Christian Education Europe - Weekly Blog #christianeducation

Eyes on Jesus

Thu, 13 May 2021 00:30:00 +0000

We can be observant in many ways. We can observe when people have a need, we can self-reflect and observe ways in which we can improve ourselves, we can observe and appreciate beautiful things, and we can look back and use hindsight to observe moments in the past.

To be observant or watchful is a wonderful characteristic to develop, and it can help us excel in many of areas of life.

It is a truth that we become what we consume. The things we read, the things we watch, the conversations we have – they all influence us.

We have been given a measure of control over what we allow to influence us. It is important that with this freedom we make sure that Jesus is at the top of our list of influencers.

This world is a deceptive and manipulative place; there are many wolves in sheep’s clothing. How can we discern the paths that are Godly and those that aren’t?

The answer is: ‘Keep Watch’, ‘Be observant’, ‘Look out’.

In the past we have discussed the characteristics of Christ. This year alone we have talked about a few—Confidence, Commitment, Peacefulness, and Obedience, and there are SO many more.

These characteristics are indicators of godliness. We need to learn about them, get accustomed to them, OBSERVE them.

By knowing the ways of Christ, we are able to be drawn to godliness in our own lives. We begin to recognise these characteristics as if we were recognising an old friend. On the other hand, we will be acutely aware when there is a lack of Christ’s character, and because of this, we’ll see all the red flags which in turn will help us to know when it’s time to find a new direction. Really useful for those of us who find it hard to make decisions!

With this in mind, let’s make it a goal to keep our eyes on Christ, observe His character and be watchful for His presence in our lives.

Hear instruction and be wise,

and do not neglect it.

Blessed is the one who listens to me,

watching daily at my gates,

waiting beside my doors.

Proverbs 8:33-34

If you need a reminder about what some of the characteristics of Christ are, you can download our 90 Character Traits page here

An Example of Obedience

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 12:30:00 +0000

Some of the characteristics of Christ are easy to want.

To be kind, generous, honest, courageous—these are things many aspire to, whether they are followers of Christ, or not.

Obedience though…obedience doesn’t have that same attraction.

At first glance, obedience looks like the opposite of what we want to be as humans—free, independent, able to make our own decisions and live our own lives. But, if you look closer, you see that obedience to God doesn’t steal your destiny from you; it actually assists you in achieving it.

How was Jesus obedient, and how do we apply that in our lives?

Well, Jesus was obedient to death (Philippians 2:8).

Imagine being obedient to God, even though it means dying a terrible and shameful death. It doesn’t sound very appealing. However, in order to understand the significance of obedience, we have to look at the whole perspective:

For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. – Romans 5:19

Because Jesus chose to obey God and die on the cross, the path has been opened for all to be saved from the penalty of disobedience.

If we look even closer at the events after the death of Jesus, we see His resurrection and entry into glory, by which His death on the cross pales in comparison. His murder, an ugly act of great injustice, was the catalyst of what is the greatest miracle of all—eternal life through Christ for all who reach for it.

Dying is quite extreme though, isn’t it? Surely God doesn’t expect us all to die for him?

Well, in one sense… yes, He does.

We are all sinners; we have acted wrongly, against the will of God; we have hurt one another; we have been malicious, jealous, angry, unforgiving. Yet, because Jesus obeyed God, took our sins upon Himself, and died in our stead, we have been given an invitation to repent and walk under the banner of His righteousness, forgiven.

God calls us to repent, to fall at His feet and ask for His forgiveness. Our first act of obedience to God is to obey this call to repentance. And when we do, the sinful past self is dead, and a new person in Christ is born. To obey God is to die to sin and live renewed in His righteousness.

But obedience doesn’t stop at the point of salvation. As Christians, we are called to obey. We must humble ourselves and be willing to serve. And yes, it’s really hard.

But remember to look at the bigger picture.

When you feel persecuted because of your choice to follow Christ, remember that you are loved, that you have been found, you are safe, you will be with Him in heaven. That your obedience to Him will make you stronger in faith, full of the Holy Spirit, and a partaker in His glory. Your obedience is a catalyst for miracles, just like it was for Jesus. He is the benchmark that we must aspire to.

Sometimes things are so difficult that we beg God to take the problem away; there’s no shame in wanting a burden to be lifted.

