Start the New Year Fresh

"Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in Thy faithfulness answer me, and in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant: for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the work of Thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto Thee: my soul thirsteth after Thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto Thee to hide me. Teach me to do Thy will; for thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O Lord, for Thy name's sake: for Thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am Thy servant," Psalm 143:1-12

While some people are going to holiday parties or out for service, I think all God's people need to stay home. Read your Bible and pray. Praise God for all the good things coming in 2021. We will hear good news soon. Keep singing to Father God and praising Him.

Keep thanking God for all His blessings. He made the way, He paid the bills. He kept us throughout 2020. There are some that lost someone or more than one family member or someone close to them. We lift them in prayer for God to continue to heal their hearts.

We also pray for those in the hospital and those healing from covid and other illnesses. A few times this year the Lord has said, "He will help with the hospital bills." We pray for your strength and healing.

As you prepare for 2021:

  • Ask forgiveness for all sins. Ask God if there's ANYONE you're holding a grievance against. Who offended you this year? Forgive them regardless of who's at fault. Jesus said we're ONLY forgiven and have our prayers answered when we forgive.
  • Read your Bible more. Not just a few more scriptures but more in-depth where you ask God why He, Jesus or someone else said or did something. 
  • Close out the year by checking off your list everything God asked you to do. If you're unsure, when you pray, ask Father God to bring it to your remembrance. He wants us to hit the ground running in 2021, not waiting on the sidelines. Do what YOU can and God will do what you can't.
  • Write down what you need, i.e., write the vision, make it plain. Think "new, new, new." This doesn't necessarily mean shopping spree. It might include a new direction, new relationship, new venture, vision or plan with God.
  • Praise God for all He's done and how He's delivered You. You may have only gotten part of the way with some of your plans, but that's okay. You can start again. Don't act like people on social media or the news who say, "Good riddance 2020." Why? God did amazing things for us this year. And, He will do MORE if we have a grateful heart. Ask God to show you the way, increase your strength, give you your passion back and point you in the right/new direction He has for you.
  • Don't beat yourself up with the details. This year was tough and filled with unprecedented change. God removed stubborn pride AND our enemies. So, don't look back and don't live in regret. This year was getting back in touch with God and that's exactly what we did. If you didn't, it's okay. Start now! God's got you!  
  • Do things that add value. Make a list of new hobbies or activities for the New Year. Write that book or start that blog. Work on new recipes. Build that new shelf or paint your room. Clean out the garage or "that closet" no one knows about. 
  • Try not to complain. There are naysayers, haters and really bitter people who don't like HOW God handled 2020. Don't be one of them. Yes, we each may have faced disappointments this year but don't carry any bitterness into the New Year. We should think like Job and say, "Though He slay me, yet shall I trust Him." Or, like the man Jesus described who didn't even lift up his head but said, "Lord, forgive me, a sinner." 
  • Pray and ask God to increase your vision like never before. Ask God what His plan is for you, your family, your business, your ministry, etc. Try to get in bed at 9:30 pm so you can get up early to pray and praise God.
  • Sow and give your tithe to a ministry or charity. Even if it's $1, God knows what's in our hearts. Send that seed on assignment.
  • Keep your defenses up. The devil is upset because the closer we get to Jesus's return, it means the devil is running out of time. Stay prayed up, put your anointing oil on and carry your prayer cloth. Don't get in petty arguments or altercations with people. And, be extra patient. Satan is looking for a way in. He doesn't have a key so don't give him one! 
  • Don't fear the enemy, covid or going outside. The devil DOES NOT WIN. Remember, Jesus already overcame the world over 2,000 years ago. If you're new to ministry, it's important to know that God knows the end from the beginning. That means He knows EVERY single battle and every word and thought that we speak. He also knows what your enemies are thinking - kind of cool right? It's like inside information AND because God knows what the enemy is going to do, God always makes a window or door of escape for us. Look at 2020 - we spent time away from the crowds so we could draw closer to God!
  • Buckle up your seat belt. God has GOOD things in store for His people!