December 31, 2023 • 6 mins
Title: Reflecting on God's Blessings Going into the New Year
Summary:
This episode encourages listeners to reflect on the blessings they received in the past year and cultivate an attitude of gratitude as they step into the new year. Jason Gohl shares personal stories of his own blessings, including a recent mission trip to Ethiopia, and invites listeners to share their own experiences of God's faithfulness.
Key Points:
- Take time to reflect on the blessings of the past year, both big and small.
- Gratitude helps shift our focus to the positive aspects of life.
- Sharing our stories of God's blessings can encourage and inspire others.
- Bible verses on gratitude: Psalm 103:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Call to Action:
- Take a few minutes to reflect on your own blessings and write them down.
- Share your story of God's faithfulness in the comments or on social media using the hashtag #ReflectingOnGodsBlessings.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Greetings, friends.
(00:00):
Welcome back to Walking.
In His Word,
your source for faith filled inspiration
and practical Bible teachings.
I'm your host, Jason Gohl
and I'm grateful
you join me as
we dive into the depths
of Scripture, discover
its timeless wisdom,
and apply its teaching
to our daily lives.
But before we begin,
please remember
to subscribe to our podcast
to receive daily inspiration.
Please also visit our website
at W WW Dot walking in his works
(00:22):
for additional resources and information
on how you can connect with our community
as we stand on the threshold
of a new year.
It's a beautiful time to pause
and reflect on the blessings
that increase their lives in the year
that is about to end.
So today
we embark on a journey of gratitude,
remembering the big and small moments
where God's presence
and love has shown through.
And this reminds us of His faithfulness
(00:44):
and his unending goodness.
So as we close the book on this year,
let's pause and reflect
on all of the blessings
that have enriched our lives.
They may be big and bold,
like overcoming a major obstacle
or achieving a long held dream,
but they also may be small
and seemingly insignificant,
like a warm hug from a loved one.
The beauty of a sunrise
or a moment of unexpected laughter.
(01:05):
Here are some examples
to spark your own reflections.
Did you experience the joy
of spending quality time with loved ones?
Did you strengthen existing bonds
or form
new connections that brought love,
laughter and support into your life?
Did you overcome a challenging situation
or conquer a personal fear?
Did you learn a valuable lesson
or gain a new skill
that has empowered you?
(01:25):
Do you enjoy good health
and physical well-being
throughout the year?
Did you find ways
to nourish your mind, body and soul
through self-care and healthy activities?
Maybe you had
some moments
of unexpected happiness or joy
that surprised and delighted you.
Did you appreciate the simple things
in life?
Maybe you found
moments of peace and joy in everyday
routines and experiences,
and these are just some thoughts
(01:47):
to spark your own ideas.
What have you encountered
this past year that you can recall
and be thankful for?
Personally, I had a couple of milestones
this past year
where I celebrated
a milestone anniversary with my wife.
I actually visited Ethiopia
for the first time ever
to go out a mission trip to teach.
We were in high Saibaba
(02:07):
for about ten days and it was awesome.
I had such a great time
and I'm looking forward
to going back again in the upcoming year.
But it was a milestone for me to be able
to go to another country
and to be able to share God's word.
And I'm
so thankful for that opportunity
that the Lord opened up for me.
As I give you this example,
ask yourself
what are some specific blessings
that stand out in my mind?
(02:28):
How do these blessings
impact your life in a positive way?
And what are you grateful for
in this past year?
By taking the time to identify
and appreciate your blessings,
we shift our focus
towards the positive
aspects of life
and cultivating a deeper sense
of gratitude.
I wanted to give you
some supporting verses
that can help also with gratitude
and encourage us to gratitude.
(02:49):
These are going to be from the NIV today,
Psalm one or three, verses one and two.
Bless the Lord, all my soul
and all that is within me.
Bless His holy name, Bless the Lord.
my soul. And forget not all his benefits.
We should never forget
what God has done for us.
Forget what God has done in our lives
and through us.
It's such a privilege
that we have to serve him first.
(03:11):
Thessalonians 518 Give
thanks in all circumstances, for this is
God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Be thankful for everything God has done
and is going to do to deepen
our appreciation.
Let's share
some personal stories
of how God's blessing
unfolded in your lives.
And in this past year
I mentioned and I went to Africa.
I was actually in Africa back in 2006,
(03:33):
and I've always wanted to go back.
I was in Ghana
and then this time I'm in Ethiopia.
