I Prayed have prayed
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
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As we enter into 2022, one of the things we must do is forget what is behind.

But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead (Phil 3:13).

I think it is interesting that Paul says, “This ONE thing I do,” yet it is a two-part instruction.  One that is vital as we move from one season to another.  Especially if the last season was filled with challenges, chaos, and uncertainty.  As this new year begins, God has continually brought two scriptures to my mind.  One being Philippians 3:13, the other is found in Luke 24:5.

“Why seek ye the living among the dead?”

As we know, three days before these women had watched one of their trusted leaders sell Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver.  They stood by as one of their beloved disciples denied he even knew Jesus.  They watched their Lord die on a cross as He cried out to the Father, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”  These were the things on their mind as they rushed into the tomb to bring spices to the buried.  Yet, when they arrived, the tomb was empty.  I can’t even imagine what they must have thought. Suddenly, they heard these words, “Why seek ye the living among the dead?”  In other words, “He lives!” With those words, their focus was redirected.

From death, to life.

From feelings of loss and betrayal, to the uncompromised Word of God.

From current events, to the truth of the promises of God.

From deep grief, to indescribable joy.

Those eight words changed everything. We too must remember as we step into this new year – don’t seek life among things that have passed.  It’s time to let go of the disappointments of 2021 and remove ourselves from a place of hope deferred.

We will all face disappointments, however we can’t take up residence in that place. We must instead choose to move past them.  From the land of hope deferred to a time of but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.  God doesn’t want us to stop at disappointment, His Word says our hope will not be cut off.  We must continue to believe His promises, regardless of what we walked through in the previous year.

 

The second part of this instruction is to press forward to what lies ahead.

God says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (AMP)

Regardless of what we endured in the last season, what disappointments it held; God has a plan.  A good plan and a good future for us.  We have a hope, one that will not be cut off, for a good final outcome. God’s plan for us is not to live among the evil forever but to dwell in peace and welfare. Make no mistake, that is our God-given final outcome. If we choose to look toward the future with a lens of disappointment, we will have no hope.

We must press forward.  To what?  To our destiny in God.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren (Rom 8:28-29.)

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; Before you were born, I sanctified you (Jer 1:5.)

Before we were born, God knew us and called us into a destiny.  That doesn’t change when we go through a challenging season.  The gifts and callings of God, in our life, never change.  In the year ahead, may we do this “one thing.” To leave what is behind and press forward into our God-given destiny with courage and determination.

Share your prayer for the new year in the comments!

Author Kim Potter is a writer and the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to thousands of people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, Charisma, Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim’s message is one of hope. She speaks to the heart of those who have grown discouraged or disappointed by the circumstances of life, imparting hope. To receive her daily inspirational writings, go to www.anewthingministries.com

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Cherie
January 4, 2022

I agree! There are spirits of darkness coming against the Saints AND we must stay out of our soul realm! The Spirit is life and peace and a warrior! He will help us rebuke the lies and resist them , while standing in our Father’s Love!

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Gabriela Email Kolinski
January 2, 2022

Dear Papa , I thank you for all the blessings and challenge the last year brought us. Thanks for the hope and the plans the you have for us this new year. Covered us with your wings and fulfill your purpose in the USA. In the pressures name of Jesus, amen!

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Paul Cooke
December 31, 2021

Why do you folks try to put people under the law. Read the first verse in The epistle of James. Are we the 12 tribes, learn how to rightly divide the word of truth! 2 Tim 2:15. If you believe the true gospel of the grace of God( 1 Corth 15:1-4) and believe Christ blood payed your Sin debt ( Rom 3:25-26). Your Are saved by the grace of God it is a gift from God! Eph 2:6-8) Eph 1:7, Col 2:11-13 believe what Christ has done for you! Confessing your sins was under the law!

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    Tom
    December 31, 2021

    Lord God and Father of us all; even Paul; I pray by all Jesus has and is doing for us; that the Holy Spirit show Paul his wrong thinking! Such as in him thinking he does not need to use spell & grammar check apps! Also show him he doesn’t know as much Bible as he thinks he does!

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Winnie
December 30, 2021

I am really struggling with how to move forward in this coming new year. I want to, but my heart is stuck. My husband went to be with Jesus in November. And while I know he is in a good place, free from suffering and pain, my heart is broken and I miss him so deeply. I know Romans 8:28 is true. But this just doesn’t feel good at all right now 💔

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    Tom
    December 31, 2021

    Winnie if your friends are telling you to rejoice and not grieve; you need different friends! Like those you will find in a grief support group; that many churches have! I pray you will ask God what to think about going to a CHURCH group!

