Tag: take a breath

Lamentations 3:22–23 — “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

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III. Renewing Our Minds and Hearts for the New Year

A new year is not just about new goals, but a renewed inner life.

Scripture:

• Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind
• Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – A new creation in Christ

Just because it is a new year it does not mean that it automatically brings transformation; true renewal begins in the heart and mind. Romans 12:2 teaches that true change will come when our thinking is transformed by God’s truth. If we have not renewed our hearts and minds, we are destined to repeat the same cycles, habits, and struggles year after year no matter how good our intentions.

The prayer David spoke in Psalm 51 shows us where renewal begins: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Having a renewed heart leads us to renewed desires, renewed priorities, and renewed obedience. Through Christ, we become new creations, but daily renewal requires intentional daily surrender.

What we allow into our minds shapes our spiritual direction. God’s Word replaces lies with truth, fear with faith, and confusion with clarity. When we pray our hearts align with God’s will, not just our own wishes. When we commit to spiritual disciplines, Scripture, prayer, worship, we open ourselves to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

With a new year ahead, God is not merely calling us to do more, but to become more like Christ. When we renew our hearts and minds, our lives will naturally begin to reflect His will.

Thoughts to Ponder:

• Transformation begins internally, not externally
• God’s will becomes clear when our minds are renewed
• Spiritual growth is intentional, not accidental

Application:

• Commit to daily Scripture and prayer
• Evaluate habits, influences, and thought patterns

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, as I enter into this new year, I thank You that Your mercies are new every morning and that great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23). You go before us and You are with me; You will never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Nothing in the year ahead is hidden from You. Lord, I commit this year to You, I am trusting You with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). I acknowledge that all of my plans are subject to Your will, and I say with humility, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). Order my steps according to Your Word (Psalm 119:133).

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). Transform me by the renewing of my mind, so that I may discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect in Your will (Romans 12:2). Let Your Word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path in every decision I face (Psalm 119:105).

We ask for Your peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Heal the brokenhearted and bind up my wounds (Psalm 147:3). Teach me to forgive as I have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13), and to walk in love, just as Christ loved (Ephesians 5:2).

Prepare me for every season this year brings. When trials come, help me to count it joy, knowing You are producing endurance in me (James 1:2–4). When blessings come, keep me humble and thankful, remembering that every good and perfect gift comes from You (James 1:17).

I will seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that what I need will be provided (Matthew 6:33). I dedicate this year to You, asking that my life will bring You glory in all that I do (1 Corinthians 10:31).

I pray this with confidence in the name of Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Lamentations 3:22–23 — “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

II. Releasing the Weight of the Old Year

You’ll never be able to fully embrace what God is doing next while holding tightly to what He is asking you to release.

Scripture:

• Isaiah 43:18–19 – “Forget the former things…”
• Hebrews 12:1 – Lay aside every weight and sin
• Philippians 3:13 – Forgetting what is behind

God did not intended for us to carry the weight of yesterday into tomorrow. We are told in Isaiah 43 not to dwell on former things because God is doing something new. However, even as believers we can enter the new year still bound by regret, bitterness, failure, or unresolved pain. Hebrews 12 calls these things “weights” that slow us down in our spiritual race.

There are things that we carry are things like sin that needs repentance, grief that needs healing, and others could be disappointments that must be surrendered to God. We need to try consider it the way the apostle Paul understood it when he said, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” When it says “Forgetting” it does not mean pretending the past never happened; it means refusing to let it define who we are or letting it control us.

God cannot fill hands that are already full. To receive new joy, new vision, and new strength, we must first release what no longer belongs to us. Forgiveness, of others and of ourselves, is often the doorway to freedom. As we step into the new year, we lay down the burdens of the old and trust God with what we cannot change.

Thoughts to Ponder:

• Some things from last year were seasons, not assignments
• God often requires surrender before advancement
• Forgiveness frees us to move forward

Application:

• Release regret, bitterness, failure, and fear
• Invite God to heal unresolved wounds

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Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, as I enter into this new year, I thank You that Your mercies are new every morning and that great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23). You go before us and You are with me; You will never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Nothing in the year ahead is hidden from You. Lord, I commit this year to You, I am trusting You with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). I acknowledge that all of my plans are subject to Your will, and I say with humility, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). Order my steps according to Your Word (Psalm 119:133).

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). Transform me by the renewing of my mind, so that I may discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect in Your will (Romans 12:2). Let Your Word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path in every decision I face (Psalm 119:105).

We ask for Your peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Heal the brokenhearted and bind up my wounds (Psalm 147:3). Teach me to forgive as I have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13), and to walk in love, just as Christ loved (Ephesians 5:2).

Prepare me for every season this year brings. When trials come, help me to count it joy, knowing You are producing endurance in me (James 1:2–4). When blessings come, keep me humble and thankful, remembering that every good and perfect gift comes from You (James 1:17).

I will seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that what I need will be provided (Matthew 6:33). I dedicate this year to You, asking that my life will bring You glory in all that I do (1 Corinthians 10:31).

