Lenten Reflections Day 7 & 8
Day 8
First reading: Jonah 3: 1-10
Psalm 51
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32
In the psalms it says "Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy Holy Spirit from me"
Each day I realize that I need the presence of the holy spirit, should he depart from me all i'm left with is a loneliness and emptiness that cannot be filled with anything.
I am constantly reminded of the mercy of God. How he witholds punishment so that we may all come to repentance.
PRAYER
Lord heal my broken spirit. Repair and Renew me that I may be filled with a new zeal and love for you and your word. Help me with my daily struggles with sin and fill me with the knowledge of your presence with me both now and forever.
Day 7
First reading: Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 34
Gospel: Mt. 6:7-15
These are the words of the readings that speak to me. It helps me to hold on to the promises of God with faith.
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Wednesday, 17 February 2016
Trusting God through the wilderness
The past month has probably been one of the most difficult journeys of my life.
Yet I am challenged to look at the positives of life. To believe that it does not end here, that God has a better plan for my life.
While I believe that, journeying through the wilderness is filled with it's pain and disappointments.
Relationships end, people disappoint you. Perhaps a part of you wonders if something is wrong with you. It leaves you in a fragile state of mind.
I find it harder to open up to people around me. What makes me think that they too won't let me down.
Even my own strength is failing me. I am losing the ability to believe in myself. There needs to be something greater than me looking out for me. I don't want to end up a failure. I know that I would continue to persevere through the storms of life. I will journey through the wilderness because I will carry my daily cross. The only way to do battle with the enemy within me and outside of me is to understand that it is a privilege to be in this time of trial. I choose to thank God for the opportunity to put me through testing. I know that my victory is at hand. If Christ could carry his cross then why can't I and so I will.
No matter how many times I fall, I would get up. So that in all things, in my weakness, the strength of christ is revealed.
This wilderness period of walking through the desert would soon come to an end. This as I continue to thirst for his presence to fill me.
Yet I am challenged to look at the positives of life. To believe that it does not end here, that God has a better plan for my life.
While I believe that, journeying through the wilderness is filled with it's pain and disappointments.
Relationships end, people disappoint you. Perhaps a part of you wonders if something is wrong with you. It leaves you in a fragile state of mind.
I find it harder to open up to people around me. What makes me think that they too won't let me down.
Even my own strength is failing me. I am losing the ability to believe in myself. There needs to be something greater than me looking out for me. I don't want to end up a failure. I know that I would continue to persevere through the storms of life. I will journey through the wilderness because I will carry my daily cross. The only way to do battle with the enemy within me and outside of me is to understand that it is a privilege to be in this time of trial. I choose to thank God for the opportunity to put me through testing. I know that my victory is at hand. If Christ could carry his cross then why can't I and so I will.
No matter how many times I fall, I would get up. So that in all things, in my weakness, the strength of christ is revealed.
This wilderness period of walking through the desert would soon come to an end. This as I continue to thirst for his presence to fill me.
Monday, 15 February 2016
Lent Reflections Day 5 & 6
Day 5
First reading: Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm 91
Second Reading: Romans 10:8-13
Gospel: Luke 4:1-13
In this reading what really speaks to me is Psalm 91. It is a psalm for protection. It speaks to me because I feel that this season I am relying on God more. I recognise my frailty and weaknesses. I was not feeling the best today. Frankly, there were times I felt abandoned and overwhelmed. Reading Psalm 91, reminds me to trust in God. He is my refuge and my safety. In the second reading, it says Anyone who calls on the name of the lord will be saved.
Day 6
First reading: Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm 19:8-10,15
Gospel: mt.25:31-36;
What does it mean to fear God?
I find that it means treating another fairly, treating one another with love. In this lent we have to learn to be more kind and giving of ourselves not just in terms of material wealth but also with our time and our knowledge to others.
To fear God, means to meditate on his words and to constantly ponder them in our hearts so that we may not stray.
To strive to be like him which is to be holy.
As always God promises blessings to those who keep his commandments by loving him and our neighbour.
To those who believe in him, he promises eternal life.
Prayer Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight O lord my Redeemer
First reading: Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm 91
Second Reading: Romans 10:8-13
Gospel: Luke 4:1-13
In this reading what really speaks to me is Psalm 91. It is a psalm for protection. It speaks to me because I feel that this season I am relying on God more. I recognise my frailty and weaknesses. I was not feeling the best today. Frankly, there were times I felt abandoned and overwhelmed. Reading Psalm 91, reminds me to trust in God. He is my refuge and my safety. In the second reading, it says Anyone who calls on the name of the lord will be saved.
