Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (KJV)

Good News Translation reads the following: “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong.”

Abraham, was called a prophet by GOD Almighty Himself according to Genesis 20:7

I believe there are 4 lessons from the life of Abraham that will lighten your path in ministry beginning 2019 and beyond.

1. “Be Watchful”

GOD wants us His servants to be watchful.

Being watchful or to be alert also means “knowing the times” we live in.

Abraham knew when to leave his nation, families and kindred. Abraham was alert in the spirit understanding the times. Though he may not have realised the entire picture of GOD’s plan, He obeyed, left everything and turned his life around towards the promises of GOD. It is possible to turn only if you know where to turn to.

GOD has planned every year perfectly and it is His pleasure in revealing them to His prophets according to Amos 3:7

It is important to know what is coming in the nation to know what you can expect and know what to pray for.

Today, surrender yourself to your LORD to take some time everyday to spend in His presence to understand the times in the nation you are living in. GOD is willing to speak with you if you are willing to wait in His presence.

2. “Stand Fast in Faith”

I believe every test that came Abraham’s way was later only for the good. Abraham built his faith as he began walking with the LORD by obeying His orders one step at a time.

Though Abraham did knew not where the promised land was he still blindly obeyed and followed the LORD’s directions. The result of his obedience made Abraham to inherit the promises of GOD. Whenever he would step into a place then GOD spoke saying I will give you this land for you and your descendants. Had Abraham not stepped, then GOD would have remained silent.

This year go forward in faith and stand firm in faith no matter what may come in this year. If GOD is leading you into something ‘Go’

Stand firm in faith like Abraham did and sow whatever GOD asks you to sow and you will surely reap in abundance.

3. “Be brave”

The KJV translation says ‘Quit you like men’. Abraham was not a warrior at all. Yet, when Lot was taken captive by kings of 4 nations, Abraham with just an army of 318 men fights 4 kings and wins every stolen person, goods including Lot his nephew.

Genesis 14 14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.

16 He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.

Don’t look at which government is going to rule. Do not fear because you have a poorly attended ministry or church. GOD will fight.

This year, when the enemy comes be bold and just be ready with the ‘name of JESUS’- for your enemy is not any man or woman, but you fight against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

GOD will fight along with you. 'Be brave'

4. Be Strong

Stay Encouraged. Do NOT lose heart if you have to sacrifice or to lose anything this year.

Again, Abraham did not fear what would happen to his dear son Ishmael. It is easy to overlook what pain Abraham could have gone through when he had to send Hagar and Ishmael away. The first time, Hagar ran way from Sarah but this time, Abraham had to send both Hagar and Ishmael away. Abraham loved Ishmael as he was his own son- his firstborn child. Abraham did not send Hagar and Ishmael when Sarah forced and kept pestering him. Read Genesis 21:10,11. Abraham was greatly distressed yet when GOD’s word came, Abraham obeyed and never looked back.

This year, if GOD should ask you to let go of something then let it go without any other questions. Though all your questions may seem to be true, logical and practical, you will not see what GOD can do unless you let it go.

Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael with just little food and a skin of water but GOD did not leave Hagar and Ishmael. So ‘Be Strong’ in 2019 and if GOD asks, ‘Let Go’

Dear Ministers of Christ, I wish you and your precious family a blessed new year 2019. May CHRIST’s be yours.

Blessings as you look forward.

“Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong.”

1 Corinthians 16:13

Prayer

Our Gracious GOD,

Hear us today as we pray in JESUS name.  Deliver me from all evil and keep me away from every temptation in 2019. May your rejoicing be heard in my life, my ministry and your Church. Please be with us all through this year and lead us in your way. Help us to be watchful; to stay strong in faith; to be confident and brave and to stay strong. Watch us all along the way we will walk this new year and provide us Your SPIRIT more than anything.

We ask in JESUS’ mighty name, Amen.

Bro John Clement Amalanand

God’s love missions family