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new year

Demi Tebow Shares 5 Verses Of Encouragement To Experience God Deeper This New Year

by Christel Berns January 4, 2023

Former Miss Universe and wife of Tim Tebow, Demi, shares five verses of encouragement to experience God deeper this new year.

Powerful Message For New Year

In a recent Instagram post, Demi Tebow greeted her followers with a “Happy New Year.” Then she shared words of encouragement from the Scripture to kick off the year.

Photo Courtesy | Instagram – demitebow

Demi posted a photo where she wrote the five truths from the book of Colossians in the Bible. She wished her followers a “Happy New Year” and captioned that they should save the five verses for encouragement. She then added, “I pray that you experience God’s grace in a deeper way this year. Take risks, laugh a lot, and be a better version of who you were this past year! Much love.”

5 Verses Of Encouragement

The first graphical text reads, “Today is the start of a new year and tomorrow is heavily dependent on the decisions we make every day!”

Demi’s first point referred to Colossians 3:2 from the Bible, where it was written, “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” So, her first point is, “Keep perspective on what matters most.”

Photo Courtesy | Instagram – demitebow

Second, “Reflect the love of Jesus with our actions” is based on Colossians 3:12. It was written, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Third, she wrote, “Forgive quickly because life is too short to hold grudges,” based on Colossians 3:13. It was written, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

DANICA MCKELLAR ENDED 2022 WITH A GRATEFUL ATTITUDE FOR HER NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS

Fourth, “Worry less and be grateful more.” Colossians 3:15 reads, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Finally, Demi encouraged to “pursue excellence in all we do.” Colossians 3:17 reads, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Thank you, Demi, for this powerful New Year’s message!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Demi-Leigh Tebow (@demitebow)

Reference | Instagram – demitebow

January 4, 2023 0 comment

Articles

The Soaring ’20s: Welcome To Your Triumphant Entry

by Brian Taylor January 6, 2020

written by Brian Taylor

You have found your way into this brand-new year and brand-new decade. The Soaring ’20s. Let me congratulate you on your triumphant entry. No matter what you may have thought about the last year and decade, you are alive today! And you should count yourself as a victor and not a victim. Whatever tests, trials, obstacles, and pains you’ve endured, it did not kill you. So, with that said, you are already a winner.

The Soaring ’20s: We’ve Come A Long Way

If you’re like me, there’s a slight possibility that you took the time to watch a few of the television networks present a review of the last year and decade of all the highlights and even lowlights that this nation and even the world has faced. It is amazing to think about all that as occurred in the span of ten years. Even more amazing is the reality that as we press forward into the years ahead, things will go exponentially faster and things will happen as rapidly as the technological capabilities advance and enable us.

A note of caution: Do not look back upon the years that have past as a loss or as a defeat. It is an opportunity to see how much you have overcome in spite of all that may have not been as you’d like. However, the good in it is always that the past ten years presents you with lessons to grow on. Consider the last ten years as an experiment. As such, you learn what worked, what needs improvement, how doing one, a few, or many things differently might have created another outcome. The airplane, the computer, Disneyland, and yes, even Rome were not built in a day. They all took time, trial and error. Your life is full of complexities. So, give yourself much latitude. The future is wide open in the Soaring 20’s.

Final Words

With that said, strap yourself in and set yourself for the ride of your life. Be excited and energized by the possibilities that are before you in the Soaring ’20s era. No one can make your year and decade the decade you desire but you and God. Find yourself in Him and let Him lead you into all the truth of this new moment in your life’s journey.

I’m praying that you are as excited about your future as I am. Let’s forge ahead to see what this generation’s ’20s will be. A century ago, it was known as the Roaring ‘20s. Perhaps this time around will present an opportunity for a new kind of roar or perhaps a Soaring ’20s.

January 6, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Passion 2020: 60,000+ Show Up to Worship, Ring in New Year

by Emily Wheelock January 3, 2020

written by Emily Wheelock

Atlanta, Georgia rang in the New Year in style. More than 65,000 College Students showed up to the kick-off of Passion 2020. Young Christians gathered at the Atlanta Stadium to kick-off a new decade with worship, prayer, and teachings from the Bible. Studies show a decline in Christians over the past decade, but the kick-off seems to show otherwise.

