Embracing New Beginnings: Trusting God's Journey in 2025
Summary
In this new year of 2025, we are reminded of the importance of new beginnings and the journey that God has set before us. As we gather together, we are called to lift our burdens and allow the Holy Spirit to move supernaturally in our lives. The transition from 2024 to 2025 is not just a change in the calendar but a continuation of our spiritual journey. Just as Joshua led the Israelites to the brink of the Promised Land, we too are on a journey that requires faith and trust in God's direction.
The world we live in is filled with challenges and uncertainties, but we are encouraged to keep our eyes on God and His Word. The Ark of the Covenant, which symbolizes God's presence and guidance, serves as a reminder to follow His path and not be swayed by the distractions of the world. As we face treacherous turns and struggles, we must remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God has a plan and purpose for our lives.
In this year of new beginnings, we are called to consecrate ourselves and prepare for the blessings that God has in store for us. This involves setting ourselves apart for His purposes and living according to His Word. We are reminded that blessings delayed are not blessings denied, and in due season, we will reap the rewards of our faithfulness. As we move forward, we must release past grudges, animosity, and worries, allowing the Holy Spirit to wash away the burdens of the previous year.
God's promise for 2025 is one of healing, restoration, and freedom. We are encouraged to trust in His timing and remain committed to our relationship with Him. As we follow His guidance, we will experience the wonders and blessings that He has prepared for us. Let us embrace this new beginning with hope and anticipation, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
1. New Beginnings and Continuation of the Journey: As we enter 2025, we are reminded that this is a year of new beginnings, yet it is also a continuation of our spiritual journey. Just as Joshua led the Israelites, we are called to trust in God's direction and remain faithful to His path. [40:38]
2. The Importance of Following God's Guidance: The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God's presence and guidance. In a world filled with distractions, we must keep our eyes on God and His Word, trusting that He will lead us through the challenges we face. [55:42]
3. Consecration and Preparation for Blessings: We are called to consecrate ourselves and prepare for the blessings that God has in store for us. This involves setting ourselves apart for His purposes and living according to His Word. [01:04:15]
4. Trusting in God's Timing: Blessings delayed are not blessings denied. We must remain patient and trust in God's timing, knowing that in due season, we will reap the rewards of our faithfulness. [01:00:12]
5. Releasing Past Burdens and Embracing New Beginnings: As we move into 2025, we must release past grudges, animosity, and worries, allowing the Holy Spirit to wash away the burdens of the previous year. This new beginning is an opportunity to embrace God's promises of healing, restoration, and freedom. [01:06:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [37:17] - Embracing the New Year
- [40:38] - New Beginnings and Continuation
- [55:42] - Following God's Guidance
- [01:00:12] - Trusting in God's Timing
- [01:04:15] - Consecration and Preparation
- [01:06:46] - Releasing Past Burdens
- [01:08:53] - Embracing New Beginnings
- [01:10:10] - Invitation to Salvation
- [01:12:02] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Joshua 3:1-5
- Psalms 119:105
- Galatians 6:9
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Observation Questions:
1. What instructions did Joshua give to the Israelites regarding the Ark of the Covenant before crossing the Jordan River? [40:38]
2. How does the Ark of the Covenant symbolize God's presence and guidance according to the sermon? [55:42]
3. What does the pastor mean by "blessings delayed are not blessings denied"? [01:00:12]
4. What are the key elements inside the Ark of the Covenant, and what do they represent? [55:42]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "new beginnings" in the sermon relate to the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land? [40:38]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that following God's guidance can help us navigate life's challenges? [55:42]
3. What does it mean to consecrate oneself, and why is it important for receiving God's blessings according to the sermon? [01:04:15]
4. How can the idea of "keeping a distance" from the Ark be interpreted in our spiritual journey today? [55:42]
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Application Questions:
1. As we enter 2025, what are some specific ways you can embrace new beginnings in your spiritual journey? [40:38]
2. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge. How did keeping your focus on God's Word help you through it? How can you apply this lesson in the coming year? [55:42]
3. What past burdens or grudges do you need to release to fully embrace the new beginnings God has for you in 2025? [01:06:46]
4. How can you actively consecrate yourself and prepare for the blessings God has in store for you this year? What specific actions will you take? [01:04:15]
5. In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's timing, and how can you remind yourself that "blessings delayed are not blessings denied"? [01:00:12]
6. Identify a distraction in your life that prevents you from following God's guidance. What steps can you take to minimize this distraction? [55:42]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to stay focused on God's path and not be swayed by worldly distractions? [55:42]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Direction in New Beginnings
As we step into the new year of 2025, we are reminded that this is not just a change in the calendar but a continuation of our spiritual journey. Just as Joshua led the Israelites to the brink of the Promised Land, we too are on a journey that requires faith and trust in God's direction. This year is an opportunity to embrace new beginnings while remaining faithful to the path God has set before us. We are called to trust in His guidance, knowing that He is leading us towards His promises. [40:38]
Joshua 3:5-6 (ESV): "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.' And Joshua said to the priests, 'Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on before the people.' So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people."
