You will also declare a thing

I used to love watching Catchphrase on TV when Roy Walker would ask contestants to view a picture and guess the catchphrase. When they were struggling to guess correctly, Roy Walker would always say, “Say what you see.”

When we are struggling with sickness that is not good advice. The more we talk and meditate on the problem, the worse it sometimes becomes. It's understandable to want to talk about the sickness attacking our bodies. As Roy Walker would say, “It's good but it's not right.” Actually, it is not good or right!

It seems to me that nothing is released from heaven without a declaration first. During the Christmas story we have just celebrated, the angels declared Messiah's birth. In creation, God spoke and it was. We are made in his image and, when we make a declaration, something moves in the spirit.

The way to rise up and overcome any situation is to begin by making a declaration about the solution.

“You will also declare a thing,
And it will be established for you;
So light will shine on your ways.”
Job 22:28

Jesus declared that Lazarus' situation would not end in death. Even though Lazarus died and was buried four days, Jesus' declaration came to pass.

God encourages us to make a declaration about our difficulties.

“…Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'”
Joel 3:10

There is no doubt that words are powerful. They are used to promote peace and spread terrorism. They are used to bring down governments and establish new eras.

We need to know what God has said about our healing and begin to declare it wisely over our bodies, our finances and any challenge we face.

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.”
Proverbs 12:18

What are you declaring about your situation today?

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Only one thing is needed

So here we are - a new year and a new beginning. How many of us have made New Year's Resolutions? And how many will be broken before January is out? So often we make too many resolutions and then keep none of them.

But actually, to make a real change in our life often requires just one thing. There is one thing you could do this year that could transform your whole life.

Some of us need to let go of the past. St Paul had been involved in the execution and persecution of Christians before he became one of their most prominent leaders. Do you imagine for a moment that the faces of those he'd had killed didn't haunt him? Many of us have things in our past that hold us back. St Paul wrote, “… one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead,” Philippians 3:13

Some people need to put the past behind them You need to realise that there is no future in your past. Maybe that's the one thing you should do this year.

Others have lost the sense of worship towards God. We need to recapture the spirit of worship David had. Maybe that's the one thing you should do this year.

“One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”
Psalms 27:4

Others lack a concern for the poor that is at the heart of God's love for the world. Jesus said to the rich young ruler, “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Mark 10:21

Maybe the one thing you should do this year is give to the poor. There are many ways to do that. Obviously for me, I connect many people with projects that help the poor directly through RSVP Trust. But there is no shortage of need.

Still others are rushing about, busy with many practical things when what we need to do is listen to Jesus. Some of my most productive moments have come from being still and listening for God's voice. Jesus said to Martha that only one thing was needed, to listen to him.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42

What is the one thing you could do this year that would transform your life and your walk with God?

Contact Don
Books by Don
Listen to Don online - www.doneganpodcast.co.uk