Are you excited about the new year? Are you ready for 2017? Mentally? Physically? Spiritually? Were you able to rest up over the holidays? Get away from the stress even a little? What would I, a pastor, know about that?
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Less than a year ago, I was at the top of my game corporately. Concurrently leading the East Digital Sales Team in Premium Software Sales to a successful half and year, while simultaneously leading the West Digital Sales Team in Digital Transformation and Eminence to complete training and certification as Certified Professional Digital Sellers. I was the first individual and our team was the first team in TSS North America to complete the certification. In my heart, it felt good to help so many accomplish so much. Assisting my colleagues exceed the demands of an incredibly demanding business was wonderful. My connections were such that I was assisting world wide teams and presenting to leaders in marketing and sales to further develop and hone our business acumen for the digital revolution that was exploding all around us.
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One thing I learned along the way, keep your finger on the pulse of the business and be prepared to move where the business was going. To my good fortune, I not only did that for myself, but for so many others. A heart full of confidence that having sown such an abundant seed for 23 years, surely it was time to harvest. My Father in heaven had different plans. By May I learned my job role that had changed on January 1 had been resourced. Talk about a wake up call. Though taken by surprise, I went immediately to prayer and seeking the face of the Lord for His will. Proverbs 3 had never been more relevant, where it states to not lean unto my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct my paths. For many who experienced the same thing there was a lot of trepidation, but it was delightful to also encounter other believers who were just as confident of the provision that heaven held in place just for them.
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So amazingly, here we are in West Virginia, in response to the call of God 17 years ago. Rested, mentally, physically, and especially spiritually. For the work that is at hand. 2017 is our opportunity more now than ever to set our face like a flint to see the kingdom of God move in power and love unlike anything we have experienced since the Great Awakenings and Azusa Street. Don’t be mistaken though. There are not many ways to accomplish this. There is only one. When Jesus said John 14:8, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, He meant it for every part of your life. So right now, if it’s a job you need, it’s in Him. If it’s rest and peace you need in the midst of challenging situations, He said in Matthew 11:28 ‘come unto Me and I’ll give you rest.” If there is a habit that needs to be broken, He made a Way for it to be forever broken. 
If you just want a better life for yourself and your family, He gave His Life so you can have His, abundantly. Even if it’s too far a stretch to get excited for now. let hope arise that things can and will get better. Starting right now.
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How? Glad you asked. It requires turning to Jesus. Remember, He is the Way. How? Turn to His Word. Many times you already have someone you know is a follower of Jesus. Just ask them if they have had trouble with what you’re having trouble with. And have an expectation that even if they haven’t, chances are good they know someone who has. Contrary to many popular songs and sayings, you weren’t born for trouble, you were born to bring glory to the Father. Yep, your life was created to worship Him. You may be saying no blinkety blink way that will ever happen. I’m living proof He can turn it around. So email me at pastor-ray@gloryofagape.org and let’s chat about a turn around. Then we can work to make it a Happy New Year Indeed!
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