January 28, 2025 • 13 mins
This episode emphasizes the importance of refocusing on our divine calling as we enter 2025 and reflects on how past trials can shape our purpose in life. We discuss the significance of intention, the necessity of prayer, and understanding our unique design to maximize our potential.
• Reflecting on our intentions for 2025
• Current events and their impact on our community
• The trials we face shape our character and purpose
• Importance of a prayerful attitude in guiding our steps
• Understanding our unique design and calling from God
• Aligning with God's plan for provision and fulfillment
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Well, welcome to the Words for Change podcast here on
this Tuesday, man.
We got an episode for you today.
This is the first timelistening.
My name is Lionel and I welcometo all the guests here on the
other side of 2025.
Today's episode we're going totalk about refocusing and
shifting our attention,following God's calling for our
(00:21):
life, doing new seasons.
That's the episode for today,but before we get started, what
day is it y'all?
Yes, here on this January 14th,man, there's a lot going on in
the news today.
At least 18, I'm sorry, atleast 13 people are missing from
(00:44):
the California fires down inPalisade.
It spans over 22,000 acres.
Over 11% of this fire iscontained, but boy, the Eden
fire of the North Seas, losAngeles, covers more than 14,000
acres.
So let's continue to pray forthe people in California.
Those who are in the sanfernando valley are not too far
(01:07):
away from where we're located,and so our prayers go out to the
people of california andpalisade.
It's not just about the fires.
It's also about the familiesand memories of history that's
been left behind.
Meta and amazon have joined ina growing number of companies
like Walmart, mcdonald's andFord John Deere, for instance.
(01:28):
These companies are all gettingrid of the DEI.
You know, if you guys areinterested, interested or know
about the diversity, diversity,equity and inclusion programs, a
lot of these companies now areturning back these programs.
Someone says because of thechange in the White House.
Others will say it's justoverdue, these programs are not
(01:49):
needed.
We know in our world, and Itell you what you know we may be
at different stages anddifferent belief systems about
that, but this is somethingthat's happening in the news, so
let's continue to pray for thatas well.
Companies saying that thediversity and hiring program
goes against fair treatment andmay even violate some people's
(02:10):
constitutional rights.
Critics of the VA argue thatthese programs are
discriminatory.
This is why they are no longerneeded.
Here again, this is anotherissue that's going on.
We know that our world isdivided, but even our world is
divided.
Here again, this is anotherissue that's going on.
We know that our world isdivided, but even though our
world is divided, the scripturestell us specifically right that
(02:31):
we should seek peace with allmen.
Romans tells us that as well,that we should pray for our
leaders Romans 13, so that wemay have a peaceable life.
And of course, most of you knowthat we lost President Carter.
I had the opportunity to meethim one time.
I actually see him in Habitatbuilding houses in the
Dallas-Fort Worth area.
So he was a great man, did somegood work and a believer.
Now he's gone home to be withthe Lord and our heart goes out
(02:55):
to him and his family.
But boy did he leave awonderful, wonderful legacy
behind.
Well, that's all we have in thenews for today, on this January
14th, and let's get to themessage that's most important
Refocusing for 2025.
Well, as we go forward intothis 2025, the Lord spoke to me
(03:41):
and said what are yourintentions?
I want you to think about thatfirst.
What are your intentions forliving the life that you want to
live?
In other words, what does Godsay?
What is the Lord saying to youabout where you're supposed to
go and what you're supposed todo?
Well, it's one thing that weneed to be emphatically clear
about that God has a purpose anda plan for us as we approach,
(04:05):
as we are now into 2025.
Galatians 1 15 says this butwhen he who had set you apart
even from your mother's womb andcalled you through his grace,
god has gifted and graced you todo something specific.
Think about this.
(04:25):
God has gifted and graced youto do something specific.
Okay, but it gets even betterthan that y'all.
Okay, it gets even betterbecause not only did God gift
you and grace you, but, listen,god has allowed you to go
through everything you'veexperienced in your life in
order to help shape you and formyou to the person that God
(04:47):
wants you to be, to do the jobthat God needs you to do.
So I need you to think aboutthat.
So I want you to think aboutall of the things that you've
absorbed in your life.
All of the trials, all of thecircumstances that did not go
your way, the temptations, howyou may have fallen, how things
didn't work out for you.
How has those things shaped youto the person you are now?
(05:13):
This is critical for us tothink about as we move forward
to 2025, as we begin this trekthrough 2025.
