“Adversity introduces a man to himself.” H. L. MENCKEN, attributed, A New Dictionary of Quotations

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Hello Monday. Today is the first Monday morning of the New Year. By today many will have already broke their New Year’s resolutions. Today is back to work day for many in the work force as well as for those still in school. Today it will be back to work as normal, or will it? Not for some. Today will be day four of their new strategy for the New Year. Today they begin a 21 day fast. Today they continue to learn a new word, read their Bible, and write in their journal— they refuse to be counted with the majority. They are the minority and they are swimming in a different direction. The current pulls at them just like it pulls on everyone to let go, lay down turn around, but they refuse.

There are some fish that swim upstream or against the current unlike most fish. The reason is because a lot of plankton and other kinds of food are in the flow; the fish opens its mouth and filters the food out of the water. If it went the other way all the food would go past its head. Many people miss opportunities because they aren’t going in the right direction.

Fish like salmon and herring are born in fresh water streams and rivers, and then migrate down river into the ocean to live and grow. When the time comes for them to breed, they return to the stream of their birth to lay eggs in the same spot where they were born. To accomplish this, they must swim upstream against the current or flow of the stream. Like these fish we get away from the things that brought us to where we are. If we go back to where we were birthed (born again) and give birth to what God planned for us then others can have life too. It is the unselfish act of doing what we were created for that gives us passion to pursue in the difficult times.  When it seems uphill and hard keep your focus.  Others that have gone on before us kept their focus so we could be where we are today. They sacrificed so that we could have what we have. Now it’s our turn. Read the Bible like you used to and then some. Pray like you use to and then some. Success is costly but sin is deadly.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV) “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

"The highest form of success ... comes, not to the man who desires mere easy peace, but to the man who does not shrink from danger, from hardship, or from bitter toil, and who out of these wins the splendid ultimate triumph."  THEODORE ROOSEVELT, The Strenuous Life

Read more at http://www.notable-quotes.com/a/adversity_quotes.html#GY6m2ydeDZqeJx6o.99

Oh and by the way, just because we make it up to our goal in sight does not mean that when we get there adversity will not be waiting. (see above photo) The bear is a symbol of the devourer or sin. Since all sin is from the devil and he is an opportunist be watchful. Some have made it to where they were headed only to be caught unaware. The war is real and is not over until God says, “it’s over.”  Just keep swimming.

Wow its 1:42 AM as I write this. We just got home from church and broke our 3 day fast together. I love praying in the New Year with people I do life with, people that will cry the hardest when I'm gone. When I look back over my life I realize this is my 59th New Year’s. I do not remember them all. In fact I am sure I have forgotten more than I remember, but my favorite thing has always been the New Year’s Eve Services. I feel as though God is reminding us once more of His grace and mercy.

Each year I write out my Goals and One Word that I will focus my life around. This year my One Word is “Early”.  I believe God wants me ahead of the curve. He wants me to be ready, not be getting ready. He wants me early not late. He wants me to be prepared ahead of time for whatever He wants of me. This will be my test. It will prove He is faithful and whether I am. If I do my part I am fully assured He will do His.  This year He prepared me early for several things that transpired in my life. I put up my tree early, baked early, shopped early and then a friend was diagnosed with cancer and I was able to spend the needed time helping her without being stressed. The Lord prepared me for that as well as He had me read two books about cancer. I even knew someone was going to battle cancer because He was talking to me I just didn’t know who.  God was early. He wanted me to be ready.

I challenge you this year to be like the wise virgins and get your lamp ready. Purchase your oil ahead of time. Seek Him early and listen to His still small voice. He will not fail you. He is faithful. This year we will take many tests. The Lord wants us to pass them all so that He may promote us. The time of favor is now. The time for promotion is upon us. We must be ready. There will be many opportunities. Those that prepare will be partakers of His divine nature and walk into the fulfillment of destiny He has foreordained.

Happy New Year. Thanks for joining me into the journey that awaits us.  2016 we are ready for you! We are the children of God and we will succeed.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”