My New Kind Of Christmas
The most wonderful time of the year is just a couple of days away and it is a different one for me this year. To start with, I buried my father a couple of months ago so honestly I’m not in the mood for all the decor and tree setup and the pomp and glam that I usually go for during this season. It doesn’t also help that his birthday is on December 28 and same time last year my dad was alive. I find myself wanting to seclude and reflect and just enjoy a solemn season with less distractions.
Notwithstanding, I found something that blesses and fulfills me more - giving to orphans and people in need especially during this season. Christmas can be overwhelming for those of us who have so many people in our contact list. Let’s not talk about the gift exchanges - whew! I prayed hard and decided on a new tradition for me which requires a sacrifice on my part. I’ll give a gift to my son who was my Christmas present from God in 2016 and I have to honor December 25 in his life until eternity finds me. The rest of my giving goes to orphanages and other charitable organizations who support children in need. For everyone else in my life, I will bless them on their birthdays as God enables me to.
Yup, imagine the relief that came on me this season, very profound and I’m at peace with this new tradition of mine going forward. I’m curious to know what some of your traditions are for Christmas and whatever they are, I pray that you will make the most of this season and be a blessing to those in need.
Merry Christmas!
Lady Abena.
Remember Me O Lord
Nehemiah 13:14 NIV
“Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.”
As the year comes to a close, I’d like to share a prayer with you through the scripture above. Nehemiah helped to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, providing security for the people of Israel. Walls are similitudes of protection and security in any area - health, finances, life, etc.
If you have contributed any good thing towards God’s agenda towards humanity this year, then bring God to remembrance by making this your daily prayer that the Lord, who rewards exceedingly, will remember you and everything you have sacrificed for His name’s sake and may His name be glorified in your life.
I join you in prayer this week that the good Lord, the rewarder of them who diligently seeks Him will remember you for all the good you have done this year. That He will write your name in the palm of His hands and ensure that all will be well with you always. It is so and so it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena.
Look At Me!
Acts 3:4 NLV
“Peter and John looked at him. Then Peter said, “Look at us!”
In the first part of the book of Acts, chapter three (3) is a story about Peter and John who healed a man at the gate to the house of God. When the man reached out to them for some alms, Peter asked him to take a look at them first, then proceeded to heal the man.
What I believe that Peter really meant by that statement was that, what do you see when you look at us? Just mere men, uneducated, a bit rough on the edges, nothing fancy or glamorous about us but look here, we carry something inside of us that can break you free from that bondage of lameness you have endured all your life on earth. The same power that raised Christ from the dead resides in us and it is by that power that we, not having any silver or gold in our coffers can still bring you your greatest miracle.
My question is, what do people see when they look at you? Some might have profiled you and formed their own opinions of you but here’s my encouragement to you - you are no ordinary person. You’re fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of Christ and all the times you’ve spent in prayer and fasting carry a super weight in the spirit that can change any atmosphere. So, arise and walk out in the glory of the Lord this week.
I declare it is so and so it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena.