Happy New Year! 2023 has arrived. Do you get excited when a new year rolls around or do you dread when January shows up on the calendar? Do you look forward to the change that a new year might bring or does the thought of change make you cringe? While we don’t know what the new year will bring, we do know who will be with us this new year. And even if there is change in the new year that we feel uncomfortable with, Hebrews 13:8 tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” There is no need to fret or worry about the new year because we know Jesus is with us and He is the same as He was in 2022. He is ready for 2023 even if we are not.
As we jump into a new year as the Faith Builders in our homes, keep in mind what 1 Chronicles 16:11-12 says, “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wondrous works he has done, his wonders, and the judgments he has pronounced.” Start each day seeking the Lord and remembering it is His strength, not yours that will carry you through the day. When life gets hard and you don’t know how things will work out, remember all of the wondrous things that He has already done. The Lord will not be surprised by anything that you might face this year. He has already done so much and wants you to continue to lean on Him this year.
It’s time to welcome 2023 and embrace it together. Hebrews 10:24-25, says, “And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Let’s head into the new year loving each other and doing good. Let’s gather together each week and dive into God’s word together and encourage each other. Let’s make this new year the best one yet.
Resources
For families with preschoolers and school aged children:
Parents, as the Faith Builders in the home, you can start here:
For a complete Bible story worship experience with your child, please go to ministrygrid.lifeway.com and create or log in to your free account. Then follow this link for this week’s lesson: Jesus Taught in the Synagogue.