Embracing New Beginnings: Faith, Relationships, and Expectations

 

Summary

Reflecting on the past year, it's clear that God has been at work in our lives and ministry. We've had the privilege of engaging with people from all walks of life, whether through events like the National Religious Broadcasters event or through our growing presence on platforms like Pray.com. Our outreach efforts during local events, such as the baseball tournament in Omaha and Miller Days, have allowed us to connect with many individuals, sharing the love and message of Christ in tangible ways. This year has been a testament to the power of building genuine relationships, not just as a means to an end, but as a way to truly invest in people's lives. It's about standing beside one another, offering support and friendship, and being there through thick and thin.

We've also seen incredible testimonies from guests on our show, like Blake Trinan and Brett Favre, who have stood firm in their faith and integrity. Their stories remind us of the importance of perseverance and the impact of living a life that honors God. As we look forward to the coming year, it's crucial to reflect on what God has done and to carry forward the lessons and blessings we've received. We must leave behind any negativity or baggage from the past year, entering the new year with a heart full of gratitude and expectation for what God will do next.

Our ministry is not just about the events or the merchandise; it's about being a beacon of hope and truth in a world that desperately needs it. As we continue to grow and expand, our focus remains on being a voice for righteousness and truth, standing firm in our beliefs, and being a source of encouragement and support for those around us. Let's enter the new year with a mindset of building upon the foundation God has laid, expecting even greater things and trusting in His provision and guidance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Building Genuine Relationships: True ministry is about investing in people's lives beyond just the surface level. It's about forming heart-to-heart connections and being a steadfast friend and supporter. This year has shown us the power of standing beside others, offering genuine friendship and support, which is more valuable than any material gain. [05:48]

2. Perseverance and Integrity: The stories of individuals like Blake Trinan and Brett Favre remind us of the importance of maintaining integrity and perseverance in our faith journey. Their testimonies highlight how God honors those who stand firm in their beliefs, even in the face of challenges. [10:48]

3. Reflecting on God's Blessings: As we transition into a new year, it's vital to reflect on the blessings and favor God has bestowed upon us. This reflection helps us enter the new year with gratitude and a positive outlook, ready to build upon what God has already done. [23:55]

4. Leaving Behind Negativity: How we exit one season affects how we enter the next. It's essential to leave behind any negativity, bitterness, or unresolved issues from the past year, ensuring our hearts are right with God and others as we step into the new year. [27:17]

5. Expecting Greater Things: Entering the new year with a mindset of expectation allows us to be open to the immediate releases and blessings God has in store. By focusing on the positive and trusting in God's plan, we can anticipate even greater things in the coming year. [27:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:07] - Introducing Packer
- [05:48] - Building Genuine Relationships
- [08:08] - Game Changers Breakout Year
- [10:48] - Perseverance and Integrity
- [13:45] - Impactful Guests and Testimonies
- [16:36] - Global Reach and Humbling Support
- [23:55] - Reflecting on God's Blessings
- [27:17] - Leaving Behind Negativity
- [29:00] - Expecting Greater Things
- [31:00] - Closing Remarks and New Year Wishes

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
2. Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
3. Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

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Observation Questions:

1. What were some of the key events and outreach efforts mentioned in the sermon that helped the ministry connect with people from different walks of life? [02:07]

2. How did the testimonies of individuals like Blake Trinan and Brett Favre illustrate the importance of perseverance and integrity in one's faith journey? [10:48]

3. What role did building genuine relationships play in the ministry's success over the past year, according to the sermon? [05:48]

4. How does the sermon suggest we should approach the transition into a new year, especially in terms of reflecting on God's blessings and leaving behind negativity? [23:55]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the concept of "iron sharpening iron" (Proverbs 27:17) relate to the idea of building genuine relationships within the ministry? How can this be applied to personal relationships? [05:48]

2. How does Galatians 6:9's encouragement to not grow weary in doing good resonate with the stories of perseverance shared in the sermon? What might this look like in everyday life? [10:48]

3. Reflecting on Philippians 3:13-14, how can individuals apply the principle of forgetting what is behind and pressing forward to their personal and spiritual growth as they enter a new year? [23:55]

4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of leaving behind negativity and unresolved issues from the past year? What biblical principles support this approach? [27:17]

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Application Questions:

1. Think of a relationship in your life that could benefit from deeper investment. What steps can you take this week to build a more genuine connection with that person? [05:48]

2. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge in maintaining your integrity. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from the experiences of Blake Trinan and Brett Favre to apply in future situations? [10:48]

3. As you look back on the past year, identify one blessing or lesson that stands out. How can you carry this forward into the new year with a heart full of gratitude? [23:55]

4. Is there any negativity or unresolved issue from the past year that you need to let go of? What practical steps can you take to ensure your heart is right with God and others as you enter the new year? [27:17]

5. What are some specific expectations or goals you have for the coming year? How can you align these with trusting in God's provision and guidance? [27:17]

6. Consider a person in your life who might need encouragement or support. How can you be a source of hope and truth for them in the coming weeks? [05:48]

7. Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to persevere. What actions can you take to remain steadfast in this area, trusting in God's timing for a harvest? [10:48]

Devotional

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

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Day 1: Building Heartfelt Connections
True ministry involves forming deep, meaningful relationships that go beyond superficial interactions. It's about investing in people's lives, offering genuine friendship, and being a steadfast support through life's ups and downs. This approach to ministry emphasizes the importance of standing beside others, providing encouragement and love, which is more valuable than any material gain. By focusing on building heartfelt connections, we can truly reflect the love of Christ in our interactions with others. [05:48]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs a deeper connection with you? How can you intentionally invest in their life this week to show them genuine love and support?


