Birds paint a beautiful picture of faith in the Lord

I was looking at this picture of these beautiful birds enjoying the stunning red berries on this tree and it struck me that they paint a beautiful picture of faith in the Lord. Here are just some of the scores of Bible verses on how God provides for us:

• "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want" in Psalm 23:1. 
• "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)
• "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26)
• "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread" (Psalm 37:25) 

To read more about God's promises, go to: https://www.biblegateway.com 

May you be blessed today!

The picture of the birds I used to create the above is courtesy of: http://funees.com/17-beautiful-birds-photography-world.html 

Simplification - simplicity - is the key to life

It seems that Scripture teaches us that simplification is the key to life. Too often with competing schedules, there is the temptation to put God in the back-burner while we deal with other pressing issues that we deem as urgent and that need to be handled "yesterday".  And yet Jesus teaches us that He is the calm in the eye of the storm, that we can place all of our burdens at His feet, that all of the complicated things of life need be taken to the throne of God and He will take care of them. The Bible says "Seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness, AND ALL these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). 

So often I find myself struggling, thinking in the opposite way, in fact, that I should seek ALL OF THOSE THINGS first and THEN seek His Kingdom. I have resolved to seek His Kingdom first, to rely on Him for all things, and follow this Biblical principle - I do believe this is true, I have the weight of the saints in the Bible and throughout the ages that testify to it! 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" Heb 12:1

Be blessed today!

The above is a picture I took of the Johannesburg skyscape.

PS: If you want to read more of the Bible, go to: http://biblehub.com/ - I love this website, because it provides you with the same verse from several different Bible versions. The beauty of this is that you can get a holistic interpretation of the particular verse, in old English and contemporary English.

Broken until you reach the end of yourself

Have you ever been broken until you feel you reach the end of yourself? This is the time to reach out to God, who provides many rich promises of love, hope and strength in His word. Throughout the ages, millions have trusted in Him and not been disappointed. Perhaps this sounds like too simple a solution in this modern age of complication and sophistication, but I assure you, simplicity is the key to life. Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest". Matthew 11:28. Won't you trust Him today?

A promise that God will fill our hearts with joy

I love this Bible promise that God will fill our mouths with laughter and our lips with joy. It tells us that we can rise above our circumstances at all times and no matter how troubled we may feel, God will always be our grounding, and not what is happening around us.

In hours of discouragement, God is our encouragement...

This is such a beautiful poem by Helen Steiner Rice and I have always loved those first two lines, though the whole poem is so powerful:

Sometimes we feel uncertain, 

and unsure of everything,

Afraid to make decisions, 

Dreading what the day will bring,

We keep wishing it were possible 

to dispel all fear and doubt,

and to understand more readily 

just what life is all about,

God has given us the answers 

which too often go unheeded,

but if we search His promises 

we’ll find everything we need

and seek, to lift our faltering spirits 

and renew our courage too,

for there is absolutely nothing too much 

for God to do,

For the Lord is our Salvation 

and our Strength 

in every fight we fight.

Our Redeemer, and Protector, 

our eternal Guiding Light,

He has promised to sustain us, 

He’s our Refuge from all harms,

and underneath this Refuge 

are His Everlasting Arms,

So cast your burdens on Him, 

seek His counsel when distressed,

and go to Him for comfort 

whenever you’re lonely and oppressed,

For God is our encouragement 

in trouble and in trials,

and in suffering and in sorrow 

He will turn our tears to smiles.

God's special phone number!

Today is Friday – I love Fridays, the doorway to the weekend and freedom! 

My daughter is writing a big exam today – 4 hours! She was feeling quite jittery and I realised an important thing: I had not been praying for her success. So I prayed, I asked God to help her in her exams. I think I forget to pray sometimes. And yet God Himself calls us to be better than that – He says that we do not have because we do not ask.  At the same time, He reassures us, saying “Call unto me, and I will show you great and mighty things, things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). 

Some preachers refer to Jeremiah 33:3 as God’s phone number, that’s pretty cool in my books! Knowing that God is there – just a phone call away! 

Be blessed today!

Dealing with my workaholic issues...