Day 6
First reading: Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm 19:8-10,15
Gospel: mt.25:31-36;
What does it mean to fear God?
I find that it means treating another fairly, treating one another with love. In this lent we have to learn to be more kind and giving of ourselves not just in terms of material wealth but also with our time and our knowledge to others.
To fear God, means to meditate on his words and to constantly ponder them in our hearts so that we may not stray.
To strive to be like him which is to be holy.
As always God promises blessings to those who keep his commandments by loving him and our neighbour.
To those who believe in him, he promises eternal life.
Prayer Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight O lord my Redeemer
Saturday, 13 February 2016
Lent Reflections Day 3 & 4
Day 3
First reading: Isaiah 58: 1-9
Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15
Isaiah speaks about the fasting that God demands.
We know that the season of Lent is a period of fasting and abstinence.
So why are you fasting? In what way will this draw you to God?. In Isaiah God outlines what kind of fasting he requires. It involves sharing what we have with others. It is all about doing good to others in ways that you are able to. With this kind of fasting comes a promise. God will increase his blessings and healing and we can be certain of his mercy.
Personally, why am I fasting.
I chose to fast this lent, from the things that I felt were a hindrance in my faith journey. To gain freedom from the bad habits and addictions that I had developed over the years and to trust that God can help me overcome them.
I am fasting also because, I am asking God to help me in a project this coming month that I feel I need help with and that it is only by his strength in me that things can happen.
By fasting we are choosing to look up to God for our sustenance.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I offer my fast asking to uphold my plans. Trusting that you would take care of them. That my actions are led by your spirit and inspired by your word. I pray for all my those who are holding a fast as well to break away from various addictions, or those who hope to seek you in this time that they may find you.
Day 4
First reading: Isaiah 58: 9-14
Psalm 86: 1-6
Gospel: Luke 5: 27-32;
"I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" Lk 5: 32
This past week, I am reminded everyday of my daily struggles. What this season is doing is highlighting those areas of my life that I really need to work on. I am encouraged that God sees it all and he is not here for the righteous but the sinner like me. Every time I fail, God is there helping me to overcome my struggles. Why? Because he is good, gracious and merciful.
When God is calling you to repentance, What must you do?
In the gospel, Jesus call Levi a sinner who leaves everything and follows him. We must also respond to the call and follow him.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I offer my fast asking to give me the courage to be able to leave everything behind and follow you. Help me to show mercy to others the same way you show mercy to me.
First reading: Isaiah 58: 1-9
Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15
Isaiah speaks about the fasting that God demands.
We know that the season of Lent is a period of fasting and abstinence.
So why are you fasting? In what way will this draw you to God?. In Isaiah God outlines what kind of fasting he requires. It involves sharing what we have with others. It is all about doing good to others in ways that you are able to. With this kind of fasting comes a promise. God will increase his blessings and healing and we can be certain of his mercy.
Personally, why am I fasting.
I chose to fast this lent, from the things that I felt were a hindrance in my faith journey. To gain freedom from the bad habits and addictions that I had developed over the years and to trust that God can help me overcome them.
I am fasting also because, I am asking God to help me in a project this coming month that I feel I need help with and that it is only by his strength in me that things can happen.
By fasting we are choosing to look up to God for our sustenance.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I offer my fast asking to uphold my plans. Trusting that you would take care of them. That my actions are led by your spirit and inspired by your word. I pray for all my those who are holding a fast as well to break away from various addictions, or those who hope to seek you in this time that they may find you.
Day 4
First reading: Isaiah 58: 9-14
Psalm 86: 1-6
Gospel: Luke 5: 27-32;
"I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" Lk 5: 32
This past week, I am reminded everyday of my daily struggles. What this season is doing is highlighting those areas of my life that I really need to work on. I am encouraged that God sees it all and he is not here for the righteous but the sinner like me. Every time I fail, God is there helping me to overcome my struggles. Why? Because he is good, gracious and merciful.
When God is calling you to repentance, What must you do?
