A New Year's Prayer

A new year is upon us - a time when we naturally begin to think deeper about ourselves, our families, our friends, and the world around us. We long to feel better, look better, "do" better, to grow closer to God and our loved ones - to be better in every way.

As we begin this year anew, we offer this prayer with a hopeful and expectant heart for God's blessings for you and for us all.

God, we praise you with all that we are (Psalm 103:2-3), knowing our strength comes from joy in you (Nehemiah 8:10) now and always.

We praise you for your mercy, for forgiving our sins (Ephesians 1:7). Remind us that mercy always triumphs over judgment (James 2:13), and that only you, the God of all grace, will restore us and make us strong (1 Peter 5:10).

Renew our hearts in this year, and let your gentle Spirit lead us down the right path (Psalm 143:10).

Please grant us peace in our hearts (Proverbs 14:30). May our burdens lead us to rest in you as we grow closer to you each day (Matthew 11:28).

Let us fill our minds with truth, righteousness, beauty and all things worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).

Thank you, God, for your promise to watch over us always (Psalm 32:8) and to hold us up with your victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

Thank you, God, for giving us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Let us take every action in the coming year, fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Amen.

Source: Used with permission - ARTICLE by Melody @ DaySpring, via the eCard studio December 31, 2015 http://www.dayspring.com/

Welcome Introduction

Welcome to a new series I have started called "Reflection Jewels" that I believe Abba has laid on my heart to do.

My prayer for you is that as you read these "Reflection Jewels' they will motivate & inspire you to read Gods word more often. Also you will receive fresh revelation, direction were needed & encouragement - enjoy!

Many ask, "How do you know what to send or post that just meets my need?" The truth is I don’t - All I know is that I receive many messages & after praying & reading I feel led to lay aside certain select messages written by many anointed men & women of God. At a later date I just follow those gentle prompts of the Holy Spirit when to post - if I do not have peace I delay.

God knows the needs of each of His children and the word or encouragement is already prepared waiting for you.

Remember You are precious to Abba!

One day I was watching a fascinating program called "Survival In the Bush' presented by Malcolm Douglas in the wild rugged outback of Australia. - In one of the stories he helped a lady find small deposits of gold using a 'gold detector' - they also had great fun panning for gold in the river this left deposits of murky lumps of rock in their bowl. Afterwards they then went back to her small factory & went step by step through a very old process were there collection was cleaned, tumbled, filtered, treated with chemicals this process continued until till there were only small nuggets of gold remaining, these then went through another process of heating until at the end she had a solid block of pure gold.

As I was watching I kept thinking how reading Gods word the Bible can be compared to this process. As we read the word "panning the gold in the stream" we find precious words 'gold dust'. The more we continue reading, meditating, soaking & studying Gods word we find more precious nuggets of gold or jewels. Thus the idea to call these messages "Jewels' was born.

I strongly believe the Lord is putting out a call to His people (all of us) to come into a deeper place spiritually, giving us a deeper understanding, and a deeper love for Him. "Deep calleth unto deep.." (Psalms 42:7a)

One of the ways we can do this is to read & meditate or reflect upon the Word of God. This should be a part of our regular and constant spiritual discipline.

To those who already read the word frequently may you be refreshed & revisit some of those familiar passages with fresh eyes.

I found helpful reading and comparing a different translation to my usual daily trusted version. I also found it refreshing with a different bible not having my pencil & highlighter marks to distract from fresh revelation. I suggest before reading you ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you new truths as you mine for new jewels in His word. Be blessed as you read today!

Psalm 119:11 says, Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

As we become soaked & filled with the word in our hearts the Spirit of God will enlighten our understanding & when needed bring to mind the word that is needed.

The Scriptures describe the kingdom of God as treasure. Matthew 13:44-46 NIV" The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Suggestion: Pray as you read and meditate on God's Word. Praise God for what He has revealed of Himself and pray for strength and wisdom to obey His direction. Try also reading some prayers of the Bible (Matt. 6:9-13; Ephesians I: 15-23; 3: 14-21 and many of the Psalms).

Please note: Some of the messages have links that if used may take you away from the message – to return just click the ‘back’ button at the top left hand corner of your screen.

If you wish to return to the Home page of the SWPW site lease scan to the top of the page & press the arrow ‘back” or go direct via the link: http://www.swpwarriors.com/

Please feel free to print out or copy the ‘reflections’ for personal use. All messages are referenced (were known) & permission sought to use. I do ask you to respect at all times copyright of all Authors & the SWPW site.

If you would like to be on my mailing list for "Reflection Jewel updates' & encouragements please write to me at

Contact Email: prayer@swpwarriors.com

with your contact details & I will add you to my updated address book.

Put on the kettle make your favourite drink then relax browse & enjoy. In His service - Your sister in Jesus - Jan Lyall

Bible Translations

Which Version Should we Use:

I do not wish to get stuck in debate which Bible Translation one should use - Personally I prefer & regularly use the King James Version of the bible - however when studying a scripture I like to read & compare other translations - each must decide for themselves - please find a list below of abbreviations & what they mean:

Bible Translations:

KJV - King James Version
NKJV - New King James Version
NIV - New International Version
NLT - New Living Translation
CEV - Contemporary English Version
ESV - English Standard Version
MSG - The Message
NASB - New American Standard Bible
RSV - Revised Standard Version

Reflection Jewels

Saturday, January 2, 2016

A New Year's Prayer to Reflect

A New Year's Prayer

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