Embracing God's New Beginnings and Transformative Power

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's New Path

In life, God offers us the opportunity to start anew, regardless of our past failures or mistakes. This is a profound truth that resonates with the promise God made to the Israelites in Isaiah 43:18-19. They were in exile, facing the consequences of their actions, yet God promised them a new beginning. This promise is a testament to His grace and willingness to provide fresh starts. As we step into a new year, we are invited to leave behind our past mistakes and embrace the new opportunities God is preparing for us. This requires faith and a willingness to trust in His plans, knowing that He is always working for our good. [52:27]

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 past mistake or failure do you need to let go of today to fully embrace the new opportunities God is offering you?

Day 2: Learning from the Past, Not Living in It

Our past experiences, whether good or bad, are valuable lessons that shape who we are. However, they should not become chains that hold us back from moving forward. The Israelites' exile was a result of their turning away from God, yet it also served as a powerful lesson on the consequences of idolatry and pride. By choosing to focus on the present and future, we allow God to work in new and unexpected ways in our lives. This perspective encourages us to learn from our past without being defined by it, opening our hearts to the new paths God is creating. [01:09:04]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV): "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What is one lesson from your past that you can use to positively influence your present and future decisions?

Day 3: Seeing Through God's Perspective

Understanding what God is doing in our lives requires us to see through His eyes, using the lens of faith. This means trusting in His promises and believing that He is working for our good, even when we cannot see the full picture. The Israelites, despite their circumstances, were called to trust in God's promise of renewal. Similarly, we are encouraged to have faith in God's plans, knowing that He is orchestrating everything for our benefit. By aligning our perspective with His, we can navigate life's uncertainties with confidence and hope. [01:19:42]

2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's unseen work, and how can you begin to see it through His perspective today?

Day 4: Walking with the Way Maker

God is the ultimate Way Maker, creating paths where there seem to be none. By walking with Him and following His guidance, we can navigate life's uncertainties and reach the destinations He has planned for us. This journey requires trust and obedience to His word, as well as a willingness to follow His lead, even when the path is unclear. The Israelites were reminded of God's ability to make a way in the wilderness, and we too can rely on His guidance to lead us through our own challenges. [01:33:22]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What is one step you can take today to walk more closely with God and trust Him to make a way in your current situation?

Day 5: Trusting in God's Timing and Provision

God's provision is always timely and sufficient. He knows our needs and will provide for them in His perfect timing. This truth calls us to rely on His strength and wisdom, facing any challenge with confidence, knowing that He is in control. The Israelites experienced God's timely provision during their exile, and we too can trust that He will meet our needs at the right time. By surrendering our worries and trusting in His timing, we can experience His peace and assurance in every aspect of our lives. [01:25:56]

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's timing and provision, and how can you actively seek His kingdom in that area today?

Sermon Summary

In this sermon, the focus is on the theme "All Things New," emphasizing the transformative power of faith and God's promises. As we enter the new year, it's a time to reflect on the past, learn from it, and embrace the new opportunities God is preparing for us. The sermon draws from Isaiah 43:18-19, where God promises to do something new for the Israelites, who were in exile in Babylon. This promise is a reminder that God is always ready to provide a fresh start, regardless of past failures or challenges.

The Israelites' exile serves as a lesson on the consequences of turning away from God, highlighting issues like the overwhelming power of enemies, idolatry, and pride. Despite these challenges, God offers redemption and a new beginning. The sermon encourages us to not dwell on past mistakes but to focus on the new paths God is creating. It emphasizes the importance of faith, seeing through God's perspective, and walking with Him to navigate life's uncertainties.

As we step into 2025, the message is clear: trust in God's ability to make a way where there seems to be none. By prioritizing God, avoiding idolatry, and maintaining humility, we can experience His blessings and guidance. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging the congregation to embrace God's new work in their lives by following His path and trusting in His timing.

Key Takeaways

1. 19, He invites us to leave behind past mistakes and embrace the new opportunities He provides. This requires faith and a willingness to move forward, trusting in His plans. [52:27]
2. Learn from the Past, Don't Live in It: While we cannot forget the past, we can choose not to live in it. Our past experiences should serve as lessons, not as chains that hold us back. By focusing on the present and future, we allow God to work in new and unexpected ways in our lives.

3. See Through God's Perspective: To understand what God is doing, we must see through His eyes, using the lens of faith. This means trusting in His promises and believing that He is working for our good, even when we cannot see the full picture.

4. Walk with the Way Maker: God is the one who makes a way where there seems to be none. By walking with Him and following His guidance, we can navigate life's uncertainties and reach the destinations He has planned for us. This requires trust and obedience to His word.

5. Trust in God's Timing and Provision: God's provision is always timely and sufficient. He knows our needs and will provide for them in His perfect timing. By relying on His strength and wisdom, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that He is in control.

