Today Daily Devotional

If Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. — Romans 8:10 I used to think that becoming a new person in Christ meant I had to change myself—clean up, perform better, strive harder. But that left me exhausted and frustrated. The truth is that we’re not called to muster up new life in our own strength. That’s the Holy Spirit’s role. Romans 8 reminds us that if Christ lives in us, then his Spirit breathes life into places that were once lifeless. The Spirit doesn’t just improve our old selves—he transforms us from the inside out. That’s powerful. It means we can stop trying to force change; instead, we can be open to what the Spirit wants to do in us. Whether you’re battling old habits, healing from deep wounds, or longing to change in new ways, take heart. You are not alone, and you are not powerless. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. That’s not just motivation—it’s resurrection power at work. Let today be about surrender, not striving. The Spirit knows what needs to go and what needs to grow.  Holy Spirit, thank you for living in me and giving me new life. Help me to surrender today and to trust that you have the power to change and renew me. Amen.

The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ. . . . — 2 Corinthians 5:17 I’ve spent a lot of time in conversations with people who are holding on to shame, anger, or deep disappointment over things they can’t go back and change. I have also been there myself—replaying moments that I wish I could rewrite. But living in the past is like trying to drive while staring in the rearview mirror. You miss what’s in front of you, and you’re likely to crash! The gospel doesn’t ignore our past. It redeems it. Jesus meets us in the broken places of our lives and says, “You don’t live there anymore.” That doesn’t mean we forget everything that happened, but we no longer let those moments hold power over our identity. The apostle Paul, who wrote this passage, had a violent past. Yet he found peace and purpose in Christ. That same peace is available to us—not because we have earned it, but because Christ has already paid for it. Newness in Christ means learning to see ourselves the way God sees us: forgiven, free, and made new. You are not who you were. And because of Jesus, your story doesn’t end in shame. It moves forward in grace.  Jesus, thank you for making me new. Help me to release the past and to embrace the freedom you’ve given me. Shape my future with your grace. Amen.

Forgetting what is behind . . . I press on toward the goal. . . . — Philippians 3:13 I remember cleaning out the garage one spring, determined to get rid of clutter. As I opened old boxes, I found items tied to painful memories—things I had held on to “just in case.” But I realized those things were taking up space, both physically and emotionally, and keeping me from moving forward. Paul’s words hit home. He understood that looking back for too long—especially at guilt, regret, or even past achievements—can weigh us down. Moving forward in faith requires letting go of what was so that we can embrace what God is doing now. It’s not that the past doesn’t matter, but it doesn’t have the power to define your future. Whether it was a mistake you made, an opportunity you missed, or even a version of yourself that no longer fits—God invites you to release it.He’s doing something new, but your hands have to be free to receive it. Start this new season with a heart willing to let go. Not because the past doesn’t matter, but because your future in Christ matters more.  Lord, help me to let go of the things that hold me back. Free me from the weights of yesterday so that I can walk boldly into what’s next. Amen.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. — Romans 12:2 There was a time in my life when I thought change had to begin by starting new routines, meeting new people, setting new goals, and so on. But no matter what I tried, I kept running into the same internal roadblocks. I realized I had to change the way I thought. Paul’s words in Romans reminded me that transformation doesn’t begin with behavior—it starts with belief. The renewing of the mind is God’s way of helping us see things from his perspective. And that shift leads to lasting change. I committed to meditating on Scripture daily—not just reading it but also letting it reshape how I thought about myself, my struggles, and my purpose. That daily renewal helped me to break free from old thought patterns that held me back. Newness isn’t just about doing something different—it’s about thinking differently. If you want to live a transformed life, invite God to change your mind first. Let his Word speak louder than your doubts, your past, and your culture.  Jesus, renew my mind today. Replace old, harmful thoughts with your truth. Transform me from the inside out so that I can walk in your will. Amen.

His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:22–23 One of the most comforting things I have come to cherish is the rhythm of mornings. No matter how chaotic or discouraging the previous day was, the sun still rises each morning. It’s as if God painted a daily reminder across the sky: You can start again. During a difficult season, I struggled with feeling that I had blown too many chances. I remember sitting in silence one early morning, feeling heavy with regret. Then this passage from Lamentations came to mind: “His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” Not just once or twice, but every morning. That promise became a lifeline for me. God doesn’t recycle old grace. He gives fresh mercy for each day’s needs. Even when we feel stuck, consumed, or too far gone, God shows up with compassion that never runs dry. You may not be able to erase what happened yesterday, but you can begin again today. Let God’s faithful love reset your heart. It’s not too late to take a deep breath and step forward into the life story he’s still writing for you.  Lord, thank you for your daily mercy. When I feel like I’ve messed up too much, remind me of your faithfulness. Help me to embrace each day as a fresh start. Amen.