In the gospel, Jesus call Levi a sinner who leaves everything and follows him. We must also respond to the call and follow him.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I offer my fast asking to give me the courage to be able to leave everything behind and follow you. Help me to show mercy to others the same way you show mercy to me.
Lent Reflections Day 3 & 4
Day 3
First reading: Isaiah 58: 1-9
Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15
Isaiah speaks about the fasting that God demands.
We know that the season of Lent is a period of fasting and abstinence.
So why are you fasting? In what way will this draw you to God?. In Isaiah God outlines what kind of fasting he requires. It involves sharing what we have with others. It is all about doing good to others in ways that you are able to. With this kind of fasting comes a promise. God will increase his blessings and healing and we can be certain of his mercy.
Personally, why am I fasting.
I chose to fast this lent, from the things that I felt were a hindrance in my faith journey. To gain freedom from the bad habits and addictions that I had developed over the years and to trust that God can help me overcome them.
I am fasting also because, I am asking God to help me in a project this coming month that I feel I need help with and that it is only by his strength in me that things can happen.
By fasting we are choosing to look up to God for our sustenance.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I offer my fast asking to uphold my plans. Trusting that you would take care of them. That my actions are led by your spirit and inspired by your word. I pray for all my those who are holding a fast as well to break away from various addictions, or those who hope to seek you in this time that they may find you.
Day 4
First reading: Isaiah 58: 9-14
Psalm 86: 1-6
Gospel: Luke 5: 27-32;
"I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" Lk 5: 32
This past week, I am reminded everyday of my daily struggles. What this season is doing is highlighting those areas of my life that I really need to work on. I am encouraged that God sees it all and he is not here for the righteous but the sinner like me. Every time I fail, God is there helping me to overcome my struggles. Why? Because he is good, gracious and merciful.
When God is calling you to repentance, What must you do?
In the gospel, Jesus call Levi a sinner who leaves everything and follows him. We must also respond to the call and follow him.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I offer my fast asking to give me the courage to be able to leave everything behind and follow you. Help me to show mercy to others the same way you show mercy to me.
First reading: Isaiah 58: 1-9
Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15
Isaiah speaks about the fasting that God demands.
We know that the season of Lent is a period of fasting and abstinence.
So why are you fasting? In what way will this draw you to God?. In Isaiah God outlines what kind of fasting he requires. It involves sharing what we have with others. It is all about doing good to others in ways that you are able to. With this kind of fasting comes a promise. God will increase his blessings and healing and we can be certain of his mercy.
Personally, why am I fasting.
I chose to fast this lent, from the things that I felt were a hindrance in my faith journey. To gain freedom from the bad habits and addictions that I had developed over the years and to trust that God can help me overcome them.
I am fasting also because, I am asking God to help me in a project this coming month that I feel I need help with and that it is only by his strength in me that things can happen.
By fasting we are choosing to look up to God for our sustenance.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I offer my fast asking to uphold my plans. Trusting that you would take care of them. That my actions are led by your spirit and inspired by your word. I pray for all my those who are holding a fast as well to break away from various addictions, or those who hope to seek you in this time that they may find you.
Day 4
First reading: Isaiah 58: 9-14
Psalm 86: 1-6
Gospel: Luke 5: 27-32;
"I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" Lk 5: 32
This past week, I am reminded everyday of my daily struggles. What this season is doing is highlighting those areas of my life that I really need to work on. I am encouraged that God sees it all and he is not here for the righteous but the sinner like me. Every time I fail, God is there helping me to overcome my struggles. Why? Because he is good, gracious and merciful.
When God is calling you to repentance, What must you do?
In the gospel, Jesus call Levi a sinner who leaves everything and follows him. We must also respond to the call and follow him.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I offer my fast asking to give me the courage to be able to leave everything behind and follow you. Help me to show mercy to others the same way you show mercy to me.
Friday, 12 February 2016
Lent Reflections Day 1 & 2
Written by Elizabeth Etta:
Day 1
First reading: Joel 2:12-18
Second reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
In Joel it says; return to the Lord your God for he is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Look at where you are now and think of the things that are holding you back from giving your heart to God completely. What is the sin? At this start of lent, examine your heart and approach his throne of mercy. Repent wholeheartedly and see if your circumstances will not change and God himself will not bless you. Humble yourself before God. If there is someone you have not spoken to in a while. Call them, have a chat let them know you care.