I couldn’t sleep last night – again.  The reason why was I was plagued with thoughts of work.  My mind was racing – I actually realised that I was thinking of the same things over and over again, resolving them and then thinking of them again. One of my colleagues once told me that my problem is that I think about people that are not even thinking about me – in the work context, that is – because I wanted to rush my lunch so that I could get back to the conference room.

It got me thinking as to why – why was I doing this? It all came back to my fear of failure. I have a fear of failure! This is what makes me a workaholic. But what does it matter, even though I am giving my all to my work, working as unto the Lord, as we are encouraged in the bible, Jesus said that “Do not be over-anxious, therefore, about to-morrow, for to-morrow will bring its own cares. Enough for each day are its own troubles” Mt 6:34. 

This does not mean that I have to give up work, or giving my all to what I do.  It means that at the end of each day, as soon as I walk out of that door, I am leaving everything in the hands of the Lord – trusting Him that all will be fine and that tomorrow when I walk in the door, things will still be fine.  He never sleeps or slumbers, so I can trust Him for all of these things!

Halleluia! What a mighty God we serve! I bow down in reverential awe of His splendour and greatness and I pray that you, dear reader, will be able to trust God with all that you do and leave today’s troubles for today.  God has given us a spirit of a sound mind and not of fear (“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” 2 Tim 1:7).

Be encouraged today!

Points on Evangelism: Sharing the Gospel just as you would talk about an exciting game!

How we can evangelise just by being ourselves:

1. The way we live our lives shines forth to the world:

God calls us to be holy, which means being separate for the purposes of God. As salt, our lives confirm the message - salt is good for the whole meal, not just a portion of it - in the same way, God wants us to spread His message wherever we are so that others can enjoy its flavour too:

Matthew 5:13-16: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

2. When our lives are lived to glorify God, others want to know Him, too:

Glorify God by living a pure life and being gentle and respectful towards others - this brings glory to God:

1 Peter 3:15-16: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,  keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

If we are to be effective, we have to give glory to Him. We are not there to glorify ourselves, but God, who says that He will draw us near to us:  John 12:32 "I will be lifted up from the earth. When that happens, I will draw all people to myself.”

3. Preach the gospel and ask for boldness to preach it. 

Share what God has done for you with enthusiasm, just like people do when they are discussing a football match! The angels rejoice with us when lost souls are brought into the fold:

Luke 15:4-7 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders  and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

How to share the gospel:

1. We need to draw on the power of God when sharing the Gospel:

Acts 1:7-8 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

2. Spend time with God - share what He reveals to us with others:

Acts 3:12-20 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?  The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.  You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.  You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer.  Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,   and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus."

Our responsibility is to present the Gospel, God's responsibility is to work in the people we are sharing the Gospel with - God relies on us to do it.

Have you witnessed to anyone this year? Have you led anyone to Christ in the past 6 months? Now is as good a time as any to start!

Be blessed today!

Beautiful one I love

Thought I would share this lovely song with you:

http://youtu.be/zeZfroRC9CA

"Beautiful One"Wonderful, so wonderful
Is your unfailing love
Your cross has spoken mercy over me
No eye has seen no ear has heard
No heart could fully know
How glorious, how beautiful you are.

Beautiful one I love you
Beautiful one I adore
Beautiful one my soul must sing.

Powerful so powerful
Your glory fills the skies
Your mighty works displayed for all to see
The beauty of your majesty
Awakes my heart to see
How marvelous how wonderful you are.

Beautiful one I love you
Beautiful one I adore
Beautiful one my soul must sing.
Beautiful one I love you
Beautiful one I adore
Beautiful one my soul must sing.

You opened my eyes to your wonders anew

You captured my heart with this love
Because nothing on Earth is as beautiful as you
You opened my eyes to your wonders anew
You captured my heart with this love
Because nothing on Earth is as beautiful as you are.

Beautiful one I love you
Beautiful one I adore
Beautiful one my soul must sing.
Beautiful one I love you
Beautiful one I adore
Beautiful one my soul must sing.

