Embracing Change: Making Every Moment Count

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Power of Choice

Life is a series of moments, each offering a unique opportunity for change and growth. As we approach a new year, it's essential to recognize that our future is shaped by our present actions and thoughts. Embracing change requires a conscious decision to move forward, leaving behind past regrets and focusing on the potential of the present. This mindset allows us to harness the power of choice, enabling us to transform our lives and align with our divine purpose. By choosing to embrace change, we open ourselves to the possibilities that each moment holds, allowing us to grow and evolve into the individuals we are meant to be. [05:26]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to embrace change? How can you take a step today to make a positive choice in that area?

Day 2: Trust in Divine Potential

Belief in God and oneself is foundational to making life count. Created in God's image, each person carries a divine purpose and potential. Trusting in God's promises and one's abilities is crucial for fulfilling one's destiny. This belief empowers individuals to overcome self-doubt and embrace their inherent greatness. By acknowledging the divine potential within, one can navigate life's challenges with confidence and purpose, knowing that they are equipped to achieve their God-given mission. [14:16]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively trust in your God-given potential today? How can you remind yourself of your divine purpose when faced with self-doubt?

Day 3: Conquer Fear with Faith

Fear often acts as a barrier to progress, but faith in God as our light and salvation can help overcome it. Trusting in God's presence and promises dispels fear and darkness, allowing individuals to move forward with confidence. Praise and worship serve as powerful tools to reinforce faith, enabling believers to face challenges with courage. By focusing on God's strength and guidance, one can conquer fear and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. [25:26]

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a fear that has been holding you back. How can you use faith and worship to confront and overcome this fear today?

Day 4: Stand Firm in Truth and Righteousness

In challenging times, standing firm in faith is crucial. By putting on the whole armor of God, believers can withstand trials and remain steadfast in truth and righteousness. This spiritual armor provides strength and protection, enabling individuals to navigate life's difficulties with resilience. Relying on God's guidance and strength, one can maintain integrity and uphold their values, even when circumstances seem daunting. [28:59]

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:13, ESV)

Reflection: What specific piece of God's armor do you need to put on today to stand firm in your faith? How can you actively incorporate this into your daily routine?

Day 5: Cultivate Discipline and Perseverance

Discipline is key to making every moment count. Whether breaking old habits or forming new ones, perseverance and commitment are essential. By disciplining oneself, individuals align with God's will and open the door to His blessings. This process involves cultivating good habits, such as regular Bible reading and prayer, which strengthen one's spiritual journey. Through discipline and perseverance, believers can rise above challenges and embrace the future with courage and hope. [40:11]

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things." (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: What is one habit you need to cultivate or break to align more closely with God's will? How can you commit to this change starting today?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound importance of making every moment in our lives count. As we approach the end of 2024, it's crucial to reflect on the past year and recognize that while we cannot change what has already happened, we have the power to shape our future. Life is a collection of moments, and each one holds the potential for growth, transformation, and impact. We are reminded that change is a choice, and it begins with a desire to move forward, to embrace the new year with a renewed mindset and determination.

The essence of making life count lies in our ability to believe in God, in ourselves, and in the promises He has made. We are created in His image, and with that comes an inherent greatness and purpose. It's essential to stop making excuses and take responsibility for our actions, knowing that the Lord is our strength and our song. Overcoming fear is another critical aspect, as fear often holds us back from realizing our full potential. By trusting in God as our light and salvation, we can face any challenge with confidence.

Standing firm in our faith, even when circumstances seem daunting, is vital. We must put on the whole armor of God, standing for truth and righteousness, and being disciplined in our daily walk. Discipline is not just about avoiding bad habits but also about cultivating good ones, such as regular Bible reading and prayer. Finally, we are called to soar, to rise above our past and current challenges, and to embrace the future with courage and hope. By making every moment count, we align ourselves with God's divine purpose and experience the fullness of life He intends for us.

