Messengers of Hope - The Promise is Alive!

     
Christmas is a time when many people re-read the Bible story depicting the birth of Jesus. Before we get to the story of Jesus, we first read about the birth of His cousin, John, because their lives were interconnected right from the start.

     Luke chapter one tells us about the lives of an older couple, Zacharias and Elizabeth. They were well past their childbearing years, and had never had children. In ancient times, an infertile woman bore a huge stigma of shame because she could not produce an heir. Zacharias prayed faithfully for his wife to be able to bear a child. Zacharias served in the temple as a priest, but priests didn’t ordinarily hear from God. In those days, it was the prophets that heard from God; but on one particular day, God’s presence was in the temple while Zacharias was performing his priestly duties. God sent an angel to deliver a message to Zacharias.

     “Zacharias, your prayers have been heard. Your wife is going to have a son, and you will name him John,” said the angel Gabriel. “He will bring you great joy and happiness – and many will share your joy at John’s birth.” The messenger continued to expound on the purpose, calling and powerful ministry of this son. He even asked Zacharias if he remembered a certain prophecy that predicted the birth of this child. Now, if you’re like me, you’d be absolutely blown away by an encounter like that! Sometimes we have prayed for something for so long and so much time has passed, we think it’s never going to happen. I believe that’s the state Zacharias was in when the angel showed up. Because his hope had been deferred for so long, unbelief and hopelessness had taken hold of Zacharias’ heart. His response to the angel was to ask, “How can I be sure of what you’re telling me? This is hard to believe!” (Luke 1:13-18)

     The angel, who did not want Zacharias to speak unbelief over the miracle about to occur, made the man mute in order to protect the promise of God about to be birthed. Gabriel told Zacharias, “Because you did not believe my message, you will not be able to talk – not another word – until you experience the fulfillment of my words.” (Luke 1:20) Something the angel said, and perhaps it was the miracle of Zacharias suddenly becoming mute - impregnated Zacharias with faith; he went home to his wife and shortly thereafter she conceived the son that the messenger had prophesied. 

    Have you ever wondered why God seems to keep us in the dark about certain things? We can pray for certain things for a long time and think, “Well, God does not seem to be speaking on this, I guess He just doesn’t want to grant this request.” There is another perspective; one which may be much more in keeping with God's nature. His nature is to say yes! What if the way He chooses to answer our prayer is so surprising He simply doesn’t want us to speak out of our own unbelief?

    The angel’s job was not over, though. He had another message to deliver! About 6 months later, Gabriel visited a young virgin girl by the name of Mary. “Greetings!” He said. ”You are favored and the Lord is with you!” [Among all women of the earth, you have been blessed.] (Luke 1:29)

     I think about Mary, who probably had not been praying that she would become the recipient of an angelic encounter. I highly doubt if she ever had the thought that she would birth the Messiah! I don't think she was thinking, “Hey, I bet today is the day I meet an angel who will tell me something that is so amazing it will blow my mind?” Mary was likely only a teenager when the angel visited her. She was thinking about her wedding, not about being chosen to birth the Son of God! Yet, it’s the incredible compassion of God that compels Him to seek out the disadvantaged, the discouraged and the oppressed. He always looks for someone with whom He can partner so that He can release healing and deliverance in the earth. God knew of the oppression that affected people. He wanted to deliver them from chronic unbelief. He wanted to deliver them from all the power of the enemy that was set against them. He knew that people needed to see the form of God, living and moving among them, so that they could understand the love of their Heavenly Father and His compassion to heal, deliver and shepherd their souls. And so, He looked for a willing vessel to carry out His plan for mankind. His eyes looked upon the whole earth for someone who would be both innocent in their heart, and willing to say yes to His plan; but also strong enough to go through the spiritual warfare that would come against them. He chose Mary and Joseph. Mary also asked the messenger a question. “But I have never been with a man. How can this be possible?” (Luke 1:34)

     The angel proceeded to tell Mary how this child that would be born would be not just her child, but the Son of God. In order to give Mary a moment to consider what she had just heard, Gabriel shared a testimony of Elizabeth being with child. “It sounds impossible, but listen – you know your relative Elizabeth has been unable to bear children and is now far too old to be a mother. Yet, she has become pregnant, as God willed it. Yes, in three months, she will have a son. So, the impossible is possible with God.” (Luke 1:37) Because of this amazing testimony and the encounter with a messenger of God, Mary decided in her heart: “Here I am, the Lord’s humble servant. As you have said, let it be done to me.”  (Luke 1:38).

     There is an interesting interplay between Zacharias’ response and Mary’s. Zacharias’ response was full of unbelief. The angel’s appearance with the message that his prayers had been heard and about to be answered was something he hadn't anticipated. His response revealed that unbelief in his heart. He had waited so long for an answer he simply gave up believing. Even though he still prayed for his wife, his heart wasn't really in it anymore. Zacharias had come into agreement with unbelief!  Zacharias’ ability to speak was restored upon the birth of their promised child. When he communicated that the child’s name was John, in keeping with the will of God, as declared by God’s messenger, his ability to speak was restored. 

