Begin with Jesus
Did you know that some schools start already on Monday? Our kids won’t start until the 11th but it’s still almost here. Are you ready to get back to the grid? How are you approaching this new beginning? How could we being in such a way that would be life-giving and not just the same old, same old all over again?
Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. (Matthew 6:6, MSG,*)
The best way to start any new season in our life is to begin with Jesus. When we spend time with God we begin to sense his grace. And that is what carries us into the future. That is what faith is all about. And as the focus shifts from our problems to God, we realize all is well. When we ask for guidance and direction for the new beginning, we know God is with us. Then we are ready to tackle whatever comes into our way.
‘I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.’ (Acts 26:17-18, MSG,*)
God is sending us to represent his love and grace in our neighborhoods, schools and workplaces. God wants everyone to know his love, receive the grace of Christ and live in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Because that’s what real living is all about. And real living begins by believing in Jesus. And real living continues by beginning new things with Jesus.
Gracious God,
I give to you this new beginning
and ask for guidance and direction.
Let me always sense your grace.
I want to do your will,
show me the way.
Let Jesus be the way .
Gimme Jesus.
Nothing but Jesus.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: How do you begin a new season in your life?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you begin with Jesus!
* [As you might have noticed, I enjoy reading the Bible in different translations and love comparing them. I have started linking the Bible verses to Biblegateway.com so you can easily read (and compare) them in the different versions I’ve used while preparing each post.]
Image courtesy of Colette Varanouskas, design Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Faith-filled Fridays, Five Minute Friday and Faith Jam.
10 thoughts on “Begin with Jesus”
time moves swiftly! my children r grown ‘n gone now, but i continue to hit the refresh/reset button by praying as seasons integrate~staying close to Jesus w/u, sis, revive us, LORD, continuously!
blessings to u & the family as they will be off to a new school year! enjoy the preparation & last bits of summer vaca w/them :)))
was just saying to hubby, wow, they r gearing up for back to school already!!
Yes! And thank you! There are blessings in every season..if we dare to trust God and embrace the new season with Him. Abundant blessings to you!
yes! absolUtely, ever daring to trust… hubby has an upcoming interview on Wednesday afternoon, we’ll soon find if it be God’s will for us, as others interest came to a halt…u asked, & i agreed that the wrong doors wld be shut, TY, Mari~Anna, we only want His best!
continually trusting for u, too <3
Let’s pray hard! God is at work! Grace & peace!
I love biblegateway and being able to compare the different translations! I especially love that you can listen to the verses – perfect when I am in the bathroom putting my makeup on! 🙂 We start school in 3 weeks – can’t believe that summer is gone and I have a SENIOR this year! 🙂 Ahhh – talk about new beginnings! 🙂
I can’t yet imagine what it is to have a senior at home…hope it will be a fun and meaningful year for all of you! How smart you are to listen to the Word! I do it once in awhile but maybe I should work it into my schedule like you! Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it. Blessings upon blessings!
Oh, this is so great to read. It speaks directly into my heart -where I am right now! I’ve been thinking a lot these last weeks, praying, seeking God, having conversations with my husband, and all because God shoved me what you’re writing about here. God showed me sort of way of life He wants me to lead, and now I am wondering how to get there.
I am convinced Jesus must lead the way, and I think like many things in life, like many answers to prayers He will show me a little by little. Little steps at a time, little clues at a time. That is also what trust is about. Do I rust Jesus with all my heart, with all my life? Before the summer, I wasn’t able to answer yes to that question. The answer was: “I am trying to, I want to”. Now I can say that I do trust Jesus. But I have to say it again everyday and sometimes several times a day;-)
So, I begin a new season by thinking really hard, then I remember that Jesus might have a say, ask Him, ponder a lot, trying to analyze and then get started, trying t remember bringing Jesus with me all the way. Sometimes I “forget Him at home”, which doesn’t mean that He isn’t with me, but I have forgotten to focus on Him;-)
Thank you for sharing this important subject;-) Visiting from FmF
God bless you!
-Ava Sophie
Thanks so much for sharing, Ava Sophie! It’s always so wonderful to hear how God speaks to us, gives confirmation and guides us into the future! I pray God will pour out all the resources and guidance you need as you enter this new season in your life. Abundant blessings!
I love this, Mari-Anna. Real life begins with Jesus. 🙂 I was just taking a walk and asking God for guidance and direction, so your prayer fits so well into my present unrest.
Ah! God is SO good! Rest in His grace, answers will come. May God help you according to your needs! And thank you, Trudy, for sharing!