Turning the Page on 2024: Turning to God in 2025
Turning the Page on 2024: Turning to God in 2025
Key Bible Verses
2 Chronicles 6:12-42
Digging Deeper
In the Bible, dedication involves solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious purpose that glorifies God.
The Old Testament gives several examples of dedication. In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah vowed to dedicate her child, if God would give her a child, to serve God. Hannah honored this dedication when her son, Samuel, was born. In another example, the temple was dedicated to God in 2 Chronicles 6:12-42 by King Solomon. At this temple dedication, the people of Israel made offerings to glorify God and committed to following the law.
In the New Testament, Jesus, as a baby, was brought to the temple and dedicated to God by Mary and Joseph in Luke 2:21-40. But most of all, Jesus dedicated Himself to redeeming sinners and restoring them to a right relationship with God. Jesus also dedicated Himself to dying on the cross for all of the world's sins. Through His resurrection on the third day, Jesus conquered death and provided salvation for all people of the world if they believed in Him.
In our day and time, as believers, how can we be dedicated to God?
Put God first and have a heart and mind dedicated to God and His will.
With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, assess areas where dedication to God is lacking and ask for forgiveness.
Seek to reveal distractions or the desires of the world, which negatively impact focus and being fully dedicated to God.
Prioritize obtaining a deeper understanding of the Bible, God’s Word.
Desire wisdom and discernment, being dedicated to living according to God’s will and obeying God’s commands.
Demonstrate dedication to serving others with a servant's heart, using talents and abilities to glorify God and serve God’s kingdom.
May God give us strength and perseverance as we dedicate ourselves to God this new year.
What Not To Miss
Dedication to the Lord for 2025
Background of 2 Chronicles
Written to God’s chosen people, a new generation, after they returned from exile, to allow them to obey and receive God’s blessing so they can thrive and flourish and have Shalom.
Before the permanent Temple, the Tabernacle was a moveable, mobile tent where God’s presence dwelled and sacrifices were offered.
The Temple was to be the center of Israelite life. God’s Shekinah glory dwelled there in The Holy of Holies.
In the New Testament era, Jesus is the Temple, and His Church is the Temple as the body and presence of Christ in the world.
In 2 Chronicles 6, Solomon prays to dedicate the temple in front of the entire assembly. He also asks for wisdom and becomes wiser than anyone on earth.
Main Point
You can’t stop turning the page on a new year, but what you turn to will shape the new you.
Three ways to turn to God this new year:
1. Posture of Praise
Turn to God with a posture of praise. (Kneels and raises hands.)
Utilize scripture and exalt God.
Do not be anxious about anything, but pray and petition with thanksgiving to God.
Start with a posture of humility, gratitude, and expectation.
2. Position of Repentance
Turn to God in our position repeatedly, repent, and God will forgive.
God will remember His promises.
Our position matters and determines what is in the center of our faith.
“Sin is not simply doing bad things; it is putting good things in the place of God. So the only solution is not simply to change our behavior, but to reorient and center the entire heart and life on God” (Tim Keller, The Reason for God).
Jesus is the only person or thing that if you fail, He will forgive you. He already has. None of these idols can offer that. This isn’t about doing better; it’s about making Jesus Lord. He is the cosmic King.
3. Purpose of Blessing
So that all the peoples of the earth will know God’s name and hear Him.
To be connected to God’s promises.
A reminder of God’s promises.
When God speaks, breaking the silence, He gives us purpose and sends us on mission.
God responds to Solomon’s requests.
2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
God knew His people were prone to wander and get out of position.
This prayer of humility and repentance helped God’s people turn to a new page to experience renewal and restoration.
God confirms a few things for His people:
Humility in His presence is appropriate.
The right response away from sinful behavior is seeking His face.
He will hear from heaven and forgive.
Key Questions for refocusing and repositioning our alignment:
What is your posture of praise? What are we asking God for? For Him to hear from heaven? (Posture)
In what ways might your position toward God need to turn in the new year? (Position)
How is your purpose for 2025 connected to God’s mission? Does it need to be reoriented? (Purpose)
Life Application
Dedicating something to God means offering it to Him as a symbol of love, devotion, and gratitude. This dedication can be anything from our time, talents, or resources, or can include praying for a friend or relative or reading the Bible daily. This week, decide on something you want to dedicate to God in 2025. As you contemplate your dedication, consider these questions:
Why do you want to dedicate this particular thing to God?
What is your motivation for the dedication?
How will this dedication you are making to God impact your life?
Who can you share this dedication with who will support and encourage you?
Take some time to pray and share with God your heart and dedication to Him!
Small Group Discussion Questions
Have you ever dedicated something, and what was the purpose and motivation for the dedication?
What is Solomon’s posture physically and mentally as he dedicates the temple?
What does Solomon tell the people of Israel they must do to position themselves to be pleasing to God?
What is God’s purpose in blessing Israel?
As we turn the page into the new year, how can we bring glory to God so that others will come to know Him?
Daily Devotional Bible Passages
Day 1: Petition-Philippians 4:6; Psalm 86:6; 1 John 5:15
Day 2: Prayer-Jeremiah 29:12; 2 Corinthians 1:11; John 14:13-14
Day 3: Purpose-John 15:16; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:13
Day 4: Rejoice-Psalm 20:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17; Romans 12:12
Day 5: Love- John 3:16; John 13:34-35; Deuteronomy 7:9
Prayer
Dear Lord, I come before you today with a humble heart and, just like Solomon, I recognize my need for your guidance and mercy. I ask for your forgiveness for any pride or self-centeredness in my life. Help me to turn away from my desires, and instead, let me seek your wisdom and guidance as I dedicate my life to you this year. I surrender my heart, mind, and soul to you as I obey and do Your will. Let me submit and trust in Your plans, and may I serve others with a willing and grateful heart. May the Holy Spirit guide and transform me so that those in the world who live in darkness will see the light of your love and that glory will come to your name from all the peoples of the earth.
