In 2015 we made a new family tradition. I was determined to start a Christmas tradition--something intentional and purposeful and I found just the thing that required zero artistic talent or crafty ability. At the New Year, before we put away our stockings, each person writes a note to Jesus to express their hopes for the coming year…areas we hope to grow in; personal goals. The following Christmas we get the stockings out to hang and read our letters aloud. Isn’t self reflection powerful and as a family to help hold each other accountable and know how to pray for each other? We laugh some and encourage where we see the Lord working and growing each person.
I have to admit, sometimes we feel like a failure as we come up short and lacking and I see a pattern. We all want to devote more time in God’s presence; alone, seeking, praying, being still to hear His voice and soak in His truths. The question is: Will we be disciplined to reject the distractions that pull us from that still place where our eyes are fixed on Him? The reality is, we can not do it in our own power. I can not be a better wife, friend, mother, nor have patience or wisdom and insight to offer those in need, in my own strength. I need to abide in Christ so that I will walk in the spirit. Will we choose to be led by the spirit and not the flesh? Wow-there is a whole study there and so much on walking in the spirit and flesh vs. spirit. (Here is an article by John Piper on the subject.)
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-war-within-flesh-versus-spirit
We have been going through the Enneagram Personality Diagram, and people are just fascinating…..and complex! God made us so unique and diverse in the details of our personality. We have strengths and weaknesses, and all of that comes into play as He is refining us and making us more like Him.
I see the invitation all throughout scripture, for deeper fellowship, bolder faith, richer praise and intentional abiding. Jesus is all about relationships. Relationships take time, energy, devotion, patience, presence, vulnerability and intentionality.
How are you growing in your relationship with Jesus? What are you willing to devote or sacrifice, to know Him more this year? Where are you needing to step out in bold faith? Who has the Lord been prompting you to share the gospel? We are pondering this as we prepare to write our notes for 2019 and tuck it away in our stocking. Praying you will Know Him More in the coming year. Ephesians 3:14-19
“This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3
Colossians 3:1-3 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
John 4: 15-11 ”Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”
I have to admit, sometimes we feel like a failure as we come up short and lacking and I see a pattern. We all want to devote more time in God’s presence; alone, seeking, praying, being still to hear His voice and soak in His truths. The question is: Will we be disciplined to reject the distractions that pull us from that still place where our eyes are fixed on Him? The reality is, we can not do it in our own power. I can not be a better wife, friend, mother, nor have patience or wisdom and insight to offer those in need, in my own strength. I need to abide in Christ so that I will walk in the spirit. Will we choose to be led by the spirit and not the flesh? Wow-there is a whole study there and so much on walking in the spirit and flesh vs. spirit. (Here is an article by John Piper on the subject.)
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-war-within-flesh-versus-spirit
We have been going through the Enneagram Personality Diagram, and people are just fascinating…..and complex! God made us so unique and diverse in the details of our personality. We have strengths and weaknesses, and all of that comes into play as He is refining us and making us more like Him.
I see the invitation all throughout scripture, for deeper fellowship, bolder faith, richer praise and intentional abiding. Jesus is all about relationships. Relationships take time, energy, devotion, patience, presence, vulnerability and intentionality.
How are you growing in your relationship with Jesus? What are you willing to devote or sacrifice, to know Him more this year? Where are you needing to step out in bold faith? Who has the Lord been prompting you to share the gospel? We are pondering this as we prepare to write our notes for 2019 and tuck it away in our stocking. Praying you will Know Him More in the coming year. Ephesians 3:14-19
“This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3
Colossians 3:1-3 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
John 4: 15-11 ”Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”