Even Jesus prayed for relief in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-44) –

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”  And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled.  Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”  And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.  So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.

Imagine being so upset and so alone, not being supported or understood by your closest friends at your greatest moment of need, knowing that a gruesome and painful death was ahead. It’s not surprising that Jesus asked God for a way out.

Yet, He still obeyed. He still did what had to be done. And He did it because He loved us. He did it because of the bigger picture. Because He knew the ultimate result of obedience to God is not death, but life.

Many of us will not have to die for what we believe (though some still do).

Our acts of obedience to God will come as we go about our daily activities, at work, at home, and at school.

Throughout the New Testament, Christ gives us many commandments to obey, but He does narrow it down for us in Matthew 26:36-40:

Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”  And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.

It all comes down to loving God and loving others. By doing these things, we are obeying God.

So, as you go ahead with your day, remember to live in obedience to Him and watch and see as He uses your actions to bring life and restoration to all those around you.

How Much Do We Need Each Other In Christian Education?

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 13:32:57 +0000

Steve Beegoo has recently been appointed as Head of Education for Christian Concern and highlights the importance of mutual encouragement…

I was sitting at my desk when I received the email last week. “I am overwhelmed with your kindness… Thank you!”. Then a little later from someone else, “Thank you for your prayers, I really appreciate that especially as I have had a hospital procedure this week - very timely!”. My own encouragement of others comes back to encourage me!

As a trainee teacher I was overwhelmed, and almost destroyed, by the amount of criticism which was the standard vernacular of the teacher trainers. When in my early days as a teacher, the ‘robust’ criticism of Ofsted set a fear inducing atmosphere for so much of school life. Yet, there were always those who brought Christianencouragement. En- courage-ment. Putting in courage! And the value of this, is incalculable for those of us in education…

When I spoke at the Christian Education (CEE) conference two years ago, the sense of mutual encouragement around was a powerful dynamic. I find this in courageous Christian communities, and schools all around the world. The distinctive flavour of Christian encouragement, which multiplies courage, is not the bland flattery which forever shuns from facing issues, nor is it the ‘please-like-me’ platitudes given to curry favour. No. Christian encouragement is deeply real, and deeply needed. This kind of encouragement has given me courage and sustained me, in very challenging times, because it is divine. And it multiplies itself!

Paul, in Ephesians 4, explains a wide range of gifts and abilities needed in the ventures of the kingdom. In speaking about teaching, he encourages the Ephesians with this: “Speaking the truth, in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by everysupporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4 v 15-16; NIV 1984).

We tend to understand that there are different gifts, and different parts to ‘the body’, and that they all have a part to play in our ventures for Christ. But in this passage there is also a revelation that what we say to each other, ‘speaking the truth, in love,’ as we are equipped by Christ, will have the effect of holding us together through the supporting ligaments of relationship that you and I can cultivate. Deep attachment, formed through divinely inspired encouragement. As each of us do our work in this truth-speaking in love, the body holds together and is built up. How are your supporting ligaments of love? As you bring divinely inspired encouragement to another person, so others in turn bring that to you. Are you being divinely encouraged and equipped through others?

Another equally good translation of the word ‘supporting’ is ‘supplying’. As we are connected to the Head, we supply each other through strong relationships. The gifts of skilful apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, connected to the Head, can equip us and supply us, so that through great teaching and encouragement we can all mature into all that God has for us. And as we actively seek to be encouragers, suppliers to others, so this comes back to us and we all benefit.

But even without these events, there is something we can all respond to today. Can you choose to see, what God sees, in a child, a colleague, a friend or a family member? Bring divine encouragement by simply naming it in them, thanking them and thereby honouring God for who they are, as much as for what they have done.

May your supplying ligaments strengthen you in these months ahead! May you not only ‘hold together’, but grow and be built up in love. May you receive from the great people God is giving you opportunity to connect with, so that joy-filled courage may sustain you.

The link to the ‘Further Up Further In’ conference can be found here.

AUTUMN ACTIVITIES

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 10:32:41 +0000

"I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
Anne of Green Gables, LM Montgomery

There are not many experiences that are as pleasant as a sunny autumn day with blue sky over your head and crisp fallen leaves below your feet. Since we are currently going into what looks to be a splendid autumnal season, we thought it would be nice to share some seasonal activities that your students or children could take part in.