I pray this with confidence in the name of Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.^{Jeremiah 29:11} “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” ^{Lamentations 3:22–23} Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ^{2 Corinthians 5:17} 

“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. ^{Isaiah 43:18-19} Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ^{Philippians 3:13-14} 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. ^{Proverbs 3:5-6} Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. ^{Psalm 98:1}

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, as I enter into this new year, I thank You that Your mercies are new every morning and that great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23). You go before us and You are with me; You will never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Nothing in the year ahead is hidden from You. Lord, I commit this year to You, I am trusting You with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). I acknowledge that all of my plans are subject to Your will, and I say with humility, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). Order my steps according to Your Word (Psalm 119:133).

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). Transform me by the renewing of my mind, so that I may discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect in Your will (Romans 12:2). Let Your Word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path in every decision I face (Psalm 119:105).

We ask for Your peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Heal the brokenhearted and bind up my wounds (Psalm 147:3). Teach me to forgive as I have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13), and to walk in love, just as Christ loved (Ephesians 5:2).

Prepare me for every season this year brings. When trials come, help me to count it joy, knowing You are producing endurance in me (James 1:2–4). When blessings come, keep me humble and thankful, remembering that every good and perfect gift comes from You (James 1:17).

I will seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that what I need will be provided (Matthew 6:33). I dedicate this year to You, asking that my life will bring You glory in all that I do (1 Corinthians 10:31).

I pray this with confidence in the name of Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Lamentations 3:22–23 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, as I enter into this new year, I thank You that Your mercies are new every morning and that great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23). You go before us and You are with me; You will never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Nothing in the year ahead is hidden from You. Lord, I commit this year to You, I am trusting You with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). I acknowledge that all of my plans are subject to Your will, and I say with humility, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). Order my steps according to Your Word (Psalm 119:133).

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). Transform me by the renewing of my mind, so that I may discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect in Your will (Romans 12:2). Let Your Word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path in every decision I face (Psalm 119:105).

We ask for Your peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Heal the brokenhearted and bind up my wounds (Psalm 147:3). Teach me to forgive as I have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13), and to walk in love, just as Christ loved (Ephesians 5:2).

Prepare me for every season this year brings. When trials come, help me to count it joy, knowing You are producing endurance in me (James 1:2–4). When blessings come, keep me humble and thankful, remembering that every good and perfect gift comes from You (James 1:17).

I will seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that what I need will be provided (Matthew 6:33). I dedicate this year to You, asking that my life will bring You glory in all that I do (1 Corinthians 10:31).

I pray this with confidence in the name of Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Lamentations 3:22–23 — “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

I. Remembering God’s Faithfulness in the Past Year

Before we rush into a new year, God calls us to pause and remember what He has done.

Scripture:

• Psalm 103:1–5 – “Forget not all His benefits…”
• Deuteronomy 8:2 – Remember how the Lord led you

As we are getting ready to enter a new year, if we consider what Scripture says we are invited to look back before we move forward. Psalm 103 reminds us, “Forget not all His benefits.” Remembering is not nostalgia it is however an act of faith. We read that when Israel forgot what God had done, they lost perspective and drifted into fear and disobedience. There is no difference for us, forgetting God’s faithfulness causes us to underestimate His power for what lies ahead.

Over the past year there may have been joy, loss, growth, or disappointment. Yet if we look into every season, we can see God was present. He sustained you when you were tired, guided you when you were unsure, and protected you in ways you may never fully realize. We can see that even our unanswered prayers and closed doors can later be seen as evidence of God’s loving guidance.

When we remember God’s faithfulness we fuel gratitude and build confidence. By doing this we are reminded that the same God who carried us through everything we have been through will walk with us into the next. Before we rush ahead with resolutions and plans, we should pause to say, “Lord, Thank You.” Gratitude anchors our hearts and prepares us to trust God again.

Thoughts to Ponder:

• God has been faithful even in difficult seasons
• Gratitude builds faith for what’s ahead
• Forgetting God’s works leads to fear and pride

Application:

• Reflect on victories, lessons, and deliverances
• Thank God not only for what went right, but for what grew you

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, as I enter into this new year, I thank You that Your mercies are new every morning and that great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23). You go before us and You are with me; You will never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Nothing in the year ahead is hidden from You. Lord, I commit this year to You, I am trusting You with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). I acknowledge that all of my plans are subject to Your will, and I say with humility, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). Order my steps according to Your Word (Psalm 119:133).

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). Transform me by the renewing of my mind, so that I may discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect in Your will (Romans 12:2). Let Your Word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path in every decision I face (Psalm 119:105).

We ask for Your peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Heal the brokenhearted and bind up my wounds (Psalm 147:3). Teach me to forgive as I have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13), and to walk in love, just as Christ loved (Ephesians 5:2).

Prepare me for every season this year brings. When trials come, help me to count it joy, knowing You are producing endurance in me (James 1:2–4). When blessings come, keep me humble and thankful, remembering that every good and perfect gift comes from You (James 1:17).

I will seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that what I need will be provided (Matthew 6:33). I dedicate this year to You, asking that my life will bring You glory in all that I do (1 Corinthians 10:31).