Isn't it good to know that God is sovereign. In Mt 6, he warns us to examine the conditions of hearts. To seek his reward and not that of man. Whatever good deed you do, lift it to God in prayer. Even when you feel unappreciated, or your attempts at good works go unnoticed, God sees the intentions of your heart. Be diligent in the things you do and he himself will reward you.
Prayer: Lord, I offer up my fast today as a sign of my repentance and desire to seek you more wholeheartedly. Amen
Day 2
First reading: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20
Psalm 1:1-4; 6
Gospel: Luke 9:22-25:
In Deuteronomy it says; "By loving God, heeding his voice and holding fast to him will mean life for you.
Psalm 1:2: The law of the Lord is their Joy. God's law they study day and night.
The lord watches over the way of the just but the way of the wicked leads to ruin
Finally in the gospel, the part that speaks to me is when Jesus says "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
The scriptures of today speak of the fact that for anyone who calls himself a Christian must be in tune with the spirit. We must open our hearts and ears to hear what it is God wants from us. Not only that God does not promise that the tasks he has called us to would be easy. Unforgiveness is not easy to let go of, Pride is not easy to let go of, Wealth is not easy to let go of. There are so many things that we are still holding on to. Yet this is another reminder that we must deny ourselves of the things that give us pleasure in order to follow Christ. We are warned already that it would not be easy. Why then should we still follow him? Why should we take on the cross. Dear Friends, the answer is simple, God did it first. The bible says that he loved the world so much that he gave of himself. He came as Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. An unjust suffering one may call it. It was the only way to defeat death and pay ransome for our sins. It was the ultimate act of love. So think of it this way. Every time, we carry our daily crosses difficult as they may be. By surrendering to the will of God, we are also lifting up others to the love and mercy of God. We are walking in the example of Christ. We are cleansing not just our spirits but those of others as well. Through reading scriptures, we are encouraged to obey the commandments of the Lord that we will be blessed.
Lent is a perfect season to journey with christ and join our suffering with his.
Lent allows us to lift our struggles and burdens to the one who has experienced it all.
Prayer: Lord I offer my fast today as a willingness to carry my cross. Lord I open my heart to let you show me ways in which I am failing and to rely on you to lift me up each time. This way I will trust and depend on you. Lord I offer my fast today that I may grow in humility and strength knowing that this is what you expect of me.
Day 1
First reading: Joel 2:12-18
Second reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
In Joel it says; return to the Lord your God for he is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Look at where you are now and think of the things that are holding you back from giving your heart to God completely. What is the sin? At this start of lent, examine your heart and approach his throne of mercy. Repent wholeheartedly and see if your circumstances will not change and God himself will not bless you. Humble yourself before God. If there is someone you have not spoken to in a while. Call them, have a chat let them know you care.
Isn't it good to know that God is sovereign. In Mt 6, he warns us to examine the conditions of hearts. To seek his reward and not that of man. Whatever good deed you do, lift it to God in prayer. Even when you feel unappreciated, or your attempts at good works go unnoticed, God sees the intentions of your heart. Be diligent in the things you do and he himself will reward you.
Prayer: Lord, I offer up my fast today as a sign of my repentance and desire to seek you more wholeheartedly. Amen
Day 2
First reading: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20
Psalm 1:1-4; 6
Gospel: Luke 9:22-25:
In Deuteronomy it says; "By loving God, heeding his voice and holding fast to him will mean life for you.
Psalm 1:2: The law of the Lord is their Joy. God's law they study day and night.
The lord watches over the way of the just but the way of the wicked leads to ruin
Finally in the gospel, the part that speaks to me is when Jesus says "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
The scriptures of today speak of the fact that for anyone who calls himself a Christian must be in tune with the spirit. We must open our hearts and ears to hear what it is God wants from us. Not only that God does not promise that the tasks he has called us to would be easy. Unforgiveness is not easy to let go of, Pride is not easy to let go of, Wealth is not easy to let go of. There are so many things that we are still holding on to. Yet this is another reminder that we must deny ourselves of the things that give us pleasure in order to follow Christ. We are warned already that it would not be easy. Why then should we still follow him? Why should we take on the cross. Dear Friends, the answer is simple, God did it first. The bible says that he loved the world so much that he gave of himself. He came as Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. An unjust suffering one may call it. It was the only way to defeat death and pay ransome for our sins. It was the ultimate act of love. So think of it this way. Every time, we carry our daily crosses difficult as they may be. By surrendering to the will of God, we are also lifting up others to the love and mercy of God. We are walking in the example of Christ. We are cleansing not just our spirits but those of others as well. Through reading scriptures, we are encouraged to obey the commandments of the Lord that we will be blessed.
