Embracing New Beginnings: Faith, Prayer, and Purpose

 

Summary

As we step into a new year, it's a time to embrace the new opportunities and fresh beginnings that God has laid before us. The concept of "new" is exciting and full of potential, much like the year 2025 that we are entering. This is a time to set goals, align them with God's plan, and work diligently towards them. We are reminded of the importance of being present in the house of the Lord, whether physically or virtually, as we gather to worship and seek His guidance for the year ahead.

In the coming Sundays, we have special events planned, including a Mission Sunday with Kaylee Blake, who will share her upcoming mission work in Liberia, and a Sanctity of Life Sunday with Nikki Miller from the Shippensburg Pregnancy Center. These events highlight our church's commitment to missions and the sanctity of life, encouraging us to support and engage with these vital ministries.

Reflecting on the story of Abram in Genesis, we see a powerful example of faith and trust in God's promises. Despite not seeing the immediate fulfillment of God's promises, Abram chose to believe, and it was credited to him as righteousness. This teaches us the importance of holding onto God's promises, even when the path is unclear. Our belief in God's word and His promises should guide our actions and decisions, leading us to live righteously before Him.

Prayer is a cornerstone of our faith, and we are called to live a life of constant prayer. This doesn't mean we are in verbal prayer every moment, but rather maintaining a continual awareness of God's presence. Prayer redirects our focus from our problems to God's provision, helping us to cast our burdens upon Him. By doing so, we experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

As we move forward, let us strive to build healthy spiritual foundations by loving God and others, trusting in the Lord, being obedient to His word, and living a life of prayer. These foundations will help us to be spiritually healthy and fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace New Beginnings: The new year is a time to embrace new opportunities and align our goals with God's plan. It's a chance to start fresh and work towards fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. [08:59]

2. Faith in God's Promises: Like Abram, we must hold onto God's promises even when the path is unclear. Our belief in His word and promises should guide our actions, leading us to live righteously. [15:59]

3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is essential in redirecting our focus from problems to God's provision. By maintaining a constant awareness of God's presence, we can cast our burdens upon Him and experience His peace. [01:06:25]

4. Building Healthy Spiritual Foundations: Loving God and others, trusting in the Lord, and being obedient to His word are key to building a healthy spiritual life. These foundations help us fulfill God's purpose. [01:01:08]

5. Maintaining a Strong Connection with God: It's crucial to keep our connection with God clear and unhindered. This involves regular prayer, gratitude, and reliance on God, ensuring we are aligned with His will. [01:10:43]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:59] - Embracing New Beginnings
[11:47] - Upcoming Church Events
[15:59] - Faith in God's Promises
[17:33] - Trusting God's Timing
[19:30] - Prayer and Worship
[48:06] - Standing on God's Faithfulness
[50:40] - Building Healthy Foundations
[52:13] - Spiritual Health Goals
[55:56] - Loving God and Others
[57:48] - Trust and Obedience
[59:33] - Living a Life of Prayer
[01:06:25] - The Power of Prayer
[01:10:43] - Maintaining Connection with God
[01:26:17] - Clearing the Clutter
[01:35:49] - Closing and Blessings

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 15:2-6
2. Proverbs 3:5-6
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

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Observation Questions:

1. In Genesis 15:2-6, what promise does God make to Abram, and how does Abram respond to it? [15:59]

2. According to Proverbs 3:5-6, what are we instructed to do with all our heart, and what is the result of doing so?

3. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instruct believers to do, and how is this concept explained in the sermon? [01:04:53]

4. What upcoming events were mentioned in the sermon, and how do they reflect the church's commitment to missions and the sanctity of life? [11:47]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Abram's belief in God's promise, despite not seeing its immediate fulfillment, serve as an example for us today? [15:59]

2. What does it mean to "trust in the Lord with all your heart" in practical terms, and how can this trust impact our daily decisions? [57:48]