Let’s take a moment and focus on enjoying this beautiful season!

Artistry and Design

Autumn is arguably one of the most beautiful seasons; it inspires the artist within us all. If you want to encourage your children to practice their art skills or even start to dabble in art, now would be a good time to begin!

The easiest place to start would probably be photography. Take your children/ students for a walk and get them to take photographs of the beautiful scenes they come across. When you get back home, have a chat with them about the pictures they’ve snapped. Ask them about the colours and textures that they have witnessed, ask them how the scenery made them feel, what they liked about it (and what they didn’t like), ask them what their favourite photograph is and talk about the ways the composition favoured the aesthetic of the day.

Top Photography Tip: The best time to take photos is an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. These are called the ‘Golden Hours’ because they have the best light.

Make use of the leaves!

Leaf collage – On a sunny day, go out for a walk and collect the most colourful leaves you can find. Then, when you get home, stick them on a piece of paper for an autumn-y collage. You could even ‘jazz’ it up with some glitter or colourful paper.

Leaf printing – An old favourite, leaf printing is what it says on the tin. Collect some really good VEINY leaves from a variety of different trees, paint the most textured side of the leaf and then press the painted side against a nice big piece of paper for a beautiful transfer. You could even use a different colour for each type of leaf to create a colourful flurry of prints on one page.

Natural History & Science

At this time of year there are many things that are ‘vilified’ in the name of spookiness. One of the problems that comes with this is that fear can start to surround things that should be acceptable and interesting. A great way of countering this is to EDUCATE.

For example, look at the skeleton—the frame of the human body. Skeletons are made up of over 200 bones which help us to move and protect our organs. God created the skeleton for an important purpose. Skeletons are not scary! We all have one, and they are AMAZING.

Other misunderstood victims of this time of year include wolves, bats, spiders, and the humble pumpkin. Use Natural History and Science to make a case for them!

Cooking & Baking

Speaking of pumpkins. Have you ever made a pumpkin pie? Or pumpkin soup, or pumpkin relish?

There are so many other delicious fruits and vegetables available at this time of year, too. How about apples? You could delve into how one type of fruit can be the highlight of many recipes. You could make Apple sauce, Apple Pie, Apple Crumble, Apple Cake… you get the idea.

This is the time of year for heartwarming dishes, and many of them are quite simple to make. It’s a great opportunity to teach baking skills and enjoy time together cooking up delicious dishes.

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We hope you enjoy these seasonal suggestions. Do you have any autumn activities that you do? Share in the comments 😊

S T E A D F A S T

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 21:33:07 +0000

Change is, as the saying goes, inevitable.

Circumstances change. Seasons come and go. Government leaders step up and stand down. Schools open and close. People in our lives move on. And we ourselves change… we grow, we move, we adapt.

BUT in all this change – some of which can be scary – we can be at peace and be assured of this: that God never changes (Malachi 3:6), and His Word remains forever (1 Peter 1:25). It might be helpful in these ever-changing times to remind ourselves of some of the attributes of God:

God is eternal. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17)
God is omnipresent (everywhere, all the time). Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? ... you are there! (Psalm 139:7-8)
God is wise. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Rom.11:33)
God is good. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:5)
God is merciful. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5)
God is holy. There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2)
God is faithful. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
God is STEADFAST! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Steadfast means: resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. God is firm and unwavering; He is our rock!

Interestingly, not only is God steadfast, but He calls us to be steadfast too.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.
(1 Corinthians 15:58)

So, how can we remain immovable in a very ‘movable’ world? How do we remain firm and unwavering in the face of challenges?

