I ended 2019 by starting the 30 Day Bible Shred, which is a Bible reading plan that takes you through the whole Bible in 30 days. The purpose of this reading plan is to ‘see the shape of the tree as opposed to studying the leaves’ and I am seeing and learning so much from this experience in the Bible.
One of the most powerful messages that is so clear to see is the weight and consequences of the choices we make - the rich rewards of making the right choices and the devastating results of making the wrong ones. God has given each of us the ability to make our own choices:
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” Deuteronomy 30:19
From Adam and Eve, to Noah, to Moses, to David and beyond, we can observe how their choices had outcomes that cost them dearly or blessed them immensely, both themselves and their children and the generations after them. In reading through the Bible, it is also clear to me that God’s love, His mercy, forgiveness and grace chase after every single generation relentlessly. He is for us – always!
I choose a word every year to frame my year. I listen and wait on God to deposit something into my spirit that I believe He is asking me to focus on prayerfully for the entire year. This year my word is CLARITY which, I realized soon after choosing it, seems rather appropriate for 2020. ☺
I need clarity to make wise decisions and choices in this brand-new decade. I also want clarity to define my life – to live with transparency and vulnerability so that God’s love and light can shine forth from my life unhindered.
‘Remember our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.’
2 Corinthians 4:6 MSG
May this year be a year that we all make good choices that lead us on a pathway of blessing as we follow after God’s heart.
Helen Burns
Founding and Teaching Pastor
TODAY’S PRAYER:
DAY 2 - JANUARY 7
Pray for: Your city
Jeremiah 29:7
Pray for your city - for its leadership, its residents, for the local churches that are gathering there, and for the local missions. Pray for Relate Community Care and all the initiatives that are reaching the community, as well as for the City Dream Centre. Pray for renewal and revival in our city in this season.
