Our Bibles are not merely a source of information, but also books of transformation. Yes, the Bible offers light in a dark and dreary world. As King David wrote, “You word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path…” (Psalm 119:105)   The Bible tells us that trust (faith) comes by hearing or reading the word of God (Romans 10:17).  The more you read the word of God, the more your faith will increase!  How can you increase your faith in God if you don’t know Him? It is difficult to trust someone you don’t know.  That’s why friendship is built on an interpersonal relationship. Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)

Eternal life began the moment you expressed the words: “I believe Jesus is the Son of God…”  Daily reading, study and corresponding actions help you gain knowledge of God, Our Father.  Through reading the Bible you will come to know that not only is God trustworthy, but also you will experience His steadfast, constant love.  By studying each story, even meditating on it, you and I discover how God deals with human beings. You can see these specific things He promises. God wants the very best for you in 2017. “For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope…” (Jeremiah 29:11)

It is my practice to ask those I’m counseling or praying with to speak their own names out loud as we agree together about their requests because “…if two on earth agree…it will be done…” (Matthew 18:19. NIV)  Doing—and speaking—the Word activates His many promises. God is faithful and just and wants you to share with Him your wants and needs. For too long, I thought I had to do everything all on my own or that I could ask help for others but not myself.  How ignorant that was! God is waiting for a chance to answer and address all things involved in your life. “I say to you, whatever things you ask for when you pray; believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:24)  Jesus often took time alone, talking and praying with his father.  Prayer is not a maneuver to get what you or I want.  It is a way to participate in God’s ultimate plan for our lives.  He already knows every need and every fault we have as described in Matthew 6:8.

Prayer doesn’t change God. It changes us. Be sincere and talk to Him as your best friend. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know He hears us—whatever we ask—we know we have what we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)  Continue to ask Him for forgiveness, courage and strength to overcome every obstacle in 2017.

“Brothers, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to these things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of god in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV)

Change is not always easy.  Sometimes, by the least of intentions, we end up in trouble or make wrong choices.  Having a pity party or taking guilt or shame from Satan who comes to rob, steal and destroy (John 10:10) is not God’s way.  We must let the Greater One inside help us get back up.  We must stop letting circumstances and problems get us down.  

Instead, focus on Jesus Christ and realize He is our Savior.  When we are weak He is strong (I Corinthians 4:10).  Don’t give in to depression or defeat!  Don’t quit!  To the overcomers is the victory (I Corinthians 15: 57).  Jesus did not come for us to live a life feeling trapped.  He came so we could have a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10 NLT).  So, dare to rise up and become the person God created you to be.  We must each do our part.  Each of us is gifted and supplied with what we need.  But just doing good stuff versus doing the will of Father God will lead nowhere.  We must pray and obey—embrace God’s plan and ask for the Holy Spirit’s anointing, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me…” (Psalm 138:8 NKJV)   

When God starts something in us He does not stop half way.  He is faithful to His word, if we fall down 1 or 2 or 7 or more times, but we must get up.  God has not given up on you or me, but some people give up on God.  Don’t sit around expecting Him to extend His hand of grace and mercy.  Reach up and grab His hand.  God is a “can do” God and He will assist us over and over again as long as we don’t give up.  Let your faith grow and mature.  God will “…continue the good work He began in you,”  (Proverbs 22:6)  “that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God…”  (Roman 12:2 NLT)

Remember, “…there is a time and season for everything, a time for every purpose under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Each season has a value and purpose.  We need to learn appropriate actions and to avoid inappropriate ones.  We must get ready and be prepared for what God brings in 2017.  Learn from mistakes.  Learn to forgive quickly so each of us can be forgiven (Matthew 6:12-16) and move forward into our next season.  Once, each of us was a baby, a child, a teenager and finally an adult.  He wants us to mature and “become teachers” (Hebrews 5:12, 15).  How can we “train a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6) if we remain childish and self-centered?

Going through life’s journey and seasons with Jesus and the Holy Spirit enables me to be where I am today.  As I monitor PTSD group’s progress, I believe I’m learning more than anyone!  Looking back I can see that God has led me through many seasons to arrive at today.  So wherever you are today, right now, let’s all learn everything we can, because God is preparing each of us to be used in the future . . . 2017, here we come!

You have taken away and changed my life through Jesus, Your son!  Nothing is impossible with You and prayer.  Thank You for all I am learning in the PTSD sharing group.

There is such a great difference in “head” knowledge and Your Spiritual discernment.  Both are needed.  You told us to get ALL the education we can… (Proverbs 4:13) then… “lean not to our own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).  You delight me!  My joy is complete in You!  Indeed, you use both good and bad to lead us to Your purpose—if we love You!  (Romans 8:28)  If I obey You, pray without ceasing and that is ONLY possible for me IF I do Romans 8:26 and allow the Holy Spirit to use my voice and pray through me.  SHOW & TELL us… Lead and Guide us in 2017.

 An example I remember:  The first Coffeehouse at Bacone featured praise dancing, for which a local pastor confronted me: “You call yourself a Christian.”  As I covered my face I said, “Oh, what have I done now?”  He continued, “You are teaching these kids to dance!!!”  Even though I was a recent widow and baby Spiritual woman, scriptures started pouring out…  ‘David danced before the Lord with all his might’; ‘… the warriors would not go into battle unless Deborah and women danced, with loud clashing cymbals and tambourine’ …  I replied, “Sir, I am NOT teaching them to be “go-go dancers” or strippers, but I do encourage them to use their gifts to honor and celebrate God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!”

Today Psalm 30 reminded me to praise Him with dance and give thanks forever.  Thank You, Father, for Your Son Jesus and the CHANGE brought to my life through the Holy Spirit.  Let’s seek more of Him in 2017!