Refreshing Rain…Restoring Rain

“You, O God, did send a plentiful rain; You did restore and confirm Your heritage when it languished and was weary”.                    Psalm 68:9 AMP

Note: Today’s meditation is prophetic in nature and therefore might not be totally comprehended by everyone.  Nevertheless, please feel free to contact me for clarification. 

A drenching rain is coming!  However, some people won’t be able to reap the advantages of this rain … because it a spiritual rain.  This rain will pour down upon the earth – to saturate those saints who are waiting in great expectation of it.  The Lord is sending this rain: to cleanse, to heal, to restore and to maintain. 

The rain will be felt as you prophetically dance in the presence of the Lord.  Worship in this rain.  Listen in this rain.  Obey in this rain. Receive your next instructions and strategic plans in this rain.

Everyone won’t even know that it’s raining.  Others will know that something is occurring – but won’t want to get wet.  Still others will know about it – but haven’t developed the type of relationship with the Lord that will afford them the opportunity to reap from it.

The effects which are being imprinted from this rain are eternal.  They won’t wear off – but will wear in.  This rain will cleanse.  This rain will awaken.  This rain will unlock.  This rain will release.

This rain will also confirm.  This rain will also seal. This rain will also bind.  This rain will also initiate a coagulation process for spiritual wounds that have bleeding for years.

Revelation, manifestation, transformation and reformation…. All benefits from soaking in this rain.  No umbrellas for this rain…. Only acquiring an enriched, a totally refreshing and an awesomely rewarding experience.  

So get free….. and dance, dance, dance in this rain!

Refreshing Rain…Restoring Rain

“You, O God, did send a plentiful rain; You did restore and confirm Your heritage when it languished and was weary”.                    Psalm 68:9 AMP

Note: Today’s meditation is prophetic in nature and therefore might not be totally comprehended by everyone.  Nevertheless, please feel free to contact me for clarification. 

A drenching rain is coming!  However, some people won’t be able to reap the advantages of this rain … because it a spiritual rain.  This rain will pour down upon the earth – to saturate those saints who are waiting in great expectation of it.  The Lord is sending this rain: to cleanse, to heal, to restore and to maintain. 

The rain will be felt as you prophetically dance in the presence of the Lord.  Worship in this rain.  Listen in this rain.  Obey in this rain. Receive your next instructions and strategic plans in this rain.

Everyone won’t even know that it’s raining.  Others will know that something is occurring – but won’t want to get wet.  Still others will know about it – but haven’t developed the type of relationship with the Lord that will afford them the opportunity to reap from it.

The effects which are being imprinted from this rain are eternal.  They won’t wear off – but will wear in.  This rain will cleanse.  This rain will awaken.  This rain will unlock.  This rain will release.

This rain will also confirm.  This rain will also seal. This rain will also bind.  This rain will also initiate a coagulation process for spiritual wounds that have bleeding for years.

Revelation, manifestation, transformation and reformation…. All benefits from soaking in this rain.  No umbrellas for this rain…. Only acquiring an enriched, a totally refreshing and an awesomely rewarding experience.  

So get free….. and dance, dance, dance in this rain!

Use Your Kingdom Authority!

“Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.” Job 22:28

Today, I just feel the necessity to remind you that you already possess Kingdom Authority.  Therefore, when you boldly decree anything which is in alignment with the Word of God; it immediately occurs.  It matters not whether you can physically observe the manifestation of the decree – the change occurs.

In the natural; when a king makes a decree; the validity of that decree is not contingent upon the acceptance of  

anyone else – nor does the king require the approval of others.  The king isn’t concerned with the availability of resources.  The king decrees – and the tables begin to turn.  Simply because of WHO he is; he only has to SPEAK the word; and it’s done.  When he speaks – things change.

God has extended to us that same authority.  He is a king who is unlimited in every aspect.  Therefore, because we are His children; heirs and joint-heirs with Christ; we have available to us that same power and authority.  When I learn to permit my lifestyle to reflect the principles and guidelines given by my Father; I will recognize the unlimited power that is at my disposal. However, I must learn the kingdom principles and walk there in. 

