Well, here it is: the middle of January! Ray and I have been doing a lot of praying and asking God what He would have for us this new year. I can't say we have a clear answer, but we do have three definite Words that I'd like to share with you:
1. TRANSITION.
According to Webster, Transition means: passage from one state, stage, or place to another; to change; a movement, development or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another.
Things are changing, not only in the world around us, but in our personal lives. We as individuals are transitioning into something. And although we don't completely know what God has in store for us this year, we do have a response. We say "Yes". Yes, we will go where He says go; do what He says do; live as He says live. We say "Yes!"
2. PREPARE
To Prepare is to get ready:
a. SPIRITUALLY in our relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, developing eyes to see, ears to hear, and minds to comprehend what the Spirit is saying and where He is leading. It means taking the time to keep our oil full and ready. We have learned the value of Prayer, especially in the Spirit, and have committed to spend significant time allowing Him to pray through us.
b. MENTALLY We guard what we see and hear, what we allow our minds to dwell on. Fear has to be eradicated, and we are guarding against negativity in our thoughts and in our speech. Distractions come from many sources, but we guard against time-stealers and focus-robbers. Our decisions are made with a Kingdom mindset as we live our lives according to God's purpose as opposed to our own whims and comfort.
c. PHYSICALLY This is perhaps the most challenging for me, but I am determined to get healthy physically. God heals us body, mind, and soul...but it all takes our cooperation. Loosing weight, eating healthy, fasting, and UGH...Exercising...are all part of the "presenting your body as living sacrifices for this is your reasonable act of worship." It's not fun, but it's for the Kingdom!!
All of this culminates in the last Word for this Season:
3. STAND
Stand is defined (again by Webster) as stopping; a halt for defense or resistance; an often defensive effort of some duration or degree of success; a stop made to give a performance; a place or post where one stands; a strongly or agressively held position, etc. 1 Cor. 15:58 says "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith;"
This morning as I was reading and praying, I came across a verse in Isaiah that I don't think I'd pondered on before: Isaiah 7:9b "If you don't stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." The NKJV says it this way: "If you will not believe, surely you will not be established."
There is a strength, a peace, an assurance that comes from standing. When we KNOW what we believe and in WHOM we believe, we can stand and be established. We are able to confidently say "Yes!"
2011 promises to be a great adventure. As we go through this year of Transition, as we Prepare for whatever God has for us, we determine to Stand firm in our faith!
Afterall, OUR GOD REIGNS!
Stay Focused On Him,
Ann
