Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Stepping Into A New Year With God’s Peace”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Title: Stepping into a New Year with God’s Peace

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen –Hebrews 13:20-21

As we look forward to a brand new year, let us remember the wonderful promises that God has for each one of us. In the book of Hebrews, we find a beautiful prayer that reminds us of God’s peace, His provision, and His desire to work in our lives.

The verse begins by calling God the “God of peace.” Peace means feeling calm, safe, and happy in our hearts. God wants us to have peace, not just in our minds, but also in our hearts. He wants us to know that He is always with us, guiding and protecting us. We can find comfort and assurance in knowing that the God of peace is with us.

The verse also tells us that God brought back our Lord Jesus from the dead. Jesus is like a great Shepherd who takes care of His sheep. Just like a shepherd provides everything his sheep need, Jesus provides everything we need. He loves us so much that He gave His life for us. Isn’t that amazing?

As we stand at the threshold of the new year, 2024, let us remember that God is the God of peace. He wants to equip us with everything good for doing His will. We can trust Him to give us the strength, wisdom, and courage to do what is right and to face any challenges that may come our way. We can ask Him to work in us, so that we can bring glory to His name. He knows what is best for us, and He will guide us on the right path. We can trust that God will provide for us and help us make the right choices throughout the year. But how does God work in us? The verse tells us that it is through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the one who helps us to become more like Him. He teaches us to be kind, loving, and forgiving. When we choose to follow Jesus, He helps us to make choices that please God. Remember also that we have a loving God who goes before us, guiding our steps and equipping us for His purposes. May this be a year filled with His joy, peace, love, blessings and a deeper relationship with Him.

Thought for Reflection
As we reflect on the past year, let’s think about the times when God has been faithful to us. Remember the moments when He answered our prayers, protected us, and guided us. Let’s also think about the times when we may have strayed from His path and how He lovingly brought us back. Now, as we look ahead to the new year, let’s make a commitment to seek God’s will above all else. Let’s pray and ask Him to show us His plans for our lives. Let’s trust that He will equip us with we need to fulfill His purpose.

Song
Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be,
In working or in waiting, Another year with thee;
Another year of leaning, Upon thy loving breast,
Another year of trusting, Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of mercies, Of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness, In the shining of thy face;
Another year of progress, Another year of praise,
Another year of proving, Thy presence all the days.

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being the God of peace. Thank you for being our Shepherd and guiding us into the new year ahead. Help us to trust in Your plans and seek Your will above all else. Equip us with everything good for doing Your will, Help us to follow Jesus and make choices that please you. Work in us, so that we can bring glory to your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.