God-Centered Add-Ons for 2025

What if the key to unlocking unexpected blessings lies in aligning your desires with God's will? In this week's episode of the Jessi Morgan Devotions for the Christian Heart Podcast, I dive into the God-centered add-ons for 2025. Inspired by Solomon's story in 1 Kings 3, we explore how choosing wisdom over wealth led to unforeseen gifts of honor and prosperity. I'll reflect on this biblical lesson alongside personal tales—both heartwarming and cautionary—uncovering how God's presence can transform our lives in profound ways.

The episode also sheds light on my personal journey, from the bittersweet close of 2024 with my grandmother's passing to the joys and challenges of motherhood with a preemie. These experiences have shaped my outlook on what truly matters, like investing in quality cookware that turned out to be a blessing for my family. Join me as we embark on a heartfelt journey through scripture and personal reflection, aiming to help you embrace 2025 with purpose and positivity. Whether you're grappling with grief or seeking divine wisdom, this episode offers encouragement and insight for all who listen.

Key Passages:

Luke 2:12

Luke 2:9-11

Matthew 2:1-2

Matthew 2:9-12

Check out these awesome ministries by Liani Antelo!

Mindset Connect is a faith-centered K-12 learning pod dedicated to putting God first in everything we do. We provide personalized education that nurtures each child’s unique potential, fostering academic growth, spiritual development, and a love for learning. With a focus on community and hands-on experiences, we empower families to support their children in a Christ-centered, supportive environment where every learner can thrive.
Reach out through IG: @mindset_connect

Already Chosen is a women’s ministry that meets the last Wednesday of every month at New Dawn church. It’s a Christian Centered ground gearing towards fellowship and like minded relationships. Our next meeting is Jan 29, and we will be making prayer boards.
Reach out through IG: @_alreadychosen_

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Podcast Music by: prazkhanal
Song: Whip

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Hello, hello. You're listening to the Jesse Morgan Devotions for the Christian Heart Podcast, episode 36. This week's devotional is titled God-Centered Add-Ons for 2025. Let's go. Hi. I'm Jesse Morgan. I used to just share home decor and renovation tips on social media, but now I'm sharing something even closer to my heart my journey and love for Jesus Christ, my Savior. Welcome to the Jesse Morgan Devotions for the Christian Hot Podcast.

Speaker 1: 0:30

This is a weekly devotional. I started back in May 2024, but the inspiration for it came much earlier. It was rooted in a faith journey that began when my daughter was born four months early in 2023. Through that challenging time, god worked in ways that truly amazed me. On this podcast, I share personal stories of faith, woven together with scripture to show just how incredible God's word can be in our everyday lives. My hope is that through these stories, you'll be encouraged, uplifted and reminded of God's love and presence, no matter what you're going through. So I invite you to spend less than 15 minutes with me each week as we reflect on these devotionals together. Let's all pray within.

Speaker 1: 1:14

God-centered Add-Ons for 2025, episode 36. Key passages 1 Kings 3, 9-13,. Key passages 1 Kings 3, 9-13, galatians 6-2, proverbs 3, 5-6, and then again Galatians 5-13. Hey everyone. First I want to say thank you to everyone who reached out in December after I shared that my grandmother passed. She was such a beautiful person and a constant in my life. It feels strange to move forward, but I know God wants us to keep going. Love you, grandmama. So here we are, 2025. My family ended 2024, as many know, on a bittersweet note, but I'm determined to grow from it and live this year as fully as I can. If 2024 was a tough year for you, I pray that you're stepping into 2025 with a positive mindset and trusting God for what's to come.

Speaker 1: 2:15

So let's talk about refreshing and add-ons. So what is an add-on? According to Webster's Dictionary, an add-on is something that enhances the thing it's added to. I think this idea applies so beautifully to life and our walk with God. So let's start here.

Speaker 1: 2:38

A perfect example of this is in the story of Solomon, the son of King David is in the story of Solomon, the son of King David. In 1 Kings 3,. Solomon offers a sacrifice to God and that night God comes to him in a dream and tells him he'll grant Solomon whatever he desires most. So Solomon responds in humility in 1 Kings 3, 9-10. He says in humility in 1 Kings 3, 9-10. He says so give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong, for who is able to govern his great people of yours? God was pleased with Solomon's request for wisdom instead of wealth or power. So God didn't just give him wisdom, god gave Solomon wealth, honor and blessings. Look at 1 Kings 3, 12 through 13. It says I this is what God says I will give you a wise and discerning heart so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for, both wealth and honor, so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings among kings. What an incredible example of how God blesses us when we prioritize him and align our desires with his will. Solomon's humility and focus on serving others brought him wisdom and the unexpected blessings of wealth and honor.

Speaker 1: 4:14

Now, not all add-ons are blessings. Some can be distractions or even harm us if we're not rooted in God's plan. So let me share two personal stories about add-ons, one good and one not so good. So here's the good add-on. Recently I've been reevaluating what my family consumes. After having a preemie, I've been more mindful of what goes into our bodies. So I threw out all of our worn out cookware and invested in stainless steel all clad pot pans While shopping Macy's. While shopping Macy's, of course, suggested an add on a $40 all clad oval baker and potholder originally $70. I jumped on that. Now I feel like a grown-up, with cookware that could last me 20 years. Now I just feel like I've just really grown up and that's a good add-on, something practical, enhancing and within my means. So here's a not so good add-on.

