Encounter 2018

2017 is behind us...watching for what God has in 2018

January 1

Sunday our youth pastor preached and said, "If you're not dead, God's not done with you!"

Encounter- "Unexpectedly experience or be faced with something."

We have no idea what we may encounter in 2018, but God knows exactly what is ahead.

Still in Christmas story mode (for the lessons never go out of season) I'm taken back to the account of the wise men in Matthew chapter two and what I should learn from them.

Kaitie Stoddard wrote: "The true wisdom of the wise men was not education and reading (although they likely had much of that): it was recognizing the face of God in the midst of what seemed foolish and weak to the world...To be truly wise is to be wise in the Lord and led by the Spirit. Our own understanding will always be limited."

Thought one:

"They opened their treasures and present him (Jesus) with gifts..." They were in His Presence!

What treasures am I giving Him? While "gifts" is not my love language, we are called to give!

Am I intentional to seek Him constantly? 

"Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually."  Psalm 105:4

The other phrase reverberating in my mind, "Being warned in a dream," was stated three times in this chapter.  Once to the wise men warning them to steer clear of Herod; and twice to Joseph directing his path to a safe haven for Mary and Jesus.

Do I recognize dreams as a way God can stir our hearts and get our attention?
Am I diligent to see if they align with scripture?

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5

God's word warns us of false prophets who borrow sermons from others and tell you of their dreams.

"You prophets who do nothing but dream-go ahead and tell your silly dreams. But you prophets who have a message from me-tell it truly and faithfully."  Isaiah 23:28

We must be wise and seek the Spirit to guide us, but the Bible does say:

"But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 'And in the last days it shall be, God declares that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams;'"  Acts 2:16-17

Welcome 2018 with excited anticipation that God is at work, that He wants us filled with the Holy Spirit and with the belief that He has marvelous encounters ahead for us which will bring Him glory. May we continually be seeking God's Presence and the Spirit's guidance, and be thankful for the grace which has been given to us through Jesus Christ.

Happy New Year