Words of Inspiration - A New Thing

[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, we welcome you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit

[00:01:10] to the first words of inspiration in 2025.

[00:01:17] Happy New Year.

[00:01:19] And today I'm joined by my lovely wife Judy Carelock,

[00:01:23] and we're diving into an essential topic for the new year.

[00:01:28] A new thing.

[00:01:30] Our inspiration comes from Habakkuk 2, verse 2, which says,

[00:01:38] Then the Lord replied,

[00:01:40] Write down the revelation, and make it plain on tablets,

[00:01:44] so that a herald may run with it.

[00:01:48] As we enter 2025,

[00:01:51] it's tempting to create lists of resolution at once.

[00:01:55] But what if instead of starting with our own plans, we ask God to reveal His will for us?

[00:02:04] So today, we'll explore how to seek God's purpose for the new year,

[00:02:09] and how writing it down can help us stay focused, disciplined, and accountable.

[00:02:15] Happy New Year, and God bless everyone.

[00:02:21] Let's begin by asking,

[00:02:24] What does God want for your 2025?

[00:02:28] So often, we approach the new year with our own list of desires like career goals,

[00:02:35] financial milestones, or personal improvements.

[00:02:38] While there's nothing wrong with having dreams,

[00:02:42] Habakkuk 2 and 2 reminds us to first seek God's revelation.

[00:02:47] This requires intentional effort.

[00:02:51] Seeking God's will isn't a passive process.

[00:02:55] It involves prayer, fasting, and studying His word.

[00:03:01] Prayer, regular communication with God,

[00:03:05] allows us to lay our hearts before Him and listen for His voice.

[00:03:11] Fasting is a powerful way to quiet distractions and focus on hearing from God.

[00:03:19] Studying the word.

[00:03:21] God often speaks to us through scriptures, revealing His plans and promises for our lives.

[00:03:28] Before you set any goals for 2025, take time to seek Him.

[00:03:34] Ask, Lord, what do you want for me this year?

[00:03:39] What have you purposed for my life?

[00:03:43] When you seek God, be open to how He may respond.

[00:03:48] His direction can come in many forms.

[00:03:53] A direct message from the Holy Spirit.

[00:03:56] Sometimes God speaks directly to our hearts, giving us clarity about our next steps.

[00:04:04] Inspiration from a sermon.

[00:04:06] You might hear a message that resonates deeply with your spirit, confirming what God is saying.

[00:04:13] Through others, a trusted friend, family member, or spiritual mentor may share something that aligns with what God is already stirring in your heart.

[00:04:26] The key is to remain sensitive to His voice and confirmation.

[00:04:31] God's purpose for you will always align with His word and reflect His character.

[00:04:39] Once God has revealed His will for you, take Habakkuk's advice.

[00:04:45] Write it down.

[00:04:47] Write down the revelation and make it plain.

[00:04:51] Writing down your goals, strategies, and plans helps bring clarity and accountability.

[00:04:57] It's a way of saying, Lord, I'm taking your word seriously, and I'm ready to act on it.

[00:05:05] So here's how to approach this.

[00:05:08] Number one, start with prayer and reflection.

[00:05:11] Before you write, pray over what God has revealed and consider how it aligns with your current season of life.

[00:05:20] Number two, be specific.

[00:05:23] Don't just write general goals like growing spiritually.

[00:05:27] Instead, write actionable steps like commit to daily prayer at 7 a.m. or complete a Bible reading plan by June.

[00:05:38] Number three, incorporate your entire life.

[00:05:42] Include your prayer time, devotional habits, family commitments, work goals, and even self-care.

[00:05:49] A well-rounded plan helps you stay balanced.

[00:05:54] And finally, share with accountability partners.

[00:05:57] Share your vision with trusted family or friends who can encourage and support you in pursuing God's purpose.

[00:06:04] When you write down your plans, you're creating a roadmap for the new year.

[00:06:10] And as you walk in obedience, God will guide your steps.

[00:06:14] In John 10, 10, Jesus said, I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.

[00:06:25] Living to the full means living with purpose, focus, and intentionality.

[00:06:32] Part of God's new thing for 2025 is calling us to be more disciplined and accountable in every area of our lives.

[00:06:42] That includes spending quality time in prayer and devotion.

[00:06:48] Managing our time wisely to focus on what truly matters.

[00:06:53] Being a good steward of our relationships, resources, and opportunities.

[00:06:59] Discipline isn't about perfection.

[00:07:02] It's about consistent progress.

[00:07:05] When we align our daily actions with God's will, we position ourselves to experience his blessings and fulfill his purpose.

[00:07:16] Brothers and sisters, as we prepare to journey through 2025, let's commit to seeking God's will above all else.

[00:07:26] Ask him to reveal his plan for your life.

[00:07:29] And then take the time to write them down.

[00:07:32] Create a strategy that incorporates your spiritual, personal, and professional goals.

[00:07:39] And trust God to guide you every step of the way.

[00:07:43] Remember, you don't have to figure everything out on your own.

[00:07:47] Jesus died so that you could have life to the full.

[00:07:51] And the Holy Spirit is your constant companion, offering wisdom and understanding.

[00:07:58] If this message has encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

[00:08:04] And don't forget to join me for the next episode where we continue exploring how to step into the new year with faith and focus.

[00:08:13] I thank you for spending time with us on today.

[00:08:17] I hope you enjoy bringing in the new year.

[00:08:20] And we look forward to our conversation on tomorrow.

[00:08:24] Until then, God bless.

[00:08:26] God bless.

[00:08:33] 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.

[00:08:44] If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone.

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[00:09:03] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478.

[00:09:15] Or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com.