The hosts discuss consecrating 2024 to God and preparing our hearts. They reflect on the challenges and hopes of 2023. They emphasize the importance of dedicating the year to God's care. They talk about desiring rest and peace amidst chaos. They explore the importance of living well in the new year and listening for God's messages.
Consecrating the year to God and bringing all areas of life into alignment with His guidance is crucial for a fruitful and meaningful year ahead.
Finding false relief and escaping from the chaos of the world can lead to heartbreak; true peace and stability can only be found by consecrating the year to God and seeking His guidance in all decisions and plans.
Deep dives
Reflecting on the past year and setting intentions
As the new year begins, the hosts discuss the importance of reflecting on the previous year and setting intentions for the year ahead. They emphasize the need to consecrate the year to God and bring all areas of life into alignment with His guidance. They share personal stories of the consequences of not seeking God's wisdom before making decisions, highlighting the importance of listening to His leading. They describe their own practices of consecrating the year, which include tactile actions like walking through the house and touching objects while praying. The hosts also emphasize the importance of releasing everything to God and recognizing that true relief and peace can only come from Him.
The temptation to run away
The hosts acknowledge the temptation to run away from the chaos and instability of the world, seeking rest and predictability. They share personal desires to escape and find relief in distraction or isolation. However, they caution that such escapes are false relief and can lead to heartbreak when not aligned with God's guidance and provision. They emphasize the importance of consecrating the year to God and seeking His guidance in all decisions and plans, recognizing that only He can provide true peace and stability in a chaotic world.
Listening for God's guidance
The hosts discuss the practice of listening for God's guidance at the beginning of the year. They share their own experiences of receiving specific words or phrases from God that serve as anchors for the year ahead. They highlight the importance of being attentive to God's leading and how it can shape decisions and actions. They give examples of how these words have guided their choices and impacted their relationships. They encourage listeners to seek God's specific guidance for the new year and be open to His direction and provision.
Looking ahead to part two
The hosts mention that the upcoming second part of the episode will focus on practical ways to live well in the new year. They express excitement for discussing practices that support a meaningful and fulfilling life in God. They emphasize the importance of consecrating the year and aligning with God's plans before delving into specific practices for living well.
Just because the calendar is changing to a new year doesn't mean we're ready for it yet. John, Alex, and Allen walk through tangible ways to consecrate 2024 to God and prepare our hearts for what's ahead.