Embracing God's Guidance and Love in the New Year

 

Summary

In this time of worship, we are reminded of God's immense grace and mercy, which fills the heavens and the earth. God, in His infinite love, chose to become one of us through Jesus Christ, sharing in our joys and sorrows. This divine love is vast enough to encompass the universe yet intimate enough to dwell within our hearts. As we enter a new year, we are called to reflect on our lives and consider the resolutions we make. These resolutions are not just about self-improvement but about seeking a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. The story of the wise men following the star to find Jesus serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual journey. Just as they were guided by a light, we too need guidance to navigate the challenges of life.

The narrative of Mary and Joseph, facing the threat of King Herod, illustrates the reality of fear and uncertainty. Yet, it also highlights God's providence and protection. Despite the chaos, God provided for them, ensuring they had what they needed to fulfill their mission. This story reassures us that God is with us in our darkest moments, guiding us through life's storms. We are reminded that God is our good shepherd, leading us to green pastures and still waters, restoring our souls. He is the leader we long for, one who embodies integrity, wisdom, and compassion.

As we look to the year ahead, we are encouraged to seek God's guidance for our lives and our church. We are called to trust in His provision and to be open to His leading, whether through ordinary people, dreams, or His Word. In doing so, we can live with peace and joy, knowing that God has everything under control. Let us embrace this new year with faith, trusting that God will reveal His purpose for us and provide all that we need to fulfill it.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Intimate Love: God's love is both vast and personal, capable of embracing the universe while dwelling in our hearts. This love is demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who shares in our human experiences. As we reflect on this love, we are invited to open our hearts to God's presence and allow His grace to transform us. [09:35]

2. Guidance in Uncertainty: The story of the wise men following the star to Jesus reminds us of the importance of seeking divine guidance. In times of uncertainty, we are called to look to God for direction, trusting that He will lead us to where we need to be. This journey requires faith and a willingness to follow the light that God provides. [14:36]

3. God's Provision in Trials: Mary and Joseph's experience with King Herod illustrates God's provision in the midst of trials. Despite the danger they faced, God ensured they had the resources they needed. This serves as a reminder that God is with us in our struggles, providing for our needs and guiding us through difficult times. [29:38]

4. The Good Shepherd's Care: God is our good shepherd, leading us to places of rest and restoration. He cares for us deeply, guiding us through life's challenges and ensuring our well-being. In moments of fear and anxiety, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us, leading us down the right path. [26:47]

5. Trusting God's Plan: As we enter a new year, we are encouraged to seek God's purpose for our lives and trust in His plan. God promises to guide us and provide all that we need to fulfill our mission. By placing our trust in Him, we can live with peace and confidence, knowing that He has everything under control. [34:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [09:35] - Prayer of Confession
- [10:30] - Good News of the Gospel
- [12:53] - New Year's Reflections
- [14:36] - The Epiphany and Guidance
- [18:05] - The Threat of Herod
- [19:22] - Herod's Deception
- [20:47] - Life's Storms and God's Presence
- [23:32] - The Wise Men's Journey
- [25:07] - Longing for a True Leader
- [26:47] - The Good Shepherd's Care
- [28:31] - Gifts and God's Provision
- [29:38] - God's Template for Our Lives
- [31:09] - Trusting in God's Plan
- [34:01] - Seeking God's Mission for 2025
- [40:32] - Prayer for Guidance and Provision

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Matthew 2:1-12 (The Visit of the Wise Men)
2. Psalm 23 (The Lord is My Shepherd)
3. John 10:11-15 (The Good Shepherd)

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Observation Questions:

1. What motivated the wise men to follow the star, and what did they find upon reaching their destination? [14:36]

2. How did God provide for Mary and Joseph during their trials, especially in the face of King Herod's threat? [29:38]

3. In Psalm 23, what are the characteristics of the Good Shepherd, and how do they relate to God's care for us?

4. How does Jesus describe His role as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11-15, and what does this imply about His relationship with us?

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the journey of the wise men serve as a metaphor for our own spiritual journey in seeking Jesus? [14:36]

2. In what ways does the story of Mary and Joseph illustrate God's provision and protection during times of uncertainty? [29:38]

3. How can the imagery of the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23 and John 10 help us understand God's guidance and care in our lives?

4. What does it mean to trust in God's plan for our lives, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties? [34:01]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt guided by God in a moment of uncertainty. How did you recognize His guidance, and what was the outcome? [14:36]

2. Consider a current challenge you are facing. How can you trust in God's provision and protection as Mary and Joseph did? [29:38]

3. Psalm 23 speaks of God leading us to green pastures and still waters. What are some practical ways you can seek rest and restoration in your life this week?

4. Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, knowing He cares for you so deeply? [26:47]

5. As you enter this new year, what specific steps can you take to seek God's purpose for your life and trust in His plan? [34:01]

6. Identify one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's control. What is one action you can take this week to surrender that area to Him?

