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“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts” – Psalm 139:23

Thirteen weeks to Christmas! What happened to the other 39 weeks of 2024? The better question is: Wat will we do with the next thirteen weeks? May I suggest a few practical things for us to focus on. Amber talked about a spiritual spring-clean.

Our time with God matters. Read again through some of your favourite passages and make time to talk about it with others. Hebrews 4: 12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart.”

Reflect: How would you rate your time with God and in His Word?

Our Attitudes play a crucial role in how we live in relationships with others.

Ephesians 4:31 counsels us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Look for areas of your life for which you’re ungrateful. Consider where you are still easily angered or sarcastic. Explore why you’re still fearful of certain people and situations.

Reflect: How do you go about maintaining an “attitude of gratitude”?

Our Integrity matters to God. It reflects what kind of ambassadors we are, how well we represent Jesus.

In Colossians 3:9 – 10 we’re instructed, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Look for areas in your life where you may have exaggerated your own good qualities or achievements to make yourself look good. Will the real You please stand? Assess whether or not you live one way in front of your Christian friends and another way at home or at work.

Reflect: How would you rate your integrity? Do others trust you to follow through on your promises?

Next month, I’ll add a few more practical ways for us to open our hearts to God and the Holy Spirit.