New Growth Will Lead To New Things

Happy New Year!

May this year be for each of you a year of growth; going from glory to glory, and faith to faith!

There is a fresh stirring in my heart to delve more deeply into studying the Word of God this year. This didn't occur to me just this morning because it's New Year's Day. I've felt like a new wind of grace has blown over me during the past week in particular. I know this is a work of God in me, and I am determined to cooperate with Him to work it out practically. So, although I did not make New Year Resolutions, I did have to make some New Year Decisions. (I make a distinction because 'resolution' seems to refer to something more whimsical, based on feeling or a burst of positivity; whereas, a 'decision' reminds me that choice and responsibility sit squarely on my shoulders).

I realize that I am going to have to make trade-offs and changes in my daily schedule to spend more time in study that's deeper than daily Bible reading. It's not going to be easy amidst a busy schedule (nothing worth it ever is) but the rewards are the kind that profit a person now, and for eternity. I also know my personal gains will equip me to better serve all those God has put in my sphere, both offline and online.

How about you? I know that God is also at work in you. Will you take this journey with me this year?

I believe it's best to pray about what I should blog here (especially when I'm discussing something that turns out to be more of a mini Bible study), so there's no telling what will come up. Needless to say, the unchanging focus will be on a closer relationship with God, and with others. This always calls for discussing how to live in the light of God's word, in practical ways.


I would love to hear what's on your heart and mind. Join me at Facebook, Google Plus or Twitter. If you have a testimony of praise, or a prayer request, feel free to send it to me at fotshepherd[at]gmail[dot][com]

Blessings of love, strength, and peace to you in Jesus.

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Blessings to you in Jesus!

Give Thanks

Philippians 4:4-7, NJKV
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalm 130
 ¹ I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up,
         And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
 ² O LORD my God, I cried out to You,
         And You healed me.
 ³ O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave;
         You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.^{[a]
        
 4} Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His,
         And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.^[b]
 5 For His anger is but for a moment,
         His favor is for life;
         Weeping may endure for a night,
         But joy comes in the morning.
        
 ⁶ Now in my prosperity I said,
         “I shall never be moved.”
 ⁷ LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
         You hid Your face, and I was troubled.
        
 ⁸ I cried out to You, O LORD;
         And to the LORD I made supplication:
 ⁹ “What profit is there in my blood,
         When I go down to the pit?
         Will the dust praise You?
         Will it declare Your truth?
 ¹⁰ Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me;
         LORD, be my helper!”
        
 ¹¹ You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
         You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
 ¹² To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
         O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.