Think about all of thecircumstances you've gone
through.
How has these things shaped you?
God allowed them to shape you,to make you the person that
you've gone through.
How has these things shaped you?
God allowed them to shape youand make you the person that you
want to be.
(05:33):
Some people say that you knowit's hard to become the person
you want to become, the personGod wants you to become, when
everything is going away,because it is trials that shapes
your character, trials thatmake you a better person, trials
that give you a depth ofthought, to help you to think
about who you are and what it isyou're supposed to do, what's
(05:56):
most important in your life,just like pain, right?
There's nothing like pain thatmakes you realize that you need
to go see the doctor.
There's nothing like trialsthat make you realize that you
need to have a life of prayer.
And so that's my second point.
My second point is, in orderfor us to begin this trek in
2025 in a positive way, in a waythat is directed as God wants
(06:19):
us to, we must be people ofprayer.
Right, the Bible says that thesteps of the righteous are
ordered by the Lord.
Philippians 4 says we shouldnot worry about anything, but
pray about everything.
I don't know about you, but Ihave those experiences even as I
approach 2025.
Major changes happening in ourlives and in our family lives.
And guess what?
(06:40):
These challenges will not befoolproof.
These challenges are notfoolproof without having an
attitude and a mindset of prayer.
But think about this, watchthis y'all.
In order for us to have amindset of prayer, we need to
realize that God is the sourceof everything.
Think about that.
That God is the source and thereason why you exist.
(07:03):
What does that mean?
That means that whenever we goforward and whatever we do, we
must keep in mind that it isGod's plan that started this
whole process in our lives.
Right, it is God's plan tostart this whole process.
Isaiah 49, 1 says the Lord callsme, called me from my mother's
(07:27):
womb.
The Lord called me from mymother's womb.
The Lord called me from mymother's womb.
That's what God told theprophet Isaiah, who was dealing
with Israel, who were eithergoing in or on the upside of
coming out of the Babyloniancaptivity.
But even while they were goingthrough the trials of being
captive, people battleBabylonians.
(07:48):
The Lord had to remind thechildren of Israel that they had
a calling in life.
What's your calling?
What's your calling?
Think about what it is that Godhas originally called you to do
.
That God has number one.
So we've just to recap, right,think about this one God has
called you from your mother'swomb, which means that
everything that you've gonethrough has been a resource God
(08:09):
is using to shape you, make youthe person that God wants you to
be.
The second thing is thisSometimes we have to be careful
because we will begin taking ontasks that are not designed,
that we have not been called anddesigned for, that God hasn't
called and designed us for.
So, as we're going through 2025, we got to think about that.
(08:34):
Are we doing tasks that Godhasn't designed us for?
Right?
Jeremiah 1 5 says before I wasformed in the womb, god knew me
before I was formed in the womb.
So if I, if God knew me beforeI was formed in the womb, so if
I, if God knew me before I wasformed in the womb, right, and
that word translates roughly inthe Hebrew means that God knew
(08:56):
my inner parts, or, or God hadspecific purposes.
Right, think about a vase.
Or think about a tool.
There's, a tool has a purpose.
I like playing golf.
A golf club has a purpose.
How you use a driver versus howyou use an iron is totally
different.
The trajectory excuse me, thetrajectory of that club will do
(09:19):
different things, right, basedon what it is designed to do.
What are you designed to do?
What is your gift, talents andabilities?
Ok, what are, what are yourunique propensities?
What are your gift, talents andabilities?
What are the things that youare uniquely designed and called
to do that God designed you todo as you go, as we go forward
(09:41):
in 2025, think about it.
If we, if we ignore that andtake on tasks that we're not
designed for, we'll befrustrated.
People will be frustratedPeople.
Ok, all right.
So here's the last thing I wantyou to do.
So, number one we talked aboutknowing that we have a purpose
Right, and knowing that all thetrials that we've gone through
(10:02):
has prepared or is preparing usfor 2025.
Has prepared or is preparing usfor 2025.
The second thing I want you tokeep in mind is this okay, is
that God designed you forsomething specifically, and so
if God designed you forsomething specifically, if
you're not doing that, you won'tmaximize your potential.
Okay, you won't maximize yourpotential.
Here's the third and final thingI wanna share with you Whatever
(10:25):
God has designed you to do, godhas already provided, given
provision, for you to do thatthing and for you to have
maximum impact.
