Freedom

Hey Friend,

This year we decided to join in a Japanese tradition and wake up to see the first sunrise of the year. Honestly it was pretty easy in this season since we don’t make it past 10pm most nights and the baby has is up early most days anyways. 😅 As I stood there waiting for the sun to rise I was reminded of the Bible verse in Lamentations “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (3:22-23) I simultaneously teared up and laughed with joy, thinking about the wonderful gift we have in HIM! The one who forgives and makes whole; who redeems and restores; who saves and gives life. 

Many go into a new year with resolutions or ideas about “doing things differently” or “making it the best year ever” and quickly petter out because they are trying to do it all in their own strength. But let’s see what the Scripture says about new things…

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” 2 Cor. 5:17

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Is. 43:19

“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” Rev. 21:5

So when we focus on the ONE who makes all things new instead of the new year we will be transformed and made new through HIM.

You won’t hear me pushing the new year, new you mentality. Instead I want you to reclaim the you God intended you to be - the enemy came to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10) what have you potentially surrendered to him and others? You don’t need to strive in your own strength to create a new you, you just need to courageously surrender to the Lord and be confident in who you were made to be! 

Don’t get me wrong I am all about habit changing, having discipline, capturing every thought, and working towards the goals/desires God has put in our hearts. But I believe we do this by disrupting the lies we've been conditioned to believe. Lies that keep us chained. Lies that we've been told repeatedly that we've simply stopped questioning. This includes lies about ourselves, our faith, our health, our world…lies that have been whispered in our ear since childhood or lies declared by the media, schools, and “experts”.  How many things do you do or choose for the simple reason that it's what you always have been told? How many times have you not even thought to question it or if you did question something you were shamed for it? Let’s be a part of changing the culture and courageously step out of what we have always been told and start questioning.

When we speak we are either coming into agreement with truth or lies, into agreement with God’s Kingdom or the enemy’s. The rest of the John 10:10 verse states that Jesus came to give us life and life abundantly.  Let’s go into 2024 declaring life!  Let’s declare life over our family, marriages, friendships, country, health, business and all those the Lord has put into our sphere of influence.  HIS Word will not return void and is always our weapon against the lies of the evil one. 

So as we go into 2024, let’s remember that it’s not about the new year but instead about the ONE who makes all things new. If you are interested in exploring more about faith and health sign up for a Connecting the Dots Conversation for free HERE or CONTACT ME here.

Praying that you experience the freedom a fierce faith in Him brings. And always remember courage is contagious, so live courageously,