The king who is governed by wisdom is a king whose domain is in order.  Therefore, that king is a king of honor, nobility, dignity and integrity. God expects us to bring His perspective into every situation by our knowledge of and our application of His kingdom principles and authority.   

So remember you do have the power, you do have the authority and you do possess the mindset to accomplish “the greater”.  Be deceived no longer into thinking that you “CAN’T”!  The enemy knows who you are and is still attempting to keep you feeling defeated!  However you ARE more than a conqueror – because you possess kingdom authority.  Since you possess this power and authority; why not use it?  

“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].” Philippians 4:13 AMP

Tenacity To Endure

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

In this season it is imperative that you don’t give up!  We are all on the verge of receiving from the Lord all that He has promised.  Don’t get distracted.  Don’t become weary.  Don’t lose your focus.  Here’s another prayer that the Lord had given to me.  Be Blessed.

Grateful For Your Tenacity (©2003)

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I come to you to acknowledge that tenacity is needed to accomplish your divine purpose in my life.  So I come to you now, EARLY. At the beginning of this time of my life.  Since today is the first day of the rest of my life, I have come at the start of this new season, with the realization that I am in a new “place in life”.  For this day has never been seen prior to its awakening.  Therefore, I am in a place that I have not yet experienced. 

I thank you for your diligence, your perseverance, your endurance, your stamina, your assiduity, your determination - that I now possess to be the warrior that you have decreed me to be.

So now Lord, I stand on Romans 8:36-39 and declare that in all things I am more than a conqueror.  I acknowledge that I already have the tenacity required to receive the manifestation of every blessing that you have outlined for me in your word.

I will therefore never permit any obstacle or phenomenon in this life to hold me captive.  I will never permit any thought pattern that is contrary to your divine direction to invade my conscience or sub-conscience intellect.

As I have become more tenacious while studying your word; You have revealed your wisdom,

As I have become more tenacious in times of disappointment; You have revealed your   unconditional love and security,

As I have become more tenacious while engaged in spiritual warfare; You have revealed your camouflage, shield, shelter, your protection.

As I have become more tenacious in every area of my life; You have revealed the potency, the discernment, the joy, the peace and the fulfillment that are now evident in my life.

Thank you Lord for the manifestation of your TENACITY.                                                  

Cooked to Perfection

“But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous].”

                                                                                                                 Job 23:10 (AMP)

A master chef knows that whatever dish he or she has prepared will have already experienced numerous “test runs”.  The master chef knows a forehand exactly what the end product will look like. They also are very knowledgeable concerning their masterpieces.  They are very well versed regarding each ingredient that they will use; as well as the time needed for preparation and cooking.  The “perfect” dish when presented will look nothing like it did during its prep or cooking times.  However, because the master chef already knows what the end product will be, they are not concerned about its appearance during the prep stages, nor during the cooking stages.  They know that “time” is a necessary component.  Therefore, it doesn’t matter how quickly the end product is needed – the “cooking time” can’t be decreased.  Each added ingredient must be given the proper amount of time to release its self and then to blend with the other ingredients. A master chef will patiently wait for their creation to be cooked to perfection.  Why? Because they already have a mental picture of what will appear as the end product.  So when they look are the array of ingredients before them– they can become excited; because they KNOW what the end result will be when it has finally been cooked to perfection.

God, as our master chef, already knows each and every one of us.  He knows exactly what He has placed on the inside of each of us.  Therefore, whatever you are now experiencing - you are in the process of becoming His masterpiece. You are in the process of being “cooked to perfection”!  If it seems as though your time in the oven has been long; be encouraged.  That is only an indication that your potential is of a greater magnitude than even you are aware of.  God will never permit a cake to burn or a roast to dry out!  We are all being cooked to perfection.  The fire seems intense; and it is.  Your journey may seem… just downright CRAZY!... and it is!! Just…Be encouraged!! Sometimes we will often add “opposite” ingredients such as lemon and sugar to the same mixture – and think it normal!

