Embracing Kingdom Values in a New Year

Devotional

Day 1: Gratitude and Intercession

As we embark on a new year, it is essential to cultivate a heart of gratitude for the life we have and the eternal promises we hold. Acknowledging God's protection and guidance, we are reminded to intercede for those facing adversities such as natural disasters and health issues. Our prayers should also extend to our nation's leaders, seeking wisdom for them to make decisions that promote peace and progress. This practice of gratitude and intercession not only aligns us with God's heart but also strengthens our community as we support one another in prayer. [10:28]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison." (Colossians 4:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life or community is in need of prayer today, and how can you intentionally intercede for them?

Day 2: Aligning Cultural and Kingdom Values

Our lives are often shaped by cultural values such as hard work, freedom, and family. While these are significant, they must be aligned with Kingdom values, which are rooted in the Spirit and transcend societal norms. Kingdom values like love, joy, and peace guide us to live more like Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that these values are not just abstract concepts but are lived out through actions such as gentleness and bearing one another's burdens. As we reflect on our values, we are called to ensure they align with the eternal principles of God's Kingdom. [21:51]

"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 cultural value do you hold that needs to be realigned with Kingdom values, and what steps can you take to make this shift?

Day 3: Jesus' Temptation and True Values

In the wilderness, Jesus exemplified Kingdom values when tempted by the devil, demonstrating that true life is more than material possessions. Our worship and values should be centered on God, not on worldly gains. This perspective reminds us of the higher purpose in life, urging us to focus on our relationship with God and the values that reflect His Kingdom. As we reset our lives this year, let us prioritize what truly matters and resist the temptation to be swayed by materialism. [29:31]

"And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'" (Luke 12:15, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to prioritize material possessions over your relationship with God, and how can you refocus your values?

Day 4: Testing of Values

Our values will inevitably be tested, especially in times of trial. We are encouraged to remain steadfast, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. Living out Kingdom values involves sowing seeds of love and kindness, trusting that God will bring growth in His time. This process requires patience and faith, knowing that our ultimate value lies not in what we possess but in who God is in our lives. As we face challenges, let us hold firm to the values that reflect God's Kingdom. [40:16]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What recent trial has tested your values, and how can you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through it?

Day 5: True Value in God

Our ultimate value is not found in our possessions or achievements but in who God is in our lives. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges, knowing that God is faithful and has a purpose for us. By focusing on our relationship with God and the values that reflect His Kingdom, we can find true fulfillment and peace. As we reflect on life's value, let us remember that our worth is rooted in God's love and purpose for us. [46:55]

"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing your true value in God change the way you approach your daily life and decisions?

Sermon Summary

Reflecting on the beginning of a new year, we gather to express gratitude for the gift of life and the eternal life promised to us. We acknowledge God's protection and guidance, especially as we navigate the challenges of life, such as natural disasters and health issues. Our prayers extend to those affected by these adversities, asking for healing and strength. As a nation, we pray for our leaders, hoping they make decisions that foster peace and progress.

Our lives are shaped by the values we hold dear. While cultural values like hard work, freedom, and family are significant, they must be aligned with Kingdom values, which transcend societal norms. Kingdom values, such as love, joy, and peace, are rooted in the Spirit and guide us to live more like Christ. The Apostle Paul reminds us that these values are not just abstract concepts but are lived out through actions like gentleness and bearing one another's burdens.

Jesus exemplified Kingdom values when tempted by the devil, showing that true life is more than material possessions. Our worship and values should be centered on God, not on worldly gains. This year, as we reset our lives, we are called to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and the values that reflect His Kingdom.

