2019 is finally here, it has been a few millenniums in the making. What shall we do with the gift of 2019 we have been given? Yes, I call it a gift, a present, one in which we should engaged with, for God has created and entrusted us with it. Psalm 118:24 says “this is the day the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it”. 2019 is a year the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
We’ve all come through tough and trying times, some more than others. David certainly knew hard times living in caves and fleeing for his life from his father in law, King Saul, though he had done no wrong; there was even a time David’s own men wanted to kill him after all had been taken away; but what do we find David doing? He encouraged himself in the Lord, another translation states David found strength in the Lord his God.
There are days we don’t feel like rejoicing, when it’s the last thing on our mind; our mood is downcast, it’s difficult to look up or find a silver lining in the clouds. We find the Psalmists were right there with us, and they laid it out before the Lord not hiding their feelings from him, yet, as they talked with the Lord their prayers ended in praise. God has given us this day, this year, to know him more intimately, to serve him, to walk in his extravagant love, and to know his amazing grace; God still has plans for good, to give us a future and a hope; further Romans 8:28 states “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”; are these not all something worth rejoicing over!
Gods’ looking for Kingdom ambassadors, not just inside the church but outside of its four walls; those who will take the Good News to others, who will cheer others up, be a support and encouragement; to share a kind word or smile, to let them know they are not alone, to give hope. We can’t all touch everyone, but we can all touch someone; maybe it’s the person behind us in the checkout line, taking our order, or perhaps dials our number in error – is it really an error or divine set up.
Many things in life are a matter of choice; will we choose to seek first the Kingdom of God in 2019? Will we choose to rejoice in it? Will we choose to be Kingdom ambassadors in the home, on the street, or in the marketplace?
What will we choose to do with the gift of 2019?
As the Camp Fire in neighboring Butte County ravage everything in its sight leaving a path of destruction and countless individuals fleeing for their lives, a Friend couldn’t sit by as evacuees drove past our church. He wanted to fix them breakfast and headed to the church with a griddle and pancake mix in hand; another friend and I signed on bringing the oatmeal. We changed the marque to invite evacuees to breakfast; giving them a chance to catch their breath, receive comfort and prayer before pushing on; that was the beginning of an adventure in operating an evacuation shelter. 
“I am looking for those with open ears and hearts willing to hear what I have to say, to take my words to heart and run with them as their own; for those who are yielded in spirit and truth, desiring clean hands and hearts and to live a life of holiness [not perfection]; for one who is surrendered and dedicated to me. Are you one? Do you know where others are? Take My message to like minded ones, stoke the fires of passion burning for righteousness, fan the flames, open the doors of the heart that a fresh breath of heaven can enter unhindered. Today is the day of revival in individual lives for those that welcome Me with sincerity. I have longed for this day of open invitation, I will dine with those who invite me in and make My ways known to them, to give them greater insight of what has been considered the mysteries of heaven. Those who have eyes to see – let them see, those with ears hungering to hear – let them hear, those with a mind set on understanding – let them understand. Those who desire the way, truth, and life – let them come to Me – they will find it.”
Time with Me is well spent. When you rush around doing all sorts of things, without any focus on Me, it wears you down. When you spend time with Me you rejuvenate, gain focus, and can handle the stressors in life easier. I’m a joy giver – not a joy robber, I give peace to the weary, I am like a cool drink on a hot day; try spending more time with Me and see if life doesn’t go better for you, not that the things to do will change but how you feel in and after them will. Come with an open mind and give it a try.
Ever have those days or even seasons when life is tough, when you’re not certain you can go on or take another step; when hope begins to fade and in the dark with eyes cast heavenward, you cry out “I can’t do it alone!”
You are Mine, from the day I formed you I wanted a relationship with you. I rejoiced the day you said yes to my invitation; it has not always been a steadfast relationship – your feet wandered but they returned wholeheartedly to Me. I know the desire of your heart is for me, I see your pursuit to know Me in deep ways, I know I can trust you on an increasing level; continuously stir up the desire and fan the flames of passion – keeping your eyes focused. The life and fulfillment you want is found in your pursuit of Me. Don’t worry about the enemy’s plans – focus on mine, don’t buy into his lies – receive and hold onto my truth and your days will prosper. There is a bubble over you that grows thicker with each encounter with Me. The adversary is scared of Who you carry and will try to slip you up, beware of his ways, guard your heart while you rest in Me; he has already been defeated, the power and authority you need to enforce your position as the victor comes from a life lived with Me. Do not give him any authority I took away and gave to you, you are my heir – a child of promise and purpose. I have good plans for you; these coming years will be your greater years, the more you seek is coming as you stay open to Me.
As you pause to focus on Me I become more clear, My ways not as mysterious; your heart begins to understand Mine, there is a deeper spirit communication that transcends mere words. I want to be known not as a myth or fairy-tale but as the Living God – I Am. As you explore My word and seek my face I will become more real to you than your own breath; let Me breathe upon you, don’t be shy or afraid, in Me and My presence is what you have been longing for. Be still and know that I am who I say I am.
You are My love, the reason I gave My life. I am and will be, always faithful to you. When you are afraid look at Me, I am right beside you, move closer under the shelter of my wings; hear my heart – it beats with love and care for you. Let me be your strength when you are weak, I will lift you up to stand and take each step with you. I am forever faithful, not just today but every day, not just in this moment but in every moment.
How I do love you, from the time I conceived you in My spirit until the time you came forth from your mothers’ womb, even unto this day – I have loved you with an everlasting love. You are My child, I have watched over you, sending angels on assignment for your benefit. I have seen every hurt, tear, pain, joy, and celebration – and been right there with you in them. I know all about you, everything you have done, and still love you. I am the quiet voice in the stillness calling you into a deeper relationship, to know me as I know you. My hand is out stretched – won’t you take it? There is still much life yet to be done – doing it hand in hand with Me is the best way to do it.
Beyond the Silver Coin 