Lent is a perfect season to journey with christ and join our suffering with his.
Lent allows us to lift our struggles and burdens to the one who has experienced it all.
Prayer: Lord I offer my fast today as a willingness to carry my cross. Lord I open my heart to let you show me ways in which I am failing and to rely on you to lift me up each time. This way I will trust and depend on you. Lord I offer my fast today that I may grow in humility and strength knowing that this is what you expect of me.
Friday, 29 January 2016
A scripture to reflect on
Written by Elizabeth Etta:
This past week, I have been reflecting on the words of scripture
Luke 4:18-21
“The spirit of the lord has been given to me
for he has anointed me
He has sent me to bring
good news to the poor
TO proclaim liberty to
captives
And to the blind new
sight
to set the downtrodden
free
and to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour
He then rolled up the
scroll gave it back to the assistant and sat down. And to all eyes in the
synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to speak to them. This text is being
filled today even as you listen…
Acts 1:8
You will receive power
when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses
Jesus
was filled with the power of the holy spirit when he made this bold
proclamation about his purpose before all the people in the synagogue. In order
to realise what God’s purpose for our life is, we need the holy spirit. In Acts 1:8
the Holy Spirit was promised and then given and today like Christ, we now have received
the power of the holy spirit to be his witnesses.
Our
mission as spirit filled christian is to reveal God to others.
How
we may ask? It can start by telling them about the good news. We are not to shy
away from telling others about the saving power of Jesus Christ. Are there
people in your life that you know will benefit from knowing Christ? Why not get
to know them more and share the amazing knowledge that you have of the gospel
with them.
We
have the power to heal others through our words and by our actions. This could
include outreach programs, alms giving, pastoral work etc.
The
bible says that God’s word are spirit and life. When I read the words, “the text is being
fulfilled today as you listen”.
It
made me realise that the will of God for us is to have an abundant life here. A great
life is possible as long as we trust in God’s words for us his children. When we trust
God, even when things are not going as we or others think they should. We still
have the confidence in knowing that our father will work to perfect us and bring every
situation for the greater good of us and others.
The
words of scripture that stood out to me was “to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.
In
that statement, I see God’s promises of abundant kindness and grace for me this year. I
boldly claim these year as a year of favour. His ability to help me fulfil the
desires that he has put in my heart. One of the difficulties of trying to live
according to God’s will is that you face opposition, disbelief, your own inner
fears and doubt.
Despite
the challenges, I feel I am beginning to identify more with Christ. As much as
I would want to refuse any responsibility for my own personal reasons, I am
reminded that God will grant me the graces I need. God’s year of favour is my opportunity to take on
the challenges in order to grow in spirit and draw closer to him. I see it as
God’s way of reaching out to
others, through me if only I accept my cross and follow him so that in the end
he is glorified.
The
question, I put out to you now is; What context does the scripture apply to you
today? How is it being fulfilled in your life; Are you letting God work through
you?
Prayer
Lord we have received your Holy Spirit through our baptism,
through declaration of our faith and through the hearing of your word. Help us
to activate those gifts that we have received, in order that it may lead to the
salvation of our souls and those of others for that is your will.
Amen
Friday, 22 January 2016
What is My Time?
by Elizabeth Etta
Less critical of others
What is my time?
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace…
He has made everything beautiful in its time”.
ECCLESIASTES 3: 1-11
I came upon this scripture verse in my bible
reflection time a week ago and went about trying to understand why God led me to
this verse and what He was trying to say in my life?
Life as we know it is always in season. There
are times when we are happy, sad, fearful, conflicted, angry and other varying emotions depending on the circumstances we find ourselves in. If a
situation is often difficult or unexpected, we find ourselves wondering where
God is in those moments.
Ecclesiastes mentions a season. God allows
seasons in our lives to achieve a greater purpose than we can imagine. This
chapter draws me to examine the current seasons of my life and how I choose to
respond to the experiences in it.
The time of waiting
In the time of waiting it teaches patience.
