Thank you for joining our Happy ReNew Year calendar devotional. Many of you participated in the Spaces of Grace Advent calendar devotional. We had so much fun that we decided to do a similar event to kick off the New Year. If you’d like to join us, access the digital, interactive calendar here. You may download it to your phone, tablet, or computer. Each week, we will release that week’s work on our website. Simply click on your Advent calendar on January 1 and then on each succeeding Sunday of the month to find the scripture reading, activity, and prayer for each day of the week. We’d love to hear your thoughts on any of your work in the comment section at the end of the post. We do recommend using a journal to keep track of your work each day.

Ready? Let’s get started!

*All scripture for Happy ReNew Year is from the online public domain WEBP Bible.

 Day 1 ReNew Your Vision (Week 1: Wednesday, January 1)

Scripture:

Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, please open his eyes, that he may see.” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” He struck them with blindness according to Elisha’s word. Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, neither is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” He led them to Samaria. When they had come into Samaria, Elisha said, “LORD, open these men’s eyes, that they may see.” The LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and behold, they were in the middle of Samaria. 2 Kings 6:17-20

Activity: Having a vision for the year is critical. It is what drives your decisions about where you spend your time and your resources. A vision will help you make your goals for the year. I know it can feel overwhelming to set a course for the entire year or season; but if you don’t, you will wander through the year haphazardly, and life will just happen rather than you and God making a plan and working the plan. 

For today’s activity, set aside some time with your journal. Pray and ask God about setting a vision and priorities for the year. Write down any impressions, thoughts, words, or pictures that come to mind. Organize them into themes or categories and use them as a springboard to make a vision board for the year. I usually set 9 or 10 goals for the year. Mary likes to break the year up into quarters and sets fewer goals for each season. Do what works for you. Teri Savelle Foy has a wonderful $8 vision board course. Both Mary and I have taken the course and have found it so valuable. It’s easy to make your vision board in Canva. You can use their free version and just search for vision board in the template sections to get started. I make mine in Canva and then print it at Walmart. You can also handmake your vision board on a poster or sturdy paper if you prefer.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray You will open my eyes to the vision You have for my life for 2025. Infuse my brain with Your words, pictures, music, and inspiration. Then show me how to bring the vision to life. I want 2025 to be a year of living with purpose. Amen. 

Please see this vision board Mary’s daughter-in-law Elaina created while working on today’s activity. She decided to hand make hers.

Day 2 Renew Your Hope

Scripture:

and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to you among the Gentiles and sing to your name.”* Again he says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”* Again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Let all the peoples praise him.”* Again, Isaiah says, “There will be the root of Jesse, he who arises to rule over the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles will hope.”* Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope in the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Activity: In the winter months, hope can feel in short supply. Our moods can match the short, dark days. We need to remember that with Jesus, there is always hope no matter our circumstances. For today’s activity, write down the most hopeless situation in your life. Pray and ask God for the hope to believe Him to do something new. Pray about anything He may be asking you to do. Then write it down in your journal and make a plan to do it. Schedule it in your daily calendar and follow through. Watch for how God will work.

To help improve your mood during dark days, try what my sister Laura calls a 30-second vacation. Do something small you love each day. For example, take 30 minutes and curl up with a favorite book; take your book to your favorite tea shop and read; go outside for a 15-minute walk; grow a potted plant. You’ll soon find hope rekindled in your heart. We’d love to hear what some of your 30-second vacations are. Drop them in the comment section below.

Prayer: Lord, I pray you will breathe new life into this situation. Revive my hope from the ashes of past disappointments, illnesses, grief, or abuse. Thank you that nothing is impossible with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 3 Renew Your Heart

Scripture:

Therefore say, ‘The Lord GOD says: “I will gather you from the peoples, and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.” “‘They will come there, and they will take away all its detestable things and all its abominations from there. I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them. I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes, and keep my ordinances, and do them. They will be my people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 11:17-20

Activity: There have been times in my life when I have felt my heart is at odds with how God wants me to act. One of those times was this week. My help was sorely needed, and the very last thing I wanted to do was help. I was grumpy and definitely had a stony, rebellious heart in need of renewal. God convicted me that my attitude was grounded in selfishness. After struggling for a few days, I dropped to my knees and repented, asking God to change my heart and my attitude.

For our activity today, search your heart and ask God to show you if you are being resistant to something He is asking you to do. It can be a little thing or a big thing. If you are convicted of anything, repent and ask for a renewed heart. And then make up your mind to do it. With the Holy Spirit’s help, you can win this battle. 