     Perhaps there is something that you, too, have been praying for an awfully long time, and if you look at the evidence in the natural, you’d be tempted to say, “It’s too late now. It’s never going to happen.” Perhaps your mind has sized up the situation and come to the conclusion that whatever it is you hoped for is completely impossible now.

     Remember the words of the messenger, “It sounds impossible, but the impossible is possible with God.”

     Just because something hasn’t come to pass yet is not a true indicator of whether or not God has actually said ‘No.” Many prayers are all about timing, and God's timing is very different than ours. Mary gave thoughtful consideration to what the messenger said, and decided in her heart to agree with him. When she agreed with the messenger, she came into agreement with God. She joined her faith with His, and the miracle of conception occurred. If it happened to Mary, it can happen to you!

    In Mary’s day, the Jewish people were oppressed by the Roman Empire. For her to speak about a King who would demote the powerful and the rich, and elevate the poor and humble meant one thing. God was moving towards setting them free! The overflow of her soul was expressed in a poetic overflow of prophecy:

“My soul lifts up the Lord!
My Spirit celebrates God, my Liberator!
For though I’m God’s humble servant, God has noticed me.
Now and forever, I will be considered blessed by all generations.
For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
Holy is God’s Holy name!
From generation to generation,
God’s loving kindness endures
For those who revere Him.
God’s arm has accomplished mighty deeds.
The proud in mind and heart,
God has sent away in disarray.
The rulers from their high positions of power,
God has brought down low.
And those who were humble and lowly,
God has elevated with dignity.
The hungry – God has filled with fine food.
The rich – God has dismissed with nothing in their hands.
To Israel, God’s servant,
God has given help,
As promised to our ancestors,
Remembering Abraham and his descendants in mercy forever. (Luke 1:46-55)

Mary’s prophesy is remarkably similar to what Zacharias sang as a prophetic song to the Lord at John’s birth:

“May the Lord God of Israel be blessed indeed!
For God’s intervention has begun,
And He has moved to rescue us, the people of God.
And the Lord has raised up a powerful sign of liberation for us
From among the descendants of God’s servant, King David.
As was prophesied through the mouths of His holy prophets
In ancient times:
God will liberate us from our enemies and from the hand of our oppressors!”
“God will show mercy promised to our ancestors,
Upholding the abiding covenant He made with them,
Remembering the original vow He swore to Abraham,
From whom we are all descended.
God will rescue us from the grasp of our enemies
So that we may serve Him without fear all our days
In Holiness and justice, in the presence of the Lord.”
“And you my son, will be called the prophet of the Most High.
For you will be the one to prepare the way for the Lord!
So that the Lord’s people will receive knowledge of their freedom
Through the forgiveness of their sins.
All this will flow from the kind and compassionate mercy of our God.
A new day is dawning:
The Sunrise from the heavens will break through in our darkness,
And those who huddle in night,
Those who sit in the shadow of death,
Will be able to rise and walk in the light,
Guided in the pathway of peace.” (Luke 1:68-79)

     God searches the earth for those whose hearts are fully turned towards Him. He looks for those who He can raise up to perform His will upon the earth. We see a great deal of shifting power structures right now. This is evidence in the natural realm that God’s intervention has begun! He is moving to rescue us from wicked oppressors! The amazing thing is the timing of our world events, the recent elections and the upcoming presidential inauguration all speak of another great reversal of power. A movement is taking place all across the earth to shift the balance of power and release a social, economic and political revolution. We are witnessing the impossible situations of our day become possible because God has willed it. He has ordained it! Ungodly, corrupt power structures are being removed. Our prayers and decrees have the effect of dismantling the spiritual scaffolding surrounding our governmental leaders and cutting away at the web of entanglements that have enabled influential world powers to scheme with collusion in secrecy. They once seemed untouchable and above accountability. They seemed beyond anyone’s reach. That is what brought discouragement and hopelessness to our nation. Yet, the recent elections and the fact that a businessman who had never been in politics won the presidency against all odds has become the nightmare of all those opposed to righteousness, justice and equity. The enemy may be livid with rage, but as children of God, “WE HAVE THE POWER.” On a world scale, God is speaking to us to encourage us once again, “Believe! What once seemed impossible can become possible with God!” Keep praying for our nation, but no longer let unbelief or double-mindedness fall like a wet blanket on your prayers. Know for certain God is looking to partner with faith-filled intercessors to bring His will to pass!

     In conclusion, I just want to add that the election of Donald Trump also serves as a prophetic sign. It’s an encouragement for us all to resurrect our hope and faith in God. Regardless of how much time has passed...regardless of what things may look like in the natural...let your prayers be filled with faith. Whatever it is that you have been believing for, know that with God anything is possible. He delights in impossible situations! If you’ve dropped your promise along the road of discouragement, or buried in a grave believing the promise was dead; dig it out and believe again. God is renewing your hope and He’s sending you help! It’s time to unlock the coffins of despair! It’s time to pull your promise out of the grave and know that He is God! He will be exalted among the nations. He is Lord over His word. He is Lord over your promise. The things that are impossible with men are possible with God!