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Diane Arndt
December 30, 2021

I am blessed to be part of Intercessors for America. Thankful we can continue to stand for our Loving Father. As a prayer warrior for many years, this has been the time to dig in and dig deep and now because of so many years of prayers and warfare, God will bring this to a head and He will stay the King of King and Lord of Lords. I continue to stand as His remnant but ask for strength as many days its truly been standing alone in my family. Thankful for all the many people that are praying with me. Blessings on 2022 as the Lord moves on our behalf and brings back righteousness and truth. Blessings!

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Jessica Renshaw
December 30, 2021

YES!

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Hal Lundquist
December 30, 2021

. In the year ahead, may we do this “one thing.” To leave what is behind and press forward into our God-given destiny with courage and determination.” Yes, press on in hope. Press on KNOWING that our Lord’s promises are good. They are true. Therein lies our hope.

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Timothy Buterbaugh
December 30, 2021

Thank you for an encouraging message.

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William Donahue
December 30, 2021

Dearest LORD, we ask for YOUR WILL and to Intercede in the body of Christ. That we stand together and pray as never before. Please forgive us all for not submitting to Your complete will. As Your Word says, ” I can do all things through CHRIST that Strengthens us, in JESUS NAME we ask and pray Dear Father amen. We love YOU LORD JESUS, thank YOU for answered prayers

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DAVID LITTLEFIELD
December 30, 2021

My “thanks” to IFA for all that you do to encourage and challenge both believers and non-believers to seek God’s will each day and to share Christ whenever/wherever possible. May He continue to provide wisdom, discernment, encouragement, protection, sensitivity to God’s Spirit and GREAT JOY as you touch lives for His kingdom.

To God be the glory!

David Littlefield

Romans 8:37-39

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Rosemary
December 30, 2021

Praise and glory be to our God!!

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Donna Sudbrook
December 30, 2021

2022 has the potential to be the year of great health …. the U.S. Medical System has been manipulated for at least 40 years since the AIDS virus of the 1980s, where the high profit medical so called solution was promoted, protected, etc etc and the low profit medical real solution was suppressed rigorously, ruthlessly at all costs. The great news is there are enormously easy and inexpensive and truly successful solutions out there to many so called “hard” illnesses/disease. The 3 I am limiting my research to is higher blood levels of vitamin d, 40-60 recommended, even 60-80 beneficial, 100-150 reportedly may stop lupus, (40 year vitamin d pioneer researcher ….www.drholick.com is a favorite source); high dose / intravenous vitamin c (vitamin c to bowel tolerance…amount varies by individual, divided doses throughout day, amount varies by illness/disease…. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Robert Cathcart, MD; orthomolecular.org select “Library”, select “News Releases” are favorite sources just for a start); and ivermectin ….. search on ivermectin and Key West Florida, Broward County Florida, Dominican Republic, Utah, India, Japan, the list goes on and on …. stumbling across research of Dr. Hulda Clark from the 1990s .. the part that parasites play in disease and illness …. apparently ivermectin an antiparasitic has much broader implications than just covid19. A cursory search on ivermectin and cancer, and comments on facebook of people with lymes disease improving on ivermectin are worth more research. Kidney disease and niacin, low dose Naltrexone, 1980s Dr. Bernard Bihari , there are many many tidbits out there of successful medical cures that have not been widely publicized because of the pressure of the U.S. federal government and the pharmaceutical industry. 2022 can be the year of great health. Oh and my all time favorite…. the Math+ protocol developed by Dr. Paul Marik, the worlds most published critical care physician. can cure sepsis deaths…. which accounts for 20% of the deaths in the world…. hundreds of thousands of Americans each year.

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    tom
    December 30, 2021

    Lord God Almighty by your grace and mercy and all the rest of your goodness do you give your children the Holy Spirit convincing of our need to individually resist the world conforming science to their desires instead of science conforming them to the truth of how you have made creation to work for the benefit of itself!

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James Courtney
December 30, 2021

Our family has endured a lot this last year but God has pulled us through, just trust in him.

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Amy
December 30, 2021

Yes, last year was challenging in many areas for me, but I kept Jesus close to me. Thank you for this article. God, please keep me focused and moving forward. I am grateful and blessed to have you in my life.

