THE LORD IS DOING A NEW THING

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV)
2 And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

We have our own dreams and aspirations and they could be good desires. But ultimately, God knows what is best for us because He has uniquely wired us with specific gifts and potential. 

What is God saying to you about His vision for your life?  Take time to listen to Him. Write down what you hear. 
Seek clarity on His vision for your life and how that fits into His broader vision for the church. Then run with it. 

Reflect on what God’s vision means for you. What changes would you make to align your current goals and plans with His vision? 
 

Colossians 3:1-2 (NLT)
1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

God’s vision for our lives gives us a clear sense of purpose and keeps us heading in the right direction. It’s a constant reminder to live with the end in mind and to let the lens of eternity sharpen our focus on the “here and now.”

What have you been preoccupied with? How you spend your time reveals what you place value on.  Amidst a host of earthly responsibilities, what measures are you taking to grow progressively to become more heavenly-minded?

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, 
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

This promise was first given to the Israelites whom Isaiah prophesied would go into exile and suffer much hardship as a result of their disobedience. At some point in our spiritual journey, we too can become “faint and weary” from pressing challenges though we may be walking in the will of God.

In what aspect are you needing God’s strength at this juncture – physical, emotional, mental or spiritual? How do we receive this strength? We receive it as we wait on the Lord - actively seeking Him, relinquishing control to Him and trusting that He will guide us in the right direction.

Ezekiel 36:26-27
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

Israel’s problem was not so much a lack of knowledge as it was a heart issue. God called them a “stiff-necked” people because their hearts were cold and calloused. 

What is the spiritual condition of your heart? Is it brimming with God’s love and compassion? Does the hearing of God’s word translate into action? Or do you find yourself in a situation where you are over-exposed to God’s Word and under-responding?

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a “heart-check.”  Allow Him to unclog your arteries of any built-up muck from past sins and hurts. Let Him create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you (Psalm 51:10).

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Every day, we are compelled to make choices that either conform to the world or align with God’s will.  To counteract the influences of a secular mindset, Paul calls us to a profound metamorphosis as described by the Greek word used for “transformed.”

In the transformation process to a butterfly, a caterpillar eats 5x its weight every day, growing to 1,000 times its original size in weeks, splitting and shedding its skin 4-5 times during this period. Transformation through the renewal of our minds comes only as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word daily. How much time do you spend on God’s Word? What steps will you take to make it your priority?

1 Corinthians 10:31-32
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God.

This exhortation concludes Paul’s instructions to the Corinthian church about food sacrificed to idols. The question was whether they should eat or not.  Paul urges them to consider the impact of their choices on others, emphasizing that true freedom is not license to do whatever we want to do. It’s about exercising our freedom in love and consideration for others.

Ultimately, our decision “to do or not to do” should stem from a desire to please God and glorify Him, rather than the expectations of others. This should be our real motivation. Ask yourself, “How can I use my freedom to uplift others?” Let your actions reflect a commitment to glorify God and bless others.

John 13:34-35
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The command to love isn’t new, but Jesus’ sacrificial love on the cross redefined it for His followers. His example calls us to love one another as He has loved us: completely, selflessly, giving life and hope. This is the kind of love that distinguishes Christ followers and serves as the strongest witness to the gospel.

How are you fulfilling the command to love like Jesus?  Consider how you can show love to a difficult brother or sister in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with God’s love (Romans 5:5).
 

Ephesians 5:15-17
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

As children of light (Ephesians 5:8), Paul urges us to live intentionally and seize every opportunity, especially in these challenging times where evil abounds. Life is fleeting – “Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last” (C.T. Studd).

Amidst the busyness of life with all its pressures and demands, take time to pause and reflect. Are you actively pursuing God’s will or cruising on an autopilot mode? Each day presents us with a new opportunity to do better. Love, serve, share the gospel, and live for His glory!

Luke 4:18-19
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

From the onset of His ministry, Jesus defined His mission as one of holistic care – addressing the spiritual, physical, psychological, social and economic health of His audience. As His followers, we are called to continue this holistic, Spirit-inspired mission.

Are we living and preaching freedom in Christ?  Jesus’ ministry was rooted in compassion and power. Seek God for a fresh anointing of His Spirit to live and proclaim this freedom to your unsaved loved ones and friends. If you have yet to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, ask your heavenly Father who delights in giving the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13).