Prayer: Father, I acknowledge I sometimes must ask You to renew my heart so it realigns with Your plans for me not my plans for me. Remove my stony heart so that I can reflect You to others and walk in Your ways. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and shake me out of self-centeredness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 4 Renew Your Mind

Scripture:

But you didn’t learn Christ that way, if indeed you heard him and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.  Ephesians 4:23

Activity: Thoughts have a way of becoming stuck in our minds. Perhaps your stuck thought is an unflattering childhood nickname or label you were given. Maybe it’s a mistake you made or sin you committed. Maybe you don’t expect much of yourself because you were never encouraged or supported as a child. Your stuck thought may be true or partially true, or it may be totally false. Either way, this year, you are going to shed that stuck thought.

1. First, you need to identify it and write it in your journal.
2. Next, you need to reframe it to the truth of how God sees you. Write the new healthy thought in your journal.
3. Now you need to commit to living out and becoming the renewed you.
4. Take an action each week that lives out the new you — the person you want to be. For example, if your stuck thought is that you are a spendthrift (and you are), then this week research how to set and stick to a realistic budget. Also, start repeating an affirmation to yourself, something like “I am careful with my money.”
5. Pray and ask God to renew your mind and habits in this area. Each week keep working on it. If you backslide, simply start again.

Prayer: Lord, for so long, I have thought of myself this one way ______________. I’m asking you to renew my mind in this area of my life. Show me how to change my thinking, my actions, and my life. Give me the perseverance to get unstuck. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 5 Renew Your Focus (Week 2: Sunday, January 5)

Scripture:

If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

Activity: For today’s activity we are going to choose a goal, character quality, or fruit of the Spirit that you would like to focus on and renew in your life this year. Take a moment and pray about what God is working on in your life, what He is drawing you to do. Write your focus concept on a vocabulary card and post it on your bathroom mirror or by your kitchen sink. Whenever you see your renewed focus card, pray for God to make this a reality in your life. 

Prayer: Father, I thank You that I am raised together with You, Because of that, I can seek things that are above. I can choose a new focus. Please show me what goal, character trait or fruit of the Spirit You are wanting to establish in my life. And show me what I need to do to establish it day by day, week by week, and month by month. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 6 Renew Your Strength

Scripture:

“Keep silent before me, islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come near, then let them speak. Let’s meet together for judgment. Who has raised up one from the east? Who called him to his feet in righteousness? He hands over nations to him and makes him rule over kings. He gives them like the dust to his sword, like the driven stubble to his bow. He pursues them and passes by safely, even by a way that he had not gone with his feet. Who has worked and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD, the first, and with the last, I am he.” Isaiah 41:1-4

Activity: “And let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come near, then let them speak. Let’s meet together for judgment,” Isaiah 41:1 How did the people gain strength? According to Isaiah 41:1, it was by drawing near to God and speaking with Him. For today’s activity, we are going to draw near to God by His word and let Him speak to us while we speak His Word to HIm. Go back and read our scripture passage again silently to yourself. Now go back and read the same passage out loud. Finally, write out the passage in your journal and say it while you are writing it. Let God renew your strength through the reading of His Holy Word.

Prayer: Dear Lord, this day I am asking You to strengthen me as I draw near to You by spending extra time speaking Your Word to You. As I speak your Word, please speak to my heart and renew my strength so I can love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Jesus’ Holy Name, amen.

Day 7 Renew Your Energy

Scripture:

Now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as he spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. Now, behold, I am eighty-five years old, today.  As yet I am as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me. As my strength was then, even so is my strength now for war, to go out and to come in. Now therefore give me this hill country, of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and great and fortified cities. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as the LORD said. Joshua 14:10-12

Activity: “As yet I am as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me. As my strength was then, even so is my strength now for war, to go out and to come in.” I love this section of Scripture! I believe God gives us everything we need pertaining to life and godliness to do what He has called us to do whatever our age, whatever the task. But there are definite things we can do to help renew our energy so we are ready when God calls. Some suggestions are 1) cleaning up your diet, 2) clearing your schedule, 3) drinking more water, 4) drinking less pop, and 5) shutting down social media and going to bed on time. For today, choose one of the listed activities — or choose one of your own — to renew your energy to follow God as he leads you. Amen.