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Conni
December 30, 2021

I wonder how the persecuted church interprets Jeremiah 29:11? In Pakistan teen girls are raped and forced to marry older Muslim men, in Noth Korea 3 generations are thrown into prison, they are tortured and starved to death, in Nigeria, believers are massacred!
Does this verse apply to them or only to American Christians?
That verse is specifically for the nation of Israel. We are promised persecution 2Tim 3:12 and eternal life for being faithful!

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    Tom
    December 30, 2021

    Lord God Almighty I pray your wisdom is seen in my saying to Conni you know a lot about the persecuted church; but you don’t know what they think about Jer 29:11? or is that a rhetorical idea? Which is meant to get a reply or show us how much better it is to use our sense of right & wrong then to use the Bible sense of it? It seems to me Conni you are not putting much thought or prayer into your post.

    3
Toni Kushner
December 30, 2021

Praying that The Church will press on with enduring faith, knowing and trusting that the God who called them is faithful to do more than we can ask or imagine, for His glory and for His Kingdom. May The Church arise and shine in the days ahead.

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Martha Cashel
December 30, 2021

Thank you so much for your blog and guidance about meditation for the new year. I made a list of the disappointments and victories of the past year, and I was surprised at how many victories there were. Then I made a list of what I am pressing toward, and this is very encouraging. I am now looking forward to the new year, and in Christ I am a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are made new (2 Cor 5:17). I am starting changes today, a brand new day by the grace of God. I will ask God for grace daily and seek his presence day and night. I know that the new year may be challenging, but I know I have favor and am looking forward to doing the Lord’s will on earth.

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Joseph Blanton
December 30, 2021

Therefore let us run the race before us keeping our eyes fixed on Christ Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Let us run the race depending solely and completely on the sufficiency of God’s grace, for we dare not depend on our own strength and resources. We must run the race casting all our cares and concerns on Jesus, because He proved on the Cross that He loves and cares for us. And we run the race praying without ceasing. No servant can serve the Master without knowing Him and surrendering to His will and purpose for our lives. Let us overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony; a testimony that includes what we say and do. May Christ receive all power, honor and glory. Amen.

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Linda Brizendine
December 30, 2021

Thank you for being a voice to guild this world toward Jesus Christ!
Prayers for my children Russell Hammond and Paris Hammond to return to Jesus their first love.
I am standing and praying with you for the turn around of our nation and all people and pastors to stand up and stand our for Jesus in these latter days.
God’s abundant blessings and favor to you all always.
Linda Brizendine

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Cheryl. Daymont
December 30, 2021

2022 will be a great year God has a plan for us personally and nationally We the body of Christ must remember we live in the kingdom of God not the worls system Therefore we walk by faith not in fear HALLEUJAH

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Jeffery Dover
December 30, 2021

You certainly are “interceding”. Forget what is past? Forget that!

We must remember how the criminals in our federal government and in some of the states destroyed our way of life over nonsense.

That must not be forgotten. It must be remembered in order that as a people we take steps to prevent it from ever happening again. As they say, if you are ignorant of history, you are doomed to repeating it.

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Ronald Bangert
December 30, 2021

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren (Rom 8:28-29.)

“Predestined to be confirmed to the image of His Son”. To be transformed through the Holy Spirit! One with the Father! Unity! Christ in me, the Hope of Glory! Maranatha! Oh that we may attain to “no spots or wrinkles” in our love for Him! He is coming back for His Bride.

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Jodi Stark
December 30, 2021

Thank you Jesus that you have given us everything we need to live a life of peace and righteousness. Help us to embrace all that you have for us in the new year, that we may be even better equipped to spread your good news and be a part of the revival that is sweeping the land. Thank you for so many blessings, provisions and protection; thank your for your promise of victory over our enemies.

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Brian lynch
December 30, 2021

Thank you for the reminder, Kim, that we need to look to the Lord to be our Provider. We need to focus on the assurance that we are given in Psalm 91. What is happening around us, in the natural, is all temporary, and is subject to change. Almighty God, our refuge, NEVER changes. No weapon that is fashioned against Him shall stand. The battle belongs to the Lord. We just need to trust in Him.

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Eleanor Ciaravino
December 30, 2021

He has given His angels charge over us, they bear us up in their hands lest we dash our foot against a stone.
We say of the Lord, He is our refuge and our fortress, our G-D in Him we put our trust, we trust Him because we dwell in he secret place of the Most High and abide in the shadow of the Almighty. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords His Name is Jesus. We bow ou knee to Him and Him alone.

