It’s amazing how quickly 2018 flew past and now we are about to embark into another year of great opportunity. This opportunity and validity can be attributed to a few factors, which are truly up to you in many ways. Why, because as a man thinks so he is as well as from your mouth brings forth blessings and cursing’s: choose today which you will do.
“From out of the heart the man speaks” choose to speak life and thus select your words wisely. It is not to put your 'head in the sand' to be aware of the time and seasons, yet at the same time realize that Kingdom thinking doesn’t always line up with the way the news media may see an economic turn. Kingdom thinking and living bases life and times on the Word of God. What does scripture say regarding your situation? Stand on the Word. Stand on the truth of the Gospel. Be willing to do the research in the Word, which applies to your situation, and start declaring the Word over it if you desire you life to line up with the reality of Kingdom.
This is going to be a fruitful year. How can I say that? We see there are nine Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) and nine Gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor.12:4).
Begin to thank the Lord for the Fruit of the Spirit in your life and ask Him to bring increase. Also, thank Him for the Gifts of the Spirit you have been operating in and ask Him to in turn to bring forth increase. The Lord will give us that which we desire if our intention is pure. If your heart is to touch the Earth for His glory and honor He will co-labor with us to do so. I believe it is actually selfish not to ask. In Matthew 5 we are taught to be salt and light to the World. How can we do that if we do not desire to increase in the area of these God given gifts?
When we celebrate with Him in touching hearts and lives we are useful and for me personally, I fill fulfilled when I see other peoples lives transformed through my growth as I step out with a heart to give. Whether through prayer, the prophetic, miracles, or meeting practical needs through giving or service, society will be affected positively through your extended hand of mercy and grace. God uses willing vessels. Choose today and each day to step out in faith touching the world. In Roman 12 we are taught that an abundant life is a service life.
Joy follows those who are self sacrificing as their journey delights in the success of others. “Present your body as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God as this is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom. 12:1). Consider the joy that will brake forth in your heart as you discover that true worship is service to God through reaching out to the world by walking in Fruit of the Spirit and applying Gifts of the Spirit to a greater measure through faith and action this year. Your life will never be the same. Be fervent in the spirit as you serve the Lord and prefer and honor others this year always remembering to “not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).
Have an incredible year as you grow in the Fruit and Gifts of the Spirit in service of others to the glory of God!