The Beginning

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. ~Genesis 1: 1

We wish you a happy new year! Butterfly by Grace “Mommy and daughter” blog looks forward to the new beginning that every January brings and we hope you’re filled with faith and confidence as well. 

For many people the new year is a total new look. For others, the new year is making a resolution. The new year can be foolish without putting God first and making him the center of it all. I think that resolutions are quickly forgotten or abandoned, but that doesnt mean the whole practice is a waste of time. It's a way of setting your course in the right direction for the coming months. If you don't make plans for improvement, the only alternative is to drift along doing the same things you’ve done before whether or not they’ve fruitful. 

As the old year transitions into the new, take some time to evaluate your life. Today,  I like all readers to consider connecting with God more and more this year, on a deeper spiritual level. What did you achieve last year? Paul said: “Whatever things were gained to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ’.

Do you consider any of these things in 2024; career, family, financial, material social goals more important to you than gaining deeper knowledge, and intimacy with your savior? Most Christians, would say that Christ is their priority, but, true is the way they invest time and their actions and effort indicates otherwise.

In the beginning the earth was empty, darkness was over the surface.  This is exactly the way Jesus found us. In a big mess, dirty and all over the place. Sometimes, we need to examine our hearts. Allow this year to get to know the creator. Get closer to him by fasting and  praying.  My year begins with fasting 21 days. Praying, fasting and reading the bible. I encourage you all to do the same. If you can not fast for 21 days, because of medical reason; then I encourage you to fast what you love the most. Try to change your routine. You can read a different book in the bible everyday, or stay away from social media for 21 days. Our body needs detoxification. We fast because we want to be strong when the enemy tries to attack us. We fast to be ready for everything 2024 may bring, knowing that fasting and prayers make us strong. Is knowing God better honestly your primary goal? I pray it is. Many make resolutions of reading the entitled bible again for one year.  Others make different reading goals. But, this is not sufficient. Yes, It's a good start.  People of God, there has to be a real change. I encourage you all to make this year 2024 the year of the change. 

Lets pray,

Father God thank you for allowing us to see another year. We know that you created everything new Lord and that you gave us hope. We ask you Lord to help us get closer to you in prayer and supplication. Give us the strength we need to finish the 21 day fast. We know we don't fast to change any circumstances; instead to have a close relationship with you Lord. God help us understand the times. Help us seek you with all our hearts. We love you God. Thank you for your love and mercy in the name of Jesus. Amen.