A New Year's Devotional:

Bro. Peyton Donaldson
Youth Minister - Bellaire Baptist Church
January 1st, 2023

Scripture:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

John 1:1-5

Message:

A brand new year is always filled with brand new beginnings. It is like a clean slate, so to speak. It is during this time that many will begin their New Year’s Resolutions. Some will start a new gym routine, others will take up a healthier diet, and perhaps more will begin to try to put an end to some bad habits that do not benefit their health. In this spirit of new beginnings, it is imperative to know and remember the One Who was there “in the beginning with God,” that is, Jesus Christ. The Apostle John here conveys Jesus as the “Word,” also understood as the “order” amongst the chaos. For many, a new year means new chaos. Responsibilities for some in their everyday-life can often times prove too much to bear. The stresses of schoolwork, parenthood, the workforce, athletics, etc., can really take a toll on one’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. The chaos of life can be daunting, however, it has no power of the One by Whom life was created. As you begin this new year, I encourage you to give your life to Christ in all aspects, whether it be chaotic, orderly, or somewhere in between. What better way to begin the year than by praising the One Who has existed before time BEGAN! Through both the smooth and chaotic times in our lives, there is no doubt about it that Jesus Christ is sovereign over it all.

Jesus said elsewhere in this same Gospel, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). We are all in need of a new beginning, a spiritual rebirth, a clean slate. I’m here to tell you that Jesus Christ will provide that for you, if you are willing to repent of your sins and place your faith and trust in Him. Only in Jesus can this new beginning truly be found!