Prophetic word released on February 3, 2021:
"They will not live in fear or dread of what may come, for their hearts are firm, ever secure in their faith." (Psalm 112:7)
I don't have to take a vote to know that you were ready for a new year. That goes without saying. But honestly, for all the horrible things that we have faced, there have also been countless miracles and breakthroughs that have happened for many people...and there will be more! The Lord is for us and He is the same yesterday, today and forever—even in the midst of shaking (Hebrews 13:6).
Shaking
"Did you feel that?" has become a common question in our Neighborhood Watch emails. In Kansas, we've experienced more earthquakes than ever and the largest one was 3.8... There's a (spiritual) rift that goes right through the middle of our nation. There's a whole lot of shaking going on in both the natural and supernatural realm!
But let's be reminded that our focus can't be on the shaking, but rather on our God who controls the universe; He has set His love on us, not on the temporary shaking. Here's my testimony: "Because He is close to me and always available, my confidence will never be shaken, for I experience His wrap-around presence every moment" (see Psalm 16:8 TPT).
"...I have learned to be satisfied in any circumstance... For I'm trained in the secret of overcoming all things... And I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty." (Philippians 4:11-13)
Even with COVID-19, inconveniences, shutdowns, lost jobs—in the midst of everything, I will let Him wrap me in His loving kindness. How about you?
"...[T]he Eternal One is never shaken—He is still found in His temple of holiness, reigning as Lord and King over all. He is closely watching everything that happens. And with a glance, His eyes examine every heart. For His heavenly rule will prevail over all." (Psalm 11:4)
Did you catch that? He will prevail over all. That's not to say that we have no responsibility (or that we are to do nothing). Our part is to stay connected to Him in prayer, obey His voice, and trust Him to do the rest.
"...Trust only in God every moment! Tell Him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to Him. Believe me when I tell you—He will help you!" (Psalm 62:8)
On New Year's Day, I was asking the Father about 2021. He said to me, "It's going to be a very different kind of year!" He said, "It'll be the same kind of different as you!"
The Same Kind of Different as You
This is what I believe He was saying: The way that we trust, the way that we believe—the way that we handle, process and obey His voice in moving forward this year will make all the difference in [determining] what kind of year we'll end up having. It will be "the same kind of different as you." How you react to adversity will make all the difference. Will you faint in the midst of trials? And how will you react to news that seems bad at first glance? Will you and I appropriate Psalm 112:7-8?
"They will not live in fear or dread of what may come, for their hearts are firm, ever secure in their faith. Steady and strong, they will not be afraid, but will calmly face their every foe until they all go down in defeat." (Psalm 112:7-8) (Photo via Unsplash)
Fear cannot be a driving force in our lives. Faith, not fear, is the victory! And even if a battle does break out, God has already provided all the grace at the front end for you. Heaven's realm is open to the lovers of God to receive the grace that they need when they need it!
"So now don't wait but go freely and boldly to where love is enthroned to receive mercy's kiss and discover the grace you so urgently need to strengthen you in your time of weakness" (see Hebrews 4:16 TPT).
He's given us an open-ended invitation. The door is always open to go in and get what you need! Go and get your stuff (Hebrews 4:15-16)!
Carousel Dream
I had a dream where I was on a carousel and to the side of the carousel, there was a man. Every time the carousel went around, he would hold out rings for me to take. It was my choice as to whether I would grab them or not, but I did, and as I took each one, I began to feel better, happier, and more confident.
Interpretation: The daily grind of life and the news from the world around us can take its toll on us; but if we'll reach out to Jesus, the giver of good gifts (James 1:17), He will release His gifts of grace and strength. And as we appropriate these gifts in our lives, we'll live better, happier, and more confident lives; but it's our choice. He's holding it out and it's ours for the taking!
The Lord told Paul, "My grace is always more than enough for you, and My power finds its full expression through your weakness..." (2 Corinthians 12:9). Did you get that? Power finds its fullest expression through our weakness. And Paul responds, "...My weakness becomes a portal to God's power" (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Your week, your day, or your life may have you feeling really down right now. But if you let Him into that weakness, it will become a portal for His power to do His supernatural work in you. We do our part and He does His. You're always safe in His love. And the best news is this: When you allow Him into your weakness, you'll be empowered by the anointing and strength of the Holy Spirit to do what He's calling you to do. And you will be moved forward and out of the funk.
