### Reflecting on God's Faithfulness: A Year-End Message
As we gather on this last Sunday of 2024, it's a moment to pause and reflect on the journey we've taken together this year. Each of us has experienced different seasons—some filled with joy and others marked by challenges. Regardless of where we find ourselves, today is about recognizing God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives.
#### Reflection 24: A Time to Remember
We’ve named this service "Reflection 24," a time to look back and remember how God has sustained us throughout the year. It’s essential to take these moments to reflect—not to dwell on the past, but to celebrate the faithfulness of our Lord. As we prepare to step into 2025, we want to build a memorial in our hearts, much like the Israelites did when they crossed the Jordan River. In Joshua 4, God instructed them to gather stones from the riverbed to remember His miraculous provision. These stones served as a reminder of His faithfulness, a stake in the ground for future generations to see and understand what God had done.
Just as they built their memorial, we too can look back and see the ways God has moved in our lives this year. Each testimony shared today is a stone in our memorial, a reminder of God's goodness and the miracles He has performed in our midst. [21:10]
#### The Importance of Generosity
As we reflect, we also want to express our gratitude for your generosity. It is through your open hands and willing hearts that we can bless our community and beyond. Being a giver means recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are called to share those blessings with others. This posture of generosity not only blesses those around us but also opens us up to receive more from God. [08:56]
#### Embracing New Seasons
Entering a new year often brings a sense of anticipation, but it’s important to remember that not every new season is free from challenges. Just as the Israelites faced battles in the Promised Land, we too will encounter obstacles as we move forward. However, we fight from a place of victory, knowing that God has been faithful in the past and will continue to be with us in the future. Each challenge we face is an opportunity to build our faith and trust in Him. [27:04]
#### The Fear of the Lord: A Foundation for Our Lives
This year, we explored the concept of the fear of the Lord, which serves as a foundation for our character and integrity. It is this fear that keeps us humble and grounded, reminding us that pride can lead to a fall. As we reflect on the lessons learned, let us commit to cultivating a healthy fear of the Lord in our lives, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our faith. [13:33]
#### Looking Ahead: A Prophetic Word for 2025
As we prepare to step into the new year, I believe that 2025 will be a year of expansion for our church. Isaiah 54:2-3 encourages us to enlarge our tents and prepare for growth. This is not just about numbers; it’s about the kingdom of God expanding in our community. We are called to be a house of prayer and a beacon of hope for those around us. [01:09:59]
#### Conclusion: A Call to Worship
As we close out this year, let us lift our voices in worship, thanking God for His faithfulness and looking forward to what He has in store for us. Each of us has a testimony to share, and together, we can celebrate the goodness of God in our lives. Let’s remember that these moments of reflection fuel our faith for the future, reminding us that God is always with us, guiding us through every season.
Join us as we worship together, giving glory to the One who has been faithful through it all. Amen.
As we gather on this last Sunday of 2024, it's a moment to pause and reflect on the journey we've taken together this year. Each of us has experienced different seasons—some filled with joy and others marked by challenges. Regardless of where we find ourselves, today is about recognizing God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives.
#### Reflection 24: A Time to Remember
We’ve named this service "Reflection 24," a time to look back and remember how God has sustained us throughout the year. It’s essential to take these moments to reflect—not to dwell on the past, but to celebrate the faithfulness of our Lord. As we prepare to step into 2025, we want to build a memorial in our hearts, much like the Israelites did when they crossed the Jordan River. In Joshua 4, God instructed them to gather stones from the riverbed to remember His miraculous provision. These stones served as a reminder of His faithfulness, a stake in the ground for future generations to see and understand what God had done.
Just as they built their memorial, we too can look back and see the ways God has moved in our lives this year. Each testimony shared today is a stone in our memorial, a reminder of God's goodness and the miracles He has performed in our midst. [21:10]
#### The Importance of Generosity
As we reflect, we also want to express our gratitude for your generosity. It is through your open hands and willing hearts that we can bless our community and beyond. Being a giver means recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are called to share those blessings with others. This posture of generosity not only blesses those around us but also opens us up to receive more from God. [08:56]
#### Embracing New Seasons
Entering a new year often brings a sense of anticipation, but it’s important to remember that not every new season is free from challenges. Just as the Israelites faced battles in the Promised Land, we too will encounter obstacles as we move forward. However, we fight from a place of victory, knowing that God has been faithful in the past and will continue to be with us in the future. Each challenge we face is an opportunity to build our faith and trust in Him. [27:04]
#### The Fear of the Lord: A Foundation for Our Lives
This year, we explored the concept of the fear of the Lord, which serves as a foundation for our character and integrity. It is this fear that keeps us humble and grounded, reminding us that pride can lead to a fall. As we reflect on the lessons learned, let us commit to cultivating a healthy fear of the Lord in our lives, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our faith. [13:33]
#### Looking Ahead: A Prophetic Word for 2025
As we prepare to step into the new year, I believe that 2025 will be a year of expansion for our church. Isaiah 54:2-3 encourages us to enlarge our tents and prepare for growth. This is not just about numbers; it’s about the kingdom of God expanding in our community. We are called to be a house of prayer and a beacon of hope for those around us. [01:09:59]
#### Conclusion: A Call to Worship
As we close out this year, let us lift our voices in worship, thanking God for His faithfulness and looking forward to what He has in store for us. Each of us has a testimony to share, and together, we can celebrate the goodness of God in our lives. Let’s remember that these moments of reflection fuel our faith for the future, reminding us that God is always with us, guiding us through every season.
Join us as we worship together, giving glory to the One who has been faithful through it all. Amen.