New Year Devo 2023

“Would You Rather” game time:

Here are some would you rather questions about experiencing the new year:

Would you rather erase 2022 or live it again for the second time?

Would you rather spend New Year’s Eve celebrating with friends and family or in solitude?

Would you rather plan out your goals for the upcoming year or go with the flow?

Would you rather make resolutions that are realistic or ambitious?

In 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, Paul writes,

2 Corinthians 5:17–18 NIV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:

On this New Year’s Week, let’s consider what it means to start new in Jesus Christ.

The spiritual meaning of 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 is that believers are to be transformed by their faith in Jesus Christ. The passage shows that believers have been given the power to become new creations in Jesus, marked by a life of holiness and purity. This transformation begins when Christians experience the death and resurrection of Jesus, which symbolizes a spiritual rebirth.

For you guys as students, this passage can have practical implications in the way you think and act. As new creations, you are to live a life modeled after Christ – one of love, forgiveness, and humility. This means being a faithful friend, treating others with respect regardless of differences in opinion or background, and refusing to give in to peer pressure. It encourages you to use your God-given talents to bring glory to Him through your individual gifts and pursuits.

This weekend at TNT is the perfect opportunity to bring glory to God through the gifts He’s given you!

Faith in Christ offers us hope for our future by teaching us to forgive and let go of past regrets. Through faith, we understand that even though we may have made mistakes, God still loves us and wants the best for us. By relying on Him, He can help us overcome our regrets and realize that a better future is ahead. He also gives us strength to take responsibility for our mistakes and use them as a learning experience that leads to growth and spiritual maturity.

We all have baggage—a past full of mistakes, disappointments and regrets. But when we surrender our lives to Jesus, the slate is wiped clean—we become a new creation! No matter how broken or far away from God we feel, He never stops pursuing us and inviting us into His kingdom.

The amazing thing about becoming a Christian is that not only do our sins get forgiven—God actually gives us an entirely fresh start in life! We’re equipped with spiritual gifts specifically tailored to serve His purposes for us. When we accept this incredible offer of grace and mercy, a journey of joy and purpose awaits!

Prayer

Father God, thank You for loving us enough to call us out of darkness and into Your marvelous light! Help us be bold and courageous as we live out our newness in You every day this year. Help our decisions and actions reflect You—the one who makes all things new again—so that our lives might bring glory and honor to Your name!

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

*Give instructions for TNT Prep Night*