Passion 2020 | Dec. 31 - Jan. 2

Watch this video on YouTube

Passion 2020 Details

For the next three days, many young Christians will be attending with leaders from their churches and campuses at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Major attendees will be the founders of Passion, Louie and Shelley Giglio, as the hosts of the events and the Passion Band as performers.

The website declares, “Passion is more than a conference. Passion is you and me saying goodbye to lesser things and saying yes to Jesus, the One whose name is above every name.”

The young Christians will hear from many speakers. This includes Tim Tebow, Ravi Zacharias, Christine Caine, Levi Lusko, John Piper, and Sadie Robertson. If you are attending, expect performances by the Passion Band, Hillsong United, Lecrae, Kari Jobe, and Cody Carnes. And also in attendance are Elevation Music, Crowder, Trip Lee, Andy Mineo, Social Club Misfits, Tedashii and Sean Curran.

END IT

The END IT movement that launched Passion in 2013 has raised $8.3 million to fight modern-day slavery such as human trafficking. Their website states the following:

“Born out of the belief that even one person trapped in slavery is too many, #ENDITMOVEMENT is a coalition of the leading organizations in the world in the fight for freedom. Each of our amazing coalition partners is doing the work, on the ground, every day, to bring awareness prevention, rescue, and restoration. Joined by students and Senators, Nonprofits and Fortune 500s, END IT is each of us standing for what’s right until the number of men, women, and children suffering in silence moves from 40 million to ZERO.”

In addition, money raised will also go to Share Light. Share Light is a campaign to see the Bible scriptures translated into the 6,000 known languages. Last year, at Passion 2019, students raised $400,000 to translate the Bible for deaf people across the world.

Passion 2020 is sold out but you can check out their website here.

January 3, 2020 0 comment

Articles Video

Georgia Quarterback Jake Fromm Brings Reporter To Tears

by Christel Berns January 3, 2020

written by Christel Berns

Year 2019 is gone and a new year – and decade! – has begun. A lot of people make resolutions to better themselves, achieve personal goals, try new things, etc. But for the Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm, his goal for 2020 is to lead people to Jesus.

On December 31, 2019 ESPN’s Holly Rowe posted on Twitter her recent interview with Jake. And she did not expect what she heard from him.

An Interview With Jake Fromm

Holly asked Jake Fromm about the team’s perspective of others skipping the game in order to prepare for the NFL draft. And Jake replied in support of his colleagues and teammates.

“We have a ton of [young] guys – this is their opportunity. They’re ready to go out and play. They’re gonna play great,” he said.

Lauren Daigle Breaks Records, ‘You Say’ Is Biggest Christian Song of All Time

Jake’s optimism impressed Holly. And she commended him, “You’re literally the world’s most positive person. You walk in and I feel good, positive energy.”

Then she curiously asked, “Why are you like that?”

Jake Fromm

Revealing Who is in Him

“It’s the Holy Spirit in me. I’m trying to live out the most godly life I can do. I’m trying to influence others and hope they can see Christ in me,” he told Holly with a big smile on his face.

Jake’s sincere response unexpectedly brought the reporter to tears. She then further asked if there was any goal he had in mind for the New Year.

He said, “Influence others, lead people to Jesus.”

Holly Rowe wrote on Twitter, “For the New Year, let’s all be a shining light in this world like @FrommJake. Honestly brought me to tears today with his positive, lovely spirit. Many blessings to this young man. @GeorgiaFootball should be so proud to have him leading this team.”

God is raising another child of His to be an influencers for the Kingdom. To God be the glory!

For the New Year, let’s all be a shining light in this world like @FrommJake
Honestly brought me to tears today with his positive, lovely spirit. Many blessings to this young man. @GeorgiaFootball should be so proud to have him leading this team. pic.twitter.com/GOGB8E5anR

— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) December 31, 2019

Source: Christian Headlines

January 3, 2020 0 comment

Articles Video

65,000 Students Welcome New Year Worshipping Jesus

by Christel Berns January 2, 2020

written by Christel Berns

Unlike the typical welcoming of the New Year’s eve, more than 65,000 students and young people gathered together in an Atlanta stadium to welcome the New Year in prayer, worship and Bible teaching.

Passion Conference was founded by Louie and Shelley Giglio who have a heart for the youth. Attendees are millennials and Generation Z’ers from 1,680 universities, 50 states, from 81 countries.

Passion 2020

And this year, for the Passion 2020 Conference, over 65,000 students and leaders participated in the event. The gathering was held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31-January 2, 2020.

