I have always loved "new." I have always been inspired by freshly-sharpened pencils … a never-been-used notebook … a new, stylish dress … and crisp sheets on my bed. What "new" things do you delight in? I have always been rejuvenated by a bouquet of freshly-picked flowers from the garden … a book with an unbroken spine … the sparkling possibility of a brand-new friendship. There have been stellar and unmatched moments in my life when I embrace the glory of the "new" just like a two-year old splashes in the puddles of a spring rain!
The African philosophy of ubuntu is often summarized by the proverb, "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu," which translates to, "A person is a person through other people." This profound concept speaks to the interconnectedness of humanity, emphasizing community, compassion, and shared responsibility. While ubuntu is deeply rooted in African culture, its principles resonate strongly with Christian teachings on love, humility, and unity in Christ.
Resolutions are common at the turn of a new year, but commitment to those resolutions are rare. Have you wondered why? We can have the best intentions but often lack the follow-through. That's because willpower will only take us so far. We need Holy Spirit power. We need victory over fear and the transformation of a faith mindset! It's human nature to fear and resist change, and that resistance is not always wrong–not all changes are right and good. But we can trust the changes God calls us to make are right and good. Even if they don't feel so at first, the growth that comes through positive change is well worth the initial cost.
Have you ever felt stuck or in a holding pattern and you know there is an expectation beyond the horizon, but are unsure as to when it will materialize? The feeling can be frustrating, knowing that you are capable of accomplishing great things, but unsure of the time or method of doing so. It's like being in a car stuck in a traffic jam, knowing that the destination is within reach, but not knowing how to get there. There is a sense of anticipation that something good is just around the corner.
2025 is a year of awakening and coming alive to God. Recently I had a dream where "Hunger for God' was the theme. People were desperate for MORE of the Lord. God wants to transition you into a NEW season! He has an amazing new season for you because He makes all things new! Take the litmus test on whether you have spiritual hunger for God. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6) Do you want more of His Presence in your life? What means most to you right now?
No matter how long you may live, you'll never stop learning. Every minute of every day brings new opportunities to learn something we've never known before. And as long as we're open to receive, God will continue to teach us every day. I'm still learning, and I know I always will be. What God teaches me every day about love continues to change my life. I've come to the place where I can honestly say, "Lord, eliminate everything in my life that's holding me back. Please take away anything that's keeping me from walking in love and finding true fulfillment in my life."
Yesterday during worship, I saw Jesus take a clock off the wall and set the time. He said, "THIS IS THE HOUR OF MY HOLINESS." He is recalibrating the time for we have entered a unique and holy hour. It is an uncomfortable time of exposures and confrontations, not only in our nation, but among the brethren. And yet the Lord is determined that His standard of righteousness is no longer compromised or defamed.
There are a lot of things about getting older that I don't like. I don't like that I have to wear glasses in order to see. I don't like the fact that some of my hair has given up on me. I also don't like that when I stand up, my bones sound like the percussion line of a marching band. I could go on with a list of things that I do not like about getting older. However, all of the negatives about getting older are outweighed by just one wonderful thing: grandchildren.
We've got the Spirit of the Living God who teaches us all things! Have you ever heard the voice of God? Not the audible voice of God, but a thought, feeling, or knowing that you knew you were hearing from the Lord? In my recent webinar with Joshua, we shared teaching, stories, and testimonies about discerning the voice of God and discerning spirits in everyday life.
The anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit – just as it has taught you, remain in Him. (1 John 2:27 NIV) The School of Christ; that is, the School where Christ is the great Lesson and the Spirit the great Teacher; in the School where the teaching is not objective, but subjective; where the teaching is not of things, but an inward making of Christ a part of us by experience – that is the nature of this School.
Follow Up
