Embracing Transformation: Clearing the Old for the New
Summary
This year, we are called to make way for something new and fresh in our lives. Just as I spent time over the holidays clearing out old clutter and tending to my garden, we too must remove the weeds and unnecessary burdens from our lives. These weeds can be habits or behaviors that hold us back from flourishing. God desires for us to clear out the old to make room for the new, much like the parable of new wine in new wineskins from Matthew 9:16-17. We must be willing to let go of the old and embrace the new opportunities God is preparing for us.
This year is a turning point, a year of transformation. Isaiah 43:19 reminds us that God is doing something new, creating pathways in the wilderness and rivers in the wasteland. If you've felt dry or burdened, know that God is bringing renewal. We are encouraged to step into new experiences and see ourselves as God sees us, full of potential and ready to be shaped into something beautiful, like a piece of unformed clay on a potter's wheel.
In the midst of life's challenges, we must lean into praise. The story of David at Ziklag in 1 Samuel 30 illustrates the power of praise in dire circumstances. When faced with overwhelming pressure, David chose to praise God, lifting his eyes above his troubles. This year, we are called to praise God in every situation, trusting that He is at work even when life is difficult.
Finally, we are reminded of the importance of perseverance. The story of King Joash in 2 Kings 13 teaches us not to give up too soon. When faced with challenges, we must continue to strike the ground, to keep showing up, and to trust that God will bring His blessings in due time. This year, let us embrace the new, praise in all circumstances, and persevere with faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
1. Clearing the Old for the New: Just as we clear out clutter and weeds, we must remove old habits and burdens to make room for God's new work in our lives. This process allows us to receive the nutrients we need to grow and flourish. [02:50]
2. Embracing Transformation: This year is a turning point, a time for transformation. God is doing something new, creating pathways and rivers in our lives. We must be open to change and see ourselves as God sees us, full of potential. [08:56]
3. Power of Praise: In the midst of life's challenges, praise is our refuge. Like David at Ziklag, we must lift our eyes to God and praise Him, trusting that He is at work even when circumstances are difficult. [13:57]
4. Perseverance in Faith: The story of King Joash teaches us the importance of perseverance. We must continue to strike the ground, to keep showing up, and to trust that God's blessings will come in due time. [22:53]
5. God's Promises and Presence: God's word is powerful and will accomplish what He desires. We are reminded that God is with us, restoring what has been lost and bringing new life. We must trust in His promises and presence in our lives. [18:05]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:50] - Clearing the Old for the New
[06:06] - Trying Something New
[08:56] - Embracing Transformation
[12:52] - David's Praise at Ziklag
[13:57] - Power of Praise
[16:58] - Songs of Praise
[18:05] - God's Promises and Presence
[22:53] - Perseverance in Faith
[25:00] - Invitation to Connect with God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 9:16-17
2. Isaiah 43:19
3. 1 Samuel 30
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Observation Questions:
1. What analogy does the sermon use to describe the process of clearing out old habits and burdens in our lives? How does this relate to Matthew 9:16-17? [02:50]
2. According to the sermon, what does Isaiah 43:19 promise about God's work in our lives this year? [08:56]
3. How did David respond to the crisis at Ziklag, and what does this teach us about the power of praise? [13:57]
4. What lesson does the story of King Joash in 2 Kings 13 convey about perseverance? [22:53]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How can the metaphor of new wine in new wineskins from Matthew 9:16-17 be applied to personal growth and transformation in one's life? [02:50]
2. In what ways does Isaiah 43:19 encourage believers to view their current challenges and future opportunities? [08:56]
3. What does David's choice to praise God in the midst of despair at Ziklag reveal about the role of faith during difficult times? [13:57]
4. How does the story of King Joash challenge believers to persist in their faith, even when immediate results are not visible? [22:53]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your life and identify any "weeds" or burdens that may be holding you back. What steps can you take to clear these out and make room for new growth? [02:50]
2. How can you remain open to the new opportunities and transformations God is preparing for you this year? What practical steps can you take to embrace change? [08:56]
3. In what specific situations can you choose to praise God, even when circumstances are challenging? How might this change your perspective? [13:57]
4. Think of a time when you felt like giving up. How can the story of King Joash inspire you to persevere in your current challenges? [22:53]
5. How can you actively remind yourself of God's promises and presence in your life, especially during times of doubt or difficulty? [18:05]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to "strike the ground" more persistently. What actions can you take to keep showing up and trusting in God's timing? [22:53]
7. How can you cultivate a habit of praise in your daily routine, and what impact do you think this will have on your spiritual journey? [16:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Clearing the Path for New Growth
In our lives, just as in a garden, there are times when we must clear away the old to make room for the new. This involves identifying and removing habits, behaviors, or burdens that hinder our growth and flourishing. By doing so, we create space for God to work in us, allowing His new opportunities and blessings to take root. This process is not merely about discarding the old but about preparing ourselves to receive the nourishment and growth that God desires for us. As we embark on this journey, we are reminded of the parable of new wine in new wineskins, which teaches us the importance of being open to transformation and renewal. [02:50]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: What is one habit or burden you can identify today that is preventing you from experiencing God's new work in your life? How can you begin to let it go?
