Dig deep!

The first few times it happened there was no problem but slowly and surely the effects began to show.  It started as a tremble, it grew into a shudder, matured into a sway and finally became an awful lurch! There was no way that my fence was going to stay standing when it was copping such abuse. 

The ‘fence abuser’ was not a disgruntled neighbour but my 26 kg dog who, because of his inquisitive and active nature, has taken to launching himself full speed at the fence.  The reason he does this is so that he can have a quick look to see what is happening on the ‘other side’ of the seven foot fence, where I am sure he believes the grass is greener! 

Because my children will not allow me to deal with my dog permanently I am left with one choice…I must strengthen my fence.  To achieve this I have to dig some holes and sink some poles to return the fence to an upright state as well as preparing it for future abuse.  At the beginning of this year this becomes a useful metaphor for us all.  

Jesus calls us ‘wise’ when we come to Him.  He says that we are like a man who is building a house “who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.”(Luke 6:48)  When the huge storm comes the house survives because of where it is built!

 

How is your life going?  Strong and secure or is it like my swaying fence? 

 The best answer I can offer is for you to “dig deep” into all the Lord has to offer you this year!

Life in 2004

What do you think is going to be added to your life this year?Last year we bought a new house, took possession of a new dog, I started a new university course and I got given a “not so new” Volvo! At the beginning of the year I didn’t expect any of these things to happen but as the year unfolded each was revealed.

A new year is a wonderful thing: I see it as a fresh start and a new opportunity.

Each year I like to learn something new, to read something new and to see something that I haven’t seen before. If we have investments we like to see them grow with each year that passes. If we own a home we like to see it appreciate in value. All of us love a salary increase and none of us regret having value added to our lives.

The Lord Jesus said “The thief (The devil) comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

The Lord Jesus did not come to take things away from you. He did not come to remove your life or to destroy the life you now have. He came so that you might receive added value in your life: That your life at the ending of this New Year, would be better than when it started.

What value can He add to you? Why don’t you invite Him to give you a first hand demonstration?

Happy New Year!

I always like the beginning of a new year. I used to love it at school when it was time to get your fresh exercise books and put behind you all the mistakes and the “dog-ears” of the last twelve months. New school uniform, new school shoes and a fresh start—promising…

Last year may have been the best year of your life, it may have been your worst or it may have been in-between. It is wonderful to think that this is a new year, a new opportunity, an unwritten page. But what will this year hold? More joy, health and peace or more challenges, insecurity and turmoil?

I am glad that every year has a different date; this gives us an opportunity to move on and expect something fresh and new. I pray that this is exactly what the new year holds for each of us. I pray that you find a fresh start as you allow the Lord to impact your life, bringing you all of His grace, joy and peace. 2003 is an opportunity to allow God to make all things new in you. A clean slate is a wonderful thing.

Lamentations 3:22-23 “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

Have a great year!