Embracing 2025 with a Renewed Mind and Heart

As we step boldly into 2025, I am reminded of the incredible opportunity each new year brings: a chance for renewed focus, deeper faith, and fresh encounters with God’s presence. At Ignite Church, I believe this is far more than just another day on the calendar—it’s a divine invitation to be transformed from the inside out. The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in Romans 12:1-2, urging us to offer our lives as living sacrifices and to be radically renewed in our minds.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)

A new year often brings with it the possibility of fresh starts and new resolutions. For followers of Christ, however, true newness isn’t about checking off goals on a list, but about daily surrender. When Paul calls us to offer our bodies as a “living sacrifice,” he’s inviting us to lay down our desires, anxieties, and even our comfort, in exchange for God’s greater plan. Each day in 2025, we can choose to embrace God’s mercy and invite the Holy Spirit to reshape our perspective—filling us with hope, love, and purpose.

Our culture constantly vies for our attention, attempting to mold our values and priorities. Paul’s encouragement to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” is a powerful reminder that our spiritual life is an ongoing journey, not a once-and-done event. As we abide in God’s Word, spend time in prayer, and worship alongside fellow believers, we’ll discover that our thoughts align more closely with the heart of God. Only then can we discern and pursue His “good, pleasing and perfect will.”

My desire is to see every person experience the love and presence of Jesus in a tangible way. In 2025, we’re committed to igniting hearts by creating space for passionate worship, authentic community, and Spirit-led teaching. As we each commit to daily renewal, we’ll find that our passion for Christ spills over into every area of our lives—impacting our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods for God’s glory.

Practical Steps for Your 2025 Journey

• Daily Surrender: Begin each morning with a simple prayer of surrender, inviting God to direct your thoughts and actions throughout the day.
• Scripture Immersion: Commit to reading or listening to the Bible daily. Let the truth of God’s Word shape your perspective on current events, relationships, and personal decisions.
• Community Engagement: Stay connected! Whether in person or online, participate in small groups, Bible studies, and church gatherings. We were made to grow together.
• Serving Others: Volunteer in a ministry or outreach. Serving is not only life-giving to those in need, but it also strengthens our faith as we become the hands and feet of Jesus.

Ignite Church family, let’s press into 2025 with expectant hearts, believing that God will do new and marvelous things in and through us. As we keep Romans 12:1-2 at the forefront of our minds, may we be reminded that true transformation happens when we surrender ourselves to Jesus daily and allow the Holy Spirit to reshape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Here’s to a year of renewed minds, surrendered hearts, and ignited faith—together, let’s see God’s will accomplished in powerful ways in 2025!

in Love,

Pastor Jody