An Encouraging Word
For many years now at the beginning of the year God has given me a scripture or word of encouragement that becomes my foundation for the year. As I have shared these with people, many have expressed encouragement and excitement. I believe these words are cumulative. What I mean is the previous scriptures continue to apply with the added dimension of new scriptures. This year is the same.
Last year, the term “Harvest Encounters” came to me as I shared that, from 2 Kings 3:17-18, God was ready to “fill the ditches we have dug” in our ministries, finances, relationships, health, etc. I’ve seen this provision happen and many have sent notes that they were experiencing similar events throughout the year. This year the “Harvest Continues”.
It seems strange to be sharing about harvest when the last few years have been a struggle for many- especially financially. Nevertheless that is what my spirit keeps hearing as I pray and study the bible. For those who can’t wait any longer, the scriptures for the year are Joel 2:19 & 26 but here is the long version.
Joel 2:12 (ESV) “Yet even now” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning”
My wife and I are in the middle of a twenty one day Daniel fast and we are expecting breakthroughs just as Daniel did as he prayed and fasted for his answer (Dan.10). I encourage you to consider a no meat, no sweets fast for your own breakthroughs. Fasting helps us be more sensitive to God’s promptings.
Joel 2:18-19 (ESV) “Then the Lord became jealous for his land and had pity on his people. The Lord answered and said to his people, ‘Behold I am sending to you grain, wine and oil, and you will be satisfied; and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations.”
God is jealous over you. He wants to bless and provide for you. He is sending grain- financial provision; wine-health and physical healing; and oil- anointing. I expect an increase in each of these areas this year. I anticipate more “harvest encounters” with greater results so don’t ever stop “digging the ditches”. Joel 2:26 tells us God will restore. That means things will be better than before.
Joel 2:26 (ESV) “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your god, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.”
Plenty sounds pretty good to me. Bring on the grain, wine, and oil! But don’t forget the purpose- God gets all the glory.
Joel 2:27 (ESV) “You shall know that I am in the (your) midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.”