Okay, so when you have thatmindset and you know that, then
you do what the scripture says.
That just shall live by faith.
Hebrews 12 says what faith is asubstance of things.
Just shall live by faith.
(10:45):
Hebrews 12 says what faith is asubstance of things hopeful to
evidence of things not seen.
When you're walking accordingto your design and when you're
walking according to how Godcalled you here in 2025, you
don't have to worry aboutprovision.
You can trust that God's goingto provide.
Why?
Because you're doing exactlywhat God has called and gifted
you to do.
(11:05):
All right, this is important.
Gifted you to do All right.
This is important for us toconsider.
Okay, this is important for usto keep in mind.
All right.
Paul said this in Romans 1.1.
God has set me apart.
What For the gospel of God?
Paul told the Corinthian churchthat what Our God will do, what
(11:30):
Supply all you need accordingto his riches in Christ Jesus
Sorry, that's in Philippians,the Corinthian text, sorry about
that.
Y'all Charge it to my head, notto my heart.
But the Philippian, theCorinthian text talks about God
gives gift, grace to the giverso that your gift may increase.
What does that mean?
When you're doing what God hascalled you to do, god will
(11:50):
provide for you through theprocess.
You don't have to worry, fearor doubt.
God will provide, and if Goddoesn't provide, then maybe
that's not what the Lord wantsyou to do.
That could be a fleece for someof you out there listening here
and 2025, so, listen, I want usto be successful, I want us to
be pointed and focus.
All right, and here in 2025,that's what God is calling us to
(12:12):
do.
So, once again, think aboutwhat God has gifted you to do
something specific.
The trials allow you to gothrough those things.
Ok, you learn from those trials.
Second thing is this which isvitally important is that the
hardships you've gone throughare shaping you for your calling
purpose.
(12:32):
And the third thing is God willprovide for what God has called
you to do.
All right, so keep praying forus here in 2025.
We got some new changes comingwith the podcast.
You'll hear about that in thenext episode.
Keep us, keep praying for us,as I know that we are praying
for you listening on the otherside of this microphone.
Ok, so I want to go out.
Make it a successful Tuesdayand we'll see you back in the
(12:56):
next two weeks.
Ok, have a blessed andwonderful day.
May the Lord bless you.
May the Lord keep you.
May the Lord cause his face toshine upon you from this time
and evermore.
God bless you.
We talk to his face to shineupon you from this time and
evermore.
God bless you and we talk toyou in two weeks.
Well, welcome to the Words for Change podcast here on
this Tuesday, man.
We got an episode for you today.
This is the first timelistening.
My name is Lionel and I welcometo all the guests here on the
other side of 2025.
Today's episode we're going totalk about refocusing and
shifting our attention,following God's calling for our
(00:21):
life, doing new seasons.
That's the episode for today,but before we get started, what
day is it y'all?
Yes, here on this January 14th,man, there's a lot going on in
the news today.
At least 18, I'm sorry, atleast 13 people are missing from
(00:44):
the California fires down inPalisade.
It spans over 22,000 acres.
Over 11% of this fire iscontained, but boy, the Eden
fire of the North Seas, losAngeles, covers more than 14,000
acres.
So let's continue to pray forthe people in California.
Those who are in the sanfernando valley are not too far
(01:07):
away from where we're located,and so our prayers go out to the
people of california andpalisade.
It's not just about the fires.
It's also about the familiesand memories of history that's
been left behind.
Meta and amazon have joined ina growing number of companies
like Walmart, mcdonald's andFord John Deere, for instance.
(01:28):
These companies are all gettingrid of the DEI.
You know, if you guys areinterested, interested or know
about the diversity, diversity,equity and inclusion programs, a
lot of these companies now areturning back these programs.
Someone says because of thechange in the White House.
Others will say it's justoverdue, these programs are not
(01:49):
needed.
We know in our world, and Itell you what you know we may be
at different stages anddifferent belief systems about
that, but this is somethingthat's happening in the news, so
let's continue to pray for thatas well.
Companies saying that thediversity and hiring program
goes against fair treatment andmay even violate some people's
(02:10):
constitutional rights.
Critics of the VA argue thatthese programs are
discriminatory.
This is why they are no longerneeded.
Here again, this is anotherissue that's going on.
We know that our world isdivided, but even our world is
divided.
Here again, this is anotherissue that's going on.
