A NEW BEGINNING
The message that has been imparted to us by God as a church and as a community for the year 2017 is deeply rooted in the significance of the fact that we have now entered into our 7th year. In the scriptures, the number 7 symbolizes Sabbath, a time of rest and rejuvenation. It is crucial to understand that the essence of Sabbath is to be at peace, to find solace in the tranquility of God’s presence. As we embark on this new year, it is imperative for us to embrace the concept of being steady and steadfast. This means standing firm in our faith, unwavering in our commitment to God’s plan for us. It is a call to remain resolute in the face of challenges, to stay grounded in our beliefs, and to trust in the divine guidance that has been bestowed upon us.
The word that has been revealed to us for 2017 is not merely a promise of blessings, but a directive on how we should position ourselves to receive the abundance that God has already prepared for us. It is a reminder that God has already accomplished what He set out to do, and now it is our responsibility to align ourselves with His will. This alignment requires us to enter into a state of rest, to relinquish our worries and fears, and to surrender to the divine plan that has been laid out for us. As we move forward in this new year, we must remember that our actions should stem from a place of peace and tranquility. We are called to be unshakable in our faith, unwavering in our resolve, and steadfast in our commitment to God’s purpose for our lives. Let us embrace the concept of being steady and steadfast, knowing that in our unwavering faith lies the key to unlocking the blessings that await us.
The Book of First Corinthians 15, verse 58, emphasizes the importance of being steadfast and immovable in the work of the Lord. As we approach the year 2017, it is crucial to understand that God desires our hearts to be unwavering and resolute. He does not want us to be shaken by the challenges and uncertainties that life may bring. By remaining steadfast, we can trust that our efforts in serving the Lord will not be in vain. It is essential to cultivate a spirit of perseverance and dedication as we navigate through the upcoming year.
To maintain a steady and unwavering heart in 2017, there are three key actions that one must take. Firstly, it is imperative to break away from negative emotions that can lead to murmuring and complaining. Psalm 95 warns against hardening one’s heart and allowing negative emotions to cloud one’s judgment. By letting go of negativity and embracing a positive outlook, one can align themselves with God’s will and purpose. As we embark on a new year, it is crucial to heed this advice and focus on cultivating a spirit of gratitude and faithfulness, rather than being swayed by negative emotions that can hinder our spiritual growth.
The Lord declared that even after the passage of 40 years, His anger was still so intense that He swore in His wrath that the children of Israel would not be allowed to enter the promised land. Despite the lengthy period of time that had passed, the people of Israel failed to comprehend this reality. However, it is declared that this fate will not befall you in the name of Jesus. It is emphasized that individuals must make a firm decision not to carry negative emotions into the year 2017. Throughout the entirety of 2017, it is urged to maintain a heart that is free from negative emotions. It is prophesied that various events will occur, such as industries experiencing downturns and other significant developments. Despite these occurrences, it is asked whether individuals will be capable of keeping their hearts and minds clear of negative emotions. The ability to manage anger, animosity, and bitterness is emphasized, and it is encouraged to expel these emotions from one’s system as swiftly as possible. The scripture is referenced, which states “be angry but sin not; let not the sun go down on your wrath.” The question is posed as to whether individuals will be able to handle anger, negative emotions, anxiety, and bitterness. It is urged for individuals to release their faith in order for God to remove bitterness from their hearts and to overcome depression.
The narrative of the children of Israel is recounted, highlighting their vacillation and tendency to blame others, such as Moses, for their circumstances. Despite their perceptions, it is emphasized that grace was upon Moses, enabling him to lead the people. This grace was unprecedented in Israel and was demonstrated through the plagues in Egypt, which captivated the nation and ultimately led to Pharaoh’s decision to release the Israelites. The message conveyed is one of encouragement, urging individuals to release their faith and to avoid carrying negative emotions into the new year. The importance of maintaining a steadfast heart and allowing the hand of God to guide one’s path is underscored. It is emphasized that God desires to lead individuals into a place of abundance and prosperity, but this can only be achieved if one’s heart is in alignment with His will. The need to release faith in order to overcome bitterness and depression is reiterated, and individuals are urged to make a firm decision to enter the new year with a heart free from negative emotions.
