Over the next few episodes, we’ll dive deeper into preparing for the new year with expectation. We’ll talk about setting a foundation for growth, building faith to embrace the unknown, and learning how to walk confidently in God’s promises.
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock.
[00:00:42] The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ,
[00:00:49] rightly dividing the word of truth and learning how to apply it to our daily lives.
[00:00:55] You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast.
[00:00:59] And now here's Elgin.
[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of our risen savior, Jesus to Christ,
[00:01:08] to another episode of The Bible Speaks, where we explore God's word from practical wisdom and spiritual growth.
[00:01:18] And I'm so excited to begin a brand new series with you titled, Don't Look Back.
[00:01:26] As we approach the new year, it's natural to reflect on the past and dream about the future.
[00:01:32] But today, we're going to explore how God invites us to shift our perspective.
[00:01:38] Not to dwell on the past, but to look forward with expectation to what he's about to do.
[00:01:45] Our inspiration comes from Isaiah 43 verses 18 and 19.
[00:02:10] This powerful promise reminds us that God is always at work, creating new opportunities in past, even in the most unlikely circumstances.
[00:02:23] Over the next few episodes, we'll discuss how we can prepare for a new year with faith, expectation and trust in God's plan.
[00:02:34] Let's start by addressing the past.
[00:02:37] Many of us carry regrets, heartbreaks or even triumphs from the year gone by.
[00:02:43] While it's good to reflect, Isaiah challenged us to stop dwelling on past events.
[00:02:51] Why?
[00:02:52] Because when we linger too long on the past, whether good or bad, we risk missing what God is doing in the present and preparing for in the future.
[00:03:04] This doesn't mean we ignore the past.
[00:03:07] This doesn't mean we ignore the past.
[00:03:08] God uses it as a teacher.
[00:03:10] Every event, every trial, every deliverance contains a lesson.
[00:03:16] We can look back and see his faithfulness, how he delivered us through a tough season, provided an unexpected way or shaped us through challenges.
[00:03:27] Ask yourself, what has God taught me this year?
[00:03:31] How has he used my past to grow my faith?
[00:03:35] Reflecting in this way allows us to learn without being bound by the past.
[00:03:40] It's about thanking God for where we've been while keeping our eyes forward.
[00:03:47] Now, let's talk about what's ahead.
[00:03:50] Isaiah reminds us that God is making a road in the desert, rivers in the wasteland.
[00:03:56] That means even when the path forward seems barren or unclear, God is already at work behind the scenes.
[00:04:04] Maybe you're entering a new year with uncertainty, a new job, a family transition or simply the unknown.
[00:04:13] Trusting God doesn't mean having all the answers.
[00:04:16] It means believing that his plans are always for our good and his glory, even when we can't yet see the outcome.
[00:04:26] Proverbs 3, verses 5 through 6, encourages us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.
[00:04:36] In all your ways, submit to him and he will make your path straight.
[00:04:42] As we prepare for the new year, let's replace fear of the unknown with faith in the one who knows all.
[00:04:50] God's track record is perfect and his faithfulness is the foundation of our hope for the future.
[00:04:58] Finally, let's talk about resolutions.
[00:05:02] How many of us set New Year's resolutions only to abandon them in February?
[00:05:07] The problem with resolutions is that they often rely on our own strength, willpower and understanding.
[00:05:14] None of which are enough to sustain lasting change.
[00:05:19] Instead of resolutions, what if we made one life changing decision this year?
[00:05:24] To let Jesus be Lord of our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.
[00:05:30] When we do, our goals and actions align with God's will.
[00:05:35] His wisdom becomes our foundation and his power sustains us.
[00:05:41] Isaiah 43 and 19 says, it's springing up.
[00:05:45] Can't you see it?
[00:05:47] God is already working, but we need spiritual eyes to perceive it.
[00:05:52] The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom and understanding to recognize God's hand in our lives and to follow his lead.
[00:06:01] So this year, let's make a commitment, not just to do better, but to be better by walking closely with Jesus.
[00:06:10] Instead of striving in our own strength, let's invite God to transform us from the inside out.
[00:06:19] As we close this first episode of Don't Look Back, I want to leave you with this thought.
[00:06:25] Our past is a tool for learning, but our future is a canvas for God's glory.
[00:06:32] He is doing something new even now.
[00:06:35] Are you ready to see it?
[00:06:38] Are you willing to trust him even when the path is unclear?
[00:06:43] Over the next few episodes, we'll dive deeper into preparing for the new year with expectation.
[00:06:50] We'll talk about setting a foundation for growth, building faith to embrace the unknown.
[00:06:55] And learning how to walk confidently in God's promises.
[00:07:01] Let's step into the new year, not with resolutions, but with renewed faith.
[00:07:07] Let's trust in the God who makes rivers flow in wastelands and creates roads in deserts.
[00:07:14] I am so excited for this journey with you.
[00:07:18] And I thank you for spending time with me on today.
[00:07:22] And I look forward to our conversation on tomorrow.
[00:07:25] Until then, God bless.
[00:07:34] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
[00:07:44] If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone.
[00:07:51] You can find The Bible Speaks on Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and many more.
[00:07:59] Follow us on YouTube at The Bible Speaks Online.
[00:08:05] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582 Ocala, Florida 34478
[00:08:14] Or by email at TheBibleSpeaksOnline at gmail.com
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