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Change and Growth: Life is a series of moments, and each one offers an opportunity for change and growth. As we step into a new year, we must choose to embrace change, recognizing that our future is shaped by our present actions and thoughts. [05:26]
2. Believe in God and Yourself: Our belief in God and in ourselves is foundational to making life count. We are created in God's image, and with that comes a divine purpose and potential. Trust in His promises and in your own abilities to fulfill your destiny. [14:16]
3. Overcome Fear with Faith: Fear can be a significant barrier to progress, but by trusting in God as our light and salvation, we can overcome it. Praise and worship are powerful tools to dispel fear and darkness, allowing us to move forward with confidence. [25:26]
4. Stand Firm in Faith: In challenging times, standing firm in our faith is crucial. By putting on the whole armor of God, we can withstand trials and remain steadfast in truth and righteousness. Our strength comes from God, and we must rely on Him to guide us. [28:59]
5. Discipline and Perseverance: Discipline is key to making every moment count. Whether it's breaking old habits or forming new ones, perseverance and commitment are essential. By disciplining ourselves, we align with God's will and open the door to His blessings. [40:11]
** [40:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - Acknowledging Volunteers
[02:10] - Making Moments Count
[03:27] - Challenges of the Holidays
[04:03] - Embracing Change
[05:26] - The Power of Choice
[06:46] - Rejoicing in Today
[08:42] - Significance of Numbers
[10:29] - Divine Order and Purpose
[12:42] - Pressing Forward
[14:16] - Strategies for Making Life Count
[17:46] - Overcoming Excuses
[22:28] - Overcoming Fear
[27:05] - Rebuking Fear
[28:59] - Standing Firm
[33:42] - The Power of Testimony
[38:33] - Being the Difference
[40:11] - Discipline and Breakthrough
[43:39] - Rising Above Challenges
[47:24] - Inspirational Testimony
[51:28] - Declaration of Faith

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Psalm 118:24 encourage us to do with each day that God has given us? How does this relate to making every moment count? [06:46]
According to Philippians 3:14, what is the goal that Paul is pressing toward, and how does this relate to the idea of making life count? [12:42]
In Ephesians 6:13, what is the purpose of putting on the whole armor of God, and how does this help us stand firm in our faith? [28:59]
How does the sermon describe the importance of overcoming fear with faith, and what role does praise play in this process? [25:26]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of "making every moment count" challenge the way individuals typically view their daily lives and decisions? [02:10]
What does it mean to "stand firm in faith" according to the sermon, and how can this be practically applied in times of personal challenge? [28:59]
How does the sermon suggest individuals can overcome fear, and what biblical principles are used to support this approach? [22:28]
In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to embrace change and growth as they enter a new year? [04:03]

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent moment where you felt you didn't make it count. What could you have done differently to align with God's purpose for you? [05:26]
Identify a fear that has been holding you back. How can you use faith and praise to overcome this fear in the coming week? [25:26]
Consider an area in your life where you need to stand firm in faith. What steps can you take to put on the whole armor of God in this situation? [28:59]
Think about a habit you want to change or a new one you want to cultivate. What specific actions will you take over the next 41 days to achieve this? [40:11]
How can you discipline yourself to incorporate regular Bible reading and prayer into your daily routine? What time of day works best for you? [40:56]
Reflect on a past mistake that you have been dwelling on. How can you press forward and use it as a stepping stone for growth in 2025? [12:42]
Identify one way you can be the difference in your community or church this week. What practical steps will you take to make this happen? [38:33]

Sermon Clips

Every moment counts. For instance, Psalm 118 .24 says, This is the day, today, right now, December 29, 2024. This is the day that the Lord, has made. He made this day for you to enjoy, for you to live, for you to overcome. [00:06:12] (34 seconds)

We have to believe God. We have to believe who He is. We have to believe in the anointing. We have to believe in Him. his healing tower we have to believe that he is the one that will deliver us we have to believe that Jesus died and rose again on the third day. [00:15:17] (17 seconds)

We have to stop making excuses and we all have them i thought i'd get at least one amen there we all have them we've all made them it's easy to make an excuse it's a little more difficult to take responsibility it's my fault i take the blame put it on me. [00:18:26] (28 seconds)

The Lord is my light and my salvation. It says, when the wicked, even my enemies, come against me to eat of my flesh, they stumbled and fell. The war should rise against me. In this one thing I will be confident. I will dwell in the house of the Lord. [00:26:18] (14 seconds)

Ephesians 6, 13. Therefore, take up the whole. armor of God all of it all of it that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all when you've done everything you know to do stand you may not see the victory yet that's all right. [00:28:59] (34 seconds)

You have to be careful what you speak. Your life follows your words. Let me say it again. You have to be careful what you speak because your life follows your words. What you say is what you get. Whether you say you can or say you can't, you're right. [00:36:13] (20 seconds)

Discipline yourself. You want to lose weight? Discipline yourself. It's a science. It's just like your finances. If you spend more than you make, you're in the red. You either have to make more or spend less. It's math. If you're gaining weight. [00:40:11] (26 seconds)

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