New Year ResetSample

Introduction

In a new year, we often aspire to reset the rhythms of life. We want to recalibrate, or in some cases, newly create what we consider to be healthy practices. We think about our calendar, physical health, work-life balance, and relationships. But what if the most powerful RESET we could make is to reconsider the lens through which we view life? God’s Word paints a divine perspective for every facet of life. As we consider what, where, and how to RESET, we look to Scripture and find that God has a lot to say.

Today's Bible Reading

Ephesians 2 – How God’s Word invites us to Worship

RESET: How I See Myself

When I was 20 years old, I was gifted a Bible from the widow of a pastor. He had served faithfully for nearly 40 years in a small church in southwest Kentucky. Though he had passed away the month before, the Bible his wife gave me marked my faith more than I could ever imagine.

When I opened it later, I realized how profound the pages before me were. On the front was the pastor’s name, Wilbur Lindsey. Every page was filled with underlines and notes written in blue, red, and black ink—spanning decades of devotion. Each mark was evidence of a man who didn’t just study Scripture; he worshiped through it. While I never met Wilbur, the legacy of his study taught me that reading God’s Word can be an act of worship.

That’s exactly what the Apostle Paul models in Ephesians 2. Look how he describes Jesus’ actions in verse 4-7 (ESV):

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved... so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”

As Paul writes, his words rise like a song. Each line reminds us of our journey from death to life in Christ until it crescendos in praise to Jesus, the only One worthy of it.

Wilbur discovered a beautiful truth: when we open God’s Word and reflect on His grace and mercy, our hearts overflow in worship. That is a gift to all of us! When we engage with His Word, we encounter the living God. Those moments lead us to a heart of worship.

Reflect

When you read Ephesians 2, where do you see the heart and passion behind Paul’s words? If you think about your personal faith journey, what inspires you to give thanks in worship?

Pray

Father, teach me how to worship as I read Your Word. Reveal to me the beauty of Your grace and mercy in every page. Help me to know Your heart. As I reset how I see myself, help me grow in understanding and awe of who You are, and let my heart overflow in worship just like Paul’s! Thank You for saving me and loving me through it all. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray, amen.