For me, the new year has always been synonymous with new stationery—with a new school year around the corner, January involved gathering the necessary supplies of exercise books, pens, pencils, and cases. Hours were then spent naming each item and creating collages on the covers of our books that Mum would expertly cover in duraseal. The smell of fresh paper and the thought of what would fill these empty pages was intoxicating for this word-girl.
We often talk of a new year as being the chance to turn the page and start afresh; a blank page on which we can begin again. But the older I get, the more I realise it's not quite that simple—we are the accumulation of all our pages and the start of a new one does not magically erase all that has gone before. Nor should we want it to.
Deuteronomy has long been one of my favourite books of the Old Testament, and in it, Moses prepares the Israelites for a new season; readying them to finally enter the promised land under the leadership of Joshua. How does he do this? By recounting their history. Understanding their past, remembering what God had done for them and recalling his instruction, were critical to them being able to move forward well—and it is no different for us.
Yes, this new year marks the beginning of a new season. It does have days yet unwritten that we have the privilege of partnering with God in. But don't be too hasty to turn the page on what precedes these blank days—just like a book, the chapters of your story build upon one another. Take the time to recount your history with God—allow Him to bring perspective and understanding to it—celebrate His faithfulness and listen to His instruction. Then boldly step into the new things He wants to add to your story, knowing it's never too late for a plot-twist.
To help you navigate the tension of past, present, and future, I'm including this free download: Reflections on Change. I pray that it helps you to embrace the new things God is wanting to do in your life this year while honouring what has already been.
As you move into 2020, may:
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face toward you
and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26, NIV
With love,
Aimée
XOXO
P.S. Don't forget the first Joyful Life Community Study of 2020 gets underway next week and I'd love you to join me! You'll find the details below!
Bible translations—there's probably never been so many options to choose from. So how do we choose one and what are the differences? Before we dive in, I just want to say this, discussions about translations can get divisive. I don't think they need to. Each type of translation can add to our understanding and love of God's Word—but even more so if we have a knowledge of its approach and goals.
What types of translations are there?
There are essentially three types of translations: literal or word for word; dynamic or thought for thought; and free or paraphrase. They can best be understood in a continuum, with literal at one end, free at the other and dynamic taking a middle-ground approach. This chart is a good visual guide of where the different translations sit on the spectrum.
In very simple language, literal translations focus on preserving the word and structure choice of the original writers whereas a dynamic translation focuses on preserving the meaning or thoughts of those words (which can be lost in some of the more literal 'literal' translations). Paraphrases take this dynamic approach even further and ask, "how would we say that today?" and for this reason, many theologians recommend that we read them more as a personal commentary than a translation. Paraphrases also tend to be the work of one individual rather than a team acting as a check and balance against personal bias.
What type of translation should I use?
For daily reading and study, it's often recommended that you choose a translation to the left of the middle. For example, within the literal translations, the ESV and CSB move more toward a dynamic translation and within the dynamic translations, the NIV and NRSV move more toward a literal translation. Within this range, you'll usually get something that while remaining true to the original language still makes sense for the modern reader. Paraphrases are great for personal devotional reading, but be wary of using them as a primary source for study or teaching. If you're using them in a study or teaching context, be sure to cross-reference them against translations to the left of the spectrum.
For my own daily reading, I'm a die-hard NIV girl :). But whenever I'm doing in-depth study, I make sure I read from a range of more literal translations to help me better understand the nuances of the passage. When I feel like I've over-read a particular passage and want fresh eyes for it, I'll often pick up a paraphrase like the Message or The Passion Translation. Whatever translation you're using, don't lose sight of the truth that Scripture is God's love letter to you—it tells the story of the lengths He went to to redeem you and contains His wisdom to restore you and conform you to the likeness of Christ. Enjoy it and most importantly—read it!
For extra reading on how to choose a good translation, check out some of these resources:
I've been re-reading John Bevere's "Drawing Near: A Life of Intimacy with God." Centred around God's invitation in James 4:8 to draw near to Him and in turn, experience Him drawing near to us, Bevere explores God's desire for intimacy with His people throughout Scripture while issuing a challenge to us to pro-actively pursue this depth of relationship with Him for ourselves. Covering topics like passion for His presence, friendship with God, the nature of true worship and hinderances to intimacy, each chapter closes with reflection questions to help you apply what you're learning.
Sue Moore Donaldson of "Welcome Heart" has fast become one of my favourite people to learn from—her passion for Jesus and her zest for life are contagious!
Recently, Sue launched a podcast, "Make It Count: Living a Legacy Life," to encourage and equip people to live a life that invests in what really matters—people and God. Whether she's sharing wisdom from her own life or interviewing other women about what it means to them to live a legacy life, these short, upbeat episodes will leave you inspired to take what's in your hand and use it to honour God. I had the privilege of being on her podcase in mid-December to chat about life in the Word—listen to it here.
For much of the past two decades, I have used the ACTS method of prayer journaling two to three times a week. With its four-prong focus of adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication, this method has been a helpful way of turning my heart and attention toward the goodness and faithfulness of God, and of allowing Him to bring correction and truth where it is needed. If you don't have the time to do all four in one sitting, get creative—you could use one focus a day or spread them across the day. Remember, these are tools to serve you and help deepen your relationship with God, so use them in a way that suits your season.
ADORATION: Spend some time adoring God. Be specific—you may like to use a Psalm to shape your worship or focus on a particular attribute or name.
CONFESSION: Use this time to evaluate your life and heart—what is working and what isn't? Pay attention to where you find yourself feeling anxious or short-fused and consider how God might be inviting to re-order things. Confess known sin and ask the Holy Spirit to search and know your heart; to test you and know your anxious thoughts. Allow Him to show you if there is any offensive way in you, and lead you in the way everlasting (Psalm 139: 23-24).
THANKSGIVING: Give thanks to God for His current activity in your life—count your blessings!
SUPPLICATION: Bring your needs and requests before the Lord.
13th-26th January | Joyful Life Community Bible Study | The Good Shepherd | It's not too late to join me for this study of Psalm 23. Order your Study Guide here. This edition has been substantially revised with additional study notes, lengthened reflections and updated questions.
Saturday 25th April | Day Retreat | The Table is Prepared | Places are limited and filling fast so pop to the website and register here. I am also available to run my retreats for Churches and Women's groups, contact me for more details.