As we prepare to enter into a new year, have you considered how you want to live out your days? Most people have contemplated their past and want to improve their lives in the coming year. Have you considered Job 36:11? “If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures.” If we believe the word of God is true, this scripture holds the key to our future. As a result of our obedience to God we will live our days in prosperity and pleasure. I can expect and have a great year. I can live a life of peace and joy by simply obeying God. No one can hinder or hamper my life from living in prosperity and pleasure. I can have what God says I can have if I obey HIM! What are your plans and your desires? They must start with your obedience to the will of God.

In Acts 3:1-10; Peter and John were on their way into the Jerusalem Temple to pray. They were encountered by a man begging for money. Peter said to the man, “Silver and Gold, I do not have but in the name of Jesus rise up and walk.” Immediately this man stood up and walked. The man who had been lame ran into the temple leaping and praising God.

Can the actions of one person change the life of another? If so, what is it that we can do to change the life of another? What can you do?

I heard about this lady whose church was in a building program. One Sunday the pastor announced that it was going to cost $2 million dollars to finish the building project. He was encouraging the congregation and challenged them to do their best. The pastor asked, “If God were to give you the funds to pay off this project, how many of you would do it?” He wasn’t putting pressure on them, but just trying to get them to open their minds to the possibility of giving. He said, “If God were to supernaturally provide, would you make a commitment to give?” This lady raised her hand, trusting in God. Several days later, she got a call from a friend who had just won a multimillion dollar settlement in a legal matter. The friend said, “I just feel like I’m supposed to give you $2 million dollars.” The lady was so excited and overjoyed. She said, “You are an answer to prayer! I know exactly what I’m going to do with the money. I’m going to give it to my church to help finish that building project.”

A few days later, the same friend called back. She said, “You know, I really feel like I’m supposed to give you personally $2 million dollars. So if you’re going to give those funds away, then I’m going to give you an additional $2 million for yourself.”

That’s the favor of God. When it was all said and done, the friend who gave got blessed, the the church was blessed, and the lady who was the conduit was bless.

It all started when this woman dared to believe God supernaturally. When the pastor said, “If God gave it to you, would you give it?” As an act of faith she said, “Lord, I believe and trust you as my source.” I know God is my source. He is Jehovah Jireh – the Lord my provider. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He owns the hills as well, He owns it all.” When you put your faith out there like that, it opens the door for God to show up and show out!

“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)