Wednesday, January 1st, 2020

The first day of any year is, mentally, a convenient place for us to start new things in our lives. It marks the first of 365 days this year and 365 opportunities to do the things we are telling ourselves we will do. It is important to devote each of those days to the Lord, but does that mean we need to be a monk about it? Shutting ourselves off from the world and strictly pouring over the Bible? Of course not. While it is important to read the Bible each day, God designed us to worship and declare His name through our lives, our families, our work, and our interactions with the world – the things we do, whatever they may be. 1 Corinthians says, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Thus, instead of resolving to get that promotion, lose that weight, or achieve that goal, make this year first about glorifying God vocally and demonstrably in all you do. After all, Jesus is introduced to the world each generation by those who already know him making introductions to those who do not. Psalm 96 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” This year, make your new song’s lyrics about the glory, love, and mercy of Jesus Christ.

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Psalm 96: 1-3