Jeremiah 29:13-14 ‘And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity..’

DAILY READING; • Acts 13:1-25; Joshua 18-19; Job 29

Alexander MacLaren was a Baptist minister known as “the prince of expository preachers.” MacLaren often drew large crowds due to his powerful sermons. He was said to be “mighty in the Scriptures”
He was twice elected president of the Baptist Union, and was the first president of the Baptist World Alliance.
The secret of his success is embedded in his habit of preparation. The first twelve years of his ministry were spent in obscurity in the little town of Southampton. MacLaren often spoke of these twelve years of obscurity as being immensely valuable preparation time for the great ministry that would follow.
In that quiet, obscure little place he spent a lot of time with his Bible. Rising at dawn, he would study for nine or ten hours per day. He spent time patiently meditating on each passage of Scripture while communing with God.
The fuel gathered in his hours of Bible study, ignited a deep prayer life and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. This resulted in his powerful delivery of God’s Word and a highly impactful ministry.
He was quoted as saying, “I have always found that my own efficiency in preaching has been in direct proportion to the frequency and depth of my daily communion with God.”

Indeed the depths of our preparation will determine the heights of our manifestation. Preparation is a fundamental key to success in life.
We have come into a new year and the days ahead are somehow like a puzzle. With the rapidly changing scenario in the world today, no expert or analytical data can give a clear prediction of what this year holds.
Only God knows what is ahead. Therefore we must seek His face to get a clear direction for our lives.
Don’t assume you know or run with only the general theme of the year, without a personal revelation. Find out what God is saying personally to you. These beginning days of the year is a good time for a personal retreat, where you get away from noise and distraction to hear from God.
When you meditate upon Scriptures and spend enough time in prayers, you will certainly sense the direction God is leading you.
This is one year we really need divine direction and guidance. It is a time to really get close to God and carefully follow His plan.
The world is going through a lot of rapid changes as it evolves into a ‘new normal’. We therefore cannot afford to continue doing things ‘normally’.
It is time to wake up and be spiritually alert and aware. Anyone who continues in a state of spiritual laxity at this time is playing Russian roulette with their destiny. Anything can happen at any time! We are very close to the end of the age. The Bible has already given us sufficient warnings.
We must therefore live ready and be spiritually prepared; constantly seeking God for His divine guidance.
In spite of the growing gross darkness in the world, it is God’s plan in this end-time for His glory to be seen upon us. Christ is coming for a reigning Church without spot or wrinkle. At this time, God is raising an army of believers who will command influence and dominate the world. Each of us has a place in this great army.
However it is our choice for dedication today that will guarantee our distinction tomorrow. Let us therefore receive the grace to earnestly seek God in this season so as to be adequately prepared to follow His plans to our preordained glory this year.

PRAYER; Father I receive the grace today to set myself apart to seek Your face and hear clear directions from You and receive Your plans for my life this year. Thank You Lord for destroying every spiritual laxity in me and enabling me to be fervent in spirit in Jesus Name.
QUOTE
The study of The Word will keep shame and disgrace far from you. WORDBITE 222.