Warning: Turbulence Ahead, Stay in the Ark!

A few nights ago I had a dream of a huge ship. Many people were on this enormous ship that had the appearance of an ark. It appeared to be inside this maze-like structure, Suddenly, the ship gave a big lurch forward and it began to navigate it's way out of the maze, but it was taking corners quickly and banging into walls. With every corner it continued to build up speed, and it was quite a frightening experience. Suddenly, the ship seemed to sense that it was about to be freed from the constraints of being boxed in on every side. Again, it lunged forward with increasing speed, this time heading out into open water. The waves were huge, crashing into the sides and water pouring over the top of the big ship. Many people were afraid of being washed overboard by the powerful waves or fearful that the ship would sink. Instinctively, I knew that if they would hold on to the ark, they would be ok. End of dream.


Although there can be several different applications to this dream, I believe the first one is that the ship represents the state of our nation. We have been in a state of captivity, under oppressive and difficult leadership. In many circumstances, individual rights and freedoms have been taken away and restrictive laws implemented against U.S. citizens. Loss of jobs, income, lack of health insurance and other issues have created a struggle to survive in an economic downturn. This heaviness has left the people of our nation in a place where even hope for the future has been taken into captivity. 


It's a new day. The collective prayers of many faithful praying people have caused heaven to press down into this earthly realm. As in the days when Jesus came on the scene, the old way of doing things and the new thing about to be released into the earth were on a collision course to intersect in time, and when they did, it caused a great upheaval. Every rival throne for dominion felt the impact upon the arrival of the long awaited Messiah. As Jesus began his earthly ministry, he taught about his Kingdom. His teaching challenged the teachers of his day. His power challenged and intimidated every power-hungry ruler, for no one had a power equal to that which Jesus displayed. Even the wind and waves obeyed Him! What those in his day experienced was the kingdom of heaven invading the earth, and when God's kingdom invades the earth, other existing man-made kingdoms must certainly yield to a more supreme authority and power. When heaven invades earth, nations rage because the kingdom of darkness loses its grip on that which has been under it's influence. Leaders that have been the pawns in a game of thrones are proven impotent. Those that have embraced lawlessness and self rule grieve and wail because their idols have deeply disappointed them. Their loyalty has been for naught. And so Satan rages, and those that are his echo his chorus of complaints as they feel his sense of rage, knowing that his kingdom is the one that is ultimately crumbling before his very eyes. Righteousness, not lawlessness, is the standard of God's reign and rule. No one will be able to avoid the impending collision with the kingdom of God invading the earth. When God shows up, the things that have been operating under the influence of darkness and oppression must give way so that the kingdom of God can take its rightful place, making room for all that God has promised. In the midst of the turmoil, He has given His precious promises for our comfort.

Isaiah 43:2The Voice (VOICE)

    When you face stormy seas I will be there with you with endurance and calm;
        you will not be engulfed in raging rivers.
    If it seems like you’re walking through fire with flames licking at your limbs,
        keep going; you won’t be burned.

Psalm 2

You are wondering: What has provoked the nations to embrace anger and chaos?[a]
    Why are the people making plans to pursue their own vacant and empty greatness?
Leaders of nations stand united;
    rulers put their heads together,
    plotting against the Eternal One and His Anointed King, trying to figure out
How they can throw off the gentle reign of God’s love,
    step out from under the restrictions of His claims to advance their own schemes.
At first, the Power of heaven laughs at their silliness.
    The Eternal mocks their ignorant selfishness.
But His laughter turns to rage, and He rebukes them.
    As God displays His righteous anger, they begin to know the meaning of fear. He says,
“I am the One who appointed My king who reigns from Zion, My mount of holiness.
    He is the one in charge.


In order to break free from the constraints and move towards a place of greater freedom, we will face some turbulent times. There will be some difficult turns along the way, but if we stay in the ark we will be safe. The ark in scripture is symbolic of Christ. It represents safety, protection, provision, and deliverance. During the days of Noah, only Noah and those with him were safe inside the ark. (Genesis 7:23). Once they were safe inside the ark, they did not need to fear being thrown off, nor the judgment taking place outside. Everything they needed was provided within the safety of the ark. 

The ark reminds us that God sees the big picture well in advance of trouble and how He makes careful provision to lovingly take care of His creation. Noah was commissioned to build the ark for himself, his wife, his three sons and their wives - at a time when his youngest son had not even been born yet, and not one raindrop had ever fallen on the earth! Some perspectives believe that Noah was told to build the ark as much as 120 years prior to the flood. Though people were warned about the impending danger, they ignored the warnings and went about their daily lives, chalking up Noah's words to that of a man that had lost his senses. In the end, Noah was vindicated while those that had rejected his offer of salvation and deliverance were shut out of the ark.