And any upcoming year
I'll also be going to Ethiopia again.
And I'm so excited.
I'm thankful
for God opening doors
to us to to share His word
and to share the blessings
of following God's
Word in other countries.
And it's such a blessing,
and I'm so thankful for that.
And I'm thankful
that the Lord has blessed me in my job.
(03:54):
The Lord has blessed me
with a wonderful wife
and a wonderful marriage.
And we're very thankful.
And just to share those stories
and then just to share God's
blessings with all of you,
and I'm thankful for this podcast.
It's something I've always
wanted to start into too,
as another way of getting God's
word out about.
And I'm so thankful
for all of you for listening.
(04:14):
For all of you who do this.
And it's such a blessing to know
that God's Word is going out.
As we move forward
into the New Year, though,
let's remember
to make gratitude
a daily practice to give
thanks to the Lord in all things.
And we've got Psalm one, 1829.
That reminds us,
give thanks to the Lord for He is good,
for His love endures forever.
We don't even have to think
of a specific thing to be thankful for.
(04:35):
We can just say, God, you're good.
And I'm thankful.
James
117 says every good
and perfect gift is from above.
Coming down
from the father of the heavenly lights
who does not change,
like shifting shadows.
Every good thing, every perfect thing
comes from the Lord.
Colossians 315 through 17.
Another good verse for us.
(04:56):
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.
Since as members of one body
you were called to peace, be grateful.
Let the message of Christ dwell
among you richly as you
teach and admonish
one another with all wisdom
through songs, hymns,
and songs from the Spirit
singing to God
with gratitude in your hearts.
Be thankful, be thankful for all things.
(05:18):
So as we bid farewell to this year,
let us carry forward
with us memories of God's blessings.
May the gratitude
we cultivate or think about today
be a springboard
for a fulfilling and joy filled New Year.
Remember, God's blessings are endless
in His love, his constant.
So enter into the New Year
with open hearts
(05:38):
and an overwhelming sense of gratitude
and be ready to receive all that
God has in store for us. God bless you.
Thank you so much for joining us
and walking in his Word.
As we celebrate the holidays together,
we the lessons learned and the stories
shared, inspiring you to spread
joy and peace and love
throughout the season and beyond.
If this message is spoken to you
and inspired you,
(05:59):
please like and subscribe
and share with your family and friends.
You can also connect with us online
at walking into his workshop,
where you can also share
your experiences and continue
to walk in this world together.
You can also find us
on Facebook and Instagram
and YouTube
by searching
for at Walking in His Word podcast.
So until next time, may God bless you
(06:19):
and feel your holidays and each day
with happiness and love.
And let's keep walking in his word.
Greetings, friends.
(00:00):
Welcome back to Walking.
In His Word,
your source for faith filled inspiration
and practical Bible teachings.
I'm your host, Jason Gohl
and I'm grateful
you join me as
we dive into the depths
of Scripture, discover
its timeless wisdom,
and apply its teaching
to our daily lives.
But before we begin,
please remember
to subscribe to our podcast
to receive daily inspiration.
Please also visit our website
at W WW Dot walking in his works
(00:22):
for additional resources and information
on how you can connect with our community
as we stand on the threshold
of a new year.
It's a beautiful time to pause
and reflect on the blessings
that increase their lives in the year
that is about to end.
So today
we embark on a journey of gratitude,
remembering the big and small moments
where God's presence
and love has shown through.
And this reminds us of His faithfulness
(00:44):
and his unending goodness.
So as we close the book on this year,
let's pause and reflect
on all of the blessings
that have enriched our lives.
They may be big and bold,
like overcoming a major obstacle
or achieving a long held dream,
but they also may be small
and seemingly insignificant,
like a warm hug from a loved one.
The beauty of a sunrise
or a moment of unexpected laughter.
(01:05):
Here are some examples
to spark your own reflections.
Did you experience the joy
of spending quality time with loved ones?
Did you strengthen existing bonds
or form
new connections that brought love,
laughter and support into your life?
Did you overcome a challenging situation
or conquer a personal fear?
Did you learn a valuable lesson
or gain a new skill
that has empowered you?
(01:25):
Do you enjoy good health
and physical well-being
throughout the year?
Did you find ways
to nourish your mind, body and soul
through self-care and healthy activities?
Maybe you had
some moments
of unexpected happiness or joy
that surprised and delighted you.
Did you appreciate the simple things
in life?
