January 2008

Four Words for 2008

The Lord has given me four words for 2008. These words have caused me to begin this year with much prayer and seeking more of His heart. I want to share them with you because I believe they are important for all of us.

Focus

Many things will come into focus this year. Some things we tried to give our attention to in 2007 will become so clear in 2008 that we will be able to make great progress in those areas. There are also some things we have attempted to focus on, and we will see that they are simply wrong targets for our attention. The Lord will help define the difference and show us what has been stealing our energy, time and talents because we were not focusing on things He would have us focus on. He will also release clear vision so we can move forward with great purpose toward an appointed focus for this year. Expect vision—along with the passion and plans to fulfill it—in 2008.

Righteousness

I strongly sense the Holy Spirit pointing us toward the revelation of righteousness. This understanding will bring great freedom especially to those who have been bound in performance mentality and held captive by trying to get personal worth and value in what they do instead of who they are. The world has gained a measure of power over us by teaching us that value based on “doing,” but that power will be broken in our lives as the Holy Spirit releases the revelation that we are the righteousness of God in Christ.

Entitlement

I don’t even think we are aware of ways in which we position our expectations and desires based on a sense of entitlement. The enemy has been subtly luring us into thinking we should have certain opportunities or “blessings” because we deserve them. This can even sound very spiritual

• “I have served here long enough to have that.”
• “My prayer life has matured so much that I know I will see this happen this year.”
• “I deserve a seat up front because of all I have given to this church.”
• “I know the pastor will choose me as head intercessor because I have been so faithful in my prayers for him and my church attendance.”
• “This job promotion has got to be mine because I am better friends with my boss than anyone else applying for the position.”

There can be a fine line between faith and an attitude that a “guaranteed” benefit awaits us because we have a right to it. We must allow the Holy Spirit to show us where we have picked up any sense of entitlement and are insisting that “we have rights” instead of merely looking for the walk and the way of the Cross.

Endurance

2007 was a year that prepared us for increased capacity—endurance. This means the race is not over; we have to keep pressing forward. There will be times of great refreshing this year, but know that the big picture plan is for us to have endurance beyond what we had in the past. We will need this strength in the days to come not only for times of intense pressure, but also for the ability to handle the blessings the Lord will pour out in great abundance. Know that the Lord is specifically orchestrating situations in your life so you can not only have the strength to stand, but also have the strength to overcome and then the strength to help those around you.

Finally, I want to say prophetically that 2008 will be a year of breaking off limitations; a year of walking in great humility; a year of demarcation—clearly leaving behind what does not need to enter the new season; and a year of maturing and perfecting personal and corporate discernment. Previous tricks of the enemy will be clearly exposed and more easily avoided in the future because of the depths of discernment we will experience this year.

Many voices are already speaking what the Lord has put on their hearts for this year. My prayer is that you hear the voice of the Father. Don’t listen to the voice of stranger, but hear and heed the voice the Shepherd (see John 10:1-14).