Several things stand out to me as I consider the message of the dream and how it can apply to us as a nation, as well as to our individual lives. First, we must all be careful not to casually disregard prophetic messages that come from God. He always speaks with intent. He always communicates a message of importance and we should treat His words with respect and give them careful consideration. Ignoring warnings from the Lord can prove to be fatal, or at the very least disastrous, if we do not take them seriously. 

Secondly, I believe that God is saying that even though there are turbulent times ahead, and though Satan rages, we still have the power to avert danger and avoid dangerous situations if we will pray, seek God's face and remain close to Him. If we are close to Him, we will be able to hear Him speak. We must listen for His voice so that He can guide us to safety and show us where to find the provision that He has prepared for us. Even in unstable times, when government power structures are changing and we may not know what to expect as life takes its twists and turns, God never changes. There will be bumps along the way. There will be storms in life that we may not be able to completely avoid. Yet, the comfort to us is that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is constant in His care and commitment to those that are His. If you are 'in Christ,' then you have been bought with a price, and the Lord's promise to us is that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5). 

The ark was also symbolic of God's presence. It was a meeting place where God would reveal His will to His servants. It was symbolic of the divine presence leading His people. The ark was also symbolic of the covenant that God had with His people. It also represented His throne. Knowing that it's God's throne and not someone else's has everything to do with our ability to be at peace in the midst of whatever storm may be raging.

All in all, the great ship in the dream that was shaped like an ark would seem to represent staying close to the presence of God to insure safety, protection, provision and deliverance from whatever troubles that may lie ahead. The Lord is warning us that although the world may seem to be quite unstable, the kingdom of God is not. He is only shaking the things that are not found in His kingdom. If we belong to Christ, then we belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken. 

"Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." Hebrews 12:28

In Daniel 7:14 it was prophesied, "And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed." Amen. That's a wonderful promise that gives hope to us all. 

Pray to Reverse SB277 and Forced Vaccination Laws!

I do love it when God gives insight and strategy. Last night in a dream I saw myself talking to President Trump on the subject of the law, SB277, and the matter of forced vaccinations. I knew that I had a very limited time to talk to the President on this matter but I made my voice known and asked for his help to overturn these unjust laws that had been passed, removing individual rights and subjecting people, especially our children, to the oppression of the government.

I woke up this morning and prayed about it, asking our Father once again to intervene. I believe that those that truly want to see these laws reversed should go to the top with their requests. Write letters to President Trump. Address your concerns. He doesn't accept email, but you can find his address online. Even more than that, take your prayer requests to the One who can get in touch with him at any time. Let us pray that Holy Spirit impress upon the heart of our new president that these laws are unjust and part of the corruption from the Obama administration that must be immediately reversed upon him taking office.

I know that God has this on His heart or He would not have brought it up in the dream He gave me, so let's agree with God and PRAY for this matter. The future of all Americans - military, health care workers, teachers, our children...they depend on our prayers to overturn evil and corruption. May parental and individual rights be restored quickly! Thank you for all of you that will pray. 

I am also going to re-post a link to a prayer I wrote months ago on this subject. Our decrees are powerful because God releases angels to pick up the word of God and run to carry them out!

The Need for Transparency

Hi all,

The following link is a message I shared yesterday at Lifegate Church in Encinitas, CA. It's about the need for transparency. You will need to skip ahead a few minutes to get past the announcements, and please turn your volume all the way up as the message came through with very low volume. Listening through a head set might be an easier way to hear it. Hope you take a listen, it has a lot of good things in there to think about!

The Need for Transparency

A Word from the Lord About Restoration

At 4:30 yesterday morning I heard the whisper of the Lord in my spirit. "The blessings and breakthrough that you've been contending for are about to rise up and come meet you with a kiss!" Many of you have felt tired and dismayed at the length of the battle and how much was required of you to simply hold on to your faith in what has appeared as situations that just would not turn around. Oh, BUT GOD! He is Lord of the turnaround! What many of you have not understood in the midst of the waiting is that your breakthrough and the recovery of personal blessings, even children coming back to the Lord, and many of your prayers have been tied into the timing of world events.

The enemy that has gloated and felt so secure is now in a panic. He is losing control and the prayers of My people have shaken his house. "Did I not say that a house divided cannot stand? Did I not say that when you bind the strongman then you can take away his goods? Now you will see that those places where the enemy has felt smug and invincible, thinking that everything was safe in his hand, still belong to Me."

Many of the people that have been trapped in the enemy's hand have been under the control and influence of principalities and powers that are now weakening. Power structures on a world scale are crumbling and shifting, and captives are being set free. Welcome them home! This is the time to regain fresh strength in prayer. Stand strong in the Lord your God! Sing a new song in the midst of your pain and let worship be your warfare! The time of restoration is at hand!

