Tag: new

Today is December 1st. How are you doing? How are you feeling? I don’t know about you, but something great is coming in 2022. I know it and I trust Him. There is a special blessing and anointing for those who stay close to the Lord, delighting in Him.

But there is tension in the air because of that! The enemy is distracting us from serving Him faithfully. He wants to keep us in a loop of old cycles to keep us from getting ready for the bigger things next year. Have you been remaining close to the heart of the Father at this hour, leaning into Him? Then you will know that a new heart and a new mind will be given to those who are ready to repent and who come with open hands!

A few days ago, I heard the Lord say, “Pray for the faithful to arise.” I still feel the urgency to forward this to you because I need enforcement in this prayer, I need others to pray with me in the Spirit. I need us to arise for the Lord at this moment. Pray for me that I will stay in my position as a watchman on the wall.

The Lord also said this morning that this post would encourage and admonish because “I called them, but they are not answering. They are distracted, discouraged and they’ve given in to fear and doubt.” He is talking about His faithful ones. God is willing to help because He wants you to partner with Him, even if He can do it without you.

Believe me, I have felt the distraction. It’s easy to give in and to slumber but even then, it is good to come to the Lord and ask Him for help. If you ask, He will send you warnings and make you realize how the enemy is currently trespassing your house or the houses of those close to you. Alertness and quick repentance is key.

Let us have a look at two faithful servants of God in the story of Jesus’ consecration shortly after his birth:

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God …

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel of the tribe of Asher. She was very old: she had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage but then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Israel.”
(Luke 2:25-28, 36-38 NIV)

Anna and Simeon were faithful. They never stopped waiting for the Lord. They were right where they were supposed to be, as was assigned by the Lord (and this is not possible without the guidance of the Holy Spirit)! This is why they were able to recognize the Savior when He was there where He was. Do you not desire this for yourself, too? To be awake and faithful enough to have the honor of actually encountering the Messiah right where He is at? Even holding Him in your arms like Simeon did? It starts with expectancy, with delighting in God’s salvation. And you will be able to recognize the new when it’s finally there!

Do not be afraid! God sent His only Son so that we could “serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.” (Luke 1:74-75) So do not be afraid, you who believe!

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:2-7 NIV)

Is this not wonderful? This prophecy has already been fulfilled. Set some time apart for the Lord – spend enough time with Him to go through all the different areas of your life together. This is what needs to happen right now, to set things in order before the new can arrive. As you talk with Him, you will be able to decipher the areas in your life where you are holding on to lesser things because of fear and discouragement. If you don’t know how to talk with Him, start with this prayer with me:

Father, I’m here. It’s your child. I want to encounter you today. I just want to talk and hear your voice. Forgive me for doubting your goodness and faithfulness. You are the same God then, now and forever and you are mighty. You scatter those who are proud in their inmost hearts but you lift up the humble. Promise me you will keep me humble and give me the faith to believe that you always fulfill your promises. No word from you ever fails. I love you and I want to be with you. So bring me to where you are, Lord. Where are you at? What are you thinking? How can I be there for you? Speak to me, Father. I’m listening. Thank you.

Amen.