So remember, some foods need to be simmered – while others can be stir-fried.  Some foods need to go through the process of being chopped; others diced; and still others pureed or mashed.  Whatever process you are now experiencing, just know that you are being prepared… and when the proper prep applications have been accomplished – you will then be placed in your cooking chamber…. And cooked to perfection!

 “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:…..

 1 John 3:2

The Centipede & The Christian

Read: I Corinthians 12:12-26

How you ever considered a centipede?  Probably not. However the Lord had instructed me to do a little research on them.  After which, He instructed me to prepare a comparison between the similarities of the centipede and the endtime Saints.  (Set aside some time to do the same.  I’m sure that it will prove to be very advantageous to your ministry or your Christian walk.)

As we speak, the enemy is devising a fast approaching army that will secrete a very painful poisonous venom like that which can be ejected from the centipede.  Unlike the scorpion, but like the centipede. (Compare the two.)  This venom is secreted from the first set of legs on the centipede.  In our ministries, far too often our “front legs” have no venom.  Our front line of defense is composed of those who are novice, and unprepared to stand effectively against the blows of the enemy. 

Each section of the centipede is equipped with a set of 2 legs. Some have less than 20 legs; while others have more than 300.  It glides smoothly because each set carries its own weight. 

We must, and equip others to carry their own weight by effectively using their God given talents and abilities.   No longer should we assign people to positions where they are not called—just for the sake of filling a position.  We also, must equip ourselves to become more reliant upon the Holy Ghost and not on other people to carry us.   Those of you who are not assuming leadership positions – yet – should not permit someone to place you into given position that you know you are not called to.  Not an endtime strategy!

Each set of legs on the centipede is made a little short than the set in front of it.  This depicts order.  Many of our churches are not making an effective impact because they have not been established according to the apostolic order that God has given. (Not referring to the Apostolic Denomination.)

Centipedes are primarily hunters.  Once it has found its prey; it will usually wrap itself around the prey and wait for the venom to take effect before consuming it. 

We have been instructed to go into the hedges and the highways looking for the unsaved.  When we have found them – then we as the body of Christ are to wrap ourselves around them and to show them the  powerful “venom” of the love of God “that is able to cover” them.

Much more can be said about the centipede and the body of Christ.  However, I’ll conclude by saying….

Remember:  Just as there are over 8,000 species of the centipede; we being many members, are just one species - one body.  Our ultimate goal should be to stand, and demonstration to the world, that whatever the attack, we as the body of Christ will remain unified ….

 Because the Lord has already prepared us…the body of Christ… to be His triumphant Church.

New Place – New Position

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

Isaiah 43:19 (New Living Version)

The Lord has said: “My people are all in a new place and have a new position.  (You should have realized this – if you didn’t already know this; go into a period of consecration as to awaken your discernment.)

Think it not strange that you “feel” different and that the things around you appear to different. The winds have shifted and you are in a new place.  You are now in an enhanced dimension.  You are about to embark upon a new venture.  For some your physical location may be the familiar; however your mission has now been altered, elevated, enlarged and broaden.  Advance, proceed and press forward quickly and cautiously.  It is important that in this dimension you don’t become stagnate, idle or inactive.  Don’t look back. 

Stay freed from every entanglement that once held you captive …. the positive as well as the negative.  The enemy knows the important role that you are now in the position to assume.  He is going to attempt to keep you preoccupied with “being busy”…. doing and engaging in assignments that are positive but not God ordained for this season.

Don’t expect the assurance of others.  As long as you have my validation, said the Lord….that’s all that matters. Your mandate has already received my stamp of approval.  Continue to guard your heart.  Stand boldly and stand strong in your authority.  It is imperative that your mind stays free.  Walk in peace, walk in power, walk in my promises … and you will continue to walk in my provision as never before.”

“May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”  Romans 15:33

No More “Cubic Zirconia” Gems

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” ….. Psalm 139:14

God has not designed, nor produced anything that is not authentic.  However, far too often we in the body of Christ have been “hoodwinked” into thinking that we must pattern, copy and mimic the actions of others.  We fail to realize that God has created each of us uniquely different.  It is His desire that we examine the life of Christ in every aspect; and configure our lives according to the example that He has displayed.

