Isaiah 42:9 says, "Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare.” As we enter a new year, it is time to allow God to move us into a new direction; a new thing. The direction we had for 2009 must be put away in order for us to receive the 2010 direction. Matthew 9:17 says, "Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." The year 2010 will have great significance! However, in order to understand its significance, we must understand the importance of the number "ten" and what it represents.
First, the number ten is one of the perfect numbers and it signifies the perfection of Divine order. In order to receive all the blessings of the Lord, we have to follow the order God has described for our lives and for the church. Divine order is set by God and not by man. When we are out of order with God, we are in danger of some tragic things happening in our lives and sometimes the consequences may seem unbearable. So let's line up with the Word and follow where we are being lead and we will be right with God. Psalm 37:23 says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." God delights in every detail (step) of our lives.
Second, the number ten represents a new series; a new decade that is getting ready to happen. The year 2010 is an opportunity to start over. Sometimes in our lives, we try to fix the old things instead of just scratching them and starting over. If our old ways of doing things didn't work in 2009, try something new in 2010. The Word says in 2 Timothy 1:7, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.”
Third, the number ten represents the completeness of order. This implies that there is nothing wanting and that the number and order are perfect and the whole cycle is complete. In Deuteronomy 2:3, God said to Israel, "You have skirted (been wondering around) this mountain long enough, turn northward." The cycle is complete and there will be nothing wanting if you follow the direction of God in 2010.
Our direction for 2010
-Hear from God and listen to His voice only. Don't ask people what they think about your situation. God knows you better than anyone, including yourself. He will never forsake you or lead you astray.
-Discern where you are physically and spiritually. Face reality and know what you have to deal with and deal with it. Discern both areas of your life and ask God to move you from your present level to the next level. Grow spiritually by praying, studying the word, and attending weekly Bible Study.
-Move with the times; everything is changing. The people and the church have to change. And the only way the church can change is if the people in it change. Don't fight the direction of God, just move with it.
-Believe the Word of God. If you believe it is for you, you will receive it. You have to take God at His Word even when there is no sign of the possibility that something is going to come to pass. If God said it, stand on it.
It has been declared by Isaiah that new things will be bountiful in our lives and
before they spring forth we will be told of them. We have not seen it yet, but if we sing to the Lord a new song (speak life or words that are going to build up and give us hope), give God continuous praise wherever we are in life (whether it is the desert place, Kedar, or on the mountain top, Sela), and give all the glory to Him, He will direct us in a way we did not know.
Put your trust in Jesus and everything will be alright. Trust and praise Him in 2010!