3. The sermon emphasizes maintaining a constant awareness of God's presence. How can this awareness influence our reactions to life's challenges? [01:06:25]

4. How do the upcoming church events encourage the congregation to engage with and support vital ministries? [11:47]

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Application Questions:

1. As we enter a new year, what specific goals can you set that align with God's plan for your life? How will you work towards these goals? [08:59]

2. Reflect on a promise from God that you are holding onto. How can Abram's example of faith encourage you to trust in God's timing? [15:59]

3. In what ways can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to maintain a strong connection with God? Consider specific times or activities where you can pray. [01:04:53]

4. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God completely. What steps can you take to lean not on your own understanding but on God's wisdom? [57:48]

5. How can you actively participate in the upcoming church events, such as Mission Sunday or Sanctity of Life Sunday, to support the church's mission and values? [11:47]

6. Think of a situation where you feel anxious or burdened. How can you practice casting your burdens on the Lord and experience His peace? [01:18:59]

7. What are some practical ways you can build healthy spiritual foundations by loving God and others, and how can this impact your community? [55:56]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Embracing New Beginnings with Purpose
As we enter a new year, it's a time to embrace the opportunities and fresh beginnings that lie ahead. This is not just about setting resolutions but aligning our goals with God's plan for our lives. The excitement of the new year, much like the year 2025, is filled with potential and possibilities. It's a chance to start fresh, to set goals that reflect our faith, and to work diligently towards fulfilling God's purpose. Being present in the house of the Lord, whether physically or virtually, is crucial as we seek His guidance and wisdom for the year ahead. [08:59]

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 new opportunity or goal can you align with God's purpose for your life this year? How can you actively seek His guidance in this process?


Day 2: Holding Fast to God's Promises
Reflecting on the story of Abram in Genesis, we learn the importance of faith and trust in God's promises. Abram's journey was marked by uncertainty, yet he chose to believe in God's word, and it was credited to him as righteousness. This teaches us that even when the path is unclear, holding onto God's promises is vital. Our belief in His word should guide our actions and decisions, leading us to live righteously before Him. In times of doubt, we are encouraged to remember that God's promises are steadfast and true. [15:59]

Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise."

Reflection: Is there a promise from God that you are struggling to believe in right now? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness and choose to trust Him today?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a cornerstone of our faith, serving as a powerful tool to redirect our focus from our problems to God's provision. It is not about being in verbal prayer every moment but maintaining a continual awareness of God's presence. Through prayer, we can cast our burdens upon Him and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with a sense of calm and assurance. [01:06:25]

Colossians 4:2-3 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What burden are you carrying today that you need to bring to God in prayer? How can you cultivate a habit of continual awareness of His presence?


Day 4: Building a Strong Spiritual Foundation
A healthy spiritual life is built on loving God and others, trusting in the Lord, and being obedient to His word. These foundations are essential for fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. As we strive to build these foundations, we are encouraged to live a life of prayer and obedience, ensuring that our spiritual health is prioritized. By doing so, we can be spiritually healthy and ready to fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives. [01:01:08]

1 Corinthians 3:11-13 (ESV): "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done."

Reflection: What steps can you take to strengthen your spiritual foundation today? How can you ensure that your actions align with God's word and purpose?


Day 5: Maintaining a Clear Connection with God
Keeping our connection with God clear and unhindered is crucial for spiritual growth. This involves regular prayer, gratitude, and reliance on God, ensuring we are aligned with His will. By maintaining this connection, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that we are guided by His wisdom and love. It's about clearing the clutter in our lives that may hinder our relationship with Him and focusing on what truly matters. [01:10:43]

James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection: What distractions or "clutter" in your life are hindering your connection with God? How can you take practical steps to clear these distractions and draw closer to Him today?

