We have crossed over into a new year. For some 2018 was a very challenging year in the area of family struggles, relationships and financial difficulties, etc.
My family and I are in the midst of a transition and crossing over. Transition is never easy. During times of transition we cannot lose sight of the promise. Stay in faith!
This is true for many of you. 2019 is going to have some shakings and upheavals. But be of good cheer.
In Deuteronomy 9:1, the Moses told the children of Israel “You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven,”. Then he instructed them to understand that the Lord your God goes over before you as a consuming fire to destroy the enemy and bring him down so they could be driven out and destroyed quickly.
In Chapter 6, 7 and 8, Moses pointed out the dangers God’s people must avoid during the time of transition: not to forget God’s goodness, not to compromise with the enemy and become self-satisfied and complacent after great victory.
In Chapter 9, he warns them about the danger all believers constantly face. The reappearance of an old sin. In Israel’s case it was the sin of rebellion against God.
Moses understood that human nature is the same from one generation to another and that people rarely learn from the mistakes of others.
God gave Moses the Law for the people in Deuteronomy 10:12-13. Versed 13 says, “..what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?”
We see very similar words in Micah 6:8, “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
After wandering in the desert 40 years, the Israelites finally approached the boundary of the Promised Land near Shittim. Moses had died, and God had transferred power to Moses’ successor Joshua.
What’s interesting is that the flood waters rose when the Priests stepped into the water. When the Israelites crossed, it was at flood stage, overflowing its banks. Nothing but the power of God could have parted it and made it safe for his people to cross.
Micah’s message can still guide us in our lives today. In a world filled with upheaval and chaos obedience to the Lord is our strength.
When the Lord brings us into a new place, whether it be ministry, job promotion, relationships, or financial blessings, we are not to forget what is required of his people; to continue to obey him, to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
In 2019, expect God to show up in ways that will confound our natural mind. Expect Holy Spirit to show up in miraculous ways. I’m expecting miracles.
The key to prosperity and blessing is faithfully obeying the voice of the Lord. We become his special possession when we do. A peculiar treasure to him through our obedience (Exodus 19:5).
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Blessings,
Dr. Francine
Note: All Scriptures are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
BEYOND CHURCH WALLS 