The Lord is about to do extraordinary things in the coming year. A great awakening is on the horizon, and I believe that 2025 is going to be a year of a great harvest. Many people will turn to the Lord, and many prodigals who have wandered will return to their faith with a renewed commitment. Things will begin to happen that will cause some to look for answers and Jesus certainly has all the answers.
Several years ago, I let a few things get under my skin that I never should've allowed myself to have any moment's thought. I was disappointed with myself that knowing better I let my guard down & took the bait. In so doing, I pondered words that I shouldn't have, then stewed about it for a bit of time that day. After the fact, I regretted that I allowed negativity to have such a prominent place within my thoughts and perception.
Shortly after Elijah was carried to heaven in a fiery chariot, a group of young prophets asked his successor, Elisha, to go with them to build a new living quarters. While one of the men was cutting down a tree, the blade of his axe fell in the water and sank into the murky depths of the Jordan River. The construction project came to an abrupt stop. This was before the days of flashlights and sonar devices. They couldn't stop by Home Depot for a new axe. These guys were in trouble.
But the righteousness of faith speaks . . . But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach). Romans 10:6, 8 Let me show you examples of how you can use the written Word to come against the attacks of the enemy. Let's say that while driving to work one morning, you hear some professor saying over the radio, "One in every five women will develop this disease by the age of forty."
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."