Prayer: Father, this day I rise up and ask You to renew my energy to do the tasks You have called me to do and live the life You created me to live. I declare in faith that I have more energy today than I did yesterday! Give me Your energy to make a change that will revitalize me so I can bring You honor and glory. Renew my energy in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Day 8 Renew Your Work

Scripture:

For what does a man have of all his labor and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun? For all his days are sorrows, and his travail is grief; yes, even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity. There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:22-24 

Activity: Our verse for today says, “There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor.”  I, Mary, am very blessed in that I love my work. Being a reading interventionist means I have the opportunity to help the most at-risk readers in my district and school become proficient readers. One thing that keeps me fresh in my work is my commitment to learn something each day about how to be a better interventionist. I will renew this learning commitment for this new year. Today’s activity is for you to learn something new about your work or workplace. Listen to a podcast, read an article, look up the history of your company. This will renew your commitment to your work.

I realize, however, that many people do not feel as I do about their day-to-day work. Work may be a daily struggle, even a trial, for many members of the workforce. If you can’t find the good in your work for today’s activity, perhaps you can be the good. Stop and pray for a co-worker. Write a quick letter of encouragement to a fellow struggling worker. Smile at every person who passes you in the hall or in the elevator today. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, renew the fire in my heart for the work you have given me to do. Show me how to invest myself, time, and talents in healthy ways for my calling. Help me to see my work not as something I do to just earn money, but as my mission and my ministry while I live upon this earth. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen!

Day 9 Renew Your Faith

Scripture:

Therefore we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord; for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him. 2 Corinthians: 5:6-9

Activity: I love the verse, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” There have been many times in my (Jane’s life), where the things I was walking through did not make sense. Through difficulties and tragedies, I have learned to walk through my life by relying on God to get me through. If I were to simply judge my life based only on what I could see (my circumstances), many times I would have given up.

But how do you renew your faith when it feels stretched beyond capacity? Some things I have done  during seasons of adversity:

• Talked with God about my true emotions.
• Asked for prayer support from others.
• Learned not to worry about how I was going to make it through an upcoming difficult day. Instead, I  finally realized God had promised me faith and strength for this day only. Tomorrow’s faith and strength would arrive then.
• Memorized scripture that pertained to my situation.
• Sought counseling for grief.
• Took up friends’ offers of help.
• Walked through it one day at a time.

For today, choose one of my suggestions or one that fits your situation, and do it. Please know friend, you can grow your faith in good times, and even in bad. If you are struggling today, please leave us a comment “need prayer,” and we will be on it.

Prayer: Lord, this day I am asking you to grow my faith. No matter my circumstance (good or bad), You are with us. Scripture tells us You have given each of us a measure of faith, and I stand on the fact that it is enough for this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 10 Renew Your Relationships

Scripture:

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in us all. Ephesians 4:1-6

Activity: One of the biggest blessings and biggest areas of stress in life is our relationships. Most important is our relationship with God. When we establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have the greatest relationship that could ever be. Jesus will never leave us or let us down. Because of Him, we have the hope that He can establish and heal our other relationships. Family, friends, and co-workers are the people around whom our lives revolve. Whether you’re married, single, young, or old, you can ask God to bless Your relationships and also show you if there are any unhealthy or dangerous relationships you need to cut off.

For today’s activity, make a list of the significant relationships in your life and pray over them. Ask God to show you if any of them need more of your time and attention. What can you do to improve your marriage, your parenting skills, your friendships, and so on? Write down what you feel God is telling you. Then ask God to show you if there are relationships that need to end because they are unhealthy. Prayerfully consider this and take the steps or consult with a trusted advisor/counselor on how to safely go about this.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the relationships You have blessed me with. Help me to be a blessing to others as well. Show me what needs my time and attention. If any relationships need to end, please orchestrate this in a way that is beneficial to all involved. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 11 Renew Your Service

Scripture: 

For I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in.  I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.’Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and come to you? The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Matthew 25: 35-40

Activity: God puts so much value on our service to others that He tells us the things we do for others, we are also doing for Him! When we have a desire to serve God in some way, one of the simplest ways we can start is by looking around us and filling a need right in our own home, neighborhood, or community. Yes, we may long for bigger things, but God wants us to be faithful first by filling some of the “smaller” needs around us. And remember, what you think is small is probably huge to the person you’re helping.

For your activity this week, look for ways you can serve someone. Let’s brainstorm a few ideas:

1. Take a meal to a sick friend or neighbor.
2. Help an elderly relative or friend with a task they can no longer do themselves.
3. Serve at a food pantry, tutor a child, or run an errand for a busy mom.
4. Shovel snow for a housebound neighbor.
5. Schedule a lunch with a person who needs to be encouraged.

