Are we faithful?

As children of God, it is imperative that this character of his faithfulness is seen in our lives which generally starts in the family. Although families comes in different shapes, we have all been uniquely placed by divine orchestration. God in his wisdom did not allow us choose our families but demands our faithfulness to them. How can we be faithful to our families?

It means that as children we should obey our parents early in life and as the dynamics change, honour them .It also means consistent enquiry of their welfare. This may not always be monetary based but may be as simple as a phone call .It will be right to say that  our children are also watching the way we treat our parents and may treat us just the same. It means that as parents we take the time to know our children, observe them for their uniqueness and try our best to guide them in the way that enables efficient use of their gifts and talents rather than comparing them with others. It is faithfulness to discipline them as the need arises. It is also being faithful to your primary role as a father to provide and protect your family and as a mother to nurturing and being a helpmeet. I get weary of meeting strangers who on their first conversation with me feel the need to let me know how bad their spouses are!

So what of our siblings? As the demands of life pull us further away from each other, it is going to take more than mere wishing to keep in touch with them. The fact that they are siblings does not necessarily translate to friendship and so apart from praying for them, let us take the time to know them,communicating always with a non-judgmental attitude.

 We sometimes fall guilty of treating outsiders better than we treat our family members. Would it shock our family members if they watch a replay of us at work or at church? Are we more generous with our money, our comments outside than at home when it matters the most? It is amazing how people can be greeters in church and never smile at home!

Not everyone will like to admit it but the truth is that we may not like all our family members we love, but faithfulness means sticking together through the thick and thin.

Faithfully,

Grace Tom-Lawyer

God is Faithful 2

 "He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is"  Deuteronomy 32:4 NLT New Living Translation

The word “faithful” immediately brings to mind   “reliable” and “trust worthy” which are not too far from the dictionary meaning. The backbone of any vibrant healthy relationship is trust. Even the best of relationships will quickly go into a comatose state if trust is lacking, our relationship with God notwithstanding.

What does the phrase God is faithful GIF mean?

Firstly it means GIF to himself and his character as a result of which He does not change according to Malachi 3:6. God is so true to himself and his word which sustains the universe. Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:17. His word can be counted   upon, in spite of the facts. Unlike man, his ability to keep his word is unlimited. It is God’s faithfulness that keeps his promises. This faithfulness is also seen in his judgement over sin and making a way of atonement and fellowship through Jesus.

 Secondly, His faithfulness to us ensures his committal love for us as His children which is independent of our efforts or performance. Even when we shock ourselves with some actions and behaviours, He still faithfully corrects us and will not give up on us. This faithfulness also protects us like a shield and a buckler. In short, his faithfulness guards jealously the circumstances and the events in our lives. GIF enough to check every tiny bit of drama that comes into our lives before it does. Yes, I agree some things may be from the Enemy but nothing happens without God’s approval as the Book of Job lets us know. According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, his faithfulness ensures that we will   not be tested more than necessary.  Thankfully, his faithfulness guarantees that ultimately, there will be victory!

Recognizing the faithfulness of God frees us to be able to pray with confidence in His love and be truly thankful at all times knowing that He can be trusted even when we do not understand.

Celebrating God’s faithfulness.

Grace

God is Faithful

“O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as you Lord? Faithfulness is your very character” Psalms 89 v 8 NLT New Living Translation .

As 2013 came to a close, one of my resolutions was to begin to blog again but with this came the dilemma of what to begin with. It was then this phrase God is faithful GIF silently but surprisingly whispered from my heart. Like every year, 2013 ended with different levels of met and unmet expectations.

For some 2013 was a year where previous hurts became erased(rather eased) and long awaited dreams came true; a miracle baby, new relationships, new homes , the dream job while for others 2013 ushered feelings of disappointment and rejection as they tackled being made jobless, orphaned, divorced, widowed or homeless. I admit that I fell into the latter category with bouts of insomnia. But whatever 2013 may have brought, the testimony is that we made it to this year as result of God’s faithfulness while being served a fresh challenge of facing this New Year .

 Quite frankly, there have been times I did not want to hear this phrase GIF as I felt it was an overused cliché employed in a lame attempt to comfort me and wished the speaker could just be quiet and other times felt it was another way of receiving yet another goodbye speech while being enjoined to paddle my own canoe .But through it all ,lessons have been learnt and countless number of times, God has proved faithful showing He is more concerned about my character than my comfort.

 As I read the scriptures today , I was struck by another verse on God’s faithfulness and looked it up in more than twenty translations but still love best the way NLT puts Psalms 25 v 10 "The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and his decrees" Notice that one of the two things God uses to lead us is his faithfulness. We can count on it as we go into the New Year not knowing what it holds but knowing that He will lead us through the year with faithfulness. To lead definitely means He will go before us and it is great to think that his faithfulness will lead the way with unfailing love .We are also charged with the responsibility of keeping his covenant and decrees. God can be counted on to see us through. This brought great joy to me and causes me to say with excitement Happy New Year!

 Continue to Flourish,
 Grace

What have you called it?

It's almost the end of the first month of this year and I do wonder how you have been faring since the year began.I am sure if you have written resolutions, by now you would have an idea if you have been keeping them!
Well,as for me I did write some goals for the year and one of them is I will be starting another blog which has been in my womb for a while now.
I will let you know the link to it.