I heard the Lord say, "Some things may not go as you planned this year. Will you still be thankful?" No kidding! We've all had things that didn't go as planned this year. When I heard this, I also heard my husband's voice in my ear saying, "If you want to make God laugh, just tell Him your plans."
"Now, I know, O Yahweh, that one's destiny is not their own to choose, it's not in one's power to direct their own steps" (see Jeremiah 10:23).
I'm not prophesying that those plans won't come to pass, but sometimes God's timing is different from ours. Now the question is, and what I heard God ask, "Will you continue to be thankful if things don't go as planned?"
Repositioning
There are some of you reading this who will be repositioned by God this year, but have no fear. You may have been headed in one direction all your life but now, out of nowhere, it seems that your life has been turned upside down. And now your whole focus has suddenly changed.
I hear God say, "No, I'm not sorry. Not to worry...I will use all that you have done up to this point and will incorporate it into this next, new 'repositioning' that I'm doing. Will you be content to be and do what best serves others and My Kingdom [instead of] pursuing your own plans for yourself? In the end, you will find yourself happier, even though in the beginning you didn't realize it. You will find yourself saying, 'Thank You, Lord! You knew! I had no idea!'"
"Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life, and He will provide for you what you desire the most. Give God the right to direct your life, and as you trust Him along the way you'll find He pulled it off perfectly!" (Psalm 37:4-5)
"So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God's perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are His lovers who have been called to fulfill His designed purpose." (Romans 8:28) (Photo via Stock Snap)
We can't afford to hang on to the past when God is attempting to get us to let it go. (And I'm not talking about the election here; I'm not attempting to be political.) The longer we look back and try to hold on to the past, the longer it will take for us to get on board with what God is attempting to do now.
We've been launched into a whole new world and no human logic will help to make sense of the path ahead. The world is changing the path ahead of us, and it's as though we have been dropped into the abyss of the mystery of the unknown. Give us more wisdom, Lord!
Wisdom from Above
I have had so many dreams lately about Christians who have made horrible decisions for their lives only to realize, later, that they failed to act with wisdom. I believe the Lord is wanting to speak to us about our need this year not only to seek God for more revelation, but to seek for it coupled together with wisdom. In fact, many times this last month we've had a Great Horned Owl perched on the corner of our house, and every time I hear him hoot, I'm reminded of Proverbs 1:21: "...You will hear wisdom's warning as she preaches courageously to those who stop and listen."
The Lord said to me that wisdom is our most needed commodity this year. When Solomon asked for wisdom God was so pleased with his request that He not only gave it to him, but He also gave him wealth and fame. To me, this is proof of how badly the Father wants it for us. He knows that our decisions affect all those around us and even our generations to come. God's desire is to transform our lives not only as we hear Holy Spirit revelation, but through His Word as well. God wants to teach us to walk in His wisdom so that He can transform us and those around us.
"If you consider yourself to be wise and one who understands the ways of God, advertise it with a beautiful, fruitful life guided by wisdom's gentleness. Never brag or boast about what you've done and you'll prove that you're truly wise. But if there is bitter jealousy or competition hiding in your heart, then don't deny it and try to compensate for it by boasting and being phony. For that has nothing to do with God's heavenly wisdom but can best be described as the wisdom of this world, both selfish and devilish. So, wherever jealousy and selfishness are uncovered, you will also find many troubles and every kind of meanness.
"But the wisdom from above is always pure, filled with peace, considerate and teachable, filled with love and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy in any form and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! Good seeds of wisdom's fruit will be planted with peaceful acts by those who cherish making peace." (James 3:13-18)
Such good advice! My husband heard the Father tell him last year that 2021 would be a year of bringing the Church back to righteousness and pure holiness. These Scriptures tie right into that theme. We memorized these passages early on in our marriage. It would be good for everyone to memorize them. Just think how much wiser we would be if we walked in the words of these Scriptures.
And finally, hear Matthew 11:19: "...God's wisdom will be visibly seen living in those who embrace it."
Lord, we embrace Your truth! Now, let wisdom come alive and be visibly seen working in and through us! Amen!
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Candice Simmons
Stairway Ministries
The Passion Translation
Email:Â brian@passiontranslation.com
Website:Â www.thepassiontranslation.com
Brian and Candice Simmons have been described as true pioneers in ministry. As a spiritual father and mother, their teaching and spiritual gifts have opened doors in many nations to take the message of authentic awakening and revival to many. For the last 40 years they have labored together to present Christ in His fullness wherever God sends them. Dr. Simmons is currently working as the lead translator of The Passion Translation.
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