A NEW YOU IN A NEW YEAR!

It’s a new year. Thank God you made it. The year is going already, before you realize, it has come to an end. But it will not go just like that. I believe it will be your most remarkable, most exciting and your most fulfilling, in Jesus name.

The Lord spoke to us in RAPHA INT'L MINISTRIES that this is a season to OCCUPY (Luke 19:13). To occupy is to busy oneself with, that is, to trade, or do business. It calls on us to get busy about the Father’s business, to employ all resources within our hearts and the ones in our hands for the glory of God. It is a call for us to take our place in His Kingdom, bringing the influence of the Kingdom to bear within our sphere of influence.

God never changes, yet He changes the times and the seasons (Dan. 2:21). He works with us based on times and seasons (Eccl. 3:1; Psa. 102:13).

I want you to note however, that just because it is a new year doesn't necessarily mean anything is going to change in your life. The calendar or clock doesn't have the power to change anything. If you were sick on 31^st Dec, you didn't get well because it was Jan. 1.

So, lest you get caught in the euphoria of celebrating the entry of a new year and forget how to get the benefit of this present season, I have written this article to you.

Zig Ziglar said, “One definition of insanity is to believe you can keep on doing the same thing while expecting different results.” So for some of us, there is a need to re-evaluate our lives so as to re-focus, re-strategize and re-direct our hearts for maximum effects.

Jesus said you cannot pour new wine into old wineskins, lest you burst the wineskin and lose the wine. The wineskin must become new (Luke 5:37-38). You must become a new wineskin to receive & retain the new thing God is doing this year.

Rom. 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

“Transformed” comes from the Greek word, Metamorphoo, meaning, change in form, a word from where we get ‘metamorphosis.’ This verse shows us that we can be transformed (changed) not because it is a new year, but because your mind is renewed, signifying a new you. You are not holding on to your old ways of unbelief, unforgiveness, bitterness, sinful lifestyle, etc. it is a new you in a new year. Things must change – your level of commitment, dedication, sacrifice, your attitude to God, your involvement in the service of God, must all reflect a positive change. Unless something changes in you, nothing changes around you. Things won’t change simply because you’ve entered a new year, or that you tag the year “your year of … whatever!”

To make the best of this year, I admonish you to change your ATTITUDE towards:

1(1)      GOD: Put God first, above everything else. Those that honour God, He will honour (1Sam.2:30). Therefore honour God with your substance (Matt. 6:33; Prov. 3:9,10). Give to God the first of your harvest this year (firstfruits). Be faithful with your tithes. Be generous with your offerings. Wake up each morning and begin with worship. Take time to pray (at least an hour a day), praying more for others than for yourself. Study the Word daily – at least a chapter a day.

2(2)      CHURCH: Be consistent in Fellowship (Heb. 10:25). Be faithful in your finances this year. Support every project being done in your church. Don’t default in your tithing. (The tithe is 10% of your income – anything that comes into your hand/pocket). This will ensure a continual flow of God’s blessings in your life (Mal. 3:8-12; Lev. 27:30; Heb. 7:7-8). Get involved in the service of God. The service of God is a covenant tool for blessing (Exo. 23:25-27). Be committed to your local church. Don’t just attend, be actively involved. (Heb. 10:25; 1 Cor. 15:58). Win souls for Christ this year. Be fruitful in the Kingdom (Prov. 11:30; Dan. 12:3; Mk. 16:15)

3(3)      YOUR PASTOR: Follow, support, honour & be a blessing to your Pastor this year – 1Cor. 11:1; 1Thess. 5:12,13; 1Tim. 5:17,18; Heb. 13:7,17; Gal. 6:6-9.

4(4)      MONEY: Be faithful with the resources God commits to you this year (Lk. 16:11). Learn how to make, manage & multiply money. Be generous. Block all leakages – no waste.

5(5)      PEOPLE: Life is all about people. Relationship is the currency of life. All you ever need is here on earth, and probably in somebody’s hand. People are channels. Decide to be a blessing to the people God brings your way. Don’t despise anybody. Help as many people as you can this year.

I believe this year to be your best so far in the name of Jesus. I see a new you in a new year, set for new things in a new fashion. They will see in you what has not been seen before. They will hear about you things not heard before.