I pray this with confidence in the name of Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

The True Shepherd: Discernment, Deception, and Deep Joy at Christmas

Jesus Himself warned that deception often comes dressed in familiarity and appeal. (Mark 7:9) During Christmas, when distractions are plentiful and expectations are high, believers are called to look beyond surface joy and seek the source of true joy.

By recognizing the presence of false promises masked in allure, as depicted in Matthew 7:15, Christians are called during Christmas to seek the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who alone brings salvation and authentic, lasting joy.

Check out Day 3

Conclusion: Choosing the Shepherd Who Leads to Life

Now that we are coming to the end of this message, Christmas places a question before each of us: Whose voice are we following? Throughout the world we can find many shepherds voices that promise joy, peace, and fulfillment, but cannot lead us to life. They will appear safe and appealing, but they will leave your soul wandering and unsatisfied.

Jesus, on the other hand, stands apart. Christ does not call us with empty words or temporary comfort. He calls us by name. (Jeremiah 1:5)He leads us with truth. He protects us with His sacrifice. The child born in Bethlehem is the Shepherd who walks before His flock, who knows our burdens, and who laid down His life so we could be restored to God. (Romans 5:8)

This Christmas, when choosing the Shepherd who leads to life means slowing down enough to listen for His voice. We need to reject the distractions that draw our hearts away, and fully trusting Him as our source of true joy. When we surrender ourselves and follow Jesus, we are not merely celebrating a season, we are embracing a Savior. Through Him, we will find not only hope for today, but life that is abundant now and eternal forever.

May we leave this season not led by false promises, but guided by the good news and the Good Shepherd, whose love never fails and whose path always leads to life.

With Christmas, we are invited to take a deep breath and slow down, listen carefully, and choose wisely. Knowing not every promise brings life. All of the noise from every voice speaks truth. But the voice of Jesus still calls gently, faithfully, and clearly.

• Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
• John 14:6 — “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

1. Jesus does not offer temporary happiness, He offers eternal salvation.
2. He does not disguise Himself, He reveals the Father.
3. He does not abandon His flock, He gives His life for it.

This Christmas, may we discern the false distractions and embrace Jesus Christ, the true Shepherd, who alone brings authentic transformation and lasting joy. 🎄✝️

Reflection Questions

1. Looking Back to Move Forward:
   • Over the course of this series, what truth about Jesus as Shepherd has most challenged or encouraged you? How has your understanding of authentic joy and discernment grown?
2. From Awareness to Action:
   • Throughout this series, we have identified false promises and true hope. What is one specific change God is prompting you to make as a result of what you’ve learned?
3. Whose Voice Shapes Your Direction:
   • When you consider the decisions you are making right now, whose voice has the greatest influence culture, fear, comfort, or Christ? What would it look like to more fully surrender your direction to the Good Shepherd?
4. Living the Message Beyond the Season:
   • This series concludes during Christmas, but following Jesus continues every day. How can you intentionally practice discernment and dependence on the Shepherd after this season ends?
5. A Shepherd-Led Life:
   • If someone were to look at your life six months from now, what evidence would you hope they see that you are being led by the Good Shepherd rather than driven by false promises?

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Final Altar Call / Invitation: Choosing the Shepherd

As we close this series, the invitation before us is simple, but deeply personal:

Whose voice will you follow?

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)

There are some of us that have realized through this series that we’ve been listening to voices that promised comfort but only deliver confusion. Voices that offered control but ultimately lead to anxiety. Voices that look safe but are slowly pulling our hearts away from Christ.

Today, Jesus stands before us not as a distant figure in a manger, but as the living Good Shepherd; calling, inviting, and leading.

If you need to:

• Return to Jesus after drifting
• Surrender control and trust Him again
• Lay down false hopes and receive true life
• Or follow the Shepherd for the very first time

This is your moment. Not out of pressure, but out of love.

Jesus has never asked for perfection, do have it all together, He is asking for your heart.

If you’re ready to choose the Shepherd who leads to life, respond in faith, right where you are, as a declaration that you are choosing His voice above all others. CLICK HERE…..

Always, remember this:
You are not wandering sheep, you are known, loved, and led.

• May the Lord bless you with discernment to recognize truth
• Courage to reject false promises
• Give you peace that comes from walking closely with the Good Shepherd.
• May the voice of Jesus be louder than the noise of the world
• His joy deeper than your circumstances
• His presence be your greatest treasure this Christmas and beyond.

“Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good for doing His will… through Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep.” (Hebrews 13:20–21)

Go in peace. Follow the Shepherd. Live in joy.

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Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for meeting us throughout this series. Thank You for Your Word that warns us, guides us, and ultimately leads us to Jesus, the one and only true Shepherd of our souls. Lord, I confess that there have been times when I have chased voices that were loud instead of true, familiar instead of faithful. Forgive me for placing my hope in temporary things rather than in You. Jesus, I choose You again today. I choose Your voice over the noise, Your truth over deception and Your life over false promises. As I leave this series and move forward from Christmas, help me to live as person who is led. Led by Your Spirit, shaped by Your Word, and anchored in Your love. Guard my heart, sharpen my discernment, Restore my joy, and help me point others to the Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..