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Celebration of Hope New Year's Eve 2023
Sermon Summary
In today's sermon, Pastor Kristie emphasised the enduring love of God and the importance of thankfulness as we reflect on 2023, encouraging the community to share their experiences of God's presence and to live generously in the coming year.
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As we gather for the final time in 2023, we reflect on the enduring love of God, a love that remains steadfast through every season of our lives. This year, whether it has been filled with joy or challenges, God's love has been a constant presence, enduring with us, for us, and in us. As we celebrate moments like Justin's baptism, we are reminded of the community we have built here at Door of Hope, a community that thrives on mutual encouragement and shared faith.
Paul's words to the Romans resonate with us today as we express gratitude for the faith that is being reported all over the world. We are a community that prays for one another, that longs to impart spiritual wisdom, and that finds strength in the mutual encouragement of our faith. Today, we engage in a rhythm of prayer and thankfulness, reflecting on where we have seen God move in our lives throughout 2023. We are encouraged to think of specific moments where God's presence was evident, where prayers were answered, and where we felt His guidance most profoundly.
As we look forward to 2024, we are reminded of the call to live as witnesses of Jesus, embodying His love, generosity, and obedience in our daily lives. Jesus lived differently, and He calls us to do the same, to be generous with our time, resources, and love. At Door of Hope, we gather to encourage one another in this journey, to worship, to give, and to care for others. As we enter a new year, we are invited to ask God how He wants us to live, give, and love, trusting in His guidance and provision.
We also celebrate the return of community members and welcome new faces, emphasising the importance of knowing each other and sharing our stories. As we conclude this year, we look forward to our new series, "Pause My Life," where we will explore the rhythms and patterns God has set for us to reflect and transform. Let us continue to be a Door of Hope in this fragile world, with Jesus at the center, focused on others, and united in purpose.
Key Takeaways
1. God's enduring love is a constant presence in our lives, remaining steadfast through every season, whether filled with joy or challenges. This love endures with us, for us, and in us, reminding us of the God we serve and are thankful for. [07:24]
2. Mutual encouragement in faith is vital for our spiritual growth. As Paul expressed to the Romans, we find strength in sharing our faith stories, reflecting on God's work in our lives, and supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. [09:45]
3. Reflecting on God's presence in our lives helps us recognize His guidance and answered prayers. By identifying specific moments where we have seen God move, we deepen our gratitude and awareness of His active role in our lives. [10:40]
4. Living as witnesses of Jesus involves embodying His love, generosity, and obedience. We are called to live differently, to be generous with our time, resources, and love, reflecting the character of Jesus in our daily interactions. [59:35]
5. As we enter a new year, we are invited to seek God's guidance in how we live, give, and love. By asking God what He wants us to do, we open ourselves to His transformative work in our lives, trusting in His provision and direction. [01:01:43]
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: The Unwavering Presence of God's Love
Scripture:
Psalm 136:26
"Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.”
https://www.biblegateway.com/p...
Devotional:
God's love is a constant, unwavering presence in our lives, regardless of the circumstances we face. Whether we experience seasons of joy or challenges, His love endures with us, for us, and in us. This love is not passive; it actively supports and sustains us through every moment. As we reflect on the past year, we are encouraged to identify specific instances where we have felt God's love most profoundly. These moments serve as reminders of the God we serve and the gratitude we owe Him. By acknowledging His steadfast love, we deepen our relationship with Him and strengthen our faith. [07:24]
Reflection:
Think of a challenging moment from the past year. How did you experience God's love during that time, and how can you express gratitude for His unwavering presence today?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your enduring love that has been with me through every moment of the last year. Help me to recognise and appreciate the ways You have moved in my life. May my heart overflow with gratitude as I reflect on Your goodness. Amen.
Day 2: Embodying Jesus' Love and Generosity
Scripture:
1 John 3:18
" Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
1 John 3:18 NIV - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Living as witnesses of Jesus involves embodying His love, generosity, and obedience. We are called to live differently, to be generous with our time, resources, and love, reflecting the character of Jesus in our daily interactions. This calling challenges us to step outside of our comfort zones and to serve others selflessly. As we strive to live in this way, we become living testimonies of Jesus' transformative power, drawing others to Him through our actions and attitudes. [59:35]
Reflection:
Identify one practical way you can embody Jesus' love and generosity today. How can you intentionally serve someone in your community, reflecting His character in your actions?