“Passion is more than a conference. More than an event. More than a feeling. Passion is you and me saying goodbye to lesser things and saying yes to Jesus, the One whose name is above every name,” the Passion website wrote.

Well-Known Christian Guest Speakers

The guest speakers present in the conference are well-known Christian leaders like John Piper, Sadie Robertson, Tim Tebow, Ravi Zacharias, Christine Caine and Levi Lusko. Christian worship teams like Hillsong United, Lecrae, Kari Jobe, and Cody Carnes, Elevation Music, Crowder, Trip Lee, Andy Mineo, Social Club Misfits, Tedashii and Sean Curran also led the worship.

More Than 250,000 Students “Stands For Christ” On Football Fields Across The US

At the event, Passion founder Louie Giglio said, “We’re not simply keepers of the light, but we are carriers of the light of Jesus to the world. One of the practical ways that we can carry that light to the world is to participate in the goal of Scripture translation. We’re launching a bold initiative at Passion 2020 in this new decade to Share Light.”

The Purpose

Passion wrote on twitter,

“We say goodbye to 2019 + hello to 2020. Imagine what God will do through you in the new decade; what opportunities will He lead you to, what challenges He will overcome on your behalf. The 20s are overflowing with possibilities, and we are ready and willing, full of expectation.”

The purpose of the event is to pray and declare God’s will to be done throughout the year. And also in the new decade!

Passion 2020 | Dec. 31 - Jan. 2

Watch this video on YouTube

Source: CBN News, Fox News

January 2, 2020 0 comment

Faith

Building For The New Year And Beyond

by Brian Taylor December 28, 2019

written by Brian Taylor

The year 2020 is quickly approaching and are you thinking about what you will be building in new season? As the new year presents both the ending of a thing and the beginning of a thing, it speaks to the gravity of what is to come. However, as we are a people whom God has given us the power and ability to create, design, establish, order and produce; we must acknowledge that a great deal of preparation must go into that so that where we go, we can go with as much thoughtfulness so that we might fulfill it.

Building Will Require Vision

Scripture tells us that there is a necessity for vision. As 2020 is a number that is associate with having perfect vision or clarity of vision, it behooves us to focus on vision, as this is an essential part for building what we’ve been called to do in this new year and decade.

As God is not only the author and giver of vision, it is our responsibility to write out the vision we’ve been given, so that we might be effective in producing it (Habakkuk 2:2-3). We see that the necessity of writing out vision is 1) those who have to run with the vision must be able to relay a proper message to others; 2) the vision is oriented for a future yet to be; and 3) it is also something that keeps attention focused on progress until it has become fulfilled. So, solidify your vision for what you desire the new year and decade to be.

Building Will Require Tools

It is difficult to build anything if you don’t have the necessary tools to accomplish what you hope to build. If you don’t have the proper tools, you’ll find yourself ill-equipped to finish and become frustrated by the process. People who build cars, buildings, businesses, or works of art must have tools at their ready in order to complete what they hope to build. Tools are required for anyone who is building Michaelangelo, Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers, and Walt Disney all required certain tools to fulfill their callings. If you need education, a new language, a certain experience, then commit to acquiring those things so that you can build without delay.

Building Will Require Resources

Jesus stated that no one commits to building a tower without first counting the cost (see Luke14:28). There is a cost to building. Whether you are building your physique, a home, a life, a family, a business, or a ministry it will cost you something. It requires resources so that you can meet the demands of building it. King David had hoped to build a temple for God. God told David he could not build the temple. This did not deter him.

David laid out the plan to have it done through his son. He gathered all of te necessary finances and things that Solomon would eventually require. We too must count the costs. What do we need and what must we give up to go after what we hope to gain? However you choose to go about this for what you hope to build in the year(s) to come, make sure that you do it so that there are no regrets.

Make sure that you give yourself the best opportunity to build a great and wonderful future. It’s completely open to you. God designed you for it and He put the ability in you to see it.

December 28, 2019 0 comment

Articles

New Year, New You! All GOD TV E-Courses 60% Off

by GOD TV December 27, 2019

written by GOD TV

We all know what it’s like to settle into a season where we feel stagnant and hunger for something more. This is why we at GOD TV are offering an incredible discount for all of our e-courses – we simply want you to thrive!

Invest in yourself. Take the opportunity to venture into this new year with a renewed perspective.

Spiritual Growth

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Affordable, convenient, and right at your fingertips. Sign up now because the offer ends Dec 31st!!!

