"A YEAR OF DESTINY
A people of destiny... sounds so profound and a little unbelievable for most, but listen to the remainder of that verse in I Peter 2:9, 'But you are a royal priesthood, an holy nation, and a people for God's own possession.' The words of Peter are just as penetrating and applicable today as they were two thousand years ago. Destined unto great things - you made that choice when you received Christ as your Savior and Lord. And now He wants to work the reality of that in and through you.
The word 'destiny' holds significant meaning as applied to the believer. Webster defines it as 'to decree beforehand; to designate; to set apart for a specific purpose and/or a pre-determined cause of events: often held to be a resistless power or agenct.' The power of the Holy Spirit has truly opened a door that no man can shut.
The three things I felt God underscoring as purposes to be worked out in our lives this year are:
1) Destiny - God revealing and releasing specific purposes in and through our lives
2) Deliverance - A year of judgment and freedom in each of our lives personally
3) Discipline - A renewed commitment to Jesus and His disciplines being worked
I believe that God is searching for a people through which He can work His purposes and release His blessing. 'Father, make us everything you want us to be... powerful, yet tender; firm, yet sensitive.' Here are a few suggestions on how that comes about:
1) Believe God to work His dynamic power through you. Be full of the spirit
2) Pray like you are going to make a difference. Not just a casual 'I hope so.'
3) Don't let the adversary shackle you by negativism. Begin to consider destiny possibilities through you.
4) Be strong in the Lord. Don't allow the enemy to sap you of your strength and authority.
Pastor Ron Mehl"