1 Peter 2:1-5
Therefore, rid yourselves of all evil, all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all slander. Like newborn babies, crave the pure milk of the word so that by it you may grow up with the result being salvation. Certainly, you have tasted that the Lord is good! As you come to him, the Living Stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious, you also, like living stones, are being built as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to bring spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we begin this new year, we ask that you create a new heart in us. We all look for changes we can make—resolutions to make a difference in our lives. Perhaps the most tremendous change for someone is to be in your word because that will result in eternal salvation. Through your word, faith is sparked or strengthened; faith makes a positive change first by realizing our sins, and then it causes the believer to be more loving toward others.
Through faith in Jesus, we know and trust your love and mercy for us. We can do nothing on our own to compensate for the things we have said, done, or thought, but by faith in Jesus, we know he has removed all our sins. This is huge because our sins keep us from you, but we are restored to you with them removed. Our reaction to Jesus’ forgiveness should be to rid ourselves of all the loveless things toward others, which is done only through the power of your Holy Spirit.
So, while the world rejects Jesus, build us up to be a holy priesthood. May we act according to your love for us by sacrificing ourselves and sharing your love and mercy with those around us who do not know you and are frustrated with the world’s ways; let them know and trust in you. May our faith in Jesus be a spiritual sacrifice acceptable to you and an example for others. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Let this be your resolution for the year: Spend time each day in God’s Word to strengthen your faith. In God’s Word, you will know that Jesus has forgiven all your sins and that God is good.