Embracing a Christ-Centered Life in 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Prioritize a Christ-Centered Life

In a world filled with distractions, it is essential to shift our focus towards a Christ-centered life. This involves being vigilant and prayerful, ensuring that our hearts are not overburdened by worldly cares. As we enter 2025, we are called to prioritize God in our lives, aligning ourselves with His purpose and opening the door to His blessings. This shift in focus is not just about avoiding distractions but about actively seeking God's presence and guidance in every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we can experience the peace and joy that come from living a life centered on Christ. [28:52]

Luke 12:35-37 (ESV): "Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes."

Reflection: What is one specific distraction in your life that you can set aside today to focus more on Christ?

Day 2: Own Your Spiritual Growth

Our spiritual journey is a personal responsibility that requires intentionality and dedication. We must actively seek God's will and be intentional in our worship and service. This means not relying on others to carry us but learning to pray and seek God for ourselves. By taking responsibility for our spiritual growth, we can deepen our relationship with God and become more effective in our service to Him. This journey requires commitment and a willingness to grow, even when it is challenging. [35:41]

Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV): "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you need to take more responsibility and how can you start today?

Day 3: Embrace Change for Spiritual Growth

To experience growth and blessings, we must be willing to change and do things differently. Doing the same things will yield the same results, so we are encouraged to embrace change as a means of spiritual growth. This year, let us commit to new ways of serving God and seeking His presence. By being open to change, we can discover new opportunities for growth and deepen our relationship with God. Embracing change requires courage and faith, but it is essential for our spiritual development. [43:29]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What is one new practice or habit you can adopt this week to grow closer to God?

Day 4: Serve God with Joy and Commitment

Serving God should be a joy, not a burden. We are called to serve with enthusiasm and dedication, regardless of the challenges we face. Our commitment to God should be unwavering, and our service should reflect our love for Him. By serving God with joy, we can inspire others and create a positive impact in our community. This joyful service is a testament to our faith and a reflection of God's love in our lives. [37:18]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: How can you bring more joy and enthusiasm into your service to God this week?

Day 5: Trust God as Your Provider

Instead of seeking temporary solutions, we are encouraged to turn to God, who is our ultimate provider and healer. By focusing on Him, we find strength and provision for our needs. Trusting in God's ability to take care of us requires faith and surrender, but it is essential for experiencing His peace and provision. Let us trust in His ability to provide for our every need and rely on Him as our source of strength and support. [34:45]

Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more as your provider, and how can you start doing that today?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the importance of shifting our focus towards a Christ-centered life as we move into 2025. We began by addressing the need for better organization and communication within our church community, particularly concerning Sunday school and maintenance tasks. This is not just about logistics but about creating an environment where everyone can contribute to the work of God. We are reminded that our efforts should be directed towards serving God and fulfilling His will in our lives.

We delved into Luke 21, emphasizing the need to be vigilant and prayerful, ensuring that our hearts are not weighed down by the distractions and cares of this world. The scripture warns us about being caught unawares by the day of the Lord, urging us to maintain a focus on spiritual readiness. This readiness is not just about anticipating the second coming of Christ but about living a life that is constantly aligned with God's purpose.

The message today is a call to action for each of us to evaluate our priorities. Are we allowing the cares of this life to overshadow our commitment to God? Are we seeking temporary solutions to our problems instead of turning to God, our ultimate provider and healer? We are encouraged to take responsibility for our spiritual journey, to seek God first in all things, and to trust that He will provide for our needs.

As we look forward to 2025, let us commit to making this a year of change. A year where we actively seek God's will, where we are not just hearers of the word but doers. Let us be intentional in our worship, in our service, and in our daily lives, ensuring that our focus remains on God. By doing so, we open ourselves to the blessings and the joy that come from a life fully surrendered to Him.

Key Takeaways

1. Shift Your Focus to God: As we enter 2025, it's crucial to shift our focus from the distractions of life to a Christ-centered perspective. This involves being vigilant and prayerful, ensuring that our hearts are not overburdened by worldly cares. By prioritizing God, we align ourselves with His purpose and open the door to His blessings. [28:52]
2. Take Responsibility for Your Spiritual Journey: Our spiritual growth is our responsibility. We must actively seek God's will and be intentional in our worship and service. This means not relying on others to carry us but learning to pray and seek God for ourselves. [35:41]
3. Embrace Change for Growth: Doing the same things will yield the same results. To experience growth and blessings, we must be willing to change and do things differently. This year, let us commit to new ways of serving God and seeking His presence. [43:29]
4. Serve God with Joy and Commitment: Serving God should be a joy, not a burden. We are called to serve with enthusiasm and dedication, regardless of the challenges we face. Our commitment to God should be unwavering, and our service should reflect our love for Him. [37:18]
5. Trust God as Your Provider: Instead of seeking temporary solutions, turn to God, who is our ultimate provider and healer. By focusing on Him, we find strength and provision for our needs. Let us trust in His ability to take care of us and provide for our every need. [34:45]
** [34:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:52] - Sunday School and Planning
[24:41] - Online Attendance and Communication
[26:27] - Church Maintenance and Security
[27:58] - Introduction to Luke 21
[28:52] - Shifting Our Focus
[30:03] - The Coming of Christ
[31:38] - Seeking God's Will
[32:40] - True Religion and Responsibility
[33:54] - Turning to God First
[34:45] - God as Our Provider
[35:41] - Personal Responsibility
[36:34] - Martha and Mary: Choosing the Better Part
[37:18] - Joy in Serving God
[38:02] - Excitement in Worship
[39:39] - Refocusing on God
[40:20] - Serving God Despite Challenges
[41:23] - Family and Faith
[42:20] - Prioritizing God
[43:29] - Embracing Change
[44:54] - Living the Gospel
[45:24] - Morning Devotions
[46:19] - Budgeting and Finances
[47:04] - Giving God Praise
[47:57] - Refocusing and Prayer
[48:47] - Public Prayer and Gratitude
[49:14] - Commitment to God's Will
[49:46] - Serving in the Church
[50:19] - Finishing the Work
[51:08] - Task Completion and Blessings
[52:14] - Faithfulness in Service
[53:00] - Overcoming Challenges
[53:40] - Strength and Determination
[54:38] - Seeking Joy and Peace
[55:19] - Permanent Joy in God
[56:04] - Praying for Deliverance
[57:01] - Year of Change
[57:54] - Prayer and Dedication
[59:02] - Seeking the Kingdom of God
[59:48] - Worship and Praise
[60:16] - Intentional Worship
[60:52] - Prayer for Healing and Change
[61:25] - Online Prayer Requests
[62:01] - Commitment to Growth
[63:21] - Rising Above Challenges
[64:25] - Meaning Business with God
[65:06] - Humility in Blessings
[66:05] - God's Faithfulness
[67:39] - Financial Stewardship
[72:05] - Fellowship and Planning

