A new beginning

"Then Jesus said: Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you for I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls" Matthew 11:28-29

I know, I  know. It sounds cliche and sawn - off.  But do take a moment on this, the first day of a bright New Year, 2011, to hear what God has to say to you in your life.

Would you like to feel peace and joy this year? Would you like to move forward in your life? Would you like your life to have meaning? Did you stress about the state of the world over the past year? (It seems to be getting worse and worse, not so: war, famine, disasters, extreme weather conditions) Do you lie awake nights worrying about your children or your aged parents? Have you had a great shock this year? Has someone close to you let you down/hurt you incredibly?

If you answered yes to any one of these questions, then take time to kneel before God, the Almighty, most High Lord of all. He is waiting with arms outstretched to welcome you.  He is forgiving and gracious. He is peace. Above all, He is love.  He sent His son (whose birth we celebrated earlier this week) to die for our sins. We don't have to do anything. No good deeds, no rituals or religious rites. (We are  human beings and not human doings!) Merely seek God in prayer. Once we have committed our lives to Him, then we can walk the talk in His strength and according to His Word, the Holy Bible.

If it is your desire this year to experience the love and goodness of God through His precious Son, Jesus Christ, then I pray you will come to know Him in a special way. Jesus is the only Way to God. Do not look back; do not waste time on regrets and remorse. Go now and lay your life, your grudges, in fact, everything,  at the cross of Jesus.  Then, on a daily basis, speak to the Lord; if it feels unnatural to pray aloud, then let the prayers be thoughts in your head.  Speak to Him about your worries, your joys , your happiness or your fears. Anything and everything.  He is your Friend.

May the peace of God which passes all understanding fill your hearts and minds. Bless you all in 2011

Discover God's dream for your life:

Our loving Father God's opportunities are within your life's purpose. Make this your guideline. Look back: how and where did God change your life? Did He change your life? Would you like Him to help you to change? Look to Him with great expectation, because that is where the blessings lie. God has a plan for your life. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord says: "For I know the plans I have for your life. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. When you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me." Amen! Which of God's children do you have contact with? Network with these people. They could be doors of mercy to new possibilities.

Trust the Lord's directions:

Where there is a need, know that there is an opportunity to see God at work. This also creates new opportunities. Allow a peaceful soul to glean the answers if you feel unsure. This is the Holy Spirit's confirmation that you are on the right road. Seek God in every opportunity. His favour is an invitation to get to know Him better and to experience His love and peace within your heart.

Use this measure to know which opportunities are yours for the taking:

When a door opens, ask God that His will be done and act upon this. If it's suited to your talents, gifts and skills, this is a confirmation that you are on the right path. If a door closes, this is probably so that you can move forward to newer and better things.

If you have read this far and decided to make a firm commitment to follow Jesus, I welcome you in the name of the Lord. Welcome to the largest and most blessed family of God. May you go from strength to strength as you experience His purpose and peace in your life. Amen!