Fear is a four-letter word that starts with "F!" This simple little word, fear, is the root of so much pain in the world. You've most likely been affected by it through things like stress, procrastination or worry. It is interesting to me that the Bible says things like "fear not" or "do not be afraid" over 365 times! That's like God telling you not to be afraid every day of the year! So, getting rid of fear must be important! Many of us even feel the sting of fear because we're trying to be perfect all the time. But there are a few places in the Bible where we're encouraged to be perfect—and it's not what you expect!
God is releasing the prophetic plans for the New Year to you. Let the prophetic plan of the Holy One of Israel quickly come to pass so that we can see what it is! Isaiah 5:19 TPT God is opening spiritual books of understanding and revealing your life purpose and calling. Many people are now stepping into the reason they were created. Don't be discouraged if it is not yet clear, as God is releasing the bigger picture to you over the next few weeks and months. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 1 Corinthians 13:9–10 NIV
Wondering if God really does have an amazing plan for your life? Sometimes when the hard times hit, we can forget that God has good plans for us! When I need encouragement, I like to remember one of my favorite Bible verses: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Jeremiah 29:11 NIV This is one of those Bible verses we've heard a lot, so sometimes we miss the power of the message because it's so familiar. But we can move beyond the surface of this Bible verse and discover a deeper meaning.
If you have felt like you are laboring and in a time of pain or suffering, then I have some good news for you. The difficult season many of us have been in will indeed pay off. Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. John 16:20–21 NIV Just as we are celebrating the birth of Christ this month, the Lord is birthing new things in you, bringing things that you have been called and created for.
Has God given you a message, but you're not sure how to get it out to the world? The good news is that you live in an exciting time when there is so much opportunity to share the message God has given you in a variety of ways. Here are three ways to get your message out there—starting today!
This is the start of the Jewish New Year and a new season spiritually. This year, the Lord is releasing favor for those who have suffered. Even though it has seemed that things have been delayed, the Lord is going to fulfill His promises to you. I continue to hear the Lord say to not be discouraged with the delays because they have been needed to help prepare us for the great things coming. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3 NIV
Get ready to hear the voice of the Lord more clearly. Watch as He brings you out of a time of being hidden. In several encounters with the Lord, I have seen books of Heaven being opened containing strategies and assignments that are being released right now. "I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world." Matthew 13:35 NLT This is the time when the Lord is opening revelation that was previously sealed. We are going to see major changes start taking place as things that were previously sealed are now being revealed. This is both personal and on greater levels that will impact churches, businesses, cities and even nations
Does it seem like the stuff that used to work for you doesn't anymore? If you've ever tried to lose weight, you may know what plateaus are. It's when your body stops responding to what was working before. Health and fitness coaches will tell you to switch up your routine to "shock" your system so you can keep getting results. Or maybe you've outgrown your "shell." There are certain animals that have to leave their old shell when they've outgrown it in order to find a bigger one. Do you feel like you need room to grow?
If it feels like things are shaking all around you, then be encouraged and trust that the shaking is also breaking open new things. "The breaker [the Messiah, who opens the way] shall go up before them [liberating them]. They will break out, pass through the gate and go out; So their King goes on before them, The Lord at their head." Micah 2:13 AMP The Lord is going before you right now with new power to break things open for you. God spoke this to me last month and said the key to this is to keep moving forward and don't stop or look back.
Do you feel like you have a hard time controlling the flow of your thoughts? You may feel like you've tried everything, but still can't seem to stop the negativity in your mindset. Many of us know what the Bible says about our thoughts. We often recite this popular verse: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV We understand that we should keep our thoughts on what is good, but sometimes our mindset needs a little help getting there.
Follow Up