New Doors for a New Season!

As we were driving home from vacation today, we drove by something that caught me by surprise. Among all the shrubs along the highway, all of a sudden there was this door. It seemed so out of place, suspended by just wires or who knows what. It even had a house number on it, but there was literally nothing but shrubs on either side of it! No building to attach to. It was a door without a door frame around it and it didn't even seem to lead into a house or building. Weird indeed!

It was one of those things that made me just wonder why someone would put a door there, but it occurred to me that sometimes, you know, God does that too. (wink!) He puts a door in an unexpected place. He doesn't need the expected framework or structure in order to place a door where one is needed. As a matter of fact, He can actually create a new door where the expected structure keeps people from coming in or going out, or when a position needs to be created. He can create a new door when someone else blocks the door He would like to use. He knows how to get us around obstacles and doors that won't open! He loves to create the solutions we need, just because He loves us! Our Father is committed to helping us fulfill our destiny, and He can create the custom made solution you need, too. Keep your eyes open and your spirit in tune to His, because suddenly, you might just find yourself staring something right in the eye that seems like quite an unusual encounter. HIS DOOR might show up in a very unexpected moment in a very unlikely place. Ask Him to create the door you need. Ask Him to show you who He wants to use to open the door for you. Ask for divine encounters. Eyes wide open!

What I am finding to be true in this season is that God wants us to be available to shift with Him.New seasons bring change, and often those changes include a change in direction or relationships. Sometimes even geographical moves, or a move into a new community. God uses people to open doors. and if our current social circles or places that we frequent aren't going to cause us to encounter the right person God wants to use to bring us into the new thing He has for us, then He has to move us. He has to redirect us so that he can cause us to 'bump into' that destiny connection. There are certain people that are in our destiny. People that we must minister to, pray for and share our testimonies with. Those people are the ones that will receive from us and are key people that we must meet. In order for each one of us to fulfill what God has put us here to do, it's important for us to be able to shift directions and go where He knows we will run into those key individuals, so obedience is vital to His purposes being able to be carried out. It's already written into the plan of God for our lives! 

Change often feels awkward, and some people may not understand why all of a sudden we seem to go a different direction. They may not appreciate the fact that God didn't include them in His plan for our lives, but we simply must obey God and do what He has put in each of our hearts. God has redirected our path on many different occasions, and the reasons why weren't always clear until some time after we had taken the step of obedience. Feelings of frustration, being stagnant, restless or discontent often precede a move. Things that we once found enjoyment in may no longer bring that same sense of fulfillment or joy. Sometimes God even causes turmoil in relationships in order to make us willing to move out of our comfort zones. If you're in that place, just keep asking, seeking, knocking on Daddy's door until He releases clarity. He will in due time. Pay attention to your dreams, for He often leaves clues as to what he's doing in dream language. That is so that you can gain understanding but also come into agreement with what He's showing you in prayer. Keep praying until your answer arrives! 


Old Forms Are Passing Away!


Mark 2:21-22 AMP 
"No one sews a patch of unshrunken (new) goods on an old garment; if he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and the rent (tear) becomes bigger and worse [than it was before].
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the bottles destroyed; but new wine is to be put in new (fresh) wineskins."

God has done an incredible work in and through the body of Christ. He has changed the flavor of the messages coming forth, and changed many hearts in the process. People now understand the importance of integrating with the unchurched in their communities and are actively looking for ways to connect with them like the church at large has not done in a long time. That in itself is wonderful news! We are the new wine that God is pouring out so that others can taste and see the Lord is good.

Here's what caught my attention in the above referenced scripture. New wine cannot be contained in an old wineskin. It will rupture and burst out of the old form. I look back to a couple of dreams I had some months back and I knew that the message was about a mass exodus from many churches. Some churches are still stuck in tradition, and it has kept people stuck in a dry and frustrating place. Many others churches have the message right but they are still trying to operate out of the old form, and it won't work for long. I believe God will come soon with a giant seam ripper and tear the old wineskins.

People have a hard time adjusting to change, and when they cannot bring themselves to make the changes that are necessary, God will bring a variety of circumstances that will force people out of the old form. Just as the act of a mother giving birth forces a child out of the womb and into the world, so it is with us. The bride (the church) must give birth and force her children out of their comfort zone and into the world.

We cannot remain the same, and we cannot remain stuck inside an old form. There are many things coming in the days ahead and God is trying to prepare us now to accept and adapt to the necessary changes. It's a new day. Labor and delivery can be messy and difficult, but the mother cannot try to stop the birth. If she refuses to push the child out of the womb it can kill her and the child. That is a message to leaders in the days ahead. Do not fear the birth! It is time for the children to be equipped and released.Do not try to hold on to them! Release your children to go do what they are called to do. Do it with joy, not reluctance! This is not a time to get stuck in religious traditions or man-made restrictions that keep people dependent upon others. Holy Spirit is responsible for bringing people into maturity. Trust HIM with other people's processes.