We know that our world isdivided, but even though our
world is divided, the scripturestell us specifically right that
(02:31):
we should seek peace with allmen.
Romans tells us that as well,that we should pray for our
leaders Romans 13, so that wemay have a peaceable life.
And of course, most of you knowthat we lost President Carter.
I had the opportunity to meethim one time.
I actually see him in Habitatbuilding houses in the
Dallas-Fort Worth area.
So he was a great man, did somegood work and a believer.
Now he's gone home to be withthe Lord and our heart goes out
(02:55):
to him and his family.
But boy did he leave awonderful, wonderful legacy
behind.
Well, that's all we have in thenews for today, on this January
14th, and let's get to themessage that's most important
Refocusing for 2025.
Well, as we go forward intothis 2025, the Lord spoke to me
(03:41):
and said what are yourintentions?
I want you to think about thatfirst.
What are your intentions forliving the life that you want to
live?
In other words, what does Godsay?
What is the Lord saying to youabout where you're supposed to
go and what you're supposed todo?
Well, it's one thing that weneed to be emphatically clear
about that God has a purpose anda plan for us as we approach,
(04:05):
as we are now into 2025.
Galatians 1 15 says this butwhen he who had set you apart
even from your mother's womb andcalled you through his grace,
god has gifted and graced you todo something specific.
Think about this.
(04:25):
God has gifted and graced youto do something specific.
Okay, but it gets even betterthan that y'all.
Okay, it gets even betterbecause not only did God gift
you and grace you, but, listen,god has allowed you to go
through everything you'veexperienced in your life in
order to help shape you and formyou to the person that God
(04:47):
wants you to be, to do the jobthat God needs you to do.
So I need you to think aboutthat.
So I want you to think aboutall of the things that you've
absorbed in your life.
All of the trials, all of thecircumstances that did not go
your way, the temptations, howyou may have fallen, how things
didn't work out for you.
How has those things shaped youto the person you are now?
(05:13):
This is critical for us tothink about as we move forward
to 2025, as we begin this trekthrough 2025.
Think about all of thecircumstances you've gone
through.
How has these things shaped you?
God allowed them to shape you,to make you the person that
you've gone through.
How has these things shaped you?
God allowed them to shape youand make you the person that you
want to be.
(05:33):
Some people say that you knowit's hard to become the person
you want to become, the personGod wants you to become, when
everything is going away,because it is trials that shapes
your character, trials thatmake you a better person, trials
that give you a depth ofthought, to help you to think
about who you are and what it isyou're supposed to do, what's
(05:56):
most important in your life,just like pain, right?
There's nothing like pain thatmakes you realize that you need
to go see the doctor.
There's nothing like trialsthat make you realize that you
need to have a life of prayer.
And so that's my second point.
My second point is, in orderfor us to begin this trek in
2025 in a positive way, in a waythat is directed as God wants
(06:19):
us to, we must be people ofprayer.
Right, the Bible says that thesteps of the righteous are
ordered by the Lord.
Philippians 4 says we shouldnot worry about anything, but
pray about everything.
I don't know about you, but Ihave those experiences even as I
approach 2025.
Major changes happening in ourlives and in our family lives.
And guess what?
(06:40):
These challenges will not befoolproof.
These challenges are notfoolproof without having an
attitude and a mindset of prayer.
But think about this, watchthis y'all.
In order for us to have amindset of prayer, we need to
realize that God is the sourceof everything.
Think about that.
That God is the source and thereason why you exist.
(07:03):
What does that mean?
That means that whenever we goforward and whatever we do, we
must keep in mind that it isGod's plan that started this
whole process in our lives.
Right, it is God's plan tostart this whole process.
Isaiah 49, 1 says the Lord callsme, called me from my mother's
(07:27):
womb.
The Lord called me from mymother's womb.
The Lord called me from mymother's womb.
That's what God told theprophet Isaiah, who was dealing
with Israel, who were eithergoing in or on the upside of
coming out of the Babyloniancaptivity.
But even while they were goingthrough the trials of being
captive, people battleBabylonians.
(07:48):
The Lord had to remind thechildren of Israel that they had
a calling in life.
What's your calling?
What's your calling?
Think about what it is that Godhas originally called you to do
.
That God has number one.
So we've just to recap, right,think about this one God has
called you from your mother'swomb, which means that
everything that you've gonethrough has been a resource God
(08:09):
is using to shape you, make youthe person that God wants you to
be.
