New year new change

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15

The new year is upon us and it is a time of reflection for many. So we set goals for ourselves. Already the promise to give up cola or chocolate or to lose 2 stones. We make the same promises to ourselves we made the year before hoping that this year will be the year our will power kicks in. Maybe it's time for a change.

Maybe as we look forward to this year it's time to move beyond superficial changes and focus on something deeper. Our hearts and ears bring so much into our lives. Maybe it's time to look at what we are focusing our hearts on and asking is this really the best use of our time. Is what we are listening to adding knowledge or is it depleting the soul. Maybe if we change our thinking, our focus, our energy we would achieve our goals.

Christmas message

Well here in the UK Christmas is pretty much over. The main event is over the presents are opened and the food is eaten. If you survived the Christmas without fighting and arguing then count yourself lucky. For some Christmas is not a happy event.

I thought long and hard about what to say this year hence it coming later than most. I was gonna do something fancy after all everyone has heard the Christmas story a million times right? Right? Wrong actually. It still surprises me that people are more concerned with Santa than Jesus. But there you go the world has changed.

So what can I say about Christmas that hasn't already been said. Nothing! So here it is pure and simple. Jesus came as a little baby so that we can have hope! I hope that each person can at least find hope today. God bless

Let go let God

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22

Never has a bible text been more timely. I cannot tell you the stress I have over our financial situation. I spend a lot of time silently worrying without even noticing it and today I noticed more than normal.

This morning my over enthusiastic toddle hit me on the head with something and it let a sore spot on my forehead. Well apparently when I am silently and subconsciously worrying about money I rub my forehead. Well you can imagine that today I felt every time I subconsciously worried and in the end I think it gave me a headache. This is quite a different picture that this text paints.

I need to take God at his word and let go and give it to Him. It is doing me no favours holding onto this worry. After all my head doesn't want to feel so sore again.

Poor or rich

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
Proverbs 28:6

What can you say to this when your the poor person. Integrity is all fine and dandy but what about paying the bills. I guess integrity will help you manage what you have better so that you will never want for anything.

What about if your the rich one. One question I would ask is how did you get so rich? Was it your decided lack of integrity that got you there? If it was, its never to late! Check out the story of the tax collector for inspiration.

I am guessing that poor or rich the principle of integrity should be something you live by.

Christmas

This year unlike previous years in my enthusiasm for Christmas was at an all time low. But a friend invited me to a carol concert something I haven't done since I was a child. I guess it began a little fire deep down inside me somewhere and slowly but surely I have been feeling the Christmas cheer.

Yesterday I was walking down the road and saw this picture and all I could do is smile. Christmas starts with Christ. That's what I was missing and reconnected with at the different carol services I attended. I hope this Christmas you get the chance to connect with Christ.

My favourite

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Psalms 91:1-2

This is my favourite text because this has been my experience. All my life I have hidden under Gods shadow. As a naturally shy person at school when I felt isolated I could always hide comfortably in God. As I got older and life got harder I found myself taking comfort that I could stand under Gods shadow. It's something that gives me great comfort and I feel safe in that knowledge. I hope this text does that for you.

Committed

All I can say is sorry it's taken so long. I clearly blame a second bout of maternity leave but really there is no excuse. I should be able to write a little something. So here goes I am sorry and I will try to do better.

Outdo you

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour.
Romans 12:10

Here is something we can compete at that might actually have a positive outcome. Show honour. As I ponder this I think of the numerous times I have spoken to someone on recent weeks at my shock at the worlds lack of boundaries. Here I am thinking that even though it's twitter or Facebook that maybe I should still be respectful of people's feelings, but others don't seem to feel the same. So it's ok to tear down people or set up whole pages dedicated to hating someone. But here is an interesting and challenging verse for those that believe in God outdo others in showing honour. Seems this might not be too difficult in our world today but try it and see what happens. It isn't as easy as it sounds.

Hiding myself

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10

I have this funny mental image of a person running to a massive name and hiding behind it. It seems funny because the letters in the name could topple over at any moment doing more harm than good. When I read this text however I am grateful that firstly I don't have to physically run cause I am not good at it but that really it's a state of mind. I can turn myself to God and hide in his love from the wickedness of those around me including dare I say it myself!