In the face of trials, our values will be tested. We are encouraged to remain steadfast, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. The process of living out Kingdom values involves sowing seeds of love and kindness, trusting that God will bring growth in His time. Our ultimate value lies not in what we possess but in who God is in our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Gratitude and Intercession: As we begin a new year, we express gratitude for life and God's guidance. We intercede for those affected by natural disasters and health issues, asking for healing and strength. Our prayers also extend to our nation's leaders, hoping for decisions that promote peace and progress. [10:28]
2. **Kingdom Values vs. Cultural Values**: While cultural values like hard work and freedom are important, they must align with Kingdom values, which are rooted in the Spirit. These values, such as love, joy, and peace, guide us to live more like Christ and transcend societal norms. [21:51]
3. Jesus' Temptation and True Values: Jesus demonstrated Kingdom values when tempted by the devil, showing that life is more than material possessions. Our worship and values should be centered on God, not on worldly gains, reminding us of the higher purpose in life. [29:31]
4. Testing of Values: Our values will be tested, but we are encouraged to remain steadfast, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. The process of living out Kingdom values involves sowing seeds of love and kindness, trusting that God will bring growth in His time. [40:16]
5. True Value in God: Our ultimate value lies not in what we possess but in who God is in our lives. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges, knowing that God is faithful and has a purpose for us. [46:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[10:28] - Prayers for Healing and Recovery
[11:27] - Prayers for the Nation
[12:06] - Renewal and Resetting
[16:14] - Gratitude and Community
[17:18] - Values and Life's Journey
[20:32] - American and Kingdom Values
[21:51] - Cultural vs. Kingdom Values
[25:18] - Resetting Our Purpose
[26:42] - Paul's Teachings on Values
[29:31] - Jesus' Temptation and Values
[36:33] - Worship and Materialism
[40:16] - Testing of Values
[45:29] - Spirituality and True Value
[46:55] - Reflection on Life's Value
[52:34] - Announcements and Fellowship
[57:09] - Leadership Training and Community Involvement
[65:31] - Closing Blessing and Fellowship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are some of the cultural values mentioned in the sermon, and how do they compare to Kingdom values? [20:32]
How did Jesus respond to the temptations presented by the devil in the wilderness, and what does this reveal about His values? [29:31]
According to the sermon, what role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding us to live out Kingdom values? [26:42]
What examples of Kingdom values are highlighted in the sermon, and how are they different from societal norms? [21:51]

Interpretation Questions

How might the values of love, joy, and peace, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, influence a believer's daily life and interactions with others?
In what ways does Jesus' response to temptation in Luke 4:1-13 serve as a model for resisting materialism and worldly values? [36:33]
How does the sermon suggest that Kingdom values can be tested in our lives, and what is the significance of remaining steadfast during these tests? [40:16]
What does Micah 6:8 teach about the values God desires from us, and how can these be integrated into our modern lives?

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your response align with Kingdom values, and what might you do differently next time? [40:16]
Identify a cultural value you hold dear. How can you ensure it aligns with Kingdom values, such as love, joy, and peace? [21:51]
Consider a time when your values were tested. How did you respond, and what role did your faith play in that situation? [40:16]
Jesus resisted temptation by focusing on God's Word. What practical steps can you take to prioritize God's Word in your daily life? [29:31]
Think of a leader you admire. How do their decisions reflect Kingdom values, and how can you support them in fostering peace and progress? [11:27]
Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it in your interactions with your family? [26:42]
Reflect on the sermon’s message about true value lying in who God is in our lives. How can this perspective help you navigate a current challenge? [46:55]

Sermon Clips

We live a life that is shaped by our values right our values shaped actions intentions and inactions when we're growing up we are told that life will be all right if we have values like hard work and everything else will be okay however as we continue to grow in life and go through the phases of life we realize life is more important than the other and so we also realize if we've lost the value of it being able to live in the life of one's heart there are many hidden things that engages with our life each and every day when hard work is a value but not mixed with a meaning it becomes self -centered and we lose the real value of that [00:18:34] (74 seconds)

But most important we are called for Kingdom values because some of the values in our culture and society can be extreme some of the values can be so centered in the culture and society can be extreme some of the values can be individualism is it's an American value you know in in thinking about I think about a phrase that makes it simple that you know each one for himself God for us all and so there are so many things that happens that sometimes individuals really need to work hard and strive hard and we we get to lose the sense of community and communal life so it's good that we have the the values that is needed to be here but most important there are Kingdom values everybody said Kingdom values and the King of Values triumph over the cultural values the values of God's Kingdom in our life's triumph over what is and what is the law of God the values and the values that we appreciate in our lives. is expected of us even in the society when we think about the values we need to ask ourselves what is it that matters most what matters most in our life when all is said and done what matters is most at that point we we ask ourselves what matters most you know as a minister you get to sometimes see people when they are transitioning into glory and sometimes on the on on the bed on the sick bed sometimes you ask yourself what is the real value of life life is so precious and so valuable to live it without values [00:22:30] (144 seconds)

So when we are continuing on this journey of resetting, the values that we hold after we've reset who we are and we've reset ourselves, our purpose, the things that makes us, the things that encourages us to, that we hold in high standards are so critical for us so that we can be more and more like Christ. We can be children of Christ. [00:25:40] (34 seconds)

