As we approach the closing days of 2019 our focus naturally shifts to what is coming. The New Year brings about hope, anticipation, and the promises of yesterday being fulfilled tomorrow. Like any other year we are presented with words of encouragement, edification, and comfort for the Body of Christ in which helps us continue our efforts of advancing the Kingdom. Our first responsibility is to see that we end this year well and not get into the habit of looking so much into the future that we fail to close the door behind us. Don’t leave 2019 open with regret, unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, resentment, and more. Don’t carry the burdens of this year into the next chapter of your life. With that said, what do I believe the Lord is saying for the New Year?
A few years ago the Lord shared with me about A Great Divide coming to the Body of Christ in which I made the mistake of limiting this to a specific time frame. At the time I did not consider the ramifications of what this word would imply. I look back now and realize that the word had not been limited to a window of time, but the word is very much still active and unfolding in this moment. Lately the Lord has been reminding me of that word, and other words (Sons of Samuel will be Exposed, Saul Prophets will be Stripped, Cockroaches will be Exposed).
When we look at the current landscape of Christianity there is a common theme that we must acknowledge. We have embraced a softer version of what it means to be a follower of Christ. We have laid down our convictions in order to pick up popularity. We have laid down our Biblical theology in order to pick up cultural relevance. We no longer lay down our life for our brother (or sister) in Christ, and exchange any opportunity we can to cut them off at the moment of disagreement. We don’t see the multitude defending the accuracy of the Word of the Lord, yet they easily embrace the charisma of leaders who have no integrity or character. I could go on and on, but the point is this…within the Body of Christ today we have a lack of Fear. Where is the Fear of the Lord? How have we become so soft in our beliefs, our theology, and our morals that we cannot exemplify the Fear of the Lord? What if our secret thoughts, words about others, and our actions behind the scenes were be put on a public display so that everyone could know who you really are? With this revelation those same individuals would also evaluate your life based on how you live and what you confess? If our private moments were suddenly thrust into the spotlight, the concern over what others thought of us would be increased. We have an instinct to concentrate on what others think of us, and how they will judge the things we do (or say). What’s interesting is how we would be overwhelmed by what others thought about us, yet we rarely consider the evaluation of our thoughts, words, actions, attitudes, and motives by the Lord. Needles to say it would make a huge difference in the way you privately and publicly live.
There is a truth that we must be willing to embrace. You will give an account of your life to God. The Lord is always aware of everything you think, secretly desire, say (right or wrong), and the things you do (privately and/or publicly). The Fear of The Lord should highlight these truths and our awareness of His Presence in our life. The Lord is holy, He is just, and He is almighty God. Because of this, every motive, every single thought, every word, and every decision we make will be judged by Him.
“Yet the 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
“You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.” –Psalm 139:2-4
“For God sees everything you do and his eyes are wide open as he observes every single habit you have.” –Proverbs 5:21
“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere and he takes note of everything that happens. He watches over his lovers, and he also sees the wickedness of the wicked.” –Proverbs 15:3
“No one lights a lamp and then hides it, covering it over or putting it where its light won’t be seen. No, the lamp is placed on a lampstand so others are able to benefit from its brightness. Because this revelation lamp now shines within you, nothing will be hidden from you—it will all be revealed. Every secret of the kingdom will be unveiled and out in the open, made known by the revelation-light. So pay careful attention to your hearts as you hear my teaching, for to those who have open hearts, even more revelation will be given to them until it overflows. And for those who do not listen with open hearts, what little light they imagine to have will be taken away.” –Luke 8:16-18
“Whatever you have spoken in private will be public knowledge, and what you have whispered secretly behind closed doors will be broadcast far and wide for all to hear.” –Luke 12:3
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” –Proverbs 9:10
In the coming new year (2020) I see the Lord aligning this year with a resurgence of His Glory coming to the Body of Christ through a renewal the Holy Fear of the Lord. Through this we will see the Beginning of Wisdom! There will be a movement within the Body of Christ in which we see the increase of Wisdom through The Fear of the Lord to advance and equip the Body of Christ. I saw altars filled across the Nations of the earth with men and women, young and old, weeping in repentance over the way they have lived as a child of God. As they weep, they will also know the Joy of the Lord returning to them. We will see the Lord move within the Body of Christ with a Holy conviction for Holiness and Righteousness through Christ. We will see men and women stand in pulpits silent as they won’t be permitted to say anything that isn’t of the Lord. The Body will weep, and be filled with Joy. We will hear the testimonies throughout detailing the movements of repentance and the birthing of joy unspeakable. The children of God will gain wisdom about the ways of The Lord and they will learn to value what He values regardless of culture. Where the eyes have focused on man, they will return to the face of The Lord. The fear of the Lord will be renewed within the Body of Christ. As the conviction of Holy Spirit moves throughout the land, there will be those who reject The Lord. When this happens, The Lord will mark those who reject His Spirit. Those who refuse to confess, will not be able to recognize when the Lord no longer has His hand upon them. They will continue as normal, yet the Lord will not be within. The Lord will quietly remove many, yet He will also allow others to be put on display as a sign of rebellion. Regardless of their denial, The Fear of The Lord will be known in the Body again as this is just the beginning.