“Happy New Year!”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

[Below is an acrostic lesson where we take the letters in “Happy New Year” to remind us of spiritual truths we need to learn and apply in 2025! God bless you in the new year!             - Jarrod]

 

H (Home) - May our homes be filled with love (Col. 3:19; Titus 4), and may we guide our children in the path of righteousness in 2025.

A (Always) - God, through Peter, said, “Be ready always to give an answer…” (II Pet. 3:15). Let us be “always abounding in the work of the Lord” as well (I Cor. 15:58). We have much to do for the Lord this year; let’s get busy!

P (Perseverance) - Perseverance is a necessity if we are to finish our race. Paul’s life is a prime example of what it means to persevere (Phil. 4:11-13). May we have our eyes on the goal this year (Col. 3:1-3)!

P (Persecution) - Face persecution the way godly men and women did in Bible days (Heb. 11:32-40). The apostle said that all who will live godly in Christ Jesus “shall be persecuted” (II Tim. 3:12). Jesus said those who would suffer would be called “blessed” (Matt. 5:10-12).

Y (Youth) – Young people, give to God the strength of your youth. One’s youth is the time to remember God, rejoice in the Lord, and serve Him (Ecc. 11:9-12:1). Remember to “let no one despise thy youth; but be thou an example to the believers …” (I Tim. 4:12).

N (Nothing) - Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39). Throughout this year, when we fall, let us return to the Lord in repentance and ask Him for forgiveness (Acts 8:22; I Jn. 1:9). He will forgive our sins because He loves us and wants us to be with Him in Heaven. This unwavering love of God is our constant source of comfort and security.

E (Example) - Be a righteous example before others. Christians have this responsibility, whether young or old (I Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:2-8). Remember, our “works” will follow us (Rev. 14:13).

W (Wisdom) - Wisdom is an attribute we need to acquire at all costs (Prov. 23:23)! It can only be obtained by spending time in God’s word and then actively applying it! (Remember, wisdom is the application of knowledge!) Make 2025 the year that we heed the words of Solomon and “get wisdom” (Prov. 4:5, 7-13)!

Y (Yearn) - As we remember the past year, are we still yearning to go to Heaven? Let this drive and determination dwell within our hearts. This life is not the “be-all and end-all”! We are strangers and pilgrims in this world (I Pet. 2:9). Therefore, let us yearn and actively seek that eternal home - Heaven (Heb. 11:13-16)!

E (Exalt) - Exalt God and be faithful to Him this year! God wants those ready and willing to worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). He wants folks whose faithfulness is seen in their words and deeds when we are before men or alone (Col. 3:17). Let us reverently exalt our King, worship Him faithfully, and bring others to Him in 2025!

A (Active) - A new year brings with it certain responsibilities. Among those that demand our highest priority is to be active in the Lord’s service. There is no room in God’s army for lazy folks! He needs active soldiers (II Tim. 2:3-4), “workmen” (II Tim. 2:15) who are ready to live for Him every day of this new year! Remember, serving God is a joyous privilege that brings fulfillment and purpose to our lives.

R (Rejoice) - The Christian can rejoice because his name is written in Heaven! In whatever state we may be, we ought to say as Paul, “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, Rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). No, circumstances in the coming year will not always be pleasant, but we can still have joy! This is a result of our relationship with Christ — we belong to Him! Let this joy of belonging to Christ uplift us and fill us with hope during 2025.