Just Joy Ministries

I have always loved the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.  It’s  a week of lazy leisure with just enough Christmas left to enjoy the peace of the season and none of the stress.

For me, these sweet 7 days locked between the manger and Times Square, are filled with the urge to look back and reminisce at the faithfulness of God.  I am always amazed when I count the 365 days just passed that were chockfull of goodness, joy and opportunities to be used by Him.  I shake my head in constant disbelief and repeat over and over again, “Only God!”

What were your “Only God!” moments this year?  I have found that it is positive reinforcement for a grateful heart to write down what God has done.  God instructed the children of Israel to write down what He had done for them.  It is not such bad advice in the 21st. Century either, is it?  It is important for us to “journal the journey” so that we remember the hand and heart of God when we happen to spend some time in the deserts of life. (Exodus 17; Deuteronomy 31)

At this time of year, I am also always more excited than a child on Christmas Eve as I anticipate what God has next for me.  I love spending the hours of this uneventful week dreaming with God ... imagining what is up His miraculous sleeve for 2012.  The prophet Isaiah tells us to “declare the things to come.” (Isaiah 41:23)  What are you declaring over your 2012?  For a child to come back to the Lord?  For a breakthrough in your calling?  For a freshness in your marriage?  I can tell you right now that this is a great day to dream with God and then to declare the things to come in 2012!

What about you?  How are you spending this week?  Are you thanking God for the year just past or are you filled with regrets and questions born of pain?  Are you looking ahead with grand anticipation or are you sick with worry, anxiety and dread?

I can tell you this - God has been with you in 2011 and His inexhaustible mercies are here for you to tap into.  Today.

God is looking ahead with you to your 2012 with wonder knowing that He has great plans for you every day of this new calendar year.

I’d love to hear from you this week.  I would love to know what your “Only God” moments were in 2011 and I would love the opportunity to pray with you as you dream with God and hear His singular voice.

Merry week after Christmas, my friends!  Happy week before New Year’s!  Let’s change the world together!