Today starts a new year and as many people may reflect on the last year, or plan for the new year, I would like to share some thoughts. Here in the U.S. the social media and mainline media has been flooded with political strife and disunity. There has been doom and gloom on the internet and TV’s. I had several discussions in the last week, where the end times was discussed.
We can read about these issues throughout history. I have been asked, how should Christians respond to these issues? I personally fight the spiritual battles in prayer and how I live my life every day. It is not that I am not concerned about this country, I am. I am also concerned about freedoms being taken away. I also understand that God is sovereign over all things. As Christians we are not just given the history, but also the future in the scriptures.
Our strength, wisdom and abilities come from the Holy Spirit. I challenge anyone reading this to pray that God would send the Holy Spirit to guide you in all things this new year. In this modern Christian culture of academic and ecclesiastical hierarchy and monarchy, where what degree you obtained from an institution teaching philosophy, textual criticism, and placing an emphasis on Greek (How many people in your church read the scriptures in Greek? Which Greek text? there are many and they are different), matters more than being a Holy Spirit inspired and called Christian leader and pastor. I believe an emphasis on drawing closer to God spiritually is required in this new year. I am going to place an emphasis on this during the new year. The scriptures tell us who should be our guide. The passage below informs us who Christ told the disciples would be their instruction, strength and comfort:
John 16:7-15 (KJV)
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
This new year, I am going to spend more time in prayer seeking the instruction, strength and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Where the Holy Spirit works, there is revival. We need a great revival in this country and around the world during this next year. Revival starts with yourself, then the Holy Spirit will use you to reach others. I ask anyone reading this to pray for the Holy Spirit to work in us and bring revival in our churches over this new year.
In Christ,
The Sword of the Spirit 