I was recently glancing through my latest copy of Vogue magazine.  One thing that was very prevalent was - each designer displayed their own unique style.  Their creativity was boldly exhibited as they dared to be different.  Not one of the designers attempted to copy or to mirror the ideas or handiwork of their fellow artists.  Something else that is very obvious is the fact that it didn’t matter who does or doesn’t appreciate, applaud or accept their creations – they will still dare to be that original designer; and they used their creative ability to the fullest.

We must remember that God has not created any cubic zirconia gems!  What is a cubic zirconia gem?  It is an imposter, an imitator and an impressionist in the realm of the spirit.  It is one who pretends to be something that they are not.  It is one who thinks that they must walk, talk, shout, preach, etc. - exactly like someone else.  It is one who has failed to realize that God has created them to be an original designer for Him – and not the carbon copy of another. It is one who has permitted the enemy to convince them to participate in actions of “self – sabotage”; therefore making them of no threat to his kingdom!

So.... dare to be unique!  Not arrogant, boastful, or heady.  We must always adhere and conform to EVERYTHING that God has spoken and had recorded in our Bible.  If we are going to be successful as endtime warriors – we must decide to give the Holy Spirit permission to use our creative ability.   Why settle for being a cheap copy – when you can be a costly original? Come out of the closet and be hindered no longer by any insecurity!  God is waiting for you to begin to display what He has placed in you.

No one can beat you – being you.  The world needs what the Lord has placed inside of you.  Be determine to a diamond (maybe still needing to be refined – but that’s okay!) and not a cubic zirconia gem.  Remember….The time is now….. and the person is YOU!

Is Fear Hindering Your Progress?

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.  II Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

Why did you still have an array of unaccomplished projects waiting to be completed?  Why are you still not boldly advocating or displaying the spiritual gifts which you possess?  Have you permitted the reminders of your past failures to paralyze you – and prevent you from “getting up” and trying again?  If you can affirmatively agree with these questions, the spirit of fear could very well be your deterrent.

It’s time for us to aggressive attack this spirit and forbid its return.  If we don’t uproot this spirit of fear – it will continue to hinder our progress - permitting us to continuously, vigorously run a spiritual treadmill …. Building strong muscles….but going nowhere!

I’m once again printing the prayer concerning fear.  Read it daily for a few days a gain the maximum results.

FEAR BE GONE!

(© 2003)

 ather God in the name of Jesus, I denounce the spirit of fear in my life.  As of this day, I forbid the spirit of fear to dominate, reign or sit passively in any area of my life.

Holy Spirit, I surrender right now to you my entire being.  I ask that you reveal to me now every area of my life where ungodly fear is present.  Every area in my conscience or sub-conscience arena where fear may have a stronghold.  Any area from my past where fear has been the comfort zone.  Reveal every open door that satan has used to bring fear into my life.

Lord God, your word declares that your perfect love will cast out, drive away, eradicate and will replace fear.  So Father, I come to you now and ask that you reveal to me your perfect love in every area of my being.  Your love that will not fail.  Your love that is unconditional.  Your love that is incomprehensive to my natural man, - but is conceivable in the spirit realm.

Father, as I have asked the Holy Spirit to reveal the entrances where fear has entered, I ask you for the wisdom needed to close every open door. I decree those doors closed, shut, sealed - never to be opened again. 

I will now begin the process to renew my mind – daily.  I will develop a new appetite which desires your decreed will for my life – freed from every diabolical hindrance.

I thank you Father God for my new found freedom in you now that the weight of fear is gone. Hallelujah!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen                                    

F.A.I.T.H.

Note: The word faith is one of those interchangeable words which can be communicated as a noun or a verb. 

There is one element that we must possess if we are going to walk in obedience to God.  This is verified in Hebrews 11:6; “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”.                       .

Faith involves vision.   Proverbs 29:18a states: “Where there is no vision, the people perish:”

Therefore if we are going to please God; and walk with a purpose – we must exercise faith which is expressed through vision.

