Allow me to begin by wishing all a blessed and prosperous new year. The entrance into a new year is a time for reflection, resolutions, new beginnings and fresh starts. Perhaps the new year to some represent a time to start a business, a new commitment in marriage, a resolution to lose weight and take better care of your health. To some it could be to save some money, buy a house or an automobile. Out of all the desires, intents, and resolutions, it will require a relentless commitment for them to come to pass. Of all that you desire to see manifest in 2010, there still remains this critical question: What is God saying to you and for you in 2010?
Across the country words will be given, prophecies will be declared as to what individuals believe God is saying. Some may seem to think that God isn’t talking because of their financial state and personal struggles. Regardless of our personal dilemmas God is still speaking personally as well as corporately. An area that I believe God is speaking concerning is restoration and an outpour of His spirit. God is calling the church to place of consecration and sanctification that will prepare it for an outpour of His spirit. God wants to endow the church with signs, wonders, and miracles. Pouring His spirit out in a manner this generation hasn’t seen.
May we pray for God’s presence to come into our churches transforming us as we demonstrate Christ in the earth realm. May the glorious light be restored in churches where it has gone out and is dim. May we rise up in prayer praying for our president, this country, the wars and the global economy. May God equip, protect, and prepare us for what he allows. May he shield, cover, protect and provide for those who will encounter opposition and attacks. May we abide under the shadow of the almighty as we navigate our way through 2010. May God supply all your needs as the word of the Lord over our lives for 2010 is manifested.
Life In Christ Family Church: The Mind of Apostle
H
ave you ever noticed someone engaged in inappropriate conduct only to find out that they call themselves a Christian? Have you noticed a married couple in an intense argument in public, only to find out they were Christians? Have you listened to the conversation of someone or watch them engage in a worldly conversation only to find out—they are Christians?
Often times, these and other similar events take place each day. What has happened to Christian conduct and character? Has the standard of holiness been compromised to adapt to the world? Have we really left the ways of God for the world? In times like these we must take a good assessment of our Christian lifestyle. There are obvious reasons for the lack of commitment in the house of God.
We continue to put emphasis on prayer in a critical time only to find members easing in Zion, taking for granted God’s grace. I want to call you forth, to awaken you out of your spiritual slumber and demand that you watch and pray—lest ye enter into temptation*.
Stop giving Satan victories by withdrawing and retreating when you should be standing strong in your faith. I long to see prayer service as one of our most attended services! We must deal with a spirit of carnality, this judgmental, self-righteous spirit. You must also be aware that gossip has run its course in many cases and you’re about to reap what you have sown.
I’m challenging you to awake to a new day in the Lord. Truly see yourself and cry out to God for mercy on you, your family and His church. Your voice is missing in prayer.
* “…and he said unto them, why sleep ye, rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” Luke 22:46
We have finally arrived at the last month of the year - a time for celebration, good wishes, and acknowledgement of the birth of Christ. The commercialization of Jesus' birth and the emphasis of Christmas to so many. The gifts you give, or receiving Christmas trees, a frosty snowman, a red-nosed reindeer and Santa Claus have become the primary symbols of this time of year. What about the babe lying in a manger, that the wise men came to worship - the child who was born the Savior of the world?
This Christmas, may every believer be found guilty of including Christ in Christmas. May this December be remembered as the year "I got closer to God, and experienced His presence in a new dimension". May this Christmas be remmebered as the year you encountered God. Furthermore, as we celebrate, let us all remember the poor, the widowed, and the less fortunate.May this Christmas Season be a time of spiritual blessing, prosperity, and all your needs being met.
Wishing you, your family, and the L.I.C. Family a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Prosperous New Year!
