Reflections---Looking back

Although the Christmas season is over, the memories of it will linger in our hearts throughout our life. As our family rings in the New Year, we take time to rekindle cherished moments on our lives. Life is a growing and a learning process. Through open and honest evaluation of the past year and admitting the mistakes we made - we learn and grow.

May we ask ourselves what we might have done differently and what might have been the benefits with approaching issues with different attitudes? In doing so, God can reveal the truth through the Holy Spirit.

Personally, I have learned that first and foremost, I must go to the one who not only has all wisdom, He is Wisdom, whom can we ask best counsel from, if it not through our Heavenly Father? God has promised if we ask for wisdom he will give it to us.

Please take a moment to read the story of the Wisdom of Solomon. 1 Kings 3: 4-15.
Solomon approached God to request for wisdom. Scriptures say that the request pleased God. That alone, encourages me to seek God for wisdom, because I desire to please God. Scriptures also tell us that because he did, God made promises for things Solomon did not even ask for.

1 Kings 3:12 -14 "I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for--both riches and honor—so that in your life in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways, and obey my statues, and commands as David, your father did, I will give you a long life."

God resists the proud, but if we humble ourselves before Him, He gives grace, and He will exalt us in due time. 1 Peter 5:6. Pride puts a barrier between us and God. Pride will hinder our prayers. When prayers seem empty or unanswered, we should search our heart and ask a few questions:

• Have I repented all my sins? Sin separates us from God.

• Am I asking according to God’s will? Thy will be done.

• Do I have a forgiving heart? Forgive to be forgiven.

If the previous questions can be honestly answered with,” no,” then we must simply wait on the Lord for his timing. His timing is always perfect, never too early, never too late.

Finally, ask the question, what does God require of me?Micah 6:6 answered the question beautifully: Do justly, love mercy; walk humbly with your God. Humility brings results.

New Year's celebrations bring forth all kinds of resolutions. Make resolutions to yourselves this year. Resolve to seek God first in all your decisions, whether great, or small - with a pure and humble heart. Give thanks with a grateful heart for all He has done, and will do in the year to come.