As I experience longing and loneliness, this waiting season encourages me to
seek a deeper intimacy with Christ, the One who is the lover of my soul. I also
have a greater opportunity to fellowship with others and dedicate my time to doing what God has called me to do. So in my season of waiting, Lord, let it
bring glory to You.
The time to build
God has put plans in my heart through the
talent He has blessed me with to use to build His kingdom on earth. Lord, let
me take on the challenge to build Your kingdom as You see fit.
A time to embrace
This season sees doors opening for me, and I
am called to embrace the opportunities that God presents in front of me.
A time to laugh and
dance
The past year till now, there has been a lot
to celebrate. Nothing significant has happened to cause me grief. I feel like I
am living in a state of grace where there are more things to laugh about. I
have a great family and friends. In fact, I am thinking of doing more dancing
this year.
A time to speak
It’s my time to speak. I’ve had my season of silence, but this year I feel that I am
called to use my voice for a greater calling. To speak truth in the lives of
others. To speak truth in the lives of my family and members of my church.
A time to Love
I am called to a greater love. One that is
self-giving like Christ. To love even when I feel unappreciated. To love even
when I feel unloved. In this time to love, I find that the areas in which God
pointed out I needed to exercise love is by being;
It’s sometimes difficult to see the bigger picture when you find
yourself in an unexpected season. Perhaps your season looks a lot different
to mine. Ecclesiastes reminds us that God is aware of the seasons we are in.
We are placed in those seasons for a reason to discover our purpose, to live a
richer life. In all seasons of your life, let God in. It is the only way to
experience beauty in your season. It takes the difficult seasons in life to
fully appreciate the beauty of a “fruitful season.” Whatever season you are in, be it good or bad remember that God
is in control. He has made and will make everything beautiful in His time.
Wednesday, 6 January 2016
New Year Reflection
by Elizabeth Etta
As the new year's celebrations came to an end, I made the
conscious choice to embrace 2016, with a new enthusiasm and determination that
was somewhat lacking in the later half of 2015.
While I looked back on 2015, I felt my walk with God wavered greatly. Despite that, I could still reflect on the many ways in which God sustained and blessed me of which I am immensely grateful.
While I looked back on 2015, I felt my walk with God wavered greatly. Despite that, I could still reflect on the many ways in which God sustained and blessed me of which I am immensely grateful.
I had a lot of challenges in 2015 but there were
also positives to take from. One of the things I was grateful for in the past year was the fact that I was
extremely healthy. I also accomplished certain things that I did not think I
could. I gained a lot of self confidence that I felt had eroded in previous
years due to certain circumstances.
It’s
the start of the new year, and often times it is when we begin to make
resolutions that would carry us through the entire year. I unfortunately never stick to
mine and it often leaves me discouraged and disillusioned.
However I want to be able to look back on 2016
and feel the most accomplished I have ever been. The only way that it would be
possible to feel that way, is in knowing that I am carrying out the will of the
Father for my life. I need to gain clarity and perspective on the journey
ahead. In order for that to be possible, I am starting afresh with God. I am
not going to do the “new years resolution” that I have done in
the past because I have had 100% failure throughout.
How I want this year to be different is that when
I say, "I put my trust in God", I want to mean it in every possible way. I want
every action and decision to reflect that. I want to do it all by his grace and
mercy. I want to rely on God as my source of strength and not my own supposed
ability. Every time I fail which I know would be a lot of times, I will choose
not to dwell on the supposed failure, because I am more than my failures. I
would choose to dwell on my strength instead of my weakness. My freedom rather
than my guilt.
One of my favourite quotes that I will rely on
for this year is Mt 6:33 which says “Seek
first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be
added onto you”.
This to me sounds like a promise from God, to
bless those who truly seek to bring his kingdom on earth. It is my great desire
this year to make full use of the gifts that God has given me and see them come
to fruition.
One of the many goals that I want to set for
myself which I will hope to be kept accountable for are as follows:
- To put in more time for prayer and scripture study daily.
- To spend more time doing things beneficial to my health and well being such as exercising more often, better eating habits.
- To blog regularly, this means once a week to be able to share some of the insights God has given me.
- To volunteer at least once a month.
- To use my talents in the arts
I have no clue what 2016 holds for me, but I
know that every goal is possible through God’s grace that is sufficient for me.
Until the next blog stay tuned~~
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