Twice the Life in 2009

This world will give you plenty of reasons to give up, but God wants to give you TWICE the LIFE!

Can you believe that 2008 is over! 2008 will never come back again! What a relief :)

What a year it’s been! For many it has been filled with trials and adversity. It has been a time of great economic uncertainty. I have realized that when we face the pressures of life, when financial concerns, health issues, and fears about the future tempt us, we need to remember and claim the promises of God more than ever. It is when we face tough times that we run into the presence of God. We can’t allow the negativity — the reports of doom and gloom — to take root in our hearts and control our thoughts. If you are going to receive everything that God has for you in 2009, you need to keep your faith and hope in the Lord strong through the end of this year. There is something that I have realized about God and that is “he is not negative” There is so much positive energy around him and every time you step into his presence, you need to have faith that he exists and he rewards those who diligently seek him (Hebrews 11)

Let me encourage you to remember God’s Word and all of the abundant promises of His protection, provision, hope and a future. These  promises become even more significant when we find ourselves troubled.  For me personally, God spoke to me through his word, illustrations and  most of all, when tough times came.. For a while I thought God has forgotten me.. only to realize later that He was always with me.. He is only a prayer away.. We have to remind ourselves that God’s not mad at us. He’s not mad at you — He’s madly in love with you. I don’t know why but I love this phrase .. that He is madly in love with me!! And I hear myself repeating it throughout these few days! What an assurance!! He knows exactly what you are facing, and though you may not feel like it, He has a “double portion” of blessing planned for you and your future. Look at what it says in His Word:

Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever (Isaiah 61:7 The Message).

What an amazing promise! The prophet Isaiah was speaking to a group of hurting people who refused to give up. They put their trust in God.  They didn’t let the circumstances of life steal their joy or the promises of a great future. God promised to reward them, and, like always, God made good on His promise.

In 2009, I believe that God wants to give you double for your trouble. He wants to give you twice the life — twice the joy, twice the faith, twice the peace, twice the love and twice the hope that you’ve ever known.

Twice the life doesn’t mean that we won’t have problems. We’re always going to face challenges and obstacles, but we’ve got to believe that God is for us and He has good things in store for you and me. We have to be determined not to look at how big our mountains are but focus on how big our God is! I am reminded of a man who went fishing and all the small fish he caught, he kept putting it in his bag and if the fish was big, he would throw it back. A puzzled onlooker approached him asking him what he was upto? And the man replied” See buddy, I have an eight inch frying pan at home and any fish that isn’t 8inches is thrown back into the river” Don’t we limit God sometimes to that 8 inch frying pan??

I think we all do.. We need to know what a big God we serve.. John says in his book, “Calling Out” that probably taking a walk outside and looking at his creation will amaze your little brain on what a big God we serve. If you like going on walks (like I do) try it!

Tired, discouraged, negative people drain the life from others. But positive, faith-filled, encouraging, enthusiastic people bless others everywhere they go. They are always looking to give and be a blessing to others, and God promises to give back to them a double portion. No matter your current circumstances, look to share a simple compliment, a kind gesture, a listening ear. These simple gestures can make all the difference in the lives of those around you. Keeping a positive attitude of faith is the key to God unleashing His peace and power in your life. Would you like to have twice the energy in 2009? What about twice the peace? Twice the answers to your prayers? Twice the satisfaction or twice the purpose? Whatever it is you need today, God wants to give you double for your past troubles!

God’s Word says it’s possible. All you have to do is be faithful and believe.

It doesn’t matter if your past was dark . . . your future is bright.

If you feel like you missed your chance . . . it’s never too late.

And even if you’ve experienced good things . . .your best is yet to come.

Today is the time to expect greater opportunities, new possibilities, divine connections and miraculous open doors. What I also want to add is that this year ” do more for the Kingdom” seek to serve, seek to learn, seek to hear from Him, seek His face more than His hand…

Remember, God wants to give you a double portion — or as I like to say . . . twice the life.

Expecting great things in 2009!

– – – written by Jenny

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Sacred Space : The Temple of God As I jumped off the building’s 11th floor Why I Love Charismatic People Spiritual War