Episode Details

Starting the New Year with Jesus reshapes our priorities, renews our focus, and grounds our lives in lasting hope rather than fleeting resolutions. Rooted in Matthew 22:37, this devotional invites believers to begin the year by loving God fully—heart, soul, and mind—choosing spiritual devotion over worldly pursuits and discovering the abundant life Jesus promises.

Highlights

• The most meaningful New Year’s resolution is deepening your relationship with Jesus.

• Centering your life on Christ brings greater joy, clarity, and spiritual stability.

• Material success and worldly goals cannot satisfy the soul like Christ can.

• Starting the year with Jesus means trusting Him with struggles, grief, and uncertainty.

• Following Jesus leads to protection, comfort, and a fuller life rooted in His love.

• Loving God above all else realigns our hearts and reveals where our true allegiance lies.

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Full Transcript Below:

Starting the New Year with Jesus
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’” (Matthew 22:37). 

As the New Year approaches, many of us consider the New Year's resolutions we want to make. Various resolutions can draw our attention, such as weight loss, getting organized, or switching careers. While all of these are common New Year's resolutions, the greatest resolution we can make is to start the year with Jesus, cultivate our relationship with Him, and faithfully follow Him. 

Developing a stronger relationship with Jesus throughout the year will prove beneficial not only for the present year but also for all years to come. While we will not be completely immune from problems, our lives will become better and more focused on the Lord. 

The more our lives are centered around Jesus, the more joyful we will be. Soon, we will see that materialism and the things of the world do not fulfill us. They are but empty promises that lead us away from the Lord. We don’t need to chase after these things or follow them. 

Since we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we should strive to nurture our relationship with Him. This New Year could be the perfect start. Consider what you are struggling with and the help that Jesus can offer. Maybe you are battling a chronic illness or facing the death of a loved one. Give these matters over to Him and trust Him with the New Year.

It can be easy to t