A NEW YEAR IS A NEW BEGINNING - A FAITH BASED HUMANITARIAN AND EVANGELICAL ORGANISATION

PREPARING YOURSELVES FOR THE NEW YEAR WITH SPIRITUAL ENERGY

December 31, 2023

SOWING THE SEEDS OF ABUNDANCE

January 9, 2024

SPECIAL NEW YEAR 2024 SERMON

DATE: JANUARY 1^ST – 7^TH 2024

TOPIC: A NEW YEAR IS A NEW BEGINNING

AUTHOR: MARY LAWRENCE-DOKPESI

SCRIPTURE:

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:18-19:

Every new year is a new beginning. Aside from the fact that the new year is the beginning of a new calendar year, and so allows starting afresh, New Year’s Day holds a significant amount of the divine energy of Christmas. This energy is available for our use in the New Year.

The New Year is also a time for gratitude and appreciation. As we look back at the previous year, we can acknowledge the blessings we have received and express gratitude for the support and love of our friends, family, and community.

Furthermore, the New Year is a time to reflect on the past year, assess our achievements and shortcomings, and set goals for the coming year. This period of reflection allows us to gain perspective and grow as individuals. Ecclesiastes (3:1-8) states that there is a time for everything, including a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. This passage reminds us that life is full of cycles and transitions, and the New Year is an opportunity to embrace these changes and make the most of the time we have.

What do we do to take advantage of the positive energy of the New Year? The first thirty days of the year is key for laying the foundation of what we intend to achieve in the year. We start a good foundation with proper goal setting and reflection. Thereafter, we may spend the remaining period of the year building on the foundation we have laid.

Today’s word is a powerful reminder to embrace the newness and possibilities that come with a new year. It encourages us to let go of the past and focus on the future, trusting that God is constantly at work, bringing about new beginnings and opportunities.

REFLECTION:

Take some time to look back at the previous year and assess your accomplishments, challenges, and areas of personal growth.

This reflection will help you gain a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and provide insight into the changes you need to make.

To make the most of the New Year, it’s essential to set attainable goals and prioritize our spiritual well-being. The book of Proverbs (16:9) states that “in their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” By seeking God’s wisdom and guidance, we can better navigate the challenges that lie ahead. We can take advantage of the New Year to prosper and live a fulfilled life y doing the following.

What must you do today, Without any delay?

After today’s reflection, you must proceed to do the following:

1. Set clear and achievable goals

a. Identify specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that will help you work towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

b. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to ensure progress and maintain motivation.

c. Prioritize self-care and well-being: Make your physical, mental, and emotional health a priority by engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and practising stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga.

2. Foster meaningful relationships

a. Strengthen your bonds with friends, family, and community members by showing gratitude, offering support, and engaging in activities that bring you closer together.

b. Embrace personal growth and learning.

3. Seek out new experiences, develop new skills, and challenge yourself intellectually and emotionally to foster personal growth and expand your horizons.

4. Stay accountable and committed

a. Share your goals with trusted friends or family members and check in with them periodically to stay accountable and maintain motivation.

Lamentations 3:22-23 states; “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

This verse reminds us that God’s love and mercy are renewed every day. It speaks of His faithfulness and grace that accompany us into each new day. As we enter a new year, we can trust in God’s unwavering love and His continual provision of mercy.

By following the steps highlighted above, and taking advantage of the New Year’s potential for renewal and growth, we can all work towards a more prosperous and fulfilled life. In 2024, and beyond.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024, BELOVED.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, guide us with your light, bless us with peace, and grant us strength to overcome challenges, especially in the New Year. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Philippians 3:13-14, Romans 12:2

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.