The Door of Hope

The gateway of a new year unleashes different emotions in different people. For some it signifies hope; new possibilities, new chances. For others it`s depressing or frustrating, raising feelings of helplessness or of being trapped.

There is something about the unknown possibilites of a new year that can both excite and daunt people. And of course, looking back over the progress or pain of the previous year often has a lot to do with this.

Some people seize a new year and throw themselves into it, taking control and making new choices. Others continue with the attitude that life "happens" to them and live as someone who "manages" this or reacts to what is happening.

I don´t think it is totally explained by different character types. I think attitude and mindsets have a lot to do with it.

Uncovering disabling mindsets or releasing hope into our thinking can be sparked off by one simple question. "Who is reigning here?". 

It`s a simple enough question in any given situation, individual heart or group of people. Is life simply happening to us? Who or what is ruling? And why are we allowing that?

It raises the questions of responsibility and motivation, responses and proaction.

A new year is like a door of hope. The possibilities are endless. Who and what will you allow to reign in your life this year?

There`s a challenge.

1 Peter 3:15 In your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord

Yielding

Every season has it`s beauty. Every season has a purpose. Every season is part of the cycle of eternity. 

The different seasons and times of our life make us who we are. Our attitudes as we go through those seasons affects our growth as Christians. 

We can fight a season. We can endure it. Alternatively, we can embrace it. With it`s joys and delights as well as it`s challenges and sorrows. Allowing God to grow and encourage us.

Whether we are living through a time of dark valleys or whether we are glorying on the mountain heights, God is busy crafting greatness in us. As we surrender to the work of His Spirit within us, our character is formed and shaped. 

God doesn`t put us through difficult times to punish us, but to give us an opportunity to grow and develop. Learning to trust our times to Him helps us look for the fruit of each season.

Wherever you are at in your life today, take a moment to thank Him that every day you live is part of His plan for your life. 

As for me, I trust in You, Oh Lord. I say "You are my God." My times are in Your hand. Psalm 31.14/15a

Deep and Mucky

It`s Autumn in Herrnhut. Lots of beautiful leaves to kick through. The storms of Winter will come and go. The silence of the snow will envelop the forest. And all the time these leaves will be rotting away, their beauty gone.

People talk about the seasons of life. Times when we are living in a Spring, when everything is exciting and developing. Winters, when life seems harsh and cold and fruitless. I believe God takes us through seasons. Very intentionally.

When a season of life or activity is coming to an end, it can feel like an Autumn. At first there is a glorious maturity to what we are doing. Then comes a time when the leaves fall from the trees and we wonder "what was it all for?" or "where has it all gone?".

Except that we forget that those leaves have to fall from the trees. They have to rot. They have to disintegrate. Because they must become soil. They must cover the earth. Preparing the land for the next seasons. Making it fertile. So that the new can grow.

That´s a bit deep isn`t it? Even in the barren times of a wintry season, God is preparing new soil in your life. Sometimes He takes us through a season when things have to rot a bit. It`s mucky.

But just wait and see what He grows out of that new soil in your life. He is laying the foundations for the new that will come. Accept the Autumns, in whatever form they come. Find peace as you endure the Winter. And look forward to the promise of Spring. New mercies. New life.

"His mercies are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" Lamentations 3.23/24

Together

Walking by faith is a personal choice. Your choice. But faith gets really exciting and rewarding when we join ours with others. Together, our faith is powerful. We encourage one another. We keep one another on the right path.

If being a Christian for you is just about you and God, you're missing a crucial part of the engine. It's also about being together. Try and go it on your own all the time and you waste too much energy on the battle of cutting a way through. Walk with others and together you can stand, move forward and take new ground.

Walking together moulds our character. It isn't always easy. But it creates a unity, a powerful force. Choose to walk by faith alongside others who follow Jesus and you become part of something greater than yourself.

Relationship with others, being Church, being committed to move on together as a group of believers is not just an option, but a necessity for every believer who truly wants to be used by God. God blesses unity (Psalm 133). He is moved by the united faith of believers. He is moved by our commitment to one another.

I love it when God is on the move. If you want to join in with what He is doing, make sure you stick together with other believers. Get your faith walk into line. Stay accountable and join your personal faith walk with that of others. Stay "together", walk "together" and see your nation changed "together".

Hidden Paths

Ever wonder what God is doing with you? Or wish you could see the way forward more clearly? As Christians we are called to live by faith and not by sight. By the truth of His word and not by our feelings. But how?

Steps of faith require boldness. They also require wisdom. The world may call your faith step foolish. But true faith is founded on the wisdom of God and His word.

Step out in true faith and you will find that you are pleasing God (Hebrews 11.6). Your faith will be rewarded. You will feel Him strengthening your feet beneath you, guiding your steps. His word is like a two-edged sword, it helps us discern what is of Him in our lives and what is from us. Use that sword to clear the path of faith in your life.

Read it, believe it and express that belief in words and actions. Enjoy the faith adventure!