Recipe for 2022 and Beyond

Recipe for 2022 and Beyond

“Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord,  And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity]. The wicked [those who live in disobedience to God’s law] are not so, But they are like the chaff [worthless and without substance] which the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand [unpunished] in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows and fully approves the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked shall perish.” (Psalms 1:1-6, AMP)

We all want to be blessed, prosperous and favoured by God. How can that happen, now or in the future? We must not walk in the counsel of the wicked following their advice or embracing their ideologies or philosophies. We must not stand with sinners to participate in their sin, deviousness or rebellion against God. We must not sit with ridiculers nor associate ourselves with blasphemers. We must delight ourselves in God's law and meditate on it day and night.

'Thus says the Lord , “Cursed is the man who trusts in and relies on mankind, Making [weak, faulty human] flesh his strength, And whose mind and heart turn away from the Lord . For he will be like a shrub in the [parched] desert; and shall not see prosperity when it comes, but shall live in the rocky places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord . For he will be [nourished] like a tree planted by the waters, That spreads out its roots by the river; and will not fear the heat when it comes; but its leaves will be green and moist. And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought nor stop bearing fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:5-8, AMP)

None of us wants to be cursed and God in His love and mercy draws our attention to attitudes that precipitate curses or His judgement. Trusting and relying on mankind, making flesh one's strength or turning away from the Lord in part or in whole will set in process dire consequences. Dryness, unfruitfulness, rocky soils will be the portion of those who disregard His commandments. 'Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord' God does not mince words; He says what He means and means what He says. The path to receiving His blessings is straightforward; there is no shortcut, no circumvention, no compromise but deep-rooted trust in Him, the Great I AM. God promises nourishment, fruitfulness, faith, multiplication to all those who trust in Him.

Finally, I would like to remind us of Proverbs 3:5-7:

"Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil. It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts] and refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8, AMP)

What more do we need? The promises of God are yeah and amen and are settled in Heaven. His Words are unambiguous. When the Lord God Almighty directs you, you cannot never be lost or confused. In 2022, health, refreshment joy and peace will be found in our God who says in Isaiah 55:10-11:

"For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, making it bear and sprout, and providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

God's Word will be fulfilled; it will not return to Him void and shall accomplish the purpose for which God has spoken and pronounced it. This is the recipe for 2022. These are not empty promises, but powerful words that will surely come to pass. May you have a happy and blessed New Year.