Page 11 - Good News February 2020 paper

am fascinated by beach glass. pocketing the treasured find, it
Have you ever picked up a goes home to join others in a
Ismooth piece of glass while collection of similar treasures. I
strolling along the beach? It is have noticed the trend of turning
beautiful, its original colour these bits of "worthless" glass
clearly visible, yet dulled by tons into exquisite pieces of jewelry.
of sand and years of being tossed
in the perpetual movement of the You may consider yourself
water. One single piece of what broken, never to be whole and
was once a bottle, containing a useful again. You may think that
refreshing drink and then the endless turmoil of life's
casually tossed into the sea. storms has turned you into a
shattered mess. No, dear one, it's
One of the first things that all part of the refining process!
probably happens is that it is Remember Joseph's unspeak-
smashed into a myriad of smaller ably harsh treatment, being sold
sharp-edged pieces. No longer as a slave, chained and removed
useful in its original design, the from his beloved father and in the sea of forgetfulness, but life, smoothing away the glamour
sea starts the long process of home? The Word explains it God's dreams are alive and of your initial state, doing what He
smoothing those pieces. beautifully. "Until the time came actively being processed. His has been dreaming for you in His
to fulfil his dreams, THE LORD dreams for you in finding your planning for His Kingdom. You
One day the sea deposits it on the TESTED JOSEPH'S CHARAC- ultimate purpose is never an may look nothing at all like your
beach and someone out for a TER" (Psalm 105:19). instant miracle. It requires Divine original self, but you will be a
casual stroll notices the beautiful planning and attention in detail to treasured and precious object in
fragment of glass and picks it up. It takes a long time in human reach its ultimate stage. His Hand when the testing is
All brightness and sharp edges terms for God to fulfil His dreams done. Take courage, Beloved!
long lost, it has gained a different where we are concerned. Our Will you take courage today in He's got you firmly in His Hand!
beauty all its own. Carefully dreams may long have drowned knowing that He is at work in your - Helen du Plessis, 083 332 0895.

elationships often prove to as we spend time praying and
be the crucible in which studying the Bible. We need the
Rour godliness is tested. In Word and prayer to become part
Colossians Paul challenges us to of who we are, part of our
bring the life and character of “spiritual DNA”, so that they
Christ into the way we relate to influence and direct all aspects of
others. Drawing strength from the our lives.
power and might of His glory, we
must remove and discard our old Remember that prayer is
ways of living and relating. God dynamic, not static. It is active
has made us new creations in and engaging, as well as quiet and
Christ; let us be continually reflective. Make a commitment
renewed to live and love in a today to invest time talking with
manner worthy of the Lord. Put on God and learning about Him and
love. From the core of your being, His ways through the Word. This conversation with others and your capacity to pray. Remember,
be tender, merciful, humble, is a vital key to Spirit-filled, Spirit- your worship of God. Devote prayer is an exciting and
patient, and forgiving in all formed, energized devotion. yourself to Jesus and knowing incredibly fulfilling journey with
relationships. God's Word. Also give yourself God!
Study, think about, memorize, constantly to prayer. Be watchful,
Our relationship with God is believe, and live the Word of God wakeful and thankful. Ask the [NEW SPIRIT FILLED LIFE BIBLE,
strengthened and our devotion so that it becomes part of who you Lord to teach you to pray and to Thomas Nelson Bibles, USA,
and worship of Him grows deeper are. Let the Word inhabit your increase your endurance and 1982].