Sermon Notes

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12/29/24 

Reflection Aids Direction

Pastor Rob talks a lot about 2024. How did it go? How could it have been different? These questions can often cause us to feel anxious for how our year went, and for the things we did or didn't do. This isn't how we are called to live, Scripture constantly tells us that there is no condemnation in Christ. Instead of looking back full of regret, we are challenged to look back and learn from mistakes, move forward with new habits, and goals set in place. Here are a couple of questions to reflect on with the Lord this week:

- What were some of my biggest successes and wins?

- What were some of my failures?

- What things can I appreciate from this past year? 

Take time to pray before and after asking these questions, keeping Christ in this time of mediation. 

Pastor Rob speaks about journaling habitually, and how it can help us in our walk, process thoughts and feelings, and slow down to hear HIM more. If you don't journal, take it up in the New Year as a new habit and practice. It is so encouraging to not only talk to the Lord, but sit with Him, write down what He is speaking, and what His word is saying to you during quiet time. 

Grab your pen, notebook and Bible, reflect on Romans 8:1, and journal on the following:

- What were some positive experiences, answered prayers and moments of joy from 2024?

- What were some areas of setback? How can I learn from these challenges?

- How has my faith developed this year? What are some areas for improvement? *With a focus on spiritual growth*

- Did I find myself with believers this year? Why or why not? How can this change in the upcoming year?

- What were the most significant moments of spiritual growth this year?

- How did God show up in times of difficulty?

- Were there any Bible verses that resonated with me in 2024?

- Are there any unresolved conflicts I have with myself or people? How can I move forward?

- Are there any areas of sin I need to address with God and/or others?

- Did I have any opportunity to share my faith with others? What was the result with that?

- How I intentionally grow closer to God in 2025?

This list may be daunting, but our encouragement is to take the time to work through these questions. Take time with Christ to reflect, and allow Him to speak and encourage you in the experiences in 2024, and the hope He is bringing for 2025. 

Scripture: Lam. 3:22, Jer. 33:3, Psa. 25, Pro. 3:5, Rom. 8:1, Rom. 12:1, Phil. 4:6