out

And I’m no longer bound

I’m so glad He changed me

See, I’m now a new creation in Christ

The old has gone, there’s new life

I live by faith, not by sight

There is a new name written down in glory

And it’s mine, yes, it’s mine

I’ve met the Author of my story

And He’s mine, yes, He’s mine”

These words from the song, “New Name Written Down In Glory,” written by Charity Gayle, are the epitome of Isaiah 43:19. Throughout Isaiah 43, God is talking to his people, encouraging them to keep moving forward while they are in exile. They are weary, they are full of shame and doubt, and they are starting to wonder if they are forgotten…BUT GOD. He reminds them that He is personally redeeming them, calling them “my chosen ones,” and declaring his love for them. The chapter emphasizes that they should “fear not” because he is with them and will protect them. He declares Israel’s true identity as a uniquely chosen people, setting them apart from other nations. While acknowledging the past, the chapter focuses on a new future where God will bring restoration and healing.

We are those chosen people. Through the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are given these same promises of being chosen, loved, protected, and set apart. We are given new names and true identity. THERE IS NOTHING TO PROVE! While the new year is a reminder of newness, it is God’s job to change us from the inside out. He is the one lavishing us with everything we need to become exactly who we are called to be. May this year be the year that we perceive it, that we receive it, and that we walk in it. 

As we settle into the rhythm of a new year, it’s comforting to know that God’s mercies are new every morning. Each day is an opportunity to start fresh, to experience His love, and to grow closer to Him. His faithfulness never wavers, even when we falter.

Let this truth motivate you to rely on God daily. Approach each day with gratitude for His mercy and faithfulness, knowing He is with you in every moment.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and new mercies every morning. Help me to embrace Your grace and walk faithfully with You each day. Amen.

The start of a new year often brings questions about the future. What lies ahead? What challenges and blessings will this year hold? While we can’t know every detail, we can trust that God’s plans for us are good. He is already in the future, preparing the way for us to walk in His purpose.

Trust God’s timing and direction this year. Commit your plans to Him, knowing that His ways are higher and His love is steadfast.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the hope and future You promise. Help me to trust Your plan and walk in faith, knowing You are leading me every step of the way. Amen.

Happy New Year! Today is a fresh page, a new chapter in the story God is writing for your life. The best way to begin this year is by putting Jesus first. When we prioritize His kingdom and righteousness, we can trust that He will take care of everything else.

Start this year by seeking Him through prayer, worship, and His Word. Write down one way you can intentionally draw closer to Him this year.

Prayer: Father, as I begin this new year, I choose to seek You first in all things. Lead me and guide me as I follow Your path. Amen.

New Year’s Eve is a time of reflection and resolution. But as believers, we have access to a fresh start every day through Christ. When we surrender to Him, He transforms us from the inside out. This is not about self-improvement but about allowing Jesus to renew our hearts and align us with His purposes.

As you welcome the new year, take time to renew your commitment to Christ. Let Him be the center of your plans, dreams, and resolutions.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for making me a new creation. As I step into this new year, help me to walk in Your will and reflect Your love in all I do. Amen.

As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on what has been. Whether the year brought joy, trials, or a mixture of both, God invites us to leave the past in His hands. In Isaiah, He reminds us not to dwell on what’s behind, but to look forward to the new things He is bringing into our lives. New beginnings start with a heart surrendered to Him.

Take a moment today to thank God for His faithfulness over the past year. Release any burdens or regrets to Him and prepare your heart to embrace His plans for the year ahead.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for carrying me through this past year. I release my worries and failures into Your hands and ask for Your guidance as I step into the new year. Amen.

Scrooge becomes known as a man that “…knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.” They say that the Grinch’s “heart grew three sizes that day!” Kevin realizes he actually loves his family, Scott Calvin becomes a good father, and George Bailey realizes he has “a wonderful life.” How about you? Is this the year to bury the hatchet with a former friend, volunteer to make a difference in peoples’ lives, finally join a bible study group or bless a charity with a significant gift? 

No matter what you do to respond to the baby’s arrival, know that he is here to bless you and guide you and give you peace all through the year!

My two silly dogs are worth the changes in my life, at least most of the time. I have only gratitude for the joy and privilege of raising two children and now having three grandchildren to spoil. The truth is that “a baby changes everything” for the better and for good! 

There is one child whose birth costs us nothing. But that birth gives us everything! We believe that God so loved the world that he GAVE his only son to be born amongst us, to live with us, to be the way, the truth, and the life for us, and to give his life to us. 

By the time you read this our family has repeated our annual Christmas morning parade, dogs and all, to the tune of “Deck the Halls.” We have also shared a more reflective time reading aloud from the Bible the story of Christmas. May your day be “merry and bright” as you welcome the “baby who changes everything” into your homes and lives!

We have much to celebrate living in a country where we are free to worship this newborn king. We remember Herod’s cruel massacre of the children in his attempt to kill Jesus. We remember that our mission pastor and his members in Bangladesh are forced to be cautious about the public displays of their faith in a Muslim country. 

We also know that Christmas is not about the month before or even the day. It is about the truth that Jesus was born to love us and lead us and save us every day of our lives. Given the hectic nature of the season, we might even get a chance to focus on his presence more nearly and dearly. On this Christmas Eve, rejoice with the prophet Isaiah who predicted the joy of the baby’s birth. The truth is, because “the baby changes everything,” Christmas is not one day but everyday.