** [52:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:21] - The Greatest Miracle
[46:27] - Starting the Year with God
[48:14] - All Things New
[48:55] - New Beginnings at GSJS
[50:35] - Reading from Isaiah 43
[52:27] - Context of Isaiah's Promise
[55:31] - The Power of the Enemy
[58:46] - Idolatry and Its Consequences
[60:07] - The Danger of Pride
[63:27] - God's Promise of Renewal
[65:44] - Forgetting the Past
[69:04] - Learning from the Past
[77:36] - Seeing Through God's Perspective
[85:56] - God's Timely Provision
[93:22] - Walking with the Way Maker

Sermon Clips

Hari ini kita mau belajar firman Tuhan. Yang siap mendengar firman katakan amin. Kita buka kita sama -sama di dalam Yesaya 43. Ayatnya yang ke -14 sampai ayatnya yang ke -21. Mohon maaf sampai ayatnya yang ke -19. Yesaya pasalnya yang ke -43. Kita baca ayat 14 sampai ayat 19. [00:50:35]

Janganlah ingat -ingat hal -hal yang dahulu. Dan janganlah perhatikan hal -hal yang dari zaman purba kala. Ayat 19 baca sama -sama dengan keras. 1, 2, 3. Iya. Lihat. Aku hendak membuat sesuatu yang baru. Yang sekarang sudah tumbuh. Tidak. Belumkah kamu mengetahuinya. Iya. Apa? Aku hendak membuat jalan di padang gurun. [00:51:10]

Dari situ kita belajar bahwa Tuhan itu. Apapun kesalahan saudara di masa lalu. Apapun kegagalan saudara 2024. Itu gak menentukan masa depan saudara. Karena kita gak bisa merubah yang sudah terjadi. Tetapi Tuhan bisa membuat sesuatu. Sesuatu yang baru. Untuk memberikan kesempatan baru buat saudara. [01:03:51]

Kegagalan masa lalu saudara gak menentukan masa depan saudara. Tapi engkau akan lihat. Kalau engkau kembali ke Tuhan. Kau setia kepada Tuhan. Engkau mengasihi Tuhan. Kau mengikut Tuhan tahun ini. Saya percaya dia membuat sesuatu. Sesuatu yang baru dalam hidup saudara. Dan dia membuka jalan yang ajaib. [01:04:55]

Tuhan kita adalah Tuhan yang full of surprises. Tuhan kita adalah Tuhan yang penuh dengan kejutan. Tahun ini Tuhan akan mengerjakan sesuatu yang saudara gak pernah bayangkan sebelumnya. Saya berdoa Tuhan mengerjakan sesuatu yang baru dengan cara yang baru. Jangan batasin Tuhan. [01:17:09]

Kalau saudara mau melihat apa yang dia akan lakukan. Lihat. Katat perintah yang kedua. Yaitu kita harus melihat apa yang Tuhan lihat. Ulangin sama -sama. Satu, dua, tiga, apa? Melihat apa yang Tuhan lihat. Melihat apa yang Tuhan lihat. Hari ini kalau saudara mau lihat sesuatu yang baru. [01:19:22]

Kalau kita lihat pakai kacamatanya Tuhan. Kita lihat ada kepastian. Bahwa Tuhan pasti mengenapi semua jaji -jajinya. Kasih tepuk tangan. Yang paling meriah buatmu. Lihat itu dari perspektifnya Tuhan. Tahun ini. Lihat semuanya itu dari perspektif Tuhan. Apa perspektifnya Tuhan? [01:22:24]

Penyediaan Tuhan selalu tepat waktu. Kalau dia menyediakan buat saudara, selalu tepat waktu. Dan selalu sesuai dengan yang saudara dan saya butuhkan. Waktu orang Israel keluar dari Mesir, itu laut. Air yang jadi masalah mereka. Tapi Tuhan bisa pakai air, jadi. Dikatakan dibelah. [01:25:34]

Tuhan gak pernah kehabisan cara untuk memelihara dan menyediakan apa yang saudara butuhkan tepat pada waktunya. Tembuk tangan yang lebih mantap dong buat Tuhan. Dan yang ketiga, dari perspektif Tuhan. Caranya tidak terbatas. Boleh? Boleh ulangin sama -sama dengan saya. Apa caranya? [01:26:40]

Tuhan lagi kasih tau gini, eh, aku yang buka jalan untuk kamu jalannya itu aku yang buat karena itu perintah ketiga kalau saudara mau lihat sesuatu yang baru, catet berjalanlah dengan pembuat jalan itu, ada amin? Walk with the way maker jalan aja sama Tuhan. [01:34:32]

Karena itu jalanlah sama Tuhan yang udah tau jalannya gak mungkin tersesat karena firman Tuhan berkata dia adalah alfa dan dia udah tau jalannya, dia udah tau dia udah ada di akhir tahun 2025 jalan aja sama Tuhan ikuti jalan Tuhan kalau kita ikuti jalan Tuhan, kita terus ikut Tuhan. [01:35:53]

Percayalah pada saat saudara ikut jalan Tuhan. Dia akan membuat semuanya indah pada waktunya. Kasih tepuk tangan yang paling meriah buat Tuhan. Sama -sama katakan. Aku punya Tuhan yang besar. Yang tak berjanji. [01:39:28]

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