Day 2: Standing Firm in Faith
The stories of individuals like Blake Trinan and Brett Favre serve as powerful reminders of the importance of maintaining integrity and perseverance in our faith journey. Despite facing challenges, they stood firm in their beliefs, demonstrating how God honors those who remain steadfast. Their testimonies encourage us to hold onto our faith, even when circumstances are difficult, trusting that God will guide and support us through every trial. [10:48]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing that test your faith? How can you remain steadfast and trust in God's guidance during these times?


Day 3: Embracing God's Blessings
Reflecting on the past year, it's essential to acknowledge the blessings and favor God has bestowed upon us. This reflection helps us enter the new year with gratitude and a positive outlook, ready to build upon what God has already done. By focusing on His blessings, we can cultivate a heart of thankfulness and be more open to the opportunities and growth that lie ahead. [23:55]

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy." (Psalm 103:2-4, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment to list three specific blessings from the past year. How can you express gratitude for these blessings in your daily life?


Day 4: Releasing Past Negativity
As we transition into a new year, it's crucial to leave behind any negativity, bitterness, or unresolved issues from the past. How we exit one season affects how we enter the next, and ensuring our hearts are right with God and others is vital. By releasing past negativity, we can step into the new year with a clean slate, ready to embrace new opportunities and growth. [27:17]

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32, ESV)

Reflection: Is there any bitterness or unresolved issue you need to let go of? How can you seek reconciliation and peace in this area today?


Day 5: Anticipating Greater Things
Entering the new year with a mindset of expectation allows us to be open to the immediate releases and blessings God has in store. By focusing on the positive and trusting in God's plan, we can anticipate even greater things in the coming year. This mindset encourages us to look forward with hope and confidence, knowing that God is working for our good and His glory. [27:17]

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: What are you expecting from God in the coming year? How can you align your actions and prayers with this expectation to be open to His blessings?

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Quotes

"We were over kind of by the shopping tents and the beer tents and all that stuff, like witnessing to people and then even some areas downtown. I know you guys went to where there were some restaurants and things like that. So, you know, there's just for many of you that maybe don't know about Omaha, every June for about 10 days, there's a massive baseball tournament that is hosted here." [00:03:58] (22 seconds)


"It's not just keeping them in, you're invested in your brand or your church or your building or wherever your meeting place is. It's keeping them invested with the friendship and the heart-to-heart connection. And I think people miss that. Yeah. Because there's an emotional thing of where somebody feels like they can trust you." [00:07:13] (18 seconds)


"Who literally won his second World Series ring as a pitcher with the Dodgers. Yeah. That's a massive stance, which... Oh, shout out to him. He just got his contract renewed with the LA Dodgers. Shout out to you, man. A new two-year deal for $22 million. Good for him. Good deal. Getting paid. Yep. So, he is back with the Dodgers on another contract, which to pretty much get re-signed after being, you know, with your contract being up and then getting offered another, that means obviously they trust his arm and that's what we laid hands on, man, when you were at OTH." [00:10:48] (32 seconds)


"just awesome. Or people that are like from all over the world that say, oh, we watch you in Canada or we watch you in this state or country. And it's just like very humbling. To just hear the support from you guys from around the world and know that you guys are praying for us. You guys are standing beside us. There is no more of a humbling feeling than that." [00:15:58] (23 seconds)


"I know we kind of touched on this in last year's episode around this time, but how you leave something is how you enter something, right? We've talked about this. And that is just so important. Like, what is your outlook, you know, of leaving 2024 or going into 2025? And I think that's what I want to just kind of hit on." [00:23:46] (19 seconds)


"Because I think the reflection of, like, what God has brought you through throughout the year and what he has brought into your life as far as favor and blessing is so important. And then I do think there's that part where you have to, like, be willing to say, like, these were the things that were not good that I need to say goodbye to and let go in 2024." [00:24:35] (21 seconds)


"So you need to make sure your heart is right with those people, with God, et cetera, and, like, really just make sure that you are not carrying pain, hurt, bitterness, et cetera, toxicity into the new year. I think it's so important to, like, do what. This is why we kind of just reflected on all that God did for us in this year because we're trying to teach you a lesson here, ladies and gentlemen, that legitimately it is about reflecting on the favor and the blessing that God has bestowed upon you in 2024 so that you can enter 2025 saying, all right, now I can build upon it." [00:26:01] (34 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?