Radio January 25, 2025
Embracing a New Beginnings: 10 Bible Verses to Steer You into a New Year The arrival of the New Year beckons a time of reflection, spiritual renewal, and the opportunity to set the tone for the months ahead. Let’s delve into 10 impactful Bible verses that can guide us toward a purposeful and faith-filled journey in the coming year. New Beginings in the New Year During this time period, our focus naturally shifts towards the prospect of new beginnings. Regardless of the trials and triumphs that marked the preceding year, the New Year invites us to engage in a period of reflection, setting the groundwork for personal spiritual revival where we consciously embrace the positive and turn away from the negative. The key lies in clinging to Jesus, then repenting of our sins, accepting forgiveness, and embarking on a journey to live as new creations. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” At the heart of this transformation lies 2 Corinthians 5:17, a great verse that shows us the method of new beginnings. When we accept Jesus Christ as our savior, we are justified through faith, marking the passing away of our old selves and initiating a metamorphic process for our new selves. Metamorphic of the caterpillar (transformation ) The process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly is called metamorphosis, which is a Greek word that means “transformation” or “change in shape”. Here are the stages of metamorphosis: Larva Also known as a caterpillar, this stage involves eating and shedding skin multiple times. Caterpillars can grow up to 100 times their original size. Pupa Also known as a chrysalis, this stage involves the caterpillar hanging upside down and spinning a cocoon. The caterpillar undergoes a radical transformation inside the cocoon, developing legs, eyes, and genitals. The pupa can last from a few weeks to months. Emergence The adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis with soft wings folded around its body. During metamorphosis, the caterpillar’s body goes through several changes, including: Programmed cell death Enzymes called caspases activate to break down caterpillar cells, releasing materials that will be used to form the butterfly. This process is called apoptosis. Imaginal discs These discs grow and develop into the butterfly’s body parts, such as wings and legs. Recycling The majority of the caterpillar’s mass is recycled to form the adult butterfly. We are transformed into something pleasing to God by His Spirit Even for those who have been steadfast Christians, there are moments when doubt creeps into this process. Whenever there is an opening, Satan will endeavor to convince us that we are still bound to our old selves and encourage us to turn away from Jesus. In the moment where we fail to stay true to Jesus, we must choose repentance, turning back to God, and committing to the ongoing process of change. Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV): “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phillippians 3:13-14 further expands on this concept of metamorphosis and serves as our compass in the journey of new beginnings. Freed from the chains of yesterday by our newfound status as a new creation, we are empowered to strive towards living a better life today. The ultimate objective is to be more Christ-like, a process known as sanctification. While justification removes the penalty of sin, sanctification unfolds as the transformative journey shaping us into our true selves. The promised reward is a life aligned with Jesus’ calling and, ultimately, a home with him. Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19 illuminates this concept of new beginnings even further. Through prayer, we invoke a divine response where God, in his faithfulness, sends the Holy Spirit to work within us, initiating the process of becoming more Christ-like. While the desire for instantaneous transformation is common, the reality often unfolds gradually, almost imperceptibly. These verses offer reassurance that, even when the change feels subtle, God is actively orchestrating a new thing within us. If you are having trouble seeing the changes that the Holy Spirit is making in you, consider making a New Year’s resolution to begin a prayer journal. On one side, document your prayer requests. On the other, chronicle the answered prayers. You might be pleasantly surprised by the frequency with which your prayers find answers, serving as a tangible testament to God’s faithfulness. Plans for the New Year As we step into the New Year, it’s a customary practice to craft resolutions and set ambitious plans for self-improvement. However, the sobering reality often reveals that these aspirations fall by the wayside. In the midst of this common experience, certain biblical verses shed light on the nature of resolutions we should prioritize and offer guidance on avoiding the disillusionment that often accompanies deviation in our plans. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 stands as a reminder that, while we diligently outline our plans, the ultimate authority and omniscient understanding of our future reside with God. This verse assures us that his meticulously crafted plans are oriented towards our well-being, even when faced with daunting challenges. Embracing this profound truth becomes especially challenging during moments of grappling with the consequences of our own mistakes or the transgressions of others. Amid these trials, this verse reminds us to anchor our trust in God’s overarching plans for our lives – plans meticulously designed for our eventual welfare rather than our demise. It encourages us to cast aside doubt and surrender our anxieties, finding solace in the assurance that God’s plans, even when veiled, are for our ultimate good. This trust is an anchor that steadies us through the uncertainties, allowing us to navigate the uncharted waters of the coming year with a firm reliance on God’s providence. Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 provides a guiding principle for constructive New Year’s resolutions. This verse advocates for a resolution of a different kind – committing our endeavors to the Lord. By entrusting our work and plans to God, we establish a connection that transcends mere outcomes. While the results may manifest as health and prosperity in some instances, the biblical narrative described in the Acts of the Apostles, attests that this is not a universal guarantee. The challenges faced by individuals like Stephen, who faced death by stoning, or Paul, who endured floggings, underscore the unpredictability of life. Yet, amidst adversity, their ability to practice praise and forgiveness stands as a testament to the transformative power of committing one’s work to the Lord. For those who doubt their capacity for such resilience, a poignant example can be found in Corrie ten Boom’s narrative in “The Hiding Place.” Her remarkable journey in a Nazi concentration camp unveils a profound ability to find joy in suffering and extend forgiveness to even the most brutal of her captors. This inspiring account challenges us to reevaluate our perspectives and consider the enduring strength that emerges when we align our plans with a commitment to the Lord. Corrie ten Boom and foriveness Healing was linked to forgiveness, Corrie wrote. Each had something to forgive, whether it was a neighbor who had turned him in to the Nazi authorities or a vicious camp guard or a brutal soldier In mid-May 1945 the Allies marched into Holland, to the unspeakable joy of the Dutch people. Despite the distractions of her work, Corrie was still restless, and she desperately missed her beloved Betsie. But now she remembered Betsie’s words: that they must tell others what they had learned. Thus began more than three decades of travel around the world as a “tramp for the Lord,” as Corrie described herself. She told people her story, of God’s forgiveness of sins, and of the need for people to forgive those who had harmed them. Corrie herself was put to the test in 1947 while speaking in a Munich church. At the close of the service, a balding man in a gray overcoat stepped forward to greet her. Corrie froze. She knew this man well; he’d been one of the most vicious guards at Ravensbrück, one who had mocked the women prisoners as they showered. “It came back with a rush,” she wrote, “the huge room with its harsh overhead lights; the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor; the shame of walking naked past this man.” And now he was pushing his hand out to shake hers, and saying: “A fine message, Fraulein! How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!” And I, who had spoken so glibly of forgiveness, fumbled in my pocketbook rather than take that hand. He would not remember me, of course — how could he remember one prisoner among those thousands of women? But I remembered him and the leather crop swinging from his belt. I was face to face with one of my captors, and my blood seemed to freeze. “You mentioned Ravensbrück in your talk,” he was saying. “I was a guard there… But since that time,” he went on, “I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein” — again the hand came out —“will you forgive me?” And I stood there — I whose sins had again and again to be forgiven — and could not forgive. Betsie had died in that place — could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking? The soldier stood there expectantly, waiting for Corrie to shake his hand. She “wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do. For I had to do it — I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us.” Standing there before the former S.S. man, Corrie remembered that forgiveness is an act of the will — not an emotion. “Jesus, help me!” she prayed. “I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.” Corrie thrust out her hand. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. “I forgive you, brother!” I cried. “With all my heart.” For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely as I did then. But even so, I realized it was not my love. I had tried, and did not have the power. It was the power of the Holy Spirit.1 Excerpted with permission from 7 Women: And The Secret Of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas, copyright Thomas Nelson. Corrie ten Boom, with Jamie Buckingham, Tramp for the Lord. (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1975), 217–218. * * * Seeking Wisdom in the New Year Another commendable New Year’s resolution is to dedicate the upcoming months to the pursuit of wisdom. Drawing inspiration from Solomon, whose plea for wisdom pleased God to the extent that Solomon received so much more, we find a timeless model for seeking understanding. While we may not receive identical outcomes, the pursuit of wisdom remains a noble endeavor, one that aligns with the essence of God’s desires for his children. Psalm 90:12 (ESV): “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 provides some more guidance on this path towards wisdom. It encourages us to approach the acquisition of wisdom with a sense of urgency. In a world where procrastination often threatens to delay our pursuits, this verse serves as a poignant reminder that our days are finite, and true wisdom stems from recognizing their precious nature. When we acknowledge the brevity of life and dedicate ourselves to a purposeful journey—committing our work to the Lord—God looks upon our efforts with favor. Consider the example of a diligent student who had a year to prepare for exams and approached each day with intentionality. Recognizing the value of time, this student set daily goals, diligently studied, and sought guidance from mentors. In the same way, numbering our days empowers us to structure our lives with purpose, allocating time to seek God’s wisdom through prayer, reflection, and engagement with his Word. Just as the student’s focused effort yielded success, our intentional pursuit of wisdom positions us to navigate the complexities of life with discernment and understanding. Psalm 119:105 (ESV): “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 further illuminates this route to wisdom. While many possess Bibles, the challenge lies in transforming the intention to read it into a deliberate and urgent action. Rather than postponing time spent reading God’s Word, adopting a proactive approach becomes crucial. This verse emphasizes that God’s word serves as a guiding light, illuminating our paths and enabling us to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In the pursuit of wisdom, familiarity with God’s word is paramount. Reading the Bible becomes not just a religious routine but a dynamic interaction with divine wisdom. It equips us to distinguish between the whispers of God and the deceitful tricks of Satan. In the absence of a deep understanding of God’s word, the discernment needed to navigate life’s complexities may elude us. Therefore, committing to a regular and intentional exploration of scripture becomes an integral component of the journey toward acquiring true wisdom in the New Year. Maybe this could be your New Year’s resolution! Trusting the Lord in the New Year As we navigate the challenges of the New Year, anchoring our trust in the Lord is of utmost importance. Ignoring this command often leads us to place our trust in something else, and that something else may not always steer us in the right direction. