Thursday, December 18, 2008

Reflecting On This Past Year


As this new year quickly approaches I feel the need to sit back and reflect on the blessings, revelations and miracles that our Lord has done for me and my loved ones. He has been consistently faithful and merciful to us. His provision is always right on time. He is my Loving Father who is always quick to forgive and bestow his grace and mercy on me. Instead of criticizing and complaining about my faults He has encouraged me that I can do all things through His Son. It is our Lord that has put this desire on my heart to live my life pleasing to Him and fulfill His calling. He has opened the windows of heaven and poured out His blessings on our family just as He said He would. My cup is overflowing because I am His. I truly am not deserving of any of this.

This year I have seen mountains moved and hard hearts softened. I saw several family members believe in Christ our Lord, repent, and confess their sins before the altar. Others rededicated themselves and were baptized. Close friends are starting to seek Him and question their purpose in this life. My immediate family has endured trials and hardships resulting in the strengthening of our bond with one another and increased faith in our Savior. This year I attended a wedding that the enemy tried to keep from happening, but the Lord had another plan. Now what He has joined together let no man separate.


Ministries were born and founded. 2008 was the birth of WeUsed2bu Christian Girl Advice site and Consecrated to Him – Real Christian Talk. It is His Spirit that has given me the courage and determination to trust Him to use these sites to help edify and encourage both believers and unbelievers. My husband and I also had the privilege of becoming two of the founders of Out of the Miry Clay Prison ministry formed by ex-offenders for ex-offenders. It has been a very busy year of reaping and sowing.

I wish I would have jumped off the fence sooner and submitted to His Word. It has become very apparent to me that our Lord truly does have a wonderful plan for our life just like the Spirit said through the prophet Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) I have also received a clear understanding that it is not enough to just hear the Word of God, but that we HAVE TO be doers of the Word. That is how we truly know that we are His because The Word/Jesus Christ is truly Lord of our life. (James 1:22, Matthew 7: 21)

I am excited to see what 2009 has to bring. Even now as I write this I am full of excitement and hope because I know that this next year is going to be full of breakthroughs and miracles. Lives and generations will be changed forever. We will see territories expanded and more given to those who were faithful with what Jesus has already given them. He will use those believers/workers who are self controlled, committed, and determined to help reap from the harvest that is ripe and ready.

In preparation for 2009 I will continue sit back and reflect on this past year. I will not be posting any new articles, instead I will repost articles from the archives that have really impacted my life or that I may just have to revisit. Lol..During this time I will continue to write what I feel inspired to share, however they will not be posted until the New Year.

To my faithful Consecrated to Him readers. I am asking you to please pray and intercede for me and the ministries that are listed above. My heart’s desire is to help encourage and edify you with the love of God and the truth of His Word. So pray for the Lord to continue to use me as His conduit. Also, please prayerfully consider becoming a partner with me in this ministry by not only praying and interceding but by sowing a financial seed. Consecrated to Him is just the beginning of a greater vision that the Lord has given me and your contribution will help bring this vision to pass. I assure you will be sowing into fertile ground.

Blessings to you all in Jesus name…Keep your eyes on Jesus this Christmas season and don’t allow the cares of this world to come in and choke the joy and peace that this season of celebration should bring.

I love you all..

Christ’s handmaiden,

Lisa aka Trophy of Grace

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great post! I just took part in a similar post over at Red Letter. Its on my Wordpress blog. Hope you can come by and join in. I too, love Power Up Love, Joe is a great guy who has that sight. I just added you to my Wordpress blog too. Blessings, Robin

LisaShaw said...

LisaC,

Thank you for visiting one of my blogs. You said you found me via Bonnie. I appreciated your warm and encouraging words.

As I just read your message here it's obvious the Holy Spirit has us both in the same area of reflection over 2008 and forwarding thought and forward living for Christ in 2009. I pray the blessings of the Lord upon you, your family and the service the Lord has purposed you to do for His Kingdom.

God bless you and I look forward to connecting in 2009.

Lisa C. aka Trophy of Grace said...

Thanks for your comment girlforGod. I actually did go over there on Friday. I forgot to post my comment here.

It seems that the Lord has put this theme on many of His servants hearts.

i know that he will give us the desire of our hearts to glorify Him and be used to help others come to know Him.

Lisa C. aka Trophy of Grace said...

Hello Lisa,

Your welcome..I enjoyed your site. I look forward to reading more of your postings.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and you family. God bless you.

My name is Bonnie, said...

Praise be to God for the great things He has done! I am filled with prayerful anticipation for the even greater things that are just ahead.

You have a gorgeous family, Lisa... you're rich!

May God continue to bless you, your family, and the ministries that He has birthed within you with His Immeasurable Glory!

Bonnie
extendedhope.com

Lisa C. aka Trophy of Grace said...

Thank you Bonnie for your comment. I truly do feel rich and higly favored of God. He is so wonderful to me..words could never truly express the joy and peace I have in serving Him. I know that my family and I are in good hands, God's hands. God bless you..

My God is Faithful!

My God is Faithful!
Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.