Keep our eyes on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Chronicles 16:11)
It's easy to be distracted by everything that is going on around us – COVID 19, natural disasters, protests, unrest – and it is easy to become discouraged by these circumstances. In these times, we should remember where our hope is found, where our strength comes from, and turn our eyes upward. Like Jehoshaphat facing a battle he couldn't see a way out of (2 Chronicles 20), let's respond by turning to God and setting our eyes on Him – and He will lead us to victory.
Spend time in God's Word. (Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 119)
We all know we should be reading God’s Word daily, but how often do we follow through? And when we do, do we approach it as a task to be completed or as an opportunity to hear from God and be encouraged and equipped to live in this ever-changing world? Are we allowing our faith to grow down deep and be firmly rooted in Christ (Colossians 2)? God’s Word has the ability to revive the soul, give wisdom, make our hearts rejoice and enlighten our eyes (Psalm 19). Let’s rush to read it and meditate on it every day!
Stay on our knees. (Ephesians 6:18; James 5:13; Matthew 5:44)
We should never underestimate not only the power of prayer – but what the act of prayer accomplishes in us. Prayer is not about long, flashy sentences or loud exclamations. It is about humbling ourselves before God and genuinely taking the time to speak with Him, sharing our cares and concerns as well as our joys and triumphs. And as we do, we are strengthened and our faith grows. And we find we are able to keep going, to be firm in our convictions and our calling.
Focus on sharing the Gospel. (Matthew 28:18--28)
We have a sure and steadfast hope, an anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6). We know that we have eternal life because of Jesus’ work on the cross, His resurrection and His amazing grace towards us. How can we not share this hope with those we meet? When we encounter people who are disillusioned or confused, let's not shy away from sharing this great gift with them but boldly offer them the grace that we have so freely received.

So, as we step into this new month, a new season – and for some the start of the new academic year – let’s do it with our focus in the right place and hearts committed to being unwavering in the good works which God has called us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

May we remain steadfast, confident in the hope that we have a steadfast God!

My heart is steadfast, O God,

my heart is steadfast!

I will sing and make melody!

Psalm 57:7

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Working Diligently

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 09:41:18 +0000

During the COVID lockdown there has been some confusion over who is working, who is on furlough - who is paying for what - who is working from home, indeed what is work! Many large corporations are reassessing how work is managed. Some have said they don’t need large offices in big cities. Office staff can work more efficiently online from home etc. etc. Some have been made redundant (not a biblical term). This all seems far removed from the curse on Adam due to sin, 'by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground’ and the follow up--only slightly more positive--text in Ecclesiastes 9:10: 'Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going’. Through the ages work has evolved from being a curse to becoming a way of salvation. Indeed in many religious traditions good works lead to salvation of one form or another. However, the biblical teaching is that good work is evidence of the saving Grace of God in our lives. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. But then some (not all) in society argue that if you get free gifts--such as Government benefits--you are less inclined to work. Paul corrects the misapprehension of easy grace in Romans 6 and of course in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 he writes: 'For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.' Doesn’t that describe some of the problem of busybodies in society today?

So what is the answer? In a word, Character. In another word, Diligence. Obviously, this applies as much to home schooling/learning!

Solomon writes, 'Guard your hearts with all diligence for out of it is the wellspring of life’. The heart should be the starting place for great works. You believe in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead and are justified (by Grace). It is good to have a combination of physical work and mental work and spiritual work but all should start with the heart. We travail in prayer because we are burdened in our hearts. Prayer is not a mental exercise. We achieve great physical works when our heart is in it (if your heart is not in your work it becomes a slog). When our heart is right before God our minds are stimulated towards discovering not only the mysteries and miracles of Creation but what is right and what is wrong with the world and why it is wrong! Some atheists say they don’t need meaning or purpose in their lives. One wonders how they are ever motivated to get up in the morning? For Christians however, the eternal purpose and motivation for good works is to bring glory to God out of thanksgiving for all He has done for us. Work becomes a joy. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). When the life of Christ becomes real to us then living it out becomes a natural outWORKing. Whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord and not to men, Colossians 3:23.

Secular sociologists, historians and philosophers may see the ‘work ethic’ as a method for making money, spawning an industrial revolution or achieving protestant hegemony (as some Chinese researchers have surmised) but for Christians it is simply a matter of diligence before God as an outcome of a great salvation--not looking out for the praise of men but looking forward to the heavenly commendation, “Well done good and faithful servant."

