Wow !, what an incredible Year, we have in-front of us -2026 !
The Lord is doing so much, in ways I have never seen before. Days and weeks are continuously filling up with His favour and provision. While at the same time, challenges, obstacles and problems surround us from every side.
This can be a very frustrating, confusing and challenging time for so many ! But for those in Christ, we know that Jesus is still on the throne. He is working all things for good, according to
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Last year we learnt, also encountered and experienced this.
As the word/message from the Lord, that I received for 2025 from Him. Was that it would be a year of remarkable opportunities. But only for those that understood. That challenges, obstacles and problems, are in fact remarkable opportunities. To trust in him and to see incredible breakthroughs and provision through Him.
I personally saw this on so many occasions in 2025. Like with a National New Zealand convention, for FGBMFI. I was asked to design, plan and run, with a small group. The challenges leading up and during this convention. Were huge, the obstacles as high as mountains, we needed to climb. Also the problems we faced, were like mountain ranges we needed to traverse through. But we kept our eyes on Him and simply kept walking, towards Him. Out of this one event, 18 ministries have now been planted and growing. As well as all of the countless miracles, that we got to see and experience, during the event. I would like to honour Jesus for all He did at the convention and after ! Also all those who came to speak and contribute, in unity, a call to Him, to release His wave of blessings.
So, if last year was a year of remarkable opportunities. But only for those that understood that challenges, obstacles and problems are in fact remarkable opportunities. So what is the word and message from the Lord for us, for this year 2026.
I believe this year, is a year of Greater discernment. But only for those who are willing to receive it and use it ! Or He will take it from them and pass it to another.
This word may seem challenging, as with most things, that the Lord gives. He gives with an expiry date of eternity ! Especially as we live in a time and season of His grace.
But if we look through the bible, we will see so many stories. Where the Lord took His word, calling and authority, from ones He had given it to. Then He gave it to another person, generation or people.
Stories, like King Saul losing his kingdom to David. The Lord’s promise to Solomon. That one of his heirs, would be on the throne as King of Israel forever. Which never came to pass, as this promise was taken back by the Lord. Also what the Lord intended for one generation of His chosen children of Israel (the promise land). He took it from one generation and gave it to the next generation. Lastly His promise He first gave to His chosen people Israel. But as they rejected it, So He passed that promise on to you and me, called salvation.
Although in this last case, He is awaiting for His chosen children Israel, to come into the understanding of the Truth. Then they can have it too. But I wonder how many will be lost, on the journey ?
Although our Heavenly Father, is not a Father, whose heart is to take away. But to give and provide His gifts, talents, authority, favour and provision, to His children.
But He is also a Father that understands. That there has to be consequences to one’s actions and decisions. As without these, He has no platform to judge and bring correction too, so we can learn. So this is why we read the stories, I have described above. As all of these people did not use what they had been given by Him, in the way He had told them to use it. He did warn them, but as they did not listen. He took back His promises and passed it to another.
Let’s look at a scripture, that I believe brings an even greater clarity and understanding to His word/message, for this year !
It’s found in Matt 25 and it’s called the parable of the talents.So let’s read the parable. Take note as you read it, what its says in verse 28, which I have underlined !
Matthew 25:14-28 (NKJV)
The Parable of the Talents
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
“So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’
“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
The last verse highlight’s His warning for those who want to receive His gift of Greater discernment this year. If they do not use it, He will take it from them, then give it to another who will use it.
Let me share a story to end, today’s message. Of what can come, from this gift of greater discernment. May it encourage you in His holy name.
The Lord revealed to me an interesting question a couple of weeks ago. It happened in the middle of having brunch with a good friend. My friend was telling me how he translates the messages and teachings, the Lord gives him into many languages. Then sends them out to key leaders in those regions or countries.
When the Lord pressed on my heart, a question.
How many languages can my messages be translated and read in, on your blogs currently ?
As I checked the dropdown tab/menu, that allows people to select the best language for them to read the messages in. I saw it contained, 12 different languages.
Then the Lord pressed on my heart another question.
How many could this be increased too ?
So the following day after prayer, I started researching this leading by the Lord.
I found out the number could be increase to 103 languages. That night with minimum effort, the down drop menu/tab was changed on each message from 12 selectable languages to 103.
I wonder now how He will use this increase of languages. To invite more of His children, of veriest races and ethnicity, into His library of messages, which currently contains 293 remarkable messages. Maybe He might even use you, to be the invitation, to invite others into this remarkable library of messages ? Where people can view, read and study in all these different languages now.
We are also researching the possibility of increasing our text to speech languages. I will update you on this when we know more.
I think thats enough for today. Next time we will be looking at, the reason why He is giving this gift of Greater discernment, to His children now !
Challenge Time
- Do you want to receive this gift from Him, of Greater discernment ?
- Will you use it ? If He gives you greater discernment ?
- If the answer is ‘yes’ to both of the above questions. Then the next step is simple ! You now just need to ask Him for it ? Say a prayer like: Father I ask that You will give me Your gift this year of Greater discernment. I declare and decree I will use it to bring you glory and to reveal Your nature through. Thank you Jesus Amen
- Now when He gives you greater discernment. Which I believe will happen in a variety of ways. It will be time for you to step out and use it.
Father I thank you for your word and message ! As your children come to you and ask you for your promise and gift ! I thank you in advance for you giving greater discernment to them. To know You more, your thoughts and ways. To reveal your nature in power, wisdom and revelation, to a world in great need of it, amen
For those of you, who want to place an offering at the alter or plant a finical seed in the fertile ground of the Lord. Maybe you could contribute in someway towards His House, we are currently building. To equip the saints for ministry, then release His word through them, in a variety of ways.
Below is a link to a secure website, so you can do this safely online.
https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=87bf3759-ef4a-4ae2-ac5d-902b82587e44
Or our bank account details for New Zealand memebers,
Encounter Centre – 03-0481-0007448-000
If you require a receipt for tax purposes please email to info@encounterministries.org.nz
Craig Patten
Founding Pastor/Prophet
Encounter Centre & Ministries