As we move into a new year and the start of a new decade, the Lord has worked and stirred some thoughts in me.

Some time I ago, I started seeing 2020 and 20/20 vision.  Now, it doesn’t seem original – LOL – as I see it written all over Facebook the past few days.  It was original in my heart a couple of months ago as I saw the New Year coming.

What does it mean?  You know the saying, “Hindsight is twenty-twenty.”  This means it is easier to understand a situation only after it has happened.

I feel like the Lord is saying – as we go into 2020 that we already have our hindsight to all that we will encounter in this new year and a new decade.  Don’t doubt yourself.  The Lord has given you the wisdom that you need to move forward with your goals and visions.  Don’t let the past stop you!!

Do as Paul did, “Forget those things which are behind and reach forward to those things which are ahead.”  (UT OH – I hear someone saying – “but I really messed up…financially, or with sin – or other choices.”  PLEASE – Paul – who had been the ‘Osama bin Laden’ of the day – said – “FORGET THE PAST”. )

Paul exhorts us to press forward. Focus on your fresh goals and visions.  Do not revisit the past.  You now have 20/20 vision to go into the future.

Obviously, many things in our lives continue – such as work, education, church, and choices of recreation, but now is the time to think through and renegotiate contracts and commitments.  What would the Lord have you to do?

The Holy Spirit who lives in you, will show you how to diplomatically and correctly renegotiate.

Tips on how to renegotiate later.

I know I have some goals for this year that are the same as last year.  I miserably failed at my goals for weight loss and exercise.  BUT – I will not let the failure of 2019 determine my success and focus for 2020.

My 20/20 vision will help me make a better plan with accountability.  Does anyone relate?

Hebrew Year 5780 – The Year of the Voice

We happen to also be in the Hebrew calendar year, 5780.  In September of 2019, when this was being celebrated, Patricia King wrote great insight into this year, based on the Hebrew meanings of the numbers/letters.

This coming decade is about speaking.  This really made an impact on me, because at the time I was helping my brother recover from drastic tongue surgery and voice was on our mind.

Patricia King said, “God is looking for those who will open their mouths and proclaim His Word with true conviction.”  5780 is the year decrees.  Job 22:28 says, “Decree a thing and it will be established, and the light will shine on all your ways.”

For more from Patricia King’s insight, go to:  https://www.patriciakingministries.com/devotion-sept-2019/

Reflections from a New Years Eve Funeral

As it happens, on New Year’s Eve, 2019, I attended a beloved uncle’s funeral.  The service was one of the most anointed I have ever attended.  Not because it was Pentecostal – no, it was mainline Baptist (my roots).

You know you are in an anointed service, when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you – deep within your spirit – with words and thoughts that are not being used in the natural.  The atmosphere was created for the Holy Spirit to comfort and work in the family and friends of Dell Schultze, missionary to the Ilongots and mentor to many missionaries in training.

There is no doubt, as Dell stepped into eternity and after he hugged the necks of many family and friends, he heard, “Well done – good and faithful servant.”

Jesus Christ came to show us how to live and because he lived perfectly, became our savior.  Dell was born a sinner, as we all are, yet, showed us how to overcome the sin nature and live for Christ.

Through wisdom and humbleness, and a love for Jesus, Dell was able to engage every person he had a conversation with, in a discussion about their spiritual walk.

It didn’t matter if you had a spiritual walk or not – somehow if you are talking with Dell – you are eagerly discussing the deep things of the soul and spirit.   He had a way of asking the most thought-provoking questions.

SO – one of my New Year goals is to develop the art of asking questions and listening more.  May many walk closer and deeper because of this “domino” effect from Uncle Dell.

What To Do – How To Think It Through

• Pray and write down your fresh visions and goals. It doesn’t matter that some are the same from last year.  Forget the past!
• If they are the same, analyze what went wrong and what can you put into place to make it right? Rick Renner uses this verse to re-motivate.  “No discipline feels pleasant or enjoyable at the time it is happening. But later on, it produces long-awaited righteous fruit in the lives of those who are willing to undergo the discipline required to attain it.”  Hebrews 12:11. He makes this verse applicable to any discipline he is developing.
• Are you under any contracts or circumstances that need to be renegotiated? Write them down.  Prayerfully consider what you want that would be an upgrade for both you and the other.  Be BOLD – and press ahead.
• What other changes need to happen? Do you need to free up more time?  Free up more money?  Any other changes?  Make some tough decisions.
• How do you use your voice? This is the year to decree a thing and watch it happen.  Be careful not to negate your own voice.  Remember, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21. Make a list of things you want to decree over your life this year.  Do it every day and watch the changes happen.
• What is going on deep in your spirit that requires change or an upgrade? Prayerfully consider how to make it happen.  God is for you and not against you.  The Holy Spirit within you is your teacher.

May this New Year and the New Decade – be the best yet!!

Renegotiation tips – variation from my book – Raising a Temple – page 109

Renegotiation in some cases does require diplomacy.  Daniel set the example of how to make an appeal to one who is in authority.

Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were being groomed for the king’s service and were given the best foods that the king had to offer. However, the banquet meat and wine went against their Jewish laws.

Daniel went to the chief eunuch and requested that they not be required to eat the food served but rather vegetables and water only. The eunuch’s concern was that their preference would not be healthy for them.

Daniel respectfully asked for him to test their request for ten days. At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his friends appeared healthier, so their request was granted. This story is from the first chapter of Daniel.

Notice that Daniel explained his convictions without condemnation to others.

Through the discussion with the eunuch, Daniel discovered the goals that the eunuch had and was able to make a suitable suggestion.