And while some of them were interested in obeying the laws that their forefathers gave them, the laws that were given to them, Paul was reminding them of the grace that is most important than the law. The grace of God that has been given to them. Because some of them thought, for example, that you need to be circumcised for you to become a child of God. They had all these challenges that they were going through, that they were justifying themselves, and that the law, rather than justifying themselves or relying on the grace of God that has been apportioned for all of them. [00:26:42] (50 seconds)

That the only way you can have kingdom value you can control your values is when you are led by the spirit because there is a spirit of the law and there is a letter of the law there is the spirit of the law and there is a letter of the law so that is why the ministry of jesus they will come each and every time and quote the law to him you are not supposed to do anything on the sabbath day but jesus said this person that is sick need healing this person that is sick need to be attended to so paul was saying we got to go back and redo our values again rethink our values again based on this spirit of the lord because those that are led by the spirit of god are what are the children of god [00:28:25] (65 seconds)

The enemy the devil came playing on his hunger gave the first test it's a since you are the son your godson command this stone to turn into a loaf of bread right what did Jesus say the message but we write it in the interesting way is it it takes Jesus taught the enemy it takes more than bread to really live so that enemy was trying to tell Jesus that bread is a value in the culture bread bread is not ignorant the verse says ready now take the proof of bread and it's good to have bread it's good to have the material things and jesus reminds him that it takes life is more than bread and butter amen do i have amen here life is more than what we eat life is more than that there is a higher value in this life jesus said man for it is written man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of god the enemy tempted him again and he said that you see all this kingdom brought him high on the you know mountain he said you see all this kingdom if you only will bow down and serve me i will give this kingdom to you if only you will see i will extend everything i've been all the power that i've been given to me i will give the kingdom back to you [00:32:06] (113 seconds)

And you are able to see the whole of the city, which was so beautiful. But when we got there, it was so cold and windy that for some people, once they arrived at this, I'm going back, I'm going back, I don't want to stay here. But it was beautiful to see the whole place, the whole city at once. And when you see the city, when you see everything, for the human nature, we feel, oh, this is so good. It's good to have it, right? And there is nothing wrong in scripture in having material things. In fact, in the book of Deuteronomy, we are reminded that God gives us the power to make wealth and to establish riches. So God gives us power to make it. But what God is looking for is that. The riches or the material things doesn't take our hearts. Amen? Amen? The material things shouldn't take our heart. The material, our value shouldn't be in the material things. Our value should be in the God that we serve. [00:35:18] (70 seconds)

Thou shalt serve the Lord thy God. And only him can you serve. Yes, if you want to give me all these things, I don't want you to deceive me. Because I know when the devil gives something to you, he will just give you for a while. And will take it back away from you. But Jesus said that God has already told us in his. Word that we should give everything. We should give our worship unto him because our worship is not only what we do on Sunday morning. Our worship is everything that we touch with our hands is what we have is our work every day. We are awake from Monday to Saturday for Monday morning, wherever we go, we are worshiping. So anything we bow down to, we are bowing down to that thing. And that becomes. Our God, what Jesus is telling us today is that, yes, we have all these things, but those things must not take our heart. Our heart must be set on God. Our heart must always be on God so that the enemy will not drift us from becoming children of the living God. Am I preaching this morning? Come on, give the Lord some praise this morning. [00:36:48] (74 seconds)

so that is kingdom value say do not be tired about doing good amen do not be tired about doing good or being somebody that do good works do not be tired so for whatever we so we will rape in our culture and culture always makes us to think about the outcome but in the kingdom of god the value is in the process somebody said the value is in the process the value is in the process because the kingdom of god is a value of transformation it's a value of sowing little seeds and not knowing how the seeds will grow amen it's a value of sowing the seeds of love joy peace hospitality and not knowing how the lord will bless it that is the value it's the process that we go through sometimes you may not [00:40:51] (80 seconds)

feel it you may not understand it but God said hold on amen sometimes you don't know what God is doing sometimes God we have prayed all these prayers but God said hold on that is the kingdom that is the process because God is always on time the timing of the Lord is different from our timing as the earth is higher than the heavens so his ways are higher than our ways so sometimes we may not understand but we know in whom we have trust we may not understand but we know that God has a purpose and has a plan for us hallelujah we know that God is with us and God will show us and guide us by his spirit Micah 6 verse 8 says he has shown you oh mortal what is good and what does the Lord require of you to act justly justly to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God that is kingdom values [00:42:36] (67 seconds)

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