So many things have been said about this year but I believe the year will be what you call it.So keep speaking what you want to see because very soon what you have been speaking will be your reality.It's also a good time to say what you see today is the fruit of what you said yesterday.I read recently about an author who said everytime he heard of something being said about him,he asked himself "am I reaping or is this person sowing".That really got me thinking!

This year for me is the best I have ever seen,I am breaking new grounds and each day of it ushers new favour and grace.

Happy New Year,
Grace

Happy New Year

It is the first time I am writing on this blog this year and so I welcome all who are just checking this page this year. I have mentally written on this blog severally but physically getting to do it has been such a struggle.....there has always been a thousand and one reasons not to sit down by this computer and type, talk of the force of inertia!
I will not say there have not been almost near instances when I nearly did it. I remember watching the auditions for Britain’s got talent this year when great granny Janey Cutler sang her heart out, she got a standing ovation and one of the judges then asked where she had been all this while and she said something in these lines … “I am glad I am here today ”.I sincerely liked those lines and thought I would use that to start writing on this blog this year but I did not then….that was about 3 months ago.
But I am glad I am finally doing this today and I do intend to continue more regularly most likely sticking to everyday life issues. I do apologize for not having kept up with this in the past 16 months as I realize that not using our talents also deprive others of the benefit we would all have enjoyed.
Let me challenge you to look closely at something you have been planning to do for sometime ,maybe even this year like joining the gym, writing that report/examination, cutting your hair, ringing your old friend and apologizing and perhaps brushing your teeth before bed….yes you know why I am particular about that(my profile would give you a clue) ,lets just get up and do it…now .It is never too late to start now, take a clue from me ,I am finally doing what I have always wanted to do.

Happy new beginnings.

Grace Tom-lawyer

Morning by Morning(ii)

I will be the first to admit that this theme has not been a very easy one.It seems to me that after the decision to make sure that every morning,I consciously listen to what God says,all hell broke loose.
This has brought feelings that range from guilt,sobriety,the not quite hitting the mark feeling to to sometimes sheer indifference.But recently as I continued to study the Word( I have learned over the years,just keep at it no matter how slow the pace may seem -have a plan and keep at it),I came across a verse that blew my mind!Remember last time ,the emphasis was on what we can do morning by morning.But this verse talked of what God does for us morning by morning and we will look at it in some translations.

"God's loyal love couldn't have run out,his merciful love couldn't have dried up.They are created new every morning.How great is your faithfulness"-Lam 3 v22-3 The Message

"Because of Lord's great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning,great is your faithfulness".-Lam 3v22-3-NIV

"That the Eternal 's love is lasting and will never fail.Fresh every morning is thy kindness,great is thy faithfulness!".-Lam 3 v22-3-Moffatt.

"His compassion never ends.It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction.Great is his faithfulness;his lovingkindness begins afresh each day"-Lam 3 v22-3-Living Bible

"His love.His incredible love has protected us-we're still alive ,aren't w?His passion for us doesn't go hot and cold.It is pumped daily ;with every sunrise we get a new brand-new dose of your loyalty and love "-Lam 3 v22-3 The Word on the street

These to me is a great reminder that in God's factory,there is a daily manufacture of love for me.This love is constant and independent of my actions[which I am sometimes ashamed of].This love is one I can count on at all times and this season ,I will like us to remember that the love that took his son to the cross is very much ours still today.I like the translation that says it is fresh.Hmm,that means it will never expire.Every morning and I mean every morning,there is a new production of his merciful love over our lives.
No wonder the Psalmist encourages us to say "Thank you" in chapter 92 v.2 -
"Every morning tell him"Thank you for your kindness" and every evening,rejoice in all his faithfulness."-Living Bible

This has changed my approach to morning by morning,I do not only come looking for God's voice but know that He is doing his bit even when I fail .His love you and I is constant,made new morning by morning.No wonder He sent his son to die for us.Let's celebrate this love as we remember the cross ( what a symbol of his great love!)this season.
Happy Easter.

Continue to Flourish,
Grace Tom-lawyer

Morning by Morning.

During the last week of November last year,we had a fast in my church and waited on God for direction for this year.During that period ,there were several passages we had to read daily and during that time,I received direction for this year which I would like to share with you.It came from one passage,Isaiah 50 v.4 and I will like us to see it in some translations of the Bible.

The Servant of God says"The Lord God has given me the tongue of a disciple and of one who is taught ,that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.He wakens me morning by morning.He wakens my ear to hear as a disciple(as one who is taught)-[Amp]

The Lord God has given me his words of wisdom so that I may know what to say to all these weary ones ,morning by morning ,he wakens me and opens his understanding to his will.-[NLT]

The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue ,to know the word that sustains the weary.He wakens me morning by morning ,wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.-[NIV]

The Master God has given me a well taught tongue,so I know how to encourage tired people.He wakes me up in the morning.Wakes me up,opens my ears ,to listen as one ready to take orders.-[MSG]

I strongly believe that this year if we are going to be involved in ministry (which is essentially the transfer of life),we must listen to God.Listen to his way He wants things done,and make hearing Him this year on a daily basis making our priority.
As we listen to Him,light will be shed on our paths and our flight will be great.One step by revelation will take us where a hundred steps by our imagination will not take us.

As we listen and know Him more ,we will flourish and be fruitful.

Happy New Year.
Grace Tom-lawyer