IMPACT Recap

Fresh Start

March 1, 2021 · 0:36:56

PurposeForgivenessIdentity

Recap

Pastor Todd Boffo opened a message on fresh starts by looking at the life of the apostle Peter, a rough fisherman transformed by an encounter with Jesus. He emphasized that God is a God of fresh starts for everyone, regardless of their past, and that a single moment with Christ can change a life. The first point challenged listeners to be open to new things God wants to do, referencing Isaiah 43:18 where God says He is creating something new. The second point focused on making Christ the source of our lives, as illustrated by Peter's humble response to Jesus in Luke 5 and the promise of Philippians 4:13. The third point encouraged starting a fresh start in spite of our hurts, habits, and hang-ups, using Peter's failures and Jesus' restorative prayer for him in Luke 22:31-32 as proof that our past does not disqualify us. Pastor Todd closed with an illustration of a restored painting, symbolizing how God can take our brokenness and create something of even greater value, calling the church to surrender fully to God as our source and purpose.

Main Points

  • We must start by being open to accepting something new from God, letting go of the past to embrace the future He is creating.
  • We must start by believing Christ is our source for everything, not just a periodic resource, surrendering our will to His.
  • We can and must start a fresh start in spite of our hurts, habits, and hang-ups, trusting that God restores and values our brokenness.

Verses Mentioned

  • Isaiah 43:18 - ""Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."" (NIV)
  • Isaiah 43:19 - ""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."" (NIV)
  • Isaiah 40:10-13 - ""See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor?"" (NIV)
  • Philippians 4:13 - ""I can do all this through him who gives me strength."" (NIV)
  • Psalm 81:11 - ""But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me."" (NIV)
  • Luke 22:31-32 - ""Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."" (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"

Focus Point: Openness to New Things

Action Plan: Identify one area of your life where you have been resistant to change. Write down one small step you can take today to be open to what God might do.

Deep Prayer: God, help me to let go of the past and be open to the new thing You want to do in my life today.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Focus Point: Christ as Your Source

Action Plan: Before making a significant decision today, pause and consciously ask God for His guidance and strength.

Deep Prayer: Lord, I acknowledge You as my source. Strengthen me for the tasks ahead and guide my decisions.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: Psalm 81:11 - "But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me."

Focus Point: Overcoming Stubbornness

Action Plan: Reflect on a recurring problem. Ask yourself if stubbornness or an unwillingness to change your approach is part of the issue.

Deep Prayer: Father, reveal any stubbornness in my heart. Give me a willing spirit to submit to Your ways.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: Luke 22:31-32 - "I have prayed for you... that your faith may not fail."

Focus Point: Restoration After Failure

Action Plan: If you are carrying shame from a past mistake, write it down and then pray, accepting God's forgiveness and His prayer for you.

Deep Prayer: Jesus, thank You for praying for me. I receive Your forgiveness and believe You are restoring me for a purpose.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: Isaiah 40:10-11 - "He tends his flock like a shepherd... he gently leads those that have young."

Focus Point: God's Faithful Leadership

Action Plan: Spend 5 minutes in quiet, reflecting on a time God has been faithful to you. Thank Him for His gentle leadership.

Deep Prayer: Shepherd of my soul, thank You for Your faithful care. I trust You to lead me into my future.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Focus Point: Preparing for a Fresh Start

Action Plan: Prepare for tomorrow by writing a simple prayer of surrender, offering God the 'pen' to write the next chapter of your life.

Deep Prayer: God, I give You the pen. I surrender my plans, my hurts, and my hopes. I am ready for the fresh start You have for me.

2026© Powered by jocal AI

All Rights Reserved by jocal.dev