As we begin a new year, let's take a cue from the Christmas carols we've been singing:

"No more let sin and sorrow grow
Nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found"

I believe that in order for God to advance us in His purpose and His will this year, there are some thorns that we need to dig out. I'm not talking about New Year's Resolutions that we give up in a week or two, or feeling guilty every time we make a mistake. I mean asking God to show us things in our lives that are hindering or delaying God's purposes, and accepting His grace and wisdom to change those circumstances or habits.

While a lot of us are waiting for God to bring something new into our lives, God is waiting for us to get rid of the old stuff. That's the amazing thing about our God. He replaces. He restores. He renews. He gives us beauty for ashes, praise instead of fear, and gladness instead of mourning. He heals our broken hearts and sets us free from whatever is holding us back. (To get excited about this, read Isaiah 61!) As far as the curse is found, God wants to cause His blessing to flow to bring new life, new hope, and new joy!

I believe, this year, we will see amazing moves of God in each other's lives. I believe that God will restore things that were stolen, will cause dreams to come to pass, will awaken spiritual giftings and callings, will bring long awaited answers, and will fulfill His Word to us like never before.

Then we will be known as "oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:3) As the Christmas carol above states; "He makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love." God wants to use your life to show off! He wants His glory and love to be seen through you! God wants to do a new thing in you and use it for His glory!

Make way for a new move of God in your life. Prepare yourself by seeking Him, and obeying His voice. Don't allow negative or even neutral influences to take root in your life. Don't let God's promised land become overrun with thorns. Girls, if you want some new clothes, you've got to make room in your closet! Guys, if you clean out the garage, you'll be able to park the new car! Now those things sound like fun, but I believe God has much better surprises in store for us! "So, rejoice, O sons of Zion, and be glad in the Lord your God; for He has given you the early rain for your vindication. And He has poured down for you the rain, the early and the latter rain. And the threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with the new wine and oil. Then I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten." (Joel 2:23-25)