Dawning of a New Year

Allow me to be rather honest.  The last few days have been fairly hectic.  Although I had received the new schedule, I had not studied it–to see where my name fell, until 5 minutes ago.  I simply printed it and stuck it in my purse to look over later….well, I forgot when later came.  

Today is December 30.  My first post is due New Years Day.  I’ve not had a clear thought for days.  The last few days have been spent in prayer for a dear loved one.  While at her bedside and away, my thoughts have been on her.  So if you will please forgive my tardiness, allow me to grab my Bible, a cup of something to wet my whistle…let’s get to it!

Several years ago I used these scripture verses to help someone see that the Lord was still involved in their lives.  The sin was forgiven and is covered by the blood.  The Lord still loved them and still desired to use them.  As a matter of fact He desires to use each of us in the world we live—where each of us have been planted.

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27 (KJV) 

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)

Sometimes we feel  that once we fail God, He cannot possibly use us any more.  We may even feel we have lost our value.  This is not true.  What is true, is that the enemy does not want us to be used.  He will put all manner of negative thoughts into our minds and cause us to feel guilty —when the forgiveness of Christ has removed all guilt and sin from our lives.  Our stained garments are clean.  They are whiter than the purest snow.  This may sound like I speak from experience.  I do.  I have dealt with sin—felt the guilt of sin—been forgiven of sin—and was foolish enough to allow the enemy to harp in my ear that I was unworthy of God’s blessings or His time.  Can anything sound more foolish?

Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 (RSV)

Consider this New Year with fresh eyes.  A clean slate.  A new calendar with no writing on it.  Actually, my 2008 calendar already has a few “reminder” dates noted on its fresh new pages.  Let us allow God to write on the days of our hearts what His desire is for our path.  There will be hindrances along the way, but if we look to the Father for guidance, follow His direction, He will steer us to a clearing where we can grow and go forth for Him!

Consider each battle you face this year as a growing point in Christ.  It is a hard thing to do at times.  I get so consumed “in” the battle, I forget that He is there to bring me “through” the battle.  When I come out on the other side, I am made stronger.  In my weakness, He is made strong.  His strength is seen.  Not mine.  For I have none of my own.

We are part of the “all“.  As His Word says…

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…” Romans 3:23-24 (NKJV)

I am taking a long look in the mirror today.  I don’t like what I see.  I am not talking about the extra pounds and the gray hair springing up.  No, I am speaking of the things in my life I have allowed to interfere with my “God time”.   I took a long look last year and made many changes over the course of the past 364 days.  I plan, with God’s help and grace, to make even more changes.  Whatever I need to change to follow closer to the heart of God, that’s what I intend to do.  It begins with more prayer and ends with obedience.  More time for God, with God and spent in God through His Word.  My relationship with Him depends on me.  Your relationship with Him depends on you.  I had to realize I can’t make my children get closer to God, they must desire that for themselves.  All I can do is pray.  I intend to do much more of that…..as the new year dawns.

Father, I come to You full of flaws.  Seeking Your flawless grace and mercy to cover my life, fill me continually with fresh desire for more of You.  Take what I am —-what we are—for Your use.  For Your glory.  So that our lives, as we are poured out, You are poured in.  Give me a desire as I’ve never before experienced, for more of You in every area of my life.  Help me to be obedient to You—-even when it’s uncomfortable.  Lord, I ask that each of the writers of Laced with Grace be filled with Your Holy Spirit to overflowing so that our words are Your words and that people are drawn here and find You.  In Your precious name I pray~Amen.

Trusting Him,

Angie

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