“ Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
“And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ” – Romans 13:11-12
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Christian Bible Lesson Overview
The beginning of a new year gives us a chance to reflect on the past year or even earlier and think about ways we wish to change. It is a time to think about the things we accomplished as well as the changes we wish to make.
It is important to think about those things most important to you. Your family and close friends are probably on that list. We should reflect on how much we helped other people grow as well as think about our own accomplishments.
Of course, we should make plans to improve our lives. However, we should consider those people around us as we finalize those plans.
Christian Bible Lesson for Today
Planning their trip to Iceland.
Richard was a realtor who specialized in expensive homes found in luxury neighborhoods. He worked hard to earn large commissions so he could grow his investments. His number one goal was to grow his investments to over $5 million before he was forty-five. All his plans are related to that goal.
Richard had two brothers: Tom and William. They both worked in construction like their father. Tom and William worked enough hours to support their families, but they spent as much time as they could experiencing life with their families and friends. They enjoyed life and helped their friends while they did things they enjoyed. One example was a trip they planned to Iceland. They worked with their friends and family to raise enough money for a group of thirty friends and family to spend Christmas vacation in Iceland.
The two brothers worked with their friends to help everyone have the resources they needed to go on the trip. Of course, Richard did not wish to participate because he wanted to spend his time accumulating more wealth.
The thirty people went on the trip to Iceland and had a wonderful time. They had memories that would last the rest of their lives. When they returned, Richard noticed how happy they were. He also noticed all the items they brought back to remind them of the great time they had.
Richard realized that he accumulated some wealth, but he did not have any memories like his brothers gained from one trip. He began to think about how he did not have close relationships and he rarely had fun. He did help other people sometimes, but that was when it helped him.
Richard realized that this was the first New Year that he really reflected on his life and what was really important. He saw how good his brother felt when they spent time with other people and helped others when needed. Richard had no close friends and his brothers had many. Richard had more wealth than his brothers, but they built a much stronger life.
Richard made a commitment to himself to change his priorities and put other people much higher on his list. He realized that having a large investment portfolio is not the most important part of living.
Richard used this New Year vacation to change his view of life and make completely new plans that would help him be much closer to his family and friends.
Christian Bible Lesson Summary
The New Year celebration is a good time to reflect on your life and decide what is important to you and those around you. Look at your priorities and make the adjustments that will lead you closer to where you wish to go.
Published by Jim Brandt
Jim Brandt was an all-conference college football player and served as a Marine Corps pilot during the Vietnam War. He also started a software company and served as an executive for the fifth-largest bank in the United States. Brandt won the Democratic party nomination for Congress twice. He is married and has three children.
View more posts
