Revelation vs Resolution
Happy New Year! As the calendar rolls to a new year, we flip through the photos, whether it be of puppies, sunset images or as I just hung mine, a simple calendar with a pretty marble border. The empty squares indicating days yet to be lived. Those twelve pages can either propel us or paralyze us.
The change of the New Year has traditionally become a re-setting if you will of our life compass. We evaluate the past and plan for the future. For some of us, this means sitting down and writing out our Resolutions. Money to be made, exercise routines, diet plans, buy that new house, get that promotion, clean out those closets, get organized – the list goes on. Don’t get me wrong, these are all a good plan of attack. Yet there is more. A New Year’s Resolution can be defined as “a firm decision to do or not do something, a course of action designed with the intent to keep a vow.” Statistics claim, one in three Americans makes a New Year’s resolution of some sort, yet only about 75% of these folks stick to their goal for at least … a week.
Have we considered that instead of a resolution to do better, get more, and perhaps try to be something other than we are, that we seek … revelation? As we stand at the door of 2021 (with a hardy “Good-bye” wave to 2020), may we take pause and truly position ourselves to seek a fresh revelation of our God.
Revelation. The act of disclosing or discovering what was before unknown. I would offer; we may have read it, even know it (the story) but let’s reach beyond. Let’s be intentional (is the focus of our church for 2021). As we read through our Bibles, invite Holy Spirit to read with us, pointing out incredible and wondrous things. Showing us unwavering and astounding qualities of His character. Paul wrote, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2a, NLT). That is my plan, this is my goal. I seek to be transformed. Not only doing/being what is in my finite human power to do – but HIS transforming. Making a firm decision to take action to learn and accept and walk in more of His love, trust His hand and bow more in gratitude of His mercy and grace.
Revelation.
I pray over us as Paul did, “I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Amen) – Ephesians 3:14-20 (NIV)
From our home to yours, a hardy blessed (full of revelation) Happy New Year.
In Him, DeDe & Mark (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Revelation vs Resolution
Happy New Year! As the calendar rolls to a new year, we flip through the photos, whether it be of puppies, sunset images or as I just hung mine, photos of tropical islands. The empty squares indicating days yet to be lived, those 12 pages can either propel us or paralyze us.
The change of the New Year has traditionally become a re-setting if you will of our life compass. We evaluate the past and plan for the future. For some of us, this means sitting down and writing out our Resolutions. Money to be made, exercise routines, diet plans, buy that new house, get that promotion, clean out those closets, get organized and the list goes on, don’t get me wrong, these are all a good plan of attack, (yet there is more). A New Year’s Resolution can be defined as ‘a firm decision to do or not do something, a course of action designed with the intent to keep a vow.’ Statistics claim, one in three Americans makes a New Year’s resolution of some sort, yet 
only about 75% of these folks stick to their goal for at least … a week.
Have we considered that instead of a resolution to do better, get more, and perhaps try to be something other than we are, that we seek … revelation? As we stand at the door of 2019, may we take pause and truly position ourselves to seek a fresh revelation of our God – as we read through our Bibles we see new qualities of His character that cause us to be in awe of Him. That is my plan, that is my goal. Making a firm decision to take action to learn and accept more of His love, trust His hand and bow more in gratitude of His mercy and grace.
I pray over us as Paul did, “I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Amen) – Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)
From our home to yours, a hardy blessed Happy New Year.
In Him, DeDe & Mark (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Word for 2018?
Words. Amazing things. One word alone can alter your day, your moment. At the rollover of each new year, I begin asking the Lord for a word. One word that may describe His emphasis on me, perhaps His finger that points in a new direction or most assuredly a word to study. In the past, I have been given words like regardless and last year, believe.
As I sat quietly with bible in hand, I was taken to Psalm 119, a beautiful piece of poetry, yet full of divine direction. As I read I stopped short at verse 30, meaning there were 146 more verses to go, but here is where I stopped, here is where God points. It is known to scholars that King David wrote these words, it is from his dipped quill, “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set Your rules before me.” Perhaps not for you, but for me, these words dance, yet one curiously stands boldly among the rest. “I have set Your rules before me.”