THE GREATEST COMMON DENOMINATOR

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 14:30:38 +0000

Paul uses two examples of cooperation in his writings which are complementary. One is of a building 'fitly framed together’ with the Lord Jesus the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2 vs 21). The other is of a Body with each member belonging to all the others (Romans 12 vs 5) with the Lord Jesus as Head. The common denominator in both is the Lord Jesus. He is the firstborn from the dead. We are born again into new life in Him—note, not new life to sail off into the sunset on our own. There is no Christian life outside the Body of Christ. Any who think they are independent become an anomaly, an unnatural growth which distracts from the beauty of fellowship in the Body of Christ. The wonderful blessing of fellowship is that we share the Lord Jesus in common. By definition, fellowship (Koinonia) is not individualised. The reality of the Body of Christ is that we are ALL growing up into maturity, attaining the full measure of Christ. This takes cooperation. We all have different gifts (Romans 12 vs 6) but the same objective—to bring Glory to God and blessing to the Lord Jesus His Son, and His Body.

Whatever you do in word or deed, do it as unto the Lord (Colossians 3 vs 23). Once we get the vision that what we are doing is not for ourselves or even for each other, but primarily for Him and for His glory, it raises us up to a higher calling and motivation. The things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His Glory and Grace. It doesn’t mean therefore that we don’t see needs that there are (and there are many) on earth, but rather that we see them more clearly. We see the priorities with God’s heart and purpose, which is not short-lived or a 'quick fix' for self satisfaction. Get right with God, and you will be right with one another. Be at peace with God and your neighbour. Love God, and love your neighbour as yourself. All these great truths, which were once part of the fabric of our civilisation, seem to have been replaced by 'self-ism'. No longer 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you' but rather 'look after number one’!

On the positive side, it should be said that the current COVID-19 crisis has led to an awareness that something is not quite right with the direction of travel of the modern world. And to be fair, more people are saying good morning when they are out on their social-distancing walks. It may be that there is more time to relax from the pressures of work during lockdown, more opportunity to see God’s Creation and hear the dawn chorus with less cars on the road. Whatever it is, there is certainly a great opportunity for us to rise up and cooperate in a combined testimony to the love and grace and forgiveness of God, not least in the light of the death of George Floyd and it’s aftermath. At a time of great uncertainty and instability, we should individually and collectively point to the stability of life in Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, to every tribe tongue and nation of every generation. We should point to the common highest goal of living for Him. Not the lowest common denominator of trying to avoid confrontation.

The need for repentance, forgiveness and salvation should be addressed by us all and not left to one or two spokespersons. We live in such an atomised and fragmented society that it is not realistic to expect one organisation or dynamic leader to reach every sector of society. We have different callings in different spheres, and we must all be faithful witnesses in the area where the Lord has planted us. How shall they hear unless there is a preacher? We should all be preachers through whatever channel the Lord has given—to our family, friends and neighbours. It doesn’t help when some who bear the name of Christ deny His teachings, but God is judge, and one day He will separate the wheat from the tares. Let’s enjoy being wheat growing up together, planting, watering and waiting for the Lord to bring in the harvest. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3 vs 6). And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6 vs 9). He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him (Psalm 126 vs 6).

P R E S S I N G O N

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 12:30:00 +0000

A Final Thought on Being Determined

Determined is a character trait embedded in our Scriptures. It is not in aimless isolation of God’s purposes. It is not banging our heads against a brick wall to prove how macho we are -- how ridiculous that would be! Nor does it mean being pig headed. Pharaoh was certainly determined but only to the pathetic end of making his name great. His efforts simply led to a few crumbling remains of tombs on a small patch of desert on a planet which itself is a dot in the vast expanse of the universe. How sad to put in so much effort to no end! A fleeting shadow for one moment in eternity. Not so with those who hearts and minds are devoted to the eternal God who created everything.

To them (to us) there is a robust basis and purposeful objective that drives us. We are justified by faith in the Word of God. We have peace with God, we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, we glory in our tribulations. We know in Whom we have believed, persuaded that He is able to keep what [we] have committed to Him. We are working towards an eternal weight of Glory. We haven’t yet attained the resurrection from the dead, but we press on forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward. We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the ground knowing that it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand. How wonderful that we are not alone in our endeavours, with the Holy Spirit empowering us and a great crowd of witnesses cheering us on!

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

Read all the January Blog Posts Here!

D E T E R M I N E D

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 13:00:00 +0000

adj. having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it

This time of year people are all about starting fresh. They make plans for their lives. Resolutions. Goals.

They rehash old dreams, conjure up new ones.

Hope for the future seems to appear out of nowhere.

All the mantra's get posted and paraded:

This year we will live a healthy lifestyle, this year we will achieve the grades we want,

this year we will travel, we will meet that creative goal.