Sermon Clips

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life. So that day come upon you unawares, for as the snare shall come on all of them that dwell on the face of the whole earth, watch ye therefore and pray always that you may be worthy to escape all the things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man. [00:28:11] (27 seconds)

Now I know this scripture, when people will first read it, saying that it's really not for us right now, that it's for the coming of the second coming of Christ. And I understand that that's what the scripture's about. But there's some lessons here that Jesus wanted us to know as we prepare for that day. These scriptures, yes, are talking about the coming of Christ. And I understand it. But you see, there's two things that we see about the coming of Christ. There's going to be one aspect where he's going to come as a thief in the night. [00:29:27] (27 seconds)

And as we're working toward 2025 and really letting God make this the year of change in people's lives, we have to begin more thinking about God. What would you have me do? God, where would you have me to work? How would you want me to labor? God, what is your will for me in this year? [00:30:48] (18 seconds)

You can keep on doing the same things and you're going to have the same results. But somebody in this sanctuary wants a brand new life. Somebody wants to go higher in God. Somebody wants the windows of heaven opened up to where blessings can fall upon them. That's only going to happen as we begin to do different things. We've got to shift our focus. Instead of beginning to say, I'm busy doing this, and I'm busy doing that, then we have to pray, God, what would you have me to do? [00:31:37] (25 seconds)

I appreciate those that have a love for God and will shift their focus. Instead of saying, everybody come take care of me, they learn how to get to the same God that I got a hold of. He's my blesser. He's my provider. He's my healer. When I need something, I can go to God. And what I'm trying to teach this morning is if you do the same thing, he'll bless you also. He's the healer. Can somebody say he's my healer? Come on now. He's my healer. He's my provider. [00:33:00] (29 seconds)

My health, my mental health is my responsibility. My life is my responsibility. I've got to do whatever it takes to move the distractions of this life away so that I can get focused on God. Lord Jesus, I need a healing today, God. Lord Jesus, touch my mind today. God, I need some joy. I need some peace. It's my responsibility to get a hold of God. [00:35:41] (22 seconds)

Serving God ought to be a thrill in your life right now. Serving God should not be a drudgery. Something that you have to make happen. Something that you've got to force yourself to do. That worship ought to come forth. As Brother Franklin said, I was excited. He was ready to worship God. How many are ready to praise his name this morning? Come on, how many are ready to give God all the praise and all the glory? He's worthy of praise. He's worthy of praise. He's worthy of praise. you begin to look at it. [00:37:18] (29 seconds)

I've told my family a long time ago, and I love my family. I thank God for each one of them. I pray and I take the name for God. But I'm going to serve God with you or without you. I've come too far to give up. Now, I've prayed for this one, I've prayed for that one, but there's different ones in the family. They may be upset about something, they may be mad about something, but when it's all said and done, I've got to stand before God. [00:41:23] (21 seconds)

Somebody wants to start a new business this year. That's a good thing. God can bless you. You can start your own business. I believe that we have people here that have a good head on their shoulders. And if they allow the Holy Ghost to help them, they can become that nurse, that doctor, this insurance agent. Whatever God lays upon your heart to do, I believe by God's grace, you can do that. But that does not come before God. We put God first. [00:44:04] (24 seconds)

Years ago, we had a lady that she was on food stamps, and she came to me. She said, Pastor Tucker, I don't have anything. I get food stamps, but I want to do right before God. I want to pay tithe. I want how to pay tithe. She had nothing coming in, and she still was concerned about paying her tithe. How much more people that have a job or have regular income coming in? So now, we're not going to beat that dead horse every week, but at the same time, I want people to realize, when you do right by God, he'll do right by you. [01:07:47] (28 seconds)

All right. So it's going to be a wonderful year. We've got a lot of things to talk about. So hopefully you pray and ask God, what can you do this year? What does God want you to do? I want you to be part of the work of God. We're going to talk about the very first thing. We're going to talk about the various teams that we have available. Maybe you've got something else that God's laid upon your heart. But let's talk about that. And then we're going to plan a time to get there. When we have our planning meeting, it'll be a dinner. [01:12:05] (25 seconds)

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