Maybe you found
moments of peace and joy in everyday
routines and experiences,
and these are just some thoughts
(01:47):
to spark your own ideas.
What have you encountered
this past year that you can recall
and be thankful for?
Personally, I had a couple of milestones
this past year
where I celebrated
a milestone anniversary with my wife.
I actually visited Ethiopia
for the first time ever
to go out a mission trip to teach.
We were in high Saibaba
(02:07):
for about ten days and it was awesome.
I had such a great time
and I'm looking forward
to going back again in the upcoming year.
But it was a milestone for me to be able
to go to another country
and to be able to share God's word.
And I'm
so thankful for that opportunity
that the Lord opened up for me.
As I give you this example,
ask yourself
what are some specific blessings
that stand out in my mind?
(02:28):
How do these blessings
impact your life in a positive way?
And what are you grateful for
in this past year?
By taking the time to identify
and appreciate your blessings,
we shift our focus
towards the positive
aspects of life
and cultivating a deeper sense
of gratitude.
I wanted to give you
some supporting verses
that can help also with gratitude
and encourage us to gratitude.
(02:49):
These are going to be from the NIV today,
Psalm one or three, verses one and two.
Bless the Lord, all my soul
and all that is within me.
Bless His holy name, Bless the Lord.
my soul. And forget not all his benefits.
We should never forget
what God has done for us.
Forget what God has done in our lives
and through us.
It's such a privilege
that we have to serve him first.
(03:11):
Thessalonians 518 Give
thanks in all circumstances, for this is
God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Be thankful for everything God has done
and is going to do to deepen
our appreciation.
Let's share
some personal stories
of how God's blessing
unfolded in your lives.
And in this past year
I mentioned and I went to Africa.
I was actually in Africa back in 2006,
(03:33):
and I've always wanted to go back.
I was in Ghana
and then this time I'm in Ethiopia.
And any upcoming year
I'll also be going to Ethiopia again.
And I'm so excited.
I'm thankful
for God opening doors
to us to to share His word
and to share the blessings
of following God's
Word in other countries.
And it's such a blessing,
and I'm so thankful for that.
And I'm thankful
that the Lord has blessed me in my job.
(03:54):
The Lord has blessed me
with a wonderful wife
and a wonderful marriage.
And we're very thankful.
And just to share those stories
and then just to share God's
blessings with all of you,
and I'm thankful for this podcast.
It's something I've always
wanted to start into too,
as another way of getting God's
word out about.
And I'm so thankful
for all of you for listening.
(04:14):
For all of you who do this.
And it's such a blessing to know
that God's Word is going out.
As we move forward
into the New Year, though,
let's remember
to make gratitude
a daily practice to give
thanks to the Lord in all things.
And we've got Psalm one, 1829.
That reminds us,
give thanks to the Lord for He is good,
for His love endures forever.
We don't even have to think
of a specific thing to be thankful for.
(04:35):
We can just say, God, you're good.
And I'm thankful.
James
117 says every good
and perfect gift is from above.
Coming down
from the father of the heavenly lights
who does not change,
like shifting shadows.
Every good thing, every perfect thing
comes from the Lord.
Colossians 315 through 17.
Another good verse for us.
(04:56):
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.
Since as members of one body
you were called to peace, be grateful.
Let the message of Christ dwell
among you richly as you
teach and admonish
one another with all wisdom
through songs, hymns,
and songs from the Spirit
singing to God
with gratitude in your hearts.
Be thankful, be thankful for all things.
(05:18):
So as we bid farewell to this year,
let us carry forward
with us memories of God's blessings.
May the gratitude
we cultivate or think about today
be a springboard
for a fulfilling and joy filled New Year.
Remember, God's blessings are endless
in His love, his constant.
So enter into the New Year
with open hearts
(05:38):
and an overwhelming sense of gratitude
and be ready to receive all that
God has in store for us. God bless you.
Thank you so much for joining us
and walking in his Word.
As we celebrate the holidays together,
we the lessons learned and the stories
shared, inspiring you to spread
joy and peace and love
throughout the season and beyond.
If this message is spoken to you
and inspired you,
(05:59):
please like and subscribe
and share with your family and friends.
You can also connect with us online
at walking into his workshop,
where you can also share
your experiences and continue
to walk in this world together.
You can also find us
on Facebook and Instagram
and YouTube
by searching
for at Walking in His Word podcast.
So until next time, may God bless you
(06:19):
and feel your holidays and each day
with happiness and love.
And let's keep walking in his word.
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