Prayer: Lord, give me eyes to see the ways I can fill a need right around me. And help me to remember when I am serving another, I am serving You. May I pattern my serving on Your example. You made time for others, teaching, encouraging, healing, and serving. May I get my eyes off of me and onto others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 12 Renew Your Body (Week 3: Sunday, January 12)

Scripture: 

Praise the LORD, my soul! All that is within me, praise his holy name! Praise the LORD, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits, who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103: 1-5

Activity: While we live upon this earth, God has given us a physical body to use to love and serve Him. I do not know how everything works concerning God, sickness, disease, and healing, but I do see a holy precedence for asking for healing in God’s Word. So I am going to ask. I also know that God constantly attends to His word, therefore for today’s activity, we are going to combine the Word of God with prayer. Think of any issue in your body that needs healing and find a Bible verse to support your prayer. You could even use a verse from today’s scripture reading. Combining prayer and God’s word is a powerful tool! Don’t forget to leave a comment below so we can agree with you in prayer!  

Prayer: Dear Lord, You make it clear that you are concerned with our total healing of body, soul, and spirit. So today, we humbly in faith bring our physical requests for healing to You. You are the Great Physician. We ask for You to heal our ailments, weaknesses, diseases, and injuries. Specifically, I’m asking for healing for ________. You know how I struggle with this. I ask for Your supernatural healing from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. I also pray and ask for wisdom for me to connect with anyone or anything You may want to use in my healing. I pray Your will be done. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 13 Renew Your Health

Scripture:

My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for they will add to you length of days, years of life, and peace.  Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and man Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It will be health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:1-8

Activity: Today’s scripture is full of advice on how to achieve greater health. Read through the scriptures again and in your journal, list the ways we can renew our health. For today’s activity choose one of these ways and act upon it. For instance, our verses tell us to not forsake kindness. Who is in need of some kindness today? Make a plan! Look for someone who needs a little help. Pack a few extra cookies, an encouraging card, or any small gift, and give it as God leads. Renew your health by helping another.

Prayer: Lord, so often we think that our health just depends on our bodies. But this scripture makes it clear that our physical health is also dependent on obedience, trust, and kindness —  just to name a few things. Help me to see how my body, soul, and spirit are all connected. One affects the other. Show me how to shift my focus to Your more comprehensive view of this important concept. And then please show me how to live it out. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 14 Renew Your Rest

Scripture:

Don’t fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture. Also delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will make your righteousness shine out like light, and your justice as the noonday sun. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret; it leads only to evildoing. Psalm 37:1-8

Activity: I love this scripture. Everything about it seems peaceful and restful. Words such as safe pasture, delight, desires of your heart, trust, and rest (of course) portray a sense of calm. Who doesn’t need that?

You are going to like today’s activity as we learn how to prioritize rest. For me, Mary, this one can be a struggle. I love to be busy and productive. There is so much to learn, to do, to see, and to accomplish! Yet God calls us to come away with Him and rest! So, for today and every day going forward, you are going to carve a little extra time from your schedule to simply rest. Peace. Quiet. Solitude. This will probably look a little different for each one of us. Some of you may need a nap. Some may need a walk through a park to quiet their soul and find rest. Some may need lunch out with a friend they’ve been missing. Some may want to cozy up in a quiet space with God and their Bible. Listen to how the Holy Spirit is calling you to rest. Renew your commitment to rest in Him. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, You tell us to rest in You and wait patiently for You. Even Jesus made time to get away from the crowds while He was on earth. Help me to follow His example and carve out time to slow down and find rest for my body, soul, and spirit. I will not feel guilty. When I continually live life at warp speed, I am not fit to live out my calling. Show me how to prioritize rest each day of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 15 Renew Your Joy

Scripture:

In this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples. Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.  John 15:8-11

Activity: We often think of joy as springing from activities we love, or from beautiful surroundings, or from spending time with certain people. While these things are good, they can only bring us transitory joy. God is the only source of true joy, joy everlasting because He never changes. For our activity today, as you go throughout your day look for things that remind you about God’s character and goodness and watch for how He is displaying them in your life. Rejoice with Him. Learning how to recognize and celebrate these instances of joy each day will mean that we can live a joy-filled life — even when our circumstances are less than joyful.  

Prayer: Father, this scripture tells us that you want two things for me regarding joy:

1. You want Your joy to remain in me.
2. You want my joy to be made full.

I admit, I often let my circumstances dictate my joy. Help me to reach the maturity level where I am joyful because of who You are, Your love for me, and Your work in my life. You are enough. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 16 Renew Your Determination

Scripture:

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The Lord† gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God;‡ and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god. He brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. The king spoke to Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in some of the children of Israel, even of the royal offspring§ and of the nobles: youths in whom was no defect, but well-favored, skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding science, and who had the ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans. The king appointed for them a daily portion of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years, that at its end they should stand before the king. Now among these of the children of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The prince of the eunuchs gave names to them: to Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God made Daniel find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs. Daniel 1:1-9

Activity: Life can be very hard. Most likely there is something in your life that you know God has called you to do, that you have been doing.

