Season’s Greetings

Denice and I wish you and yours a most wonderful Christmas filled with love, laughter, loved ones, gratitude, and joy. May all that God has provided in Christ be yours in abundance and overflowing.

Preparing for the Future: A Call to Spiritual Readiness

As we approach 2024, I want to share what I sense regarding the upcoming year. I am not a prophet, nor is this a prophecy—but I do see some things for the year and the time ahead.

First, let me remind you: God has prepared a place for each of us—a safe place, a hiding place, a resting place. The writer of Hebrews tells us of this place. It is found in Jesus alone and we get there by the Holy Spirit. No matter what may be going on around us in the world; no matter how dark things may get in the natural—in the place God has prepared for His children there is peace, rest, freedom, safety… and endless hope.

People desperately need to discover this place today. Too many of God’s people are listening to the voices of the world that are continually shouting at them. The enemy desires to steal their faith and hope so they have no strength. And if that happens, they could fall, and even fail in their walk with God.

They need someone to create with their words a picture, a vision of this place, that “Secret Place” the Hiding Place, the “Cleft in the Rock”—the place of rest in Christ. They need their eyes, their thoughts, and their focus lifted from the chaos to Jesus. Someone to remind them whose they are and who they are.

But also, of their authority and their responsibility to God and the gospel. They must be ready for the good fight of faith, not just for their personal needs and desires, but against the forces of evil that desire to destroy the work of God. A trumpet is sounding, the soldiers of the Cross must shake themselves and arise with the full armor of God ready for battle. It’s All Hands On Deck! Tough times are ahead, but that is not all the story. God is good and He has plans for us—to do good to us; to give us a future and a hope.

I believe 2024 will be a time for the people of God to prepare, to gather, to harvest, to prosper (not waste) in preparation for what is ahead. God is a God of abundance. He has already provided for the days ahead. Provision is in place. If we follow the Holy Spirit, He will lead us into provision. In the Word God prepared provision BEFORE His people entered a place—in other words provision was waiting for them.

Shake off the serpents: get rid of every weight and sin; get rid of debt as much as possible; get out of wrong relationships (strengthen right ones); get rid of the noise—choose wisely who and what you listen to; and get rid of fear!

Strengthen your knees (become a person of prayer). Prayer is not complicated—it’s you talking to your Father-God. Call Him Father, tell Him what you want, thank Him for His goodness, and mercy—AND DO IT BOLDLY! Then do not ramble on and on.

Insights into the Coming Year

Now I want to share a bit about the coming year. The number 24 speaks of:

• Government — We have probably the most important election coming up in our nation’s history which will determine the future of America. Hear from the Holy Spirit and obey. The Church must come out from the cave it has been hiding in and speak truth to the powers at work against our families, communities, and nation.
• Power — We will see great manifestations of the Holy Spirit and His gifts—not from a special few, but by the people of God. Earnestly seek the gifts of the Spirit in your life. The Scriptures says the tongue (your tongue) has the power of life and death. If we want to succeed in the days ahead, we must get our tongues under control. I do not have time to elaborate, so let me simply quote the Master: “By your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.” Get your mouth in line with God’s Word.
• Authority — The Church (the people of God) will function in greater authority in the earth—spiritual warfare will be revived in churches. There will be great spiritual conflict for God’s will.
• Priesthood — The five ministries listed by Paul in Ephesians 4 (especially that of the apostle) and the ministry of the believer will function in greater measure.
• Time — There are 24 hours in a day—we must make each day count and learn to count our days. We can no longer afford to waste time, resources, and opportunity. We must be wise. If we need wisdom, then ask God for it in faith.
• A word to pastors and ministers — There is much we can teach, but we must be wise and recognize the hour in which we live and minister accordingly.

Embracing Victory

In all that transpires we must never forget we are the victors. We are more than conquerors in all things through Christ Jesus. God’s plan for His Church and the nations will play out exactly as He wills. That is not fatalistic, it is truth and will prove to be fact.

So be at peace, be grateful, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Rejoice always, and stand ready.

Steve

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.