"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." Luke 15: 20

This morning in prayer I saw a giant pit that has trapped many people--a pit of despair, of sin, of compromise, of failure and hopelessness. Then I saw the "Great Shepherd" extend His hand to pull OUT desperate souls, giving them a second chance and "making all things new!" I believe the year 2011 will be "a tremendous Year of restoration and preparation" for that which is ahead, for He desires to restore all that the locust has eaten!  He will give you double for your trouble and turn your scars into stars reversing the curse. Let me emphasize here that 2011 is a strategic year so it's key not to squander or waste it. The Lord says, "This year, if you will hear My words... you will come out of the pit, so do not be content to stay there. Do not lose hope and accept your desperate situation, but rather speak to your pit, to your circumstances, and say "I am coming out!" For Satan has tried to manipulate and deceive, convincing many that there is no way out of the pit. But that is a lie, because you are coming up and out in 2011!

The year 2011 is a strategic one and you MUST invest and be a good steward of this time, in order to be prepared for what is coming in the near future. Do not say "I have another year to get it together," or "I will worry about that later." You have a choice... will you accept your fate and remain in your pit, or will you take the hand of the Great Shepherd who desires to pull you out and once again place your feet on solid rock? For the years that are coming are so important, and that which you do now will determine your course. I hear the Lord say even now:  "Will you waste another year? Will you squander it, staying in that pit of hopelessness? I am already reaching out to you so take My hand.... let Me pull you out and give you a second chance! I am calling you! Come out and be separate! Do not dabble in the world. Do not flirt with compromise and sin, for Satan knows his time is short, and that what he does, he must do quickly. Be not ignorant of his evil plans toward you, but know that I have already provided a way of escape for you." 

Prodigals are Coming Home

I hear the Great Shepherd saying, "I am calling the prodigals home in 2011, so stop running! Can you hear Me calling your name? Can you sense My great love for you even now? For I have a table prepared just for you...a place already set and I am inviting you to come and fellowship with Me again at My table. I remember our times together when we would sit there for hours sharing our hearts with each other, and I miss My time with you. I'm calling you home right now. Do not feel shame, guilt, or fear, but COME as you are and I will restore you for I am God!" DO NOT WAIT ANOTHER YEAR! I have already prepared a feast for you, a new set of clothes, and right now I give you a rod of authority. I will restore you!

Beloved, if you have a son, daughter, or loved who is a prodigal, declare that this is your year! Don't give up! Don't accept the lies of the enemy. LOOK UP and declare that this is your year of restoration!

"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut."  Matthew 25:10

In the year 2011 I also see the Lord's hand pulling out many believers trapped in the pit of debt and sickness, the pit of lost opportunity, the pit of depression, deliverance from strongholds and carnal habits. The year 2011 will also be a year of "preparation" for that which is ahead, which is why this word is so vital; we MUST be prepared! We stand at a crossroads this year. There will be a great divide between those who are hungry for God and those who are spiritually content in their apathy. There will be a great divide between the "wise virgins" of Matt. 25 and the "foolish ones." And while the apathetic spirit of Laodicea (see Rev. 3:14-22) will increase there will be a STRONG remnant growing who will seek God's heart and refuse to compromise accepting anything less than the complete manifest presence of God. I see desperate ones coming out of the pit of Laodicea; I see them fully abandoning themselves for the deeper things of God. They will not be left empty-handed, but God will fill their treasures with Himself and they will feast on His presence in the year 2011. This will prepare them for the most powerful ministry the world has ever seen!

This year will be one of restoration and preparation! If you are in a pit look up for your Redeemer stands with eyes full of love ready to pull you out and give you a fresh start. Can you see the love in His eyes? Can you hear Him whisper your name? Can you feel His loving touch? Oh, how He loves you, beloved. Oh, how He loves you and me!