One of the goals of the enemy is to get us to doubt the promises of God – and not walk by faith; or/and to have no outlook for the future; no vision.

Therefore to make certain that we continue to walk in our God given vision we must view faith as our: Firm, Assurance, In, Trials & Hardships.

So when I have faith in God; I am able to have the faith of God. When I have the faith in God, He is my “FIRM ASSURANCE IN TRIALS & HARDSHIPS”!

It should matter not what we may encounter in a given day; if we allow God to be our F.A.I.T.H. we will have the ability to work through every phase of our vision.  We must never forget that the enemy has launched every diabolical plot, plan and scheme for our demise.  However, without regards to anything that he proposes – we have the ultimate victory!  Whatever he does, we must have the firm assurance he is no match for us –when we stand in the Lord. 

If we are going to stand as the victorious warriors that we are; we must daily “gear up” with our spiritual weapons. Now is not the time to become weary in your well doing. Remember your battle may be long – but the key to your endurance is to have F.A.I.T.H. ; express F.A.I.T.H. and to tell others about your F.A.I.T.H.!

^“And they overcame ……… .by the word of their testimony;”  Revelation 12:11

Use Your Authority!

Behold, I have given you authority, …….over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19

The only way to stop the attack of the enemy in our lives is to become informed of the tactics that he is using.   Most of the time we will tend to respond to a specific attack, rather than to initiate a diabolical encounter with the kingdom of darkness.  As I have often said, we are reactive instead of proactive.   . 

The time is now when we must “step up our game” in the area of spiritual warfare.  We must not remain ignorant concerning the devices of our enemy.  The Bible informs us of various animals which represent the evil forces that have been dispensed or released and operate to destroy us. 

If we are to remain prosperous, we must protect our seeds.   God has given to us seeds which are intended to be sown and then to produce a harvest.  However, seeds attract birds.  So in the natural… so in the realm of the spirit.   Spirit birds are attracted to spiritual seeds. 

I had posted the list below which was extracted from “Prayers that Rout Demons” by John Eckhardt a little while ago (January of 2009).  The list includes prayers and names some Spirit Birds.  Not all birds are attracted to the same Spiritual seed.  However, their purpose is to prevent our seeds from producing its intended harvest.

(Although the Lord has promised us that He would rebuke the devourer on our behalf – we must remember that He uses us to accomplish His work here on the earth.  Therefore, we must be properly equipped, ready to be used of Him.)

As you read through the list, ask the Holy Spirit to highlight those which directly concern you.

Dealing With Spirit Birds

I bind and rebuke any unclean and hateful bird sent against my life by the enemy in the name of Jesus (Rev.18:2)
I exercise my dominion over the unclean fowl of the air in the name of Jesus (Ps 8:8)
Let every spirit bird sent against me be taken in the snare (Eccles 9:12)
I bind and rebuke every spiritual vulture in the name of Jesus (Isa. 34:15)
I bind the operation of the screech owl (night monster) from operating against me in the name of Jesus (Isa. 34:11)
I bind and rebuke the cormorant (the vomiting pelican) from operating against me in the name of Jesus (Isa 34:11)
I bind and rebuke the bittern from operating against my life in the name of Jesus (Isa. 34:11)
I bind and rebuke any raven sent against my life in the name of Jesus (Isa. 34:11)
I bind and rebuke any demonic eagle and hawk sent against my life, and I command their nests to be destroyed in the name of Jesus (Job 39: 26-30)
I pray these unclean birds would be caged in the name of Jesus ( Jer. 5:27)
I bind and rebuke any unclean bird that would attempt to nest in my life in the name of Jesus.
Let every wandering bird be cast out if its nest in the name of Jesus (Isa. 16:2)
Let YOUR presence Lord, drive every unclean bird away from my life (Jer. 4:25-26)
Let every fowl of heaven operating against my life be consumed in the name of Jesus (Zeph. 1:3)
Let these birds flee and fly away at Your rebuke (Jer. 9:10)
Let me walk in the path of wisdom that no fowl knows (Job 28:7, 21)
I will not be afraid of the terror by night, and I rebuke every night bird that would attempt to visit me at night (Ps. 91:5)
I am not a companion to owls (Job 30:29)

Don’t’ Judge – Just Love

“Judge not, that you be not judged. ² For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”       Matthew 7:1 &2 (ESV)

Who are you judging?  Of course your immediate response to this question is – “No one.  I don’t judge anyone.”  But if you were to closely monitor your actions, thoughts and motives; they would reveal quite the opposite.

