Year of the Gentle Man

As we prepare for this next year, God is laying the land survey before us of what we possess. Around town I have noticed multiple surveyors out with their tools taking surveys of land. Even this last week in a meeting God put me in front of a land survey. It was then I realized all a survey does. God is showing us the value of what we have and what places are best utilized. He's showing us what places are vulnerable. He's showing us what places need to be brought up or taken down. He is doing all of this BEFORE building the next thing in our lives. He's showing us what we could not see simply by looking with our own eyes. The details and precision in a survey could never be detected by untrained eyes just looking. We are being given our Father's eyes, not only to see what is there but to see what is possible. This year, among many things, will be a year of the "gentle man". I was confused when God first said it, but I did a little more digging into those words. The word used in Greek for gentle is transliterated as "prautés". Strong's describes it's origin as "from the root pra-, emphasizing the divine origin of meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness". This gentleness "begins with the Lord's inspiration and finishes by His direction and empowerment". It cites two passages using this word: "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:11 "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth" 2 Timothy 2:22-25 1. FLEE- The year begins with the FLEE. This is an exiting from the old that is done with speed. You are quickly coming out of the past and leaving behind that which would be dangerous or threatening to what God is going to build. In terms of examining our survey, this would be the parts that need to be demolished or changed. Strong's explains flee as "to shun or avoid by flight". We are being called to FLY HIGHER THAN or SHUT OUT the old in order to receive that which will help. 2. POWER- Gentleness captures a picture that is very different from weakness. Those who operate in gentleness are going to see massive breakthrough. It is all the supernatural power and strength of God working through you, BUT it is WATCHING and WAITING for God's direction and timing. While restraining our desire to act now and to act in line with how we are feeling is tempting, the difference between acting in our own power and acting with God (aligned in both direction and timing) will be like the difference of building by hand verses building with a whole construction crew. More power. More efficiency. More visible progress in a much shorter time. 3. OPPONENTS- There is a conquering of all that places itself as an opponent to what God's doing in our life, but this conquering will come through GENTLENESS. By not giving in to arguments and by avoiding RESENTMENT, we are sumitting humbly to God's power, and He is going to release repentance and redirection in these situations that will bring about restoration. 4. BEGIN WITH INSPIRATION- This year will begin with new inspiration. This is the "survey" or "blueprint" time where God will be revealing the new. 5. DIRECTION AND EMPOWERMENT- After the inspiration will come direction (the "how" of what God is doing) and empowerment (the resources or factors that make it possible coming into your hands). Be spending extra time with the Lord during these next few weeks. There is so much God is wanting to show you that is specific and individualized to what He is doing in your life specifically! Be looking and praying for the survey and inspiration. Be noting what He tells you to flee from. Then be watching and waiting for his direction empowerment that brings accomplishment.