As 2009 begins to draw to a close, I've been reflecting upon this past year. Have I grown to be more like Christ than I was prior to 2009? Have I lived Jesus OUT LOUD the past 12 months? When others look into my face, do they see the love of God?
In January of 2009 I felt like God was telling me that He wanted my life to be, "Living for Jesus". That has been my hunger and the deep pangs of my heart all year long. I'll be honest, there have been moments and days that I fell short. Yet, I'm pressing on instead of becoming lax and staying put. I have absolutely no desire to be a luke warm woman that didn't hunger for more. I have absolutely no desire to be a woman that didn't finish what God had for me in 2009.
I hope 2010 finds Jesus and I going DEEPER STILL, and that the fire He placed in me 10 years ago, continue to be fanned to flame. That is my prayer for myself as 2009 draws to a close.
I have a couple of friends that are really in a hard season right now. To be honest, I think when we are found walking with Jesus, then our seasons will be down right hard. (I'm thinking of the promise we have from John 16:33) Because this side of heaven is the hardest life we'll ever know and I'm so thankful that eternity in Heaven is going to be paradise. I told one particular friend just this past week, "Cling to God my precious friend in this darker season of life that you are finding yourself in, as HE is the LIGHT that penetrates that darkness."
That piece of encouragement had to have been the Holy Spirit, as it just flowed from my fingertips, I didn't pause to think what I was writing and I knew it was a word for myself as well. Perhaps, it might be a word for YOU?
Father, I'm thankful that You have penetrated my heart with love, with light, with joy, and with peace. I'm thankful for the opportunities that You gave me in 2009 to LIVE FOR JESUS. I am looking forward to 2010 as You and I draw closer to one another. Lord, I desire to never allow darkness to rule my decisions and instead to be found becoming Christ-like with my choices. I love You Lord Jesus. Amen.
Praying for Joanne
Higher Grounds...the very reason...click on picture to find out.
About Me
- Yolanda
- Kansas
- I love GOD, my Man, and each of the ladies that God has brought into my life to share life with. He is my all! 1 Timothy 1:15-16 is my life verse, saved by God's Grace and outstretched hand. What are you currently working through as a bible study?
God's story so beautifully woven into my own story. Click on my picture to read my testimony.
Don't you just love the opportunity to tell a good story?
Unspeakable joy as Melissa was hoping to meet me, truly my cup over flows!!!
15 comments:
Yolanda,
You radiate the love of Jesus so beautifully. 2009 was a year when the Father smiled on you and said, "Well done!"
God bless you as you minister and love on those around you and on those of us in blogland.
Leah
What a blessing your post was! I needed to hear rhat today! Thank-u.Hope you have a great evening! Blessings, Faye
I felt great encouragement from your comments to my post! I have been lifted up and given renewed Light!
Yolanda,
Please pray for Melanie's son Andrew. He may only have hours to live. You can get to a post about it through Lisa Shaw's blog.
Andrea
Yolanda,
I too, am reflecting while recovering from my illness and while I am hoping that I may be better by Christmas I have made a promise to God to use the time I have left to serve Him in every aspect of my life and become a light and example for others to see the workings of God in my life.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Yolanda what great encouragement. I too am determined to press on in God, thanking Him that I am not where I was this same time last year. I feel excited as I look forward to walking even closer to Him.
Bless you
Vickie
Yolanda, God's love flows through you so very deep that all those around you cannot deny Him. What a wonderful encourager and friend you have become to me - often becoming God's love to me on days that I was struggling. I'm continuing to go Deeper Still and I long to only GROW this peace and joy that God has granted me these last few months. I've struggled, surely, and I will again. My pastor says that there are two kinds of people: those IN THE MIDST of trials and those who WILL BE. May I live with the abundant joy and peace, regardless of my circumstances, that causes people to see Jesus in me. Thank you for being a good example to me! Love you, dear friend! (((hugs!)))
And you have done that very well this past year! God bless you in 2010 as God continues to use you greatly to minister and care for women and their families - to make a difference and to show them the light of JESUS shining in you!
And you are a RESTORED woman of God - never let anyone tell you otherwise. Those are just lies of the enemy! We [who have been given that gift of a restored life - we] know the TRUTH!!
Favor and blessing be upon you in the new year - a year of new beginnings! All for His glory!
Love you Sister!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
John 16:33 is a great verse to draw on. So true! I read today that if we aren't under attack, we either aren't preaching the Gospel or we aren't doing enough in the kingdom. The attacks are tough, but not havingthem would actually be tougher in some ways. Keep studying, praying, and going deeper!
Yes, Yolanda, you are right God will draw us closer to Him if we stay in His word and seek His face.
I hope I, too, am closer to Him this year. I am a work in progress and still seem to fail Him.
I hope and pray you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!
Be blessed,
Miriam
I agree with the others who have left comments.
You radiate the love of God. You are such an encourager and are so loving.
I'm praying with you and for myself as well about going Deeper Still with Him in 2010.
Love you!
How thankful I am that I got to know you this year. It seems to me that you are a light in the darkness. God says to let our light shine and Praise God! you do.
I finally made it over here, Yolanda, and I enjoyed your post very much. Every day I pray for God to fill me with so much of His love that it leaks out over everyone around me. He answers that prayer whenever I allow it, i.e. when I don't close up and try to lock it in. Your reminder is a good one.
I am looking forward to 2010 with eager expectation too. Drawing closer to Him! Merry Christmas Yolanda!!!
Wylie
Just stopping by to wish you a very blessed Christmas!
Post a Comment