Everything lost in the old year has been born again in the new.

Then real life happens.

The adrenaline-like effect of New Year wears off, and motivation becomes that mysterious character who lingers in the back of your mind as a nice idea. The school work you planned to crack on with with a new vigour has become a mountain of boredom that you don't want to think about. Money is tight in January, so you can't afford to buy those healthy meals, or pay for gym membership, and then it just doesn't happen. And so on, and so forth....

There is this saying: Without doubt, there is no faith.

Well, without determination, you don't have a realistic goal.

What is a goal or resolution? It's a challenge to reach further, to aim higher, to go beyond what you have achieved before.

And to follow through with that, what do you need?

Answer: Determination

Determination is KEY in being successful in reaching your goals. It is an attitude that you have to nurture, until it becomes part of you. It is the characteristic that will take you from being a goal setter to a goal achiever. In fact, goal setting and determination should go hand in hand, paired from the beginning, the perfect combo.

So, how do you nurture determination in your life?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Be thankful for what you already have.

Setting goals should not come from a place of greed, but rather, from a place of hope.

Step back, look at what you have already received and achieved, what you have already been able to do.

Take some joy in what you have accomplished in the past.

Be assured by remembering what God has already enabled in your life.

2. Trust God to guide you.

Having support is invaluable when you are aiming to achieve something.

If you have people who are there for you and in your corner, you are #blessed.

Unfortunately, there are times when people let you down -- it's inevitable.

That's why before you go to people, go to God.

God will give you vision and fuel your determination in a way that nobody else can.

His limitless love for you will settle your spirit and always remind you how valuable and precious you are.

In every situation, whether you are at full steam ahead or on a downer (which happens), He will be there.

With every dream and aspiration, go to Him. Sometimes, what we want and what He wants for us are two different things.

One thing is for sure, what He wants for us is what we were created to do, and when we agree to do what we are created

to do, determination is never far away.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. - Psalm 28:7

3. Find someone to be accountable to.

Once you've got things sorted with God, find someone who you trust to share your goal with.

This could be a relative, teacher, mentor, or friend.

Being accountable to someone will help you to meet your goals.

Why?

Because you are human. There are times when you will want to give up.

Having someone there who is invested in your life and wants to see you develop will not only encourage you,

it will also give you a person who will motivate you when you don't have the motivation within yourself.

Remember, it is a privilege to have someone to be accountable to. Don't take this lightly.

Listen to them, accept their encouragement -- and their criticism -- and be thankful for the time they give to you.

4. Give yourself a break

If you are on the verge of giving up, take heart: Rome wasn't built in a day.

In any project you have, remind yourself that it takes time to become a master of something.

If you're tired or frustrated, don't give up on your goals; just have a break.

Spend some time seeking God, go for a walk, take a nap. Being burned out never helped anyone.

You are ALLOWED to rest. In fact, God encourages it.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. - Psalm 23: 1-3

In conclusion:

Nurture your determination by being thankful, trusting in God's guidance, having accountability, and giving yourself a break when you need it.

Then, with that determination, OWN those 2020 goals and resolutions!

Comment below on what you do to grow determination in your own life.

What's New in 2020?

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 13:00:00 +0000

A Thought for January

Why not make your first resolution for 2020 to be thankful in all circumstances? The circumstances may be quite challenging within an increasingly hostile spiritual environment and a ‘zeitgeist’ (meaning: time ghost) of successive governments increasingly liberal. Many have indeed forgotten (and openly spurned) the ancient paths. So be it. Be thankful in all circumstances.

Do not be conformed to the time ghost of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind

that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Seek first the Kingdom of God and all your spiritual & material needs will be added unto you

For as many as are led by the the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Our Scriptures are flooded with inspiration and encouragement that can take us out of the quagmire of an existential 'survival of the fittest' towards becoming sons and daughters of the living loving Creator God. How could we not be thankful? Bible verses so old fashioned to some are in fact eternally relevant equipping us for every good work.

In Him we live and move and have our being and we are complete in Him.

Enjoy your Christian Education journey this year and whatever you hear in the secret place (in your quiet time or office/learning centre), don’t hold it in. Share it with others. Shout it from the rooftops. Our God reigns!