2016 new year devotional sermon

Here's a sample New Year's devotional sermon for 2016:

Title: "A Fresh Start: Leaving the Past Behind and Embracing the Future"

Text: Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

"But forget all that—it is nothing! Who brings this up? I, the Lord, am the one who forges the mountains and creates the wind, who summons the seas and pours them out on the earth. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.'"

Introduction:

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, many of us are reflecting on the past 12 months. We may be thinking about the triumphs and struggles, the joys and sorrows, the successes and failures. But as we look back, we're also looking forward, wondering what the future holds. Will this be a year of growth, of change, of new beginnings?

The Problem:

The problem is that we often carry the weight of our past with us into the new year. We may be haunted by regrets, by mistakes, by unresolved issues. We may be carrying around emotional baggage, the kind that can weigh us down and hold us back from fully living in the present.

The Promise:

But God says, "Forget all that— it is nothing!" He's not asking us to forget the good things, the happy memories, the accomplishments. He's asking us to let go of the negative, the painful, the regretful. He's asking us to release the past and move forward, trusting that He is the one who is forging the mountains, creating the wind, summoning the seas.

The Promise of a Fresh Start:

When we trust in God, we can have a fresh start. We can leave the past behind and step into a new future, one that is full of hope and possibility. We can trust that God is with us, holding our right hand, guiding us, helping us.

The Challenge:

So what does this mean for us in the new year? It means that we need to be willing to let go of the past. We need to be willing to release our grip on the things that are holding us back. We need to be willing to trust God and step into the unknown.

The Blessing:

And when we do, we will find that God is faithful. He will help us, guide us, and lead us. We will find that He is the one who is forging the mountains, creating the wind, summoning the seas. We will find that He is the one who is with us, always, and that He is the one who is leading us into a brighter future.

Conclusion:

As we enter this new year, let's make a conscious decision to leave the past behind and step into the future with faith and trust. Let's remember that God is the one who is with us, guiding us, helping us. Let's trust that He is the one who is forging the mountains, creating the wind, summoning the seas. And let's step into the unknown with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

Prayer:

Dear God, we come to you today with a sense of hope and anticipation. We know that the past is behind us, and that the future is full of possibility. Help us to let go of the things that are holding us back, and to trust in you. Help us to step into the unknown with faith and confidence, knowing that you are with us every step of the way. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.