Aligning Our Lives with God's Purpose in 2025
Summary
As we step into the new year of 2025, it's a time for reflection and intentional planning. Many of us find ourselves asking, "Now what?" after the excitement of New Year's has passed. It's crucial to not only set goals but to ensure that God is at the center of our plans. This year, let's move beyond mere resolutions and focus on aligning our lives with God's purpose. Resolutions often fade quickly, but a life directed by Christ is enduring. We must take inventory of the past year, acknowledging both our successes and the areas where we fell short. It's time to let go of what hindered us in 2024 and embrace a future where Christ leads our path.
God's faithfulness has been evident, even when our thoughts and actions were not aligned with His will. This year, our purpose is to live truthfully, no matter how challenging it may be. Truth has a way of revealing itself, and we must trust in its power. Life is short, and we must use our time wisely, as Psalm 90:12 reminds us. Regardless of age, God has a purpose for each of us, and He needs mature Christians to guide and encourage the younger generation.
In 2025, let's set intentional goals that encompass spiritual, personal, relational, and professional growth. We must utilize our God-given abilities for His kingdom, whether it's through ministry, community service, or personal development. It's time to stop sitting on our talents and start contributing to the body of Christ. We are called to be a blessing to others, using our resources and time to serve those around us.
Renewing our minds through daily meditation on God's word is essential. We must be intentional in our prayers, fasting, and spiritual disciplines. Staying on track requires regular self-assessment and ensuring our actions align with God's will. Fellowship and community are vital, and we should seek opportunities to connect with others, both within and outside the church.
Finally, we must rest in God's timing, avoiding the rush and comparison that often lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Each of our journeys is unique, and we should embrace our individuality. As we move forward, let's be intentional in our actions, trusting God to guide us through the process and into a year of growth and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
1. Align Your Plans with God's Will: As we enter 2025, it's essential to align our goals with God's purpose. This involves taking inventory of the past year and letting go of what hindered us. By placing Christ at the center of our plans, we ensure that our actions are intentional and directed by His will. [02:51]
2. Embrace Truth and God's Faithfulness: Living truthfully, even when it's difficult, is crucial. God's faithfulness has been evident in our lives, and we must trust in the power of truth. Life is short, and we must use our time wisely, acknowledging that God has a purpose for each of us, regardless of age. [03:25]
3. Utilize Your God-Given Abilities: Each of us has unique talents and abilities that God has given us for His kingdom. It's time to stop sitting on these gifts and start contributing to the body of Christ. Whether it's through ministry, community service, or personal development, we are called to be a blessing to others. [07:28]
4. Renew Your Mind and Stay on Track: Daily meditation on God's word is essential for renewing our minds. We must be intentional in our prayers, fasting, and spiritual disciplines. Regular self-assessment helps ensure our actions align with God's will, keeping us on track in our spiritual journey. [20:03]
5. Rest in God's Timing and Embrace Your Journey: Avoid the rush and comparison that often lead to stress. Each of our journeys is unique, and we should embrace our individuality. Resting in God's timing allows us to experience peace and fulfillment, trusting Him to guide us through the process. [27:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:34] - Reflecting on 2024
- [01:50] - Moving Beyond Resolutions
- [02:51] - Aligning with God's Purpose
- [03:25] - Embracing Truth and Faithfulness
- [06:30] - Utilizing God-Given Abilities
- [07:28] - Setting Intentional Goals
- [08:24] - Serving in Ministry
- [10:19] - Building Community
- [12:57] - Focusing on Health
- [13:44] - Trusting the Process
- [15:45] - Being a Blessing to Others
- [18:58] - Renewing Your Mind
- [20:03] - Staying on Track
- [22:41] - Fellowship and Community
- [27:09] - Resting in God's Timing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 90:12 (NIV) - "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
2. Romans 12:2 - "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."
3. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Psalm 90:12 teach us about the importance of time and wisdom in our lives? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on using our time wisely in 2025? [03:25]
2. In the sermon, what examples were given of how people often set resolutions that quickly fade? How does this compare to setting goals that align with God's purpose? [01:50]
3. How does the pastor describe the process of aligning our plans with God's will? What are some specific abilities mentioned that people might be sitting on? [06:30]
4. What role does community and fellowship play in staying on track with our spiritual journey, according to the sermon? [22:41]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might Psalm 90:12 influence a believer's perspective on setting goals for the new year? What does it mean to "gain a heart of wisdom" in this context?
