It’s the end of 2007 and so this is a good time to reflect what all has happened over the past year and looking forward to a new year.

2007 was probably the year that I grew the most spiritually. A lot of things happened this year that helped me internalize God’s truths. I am just going to list some of my highlights here.

One thing that I wont forget is the hardest decision I have ever made in my life and that is the break up of my engagement. The week before that final decision was very rough but I thank God for Scott who talked and especially prayed with me and for me that week. I also thank my family for their support of my decision and their prayers. I also want to thank the few friends that did stick with me after that. I knew I wasn’t the popular kid after making such a decision but I learned to stand up for what I know is right and trust God for His will on my life.

This summer I went through a dip. I made some bad decisions and strayed away from what I knew is true. Sometimes when I hit a wall in my life I wish I could go back into my old sinful lifestyle that seems to be so much easier than being a Christian. But that only makes me more miserable and feel empty inside. So after I realized that I was not going the right direction I turned back to what I know is right. I then internalized the truth of discipline and started working on that. So far my devotions and prayer-time are done in a consistent fashion. I am not perfect so once in a while I skip them but I am growing in God’s grace.

Another lesson that I learned this year is the importance of friends and the local church in general. We are the body of Christ and that is why I should start acting like a member of that body. I strongly believe in accountability and encouragement. So I have been trying to be an encouragement to my friends and keep them accountable. I am so thankful for the new friends I met this year and they have helped me out. I want to thank Leighton that is holding me accountable in my scripture memory. I also want to thank Shirley who has always been there for me and talked some sense into me when I needed it :). Anywho I learned the importance of praying for fellow members in the body of Christ and try to pay attention to different needs in other lives that need prayer.

I think I have a goal set for 2008. Something that God laid on my heart. I want to be an encouragement warrior this year. I want to be selfless and be an encouragement for others. I want to see my friends and people in my environment be on fire for the Lord. I pray that this will be true. These might seem like cliché and utopian, live in a perfect world type “wishes” but we need to start somewhere and for me it starts with me. Happy new year and may you grow in grace in this new year :D.

I tagged the people that I want to thank. If you aren’t tagged don’t be offended, I still love you :).

When I look into the world, all I see is sin ruling people’s lives. I see people destroying themselves by following after their own lusts. I see families broken up by sin. I see people trade the truth for their own lies.

I am reading/studying Revelations and I see the world continuing in their denial of Christ even after all the supernatural events that occur after the rapture and during the tribulation. Then this verse sprung out at me in Revelation 11:15

The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever

Even when I look at my sinfulness in my life I just can’t wait for Jesus Christ to return and reign over me, without sin serving him, and the world!! There is still a lot of responsibilities for me here on earth but oh how I can’t wait fir Jesus to return and set things straight! Jesus will reign forever and ever amen.

Tagz: Jesus, Bible

And so I’ll leave you with some thoughts for the weekend. I am learning a lot lately about God, His mercy, His sufficiency and contentment! There are so many things that I want in my life. None of them are necessarily sinful but Satan can still use those desires and turn them into a stumbling block. So if I don’t focus on God, I will slowly go down a road of bitterness, discontentment and fear.

So what do I need to do if I just don’t know what to do with all these desires in my life? Get back to the basics: Do what I know is right and don’t do what I know is wrong.

Some of the daily basics that I easily forget:
1. Pray
2. Read God’s word
3. Meditate on God throughout the day (for example: scripture memory)

So what is going to happen with some of my desires after I get back to the basics? They will still be there but I no longer have to worry/be anxious about it since all I need is God. God will bless me as long as I wait on Him!

Tagz: Prayer, God, faith