As you prepare to leave this place tonight, it is important to remember that you are doing so with a strong spirit. The testimonies and the things that God has done in your life in the past are a reminder of His faithfulness and His power. It is crucial to hold onto these memories as you face the challenges of 2017. God wants your heart to be steady and steadfast, as He has plans to move you to a new level. It is important to break away from negative emotions and to have faith in His promises, as the word of God will only find faith in your heart if you allow it to.
In addition to holding onto the testimonies of God’s faithfulness, it is crucial to forge a strong relationship with Him and with godly people as you step into the new year. This will provide you with the support and guidance needed to navigate the challenges that may come your way. By surrounding yourself with godly influences, you will be better equipped to stay focused on God’s plans for your life and to resist the negative emotions that may try to take hold.
As you leave this place tonight, remember that God has a rest prepared for His people, and it is His desire for you to enter into that rest. By holding onto the testimonies of His faithfulness, forging strong relationships with Him and godly people, and having faith in His promises, you will be better equipped to face the challenges of 2017. God’s plans for you are good, and He wants you to walk in His peace and rest.
The message conveyed is that God has a plan to connect individuals with good people and vice versa. The emphasis is on building strong relationships with godly individuals in order to foster positive connections. The speaker highlights the importance of preparing oneself for these relationships and being open to the people that God may bring into one’s life, even if they may not appear as expected. The focus is on trusting in God’s guidance and allowing Him to lead the way in forming these connections.
Furthermore, the speaker mentions the significance of being prepared and having a heart that is ready to receive the blessings and relationships that God intends to bring into one’s life in the upcoming year. The idea of not engaging in unnecessary battles but rather holding onto peace and allowing God to fight on one’s behalf is emphasized. It is a call to remain steadfast and trust in God’s plan, even when faced with challenges or uncertainties in relationships or situations that may arise.
Lastly, the speaker encourages individuals to hold fast to their confession of faith and trust in God’s promises. By referencing Psalm 91 and the importance of declaring God’s protection and deliverance, the message underscores the power of words and the need to speak positively and confidently about one’s beliefs and convictions. The call to maintain a strong confession of faith as one enters into the new year serves as a reminder to stay grounded in one’s spiritual beliefs and to trust in God’s provision and guidance.
In the book of Hebrews, chapter 4, starting from verse 14, we are reminded of the great High Priest we have in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who has ascended into the heavens. This passage encourages us to hold firmly to our faith and confession, knowing that Jesus can empathize with our weaknesses and temptations, yet He remained sinless. We are urged to approach the throne of Grace boldly, seeking mercy and grace in times of need. This exhortation emphasizes the importance of maintaining our profession of faith and trusting in the Lord’s provision.
Drawing inspiration from Psalm 91, we are encouraged to emulate the Psalmist’s faith and declaration of God’s protection and deliverance. Just as the Psalmist affirmed his trust in the Lord as his refuge and fortress, we are called to continually declare our reliance on God’s faithfulness and deliverance from all dangers and challenges. This passage underscores the power of speaking forth God’s promises and standing firm in our confession of faith, even in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead to the year 2017, the message emphasizes the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and guiding His people into new territories and opportunities. The concept of “Steady and Steadfast” is highlighted as a principle that will characterize the lives of believers in the coming year. The reference to the Blue Ocean Strategy symbolizes entering into uncharted territories where God will lead His people to innovative ventures and undiscovered businesses. This prophetic declaration encourages a spirit of anticipation and readiness for the new things that God is about to do in the lives of His people.
During a recent retreat about two weeks ago, I kept hearing the phrase “Blue Ocean” resonating in my spirit. Intrigued by this, I decided to seek out the book ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’. I carried the book with me and delved into the first four chapters once again, seeking to grasp the message that God was trying to convey to me through this concept. The book distinguishes between the red ocean, characterized by fierce competition and conflict, and the blue ocean, where opportunities for growth and success abound without the constraints of competition.
As I reflected on the contrast between the red ocean and the blue ocean, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to my own life and the challenges I have faced in competitive environments. The red ocean symbolizes the struggles and hardships that come with intense competition, where individuals are constantly fighting for survival. In contrast, the blue ocean represents a space of abundance and peace, where one can thrive and succeed without the burden of cutthroat competition.
In this new season, I believe that God is leading me, and others who resonate with this message, towards the blue ocean. It is a season of rest and prosperity, where the struggles of the past will give way to new opportunities and growth. As we step into this new season, I am filled with hope and anticipation for the blessings that await in the blue ocean, where we can thrive and flourish with ease.