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 offers us some important wisdom, emphasizing that placing our trust solely in our own understanding can lead us astray. Consider the image of a ship navigating turbulent waters. Relying on its own navigation system, without acknowledging external and conflicting cues, could result in perilous consequences. Similarly, when we lean solely on our own understanding, we risk steering our lives into troubled waters. The verse urges us to anchor our trust in the Lord—our divine navigator—acknowledging his presence in every aspect of our journey. In doing so, we gain the assurance that, even in life’s unpredictable seas, he will chart a course that leads to fulfillment and purpose. Trusting in the Lord becomes our reliable navigation system, ensuring our paths remain on course amid life’s twists and turns. Psalm 37:5 (ESV): “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” When we follow the first half of Psalm 37:5, the advice allows the Holy Spirit to act in us. As we embrace God, seeking his wisdom and asking for his guidance, the challenge lies in discerning his voice amid the three voices we hear internally in our head: our own voice, the Holy Spirit, or Satan. An article I found explains this better than I can and I would to share this with you. By Janet Eriksson — Author & Editor Three Voices – Yours, the Enemy’s, and God’s Years ago, a little girl took one of my prayer classes. She heard from God easily and had a great relationship with Him. But she didn’t realize at first that not every voice in her mind was God’s. She had a big decision to make, and she told her mother God told her what to do. Her mother asked, “Are you sure it was God?” The little girl seemed puzzled. How could the voice she heard not be God? Her mother explained that not every voice we hear is God. Sometimes we hear the enemy’s voice, and often we hear the voice of our own mind. After a moment of shock, the little girl expressed her frustration, as she realized not every internal voice she heard was God’s. Can’t we all relate with that frustration? How much easier life would be if all we heard was God’s voice, telling us clearly and exactly what to do. If Not God’s Voice, Then Whose? But we live in a fallen world. The enemy speaks to us, loudly and clearly. His voice often drowns out the still, small voice of God. The enemy is not the only one talking. Often, we hear a voice louder and more damaging than the enemy’s. It’s the voice of our own mind. The things we say to ourselves, and have taught ourselves to say, can derail us. Our own voice, ringing through our mind, can block what God is trying to say. Early in life, as we encounter hardships which, as children, we are not equipped to deal with, the enemy begins to tell us lies: “You are no good.” “You are stupid.” “You will never amount to anything.” “You don’t need God’s help, or anyone else’s, for that matter.” This happens as early as in the womb! The enemy starts the process, but we take it over. It’s as if he pushes the button on a tape player, and the tape repeats in our minds, over and over. We are the ones who keep it going, as we continue to block the voice of Father God. Discerning God’s Voice from the Clutter When you talk to God and listen for His response, it’s important to quiet your mind and let yourself hear Him. When you receive interference – from the enemy or from your own mind – be still. Turn once again toward God, and submit your mind to Him. Let Him speak in whatever way He desires. How can you tell whose voice you are hearing? The more you talk with God, and listen, and be still in His presence, the more you will know the sound of His voice. Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). But there are also some checks you can make, to see whose voice you are hearing: Do the words line up with God’s Word? Then you are probably hearing God. Do the words line up with God’s nature? It’s probably Him. Do the words sound condemning or unloving? Do the words tear down the value of who you are as a person? That is not God. Romans 8:1 tells us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:31 goes on to say, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” God also tells us in John 3:16 that He “did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” God convicts us. But He doesn’t condemn us. When you hear a voice of condemnation, you are either hearing the enemy, or more likely the voice of your own mind. We often choose to beat ourselves up, where God has already forgiven us. We often tell ourselves harsh lies that are opposed to God’s Word. Whenever you are listening for God’s words to you, check what you hear. Be sure it lines up with Scripture and the nature of God. If you do this check regularly, you will become more finely attuned to God’s presence and His voice. . Just like sailors relying on a compass, we must ensure that our spiritual navigation aligns with God’s guidance. Consider the biblical account of Sarah, where her moment of wavering faith ends in severe consequences. Despite the promise of a child in Abraham’s old age (Genesis 15:4-6), Sarah’s trust in God was tested. Instead of fully relying on God’s timing and power, she devised a plan of her own making that lacked faith. In a moment of impatience and doubt, Sarah suggested that Abraham have a child with her servant, Hagar (Genesis 16:1-4). This decision stemmed from a desire for immediate fulfillment of the promise rather than trusting in God’s ability to bring it to pass. Sarah’s actions reveal the struggle between faith and impatience, highlighting the importance of steadfast trust in God’s plans and timing. Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” As we consider Ephesians 5:15-16, we should think of the Bible as our life’s user manual. This verse urges us to make wise choices, to walk purposefully. By carefully reading our Bible’s and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, we gain a grasp on evaluating our actions. This enables us to make plans that align with God’s will and make the most of the limited time we have. Trusting in the Lord is like having a reliable compass to guide us through the ups and downs of the coming year, ensuring that our steps are guided by God’s wisdom, not just our own instincts.
How are you going to follow God this year?