And you opened my eyes to your wonders anew
You captured my heart with this love
Because nothing on earth is as beautiful as you are.

by Jeremy Camp



Points on Evangelism: Being the Salt and Light of the Earth

1. Why is it important to evangelise?
To bring glory to God - He has been kind to us and we need to glorify Him:
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us,Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him." Ps 103:8-11

2. We need to be active
God commands us to do it, but does not expect us to do it on our own:
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen" Mt 28:18-20

3. People are depending on us to preach the Gospel:
"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach):  that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.  For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Rom 8:10-15

This lovely verse reminds me of the old hymn we used to sing in church back in the day:

"How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him
Who brings good news, good news,
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness,
Saying to Zion: Your God reigns,
Your God reigns, your God reigns,
Your God reigns, your God reigns.

He had no stately form, He had no majesty,
That we should be drawn to Him.
He was despised and we took no account of Him,
Yet now He reigns with the Most High.
Now He reigns, now He reigns,
Now He reigns with the Most High!

It was our sin and guilt that bruised and wounded Him,
It was our sin that brought Him down.
When we like sheep had gone astray, our Shepherd came
And on His shoulders bore our shame.
On His shoulders, on His shoulders,
On His shoulders He bore our shame.

Meek as a lamb that's led out to the slaughterhouse,
Dumb as a sheep before its shearer,
His life ran down upon the ground like pouring rain,
That we might be born again.
That we might be, that we might be,
That we might be born again.

Out from the tomb He came with grace and majesty,
He is alive, He is alive.
God loves us so, see here His hands, His feet, His side,
Yes we know He is alive,
He is alive, He is alive.
He is alive, He is alive.

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him
Who brings good news, good news,
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness:
Our God reigns, our God reigns.
Our God reigns, our God reigns,
Our God reigns, our God reigns."

Alleluia, our God Reigns!  

Have a blessed weekend!

   

 

Message of encouragement/Carla's blog: See beyond your circumstances and trust in the promises of God

Message of encouragement/Carla's blog: See beyond your circumstances and trust in the promises of God

See beyond your circumstances and trust in the promises of God

The affirmation in your mind about something must be stronger than the circumstances you are facing.  Speak to the picture (your belief), not the fact. The children of Israel did not believe the promises of God when they saw the giants in the land.

Take note of the powerful promises of Psalm 103:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
² Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
³ Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
⁴ Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
⁵ Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."

Another promise is found in Romans 4:17:

"...God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did..."

Indeed, He promises us good things - in times of trouble, let us not forget all of His benefits.

When thinking is renewed, life changes

The mind is the control mechanism of life. When thinking is renewed, life changes - "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Prov 23:7). The answer to overcoming problems is therefore to renew your mind:
1. Conform to God's pattern of thinking: However you react is based on pre-programmed ideas you received when you were growing up, but the Bible says: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Rom 12:2)
2. Remove your old programme of thinking: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things..." (Mt 12:35) Your life is not at the mercy of others. You determine the effect of others on your life. You are the one who decides if a difficulty is going to control you, or if you are going to control a difficulty. The way we deal with our circumstances is rooted in our minds. Once your mind has been renewed, your life will change - "...be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Eph 4:23).
3. Our lives are not determined by WHO we are but by WHOSE we are: "Keep me as the apple of Your eye, hide me in the shadow of Your wings" (Ps 17:8)
In truth, it's all about depending on God, rather than yourself, or the way the world sees you - He values and treasures you, no matter what your circumstances, no matter what you have done or failed to do. Trust in Him and you will have perfect peace, your mind will be renewed, your focus will be renewed, you will face life with a new attitude!

The background picture I used to create this image is courtesy of: 

https://za.pinterest.com/pin/375206212681505921/

A prayer for revival

What does revival mean? Revival means coming back to life.
Who asks for revival? People who have lost revival in their lives are the ones who ask for it.
What happens when you lose revival? When you lose revival, there is no joy. Most of the time you lose battles in your life because there is no revival.
What affects your revival? Going in the way of the world affects your revival.
So how does revival come? Revival cannot come without the presence of the Lord. When we lose touch with the Lord, we lose revival.