Grow in the Prophetic

Discover the power of this prophetic hour at the New Beginnings 2020 Worldwide Prophetic Conference. Prophetically set on the 20th day of 2020. Stream the conference being held January 20-21, 2020, in Fort Worth, Texas. Hear from the top prophetic voices of our time. Speakers include Jamie Galloway, Robert Henderson, Patricia King, Chuck Pierce, Rabbi Jason Sobel and Pastor Troy Brewer. Worship will be led by Amanda Cook and Open Door Worship.

May 2020 be a year and a decade of promises fulfilled and much blessing!

December 27, 2019 0 comment

Articles

This Is The Hour For The Watchmen

by Brian Taylor October 8, 2019

written by Brian Taylor

We are entering the final stretch of the year 2019. Much has taken place and many people have been expecting much to occur. It is a time of great expectation. Many looked with expectancy of a harvest. Some expected the new thing, the releasing of a new wine and a new oil. Others expected the birthing of something awesome; some literally, some figuratively, and some spiritually. Whatever the case may be, many saw the fulfillment of what they expected, and others are still expecting. Some are even expecting changes in their personal circumstances and life situations.

As we move closer to the new year 2020, be encouraged that there is still time. It’s time to view this time of the year in a different light. I know that for many, what I’m about to say will seem odd, but stay with me. As this is the fourth quarter of the year, the final three months God said, see this also as the fourth watch.

Understanding the watches

According to some sources, there were originally only three watches of the night. However, through the influence of Rome the number of identified watches increased to four. With this in mind, the watches of the night are as follows: 1st watch (6PM to 9 PM), 2nd watch (9PM to 12 AM), 3rd watch (12AM to 3AM) and the 4th watch is (3AM to 6AM).

In Lamentations 2:19 we find a reference to the first watch in which Jeremiah says to cry out in the first watch of the night and to pour out your heart like water before the Lord’s presence. In Luke we find a reference to both the second and third watch in the 12th chapter where Jesus speaks a parable of a good servant in whom his master finds him doing what he was expected to be doing, and as a result blessed him. Matthew and Mark both present the only reference to the fourth watch, in which Jesus walks on water, meeting Peter and the others whom he’d sent ahead of him after feeding the five thousand.

Prayer and intercession

People who have an understanding of prayer and intercession recognize the significance of these hours, as they are often the hours in which significant things occur. It is also the time in which many who are known as prophetic intercessors are known to be visited by God. These are the hours where great prayers are lifted with expectation that God is moving and desiring to release powerful things from the heavens into the earth.

I believe that this fourth quarter of the year is going to be viewed as a fourth watch for the remainder of the year. For many people, the fourth watch is setting up a period in which God is making up the difference for which we could not do in our own ability. We’ve tilled the soil, sown the seeds, watered the ground and stayed connected to the light of His word, stayed faithful to steward everything placed in our charge.

Watchmen in the New Year

After doing all that we can do, all that is left is to keep watch for what God will do. The hour of the watchman has come. Be encouraged to watch not only what is happening around you, watch what God is doing and about to do going into the new year. This fourth watch was ushered in with Rosh Hashanah. As this Hebrew new year 5780 ushered in a new era for prophetic intercession, prayer and declaration, know that the significance for the watchmen won’t end with the conclusion of the year but is only the dawning of that era.

The watchmen are significant in that they guard what goes in and out of a place. The watchmen are necessary in this next era because what is yet to be requires great attention and stewardship of the time. Do not make the mistake of thinking that what is coming in the days, weeks, and years ahead is more of what has been. God is doing a new thing and the watchmen must ensure to protect, secure, and permit only those things that are God ordained.

May you have the heart of a watchman in this hour!

October 8, 2019 0 comment

Articles

Winner Takes All

by Estelle Ade-Odunlade January 26, 2019

written by Estelle Ade-Odunlade

“Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “when you see the ark of covenant of the Lord your God and the Levitical Priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go ………..” (Joshua 3: 1 – 4a)

It’s a new day!

As the Bible says, with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day. Therefore, I want to wish everyone a happy new year, a happy new season, whatever you call it, the most important thing is that it is NEW!

Welcome to this new time in your life, where we can start our lives all over again, it’s like yesterdays disappointments are wiped clean and we have this new day to start afresh.

