Devotion

Serving the Lord Jesus Christ in a New Year
A new year often arrives with fresh calendars, new goals, and hopeful intentions. Yet before we ask what we want to accomplish this year, Scripture invites us to ask a better question: Whom will we serve? The apostle Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).
Serving the Lord Jesus Christ in a new year does not begin with grand resolutions but with surrendered hearts. Jesus does not merely call us to do more, but to follow Him more closely. Our service flows from our relationship with Him—abiding in Christ, listening to His voice, and trusting His leading day by day.
A new year will bring unknown joys and unexpected challenges. Some days our service will look like bold witness and visible ministry; other days it will be quiet faithfulness—loving our families, praying in secret, showing grace when it is difficult, and remaining obedient when the path is unclear. None of it is wasted when it is offered to Christ.
As we step into this year, let us place our time, our plans, and our talents into the hands of Jesus. He is a faithful Master, gentle and good, and He promises that even a cup of cold water given in His name matters. May this new year be marked not by self-effort, but by joyful service to the One who first served us and gave His life for us.
“Serve the LORD with gladness!” (Psalm 100:2)
Bro. John