Bruce Chant

2012 is well and truly upon us now

The year year brings new hope and new excitement. And rightly so.

The bible tells us God controls the time and seasons (Daniel 2:21) and so when the calendar changes it can signal more than a change in the date. So in 2012 we can expect something NEW.

What are you expecting for 2012?

To have expectation is to eagerly look to the Lord for Him to work and speak in ways that only He can.

Without expectation, we can easily miss God. But with expectation, we are Spiritually aware and awake to the things of the Spirit and are more likely to see, hear and agree with the movings and workings of God - in the earth, but also in our own situations.

There are a few themes I believe God is speaking to me about for 2012. I'd like to share them hear because as we hear the Word of the Lord our faith is strengthened, and it is by "faith and patience (i.e. expectancy) that we inherit the promises" of God (Hebrews 6:12).

1. The Divergence of Light and Darkness

Isaiah 60 speaks of the light of God rising and shining in the darkness. The day we are in is one where increasingly there will be less grey. The church needs to take its place as a voice and presence for what is light. There is now a need to consider carefully how we speak and how we act because in doing so we increasingly choose and align ourselves with the forces of darkness and light. This will be a time for Daniels, men and women of integrity and boldness, to stand and come into the Lord's promotion.

2. Boldness in Evangelism

But in this time of walking carefully to align ourselves with God in truth, there is a grace for the church to speak out and stand with new boldness and authority! The silencing, intimidatory work of the enemy has been broken, and the time is now to proclaim the truth of Jesus in power and strength. There will be bright and shining lamps lighting up in dark places, attracting those in search of truth, liberty and healing. Now is the time, to be bold and step out in faith. In doing so, great and mighty things will take place and the kingdom will expand with a great in-gathering (Isa 43:5-6).

3. Everything being ADDED

Luke 12:31 says "Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you". This is the year for this Word to be made known in your life. For many in 2011 and the years preceding it, there has been a stealing away by the enemy. This theft - be it financial, health, opportunity, blessing, relationships - is illegal and the Lord is acting to reverse this curse and lift off the weight of hardship upon you. But the condition for this promise, is that first of all, above all, we seek Him and His kingdom. The Lord is jealous for a people to call His own in the earth, and with it will be signs. One of those will be of increase, stolen things being added back with interest, a double portion in the land (Isaiah 61:7) will be yours.

I pray you eagerly seek the coming of the Lord's presence, power and promises in your life in 2012.

PS - Get More of God's Word to you in 2012

Sign up to receive 12 devotionals in your email inbox over 12 days. Go to my devotional site, edevotional.com to sign up and receive the first today.

•