Speaker 1: 5:20

Let me tell you about a time. I'm so embarrassed to share this, but anyways, here we go. Let me tell you about a time when I fell for a not so good add-on. It was back in my 20s. My 20s when I was still learning some financial discipline. I walked into Nordstrom's looking for a classic pair of black pumps. I found a beautiful pair priced at $89.99, exactly what I needed and within my budget.

Speaker 1: 5:46

Now, if you've ever shopped in Nordstrom's, you know how they do it. They bring out the shoes that you asked for, but then they bring out a few other options to build the sale. This time, the associate brought out a pair of stunning six-inch heels. They were gorgeous, sleek, elegant, everything you imagine. And let me tell you, in my 20s I was all about high heels. I tried them on and, of course, I fell in love. Without even asking the price, I decided I'd take both pairs. When I got to the register, I was feeling great until the cashier said your total is $700. I froze. I couldn't believe it. The pumps I originally came for were under $100, but the add-on the beautiful heels I didn't even check the price on made the bills skyrocket. The associate was ready to swipe my card, but I had to stop him. I apologized and told them I couldn't do it. They weren't thrilled, but neither was I.

Speaker 1: 6:55

That experience taught me a hard lesson First, never assume something is a good deal just because it looks appealing. And second, always ask questions before committing, whether it's about shoes or life decisions right. So, just like those shoes, some add-ons in life can look amazing but come at a cost you're not prepared for. And that usually occurs when you don't ask the price or AKA ask God first. Not every add-on is meant to enhance your walk with God. Some might actually distract you or take you away from him. So here's two examples of add-ons you know like actual in the moment. Add-on examples I'm referring to that really stand out to me right now, going into 2025. They might blow your mind a little bit Therapy and vision boards.

Speaker 1: 7:50

Be careful. Here's why. Number one, therapy. Therapy can be a wonderful tool. The Bible even says in Galatians 6.2 carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Speaker 1: 8:03

So, but here's my concern about therapy. If your first instinct when facing anxiety, stress or a hard time is to call your therapist instead of praying and spending time with the Lord, you might be leaning on the wrong foundation. Therapy should be an add-on to your faith, not the main source of your strength. If you ever listen to celebrity interviews, many mention they're in therapy all the time. They speak on it like it's their God a bit. Be careful. Therapy shouldn't be your number one source to grow. It should be God and his word. Therapists and counselors are two different things, but they both serve to support others in need, so what they do is great. They are serving others. So I wanted to make that very clear. I support therapy. Here's a verse that may clear it up even more Galatians 5.13.

Speaker 1: 8:57

So ask yourself this Is your therapy God-centered? Does it allow you to bring your faith into the conversation? If not, consider how you can realign it with your spiritual walk, right? So here's my other add-on. Number two vision boards. Vision boards are popular this time of the year, always at the start of the year, right, they're essentially to-do lists for your goals. But are they rooted in prayer? My high school friend from way back in the day we reconnected recently and just had a really, really great conversation and her name is Liani Antelo and she prefers to call vision boards prayer boards. I love it, and she and her women's ministry, which is called Already Chosen, gather at the start of each year to create prayer boards, basically collages of prayers and dreams they want to lay at God's feet for the year. Their next meeting is January 29th at New Dawn Church here in Miami. If you're in the area, I highly recommend joining them. Details are in the show notes.

Speaker 1: 10:21

So as we refresh and step into 2025, remember this God is your ultimate cheerleader, counselor and provider. He places good add-ons in your life tools, people and opportunities to grow your faith. But it's up to you to discern whether they enhance your walk with him or to distract from it Before saying yes to an add-on, whether it's therapy, a vision board or anything else. Pray about it. Make sure it's in line with God's plan for your life. Don't be like me at Nordstrom's Rush into the register without checking the price first.

Speaker 1: 11:02

For it says in Proverbs 3, 5 through 6, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways, submit to him and he will make your paths straight. But in all your ways, submit to him and he will make your paths straight. Love you all, and I hope 2025 brings you closer to God and all the add-ons he has in store for you. Let's pray, heavenly Father. I thank you for this day. Father, I bless your holy name and thank you for the gift of another year of life. We come before you refreshed, ready to be blessed and eager to move in our Christian walk through opportunities and blessings you will place in our path. Lord, thank you so much for this podcast and for everyone who listens. Lord, we are grateful for all you provide to equip us for success in this world. Help us to continue as faithful followers, representing Christ in a way that honors you. Father, we pray that everyone keeps you at the center of their lives, knowing that everything else is simple, an enhancement to our walk with Christ. We love you, we praise you and we give you all the glory In Jesus' name amen.

Speaker 1: 12:14

Don't forget to check out the show notes. Check out my friend Liani's ministries, already chosen. It's a women's ministry that meets monthly, and Mindset Connect, a faith-centered K-12 learning pod focused on personalized Christ-centered education. Details are all in the show notes. God bless everyone. Happy New Year. Well, that wraps up this week's episode. I hope these devotions help you draw closer to God each day. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with someone who might need the same message and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a weekly episode. For more information or to reach out, check the show notes or visit jessimorganhomecom or find me on Instagram at jessimorganlife. Remember God's timing is always perfect. Keep trusting him Until next time. This is Jessi Morgan praying off.