You wonder right now if it’s worth the fight.

When you first determined to do this thing with God, it was easier, exciting, fresh, and new! But time has passed, initial energy is waning, and, frankly, now you are thinking about throwing in the towel. It’s time to get some new thoughts to renew your determination! For today’s activity we are going to determine to spend 5 minutes envisioning ourselves conquering our current challenge. Speak affirmations and scripture over your situation, and feel your renewed determination empower you to continue with God. Do this activity as often as needed! Amen. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I look to Daniel’s determination to not stray from Your path but to stay on Your path in the middle of very dark times in Israel’s history. I am in my own struggle right now. I ask for Your Holy Spirit to empower me and help me continue on with this thing You have called me to do. Just as Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself, help me to have the determination to stay the course You have set for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 17 Renew Your Words

Scripture:

The LORD’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. 10 They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, LORD, my rock, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:7-14

Activity: God’s word says “life and death are in the power of the tongue” and every single day we get to choose whether we speak life or death over our situations, circumstances, work, loved ones, and even strangers. My words are one of my biggest challenges. Today, our activity is to memorize the last verse of our passage Psalm 19:14. Write it down on a note card and take it with you wherever you go today. Turn this verse into a prayer and pray it up before you need it! Ask God to shut your mouth before you speak death into any situation today. This can change not only the course of your day but your life. Today, choose to speak life!

Prayer: Father, I admit I often speak before thinking. May I speak words that are acceptable in Your sight — words that are life-giving. When I carelessly say things like,”This is going to be a bad day,” or “I’ll never reach my goal this year,” or, “I always fail at everything I try,” I am setting myself up for failure. This year I purpose to do the following things:

1. To renew my words so that I speak Your truth.
2. To speak powerful scripture and positive affirmations over the goals You and I have set together.
3. To speak words of encouragement to and over my family, friends, and strangers as I interact with them each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 18 Renew Your Love

Scripture:

For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News. 2 Timothy 1:6-10

Activity: Thankfully, God is love, and He is a God who never changes. He never runs short on love. We can go to Him when we need our love for anything or anyone to be renewed. For a few people in my life, feeling love is particularly challenging. It took me a while to realize that I do not need to wait to feel loving before I can act loving. For today’s activity, please listen to the following two podcasts, then pray and ask God to help you renew your commitment to love others. Loving Difficult People, by Joyce Meyer and The Power of Love by Gregory Dickow.

Prayer: Father, You have given us a spirit of power, love, and self-control, as Your word says. Today I am leaning into the love part of Your promise. I want to love my family and friends well. Please show me where I may be falling short and what I can do to change that. And for the people in my life I find difficult to love, please enable me to love them in a way that honors them but also creates a boundary of safety around myself if that is needed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 19 Renew Your Peace (Week 4: Sunday, January 19)

Scripture:

Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17

Activity: Let. LET the peace of God rule in your hearts. From this verse, we see we have a choice to make concerning peace. We get to choose what our heart settles on. What will be the rule we live by in our heart? Will we let hate or revenge be the rule of our heart? How about negativity, jealousy, or anger? No. Let the peace of God rule in your heart. Let’s put every thought, word, plan, and goal up against the “peace of God” choice. I can choose to worry, stress, or hate, or I can choose the peace of God that passes all understanding to rule in my heart during hard, painful, or trying times. For today’s activity, please read or listen to one of the following resources on the peace of God: Peace: Where did I Leave You? by Joyce Meyer, or an article on Charisma called Joyce Meyer Reveals the No. 1 Key to Having Peace.  Alternatively, listen to the podcast: God’s Peace by Gregory Dickow.

Prayer: Lord, this year I want to let Your peace rule in my heart. Each day I get to choose. Will I let my problem, anger, or fear take center stage? Or will I remember to claim Your peace that you promise each one of us? Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to walk each day with Him in the peace that passes all understanding and trumps any circumstance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 20 Renew Your Expectations

Scripture:

Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.† A certain man who was lame from his mother’s womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy. Peter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, “Look at us.” He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” He took him by the right hand and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength. Leaping up, he stood and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God. Acts 3:1-8

Activity: If there was ever anyone who needed to renew their expectations, it was the beggar from Acts 3. It is safe to say he had probably been waiting for something to happen for at least 20 years. At least he put himself in a good position to be blessed, at the Gate Beautiful by the temple of God. What better place to lie than the Gate Beautiful? What if he had given up expecting anything in year 19? He would have missed his miracle.

