HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! It is hard to believe that we have come 2009
already. A new year offers a chance for a new beginning. A lot of
people like this time of year because it is one time when they can
say,at least in a sense,that the slate is wiped clean. Jesus 'wiped
our slate clean' when He died for us on the cross. Something we
remember and celebrate this season. It is also something to remember
as we go into this new year because while He also cleansed us,He
demonstrated His unconditional love for us.This means also,simply,
that He has wonderful things in store of us and wants to see these
things come to pass. So,today, I just want to remind you that as we
walk into this new year,this new beginning,this year of harvest,don't
let the devil throw you off course. The enemy knows,too, that the Lord
has great things in store for you and will do everything in his power
to stop the manifestation of it.When he comes against us,though,
remember what God promised you in Jeremiah 29:11- a HOPE and a
FUTURE...He said that He knows the plans that He has for us. So when
we come on hard times,do as it says in the following passage:

Psalm 119:169-173
Let my cry come before You,O Lord; Give me understanding according to
Your word. Let my supplication come before You; Deliver m according to
Your word.My lips shall utter praise,For You teach me Your statutes.My
tongue shall speak of Your word,For all Your commandments are
righteousness.Let Your hand become my help,For I have chosen Your
precepts.

One way this can be taken is this: If you have committed your life to
Christ and believe what thus saith the Lord...then when trials and
tribulations come,read the Word! Remind yourself and "remind" God of
what He said. Remind yourself to keep yourself lifted,keep your
spirits up and to combat the enemy. "Reminding" the Lord is not
because He forgets...definitely not...but rather to...petition Him in
a way.Even though He knows all that we know and beyond, Even so...we pray His Word,His words back to Him because that's whatHe responds to...(courtesy of my mother,who put into words what Icould I not).

So remember..when the enemy..when others come against you withmess,with obstacles..recall what the Word says and speak it toyourself and talk to God. Big things are coming in 2009 and in thisNew Year,we must be prepared to fight like never before.

***Adeola Oyelabi******DS Epiphany***