Providence

Hello Salt followers, thank you for joining us this week. Happy Thanksgiving to our American readers. Some of our Saltines are very busy at this time of year so we're a little down on numbers this week.

Ruth here with the theme of Providence. I have been reflecting recently on God's timely provision of a home to our family and how he truly does meet our every need. So often we get a little confused and think our 'wants' are our 'needs' and may even spend time praying for things that our Heavenly Father know will not be right for us. I recently heard a sermon where the preacher said sometimes God answers yes, no or later. However what we can be assured of is the promises God does give us. He has made eternal provision for us. Through his Son we are provided for in the most crucial way possible, and although there are promises about our practical needs...

Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

there is an even more precious promise...

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ²In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴And you know the way to where I am going." John 14:1-4

We hope you will join in with our theme this week, please let us know if you do!

Ruth

Hazel



Pauline

Stacy

Reflecting on change

Following on from the 'transformation' challenge that Pauline set last Thursday - and, by the way, that challenge is still current, so we would love to see you design something for it - I'm continuing to reflect upon 'transformation'.

We all go through various changes in our lives, from childhood, through adolescence into adulthood - eventually becoming middle aged and later on, senior citizens - I now fall into that category. Of course, sadly for some an early death denies them the later stages of life.

But we also go through changes of circumstances - relationships, career, health, friendships, where we live etc. And, apart from personal changes, there are many changes going on around us, most of them outside of our control, but they affect our lives - changes in society, in government policies etc.

As our 'transformation' crafting testified, Jesus is transforming Christians - we are 'new creations'. I know that He still needs to make many more changes in me even though I've been on the Christian pathway for many years.

But amid all this, I am so thankful that, despite all other changes, God Himself is unchanging. 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,' Hebrews 13:8 is one of my favourite verses - I know that I can depend upon the One who never changes, whatever I face in life.

Transformation

Before I introduce this week's challenge, we have some Design Team news - Julie and Tanis are stepping down from the team after having been involved in SALT for a long time. We're all incredibly sad to say goodbye to them, having been inspired by their thoughts on the challenges and having enjoyed the fellowship we've had on the team. Thank you to both of you for everything you've done for the SALT blog, for your insights on the challenges, and for the friendship we've been able to have with you.

We hope you will join with us in wishing Julie and Tanis every blessing. Hopefully they will both keep in touch with SALT, maybe even joining in a challenge every now and then!

__________

As we've moved rather rapidly from summer to autumn and almost instantly (in Scotland anyway!) into winter, I've been thinking about the seasons and how seamlessly we move through the year and each stage of the transformation. As Christians, we are transformed by God, we are new creations when we allow Christ into our lives. We read in 2 Corinthians 5, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come". In our relationship with Christ we leave behind our old selves and are transformed by His love. Dave Bilbrough's worship song speaks of us being new creations,

I am a new creation,

No more in condemnation

Here in the grace of God I stand

My heart is overflowing

My love just keeps on growing

Here in the grace of God I stand.

And I will praise you God

Yes I will praise you God

And I will sing of all that you have done

A joy that knows no limit

A lightness in my spirit

Here in the grace of God I stand

As we move from our current season (which season it is will depend where you're living so I won't assume everyone is getting as cold as me!) I pray that we will find joy in the transformation taking place both in nature and in ourselves.

Remember to link to your blog in the comments section if you are inspired to create something on the theme. I hope you will consider taking part and letting us see your work.

Pauline

Hazel


Lythan
Kim

Ruth

Still thinking about Priorities....

I think Priorities is the theme of my year!

Still seeking and searching for wisdom and growth in this area. It's a busy life, this life of ours. Somehow chaos and stress seem to be the norm - I see it everywhere I look. And it's NOT the life God wants for us.

He wants us to have peace. And He wants our lives to be purposeful, to have goals, to have direction - all to bring glory to Him.

I was reading through this devotional, and just LOVED the way the author expressed these thoughts...

We first need to remember our purpose in this life, and evaluate our priorities. If we fill our schedules with things that have nothing to do with our purpose – if they don’t bring us closer to our goals, then we run around in chaos, being busy but pointless! If we’re not making the important things priority, then we are out of balance.

Jesus paid a very high price to reconcile us back to God, to make peace and give us an abundant life. He is a God of order who never meant for us to be too busy to enjoy the simple pleasures He offers, which lead to contentment, joy and peace. Complicated lives prevent “simple freedom”. It really is that simple.

Dear God, please help me get my life and home organized. Help me make it simple, not complex and complicated. Help me understand what matters most and enjoy life on earth the way You want me to. In Jesus’ precious Name. Amen. 

(excerpt taken from http://womenbygrace.com/womens-devotions/simplify-your-life/)