Today Daily Devotional

Forgetting what is behind . . . I press on . . . to win the prize for which God has called me. . . . — Philippians 3:13-14 Some memories cling to us like shadows—our failures, our regrets, our missed opportunities. We replay them over and over, wondering what we could have done differently. But the truth is that we can’t change the past. Even so, we don’t have to let it shape our present and our future. Paul had a past too. Before becoming an apostle, he persecuted the church. If anyone had reasons to carry guilt, it was him. But instead of being paralyzed by his past, Paul focused forward—not because he was perfect but because he was forgiven. The Lord’s amazing grace gives us permission to let go. Leaving the past behind isn’t about denial. It’s about refusing to let it define you. God is doing something new, and looking backward too long can make you miss what’s right in front of you. So if you're carrying baggage from last year—or from the past decade or more—lay it down. God is not finished with you yet. In fact, he’s just getting started.  Jesus, help me to let go of what I cannot change. Free me from shame and regret, and fix my eyes on what lies ahead in life with you. Amen.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is. . . . — Romans 12:2 Every January, people focus on external changes—better diets, improved finances, new routines. But a transformation that lasts always begins within. Our thoughts shape our actions, and our mindset affects the way we respond to life. I used to think that change started with doing more. But I’ve learned that true, lasting transformation comes from aligning my perspective with God’s truth instead of cultural noise. That’s what Paul is getting at here. This is not just about avoiding worldly patterns; it’s about inviting God to reshape how we see everything. When I start my day with Scripture instead of social media, peace comes more easily. When I focus on gratitude rather than complaints, my heart softens. Renewing your mind is a daily choice—like resetting a compass so that you don’t drift off course. God wants to guide us, but we need a clear mental space so that we can hear his voice. Let today be a turning point: less conformed, more transformed. Spirit of God, renew my mind with your truth each day. Clear out the clutter of fear, comparison, and negativity. Align my thoughts with yours. In Jesus, Amen.

Bear with each other and forgive one another. . . . Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love. . . . — Colossians 3:13-14 At some point, we all face the sting of broken relationships. Whether it’s because of betrayal, misunderstanding, or neglect, the pain can linger and affect other areas of our lives. I remember a season when I carried the weight of unforgiveness toward a close friend. The more I held on to that, the more it distorted my perspective—not just about that person but about others too. My heart became guarded, and joy felt distant. Eventually I realized that I couldn’t carry that burden and walk freely with God at the same time. The Spirit nudged me toward forgiveness—not because my friend deserved it, but because I had been forgiven so much myself. It wasn’t easy, but releasing that hurt made room for healing. Forgiveness doesn't always restore a relationship to what it was, but it does release us from the prison of resentment. Paul’s words in Colossians remind us that just as the Lord forgave us, we are called to do the same. There’s a newness that comes with letting go. Peace returns; hearts soften; and the door opens for restoration. This year, consider whom you might need to forgive—or whom you might need to ask for forgiveness. It might be the key to the freedom and newness you’ve been praying for.  Lord, soften my heart where it’s been hardened by pain. Teach me how to forgive as you have forgiven me. Bring healing as only you know how. Amen.

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.