In this new season, all that belongs to you by inheritance under the blood of Jesus is protected by the Lord. Anyone who dares to contend with you on these matters is risking their lives, for the Lord has decided to fight your battles. When God takes charge, all enemies are at risk. When you rely on your own strength to fight your enemies, you can only go so far. But when God intervenes, there is no need to worry or be shaken. Just stay aside and let Him handle them. This is the season you are entering into, and it is a time of divine intervention.
I declare today that a name has come to confession over your destiny in the name of the Lord Jesus. Somebody is stepping into Rehoboth, just like in Genesis 26 verse 22, where Isaac moved from one place and dug another well, and there was no contention. He called the name of it Rehoboth, for the Lord had made room for them and they shall be fruitful in the land. I decree this over somebody’s destiny here. Any contention over your destiny, property, relationship, job, or anything else, has come to an end in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Father, we thank you and bless your name. Just like Daniel prayed and heaven dispatched the answers to his prayers, there was contention in the heavenly places. But after a while, an end came to the contention. As we step into this new season, your story shall be like that of Isaac, stepping into Rehoboth, a place of room in the name of Jesus. Remember, when God steps in, there is always an end to contention. So, whoever is listening tonight, know that as we enter this new season, divine intervention is at work, and your battles are being fought by the Lord.
In the passage from Isaiah 32, it is emphasized that holding on to God with unwavering faith will lead to the end of barrenness. The imagery of forsaken palaces and deserted cities signifies a transformation that is about to take place. The promise of the Spirit being poured upon us from on high indicates a shift from desolation to abundance. This declaration of turning wilderness into fruitful fields is a powerful message of hope and renewal.
The analogy of a fruitful field becoming a forest is used to illustrate exponential growth and expansion. It signifies a transition from a place of sustenance to a realm of abundance and prosperity. The idea of a business evolving into a forest, attracting partnerships and investments, highlights the concept of exponential growth and success. This transformation symbolizes a shift from mere survival to thriving in all aspects of life.
As we reflect on the message from Isaiah 32 and verse 15, we are reminded of the power of faith and perseverance in bringing about transformation. The decree that barrenness will be replaced with fruitfulness serves as a reminder of the divine promise of abundance. The imagery of a fruitful field turning into a forest encourages us to envision growth and expansion in every area of our lives. This message inspires us to hold on to our faith and trust in God’s plan for our prosperity and success.
A forest is the source of sustenance for a nation, providing resources that are essential for the well-being of its people. Similarly, a forest plays a crucial role in feeding a city, supplying it with the necessary elements for survival and growth. It is a place where life thrives, where the interconnectedness of nature is evident in every tree, plant, and animal that calls it home. The importance of forests cannot be overstated, as they are not only vital for ecological balance but also for the prosperity of human communities.
As we journey through life, we encounter moments when we feel lost or disconnected from our purpose. However, it is in these moments that we must remember that there is always a destination waiting for us. Just like somebody moving to a new place, we are constantly evolving and transitioning towards new opportunities and experiences. The spirit within us guides us, pouring forth from a higher source, leading us towards a fruitful future filled with abundance and blessings.
In the name of the Lord Jesus, we speak words of transformation and renewal.
Just as a fruitful field can be transformed into a flourishing forest, so too can our lives be filled with growth and prosperity.
We declare an end to barrenness, whether it be in relationships, skills, or endeavors. Through faith and prayer, we open ourselves to the abundance that awaits us, trusting in the power of the divine to bring forth new beginnings and fruitful outcomes. Let us embrace this new season with hope and confidence, knowing that in the name of Jesus, all things are possible.
To conclude this evening, the fourth and final point that I will discuss is what God has promised to do in this season – His divine establishment. Divine establishment is when God chooses to establish someone, making them as unmovable as a rock. In order to illustrate this, let me refer to Psalm 121, starting from verse 1. The verse reads, “I will lift my eyes to the hills from whence come my help. My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Moving on to verse 3, it states that He will not allow your foot to be moved, emphasizing that He is the one who keeps you secure.
Continuing on to verse 4, it says, “Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Verse 5 further emphasizes that the Lord is your keeper and your shade at your right hand, ensuring that you are protected day and night. Verse 7 assures that the Lord will preserve you from all evil, safeguarding your soul and your every movement. This divine establishment is a powerful assurance of God’s protection and care, ensuring that you are secure in His hands both now and forevermore. This is the unshakable foundation that God provides to those whom He chooses to establish.