Quotes

"I love the word new. Isn't it great? Don't you like new things? I mean, I like some old things, Wendell. I mean, I do. I like some old things, but new is fun. It's exciting. Haven't experienced it before. 2025. That's something new, a new year, new opportunities. Make your dreams come true, right? Set your goals, work at them, follow the plan of God. You have a clean slate, a new year, new opportunities, and I'm looking forward to 2025 with you." [00:09:38]

"Then he believed in the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. And so his belief determined his status with God. He chose to believe God, chose to believe in something that seemed impossible. And it was then credited to him. To his account, righteousness. He was able to be righteous because of his belief in God. So you might not be able to see how it could come to fruition, but you believe the promise that God gave you verbally." [00:16:39]

"We just need to believe. We need to trust that the things that you've promised to us in your word, in our hearts, God, that they will come to fruition, whether it's salvation, restoration, miracles, healings, provision, financial blessing, whatever it might be, Lord, we choose to trust you. We choose to believe you like Abram did. We choose to stand in righteousness because of our belief and our trust in you." [00:18:26]

"Lord, we're standing on your faithfulness. Why? Because we're not faithful, but you are. You always come through. We fail. We've sinned. We've fallen short of your glory. But you'll never fail us. So we choose to stand on your faithfulness, not on the faithfulness of anyone in this room, because they're not faithful. They'll disappoint us. They'll say they'll pray for us, but they'll forget about us." [00:48:06]

"But constantly, your son is bringing petitions on our behalf. He's interceding for us, sitting at your right hand. Constantly, the Holy Spirit is praying with groanings that we can't even begin to comprehend. You've got us covered. You care about us. You're faithful to us. My prayer in this new year is that we will be faithful to you, that we will learn to be more faithful, that we'll do better." [00:49:38]

"See, we need to build upon healthy foundations. And there are certain characteristics that show up in the life of a healthy Christian. And you and I should strive to be healthy. Now, I know. It's a new year, right? So we make resolutions. Some of us want to lose weight, right? So some of us set out to do that. And typically, within the first two to three weeks, we go back to the snack cakes." [00:51:48]

"But I want for our goals and dreams and ambitions and resolutions to be inspired by the Lord. Amen? And God wants you to be healthy. He wants you to be like a tree planted by living water. Amen? Properly nourished so that you can be strong. Your leaf won't wither. You have consistent nourishment. You are being provided for. God has given you life and has given it to you more abundantly. You have all that you need." [00:52:41]

"To truly love God means that we align our desires and our thoughts and our actions and our passions and our emotions with his. We come in alignment with the things of God. And so my love for God then dictates how I live my life for God and how I treat the mean server at the Newville Diner. Do you know what I'm saying? And so my love for God dictates how I live my life and how I treat other people." [00:56:36]

"And so the Hebrew word for trust means to lie down, to lie down on or to put your entire weight on something. And so God is saying, trust me completely. I can't support you. You can't support yourself. That's why your own understanding won't carry you. Your own understanding won't carry you. Your own understanding won't carry you. Your own understanding will not support you, so I need you to trust me completely." [00:58:22]

"Prayer redirects our focus from our problems to God's provision. So it's a way to redirect some things. See, anxiety. Anxiety is excessive worry. It's fear. It's nervousness. It can manifest in a lot of ways, including physical symptoms, rapid heartbeat, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, difficulty sleeping. You might have an emotional symptom. You're overwhelmed. You're tense. You're restless. You're apprehensive. You're fearful." [01:16:05]

"Psalm 55, 22 says, cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. First Peter five, six says, therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God so that he may exalt you at the proper time, having cast all your anxiety on him because he cares about you. Psalm 34, 17, the righteous cry out and the Lord hears and rescues them from all their troubles." [01:18:14]

"When you pray the right way, when you choose, I'm going to set aside my anxiety that's a hindrance for me right now. And I'm going to reestablish the connection with God. And I'm going to talk to Him. I'm going to put my care and burden on Him because He's capable of carrying it. And I'm going to thank Him for what He's already done in the past. And I'm going to thank Him for what He's done, going to do in the future. And you are persistent in it." [01:22:11]

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Transcript
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