NO EASY BREAKTHROUGH IN 2019

It happens every "New Year." January brings its onslaught of so-called "prophets" who promise breakthrough, prosperity and promotion in the new year without any call for changes in attitude, behavior or lifestyle. It sounds wonderful. It's exhilarating to receive such a "word from God." Unfortunately, it's a scam. Breakthrough doesn’t come because of a date on the calendar, it comes thru obedience, discipline and consistency in character. If greater things are to come in 2019, we not only need faith in a good Father who blesses His children, we also need to take practical steps, make real changes and ask serious questions about the year we just completed.

1. What was your greatest accomplishment of 2018?
When you think back over all you did with your family, on the job or in ministry, what memory brings the most satisfaction? Whose life has been made better by your influence? How has the kingdom of God been advanced? Hopefully, 2018 was year that added to your list of achievements that will stand in eternity. If you have a hard time identifying any such accomplishments, maybe it's because you have none. Perhaps it's time to set some realistic goals and align your priorities accordingly. 

2. What do you regret most from 2018?
If you could have one “do-over” in the past year, what would it be? Perhaps there was a relationship that was damaged or someone who was hurt by something you did. Maybe you had an assignment at work, or a ministry goal that wasn’t achieved. Perhaps there were some personal goals or year-end resolutions that fell by the wayside. As 2019 is now upon us, it may be helpful to recount some of these regrets and identify what could be done differently in the year to come to ensure greater success.

3. What major life lesson did you learn from 2018? 
Failure is a great teacher, if we are willing to learn from it. Even if 2018 was full of disappointments, it can provide us with great lessons on what to do differently or how to plan for 2019. On the contrary, be careful that victory doesn’t lead to defeat because it settled us into complacency. Be intentional. Make certain that the successes of last year, as well as its failures, are rungs on the ladder of life elevating us toward the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. 

Set Realistic Goals that Bring Realist Results
There can be no improvements in 2019 without changing what was lacking in 2018. The following are a few suggestions that are crucial to experiencing breakthrough, promotion and prosperity in the months to come:

1. Have daily devotions. Provide for time in prayer and God’s Word. If you'll learn how to get into God's presence, you will find strength and grace to move mountains, defeat giants and overcome every stronghold the enemy has put upon you!

2. Self-educate. Read books that teach you new things and deepen your thinking. Carve out a time in your daily or weekly schedule when you curl up with a good book. There is a wealth of knowledge available to you, if you can learn this discipline.

3. Stay healthy. Forget diets and weight loss gimmicks, it's time for a lifestyle change. Clean out your pantry and refrigerator. Eat good food and exercise daily, you'll feel better, think more clearly and have more energy.

4. Work hard. Be diligent and increase your competence. Go to conferences, take a college course, find a mentor, write a book, start a blog. Learn to be a problem solver, a creative resource and critical thinker on your team. The greatest investment you can make is in your own competence. No amount of pastoral prayer or prophetic anointing can make up for a lazy mind.
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5. Develop good habits. Over 70% of New Year's Resolutions are broken by January 17. True, lasting change requires lifestyle changes. There's no such thing as an instant breakthrough or promotion through a prophecy. Promotion is provoked by diligence, excellence, competence and obedience to God.