Change in the air...

Living in Florida means sunshine and green scenery 'most' of the year. Honestly, we only have about two months that you have to wear long sleeves and jackets for the entire day. Otherwise, in the Fall/Winter seasons, it's jackets in the morning and evenings and warm during the day. That's MY kind of weather!

There are times when we don't even realize the change in the air until we happen to see a few of the trees in our yard begin to change colors.

A few weeks ago, I was coming home from my regular grocery store shopping spree. As I turned my car into the driveway I recognized that the trees were a beautiful red, yellow and orange...complete opposite of their vibrant green. The weather was changing. I didn't recognize it, but the trees 'sensed' it coming.

As I walked into the house, my arms loaded with groceries, there was a soft voice that spoke to me saying, "even the trees sense changes in the atmosphere. That's how I want you to be."

My "season" verse for the past year has been Isaiah 43:18-19. In the Message version it says "Forget about what's happened. Don't keep going over old history. Be alert. Be present. I'm about to do something brand new."

There's a time of transition between our past and future. During that time, we usually find ourselves impatient, feeling things being pruned from our lives and wondering why we are where we are. But, there is such great purpose in that season of transition. Things change to prepare you for the "new things" God has for your life.

During your "now" season, be alert and be present in all that God is doing in your life. He is looking for a new generation of His people that will stand and believe regardless of the surrounding circumstances, regardless of the "climate." That we would be sensitive, in the Spirit, to the change that is taking place. Recognize it, acknowledge it and trust Him in it.

Just as the trees recognized the season for change...God has placed His spirit in us to recognize the change in the atmosphere.

In Proverbs 22:3 it says, "A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered."

God is making us alert before the crisis occurs...so that we're prepared. This goes with every area of our lives. Michael Hyatt shared these questions in his recent blog:

• If you suddenly had a heart attack, what would you wish you had done to avoid it?
• If your spouse suddenly announced that he or she wanted a divorce, what would you wish you had done to avoid it?
• If you suddenly discovered your child was on drugs, what would you wish you had done to avoid it?
• If your boss announced that you were being terminated, what would you wish you had done to avoid it?

I, for one, do not want to be clobbered :)

As this new season approaches, ask the Holy Spirit to make you more alert on the things going on around you...and inside of you. God is raising up a "pink army" that is on alert supernaturally - that will not be caught off guard and be prepared for anything. (love it!)

And...He's chosen you.

"Lord, I thank you for this season that each of us are standing in. Teach us to be present in Your now. We release the things from our past and realize that what You are doing in us is part of the new thing that you're going to do through us. May we be fully aware and attentive...wide awake in the Spirit and quick to notice YOU in all things. I pray blessing and favor over each person that is reading this prayer right now...and may you cover them with your sweet and powerful presence in Jesus' name."

Love ya!