Prayer:
Gracious God, teach me to live generously as You have shown me. Help me to be open-handed with my time, resources, and love. May I reflect Your generosity in all that I do, and may my giving be a blessing to others. Amen
Day 3: Recognising God's Guidance
Scripture:
Isaiah 30:21
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it”
Isaiah 30:21 NIV - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Reflecting on God's presence in our lives helps us recognise His guidance and answered prayers. By identifying specific moments where we have seen God move, we deepen our gratitude and awareness of His active role in our lives. This reflection is not just about looking back but also about preparing our hearts to see His hand in future circumstances. As we acknowledge these moments, we become more attuned to His voice and direction, allowing us to walk more confidently in His will. [10:40]
Reflection:
Reflect on a time when you clearly felt God's guidance in your life. How can you cultivate a heart that is more attuned to recognising His direction in your daily decisions?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the moments in the last year where I have felt Your presence and seen Your work. I am grateful for Your love that endures forever, guiding me through every season, whether joyful or challenging.
Lord, help me to be aware of Your guidance as I move forward into the new year. May I trust in Your plans and lean on Your wisdom. Fill my heart with thankfulness, and let me reflect Your love in my actions and words.
I pray that You continue to lead me, reminding me that I am never alone. Thank You for being my constant companion. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Day 4: The Power of Community
Scripture:
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20 NIV - For where two or three gather in my - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
As we gather together, we create a space where God’s presence is felt among us. Community is not just about being in the same place; it’s about sharing our lives, our struggles, and our joys with one another. In the hustle and bustle of life, it can be easy to forget the importance of these connections. Yet, when we come together in faith, we encourage one another and build each other up. Just as Paul expressed his gratitude for the community in Rome, we too can reflect on the blessings of those around us. Each person brings a unique story and perspective, and together, we can witness the beauty of God’s work in our lives.
Community is a two-way street, and as we reflect on our relationships, let’s consider how we can be more intentional in fostering these connections. Perhaps it’s through a simple message, a phone call, or inviting someone for coffee. Let’s not underestimate the power of our presence and words in someone else's life.
Reflection:
Take a moment to think about the people in your life who have encouraged you in your faith journey. Who has been a source of strength for you this past year? How have you been able to support others in their walk with God? What can you do today to be more intentional about fostering community?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of community. Help me to recognise the value of those around me and to be a source of encouragement and support. May I gather with others in your name, sharing my heart and my stories, and may your presence be felt. Teach me to love others deeply and to be intentional in my relationships. As I move into the new year, guide me to strengthen my bonds and to reflect your love in the community. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Day 5: Seeking God's Guidance for the Future
Scripture:
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
As we enter a new year, we are invited to seek God's guidance in how we live, give, and love. By asking God what He wants us to do, we open ourselves to His transformative work in our lives, trusting in His provision and direction. This process involves surrendering our plans and desires to Him, allowing Him to shape our paths according to His will. As we seek His guidance, we are reminded of the importance of living with purpose and intention, aligning our lives with His greater plan. [01:01:43]
Reflection:
As you look forward to the new year, what is one area of your life where you need to seek God's guidance? How can you intentionally create space to listen for His direction and trust in His provision?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, as I step into a new year, guide me with Your wisdom. Help me to pause and reflect on Your plans for me. May I seek Your direction in all things and trust in Your goodness as I move forward with others. Amen
Day 6: The Power of Thankfulness
Scripture:
Romans 1:8
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world”.
Romans 1:8 NIV - Bible Gateway
Thankfulness is a powerful practice that can transform our hearts and minds. In the sermon, we are reminded of the importance of reflecting on what God has done in our lives. Paul expresses his gratitude for the faith of the believers in Rome, showing us that thankfulness is not just a personal act but a communal one. When we share our gratitude, we encourage one another and strengthen our faith.
As you think back on this year, what are three specific things you are thankful for? How have you seen God move in your life and the lives of those around you? Sharing these moments can foster a spirit of encouragement within your community.
Reflection:Consider how you can cultivate a habit of thankfulness in your daily life. How can you express gratitude not only to God but also to those around you? Reflect on the impact that thankfulness can have on your relationships and your overall outlook on life.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the many blessings You have poured into my life this year. Help me to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and to share that gratitude with others. May my words and actions reflect the joy of knowing You. As I enter the new year, guide me to be a source of encouragement and love to those around me. Amen.
Day 7: Strength in Shared Faith
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching”
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Mutual encouragement in faith is essential for spiritual growth. As Paul expressed to the Romans, sharing our faith stories and reflecting on God's work in our lives strengthens us. This community of believers supports one another, offering spiritual wisdom and encouragement. By engaging in this rhythm of prayer and thankfulness, we build a foundation of faith that is resilient and enduring. As we gather as a community, we are reminded of the power of shared faith and the importance of supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. [09:45]
Reflection:
Who in your community can you reach out to today to offer encouragement and support in their faith journey? How can you be intentional about fostering mutual encouragement in your relationships?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for our Door of Hope community. I am grateful for the connections I have made and the encouragement I find in others. May I continue to support and uplift others in faith as we journey together. Amen