There will always be a need for leadership, guidance, prayer, teaching and equipping but it needs to be brought out into the communities rather than expect people to go find what we typically define as a local church. Our verbiage and our concept must change, too. The church is not the building. We are the church, and as such, we bring what God has given us to be given as gifts to others. We are the loaves and fishes that are broken and distributed to feed others. We are going to see more and more of this in the days ahead. Isn't that great news?

God's leaders will always lead. A person's true calling is contained in their gifting, character, heart and attitude towards others. It shapes who they are regardless of where they are. A pastoral calling doesn't go away even when the form changes. A prophetic voice isn't silenced when the church empties out into the streets; the voice just finds a new place to release the words of God. And so it is with all the gifts. They must find a place to impact others. The gifts, callings and mantles are not dependent upon being contained in the old form. It is a time to trust in the Lord for the new. It's time for new places and new faces!

Often, in times of change, we must remember that something needs to die in order for the new to come. Letting go and letting something die is a painful process, but joy comes in the morning as God honors the act of letting go and trusting Him to give us His promise. He longs to give us a gracious provision for a new beginning! It's a time of letting go and trusting God. Old forms are melting away. NEW WINE CANNOT BE CONTAINED IN AN OLD WINESKIN OR IT WILL CAUSE IT TO BURST. The walls that once kept people stuck in the old wineskin are disintegrating. A true apostolic mandate is to send people out to do the works of God. In that sense, we are ALL SENT ONES. It is time to help others to fulfill their dreams and calling. Ask yourself how you can help others achieve their God-given assignments. Ask yourself how you can help connect them with those that may be divine connections for them. Pray God would do for others the way you want Him to do for you. Ask for new alignments. Send them out with blessing! Send them out so that they can birth! It's time for the body to arise and shine!

Declare the Turning Around!!

Do you feel like the world has just gone mad? It seems like every time we check our social media, scroll through the news or turn on the TV, there are more reports of terrorist activity, police officers being ambushed and lawlessness is getting more out of control. We MUST do something to reign it in!

We must keep our eyes on the Lord and remember what God's word tells us. He is not moved by what is taking place on the earth!

"He who sits in the heavens laughs. The Lord holds them in derision." Psalm 2:4

"Your hand will find out all Your enemies. Your right hand will find out all those that hate You." Psalm 21:8

Our responsibility is to declare His word so that we give Holy Spirit the promise to be carried out. It's like giving marching orders to His angels! The following declarations are made to proclaim a 'turning around' of those that are going the wrong direction and running towards destruction. Feel free to personalize them over loved ones of those you are praying for specifically. Will you join me in declaring God's word?

Heavenly Father, 

In the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, I return Your word to You, for it is written in Isaiah 55:11 that Your word will not return to You void. It will accomplish exactly what You have purposed. Therefore, 

I declare  people are departing from evil and turning their efforts to do good. They are pursuing peace according to Psalm 34:14.

I declare that people everywhere are turning their feet away from evil according to Proverbs 4:27.

I declare that people will watch their way in order to preserve their life; they are departing from evil and walking on the highway of holiness according to Proverbs 16:17.

I declare that people are turning away from their evil ways and forsaking their evil deeds according to Jeremiah 25:5.

I declare that people will not be wise in their own eyes but they will fear the Lord and turn away from evil according to Proverbs 3:7.

I declare that people will turn away from evil and move past it according to Proverbs 4:15.

I declare that Holy Spirit is poured out upon the earth and people will hear the words of God. They will respond to the reproofs of God by turning back to Him according to Proverbs 1:23.

I declare that people are listening and turning away from their evil ways so that the Lord will relent from the calamities that are occurring upon the earth according to Jeremiah 26:3.

I declare that many lives are saved because people have turned away from their transgressions, according to Ezekiel 18:27,28.

I declare that people are repenting and turning away from their sins so that their sins may be wiped away according to Acts 3:19. 

I declare that people everywhere are repenting and being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, according to Acts 2:38. 

I declare the hand of the Lord is upon the body of Christ, enabling them to evangelize and preach with power, and a great number of people believed the gospel of Jesus Christ, according to Acts 11:21.

I declare the Lord opens the eyes of the blind according to Psalm 146:8.

I declare the Holy Spirit has opened people's eyes in order to turn them from darkness to light; and from the power of Satan to God, so they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Christ, according to Acts 26:18.

I declare the eyes of the blind are opened and the ears of the deaf are unstopped, according to Isaiah 35:5.

I declare that You, O God, have led the blind by a way that they do not know, and in paths that they do not know. You have made darkness into light before them according to Isaiah 42:16. 

I declare that You have opened blind eyes and brought Satan's prisoners out of the dungeon. Those who dwell in the prison of darkness have been delivered according to Isaiah 42:7.

I declare that this is the day that was written about in Isaiah 29:18 where the deaf hear the words of God's laws. 

