How’s Your 2024 So Far?
January is an overly sensitive month for me - and for most people too. You find yourself in a new chapter of life and it can be exciting and scary at the same time. You look ahead into the next 12 months, read over your goals and plans for the year a billion times and then all kinds of emotions kick in. They kick in because for most of us, we had almost the same goals and plans for the last few years but they did not materialize so you’re wondering if this might be your year of breakthrough or come December 31, you’ll be staring at the same list of goals and plans.
For me, my January is a little more heavier - closing the year 2023, activating new initiatives, lots of business policies and processes to change or implement, renewing contracts, ending contracts, looking for new opportunities, trying to keep tabs on clients, staff, team members, family members, friends, everything and everyone. If you spend just 5 minutes in my head you will not survive. I’m serious about it so stay right outside of it 😂. Add on the raging INFLUENZA that caught me off guard for the last 2 weeks, these not so friendly snow storms here and there and Satan is also busy, kicking and throwing tantrums at us at every turn and corner. Whew! It's one HECK of a January I have to say. I don’t drink caffeine and sometimes I’m surprised how I make it through long hours in the day. I guess that’s a special grace from God that I do not take for granted.
In the midst of all these thoughts and activities, I work on keeping my peace and staying calm and focused. Matter of fact, I have experienced what He calls, "I give my beloved sleep." I sleep soundly at night in spite of all the frenetically busy schedules I live through in the day. Only God can do that. One scripture that keeps me sturdy is Isaiah 54:10 AMP;
““For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake,
But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you,
Nor will My covenant of peace be shaken,”
Says the Lord who has compassion on you.”
However your year is starting off, hopefully not as heavy as mine, I pray the same for you that you’d be reminded daily of God’s covenant to keep you at peace and secure. Be blessed this week and I’ll share some life practices with you in the coming weeks that have helped me greatly. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena.
Don't Survive, Overcome!
I’ve been thinking really deeply about this lately - anytime I hear someone say, “I survived this or that”, I’m reminded that the person is still living in spite of whatever danger or hardship they faced. It also means that the situation is still there - it hasn’t been completely eradicated. The person has just managed to find a way to live around the situation or manage it somehow. Then I am reminded of what Jesus said in John 16:33 ESV;
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have OVERCOME the world.”
The promise was that we are OVERCOMERS not survivors. When you overcome anything, it means you have defeated the situation or problem completely. You’re an overcomer because Jesus has already overcome the world. Let this sink in especially as you navigate through 2024. Whatever may come your way, remind yourself that you’re not going to just survive it but you will overcome it, defeat it and completely wipe it out because “Affliction of God’s people will not occur twice.” (Nahum 1:9b AMP).
May you live a life of an overcomer in 2024. I decree it is so and so it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena.
Happy New Year 2024
Oh how we bless the Lord for the many things that He did for us in 2023. We know that what He has planned ahead for us in 2024 is greater than the former. Early in December I asked God for my own word of assurance for 2024. Yes, I call it my word of assurance because when things seem to go off course in the year, I refer to that word I received from Him and it gives me peace that the Lord who cannot lie, will fulfill His word spoken over my life.
I will share it with you and declare it over your life as well, that whatever 2024 might bring your way, do not be afraid. The Lord is your shield and your exceedingly great reward. (Genesis 15:1 (NKJV). He will ALWAYS be by your side and will never forsake you. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. No harm will befall you and no disaster will come near you. (Psalms 91:7-8 paraphrased).
I decree and declare that it will be well with you and your families this New Year. Be blessed with every blessing on earth and from above. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena