Past. Present. Future.

Pastor Ben Díaz
 

From the beginning, God's mandate has been for us to steward the earth (Gen. 1:28), directing creation rather than being ruled by it. While we are not to control others, to fulfill all God has for us, we should strive to be good stewards of our resources, time, money, and bodies. We direct money to serve us, prioritize our time for what matters, and care for our bodies through healthy choices. By seeking God and His Kingdom first, He provides all we need to steward our lives well.

Pastor Ben challenged us to take time to develop our vision for 2025, rather than just coasting without purpose. Instead of getting stuck in the regrets or the victories of the past, live in the present and have a vision for the coming year. Phil 3:13-14 says, "I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

In 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez prayed, "Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!" And God granted him his request. Pastor told us that he has been praying "Lord, expand my territory" for years and encouraged us to do the same, believing that God is the God of the impossible, of increase and prosperity. God always wants to increase for you so that you can bless others.

Pastor explained that God tells us to occupy until He comes. Sow in the kingdom, do business, invest, expand, and share the gospel until he comes. We believe in the rapture and know Jesus is coming back soon, but that is not an excuse to sit and wait; we are to occupy and do business, have a vision for the future, and work until he returns!

We can't change the past, so don't dwell there. Pastor told us, "that Jesus purchased our past, He redeemed it, so now it is illegal to look at your past except through the blood of Jesus!" (1 Peter 1:18-19)

"The past is our teacher, the present is a gift and the future is our opportunity to dream with God." 

Matthew 6:34 says, "don't worry about tomorrow." Pastor made this powerful statement (worth posting on your mirror!): "Fear and anxiety come from imaginations about the future that are absent of God's power."

Psalm 37:5 offers clear guidance on stewardship: "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you." 

Pastor Ben proclaimed this word over our new year:

Isaiah 43:18-19 declares, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

In closing, Pastor challenged us to answer these questions: "What are you thanking God for from yesterday? What are you putting in God's hands that needs to be redeemed? How well are you stewarding today? What are you pressing towards? What are you dreaming with God for 2025?"

Click here to watch the entire sermon and hear the memorable illustrations that will help you apply this word. Trust that God will do even greater things in your life in 2025. Place your faith in Him today and embrace His new beginnings!