As we cross over into the New Year with resolutions, plans, and intents in hand it may seem like we are facing the Jordan river, crossing over into something new; as we are still (silent) before the Lord we can almost sense Him saying, be strong and very courageous, there are times that are going to be tough, they will not always be easy or necessarily pleasant at the time, yet you will be able to rejoice in the outcome of what I do and how I use you. Be strong and of good courage for I am with you. Don’t back down in the face of opposition, stand your ground, stand on My word, quiet your inner thoughts so you can hear what I am saying, see what I am doing, then let Me speak through you (give you the words to say). Take courage, I’m with you not against you when you are walking in My will.
Can we say as Joshua did when there was a choice to be made after crossing over, “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord”? In the New Year can we let our words be full of life, hope, and encouragement, spoken with genuine care and concern for the individual – even when they are different than us; words that lift them up and not bring them down; that the only thing being torn down by our words are the works and plans of the enemy as we release truth, expose the adversaries’ plans, and love others with the love of the Lord?
Let’s not fear what others will think as we share what the Lord would have of say, He’s got our back and He backs up His word. We do not need to fear what is ahead, fear is of the enemy to try and stop us. We need to go forth but not go it alone, we need go with the Lord guiding us through; He knows the way, the pitfalls, and undertows. We make better decisions when we choose to do life with Jesus be at the center of all we do; as we go with the Lord his banner of love flies over us.
As we cross over into the New Year let’s be strong and very courageous, choosing not to be silent or serve other gods. As God was with Joshua, so he will be with us.
Ever strike up a casual conversation with someone in the checkout line and wind up talking about Jesus, then notice the encounter lifted your spirit changing the tone of your day? Or perhaps receive a call from a wrong number leading to an opportunity to pray for the caller?
Some words I feel the Lord is giving me are not as easy to release as others. I contemplated this one for a while this morning. For me it is a good reminder that I am not responsible to carry all the burdens of the world or to pick up other people’s offenses. It certainly doesn’t mean I don’t care for the individual or the situation, if I didn’t I wouldn’t be tempted to pick them up to begin with; I for one have enough cares of my own that I need the Lord’s help with that I don’t need to take on what is not mine to carry. I hope and trust this is an encouragement to someone else as well.
The doors are open come on in. I am always happy to see you, sit with Me for a while, lay down your cares, set the busyness aside and just be with Me. Remember the day we first met and you invited Me in – I do; it was a special day and heaven rejoiced. It has been an adventure since that first day and we’re only getting started. Take My hand and let’s continue on, more awaits.
Beyond the Silver Coin 