Big Idea: Because God's mercies are new every morning, we should release the past, renew our minds and press on toward growth in Christ this year. 2026 - A New Year? Yes, but the same Savior: our hope rests not in resolutions but in Jesus' resurrection and His power. Main Scripture 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV) • First Point - Remember God's faithfulness, not your failures or regrets • Second Point - Release and Replace 12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NIV) 13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13–15 (NIV) • Third Point - Press on with Spirit-Led Goals • Fourth Point - Number Our Days Wisely Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31–32 (NIV) 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 (NIV) 18 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV) 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV) 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12–14(NIV) 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14–15 (NIV) Why should we forgive and forget?1. It Releases Emotional Burdens 2. It Restores Relationships 3. It Aligns with Spiritual Principles 4. It Improves Mental and Physical Health 5. It Creates Space for Growth My Next Right Steps, I Will: Trust God’s Grace is Sufficient Accept Jesus as My Savior and Lord Be baptized as a believer in Jesus Christ TALK IT OVER Big Idea Because God's mercies are new every morning, we should release the past, renew our minds, and press on toward growth in Christ this year. Icebreaker: Ask each one if they will consider some forgiveness that they are withholding that is hurting them or someone else. Look at this first week of the new year as an opportunity to grow as an Individual and as a family. Commit to getting together every evening after dinner for one week to share with each other:1. Daily Examining (5 mins each): Where did I see God's mercy today? 2. Scripture Plan: read all of Lamentations 3, Isaiah 43, Philippians 3, Romans 12 this week, just one chapter each day to complete in the week. 3. Discuss: Were you a generosity starter? Did you or will you bless one person financially or with your time this week? 4. Agree to establish a life rhythm: choose any day, expect Sunday; prepare in advance; unplug and just delight in God for a few hours. Count your blessings, thank God for all the grace and mercy He has bestowed on you and your family. Takeaway: What is one “former thing” God is inviting you to stop dwelling on? Where do you sense God doing a “new thing” in you? What can be one spirit-led goal you undertake in the next 3 months? Who can you share it with?