What a beautiful sunrise/sunset this is . . . I just love to watch the sun rise or set in all of the earth's dark hues against the yellow - orange and pink of the fading blue backdrop of the sky. Beauty only God could paint!
The above quote speaks loudly as I look ahead at this new year - 2015! Read that again and really ponder what all of that means within your heart and life . . .
I have done a little new years' soul searching and I gave this a lot of thought . . . here is a little glimpse of what I found . . .
Increased riches of grace - grace has been defined, not as a created substance of any kind, but as "the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it",[1] "the condescension or benevolence shown by God toward the human race".[2] It is understood by Christians to be a spontaneous gift from God to man — "generous, free and totally unexpected and undeserved"[3] — that takes the form of divine favor, love, clemency, and a share in the divine life of God.
Hearing His voice more clearly - While God could speak audibly to people today, He speaks primarily through His written Word. Sometimes God’s leading can come through the Holy Spirit, through our consciences, through circumstances, and through the exhortations of other people. By comparing what we hear to the truth of Scripture, we can learn to recognize God’s voice.
It has been said, knowing the voice of God through His Spirit is something we learn over time. This recognition requires that we live day to day in submission to the Lord, setting aside time to quiet our minds and still our bodies. We must also go to Him regularly throughout the day, in the midst of our tasks and obligations, joys and worries. Eventually, we will come to know His voice so well that we’ll be able to hear Him even in the most difficult and busy circumstances. (C. Stanley)
Growing up on a farm, I bought a horse when I was in the 6th grade with my 4-H money. Her name was Babe and down through the many years that followed that purchase we became close "friends". I confided in her - she knew all of my "secrets"!!! LOL! But more than that - she knew "my voice". I could go to the edge of the pasture and call her and it wouldn't be too long and she would come running to me. Others could go and holler for her but to their disappointment - she wouldn't come running! My cousins couldn't understand why she wouldn't come for them. But I knew the reason . . . Babe knew my voice and trusted me and came when I called her. It's like that with the Lord - when we truly know His Voice - we can trust Him - we can come running to Him with whatever burden we are carrying. When we know His Voice, we can respond to that still small voice and rest in Him and know that ALL is WELL with my heart and soul.
Rest in His love more fully -
Trust His care more completely -
Walk His path more peacefully -
Know His presence more intimately -
Be blessed by His goodness more abundantly -
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