Weekly Devotional - New Beginnings

July 13th, 2026

New Beginnings

Day 1: A God Who Is Not Mad at You

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

- Romans 5:6-11 NLT

One of the greatest lies we believe is that God is angry with us, waiting to punish our failures. But Scripture reveals a different truth: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God demonstrated His love not after we cleaned ourselves up, but while we were still broken and lost. Today, let go of the false image of an angry deity. Instead, embrace the God who sits on His throne full of love toward His creation—toward you. He's not keeping score of your mistakes; He's extending grace.

Take a moment to receive His love afresh, knowing that nothing can separate you from it. You don't have to earn what has already been freely given.

Day 2: Buried and Raised

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

- Romans 6:1-14 NLT

Baptism tells a powerful story: the old life buried, a new creation raised. But this isn't just symbolism—it's spiritual reality. When you placed your faith in Christ, your old self—defined by sin, shame, and brokenness—was crucified with Him. The person you were is dead. The person you are now is alive in Christ, empowered to walk in newness of life. This doesn't mean perfection overnight; it means a new trajectory. You're no longer enslaved to old patterns. Today, remember your baptism—whether physical or spiritual.

You've been given a fresh start. What old habit or mindset do you need to leave buried? What new way of living is God calling you to embrace?

Day 3: The Power Within

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

- John 14:15-27 NLT

Jesus made an astounding statement: it's better that He leave so the Holy Spirit can come. Why? Because while Jesus walked the earth, He could only be in one place. But the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, everywhere, all the time. You have divine power living inside you—not to make you perfect, but to transform you progressively. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you, helping you overcome sin, providing comfort in trial, and shaping your character to reflect Christ. You're not alone in this journey.

Today, invite the Holy Spirit to highlight one area where you need His transforming power. Then surrender it to Him and trust His work.

Day 4: Community Is Essential

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

- Hebrews 10:19-25 NLT

The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. We need God's Word, God's Spirit, and God's people. In isolation, we become vulnerable to discouragement, deception, and defeat. But in community, we find accountability, encouragement, and strength. The writer of Hebrews urges us not to neglect meeting together, but to motivate one another toward love and good works. This isn't about religious obligation—it's about survival and growth. Iron sharpens iron.

Who is speaking truth into your life? Who are you encouraging in their faith journey? If you've been disconnected, today is the day to reach out. Send a message, make a call, show up. God works powerfully through His people.

Day 5: Life to the Full

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

- John 10:7-10 NLT

Jesus didn't come just to secure your eternal destination; He came to give you abundant life now. Yet many believers live in bondage—to habits, fears, past wounds, or generational patterns. This isn't God's design. He offers freedom, purpose, and fullness of life on this side of eternity. What is holding you back from experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised? Perhaps it's unforgiveness, addiction, anxiety, or simply settling for mediocrity. Today, identify one area where you're not experiencing freedom.

Bring it honestly before God. He's not shocked or disappointed—He's ready to help. Christianity is not a list of requirements; it's a celebration of what Christ has already accomplished. Walk in that freedom today.