Image from- http://www.uponthisrock.com
As the year ended and another began, my spirit was prompted to say as David the Psalmist said: “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-”- Psalm 103:1-2
Yes indeed, God’s grace has been over family and friends as we forged through 2007. It was a year to be either on our knees and then just standing in faith. If we had not had the regular diet of prayer and scripture to sustain us we would have fainted in our paths. This was a year that tested the very core of our faith. Many members of our families and friends had to go through the fire, there was no way around it, but the intense fire purified our persuasion.
This year let us raise our standard of Christian living. Be a responsible Christian. Don’t compromise your walk with God. There is nothing on this earth worth the loss of our heavenly relationship. Romans 8:38-39 reads: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Let’s get back to living right and being in the world but not of the world. Let us seek after God’s own Heart, what his will and purpose for us is, and not what we consider our purpose to be. Be aware of God’s presence and purpose in and for everything, including our family ties, friendships, jobs, and connections. Look for him in the big and small of things. If you live your life aware you will see him. Let us seek the daily manna, and as we gather our portion, that which we need for that day, we will be strengthened in mind, body and spirit.
My father was a boxer, and he believed in “going the distance.” This year rise to the challenge and purpose in your heart that your “God dreams” will not die. Purpose that you will renew your relationship with the Lord. Set apart a time to spend with the Lord each day. It is not easy, but begin by reading the Word of God, then applying the principles to daily life. As we begin 2008, let us continue to sow His word with faith and hope and let’s stay hungry for God’s word, and imparting his message.
2008 brings a hunger for God and God things. Many Christians across the world are joining in a 21-day fast. Fasting brings a fresh wind in your walk with God. What better time than the new year to resolve a closer encounter with the Lord. A time set apart to “hear” from God, to seek direction and set a time apart to commune in a special way with God. 2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV) If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. In a world, where emphasis is placed on physical exercise and being your best, why not put that same effort into your spiritual self. I know I am not disciplined in my physical being, and this year my prayer is to surrender that area to God. I know my physical muscles are weak, and my spiritual muscles could use work also. I encourage you to seek after God through fasting. It will set your course for the year. There are so many types of fast, and I have found that the following website has been so helpful in giving guidelines to fasting. There is also a 21-day fasting blog at: www.jentezenfranklin.org
Be fit and strong in the Lord. Seek the ultimate empowerment and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Tap into the joy of the Lord. I have found this verse to be uplifting.
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places”. Habakkuk 3:19
Matt Redman – The Heart Of WorshipFrom: ziyulu