How to experience revival in your life:

1. Humble yourself and acknowledge that you have lost revival: "However, if My people who are called by My name, will humble themselves, pray, search for Me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear their prayer from heaven, forgive their sins and heal their country" 2 Chron 7:14
2. Seek the face of the Lord - return to the Word of God: "...return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts..." Mal 3:7
3. Repent your sins - make a change of attitude, take a change of direction. Become a new creation - that is the meaning of repentance: "Therefore if anyone is in the Messiah, he is a new creation, old things have disappeared and look - all things have become new!" 2 Cor 5:17
4. Give the right place to the Holy Spirit: "And I will ask the Father to give you another Helper, to be with you always" Jn 14:16
5. Pray with others for revival: God has made us a kingdom of priests. When we come together, we bring the presence of God with us, because God is in our hearts. "And He has made us a kingdom, to be priests unto God His Father, to Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen" Rev 1:6

The background image I used to create this picture is courtesy of:

http://markdking.com/prayer-early-christianity/

Proverbs 22 v. 1 says: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold"

Proverbs 22 v. 1 says: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold".

Isn't this so true, in this world which is so focused on consumerism and materialism, to choose having a good name, a good reputation, rather than riches?

DEPRESSION

Sometimes life can just be so depressing, especially when things do not go our way. I read once of a person who just had three words as the cure for depression "rise above it". Rise above it, rise above it, rise above it! What comforting words in times of sadness and sorrow, to rise above it and fight to face the next day. Jesus is so great, He gives us the kind of peace that we can only get from knowing Him. The peace that passes all understanding.
It is only up to us to reach out to Him and seek the comfort that He can provide. He is so gracious.
There is no tomorrow without hope. There is no future without hope. But where can hope come from? I believe it comes from trusting our Saviour, I mean, putting all our trust in Him, not leaving some behind, just like how the toothpaste tube always has 'just a little' left which can not be squeezed out, except with huge determination!
So this is my message for today. There is no shadow of turning with Him who loves us unconditionally. Through loving Him, trusting Him unconditionally, placing all our burdens on Him, we can handle the burdens of life, the depressions of life, all the minor worries and sadnesses! Oh, everything! In fact, He is not called Omnipotent and Omnipresent for nothing!
May these words bless and encourage you.

The rose I used to create the picture below is courtesy of www.wallpapersafari.com

Comfort Songs - "Jesus, we enthrone You and we proclaim you as King"

Do you, like me, have 'comfort songs' that you sing sometimes when you feel that you just need to be close to the Lord? One of my favouritist is this one:

"Jesus, we enthrone You and we proclaim You as King

Standing here in the very midst of us

We raise You up with our praise

And as we worship build Your throne,

And as we worship build Your throne

And as we worship build Your throne,

Come Lord Jesus, and take Your place!"

Oh, it may be an old song, but the glory and power in it and the grace that I feel washing over my life when I sing it! And the feeling of being supported, loved, held up by the King of Kings and Lord and Lords!

I once read that when you are feeling depressed, sing or read the olden day songs, songs like "Amazing Grace" and "How great Thou art", written way back when but with such an anointing over them. They are so deeply biblical that they have brought comfort to many, myself included!

The background picture that I used to create this worship picture is courtesy of: thedanceoflifewithjenna.blogspot.com

Beautiful Christian Inspiration/Carla's blog: “Everyone needs compassion, the kindness of a Saviour, Our God is mighty to save”

Beautiful Christian Inspiration/Carla's blog: “Everyone needs compassion, the kindness of a Saviour, Our God is mighty to save”

“Everyone needs compassion, the kindness of a Saviour, Our God is mighty to save”

