"This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you." Exodus 12:2
GOD made His 1st be the 1st for the Israelites. In Exodus 12:2, GOD instructs Moses on the institution of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread among the Israelites in Egypt. The festivals were appointed times that were to be kept annually. GOD had to give Israel a calendar on which to place them, which in turn demanded a starting point for the year. GOD told Moses in laymen's terms, "This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you."
That brings it to the West: January is the year's first month. And many people in the west, no matter what they believe, observe January 1 as a chance for a new beginning. They envision wiping their slate clean and starting over. But, to the Christian community, the new year is a time to re-center ourselves in the faithful care of God and re-position ourselves firmly on his true everlasting promises. That's how joyful Christians start over.
We observe the first Sunday of the new year as our fresh new starting over the place by attending worship service. It is mandatory for the majority of Christians. Instead of making New Year's resolutions, our focus is on setting spiritual goals for the new journey into the new year. Again, that is what joyful Christians do at the beginning of the new year.
Today is the first Sunday of 2023, and I beseech you, my brothers and sisters, to go to worship service at the church house. It is the best way to anchor down the new year in the presence of GOD with other faithful believers. We dedicate all the unknowns that are coming ahead, the challenges, and the adventures to GOD's care—believing that GOD's care seals our need for assurance and security over everything.
Remember:
As Christians, we step into the new year with faith and confidence, knowing our God has been faithful in the past and His promises will re-solidify our trust in Him first.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly FATHER,
Thank you for the Blessing of this new year. Thank you for all the new potential blessings it holds. May your unfailing love be the anchor that keeps us anchored in you wholly this new year.- Amen, in JESUS' name.
O. M. Nugget:
"2023 IS THE GOD YEAR."
Expository Reading:
Matthew 6:33
Matthew 22:17-40
Proverbs 3:9-10
Food For Thought:
"The road that leads to Heaven is risky, lonely, and costly in this world, and few are willing to pay the price. Following Jesus involves losing your life – and finding new life in him."
-David Platt