#55 You Make a Difference

Photograph: Another wedding photo; one that I love because it shows reflection, contentment and an atmosphere of peace.

Dear Readers,

Half a year has passed by just like that and finally I feel like I am getting some routine back in my life. My husband and I are now settled into our new home and enjoying each other’s company immensely. Seeing my best friend every day is such a blessing.

This past month I’ve been feeling challenged to pray more and watch what I say. It’s so easy to be critical or just say what I feel before thinking of the impact of my words. It is hard to remember to pray, especially when everything is going well. I will admit I have not had the best prayer routine, so I do struggle with this.

Why is it though, that as soon as we are in need we tend to turn straight to God, asking for him to fix the situation? Why would He even want to help us when all we do is ask favours of him, demanding he heal this person or provide x, y and z for us.

And yet, because of His nature, He never turns his back on us. He always hears our petitions and answers. The responses may not necessarily be what we want to hear, but if we wait patiently and continue to seek His face, we will see that His way is truly best way. All we need is time and a humble heart to see He is always right.

2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Our words are so powerful and even the Bible warns about the power of the tongue and how, “no man can tame the tongue” (James 3:8). I see it every day whether I am at home or at work. The faces of people around me light up when things are said to them with genuine care and consideration. The positive attention they get lifts their confidence and moral. However, in the same day I can see a word spoken in a harsh tone, in a moment of frustration and it can crush the other person. They had such high hopes of wanting the other person’s approval and acceptance but all they got was criticism and rejection.

I challenge you this month to be more aware of your words. Speak life (Proverbs 18:21) and make your body language towards others positive and accepting. You’ll be amazed at the response you’ll get from others. And remember to pray. Pray earnestly for those around you. When you see a horrible news report on the television, pray. When you pass an accident on the road or hear an ambulance go by, pray for the people involved. When you feel frustrated and angry, walk away and pray before you open your mouth.

Let God’s love ooze out of every fibre of your being, for you carry His presence in you through the Holy Spirit. You are an atmosphere changer. There is power in being aware of it!

God bless you,

Jane Bishop

Each month as I think about what songs have been speaking to me and which ones to share, I also take some time to work out which order to put them in. I believe this is a crucial part of sharing these with you, for each one leads into the next and builds on from the previous song. I hope that gives you a bit more insight as to why I list the songs the way I do.

Hillsong – Wonder

Elevation Worship – Do It Again

Elevation Worship – Give Me Faith

Housefires – Lifter