I declare the God's Holy Spirit has opened the understanding of many nations so that they may understand the scriptures, according to Luke 24:45.

I declare a release of light into the eyes of people's understanding so that they may understand the hope of their calling in Christ Jesus, according to Ephesians 1:17.

I declare that people who have dwelt in darkness have seen a great light, the light of Christ, according to Isaiah 9:2.

I declare people are running to Jesus to be saved and delivered just as the demoniac ran to Jesus in Mark 5:6.

I declare that people have been transported out of darkness and they will no longer be conformed to this world, but they will be transformed by the renewing of their minds, according to Romans 12:2, and that they will discern the good and acceptable will of God. 

I declare that people will receive the truth about Jesus Christ and believe unto salvation, becoming children of God, according to John 1:12.

I declare that people will understand that there is no other name under heaven by which they may be saved according to Acts 4:12.

I declare that people will produce fruit worthy of repentance according to Luke 3:8.

I declare that people will believe in their heart and confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus and be saved according to Romans 10:9,10.

I declare that people will put off their former way of life and be renewed in the spirit of their minds.They will put on their true and new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness, according to Ephesians 4:20-24.

I declare that people are sanctified in the truth of the Word of God according to John 17:17.

I declare that people will present themselves to God in true worship, in spirit and in truth, according to Romans 12:1.

I declare that people will know the truth and the truth will set them free according to John 8:32.

I declare the Book of the Law will not depart from people's mouths but they will meditate in it day and night and find good success, according to Joshua 1:8-9.

I declare people will have the mind of Christ Jesus operating in them according to Philippians 2:5

I declare that people will have a revelation of the good plans You have for them, and they will have hope for their future according to Jeremiah 29:11.



I thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayers and declarations and sending out Your angels on assignment to carry out Your word. may Your word run swiftly to accomplish all Your will and purpose. Thank You, Father, for intervening in the lives of those I have lifted up to You. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would over shadow them and interrupt plans of evil on assignment against those that I have prayed for. Lord Jesus, present them with divine experiences, dreams, visions, and other God encounters. Reveal Yourself to them. Destroy the works of evil in their lives so that the direction and course of their lives may be corrected to come into alignment with Your plans and purposes for them. In Jesus name, Amen.









Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

Where the fear of the Lord is missing, there will be injustice. Injustice is a result of people that have no fear of authority or repercussions for their actions. What we see played out in society - anger, hatred, violence and retaliation - come from lawlessness. The remedy then, is the restoration of the fear of the Lord.

God hates injustice. He is exposing a great deal of it so that America will wake up to the lies and deception, and refuse to support those that perpetuate the injustice. Sometimes it can be difficult to know who is able to be counted worthy of our trust, but lean into God for His wisdom.

There is something important that everyone needs to understand about the Black Lives Matter movement and some of the other protests going on right now. They are in a political chess game financed by wealthy political figures that have an agenda to fulfill, and they are using our citizens as pawns. Soros has funded approximately $33 million dollars to these groups to start factions, strife and revolts. They have put more lives in danger and are getting people killed. The leaders have received money to orchestrate chaos. Paid to disrupt the peace and promote violence. Because the bigger picture is a desire to implement martial law and further control, oppress and dominate the American people. The political powers that are afraid of losing their control and positions will stop at nothing to carry out their plans to make slaves of American citizens. I urge people everywhere to put their emotions in check for a moment and consider what they get involved in. Don't let the enemy lure you into his trap!

The reality is none of those wealthy political influences behind all this really care about Black lives, or any lives for that matter. They have no desire what so ever to help anyone except themselves, and yet people continue to take the bait. Hook, line and sinker. Protests, when done well, can be powerful. But, protests that promote lawlessness, anger, racism and murder are simply another form of terrorism. The protests will not correct injustice, end the corruption or level the playing field. It will only add to the problems, keeping the power brokers and corrupt political figures in the very places that hinder real justice. It won't accomplish any of the things that these protest groups are supposedly fighting against. So why are people allowing themselves to get carried away with someone else's political agenda when it won't solve any of the real issues? Wake up, America! There are behind the scenes players that are maneuvering events to suit their desired outcome and they are not for justice. They exploit people's emotions, using the pain of this nation's citizens against them in order to lead them further into captivity and slavery. 

Bitterness has held people hostage but neither side is free until they choose to forgive. Bitterness has made people slaves to the enemy that pulls their puppet strings. Don't rely on your own emotional responses, for they can often be misleading. God's word to all of us is not to take vengeance into our own hands, but to leave room for Him to balance the scales of justice. He will! Remember, even Martin Luther King, who was a minister of the gospel as well as a social activist, did not just march for love and unity. King marched for truth, and truth will always force people to take sides. 

