This morning I woke up with a huge conflict of emotions and messages in my mind for others… like some sort of fax machine going crazy.

I got up and began to make sense of what I was hearing. One of my prayers was for my friend in the states, Bob. I wrote him this email and then realised it was meant as an open letter for all of you too. I hope you enjoy it. Happy New Year to you all!

Dear Bob,

I am sitting in my quiet room looking out into the morning sky which God has decided to paint in wonderful hues of palest purple today… and I found myself thinking of you. Its been a long time since I wrote. So I thought I would… on the 1st day of the 1st month (oooh doesn’t that sound like something you’ve read in the Bible!)

I wanted to declare some wonderful truth over you today. As you read this, all of heaven is engaged with working things together for your good. As you read this, all the angels are planning and laughing and slapping each other on the back as they come into alignment with the words God is revealing to you.

As you sit back and smile, God himself is at work. He is not passively sitting by and watching what you are doing, He is ahead, behind, above, next to and even within you. At this very moment He is poised to ask you a question, he moves towards you and breathes this over you:
“What is it you want me to do for you?”
You know that question well from being a counsellor and a father and a husband. It is the question a friend asks a friend. It is the question a lover asks a lover. It is the question a father asks a son. And so He is asking it of you now.

“Bob, dearest Bob. I love you so much. My heart is yearning for closeness with you today. Take some time out with me to rest a while and let your heart grow lighter. Take some time to stop worrying and planning and wanting… and turn it into a statement. What is it that you want me to do for you darling Bob?”

You see, the God of angel armies IS always by your side. He is the one who watches over you, neither slumbering nor sleeping. He is the one whose help you truly need in whatever situation you find yourself in.

Bob, I can see great things for you this year, bigger than your wildest dreams. But you need to stop today and give Him space within you to allow the greatness in. There is to be a heavenly designed kind of theatre show that you must plan for… Its going to be amazing. Don’t miss it. Its your story and it must be shared.

Finally I have three special things to tell you that God whispered over for you: Three things to aim for this year.

Be intentional
Be specific
Be slow

I once shared a meal with some monks who were not allowed to speak. I wondered how they would serve me and each other without knowing what I needed. But it was the most profound experience. Because we couldn’t speak, our senses were heightened to one another’s needs. We were watching for when someone finished their water and got ready to pour more. I was served beautifully to all I needed, often just before I was aware of my need.

In silence will you discover more of how to serve others this year.

Sending you lots of new year love from across the pond

Your friend

Ems