Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23a ESV

Happy New Year! We are starting 2024 today. A lot of people start the new year with one (or more) resolutions. A resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. Your resolution for this new year might be to work harder in school and have better grades, or to be nicer to your brothers and sisters, or to not say anything mean to your mom and dad. We make New Year’s resolutions as a way to improve ourselves.

In our first verse, Paul is reminding us that we are already new creations if we have believed in Jesus and all He did for us and accepted His salvation. Our second verse reminds us that God’s love and mercy for each of us never ends. No matter what happened yesterday, even if we really messed up, God gives us a fresh, new start each morning.

This week I want you to talk to your parents about things you all can do to be “a new you” in the new year. Maybe you want to make a resolution to be more like Jesus. Maybe you want to begin each day with a prayer or a Bible verse. Maybe you want to do something for others. Decide how to be a new you, a better you, this year with God!

Some of my favorite verses to start the day are:

“I know what I have planned for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. Jeremiah 29:11 ICB

Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever. Psalm 107:1 ICB

Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32 ICB

I can do all things through Christ because he gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 ICB

Do for other people what you want them to do for you.” Luke 6:31 ICB

Blessings and joy as you become a new you in this new year with God!