Truth does cause division, but I believe that recognizing the truth and understanding a need for change does not mean that we overlook the issues. When truth is revealed, people must choose what side of it they will be on; what they will support and defend. It is a natural response to feel outrage when corruption is revealed. It is natural to feel as if something must be done to correct things that have gone wrong, but remember that people cannot act as judge, jury and executioner of their own version of justice without taking the side of the destroyer. To think that God overlooks that type of behavior is reckless at the very least and speaks of those that are blind to His ways.

Forgiveness does not mean that we overlook the issues but it does mean we do not take vengeance into our own hands. Let us acknowledge where change is needed and then work together to implement proper measures to achieve the changes that are necessary. Prayer must be an important component in any reformation.

Proverbs 1:7 reminds us that fools despise wisdom and instruction, but the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and understanding..It is foolishness to heed the words of those that stir up strife and instigate, by their insinuations, that the increase of more darkness over the earth is the right answer. Lawlessness can only produce more lawlessness, which invites the judgments of God on those that partake of it.

Dr. Ben Carson got it right when he said (tonight on the Hannity Show, Fox News) that America is in a crisis of family values. We cannot afford to divorce ourselves from morality. 

We must heal the great divide. There is a chasm of bitterness that separates American citizens from one another and we must find a way to heal it. The enemy will always seek opportunity to rob people of their hope. This is what is happening right now. There are many issues in the news that promote violence, a loss of constitutional rights, prognosticators that predict economic collapse, corruption that seems above the law and much more. We should feel angry about that. But, these things are happening because as a nation people we have embraced lawlessness and rebellion from God's ways. We have rejected the fear of the Lord and demanded our own ways. So, God gave us leaders that promoted rebellion, corruption and lawlessness. He gave us leaders that also rejected God and this is what we have reaped. Where there is an absence of the fear of the Lord, there will always be injustice!

We must turn back before because the path we are on is not good. America seems headed for the edge of a cliff, but God can bring us back and restore hope once again. We must renounce generational bitterness and seek forgiveness from God, for as a nation of people, we have carried it with us far too long. The only way to heal our nation is to do it God's way. It's to divorce that spirit of bitterness, vengeance and unforgiveness once and for all, and make the conscience decision that no real good can come from carrying it forward into the next generation. 

We must make the choice to end it now before it destroys us all. We must make the choice to repent from holding on to bitterness, a desire for vengeance and allowing anger to over rule sound judgment. No good can come from a dark heart! Will you make the choice today? If it doesn't begin with each of us, where does the answer start? I urge you today to choose mercy.

Forgiveness is not for the weak. Forgiveness can only be done by someone with personal strength and integrity. 

Mercy triumphs over judgment. It represents the very heart of God. It does not mean that acts of injustice and corruption should not be held to an account. It simply means that we are trusting God to be bigger than the corruption. Bigger than those who feel they are above the law. Bigger than those who get away with evil. The truth is, God cares very much and will act in perfect justice towards those that warrant it. The timing and the way that occurs is not up to us; it is left in His hands. The decision to forgive opens the door for healing. If it can do it for an individual, it can do it for our nation. Forgiveness restores a nation to right relationship with their Creator. It builds bridges of hope to the future.

Those that side with hatred and perpetuate more injustice in the name of retribution act like fools and terrorists. As a nation of people, is that who we want to become? Is that how we want to be known? Actions reveal the heart of the person. What do we truly identify with? Our nation is being tested. It's a test of character. It's a test of integrity, but most of all, it's a test to see whether we will identify with darkness or light. Goodness or evil. Hatred or mercy. 

Are we going to be found faithful to our true identity as patriots and defenders of truth and justice? Will we as Americans, rise up out of the ashes of our pain and injustice and band together for a greater good, loving our neighbor as ourselves, and honoring God and others in the process? I urge every person to consider more than just social justice issues, but to consider how they want others to truly know them. The law of love is the highest law by which we will all be judged! 

God sees the pain this nation is in and He will come to bring healing. He wants to restore our hope for the future, correct the injustices and corruption and heal our hearts, but it can only be accomplished His way. He will deliver this nation from evil if we will trust Him. Healing will come as a result of forgiveness, love and a restoration of the fear of the Lord. Mercy triumphed over evil at the cross and it can do it again. Love is the only force more powerful than hate and violence. Love never fails.

Father, 

As a nation of people, help us by pouring out Your grace upon us, enabling us to forgive the injustice, corruption and abuse of power that has brought a dark shadow over us for far too long. Help us to forgive those that have sinned against us and caused bitterness in our hearts. Pull up the root of bitterness out of our hearts and please heal our land. Heal the heart and soul of this nation. We cannot do it without You!  We trust in Your divine wisdom to not just expose evil, but to execute judgement and justice on behalf of those that have been treated wrong. Give judgments on behalf of your people that delivers them from the hands of wicked oppressors and those that abuse their power, position and authority. Turn the hearts of the ungodly towards You and convict them of their sin. Give them the desire to repent from their ways that they may be saved. Let mercy and truth never forsake us. Let mercy and truth enter our hearts and guide us in all Your ways. In Jesus name, Amen.