2. The sermon mentions the importance of renewing our minds through daily meditation on God's word. How does Romans 12:2 support this idea, and what might this transformation look like in a believer's life? [18:58]
3. In what ways does seeking God's kingdom first, as mentioned in Matthew 6:33, challenge the typical approach to New Year's resolutions and goal setting? How does this align with the sermon’s call to put Christ at the center of our plans? [02:51]
4. The pastor talks about being a blessing to others and using our resources to serve. How does this reflect the biblical principle of stewardship, and what might this look like in practical terms? [15:45]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the past year. What are some specific areas where you felt hindered, and how can you let go of these obstacles to align your plans with God's will in 2025? [02:51]
2. Identify one truth that has been difficult for you to embrace. How can you trust in God's faithfulness to help you live truthfully, even when it's challenging? [03:25]
3. Consider your unique talents and abilities. What is one specific way you can use these gifts to contribute to your church or community this year? [07:28]
4. How can you incorporate daily meditation on God's word into your routine? What changes might you need to make to ensure your mind is being renewed regularly? [20:03]
5. Think about your current pace of life. Are there areas where you feel rushed or stressed? How can you rest in God's timing and embrace your unique journey? [27:09]
6. What steps can you take to build stronger relationships within your church community? How can you be intentional about fellowship and supporting others in their spiritual journey? [22:41]
7. Reflect on a recent situation where you compared your journey to someone else's. How can you focus on being an original and embracing the path God has set for you? [27:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning Plans with Divine Purpose
In the beginning of a new year, many people set goals and resolutions. However, these often fade quickly. Instead, it is important to align one's plans with God's purpose. This involves taking a reflective inventory of the past year, acknowledging both successes and shortcomings, and letting go of what hindered progress. By placing Christ at the center of one's plans, actions become intentional and directed by His will. This alignment ensures that the journey is not just about personal achievements but about fulfilling a higher calling. [02:51]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: What specific goal or plan can you realign with God's purpose today, and how will you invite Him into that process?
Day 2: Embracing Truth and God's Faithfulness
Living truthfully is a challenging yet essential aspect of a faithful life. God's faithfulness is evident even when one's actions do not align with His will. Trusting in the power of truth is crucial, as it has a way of revealing itself over time. Life is short, and it is important to use time wisely, recognizing that God has a purpose for everyone, regardless of age. Embracing truth means being honest with oneself and others, and trusting in God's unwavering faithfulness to guide and support through life's challenges. [03:25]
"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name." (Psalm 86:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to embrace truth more fully, and how can you rely on God's faithfulness to support you in this?
Day 3: Utilizing God-Given Abilities
Each person possesses unique talents and abilities bestowed by God for His kingdom. It is time to stop sitting on these gifts and start contributing to the body of Christ. Whether through ministry, community service, or personal development, individuals are called to be a blessing to others. Utilizing these abilities is not just about personal fulfillment but about serving and uplifting those around us. By actively engaging in the community and using one's talents, one can make a meaningful impact and fulfill God's purpose. [07:28]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What specific talent or ability have you been holding back, and how can you begin to use it to serve others today?
Day 4: Renewing the Mind and Staying on Track
Daily meditation on God's word is essential for renewing the mind and staying on track in one's spiritual journey. Intentionality in prayers, fasting, and spiritual disciplines helps ensure that actions align with God's will. Regular self-assessment is crucial to maintaining this alignment and making necessary adjustments. By renewing the mind through scripture and spiritual practices, individuals can stay focused on their path and grow in their relationship with God. This renewal is a continuous process that requires dedication and commitment. [20:03]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific practice can you incorporate into your daily routine to help renew your mind and stay aligned with God's will?
Day 5: Resting in God's Timing and Embracing Your Journey
In a world that often encourages rushing and comparison, it is important to rest in God's timing and embrace one's unique journey. Each person's path is different, and it is essential to avoid the stress and dissatisfaction that come from comparing oneself to others. By trusting in God's timing, individuals can experience peace and fulfillment, knowing that He is guiding them through the process. Embracing individuality and the unique journey God has set forth allows for a more meaningful and content life. [27:09]
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's timing more, and how can you embrace your unique journey today?
Quotes
"Often, you know, you begin with a fresh hope. Well, this year on my calendar, I'm going to go walking so many times a day this day. I'm going to go see about my friends. I'm going to go so many times this way. I'm going to pay this, pay this off. All this, you're doing all of this, but it's God in it. Huh? I want you to think about that." [00:00:38] (26 seconds)
"We want him to be the head of our life. Everything that we do, we want to do it intentionally. But first, we want to consult him. Where are we now? I want you to take an inventory of 2024 of your life. Some of you started out good, but who hindered you?" [00:02:29] (22 seconds)
"Begin to pray and surrender your abilities to God. Your abilities. Some of you have great abilities, but you sit on it. You're great entrepreneurs. You're great stenographers. You're people that can do a lot of things in the ministry, but we don't know. You can write grants." [00:06:39] (25 seconds)
"Take the ability that God has instilled in you and use it for his kingdom. Amen? He needs that. We need that. I found out that there's someone here that has a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in human resources. I never would have known if they hadn't have told me." [00:07:17] (23 seconds)
"Trust God in the process when you're going through something you say you say trust God in the process it don't feel good sometimes you go through certain things and you say oh God is it am I to go through this trust the process listen we go through the process of getting our teeth done am I right it hurts sometimes but we go through the process and after we get it we go smiling every day." [00:14:06] (33 seconds)
"Rest in God's timing avoid rushing or comparing your journey to others and you will have a victorious win avoid rushing I gotta rush to do this I gotta rush to meet this deadline I gotta rush to get home wash the clothes see about the cheer room pay my bills stop rushing stop rushing I don't rush for anything anymore I don't I told you about them clothes in that basket I told them I'll see them later." [00:25:06] (34 seconds)
"Stop comparing yourself. People, be an original. Be who you are. There's only one V-E-F-K. Not another one. I don't think Bishop could take up another one like this. I'm not going to look at him right now. Be an original. Listen, it's good. It's nice to be an original." [00:27:49] (31 seconds)
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