Reflection: What new beginning is God calling you to embrace this year, and how can you actively trust His direction in this journey?
Day 2: Following God's Guidance Amidst Distractions
In a world filled with distractions and uncertainties, it is crucial to keep our eyes on God and His Word. The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God's presence and guidance, reminding us to follow His path and not be swayed by the distractions of the world. As we face challenges and struggles, we must remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God will lead us through. This requires a conscious effort to prioritize His guidance over the noise around us. [55:42]
Psalm 25:4-5 (ESV): "Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long."
Reflection: What distractions are currently pulling you away from God's guidance, and how can you refocus your attention on His Word today?
Day 3: Preparing for God's Blessings Through Consecration
We are called to consecrate ourselves and prepare for the blessings that God has in store for us. This involves setting ourselves apart for His purposes and living according to His Word. Consecration is an intentional act of dedicating ourselves to God, allowing Him to work in and through us. As we prepare for the blessings He has promised, we must align our lives with His will and be ready to receive His goodness. [01:04:15]
2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."
Reflection: In what ways can you consecrate yourself to God today, setting yourself apart for His purposes and preparing for His blessings?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Timing for Our Blessings
Blessings delayed are not blessings denied. We must remain patient and trust in God's timing, knowing that in due season, we will reap the rewards of our faithfulness. Trusting in His timing requires us to let go of our own schedules and expectations, allowing God to work in His perfect timing. As we wait, we can find peace in knowing that His plans for us are good and that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. [01:00:12]
Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to trust God's timing, and how can you surrender this to Him today?
Day 5: Releasing Past Burdens and Embracing God's Promises
As we move into 2025, we must release past grudges, animosity, and worries, allowing the Holy Spirit to wash away the burdens of the previous year. This new beginning is an opportunity to embrace God's promises of healing, restoration, and freedom. By letting go of the past, we open ourselves to the new things God wants to do in our lives. Embracing His promises requires faith and a willingness to step into the unknown with hope and anticipation. [01:06:46]
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 burdens are you holding onto, and how can you release them to embrace the new beginnings God has for you this year?
Quotes
We lift up your name today. We magnify you today. Lord, and my prayer is that every individual that is in this building right now, whatever their needs are, whatever they have come into this service with, burden down heavy. May the presence of the Holy Spirit as they worship you begin to lift and begin to touch them. [00:36:39] (24 seconds)
Move supernaturally, God, on this service. Move. Move, God, on every heart, every life, because they're here in your will. And I pray, God, that your purpose would be done. And we're going to praise you for what you will accomplish in these services. [00:37:00] (17 seconds)
In due season we will reap if we do not give up. Here's my word. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Because in due season you're going to experience the blessings of God and they're going to overtake your life because you have never been this way before and it's a year of brand new beginnings. [01:00:55] (21 seconds)
You got to let the Holy Spirit wash that mess away. Wash away the grudges, all the grudges that you've held. Yeah. That have just captivated your life, and you think about that individual, or you think about that situation, and I'm telling you, you can't get it off your mind for two or three days. [01:07:29] (19 seconds)
Get rid of the animosity. Get rid of the worry. Get rid of all the anxiousness that just keeps you bound down all the time, because tomorrow's a new day. 2025 is a new beginning, and we have to rejoice knowing that God wants the very best for us in that land that flows with milk and honey and blessings, and God's going to do it. [01:08:54] (28 seconds)
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