Reflecting On The Past.

2017 is almost over, phew some may say. Bring on 2018. I look back over this year and am amazed at how I survived. 

The year was packed with ups and downs uncertainties and disappointments. One of which was the death of my father in law and me crashing into a tree after the funeral, as the year draws to a close.

As I look back over the year I can’t help but wonder how I made it through it. I am reminded of Lamentation 3.20-23.

I recalled disappointments felt over unanswered prayers, family squabbles, financial worries, relationship concerns. The list is endless.

But then I recalled God’s goodness, it is because of His great faithfulness we are not consumed. Because of His great Compassion towards us. 
I reflected over His great deliverance when I had the accident.
His great Healing when I was sick.
His great, love when I wandered off on my own.
His great forgiveness when I sinned.
His great provision when we were broke.
His protection from all danger. 

He has been good to us because our hope is in Him. Throughout 2017, our hope was in the Lord, we looked to him and our countenance was enlighten.

As you look back over 2017, over unanswered prayers, unfulfilled desires, disappointment, over loved ones, failed relationships, your heart may become heavy from the thought of going into another year with those uncertainties. You are left wondering when will it be Lord, how long Lord.

Be encouraged by this scriptures, we are still here because of the Lord's great love. 
His compassion never fails, they are new every morning. 

He is good to those whose hope is in Him. Trust Him for 2018, and as you do, you will experience His goodness.

Reflect over 2017, in what way has the Lord delivered you? There may still be some unanswered prayers, but can you find areas where he’s come through for you? 

Be encouraged by His great faithfulness in those areas as you look forward to the New Year.

Happy New Year. 

The Resaon For Christmas

The abandonment:

when I think of the circumstances surrounding Christmas, my heart breaks all over again for Mary. She must have lived under this cloud of carrying the Son of God, birthing him, having to escape with him and watch helplessly as he was killed.
what mother can take that?

The abandonment of Christ by the father led to the rescue of mankind.
“Father, father why have you forsaken me He cried”. That was a cry of deep agony, at the realisation that he has to go through with the most gruesome death on a cross.

Christ as a man forsaken, abandoned by his father.

The security He had in the knowledge that his father was always there was lost when He was beaten, striped and nailed to the cross.

He was not in doubt but was certain dying as a man that He was all alone. No one was coming for him. There will be no last minute rescue plan. He had to die.

His birth was not with funfare, His dead was. His purpose for being born fulfilled, to die was the price needed to fulfil the reason he was born. His life for that of many.

The deed was done, the price paid, man rescue by the blood of an innocent man. That is the reason for Christ Birth.

Now as celebrate His birth. Whether you believe in him or not, pause and reflect on why you do what you do every year?

Why the frantic gift shopping? why the endless buzz of activities which leaves us exhausted.

‍He was born to save you and me from sins clutches.
His birth gave us hope, at Christmas we remember why He came and  that’s the reason we celebrate our freedom,

In a world full of pain, hatred and death. Christmas unites us in one Joyous celebration.

Christ is truly the prince of peace. Welcome him into your home this Christmas and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas