Happy New Year!

"What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed, and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life-that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us- what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may have fellowship along with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things that our joy may be complete." 1 John 1:1-4

I absolutely believe that in order for our lives and businesses to be highly favored and successful in a lasting and balanced way, it must include God’s direction and input. The verse above describes the very reason I feel led to write these “Food for the Soul” entries. I long to share with you the precious truths that God himself has so graciously revealed to me.

So many of you have been working very hard. I believe God longs to bless your hard work but I also believe His daily input is absolutely key in handling the challenges and pressures that come as you juggle life, family, jobs, ministries, and passions with this opportunity that the Lord has given to you.

There are simply never enough hours in the day to do all that presses in on you to do unless it is the Lord that is guiding you with each step and decision you make. I believe that when God’s hand is on a person’s life there is an extreme difference that occurs. You can take the most basic of tasks and it will remain ordinary, but if you decide to add the Lord’s touch, your life and the daily tasks will be forever changed.

 

In God’s Word we get a glimpse of this very thing. Simon Peter was a fisherman and had just come into shore after fishing all night and having caught zero fish. He was tired and weary (can anyone relate?).

Jesus was teaching on the shore but when He had finished he told Simon, “Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch.” Simon said, “Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t even caught a minnow. But, if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.” It was no sooner said than done – a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity. They waved to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with fish. Luke 5: 1-7 from The Message

God takes the ordinary and does the supernatural. We have to be ready and willing to ask Him how to go about our days. I have found that taking time each day to ask Him to lead me always provides benefit. I have never fallen short of the time I need to get things done when I first begin my day with Him as my Navigator. But as sure as anything, when I fail to begin my day with, Him I fall short continually throughout the day.

One of the Hebrew names of God is Yahweh, or Jehovah. It means “God with us.” Other meanings for Yahweh are Life, Provider, Sustainer and Sovereign Creator. I believe the key to bringing Life into your business, for all to be provided that you lack, for you to be sustained with all that comes your way, and then to have the ability to create something lasting is founded in allowing God to be a very real partner in your life and business. When we build things the way the world does and for the reasons the world offers it is but for a moment and will not last. My prayer for each of you this new year is to be blessed to the fullest as you and the Lord go out hand in hand and heart to heart.

Blessings, Cindy