Today... is my birthday.
33 years ago... just prior to the IRA attacks in Birmingham... I was born at 6:40pm.
33 years ago... just prior to the IRA attacks in Birmingham... I was born at 6:40pm.
The 21st of November marks another anniversary though.
According to wikipedia in the year 164 BC, Judas Maccabeus overcame two armies of the Seleucid Empire and liberated Jerusalem. This led to the Second Temple (which had previously been defiled), being purified and used for sacrifice and worship once more. Thus began the first celebration of what modern Judaism calls Hanukkah.
So at midnight... as we passed over into the 21st, I went into a quiet place and I set about getting my own house in order. I gave thanks for the dawn of a new day and a new year in my life... and I gave them both these gifts back to God. There are things I really want to achieve this year, there are places that spiritually I need to go and there are ways in which I need to grow.
I have been waiting for God... but a few things recently have made me wonder whether actually the ball is really in his court... or whether it is actually in mine. There are several possibilities... but I really lack focus. I'm always getting inspiration about things I think I should be doing with my life... but I never set on one.
I want to sort this... I need to sort this.
As I prayed to God last night I earnestly said that I do not want to feel this year that I have buried coins or withheld a handful of seed from being sown. I have got to lock onto something and go for it.
I'm going to chase God on this and ask him for revelation regularly... but I'm also going to do my best to inspire growth in others. There are people who I should really be engaging in prayer with, people who can help me... who also need stirring up. I've not approached them because they don't appear to be in that place yet... but I think I need to start encouraging them to wake up and rediscover that place.
I also need to go to a few independent sources away from my own church or regular social circles... who can advise me. I know of one or two people I can go to, however there are a few regular readers on here who's thoughts and prayers I'd greatly appreciate. Even if you are normally a silent party... I want to hear your thoughts.
Nicholas means "victorious people". The 33rd year of my life is one that I intend to go out and claim a few victories.
In God's will, by God's grace and through God's strength.
According to wikipedia in the year 164 BC, Judas Maccabeus overcame two armies of the Seleucid Empire and liberated Jerusalem. This led to the Second Temple (which had previously been defiled), being purified and used for sacrifice and worship once more. Thus began the first celebration of what modern Judaism calls Hanukkah.
So at midnight... as we passed over into the 21st, I went into a quiet place and I set about getting my own house in order. I gave thanks for the dawn of a new day and a new year in my life... and I gave them both these gifts back to God. There are things I really want to achieve this year, there are places that spiritually I need to go and there are ways in which I need to grow.
I have been waiting for God... but a few things recently have made me wonder whether actually the ball is really in his court... or whether it is actually in mine. There are several possibilities... but I really lack focus. I'm always getting inspiration about things I think I should be doing with my life... but I never set on one.
I want to sort this... I need to sort this.
As I prayed to God last night I earnestly said that I do not want to feel this year that I have buried coins or withheld a handful of seed from being sown. I have got to lock onto something and go for it.
I'm going to chase God on this and ask him for revelation regularly... but I'm also going to do my best to inspire growth in others. There are people who I should really be engaging in prayer with, people who can help me... who also need stirring up. I've not approached them because they don't appear to be in that place yet... but I think I need to start encouraging them to wake up and rediscover that place.
I also need to go to a few independent sources away from my own church or regular social circles... who can advise me. I know of one or two people I can go to, however there are a few regular readers on here who's thoughts and prayers I'd greatly appreciate. Even if you are normally a silent party... I want to hear your thoughts.
Nicholas means "victorious people". The 33rd year of my life is one that I intend to go out and claim a few victories.
In God's will, by God's grace and through God's strength.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
ReplyDelete"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13
Sometimes, rather than chasing major revelation on what we should be doing we should focus on being the person God has called us to be. As a man that means being a warrior and fighting for those around you spiritually and sometimes physically (I don't mean physically violent!) Not compromising and speaking out for justice, love and truth. Things very counter cultural.
ReplyDeleteOf course seek God for revelation but seek God more for who He is and from that flows who you are!
Happy Birthday!