How about you? Have you been expecting God to do something for the past twenty years or so? With God, it’s never too late! Let’s renew our expectation for God to move in our life today. What do you need to do to put yourself in a good position to expect the hand of God to move in your life? Today, take one step to show God that you are still waiting in great expectation for Him to move.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I confess that at times I lose my sense of expectation that you’re going to create the change, the job, the health, the relationship, the progress, the promotion, the __________ I’ve been waiting for. I’m sorry. Your timing is always on time. It’s always perfect. Today I acknowledge that your are at work in my situation. I resolve to continue to watch with expectation for the manifestation of Your work. I know when You’re ready to reveal it, I’ll be ready to receive it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 21 Renew Your Life

Scripture:

For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker. For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me. I don’t reject the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!” Galatians 2:18-21

Activity: As new creatures In Christ Jesus, we not only have been given a new heart, but we also have been given a new life. A new life usually means new habits, new attitudes, and new interests. In order to live a new life, some old things need to be left behind. For today’s activity we are going to identify something that needs to be removed from your new life and replaced with something more healthy and holy. Please record in your journal what God wants you to remove and replace to renew your life in Christ!

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray I am sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit as He renews my life and transforms me into Christ’s image. In this process, show me the habits, media, reading material, and other old things I need to leave behind. Conversely, help me to cultivate the new habits and connections that will make me more like Jesus. In His name. Amen.

Day 22 Renew Your Attitude

Scripture:

When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD. My prayer came in to you, into your holy temple. Those who regard vain idols forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving. I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation belongs to the LORD.” Then the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah on the dry land. The LORD’s word came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I give you.” So Jonah arose, and went to Nineveh, according to the LORD’s word. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey across. Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried out, and said, “In forty days, Nineveh will be overthrown!” The people of Nineveh believed God; and they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from their greatest even to their least. Jonah 2:7-3:5

Activity: If ever anyone had a bad attitude, it was Jonah. God gave this prophet an important job to go to Nineveh and tell them to repent of their sin. Now, granted the wickedness of the people in Nineveh was so bad, that it had come to God’s attention. Consequently, Jonah wanted nothing to do with these wicked people or this call from the Lord, so he ran away — and ended up in the belly of a whale! Jonah’s attitude was such that it took him three days in a whale’s belly before he finally broke down, prayed, and repented. 

While none of us have been swallowed by a great sea creature, we may be stewing in a mess of our own bad attitude. Is there something in your life you’ve been resistant to change that God is convicting you about? For today’s activity, identify the bad attitude, swallow your pride, and repent of it. (Believe me, I know this can be a big ask). If it is affecting another person in your life, pray about a first step you can take to make amends. Be obedient and follow through. 

Prayer: Lord, at different times in my life, I’ve definitely had an attitude in opposition to something you want me to do. It happened recently when you wanted me to help someone I did not want to help. I was very grumpy about it for a few days before I finally repented and did it. My prayer is that You align my mind, emotions, and will with Yours. When that occurs, I will have a willing heart and attitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 23 Renew Your Habits

Scripture:

So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.§But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does. James 1:19-25

Activity: Yesterday, we briefly mentioned habits in the activity, but today, we would like to do a deep dive and identify a new habit that will lead us to greater health. Pray right now and ask God to identify where He would have you focus: body, soul, or spirit. Which is your area of greatest need? Now, ask God what new habit He wants you to establish … a daily quiet time, a consistent prayer time, a cleaner diet, something creative? Next, choose one thing to do today to establish your new healthy habit. Perhaps it would be to take a 15-minute prayer walk before dinner or do 15 minutes of piano practice. Whatever you decide, write it down in your schedule and plan for it. New habits produce a renewed life. Happy Re-new Year!

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to not only be a hearer of Your word but also a doer. My goal is to take what I’m hearing and apply it first to my own life. Show me if my focus should be on my body, soul, or spirit. And then help me clearly identify what new habit I need to establish in that area. May this be for my benefit and your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 24 Renew Your Generosity

Scripture:

If only you diligently listen to the LORD your God’s voice, to observe to do all this commandment which I command you today. For the LORD your God will bless you, as he promised you. You will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow. You will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you. If a poor man, one of your brothers, is with you within any of your gates in your land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, which he lacks.  Deuteronomy 15:5-8

Activity: This is a theme that God spoke to me about early on in this New Year. He wanted me to renew my generosity to a few very worthy causes that I gave to occasionally. In a sense, I covered two themes in one! I renewed my commitment and my generosity. I flipped my sometimes giving to scheduled monthly giving. As soon as I hit the submit button, I was filled with gratitude that I was able to make a greater commitment to a few life-saving ministries. “Give and it will be given to you.” Joy. Peace. Gratitude. Happy Renew Year. 

Prayer: Lord, I pray for a generous spirit to share what I have with others. I admit, at times I have a stingy spirit. But when I listen and obey the Spirit’s prompting in my heart to give, such a sense of peace comes over me. I know I am doing what You want me to do. Use what I give to bless others as I share in Your kingdom work. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Day 25 Renew Your Soul

Scripture:

Therefore, we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory, while we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor 4:16-18

Activity: God’s word says that our inward man is being renewed “day by day.”. What are the things that renew the inward man? How can we put ourselves in a position to experience renewal of our soul? Remember, our souls are made up of our minds, emotions, and wills. Anything we do to strengthen these three areas (in a way that aligns with scripture) will help us to renew our souls. Let’s consider some suggestions for you to try this week: 

1. Support your mind by reading, memorizing poetry, and meditating on scripture. 
2. Support your emotions by expressing them in healthy ways. See the post How the Psalms Teach Christians About Emotions by Restoration Counseling of Atlanta. For a deep dive into the Psalms and our emotions, see the book Open and Unafraid by W. David O. Taylor (this is an affiliate link).
3. Support your will by aligning it with God’s. Psalm 143:10 is a good place for us to start. “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” Each morning, I pray that God will align my mind, emotions, and will with His.  

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that my inward person is being renewed day by day. I don’t have to stay stuck in an affliction. Show me where my focus should be this day, this week as I work to strengthen my soul. Should it be on my mind, emotions, or will? Guide me into health and wholeness in each area I pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 26 Renew Your Commitments (Week 5: Sunday, January 26)

Scripture:

Don’t fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture. Also delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will make your righteousness shine out like light, and your justice as the noon day sun.” Psalm 37:1-6

Activity: Today we are going to focus on commitments in our life. The word for commit used in Psalm 37 is galal. I was very surprised to learn that galal means to roll. What does rolling have to do with commitment? In the Bible, this word is used many times in reference to the rolling of stones. Stones had to be rolled away from the mouth of a well to water livestock. Stones were also rolled in front of the caves. I can also think of a very precious time in the New Testament when a stone had been rolled away from a tomb as a sign of God’s commitment to save mankind. Commitment takes effort and determination. We can’t give up on our commitments when we feel like the fun is waning. For today’s activity, consider your commitment to God. What do you need to add to your life to deepen your commitment to Him, start a quiet time, do a new Bible study, find a church family? Make a decision today to renew your commitment to God. Happy ReNew Year!

Prayer: Father, today’s scripture tells us to “Commit your way to the Lord.” I trust You to guide me throughout my life. But I also want to commit myself to deepening my relationship with You. A relationship implies two people, with each one doing their part. One way I am going to work on our relationship is by _______________________. Holy Spirit, I pray you’ll equip me to keep my commitment. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 27 Renew Your Ambition

Scripture:

“Now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as he spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. Now, behold, I am [Joshua] eighty-five years old, today. As yet I am as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me. As my strength was then, even so is my strength now for war, to go out and to come in. Now therefore give me this hill country, of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and great and fortified cities. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as the LORD said.” Joshua 14:10-12

Activity: Wow! I want to renew my ambition like Joshua! I want my goals at 85 to be as vigorous as when I was 40. Have you been thinking you are too old or too whatever to be used by God? If you are still living and breathing, you still have work to do. Take a quick scan of your life. Is there something you’ve been thinking about doing or trying but are wondering if your “fighting days” are behind you? Let’s dust off our ambition and ask God to renew us and lead us where He’s going. For today’s activity, please set your phone alarm to remind you to read this passage three additional times. Each time you read it, turn the passage into a prayer and ask God to renew your ambition. Happy ReNew Year!

Prayer: Lord, I am amazed how You kept Joshua’s calling as strong in him at the age of 85 as it was when You called him at the age of 40. It was not just a strength of soul and spirit but also the strength and energy of body. This inspires me to keep pursuing You, knowing that You will empower me with the vitality to do what You have called me to do. May I not take that for granted but care for myself as much as I can so I am ready and able for all You give me to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 28 Renew Your Thoughts

Scripture: 

Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil 4:4-8

Activity: This one hits close to home. I have struggled with this concept for most of my life. Negative, vain imaginations have taken up too much of my bandwidth for too long. Therefore, one of my goals for the new year is to spend a few minutes each morning and evening visualizing the great things God will do for me. I visualize myself successfully meeting challenges and circumstances. I also spend time thinking about the goal God wants me to accomplish. When I meet a challenging situation at work, I speak words of life and blessing and march forward. No longer am I wasting time on thoughts and words of defeat or discouragement. For your activity today, please listen to one of these podcasts and make time to visualize the blessings God is working for your life. Joyce Meyer: 3 Ways to Change Your Words,  Change Your Thinking Happy ReNew Year!