7. How can you be a source of guidance and support for others in your community, reflecting the care of the Good Shepherd? [31:09]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Love: Vast and Personal
God's love is a profound mystery that transcends the vastness of the universe while also dwelling intimately within our hearts. This love is most clearly demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who chose to share in our human experiences, embracing both our joys and sorrows. As we reflect on this divine love, we are invited to open our hearts to God's presence, allowing His grace to transform us from within. This transformation is not just about personal change but about understanding the depth of God's love and how it can shape our lives. [09:35]

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-19, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a moment when you felt God's love deeply. How can you open your heart to experience His love more fully today?


Day 2: Seeking Divine Guidance in Uncertainty
The story of the wise men following the star to find Jesus serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual journey. In times of uncertainty, we are called to seek divine guidance, trusting that God will lead us to where we need to be. This journey requires faith and a willingness to follow the light that God provides, even when the path is unclear. By looking to God for direction, we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence, knowing that He is guiding us every step of the way. [14:36]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!" (Psalm 119:105-107, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel uncertain? How can you seek God's guidance and light in this situation today?


Day 3: God's Provision in Trials
Mary and Joseph's experience with King Herod illustrates God's provision in the midst of trials. Despite the danger they faced, God ensured they had the resources they needed to fulfill their mission. This story serves as a reminder that God is with us in our struggles, providing for our needs and guiding us through difficult times. We are encouraged to trust in God's providence, knowing that He will provide for us, even in the most challenging circumstances. [29:38]

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Philippians 4:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Recall a time when you faced a trial and experienced God's provision. How can you trust in His provision for a current challenge you are facing?


Day 4: The Good Shepherd's Care
God is our good shepherd, leading us to places of rest and restoration. He cares for us deeply, guiding us through life's challenges and ensuring our well-being. In moments of fear and anxiety, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us, leading us down the right path. This assurance allows us to live with peace and confidence, trusting in His care and guidance. [26:47]

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me." (John 10:11-14, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's care as your good shepherd? How can you rest in His guidance today?


Day 5: Trusting God's Plan
As we enter a new year, we are encouraged to seek God's purpose for our lives and trust in His plan. God promises to guide us and provide all that we need to fulfill our mission. By placing our trust in Him, we can live with peace and confidence, knowing that He has everything under control. This trust is not passive but requires active engagement with God's Word and a willingness to follow His leading. [34:01]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil." (Proverbs 3:5-7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan? How can you actively seek His guidance and trust in His purpose for you today?

Quotes


During this time of worship, surprise us with your grace once again, that we, with the whole church, and your precious creation, may praise and honor your holy name. O God, our creator, redeemer, and sustainer. Amen. [00:09:09] (21 seconds)


In him we find God's acceptance, God's help, God's love, God's heart. God's compassion. In him we find all that we need to be all that we long to be. And he is ours and we are his and all will be made well through him for you and for me. Amen. [00:10:22] (27 seconds)


And usually around New Year's you start to think about the next year and you make, what do you make? So there's a year, and is there a resolution to have more showers and baths in 2025? No. No? I don't have time to do that. Oh, so you don't have time to do a shower or a bath. [00:12:36] (30 seconds)


But you're always moving in a direction. And sometimes we need what's called a little bit of light to guide us. And today, we talk about epiphany where God guided a bunch of wise men to find Jesus. And so he put a light in the sky so they could follow it. [00:14:06] (16 seconds)


And the most important thing to figure out is who Jesus is and what he's done for us. Because if you get that right, then everything else comes into its right place. Just as these wise men found out. Well, let's pray. Dear God, help us to find out what good resolutions we can make this year. [00:14:51] (27 seconds)


And so I'm a little worried, and part of me is not worried because I know who God is. See, I know God's got this. Like God, and there's parts of my life and parts of your life where we can get all freaked out, wondering, oh my gosh, how are we going to get through, right? [00:20:12] (17 seconds)


And sometimes we can think that about our own lives. Like, God, why are you making my life more difficult than it needs to be? Why are you poking this problem and that problem and creating this hornet? And I think because God's got this. He's got you. And in the middle of whatever storm we might be in, God is right there with us, you see? [00:22:21] (25 seconds)


There's something in us that longs for a leader who will guide us down the right path and who is about the best for us in our world, who has integrity and kindness and wisdom and truthfulness. And power and strength and compassion who will, when the choice is made, lay down his life for us. [00:25:36] (33 seconds)


And that's the thing about God. You see, he's got this. He's got the provisions that they need in order to live the life he's calling them to. And it becomes like a template for our life with Christ. You see, they're like the first people to have Christ literally in their life. [00:29:48] (20 seconds)


And as they literally have him in their life, they're getting dreams, they're getting shepherds, they're getting angels, they're getting this whole, they're getting the Word of God. Like, they're getting all of this. Outside help in order for them to navigate down the right road for his name's sake that he be glorified. [00:30:08] (18 seconds)


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Transcript
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