New Year. New Beginnings.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  (Romans 23:2)

The mountains and forests around us are beautifully transformed and made pure each time there is a winter snowfall.  The snow does not conform to the landscape completely, but rather softens the sharp edges and blurs the harsh lines.  

Do you remember your excitement as a child when the first snowflakes were spotted through the window? Only God could have created such amazing beauty and soft quiet joy.

When the world we live in shows harshness and negativity, how do we live as a follower of Christ?  One way is to dedicate ourselves to the transforming, life-giving will of God.  We can let go of the ways we may have chosen that are not renewing us or creating a softer, more loving pathway through life. Another way would be to  to regain our sense of child-like wonder at the natural beauty surrounding us.  As we ask, God can help create in our minds a quiet joy that does not conform to the pressures and patterns of the world.  

Our prayer today:  Loving God, we pray that you bring us the clarity to discern your will, especially when we feel the world’s pressures and worries.  Renew our minds daily to reflect your love and peace.  AMEN.

This devotional was written by Jenny Green and read by Leslie Ragland.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.