Remember, anticipation isn’t passive—it’s active. Prepare your heart, your mind, and your actions to align with God’s will. Pray, seek His guidance, and step into the new year with confidence that He is walking alongside you.
[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 Yeshua HaMashiach
[00:01:07] to another episode of Words of Inspiration.
[00:01:12] And today we're continuing in our series, Don't Look Back.
[00:01:17] And this episode is titled, Anticipation.
[00:01:23] As we prepare to leave 2024 behind and step into a new year,
[00:01:28] it's easy to fill a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
[00:01:32] But today, we're going to reflect on Philippians 4 and 6, which reminds us,
[00:01:39] Do not be anxious for anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
[00:01:47] present your requests to God.
[00:01:51] This verse calls us to replace anxiety with anticipation.
[00:01:57] Anticipation of God's faithfulness, his promises, and his plans for our growth in 2025.
[00:02:04] So, let's explore how we can approach a new year with a heart full of trust and expectation.
[00:02:11] As we close out the year, it's tempting to let the unknowns of the future cause anxiety.
[00:02:20] Will I meet my goals?
[00:02:22] Will I have the resources I need?
[00:02:24] What challenges might arise?
[00:02:27] These questions can feel overwhelming, but Philippians 4 and 6 reminds us that we don't have to carry these burdens alone.
[00:02:36] Paul tells us to bring everything to God in prayer.
[00:02:40] Not just our praises, but our concerns and uncertainties too.
[00:02:46] Anxiety often comes when we try to control the future instead of trusting the one who holds it.
[00:02:52] Let me ask you, as you reflect on 2024, can you see God's faithfulness?
[00:03:00] Can you identify moments when he provided for you, guided you, or protected you?
[00:03:07] If God was faithful then, why would he be any different in 2025?
[00:03:14] Anticipation is rooted in trust.
[00:03:16] When we trust God, we can eagerly look forward to what he will do next.
[00:03:22] Knowing his plans are always for our good and his glory.
[00:03:29] Philippians 4 and 6 doesn't just tell us to avoid anxiety.
[00:03:33] It also points us toward action.
[00:03:36] When Paul says to pray with thanksgiving,
[00:03:39] He's encouraging us to prepare our hearts for what's next by acknowledging God's goodness and faithfulness in advance.
[00:03:48] God expects us to be in a constant state of improvement,
[00:03:52] whether it's in our relationships, our businesses, our spiritual walk, or how we serve others.
[00:03:59] We are called to grow.
[00:04:03] Think about it.
[00:04:04] God didn't create us to remain stagnant.
[00:04:07] He's a God of transformation and renewal.
[00:04:11] Each day is an opportunity to be better than the day before.
[00:04:15] Not because of our own strength, but because of his work in us.
[00:04:21] As you approach the new year, ask yourself,
[00:04:25] how can I grow closer to God in 2025?
[00:04:28] What relationships need mending or strengthening?
[00:04:33] What steps can I take to serve others more faithfully?
[00:04:37] When we align our plans with God's will,
[00:04:40] we can step into the new year with confidence,
[00:04:44] knowing he will equip us for every good work.
[00:04:48] In the last episode, we talked about snake talk,
[00:04:51] the enemy's lies that try to sow doubt and dissatisfaction in our hearts.
[00:04:56] As you look ahead to 2025, be on guard.
[00:05:01] Satan loves to use fear of the unknown to distract us from God's promises.
[00:05:07] He might whisper to you,
[00:05:09] what if you fail?
[00:05:11] What if things don't work out the way you hope?
[00:05:14] Are you sure God's plan is really the best for you?
[00:05:18] These doubts can lead to anxiety if we let them.
[00:05:22] But here's the truth.
[00:05:24] We serve the God of all times,
[00:05:26] the God who sees the beginning, the middle, and the end of every journey.
[00:05:31] He loves us deeply and desires only the best for us.
[00:05:36] When snake talk creeps in, respond with prayer and thanksgiving.
[00:05:41] Speak God's promises over your life.
[00:05:43] Say, I trust you, Lord.
[00:05:47] And I know you have plans to prosper me and not to harm me,
[00:05:51] as it states in Jeremiah 29 and 11.
[00:05:55] As we prepare for the new year,
[00:05:58] let's embrace the mindset of Philippians 4 and 6.
[00:06:01] Instead of worrying about tomorrow,
[00:06:04] let's trust God and the process he's leading us through.
[00:06:08] Jesus himself said in Matthew 6 and 34,
[00:06:12] Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow.
[00:06:14] For tomorrow will worry about itself.
[00:06:17] Each day has enough trouble of its own.
[00:06:21] God has proven time and time again that he is faithful.
[00:06:26] If we place our trust in him,
[00:06:28] there's no need to fear what 2025 will bring.
[00:06:33] Instead, let's have great anticipation for all the blessings,
[00:06:37] growth, and opportunity he has in store.
[00:06:41] Remember, anticipation isn't passive.
[00:06:44] It's active.
[00:06:46] Prepare your heart, your mind, and your actions to align with God's will.
[00:06:52] Pray, seek his guidance, and step into the new year with confidence that he is walking alongside you.
[00:07:00] I thank you for spending time with me on today,
[00:07:05] and I look forward to our conversation on tomorrow.
[00:07:08] Until then, God bless.
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[00:07:23] to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
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[00:07:47] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478,
[00:07:58] or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com.
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