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A New Perspective: A New Year Devotional Message

1/9/2015

17 Comments

 
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The new year has arrived and with it comes the great promise.  The doors of possibilities are open, and the air is filled with the excitement of fresh opportunities.  The new year offers an opportunity to put away bad habits and childish tendencies that often detour us from our destiny.  It offers an opportunity to disconnect from bad influences that hinder our progress.  It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to those relinquished resolutions of improvement from the past.  Moreover, it is an opportunity to embrace God’s will for our lives as we seek to accomplish His purpose through His power, for His glory. 

As believers, our greatest ambition for 2015 should be finding ourselves in the center of God’s will because that is the greatest and safest place to dwell.  Many people start the new year with a “to- do list” of goals and resolutions in hand and ask for God to help them to fulfill their will.  Allow me to give you a new perspective.  Believers should approach the new year asking God what is it He desires for us as well as from us this year and then pray for His grace and power to enable our efforts. 

How did you start this new year?  Did you start busy with your list of priorities?  If you did, don’t be surprised when you’re running on empty in a few weeks.  I suggest you start on your knees seeking the Lord and allow Him to order your steps this year.  The Bible reminds us, “The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD.  He delights in every detail of their lives.  Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand” (Psalm 37:23 – 24, NLT).  When we allow the Lord to order our plan it pleases God and protects us from our human propensities. 

Oh yeah, there’s more good news!! You know that list you made for 2015?  God is concerned about that list as well.  Remember the psalmist said, “He delights in every detail of their lives (Psalm 37:23, NLT).  God loves to give His children the desires of their heart as long as those desires are in your best interest.  It’s simply a matter of priorities, God’s list first and mine second.  The Bible teaches us, “Delight yourself in the Lord and (then) He will give you your heart’s desires” (Psalm 37:4, NLT).  Furthermore, Jesus said it this way, “So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing.  Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things?  Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern” (Matthew 6:31 – 33, NLT).

Beloved, God knows what’s best for us!  We often think we have devised a plan that is full  proof, and we have thought through every conceivable issue that may arise.  Yet, my friend I remind you that God still sees further than we do; His wisdom is greater than ours, and His plan is rooted in eternity.  So this year seek the sovereign Lord of the universe as you plan your year, asking Him for His wisdom in every decision.  Ask Him to work through you to keep you from growing weary as you rely on His strength and power.  Trust His plan and plan to follow His lead, and you will find yourself at the right destination; in His will, accomplishing His purpose, enjoying His favor!!  HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!


17 Comments
Stephanie
1/9/2015 02:19:23 am

Excellent post!

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Kenta
1/9/2015 02:56:29 am

Very inspiring! ! (Through his power, for his glory)

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S. Thames
1/9/2015 03:29:50 am

Thanks for a reminder of new beginnings!

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Marion S Preyear
1/9/2015 03:35:22 am

Very powerful and uplifting message! Continue to walk in your purpose, your passion, and stay on the path GOD has clearly laid out just for you! People need to be encouraged and reminded that we simply can not go wrong with GOD! We need to completely trust him in every aspect of our lives! So keep doing what you are doing for GOD! Happy New Year Pastor Culliver! May your journey, your ministry FOREVER be blessed!

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Nakiedra Johnson
1/9/2015 03:52:32 am

So awesome and so true! Thanks Pastor ODC!

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Pastor Brian Johnson
1/9/2015 06:28:22 am

I must agree... Confirmation for me!! Keep being used by God.. The safest place in the whole wide world is in the will of God.. Therefore, no need to worry.. Stay in his will and the to-do list will come... Got u thanks

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Yolanda Gordon
1/9/2015 07:30:40 am

Great word! It's time out for us wanting to do it OUR WAY. It is now and has always been about God and his will for our lives. If we focus on him and obey His will, all those THINGS will come. Very encouraging word. Continue to walk in the will of God and hear His voice. Be blessed Pastor Culliver.

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Juanita Knox
1/9/2015 01:10:48 pm

What a powerful message. It was confirmation for me. Because I had started second guessing myself.. Thanks for the word!!!!

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A.King
1/9/2015 01:27:29 pm

Great uplifting message! God alone is the source of true wisdom and we should seek his wisdom in every decision we make !

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S Hudson
1/9/2015 01:56:19 pm

Thank you for your words of encouragement. Keep lifting up God's word.

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neilya lett
1/9/2015 02:17:54 pm

Amen, what a powerful message. That is so true, each year i hear people promising to become a better person and so on for the new year. But after one month, they are back to their old ways. It is easy to say, "I promise to be a better person this year." But carrying out that promise is the hard part for some.

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Mildred
1/9/2015 02:18:07 pm

Thanks for the encouragement in your Devotional Message. 2014 brought many changes in my life and I found myself having a real conversation with God. I know that He is concern about me. He showed me that He was God and Him alone. He was right there by my side every step of the way. I realize, He is real and He will do everything that He promise if I trust Him.

I didn't make any resolutions for 2015, but I asked God to teach me how to pray for the things I really need. He knows my heart and my desires. I really want to line up with His will.

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Vanessa Goodwin
1/9/2015 03:00:06 pm

While I was reading your blog, I decided to retrieve my 2014 New Years resolution. I discovered that it wasn't a list of resolutions but a prayer list entitled "Thanks For Blessings." At the top of the prayer list was my family, pastor,church family & unity.
Those prayers & others were answered. God blessed me (us) with a strong preacher/pastor who is a genuinely loving indvidual. We've received church growth. Our church family is becoming more of a family rather than people attending the same church. Our men & women are continuing to be stronger role models & leaders. I'm Looking forward to 2015.

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Brenda Brown
1/9/2015 04:03:06 pm

A wonderful message.

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Katrina Dean
1/11/2015 09:52:26 am

Wonderful and inspiring words Pastor Culliver. We must all continue to petition God to help us and strengthen us to live in His will.......constantly in His will not only day by day, but second by second!!! Yes Lord, change "the man in the mirror" so there will be a reflection of You!! If God is not "enough" for us, we will never be satisfied!!! May God continue to bless you and your ministry. One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism!!

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Janica Tempero
1/16/2015 02:45:19 pm

TO GOD BE THE GLORY ! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this blog ! It truly ministered to me! I thank God for speaking through you ! Be blessed!

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Ebony Flake link
1/21/2015 04:57:35 am

...And what a wonderful "New Perspective" it is.

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    Pastor ODC is the Senior Pastor of Tabernacle Church in Selma, AL and a graduate of Beeson Divinity School.  He is a biblical scholar/student with social consciousness that challenges society to examine itself in light of the scripture.  He also encourages believers to fulfill their divine purpose to the glory of God.  His writing is compelling, convicting, and challenging.

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