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Today in the Mission Yearbook

20/20 vision

 

Leave anxieties at the foot of the cross in this new year

January 1, 2020

Today’s my favorite day of the year. The start of a new year always gives me a peaceful feeling and reminds me of a new box of crayons or a blank canvas, full of possibilities and hope.

As you flip over a new calendar page to a new calendar year, recite Psalm 51:10 with me:
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

Whatever anxieties bogged you down last year, leave them at the foot of the cross as you begin this new year. That’s where they belong anyway, isn’t it? And, don’t just meekly lay those burdens down — truly cast them away like you are casting a fishing line as far as your strength will allow (1 Peter 5:7).

Whether you are in Syria or Sacramento, Taiwan or Tallahassee, God is there with an ample supply of new mercies each morning (Lamentations 3:23).

I recently volunteered to listen to young children at church recite Scriptures from memory. It was convicting for me, as I haven’t memorized Scripture consistently since I earned my way to a weeklong camp in elementary school three consecutive summers.

Listening to these faithful kids do a great job with Scripture memorization has encouraged me to resolve to memorize at least one Scripture verse each week in the year ahead. I have faith that the Scriptures I commit to memory will help to protect my heart and nourish my soul, regardless of the storms that come my way.

Hebrews 11:1:  Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Tammy Warren, Communications Associate, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Wednesday, January 1, 2020, New Year’s Day (Year A)

First Reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Psalm 8
Second Reading Revelation 21:1-6a
Gospel Matthew 25:31-46

Today’s Focus:  A New Year

Let us join in prayer for: 

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Linda Pagano, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Sunkyoo Park, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation

Let us pray:

Lord, thank you for new mercies and a new year. Forgive us when we fail to join you where you are working because we cannot see as you see. Strengthen our faith as your people and your church. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.