Quickly turning to other resources, it all exploded with imagery. I was taken to another of David’s writings, “I have set the LORD always before me, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8 NIV) Set. The word is shavah, (in the Hebrew) its meaning is to level, to equalize; figuratively it is to resemble; by implication, to adjust. The picture it paints is placing God, and God’s word in front of me, like a permanent placemat at the table, with the goal to be found resembling Him and His word, does what I say and do measure ‘level’ with Him? I can see from here, the bulk of my 
2018 will indeed be ‘to adjust.’ This word is challenging and comforting at the same time. I look forward to coming to the table, having it pre-determined and purposely set and ready. I have set You and Your word before me. (Go God!)
Perhaps you too would ask God for a word. In doing so, Holy Spirit whisper that word to us continually over the course of 2018. May we look for it, for YOU with anticipation and expectation. We invite You Holy Spirit, come with grace and power enabling us to respond in devotional active obedience!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
2018 Resolution or Revelation
As the calendar soon takes on a new year, we flip through the photos, whether it be of puppies, sunset images or as I just hung mine, photos of South Carolina (I have family there). The empty squares indicating days yet to be lived. Those 12 pages can either propel us or paralyze us.
The change of the New Year has traditionally become a re-setting if you will of our life compass. We evaluate the past and plan for the future. For some of us, this means sitting and down writing out our Resolutions. Money to be made, exercise routines, diet plans, buy that new house, get that promotion, clean out those closets, get organized and the list goes on. Don’t get me wrong, these are all a good plan of attack. A New Year’s Resolution can be defined as ‘a firm decision to do or not do something, a course of action designed with the intent to keep a vow.’ Statistics claim, one in three Americans makes a New Year’s resolution of some sort, yet only about 75% of these folks stick to their goal … for at least … a week. Head hung, shoulders slumped. Sigh.
Have we considered that instead of a resolution to do better, get more, and perhaps try to be something other than we are, that we seek … revelation? As we read through our bibles this year, may we see new qualities of God that cause 
us to be in awe of Him. May we see areas He wants growth in our lives …we yield and surrender.
As we stand at the door of 2018, may we take pause and truly position ourselves to seek a fresh revelation of our God. That is my plan, that is my goal. Making a firm decision to take action to learn and accept more of His love, trust His hand and bow more in gratitude of His mercy and grace.
We ask – we INVITE You, Lord…
I pray over us as Paul did, “For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:14-21
From our home to yours, a hardy blessed Happy 2018 New Year.
In Him, DeDe & Mark (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Revelation vs Resolution
As the calendar takes on a new year, we flip through the photos, whether it be puppies, golf images or as mine hangs proudly … Tropical Islands. The empty squares indicating days yet to be lived, those 12 pages can either propel us or paralyze us.
The change of the new year has traditionally become a ‘re-setting’ if you will of our life compass. We evaluate the past and plan for the future. For some of us, this enfolds sitting down writing out our Resolutions. Money to be made, exercise routines to be eventually avoided, diet plans for hopes of a ‘new me’, buy that new house, get that promotion, start that new reading plan. Don’t get me wrong, these are all good plans of a attack for the new year. However, have we considered that we too seek … revelation?
Recently I have again revisited ‘grace’ and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. Grace, not only is it a most beautiful word, but a powerful element within the Kingdom of God. Paul uses it in many greetings and closing words, “… grace and peace be yours in Christ Jesus…” I will not share the potentially boring F.Y.I. preaching (as a friend calls it) religious or theological information to pack our heads with more ‘stuff’, but I will do as the Holy Spirit has with me recently, massage your heart with God’s love.
Grace, ‘unlimited kindness and mercy of God freely given to the undeserved.’ Now if THAT does not spark something within you, then let me say it again in a different way and personalize it.
GRACE, the absolutely free expression of loving kindness and favor of God given to me when I do not deserve it. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God…” When I make a mess of things or do not have it in me to go on, or my footing is somewhat not sure, or the next moment of my life needs to be lived … He is. His love for me: protects me, guides me, sustains me and opens doors for me. He gives me wisdom beyond my own intelligence, understanding that amazes this old gal and basically He is all that I am not. His plan, (or might I risk saying) His resolution for me is found in Jesus Christ, I can not NOT be anything but victorious. Grace.