“Everyone needs compassion, the kindness of a Saviour, Our God is mighty to save” (Hillsongs)
Needing
We think that we do not need to depend on anyone, as is the modern trend (of which I am no exception!), but it is surprising that we actually do need others! God made us to be in relationship with each other, and it is from the outpouring of our love to Him that we are able to love others. It is impossible, absolutely impossible that we can go through our lives consistently depending on ourselves and still prosper. Is that how you got to where you are today? I doubt it! You had to depend on someone – this is what John Donne says:
“No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”We need each other and there is no denying it!
CompassionMore than that, we need our Saviour, we need His compassion in our lives! He said: “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give thee rest” (Matthew 11:28). We do not have to strive for His compassion, as we would have to strive to gain the compassion of people whose hearts are merciless and cold. His heart is warm and encompasses us – His mercy surrounds us – He gives us the love that we do not deserve to receive because we are so sinful. He gives us the love that we all beg for and need from the very foundations of our being.
Kindness
Acts of kindness are rare these days because we are filled with mistrust as a result of bad deeds done to us in our lives. And yet what does a little kindness take away from you? In fact, I can bet that kindness actually adds to you, I can bet that a million acts of random kindness could change the world! Kindness in itself from another human being is tainted because we have the attitude that they are doing it somehow for their own self-benefit, but the Saviour has such kindness that it is called ‘lovingkindness’ in the Bible. When I think of that word ‘lovingkindness’, a picture of beauty comes to my mind, a picture of true love, with no secret motives behind it, like a soft pink rosebud with drops of dew glinting on it in the first hours of daylight. This rosebud, the love of our Saviour, does not change or become affected by the environment around it. It rests calm and peaceful in the midst of turmoil and radiates a sweet aroma of love and gentleness.
We need the kindness and compassion of our Saviour, the flow of tender love from God which radiates our hearts and from there shines its light on the lives of others.
Yes, it’s true, our God is mighty in compassion, kindness and love, He is indeed mighty to save!

RITUAL VERSUS PASSION

Yesterday I was convicted that my relationship with God lately has been characterised by ritual rather than passion. I read my Bible daily, say my usual prayers, but it's all been lustreless and not as if I am in a real relationship with a real God. I believe I have a great passion for God but this has not been reflected in my worship of Him. How I need Him in my life!
God is not inspired by rituals, as He said in Amos 5:21 - "I hate, I despise your feasts, and I will take no delight in your solemn assemblies".
How inspiring to read the work of the great man of God, Charles Spurgeon, who said: "In looking back upon the character of our prayers, if we do it honestly, we shall be filled with wonder that God has ever answered them. There may be some who think their prayers worthy of acceptance-as the Pharisee did; but the true Christian, in a more enlightened retrospect, weeps over his prayers, and if he could retrace his stepshe would desire to pray more earnestly. Remember, Christian, how cold thy prayers have been. When in thy closet thou shouldst have wrestledas Jacob did; but instead thereof, thy petitions have been faint and few-far removed from that humble, believing, persevering faith, whichcries, "I will not let thee go except thou bless me." Yet, wonderful to say, God has heard these cold prayers of thine, and not only heard, but answered them. Reflect also, how infrequent have been thy prayers,unless thou hast been in trouble, and then thou hast gone often to themercy-seat: but when deliverance has come, where has been thy constant supplication? Yet, notwithstanding thou hast ceased to pray as once thou didst, God has not ceased to bless. When thou hast neglected the mercy-seat, God has not deserted it, but the bright light of the Shekinah has always been visible between the wings of the cherubim. Oh!it is marvellous that the Lord should regard those intermittent spasms of importunity which come and go with our necessities. What a God is he thus to hear the prayers of those who come to him when they have pressing wants, but neglect him when they have received a mercy; who approach him when they are forced to come, but who almost forget to address him when mercies are plentiful and sorrows are few. Let his gracious kindness in hearing such prayers touch our hearts, so that we may henceforth be found "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit."

Oh, how true that has been, that we come before the throne of God with our hearts so dull and not even seeking His anointing, focusing just on what we need for that moment! I've decided to change my ways of worshipping God, reading the Bible, and praying to Him.
Firstly, by changing my Bible! I did it, but it was difficult! Instead of reading the same version of the Bible all the time, I have changed to another version. It's not that the versions change the meaning of God's word, rather, it's that each different version of the Bible shows God in a new light. I need that new revelation for my soul! Also I am approaching the Bible with the attitude that God is present, it's not just me reading any old book, but it's me approaching the throne of the Almighty God and seeking to know Him in greater ways. As I am reading the Bible, I also ask, "How does this apply to my life?", for there is truth in these words, there is something that can change my attitude in these words, goodness, there is life itself to be found in these precious words from the very mouth of God!
And in this way my prayers have become influenced. God knows what we need even before we ask, so why ask Him? Because we need to draw near to Him, we need to learn great faith, and it is only in drawing near to Him that our faith will grow.
So my fellow Christian, I pray that you can also make an important change in your life, starting TODAY! I hope that these words can inspire you to seek God in greater ways and seek His wisdom for your life.
Be blessed,
Carla