In the last week of 2018, while reflecting over and thinking about the coming new year I was led by the Holy Spirit to read the first few chapters of the book of Joshua. The book was named after Joshua who became the leader of Israel after Moses died, he was known as the assistant to Moses before he became the leader. He was a man of great courage, a faithful co-worker, a man who walked in obedience to God, he was a man who loved God’s house and God’s presence (see Exodus 33 :11), there he received progressive revelation on his service (see Joshua 1:1-9 ) and many more.

The story of Joshua’s leadership began at the doorstep of Israel’s entrance into Canaan while waiting to cross over the Jordan. This was a challenge, but as a result of God’s presence and his direction it was a success. If he had tried to cross Jordan and conquer the promised land his own way, chaos would have resulted. Hearing God’s voice, agreeing to it, carrying out the plan and putting his principles into action is a model we as Christians should emulate.

Referring back to the opening verse from Joshua 3, “when you see the ark of covenant of the Lord your God and the Levitical Priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go since you have never being this way before………”

Before the Israelites could cross the Jordan river and claim the Promise Land, God gave them specific instructions, one of them was, when they see the Ark of covenant carried by the priests start moving, they should follow it. The Ark of covenant was a symbol of God’s presence and power and Joshua had to allow the presence of God to lead and guide them into new territories. It’s amazing what happened. The Ark led them and showed them the way. If a symbol of God’s presence made a way for the people, how much more will the presence of God, the Holy Spirit which lives in us, lead us and guide us today (see John 16:13).

As we are in the beginning stages of this year, God is saying to us: be patient, let the presence of the Lord – Holy Spirit lead you. Let the Lord reveal himself to you before you try to follow Him. I know the excitement is high right now, you have goals you want to accomplish, dreams you want to fulfill or resurrect, or plans that you have written down. In spite of this, we must be willing to accept delays because God has the perfect plan and time for everything that we need to accomplish this year.

My advice to you this year – 2019 – is don’t rush on.

Just as Joshua stopped and listened to God – we too must Stop and Listen. We live in a fast paced world where everyone rushes to keep up, it’s easy to get caught up in our plans and ventures. Not becoming too busy for what God says is most important – which is listening out for His voice and hearing His words. So I implore you that before making your plans take time to focus on what God wants from you this year so you may know the way to go, “since you have never being this way before………”

On the other hand, if you have already made plans…pause.

Take time out to reflect and wait on God — let me assure you He will hear the cry of your heart and honour it. Right now we are standing upon the verge of a new scene in the journey of life. Imagine, standing at the bottom of a hiking trail, and you don’t know where it will lead. This trek is full of twists and turns it can be bumpy, but at other times smooth. You find yourself falling, but you raise yourself up and keep on going. As you weave your way towards the finishing point, a sudden downpour hits stopping you in your tracks. You are wondering whether you will make it.

I am here to tell you: regardless of the storm you will make it.

When the storm passes the view across the valley is your reward. You are lighter and you feel energised because the weight on your back has reduced on the way to the finishing point.

That being the case, for all of us the path is new and unknown because of the surprises that we might come across along the way. Tests, trials, and temptation might descend upon us at any moment in the course of the year yet. Just as God was with Joshua – he will be with you. The moment you face tough situations or triumphant successes, He promises never to abandon you or fail to help you. The days that are coming might seem long, dark, and dreary, but Jesus said in Matthew 28:20, “l am with you always to the very end of age.”

So this year, listen to the voice of His Spirit with an open heart as He whispers; “you are a winner.”

January 26, 2019 0 comment

Faith

A New Year, New Wine, New Wineskins

by Carol Comrie January 14, 2019

written by Carol Comrie

New Wine and New Wineskins

Following a series of ‘disappointments’ that I was struggling to process, the verses in Matthew 9:16-17 really grabbed my attention one day.

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

It was early in the morning, when Father began a deep conversation with me. Part of the conversation went something like this. “You keep asking me for new wine. To be more specific, you keep asking me to fill you with it…” My eager reply was, “Yes, please Lord!”

This was followed by a very quiet and still moment. Unexpectedly, I felt a growing, intensity of Father God’s presence in the stillness, and tears filled my eyes. Suddenly, I felt words piercing deep into my spirit. “You can only carry this new wine in a new wineskin. The vessel you want to carry My wine in is rigid and cracked. To contain it your vessel has to be flexible and new, just like the wine. Because new wine needs room to expand and mature. It can only do that in a flexible container.”