Day 2: Embracing God's Transformative Work
This year is a pivotal moment for transformation, as God is actively creating new pathways and opportunities in our lives. We are called to embrace this change, seeing ourselves as God sees us—full of potential and ready to be shaped into something beautiful. This transformation requires openness and a willingness to step into new experiences, trusting that God is at work even when the path seems uncertain. As we align ourselves with God's vision, we become like clay in the hands of the potter, ready to be molded into His masterpiece. [08:56]
Jeremiah 18:3-4 (ESV): "So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God calling you to embrace transformation? How can you actively participate in this process today?
Day 3: The Power of Praise in Adversity
In the midst of life's challenges, praise becomes a powerful refuge. The story of David at Ziklag illustrates how lifting our eyes to God and praising Him can shift our perspective, even in dire circumstances. Praise is not just an act of worship but a declaration of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. By choosing to praise God in every situation, we acknowledge His presence and power at work, even when we cannot see the outcome. This year, let us cultivate a heart of praise, trusting that God is with us through every trial. [13:57]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you incorporate praise into your response to this situation today?
Day 4: Perseverance in Faith
The story of King Joash teaches us the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. We are encouraged to continue striking the ground, to keep showing up, and to trust that God's blessings will come in due time. Perseverance is not about immediate results but about faithfulness and trust in God's timing. As we persevere, we demonstrate our commitment to God's promises and our belief that He is at work, even when we cannot see the full picture. This year, let us embrace perseverance, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [22:53]
James 1:3-4 (ESV): "For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel tempted to give up? How can you choose to persevere in faith today?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Promises and Presence
God's word is powerful and will accomplish what He desires. We are reminded that God is with us, restoring what has been lost and bringing new life. Trusting in His promises and presence means believing that He is actively working in our lives, even when we cannot see it. This trust is not passive but involves actively seeking God's guidance and aligning our lives with His will. As we trust in God's promises, we find hope and assurance in His unchanging nature and His commitment to our well-being. [18:05]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: How can you actively trust in God's promises and presence in your life today? What steps can you take to align your actions with His will?
Quotes
But God wants us to get... Get rid of them. God wants us to remove these weeds out of our lives, get those things out of the way so that the plant can actually get the nutrients that it needs, that it can grow and flourish. [00:02:22]
And I think in our world, we've got to start looking at those things in our lives, those habits, those behaviors that are in our world that we're like, why is this still in my life? Why is this thing still holding me back? Why is this thing still a burden? [00:03:26]
so we god wants us this year to be renewing our world he wants us to be clearing out the old to make way for the new and jesus says something very profound uh to his disciples he's having a chat to them and he and he and he said this he said besides this is from matthew [00:04:19]
we've got to put them, and then we've got to get the new clothes, right? The old wine, you know, I mean, the old things of yesterday, even the old things that we thought worked, right? We've got to just take that bottle and we've got to get rid of it and we've got to pick up a new bottle and actually get ready for God to fill that new wine bottle, right? That's what we're doing. [00:06:04]
This year we need to see ourselves as God sees us. Right? And he sees us far better than we see ourselves. Right? He also sees us far worse than we see ourselves. But he does see us far better. And he... And the Bible says that he calls things that were not. [00:07:37]
And because it's this big, large chunk of clay, there's nothing. Nothing's happened yet. It's not even, we haven't even gone into it. But as you keep on making those decisions, as you keep on coming back, as you keep on pressing in, you're going to find that that lump of clay starts to just build this. This beautiful, beautiful thing. [00:09:14]
if you've been feeling dry lately if you've been feeling like the last 12 months have have been a season where it's been tough it's been difficult god is saying i'm going to put rivers in that desert habakkuk 1 5 says look around at the nations look and be amazed at the people who have come before you [00:11:01]
And I think in the midst of our circumstances, in the midst of our struggles, in the midst of life, which is going to be hard, let's not sugarcoat it. It's going to be difficult. We will have tragedy. It will happen. Like Jesus said, in this world you will have tribulation. But fear not, for I have overcome the world. [00:15:46]
Our only choice is to go to God. God, we can have arguments and try and solve our own problems and keep on pressing in and solving, you know, I want to fix this and I want to, you know, men are great at it. Let's fix it, right? We're going to do it and fix everything. But it doesn't fix anything. [00:16:08]
because what if your blessings come through raindrops what if your healing comes through tears what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near what if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy [00:20:03]
at that particular point and then Elisha says something strange he says I want you to now take the arrow and strike it on the ground all right I just want you to strike it on the ground and so Joash says all right strike strike strike all right and then Elisha was a bit disappointed [00:22:08]
No, we will hit the arrows on the ground another time. We will come back. We will keep showing up, right? The message for us today, what do I see for this year? God is making new wineskins for us. God is asking us to praise in the midst of every circumstance, and he is promising that he will keep showing up. [00:24:17]
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