A New Year Unfolds
The days of 2013 have come to their end and a new year of 2014 lies upon our horizon. Our God has a perfect will for your life and for mine for this upcoming year. He has a purpose and a plan for us. Will we fumble our way into it, hoping that maybe we might find that way; or will we move forward in a confidence that our God will show us His will and way? I believe that we must be deliberate about following the leading of the Spirit.
Jesus prayed in the Lord’s prayer, “…Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven…” (Mt. 6:10). I realize that this is a model prayer but because of that, our Lord is emphasizing the importance of inviting His will into our lives. Have you asked the Father what His will is for you in 2014? Proverbs 3:5-7 says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” These are powerful Scriptures. The people of God often have a tendency to weigh out the facts, possibly do our research, and then make a decision according to what appears to be the best option for us. There is certainly nothing wrong with this, but did we acknowledge the Lord? We can research all that we desire, but our God is the God of all wisdom and His knowledge far exceeds any source we might use for research. The Lord has prompted me to make decisions that were odd to my mind, and did not feel good to my flesh; in fact, everything in the natural seemed to oppose His choice. The difference is when you sense His leading down on the inside of your being, there is a peace about making a certain decision within your heart. The Bible says it this way in Colossians 3:15, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” In other words, “You let the peace of God umpire (have its way) in your life.” Remember Proverbs warns us to, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” We are called to respect the Lord by acknowledging Him in all decisions. If we fail to, I believe that this Scripture is declaring that evil may lie just ahead for us. Wow! God has our best interest on His heart, so why would we not invite His direction for our lives? When we make decisions without having His peace in our heart, most likely we are opposing the will of the Lord. Have you ever made a decision based on what looked right; yet, you felt uneasiness in your heart? We, as the people of God, are not our own. Scripture tells us that, “we are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in our bodies, and in our spirit, which is God’s” (I Cor. 6:20). We did not come cheap. Jesus purchased you and me through the shedding of His Own blood on Calvary’s tree, so because we are not our own and belong to Him, we have the obligation to obey Him in His leading and call.
Jesus is coming soon. “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” (Eph. 5:15-18). We are instructed not to be unwise, but to understand the will of the Lord. Therefore, we can understand God’s will for our lives in 2014. James 1:5&6a says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering…” Be obedient to the Lord in all things. Declare with me, “The Father has a good plan for my life in 2014. He has called me and “faithful is he that calleth me, who will also will do it” (1 Thes. 5:24). I have nothing to fear nor to dread. If God be for me, who can be against me (Ps. 118:6). I know the voice of Jesus, my shepherd; and a stranger I will not follow. I heed the leading of my Lord (Jn. 10:4&5). Amen!”