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Mary Lois Kemp
December 30, 2021

Beautifully put! A blessing to read this as this year comes to pass. Thank you

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Debbie Nash
December 30, 2021

Thank you for this post! We must choose to focus on the written word of God and not the circumstances that surround us! Our hope is in you, Lord. As we enter this new year,I pray for Holy Spirit saturation over the chosen people of God. That we may see clearly the Lords desires and stand boldly against the darkness.

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Edna Kelley
December 30, 2021

Much needed word for me & family. 2021 has been full of sadness. Death of loved ones. I am going into 2022 with Hope that my family will come to the Lord Jesus Christ. Forgetting the past & looking towards the future.

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Anita Johnson
December 30, 2021

We thank you Father for what you are doing in this upcoming year now. We know who holds our future and it’s you. We release all offenses, ungodly drives and ambitions and inhibitions. Open us even the more to be able to withstand, walk in and flow in your glory.

As a citizen of this great country, we stand in it’s gap and authority and say “WE BLESS YOUR NAME, FATHER. YOU ARE GREAT, TRUE AND EVERLASTING. THERE IS, NOR WILL EVER BE ANYTHING OR ANYONE GREATER THAN YOU FATHER. In the name of Jesus, We stand and say no weapon formed against shall prosper.

Father, in the Name of Jesus, we bless those that persecute us and speak all manner of evil against us. Have your way in their lives Father and in ours.

We magnify you! for you are holy, just and true, who can withstand your glory, Lord…

We plead the blood of Jesus over every individual involved in bringing devastation to your creatures and creation. We claim their souls for the Kingdom of God, now. We release the worker in the vineyard annointed to bring them to your feet and receive deliverance and your grace.

We love you Father. We decree that this platform will not fold under but, will grow exponentially in this coming year. Bless all those that promote and support it.

Amen.

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Yvonne Pendleton
December 30, 2021

Keep looking ahead as the Master leads. Hear His voice& KNOW it. The victory is in persevering.

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jerry
December 30, 2021

A great post!

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Denise Thomas
December 30, 2021

Amen!

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Trisha Halls
December 30, 2021

I pray for the church to no longer be divided, rather unified , serving in Love for love covers a multitude of sins. May the church no longer be compromised but laser focused in these days ahead in Jesus name Amen

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Peggy Robinett
December 30, 2021

Thank you Father for the faithful intercessors across this land and throughout the world who stand in the gap and encourage us not to give up. I have participated as I could and thank you Holy Spirit for your guidance and the unction and urgency to pray. I am an overcomer because Christ overcame and He sits at the right hand of the Father ever interceding. We are moving forward with great expectation as well and are claiming Jeremiah’s 29:11 as well.

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ME Burns
December 30, 2021

As we leave 2021 behind and look forward to the year 2022 Father help us to remember that You have already gone ahead of us to prepare Your promises for each of us and the world. Let us be aware that You alone are in control and that no matter what comes our way we can walk through it courageously with You. Let us share the love You have shown to us with those that do not know You. Let this new year be the year of Your Light that dispels the darkness and let Your chosen be the vessel that Your Light shines through. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen

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Nancy Jacobian
December 30, 2021

Thank you for this encouraging, timely word!!

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D J Graham
December 30, 2021

Great admonition/encouragement!

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Jackie Kennedy
December 30, 2021

Father God We keep our eyes fixed on you. Yesterday is gone and we praise you for today for you are Lord above all and you give us each day and we will not be shaken but we will stand firm on your solid foundation our King and savior Jesus Christ. May all see the Glory of God for ours is the victory! Amen

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Mary Garland
December 30, 2021

Holy Ghost help all of the saints to take a stand for Jesus. We must in humility, love for Jesus and all people. Love people enough to point them to Jesus.
Happy New Year!

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FloraLee Rauch
December 30, 2021

Lord Your supernatural healing towards Your people we hopefully maintain in Your Name Jesus we pray Amen

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Ana Maafala
December 30, 2021

God is raising watchmen warriors powerful intercessors as we go thru these times. They are not from the norm just like those in the Bible. As we continue to stay in that secret place to be restored rejuvenated n whole, keeping the word of God as our source of life strength power ability n hope we won’t fail, regardless of what we go thru.

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