"Starting Fresh: Making the Most of a New Year" - This message could focus on the idea of starting the new year with a clean slate and the opportunity to set new goals and make positive changes in our lives. It could also explore the importance of forgiveness, letting go of the past, and embracing the present and preparing ourselves for the future. Introduction: New Year is a great Opportunity for all of us ¢ Afresh start: The start of a new year is a chance to leave the past behind and begin anew. It is a time to reflect on the past year and make changes or set new goals for the future. * New beginnings: The new year represents the start of a new chapter in life, which can be exciting and full of potential. Itis a chance to start fresh and try new things. * Personal growth: The start of a new year is a great time to focus on 1. Personal growth and development. 2. It is an opportunity to set goals and work towards achieving them, whether they be related to career, health, relationships, or personal fulfillment and above all is your ministry + Positive mindset: The start of a new year can be an opportunity to cultivate a positive mindset and focus on the things that bring joy and fulfillment. It is a chance to let go of negative thoughts and habits and embrace a more positive and hopeful outlook on life. + Celebration: The start of a new year is often a time of celebration and joy, with many people hosting parties and gatherings to markthe occasion. It is an opportunity to come together with loved ones and celebrate the start of a new year. |. Forgiving the Past + Explore the importance of forgiveness in starting fresh and moving forward benefits of forgiveness include: ¢ Improved relationships: Forgiveness can help repair and strengthen relationships that have been damaged by conflict or hurt. * Reduced stress and anxiety: Holding onto anger and resentment can cause stress and anxiety. Forgiveness can help reduce these negative emotions and improve overall well-being. * _ Increased self-esteem: Forgiving others can help us feel good about ourselves and our ability to cope with difficult situations. + Improved physical health: Research has shown that forgiveness is linked to improved physical health, including lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system. Overall, forgiveness is an important part of maintaining healthy relationships and improving our mental and physical health. It allows us to let go of negative emotions and move forward in a positive way. + How holding onto grudges and bitterness can weigh us down and prevent us from moving forward * — Increased stress and anxiety: Grudges and bitterness can cause stress and anxiety as we continue to harbor negative feelings towards someone who has caused us harm.* Decreased satisfaction with life: When we hold onto grudges and bitterness, it can affect our overall satisfaction with life. We may find it more difficult to enjoy our experiences and relationships when we are carrying around negative emotions. * Negative impact on relationships: Grudges and bitterness can damage relationships and make it more difficult to connect with others. * Negative effects on physical health: Studies have shown that grudges and bitterness can have negative effects on physical health, including increased risk of heart disease and other health problems. + Encourage the congregation to let go of the past and extend forgiveness to others as well as to themselves Il. Embracing the Present + Why living in the present is important?and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future * Increased happiness and satisfaction: When we are fully present in our experiences and relationships, we are more likely to feel happy and satisfied with our lives. * Improved mental health: Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future can lead to negative emotions such as regret, guilt, and anxiety. By focusing on the present, we can let go of these negative emotions and improve our overall mental health. * Better relationships: Being present in our relationships can help us build stronger and more meaningful connections with others. When we are fully present with others, we are able to listen andcommunicate more effectively, which can lead to deeper understanding and connection. * Couple must have time to each other « Parents to their children (Illustration: "a boy asking money from his father") * Children to their parents ¢ Enhanced creativity and productivity: Being present in the moment can help us be more focused and productive in our work and other pursuits. It allows us to fully engage in what we are doing, which can lead to increased creativity and productivity. ¢ Improved physical health: Studies have shown that mindfulness practices, which involve living in the present moment, can have positive effects on physical health. For example, mindfulness has been linked to improved immune function and lower blood pressure. + Share examples of how we can embrace the present moment and find joy and contentment in the here and now * Here are a few examples of ways to embrace the present moment and find joy and contentment in the here and now: * Practice gratitude: Focusing on the things we are grateful for in the present moment can help us appreciate what we have and feel more positive about our lives. * Engage in activities that bring you joy: Find activities that bring you joy and make an effort to engage in them regularly. Involve * Take breaks from technology: Spending too much time on our phones or other screens can distract us from the presentmoment. Taking breaks from technology and disconnecting can help us focus on what is happening around us and find joy in the present moment. Be present in your relationships: When we are fully present with others, we are able to listen and communicate more effectively, which can lead to deeper understanding and connection. Make an effort to put away distractions and focus on the person you are with when you are with them. Encourage the congregation to focus on what they can do today to make the most of the new year IIl- Preparing yourself for the future Set goals for your future ¢ Your profession, business, your family and your ministry Conclusion Recap the main points of the sermon Encourage the congregation to take advantage of the opportunity of a new year to start fresh and make the most of it Our past has changed, because, in God's eyes, we have no past, only a great future. In Jeremiah 29:11, He says: "For | know the plans | have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”