The second thing is thisSometimes we have to be careful
because we will begin taking ontasks that are not designed,
that we have not been called anddesigned for, that God hasn't
called and designed us for.
So, as we're going through 2025, we got to think about that.
(08:34):
Are we doing tasks that Godhasn't designed us for?
Right?
Jeremiah 1 5 says before I wasformed in the womb, god knew me
before I was formed in the womb.
So if I, if God knew me beforeI was formed in the womb, so if
I, if God knew me before I wasformed in the womb, right, and
that word translates roughly inthe Hebrew means that God knew
(08:56):
my inner parts, or, or God hadspecific purposes.
Right, think about a vase.
Or think about a tool.
There's, a tool has a purpose.
I like playing golf.
A golf club has a purpose.
How you use a driver versus howyou use an iron is totally
different.
The trajectory excuse me, thetrajectory of that club will do
(09:19):
different things, right, basedon what it is designed to do.
What are you designed to do?
What is your gift, talents andabilities?
Ok, what are, what are yourunique propensities?
What are your gift, talents andabilities?
What are the things that youare uniquely designed and called
to do that God designed you todo as you go, as we go forward
(09:41):
in 2025, think about it.
If we, if we ignore that andtake on tasks that we're not
designed for, we'll befrustrated.
People will be frustratedPeople.
Ok, all right.
So here's the last thing I wantyou to do.
So, number one we talked aboutknowing that we have a purpose
Right, and knowing that all thetrials that we've gone through
(10:02):
has prepared or is preparing usfor 2025.
Has prepared or is preparing usfor 2025.
The second thing I want you tokeep in mind is this okay, is
that God designed you forsomething specifically, and so
if God designed you forsomething specifically, if
you're not doing that, you won'tmaximize your potential.
Okay, you won't maximize yourpotential.
Here's the third and final thingI wanna share with you Whatever
(10:25):
God has designed you to do, godhas already provided, given
provision, for you to do thatthing and for you to have
maximum impact.
Okay, so when you have thatmindset and you know that, then
you do what the scripture says.
That just shall live by faith.
Hebrews 12 says what faith is asubstance of things.
Just shall live by faith.
(10:45):
Hebrews 12 says what faith is asubstance of things hopeful to
evidence of things not seen.
When you're walking accordingto your design and when you're
walking according to how Godcalled you here in 2025, you
don't have to worry aboutprovision.
You can trust that God's goingto provide.
Why?
Because you're doing exactlywhat God has called and gifted
you to do.
(11:05):
All right, this is important.
Gifted you to do All right.
This is important for us toconsider.
Okay, this is important for usto keep in mind.
All right.
Paul said this in Romans 1.1.
God has set me apart.
What For the gospel of God?
Paul told the Corinthian churchthat what Our God will do, what
(11:30):
Supply all you need accordingto his riches in Christ Jesus
Sorry, that's in Philippians,the Corinthian text, sorry about
that.
Y'all Charge it to my head, notto my heart.
But the Philippian, theCorinthian text talks about God
gives gift, grace to the giverso that your gift may increase.
What does that mean?
When you're doing what God hascalled you to do, god will
(11:50):
provide for you through theprocess.
You don't have to worry, fearor doubt.
God will provide, and if Goddoesn't provide, then maybe
that's not what the Lord wantsyou to do.
That could be a fleece for someof you out there listening here
and 2025, so, listen, I want usto be successful, I want us to
be pointed and focus.
All right, and here in 2025,that's what God is calling us to
(12:12):
do.
So, once again, think aboutwhat God has gifted you to do
something specific.
The trials allow you to gothrough those things.
Ok, you learn from those trials.
Second thing is this which isvitally important is that the
hardships you've gone throughare shaping you for your calling
purpose.
(12:32):
And the third thing is God willprovide for what God has called
you to do.
All right, so keep praying forus here in 2025.
We got some new changes comingwith the podcast.
You'll hear about that in thenext episode.
Keep us, keep praying for us,as I know that we are praying
for you listening on the otherside of this microphone.
Ok, so I want to go out.
Make it a successful Tuesdayand we'll see you back in the
(12:56):
next two weeks.
Ok, have a blessed andwonderful day.
May the Lord bless you.
May the Lord keep you.
May the Lord cause his face toshine upon you from this time
and evermore.
God bless you.
We talk to his face to shineupon you from this time and
evermore.
God bless you and we talk toyou in two weeks.
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