Happy New Year to all my listeners out there! As we turn the page on the calendar, it's the perfect time to reflect on our habits and set meaningful goals. Join me in this conversation, where we explore the transformative power of aligning our New Year's resolutions with our spiritual aspirations. We discuss the profound impact of Romans 12:1-2 on setting the course for a year focused on spiritual growth and understanding God's will. Listen in as we consider how to surrender ourselves to a higher purpose and resist conforming to the world's ways, instead seeking transformation through a renewed mindset.
In our latest discussion, we also lay out a blueprint for deepening our relationship with God in the coming year, highlighting five key areas: prayer, scripture, community, service, and sharing. We talk about the power of prayer as more than a last resort, the life-sustaining nourishment of Scripture, and the importance of authentic community interactions. Furthermore, we emphasize the role of service in living out our faith and the joy of sharing our spiritual journey with others. Whether you're seeking guidance or looking to strengthen your faith, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt encouragement to make this year one of spiritual renewal and growth.
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00:17 - Ruth (Host)
Happy New Year, my friend. Do you make New Year's resolutions or goals? Many of us start the new year with a clean slate and want to start off the year by changing some of our not so great ways. It feels wonderful to have a fresh start, to put the past behind us and to strive for new goals in the new year. As we start this new year, let's ensure we put the best and healthiest goals at the top of our list. Let's start the year by renewing our daily efforts and desires to connect with God.
00:53
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Romans, chapter 12, verses 1 and 2. Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship, and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, unacceptable and perfect. This is a deep and meaningful verse for our lives, especially starting the new year. Paul is urging the saints in Rome and all of us to give ourselves or lives over to God. He says this is the only thing we can sensibly do if we know all the mercy God has bestowed on us. God has shown us such extreme grace and the only correct response to this grace is to turn our whole selves over to the Creator because of what he has done. He goes on to tell us not to be conformed to this world, not to buy into the systems of this world, because they are corrupt. God wants us to be transformed or changed from the inside out by renewing our mindset, by knowing Him and His Word, but not only having a head knowledge of His Word, but letting eternal truth seep into our very hearts and souls and make everlasting changes in us looking more like Jesus. God wants us to know His will and do His will. He wants us to know what is good, acceptable and godly straight from His mouth. He wants us to grow spiritually and emotionally mature. How can we better grow our relationship with God as we begin a new year? Well, scripture offers five ways to help. We can focus on five areas this year Prayer, scripture, community Serving and Sharing.
03:26
First, let's talk about prayer. In James, chapter 5, verse 16, we read the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. As believers, we must recognize the power of prayer and not just turn to it as a last resort. Instead, we are called to pray constantly, looking to God first, not last. Our prayer and effectiveness are found in His strength. At our own, start this year by setting aside dedicated time for prayer and seeking God's guidance in all aspects of your life.
04:11
Next, let's dive into the importance of Scripture. In Matthew, chapter 4, verse 4, jesus quoted the Old Testament promise. Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Jesus knew that God's word was more important than physical sustenance. Without God's truth, we do not know how to make choices that please Him or how to overcome temptation.
04:45
To start the new year with God, let's commit fresh to reading, listening to or studying His Word. Consider setting aside a specific time daily to engage with Scripture and meditate on its teachings. Moving on, let's discuss the significance of community. Hebrews 10-25 reminds us that believers in Jesus are called to encourage one another. This happens best when we connect in person, face to face. In our hyper-connected society, let's make a positive goal to commit more time to personal interactions with other believers. This can include attending regular church services, joining a small group, a Bible study, meeting with someone each week to help one another grow spiritually, or praying regularly with a friend at work or school Community happens when we commit to it. Additionally, consider reaching out to someone in need and offering support and encouragement.
06:07
Now let's explore the power of service. In 1 John 3-17-18 we learn if anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Consider children. Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth. One of the most powerful ways to grow spiritually is by showing God's love to others through practical acts of service. Consider volunteering at a senior citizen's center, serving meals at a local soup kitchen, gathering supplies for a mission trip, donating items to a local thrift store, assisting with a local jail or prison ministry, helping at an after-school program or writing to your church's missionaries with encouragement and prayer support. Make it a goal to actively seek opportunities to serve others throughout the year.
07:22
Finally, let's talk about the importance of sharing Christ. In Matthew 28-19-20, jesus gives the Great Commission saying Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. This verse emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Christ and making disciples of all people. Not only does sharing our faith with others remind us of how God has transformed our lives, but it also pushes us out of our comfort zones and allows us to witness God's work in the lives of others. As the saying goes, if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll get the same results. To experience spiritual growth this year, let's commit to change in these five areas. When we do, god will work in and through us, transforming our lives and the lives of others. After joining a local evangelism team, participating in outreach events or simply sharing your faith with those around you lovingly and genuinely, thank you for joining me on Out of the Darkness with Ruth.
09:03
This is the time of year for fresh starts, for changing our lives for the better. Let's choose wisely to change our lives from the inside out. I hope you found these insights helpful as you embark on a new year of spiritual growth. As you start this new year, remember to stay connected with God through prayer, immerse yourself in His Word, build meaningful relationships within your community, serve others with love and compassion and share the love of Christ with those around you. May this new year be a time of deepening your faith and experiencing God's transformative power. Will you resolve with me to read your Bible every day, to talk to God continually throughout the day? Will you look and search for His hand of blessing in your life continually and praise Him for it? If you make a habit of looking for God, you will find Him everywhere. Join me next time, my friend, as we dive deeper into the topic of prayer and how prayer can change the outcome of your life. Until then, have a blessed and purposeful new year. Happy new year, dear friend.