Romans 12:1-2 – “I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy, acceptable to God—which is your spiritual service. ² Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

As I prayed and sought the LORD this past week, one thing kept coming to the forefront of my mind – – God wants to Transform us; He is not trying to Reform us.  We tend to want to reform, turn over a new leaf and modify our behavior.  God is not into modifying behavior but giving us a new nature.  He is disinterested in us reforming and doing a little better; He is interested in depositing His Spirit in our hearts, shedding His love in us, and making us New Creations in Christ Jesus.

The problems we face as individuals and as a nation will not be resolved via the Political or Electoral pathway nor by our great wisdom individually.  Those problems will ONLY be resolved through a return to God, a return to our moral foundations, and total surrender to Him.  Yes, we will continue to be involved in the electoral and political process, and we will continue to do our daily duties, but ONLY God can solve the ills of our world and the issues of our lives. 

We have directives in Scripture that provide us with the answers to life’s problems.  If we Seek God First and Foremost, He will be found.  If we follow the directive of 2 Chronicles 7:14, we will see a healing of our nation and a healing in our individual lives.  God is not interested in our laundry list of what we do; He is interested in where our hearts are.  He wants us, not just our efforts.  Faith has works, but works are not faith; they are evidence of faith.

I believe that the desire of God for 2023 is for each of us to recommit ourselves to Him fully and make our goal to dwell in His Presence every day and walk in obedience to His Word, Will, and Spirit. 

I believe there will be another pandemic in the next 12 to 18 months, and it will be worse than the coronavirus.  I believe there will be shortages during that timeframe.  Shortages of many goods and services, but even more concerning is the food shortage.  That will lead to chaos and violence.  I believe that crime will escalate over the next year, and many will fear leaving their homes.  I see dark times ahead and streets filled with angry, violent people.

However, I also see a mighty move of the Spirit of God coming. Those who ‘Hunger and Thirst for Him and His Righteousness’ will experience a spiritual awakening like never before.  Two streams will occur simultaneously, Chaos, Shortage, Destruction, and Difficulty on the one hand and a Spiritual Awakening on the other.  God will supernaturally provide for His followers in ways not dreamed of by those facing need. 

But the bottom line is that we must desire to be TRANSFORMED. Just being REFORMED will not produce Revival, Restoration, or Renewal.  I am excited about what God is going to do; even as we watch the chaos, confusion, and darkness, there will be a radiant light from God shining on our world.  Those hungry and thirsty will find nourishment and refreshing. 

2023 is going to be the year of Transformation for some and the year of attempted Reformation for others!  The path we choose will determine our end.  I encourage you to set your heart to seeking God and let nothing become more important than your relationship with Him.

This is the Day the Lord has made, and we can not only rejoice and be glad in it, but we can also stand still and watch God do His Work.  He will not leave us, nor will He forsake us!  His Promises are certain.  If He tells us to jump through a hole in the wall, it is our responsibility to jump and His to make a hole in the wall. 

God bless you!  2023 you do not scare us!  We know whom we have believed and are persuaded that He is ABLE!   

God bless you, and have a fantastic day!