New Beginnings

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV)

Do you made/make resolutions for the new year? I don't this year. You know why? Because I break them within the first week of the new year. I know it sounds bad, but it is the truth.

Last year I set out to read the Bible in a year; like I had so many years before. I was doing very well for over 6 months. I don't know what happened; I just stopped following the printed plan I got from a website. I don't think I do very well with long-term laid out plans. I guess I am just to hyper to stay on track.

One thing I did do though. I stayed in His Word; just not by a designed plan. I know that some of you (probably most of you) do well with structured plans and stay on track (any hints for me you might want to share?). I guess it is just not for me.

Like I said, I don't do well with new year's resolutions, so this year I am not making any. Do I have plans, goals or dreams for 2008? Oh yes, I do! Some of my dreams are huge and I am not sure if they will become reality. Will I fret at the end of 2008 when some of my dreams or plans have not become reality? Nope! I just trust His Spirit to guide me to walk the path He wants me to walk.

Although the above passage was directed to God's people in exile, I make the passage mine to guide me through 2008. I will 'breath' the passage in the new year. You see, God's Word is just as fresh today as it was over 2,500 years ago. I will stick to His promise that His plans are for my welfare – that He is giving me a future and a hope that never disappoints.

“Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for Your promise to have only our welfare on Your mind. Thank You for giving us a future and a hope. Lord, I humbly ask You today that You will bless the efforts of Your children and servants in 2008. Lord, keep us close to You and Your Word, no matter what happens. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.”

This will be my last post on the Internet Cafe. I want to thank the Lord for His grace when He supplied the words to share with you. I want to thank Darlene for the opportunity to share my faith with a larger readership. And I especially want to thank the readers for your kind comments over the past months.

Lisa and Linda - I pray that God will guide you through 2008; that He will bless you, the entire Internet Cafe blogging team beyond your expectations and dreams.

IN HIM,

Iris