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.
You do not need to fear what is ahead; fear is from the enemy to try and stop you. My word is go, but don’t go it alone – take Me with you. I know the way, the pitfalls, and undertows, I will guide you through.
Those with listening ears continually seeking to hear will hear. Those knocking will have a door opened. Never quit praying for or pursuing what I have laid on your heart or promised you in My word. The faithful shall see My faithfulness in the fullness of time.
Do not fear the storms (difficult times), I know the clouds look black and threatening; let My love and peace fill you in turbulent times, and at all times, so you can face the storms of life with strength and power, and soundness of mind – which will allow you to be a beacon of hope and encouragement to others. Some things are lost in the storms while other are brought forth but not seen until the storm is past. Keep your eyes on Me and your hope alive.
My child, my child, you worry about many things. Why? Do you not know I am for you, that I am on your side? Bring all your cares and burdens to me then stand back and see what I will do. As you trust in Me and your faith rises, notice the peace that begins to fill you, how the overwhelming circumstances now appear different and you see them in a different light – from a new perspective. When you trust Me with your cares and burdens sometimes the circumstances change, other times your viewpoint changes; either way the heaviness and fear that once bound you loses its grip.
I am your joy and your strength. They come from knowing Me and being in fellowship, a deep communion, with Me. I invite you to know Me more intimately, to know My heart, to understand My ways. To know who you are through My eyes, to see yourself as I do – through my eyes of love for you. You were not just an afterthought or mistake, but one I thought extensively about before your being was formed; I took delight in you then and I still do today. You were no accident, I desired you and planned for you and wanted to have a relationship with you, then and now; come – let knowing Me and My love for you be your source of joy and strength.
I have much to say as the time draws near. I am calling all to Me, those that are mine that none be lost for lack of hearing. I need faithful witnesses in this hour, those who will proclaim the good news. Those who will speak in the opposite spirit than that which is prevalent in the airways, those who will release hope, love, unity, peace, and Me. Words that will encourage the church to stand fast, to be strong and courageous, to not faint as the hour grows near. I’m not yet done calling my people home, but how will they hear unless someone speaks? Your words are far more precious than silver or gold, they are life – eternal life.
Posturing yourself to hear Me is a good thing, the proud and haughty typically do not receive My invitation to talk, yet those who are meek and humble wait in anticipation desiring to hear, desiring to dialogue with Me; to them I am their strength, their guide, their hope, their love, and their God. They recognize their need for a relationship with Me. They know where their help comes from and seeks my counsel and wisdom. Not all who claim to be Mine truly know Me; to some I am simply fire insurance, to others I am life – present and eternal. Each of their own free will chooses, some ignore Me declining my invitation – ignoring My knock or tug on their hearts, while some open but remain superficial – only allowing Me just inside; still others dive deep – surrendering all and find the abundant life in Me which is far more precious than silver or gold. Ah, that all would dive in deep; what about you, what will you do? Come taste and see that I am good, find the joys of a life surrendered to Me.
Beyond the Silver Coin 