New decisions?

by angiehauer · January 18. 2024

A new year – does that automatically mean that new decisions are or should be made? Not for me. My decisions often develop slowly in my head, then suddenly come to the surface and are usually carried out afterwards.

And yet the beginning of the year is a good time to look back and forward. We did that at our “Holy Spirit Night New Year’s Eve Special”. After warm drinks by the fire ring and finger food in the lobby of our church, we encouraged people (74 visitors in total) to let go of old and negative things such as anger, resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, sadness and disappointment and give them to Jesus. They wrote what they wanted to let go of on pieces of paper and burned them outside in the fire ring. It was so good to see them burn up in the fire!

Later, they were encouraged to ask Jesus in silence what new things he would like to give them. For inspiration, we had bible verses for the New Year and lots of photos and cards for inspiration to listen to the Holy Spirit.

Have you already asked Jesus what you should let go of and what new things he has for you? What you can receive, where God wants to give you a gift or what he wants to do together with you? Let yourself be inspired by the Bible, keep the question present in your mind and go through your day with awareness. He will answer your question.

I wasn’t able to do it myself that evening because I was busy leading and organizing, but I asked him a few days later in my quiet time. It feels so good! I heard that he wants to take away my insecurities in various areas and give me strength instead. He wants me to be aware that he is always with me. I want to practise this, become aware of it again and again and actively work on it. Don’t forget the fact that God wants to be with you, this also applies to you! You can read about this in the account of God with Moses: “He (God) said: I will be with you…” Exodus 3:12 What applies to Moses also applies to you!

Another topic has also been on my mind: the blog you are reading right now is the first one in 2024. I have been writing a blogpost every two weeks since May 2020, which is now 3 1/2 years! I’m amazed at myself, because I’m not really a person, who consistently does the same thing but is always enthusiastic about new projects. What motivated me was the feedback from you, what you liked or what touched you and what thoughts helped you.

At the moment I feel the urge to work more creatively again and to bring my book project to a good end. I’ve been writing and designing a devotional book with graphics for a long time. Right now, an editor and I are writing an exposé to submit to various publishers. She has already warned me that it will take a long time for publishers to respond. I’m happy if you pray for it to get accepted by a publisher. If there is any news, I will of course let you know.

In the coming months, the blog posts will no longer appear every two weeks, but irregularly when I have experienced something with God that could be exciting for you (and that absolutely has to “get out”). This gives me the freedom to work more artistically. I can’t yet say what will come of it all. But I’m looking forward to it!