Faith puts us on the tracks of grace. Remember in the Indiana Jones movie, 
when Jones is in pursuit of the ‘holy cup’ of Christ? (Play short movie clip now in your mind) In the journey, he travels through tunnels and passages ways and ultimately comes out only to find a HUGE ravine between he and the entry way to the cup. Soon he has the revelation that the ravine is ONLY a deceitful image. Taking a handful of sand, he tosses it across the ravine to find a clear path to the cup. He stands, extends one leg, closes his eyes and by faith takes that first step across.
I know this is a poor and perhaps silly illustration, but for me, faith is picking up the sand and tossing it across our ravines … grace is engaged when we begin to walk across and keep walking. Daily there are many forms of ‘ravines’ to be crossed… DAILY He is there to get us through to the other side with an unbroken and immense supply of more grace. Jesus says “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9) How many of us are weak? How many of us this last year have grown tired in spirit and soul? My hand is raised! Wait, both hands!
As we stand at the door of 2014, and our jounrey continues in this life, may 
we seek a fresh revelation of Jesus. Learn more of His love, trust His hand and bow more in gratitude of the grace He freely gives.
I pray over us as Paul did, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14) The divine Trinity at Their best!
In Him, DeDe ( “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Inspired Fountians Website: https://inspiredfountainpen.wordpress.com/
Revelation vs Resolution
As the calendar takes on a new year, we flip through the photos, whether it be puppies, golf images or as mine hangs proudly … Tropical Islands. The empty squares indicating days yet to be lived, those 12 pages can either propel us or paralyze us.
The change of the new year has traditionally become a ‘re-setting’ if you will of our life compass. We evaluate the past and plan for the future. For some of us, this enfolds sitting down writing out our Resolutions. Money to be made, exercise routines to be eventually avoided, diet plans for hopes of a ‘new me’, buy that new house, get that promotion, start that new reading plan. Don’t get me wrong, these are all good plans of a attack for the new year. However, have we considered that instead of a resolution to do better, get more, perhaps be something other than we are, that we seek … revelation?
Recently I have again revisited ‘grace’ and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. Grace, not only is it a most beautiful word, but a powerful element within the Kingdom of God. Paul uses it in many greetings and closing words, “… grace and peace be yours in Christ Jesus…” I will not share the potentially boring F.Y.I. preaching (as a friend calls it) religious or theological information to pack our heads with more ‘stuff’, but I will do as the Holy Spirit has with me recently, massage your heart with God’s love.
Grace, ‘unlimited kindness and mercy of God freely given to the undeserved.’ Now if THAT does not spark something within you, then let me say it again in a different way and personalize it.
GRACE, the absolutely free expression of loving kindness and favor of God given to me 
when I do not deserve it. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God…” When I make a mess of things or do not have it in me to go on, or my footing is somewhat not sure, or the next moment of my life needs to be lived … He is. His love for me, protects me, guides me, sustains me and opens doors for me. He gives me wisdom beyond my own intelligence, understanding that amazes this old gal and basically He is all that I am not. His plan, (or might I risk saying) His resolution for me is found in Jesus Christ, I can not NOT be anything but victorious. Grace.
Faith puts us on the tracks of grace. Remember in the Indiana Jones movie, when Jones is in pursuit of the ‘holy cup’ of Christ? (Play short movie clip now in your mind) In the journey, he travels through tunnels and passages ways and ultimately comes out only to find a HUGE ravine between he and the entry way to the cup. Soon he has the revelation that the ravine is ONLY a deceitful image. Taking a handful of sand, he tosses it across the ravine to find a clear path to the cup. He stands, extends one leg, closes his eyes and by faith takes that first step across.
I know this is a poor and perhaps silly illustration, but for me, faith is picking up the sand and tossing it across our ravines … grace is the ability to walk across and keep walking. Daily there are many forms of ‘ravines’ to be crossed… DAILY He is there to get us through to the other side with an unbroken and immense supply of more grace. Jesus says “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9) How many of us 
are weak? How many of us this last year have grown tired in spirit and soul? My hand is raised! Wait, both hands!
As we stand at the door of 2012, may we truly position ourselves to seek a fresh revelation of Jesus. Learn more of His love, trust His hand and bow more in gratitude of the grace He freely gives. As we have sung in our churches,” I want to see you Jesus…”
I pray over us as Paul did, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14)
In Him, DeDe ( “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Inspired Fountain 