The Container’s Integrity

Immediately, my thoughts turned to the prophet Jeremiah and the object lesson God gave him at the potter’s house. “’O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord.’ ‘Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!’” (Jeremiah‬ ‭18:6‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬)‬‬‬‬

Essentially, to God, the “container” matters as much as the contents. At that moment there was a clearer understanding of God’s requirement and expectation for me to be new. Furthermore, to be consistently renewed. Often we refer to how God used a talking donkey (Numbers 22:28), or a harlot (Joshua 2:1). Yes, God did use them. However, do you remember a man who was called Uzza? Tragically he was struck dead by God for touching the Ark of the Covenant. It seems really harsh, but Uzza died because of the manner in which the Ark of the Covenant was being carried (see 1 Chronicles 13:9-10).

Death and Delay – The Results of Integrity Issues

Lamentably, King David and the priests, did not carry the Ark according to God’s specific instructions (see Numbers 1:50-53, 4:5-15). As a consequence, there was death and delay, instead of life and hope. On a side note: it’s sobering to realise as a leader how much responsibility for those in our care we do have! So, the way we seek to carry and host God’s presence is vital. Our disobedience or slackness can lead not just to our own death or delay, but also to that of others.

Transformed and Flexible

By myself, I will always fall into old mind-sets, rigid routines, and habits. However, when I allow my mind to be malleable in God’s hand, just like the clay on the potter’s wheel, I am changed. I am changed in my capacity and ability. Ultimately, I become flexible like the new wineskins that stretch and breathe to allow the new wine to develop, and mature. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

So, change is not an option for us as Christians, because our natural progression is supposed to be one of growth.

Stiff-Necked and Missing Out Massively

In several places in the Bible God called the Israelites “stiff-necked”. In 40 years wandering in the wilderness, the people of Israel were not growing in God. They complained and murmured when things weren’t going their way, and they actually longed to go back to the slavery of Egypt (sounds familiar). They even tried to stock pile the manna which God provided for them daily. So, as a result of their blinkered vision, the majority of those who left Egypt did not set foot into the Promised Land. In other words, they did not change.

It’s Time to Be Transformed and Grow Up!

Significantly then, Paul tells us to grow up into Jesus Christ, the Head: “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:14-15)

Growth means change. Change for us as Christians naturally occurs from the inside out.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

Faith Facilitates Transformation

Jesus accepts us just as we are, but He doesn’t keep us in the same condition, no! He changes us as we read and hear His Word. Additionally, this change is all about transformation and allowing God’s Kingdom to come in power to change atmospheres. It is only by faith, through God’s grace, that we can be changed to facilitate change in our families, work places and community.

The oppression of tradition and culture can be extremely subtle. Therefore, all the more reason to expose and put them in their place so we can grow. We will see change if we are prepared to become like new converts, eager to be filled with the pure Word of God. Not relying on old manna from the past that has no more nourishment in it, or our testimony from 20 years ago. Not even relying on our past experiences of God or church. God has promised to do a new thing! How much do we trust God to partner with Him and see it?

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)

Looking Through Fresh Eyes of Faith to See the New

In our old mind sets ruled by culture and tradition we will not perceive the new thing God is doing. However we try to generate or create the new, only with eyes of faith will we see it clearly. When we can see the new thing is actually here we can trust God to be able to walk in it.

This is a time and season of becoming fresh new wineskins so we can carry what God is freely pouring out to His people. Therefore, don’t miss what the Lord is doing in this season. Don’t let old points of tradition and religion be a comfort blanket. It might hurt, but it’s time to throw the comfort blanket away! The Bible tells us ALL things are become new.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” ‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Declutter and Clear Out – No Tacking Onto Old Junk

Sadly, a lot of us as Christians have missed the simple fact that Jesus came to bring us something completely new. Ultimately, this new thing does away with stale, old, empty religion. Jesus and the message of the Kingdom isn’t something to be simply added on to the old lifestyle habits and mindsets, like a new patch on an old garment.

So, let’s not miss the fact that we are living in exciting times where we are seeing prophecy being fulfilled. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.” ‭‭(Amos‬ ‭9:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

In conclusion, God is doing a brand new thing in 2019. He is calling His bride to be ready, real, clean, and uncluttered. He is also calling us to make room. Time to “chuck the junk”! Be prepared! There’s going to be some shaking and unravelling of things in this season, because God is making all things new!

January 14, 2019 0 comment

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