Prayer: Dear Lord, some battles are lifelong ones. Reining in our thoughts is one of those. Indeed, we have already touched on it a few times in this devotional because it is so important. Help me to change my thinking to align with Your word. In Jesus’ name, I will not be defeated by stray, dark thoughts. I am a child of God, I have the mind of Christ. I walk in the light of Your truth. Amen!

Day 29 Renew Your Inspiration

Scripture: 

“Bezalel and Oholiab shall work with every wise-hearted man, in whom the LORD has put wisdom and understanding to know how to do all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD has commanded.” Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even everyon whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it. They received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, with which to make it. They kept bringing free-will offerings to him every morning. All the wise men, who performed all the work of the sanctuary each came from his work which he did. They spoke to Moses, saying, “The people have brought much more than enough for the service of the work which the LORD commanded to make.” Exodus 36:1-5

Activity: When the people of God were building the Tabernacle for God’s Presence, they received gifts from the people to supply their work. From these gifts, the craftsmen created all the furnishings for the Tabernacle. The construction of the Tabernacle was made possible by the people sacrificing their own possessions and investing them in the Tabernacle of God. Nothing renews our inspiration for a project like investing our prayers and resources toward its growth. For today’s activity, please consider how you can invest in the work God is calling you to do. Perhaps you need to take a course, purchase a computer, or buy a book that pertains to God’s calling on your life. Invest your prayers and resources in your own ministry, and watch your inspiration grow. Happy ReNew Year!

Prayer: Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I want to do my best in what you have called me to do. At times, being my best requires that I invest in myself with education, tools, and time. I pray you would identify the resources I should be investing in during this phase of my life. Help me to throw myself into learning and growing as I serve You — for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 30 Renew Your Loyalty

Scripture:

They lifted up their voices and wept again; then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth stayed with her. She said, “Behold,‡ your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law.” Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you, and to return from following you, for where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God§ my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.” When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. Ruth 1:14-18

Activity: We don’t know much about Ruth’s background to understand why she chose to stay with Naomi over returning to her own people. But I think it may have been the difference of serving the God of Israel versus serving the god Chemosh, the main deity of the Moabites. Could it be once she experienced the love of Yahweh, Ruth knew she couldn’t go back? Either way, Ruth was extremely loyal to Naomi and refused to desert her in her time of greatest need. For our activity today, consider your loyalty to the people and the causes God has laid on your heart. Is there someone or something God is asking you to continue supporting as they walk through a difficult time? It could be a relative, a friend, a church, an organization, or a job. Sometimes, we are quick to flee at the first sign of trouble when God may be asking us to stay put. Seek His discernment.

Prayer: Father, I am inspired by Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law. She could have taken the expected path and returned to her people. Instead, she chose Naomi and You. Thank you for blessing these two women on their return to Israel and for ensuring the continuation of their family lineage. Show me where my loyalties lie and help me to be faithful to the people I love and the service I undertake. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 31 Renew Your Mercy

Scripture:

It is because of the LORD’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his mercies don’t fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul. Therefore I will hope in him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that a man should hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Lamentations 3:22-27

Activity: Because of God’s mercy, He does not give us what our sins deserve. Instead, Jesus took the penalty on Himself and gives us His forgiveness. Because of that, we are in right standing with God! It is such a wonderful gift to receive God’s mercy. It is also a wonderful gift to extend mercy to others. In our cultural and political climate, mercy often is in short supply. What would it look like in life, in your life, if we were more merciful to others? You’ve probably guessed what today’s activity is. We would like for you to identify an area of your life where it is hard for you to extend mercy to others. Perhaps it’s a co-worker who differs from you politically. Maybe you have a child who is going through a rough patch and is very hard to live with. Or perhaps you and your spouse are at odds with each other on an important issue. Pray and ask God to show you how to best extend mercy to this person/situation. This article by Liquid Church may be helpful: 5 Ways to Show Mercy To Others.

Prayer: Dear Lord, your mercy is such a gift in my life. I am so thankful for it. Help me to emulate You and be more merciful to others, especially in this situation: ___________________________. I ask for Holy Spirit inspiration and equipping to do what You show me to do. Help me to see others through Your eyes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.