Hello 2015!

It is the last day of December, and the last day of the year! As we all know, when a year ends, another one begins. Around this time, people usually make lists of things they want to change about them and be resolved about really doing them in the New Year. 

This our first New Year celebration together as hubby and wifey, and we've decided to start a tradition of making list of things-to-accomplish in the next twelve months, only that they arrive at something quite different. Instead of resolutions, these lists draw less focus on ourselves and aim to magnify the goodness and faithfulness of God in our lives. 

We thought of a lot, but we only jotted down those which are really important. To guarantee that, we prayed so that we will produce a list that is borne out of the Spirit’s leading, and not by our own unguarded and deceitful heart, and limited mind.

So here’s a temporary list I made for 2015 in no particular order. :)

God has planned out the best for us, and we don’t want to trade that in for our own petty requests. But in order to really understand this, one must always start by asking Jesus to come into his/her heart. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." 

Go and do that today and believe for an encounter with Him. Who knows, this might just be your best year yet.

Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Expecting Great Things From God,

 

Putting God First

It is important to ask God to show you what He would have you do each day. Start the day with Jesus.

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)

It is during the busy times that I am reminded of the story of Mary and Martha in the Bible. I often feel that I am like Martha wanting to organize and sort everything. But God doesn't want us to be so busy that we don't spend time with him.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.' (Luke 10:38-42)

Mary had chosen the better option of spending time with Jesus. Yes like Martha we might have work commitments and things that we must do, but it is more important to know what God would have us do. Our time on earth is short and so I encourage you to seriously think about how you are spending your time.

'So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.' (2 Corinthians 4:18)

There are so many things that can occupy our time and lots of these things we need to do, but the most important is spending time with God. I am often challenged about my spare time and whether I am giving God the best times of my day. Is it really important that I spend time on facebook, shopping for new clothes or watching that soap opera on the TV? Ask yourself the question: How would God want me to spend my spare time?

The most important church meeting we can attend is the one where we spend time with God.

In conclusion I want to encourage you to put God first in your life. In Psalm 55:17 it says ...

'Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.'

God hears us when we cry out to Him. He wants us to spend time with Him. God loves you and wants the very best for you. I encourage you to set aside some time to pray to God and ask Him to show you how you can best manage your own time. Is there a job that God wants you to do for Him or is there an activity He wants you to give up? Place your life in His hands and ask God to rule in your heart. I pray that as you do this, God will give you His peace and encourage you in your Christian walk.

Very Blessed,

 

Making Time for God

Do you ever feel that you are so busy coping with the pressures of life that it is a struggle to make time to spend with God? A woman's work is never done. It can be hard juggling everything that needs to be done, spending time with your husband/family, catching up with friends, cleaning the house, doing the shopping, ironing, pressures at work etc. I've tried to be organized and write a list of jobs that I need to do, and I take great delight in crossing them off when they are completed. But often it seems that just as one list is finished, I need to write another even longer one! It can be very discouraging! 

Many times, we can feel that there isn't enough time in the day to get everything done. Time. It is something we all treasure, something we wish we had more of, but it just seems to slip so quickly through our fingers. I find myself thinking sometimes if only I had time I would.... spend more time in prayer and reading the Bible, helping people etc. 

It is at these times that I find I need to assess my priorities. What should my focus be each day? My main aim as a Christian should be serving God and putting him first no matter what I am doing. Jesus said there are two important commandments ...

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-38)

How can we do this? I believe the most important way to do this is by remembering these commandments in all we do. Firstly, we need to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. If we love God with all our heart then we will want to spend time with Him and give Him the best times of our day. 

Start the day committing it to God in prayer and asking for his help and guidance throughout the day.

Very Blessed,

 

Why Read the Bible?

(Photo credits to the owner)

One time, I saw this on the net. How true it is! Yes problems may come in our lives and we may feel like giving up, but as Christians we have hope. God has given us a manual for life; His word: the Bible.

God's word is powerful

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."Hebrews 4:12

God's word is the 'living word'. God speaks to us through His word the Bible and helps us to live our lives. God's word penetrates to dividing soul and makes us realize who we are before God.

God's word is essential

In Ephesians we read about the armor of God and how our battle is, 'against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.' (verse 12). The word of God equips us against the devil.

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17

The word of God gives life

Jesus answered... "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

The Bible gives us spiritual life and provides encouragement. So don't delay. Read it today.

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:5 

Very Blessed,