To judge is to arbitrate; assess; to rule on etc.  Therefore, prior to one having the ability to perform such; they must have ALL of the correct information.  They must have the truth versus the mere facts.  Far too often we view situations from our own opinions or our own knowledge of a given – which usually contains a limited, biased amount of information.  Far too often instead of loving ALL people; in EVERY situation; we – though unintentionally -  show expressions of love to some more readily than others.

God needs us – His ecclesia; His church – to be the living examples of the type of unconditional love that He had demonstrated while he was here.  He hasn’t called us to judge anyone – only to love them.  He hasn’t asked us to condemn anyone – only to love everyone – all of the time.  We must realize that when we are judging others – in most instances we are doing so from a residue of the spirit of pride that is still lingering within us.

Ask yourself; “What is hindering me from showing unconditional love to everyone that I encounter?”  I must remember that everyone that I encounter on a given day will have on opinion of me.  Will I have left them with an impression that SHOWS them the love of God?  If not, why not?  Whatever the reason maybe…. “it won’t hold water!”  In other words – whatever my reasoning – God will not receive it as acceptable.  He has loved us through, in, and prior to all of our fallacies.  Now He expects us to go and to show that same love to others. 

He has shown us through His Son that His love extended beyond the boundaries of culture, race and creed (John 4).

He has shown us through His Son, that His love extended beyond the boundaries of presumptuous sins (John 8: 1-11).

He has shown us through His Son that his love extended beyond the boundaries of those who had falsely accused or wronged Him (Luke 23:34).

Therefore, whatever reason we may express – God will show us that His son has already encountered it, endured it and defeated it!  We are therefore without excuse for any valid reason for judging ANYONE.

So, I must remember:

·       I can’t allow the opinions of others to keep me from reaching out to those who are in need of receiving God’s love from me.

·       Ask myself – WWJD (What would Jesus do??)

·       My actions must reveal the love that God has extended to me.

“….What the world truly needs is love….God’s unconditional love which knows no prejudice!”

Clean Hands….AND a Pure Heart

……..Who may stand in his holy place?  The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…

Psalm 24:3 & 4

One of the prerequisites to maintaining a proper relationship with the Lord is for us to regularly monitor our actions and our motives.  The above scripture acknowledges the importance of both of these qualities.

There are many instances when people have asked if doing certain things will cause them to go to hell.  However, while our eternal state is of great importance – our daily walk is of equal relevance.   My daily walk as a Christian will establish one of two points.  It will verify that I sincerely love the Lord – more than I love myself.  Or it will confirm that although I have acknowledged Christ as my Savior; I have not matured in my relationship with Him.

The statement “clean hands”; above the obvious, is also making a reference to those things that we are involved or associated with.  We must be certain that we have not become members of various organizations (especially those of you who are in college) whose origin is demonic.  There are several groups who are accomplishing much within in our communities and making a great impact.   However the real motive is to get you to become connected with them.  Therefore, by doing so, you have willingly given satan an access.

A “pure heart” reflects on my intentions.  If my actions are correct – but my reasonings which support my actions are not resonating from the character qualities of the throne of God – then I am operating from a place of deceit, deception and dishonesty.  My actions also must not be the results of: the spirit of fear, past feelings of rejection, anger, pride etc.

Colossians 3:17 states, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

The word clean refers to the state of…while the word purity refers to the composition of.  Both are of grave importance to our ability to function successfully in our daily walk – as well as to our relationship with the Lord and His ability to use us effectively.

“Reach beyond the break……And keep it moving!”

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” St. John 16:33 KJV

“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” St. John 16:33 CEV

Today the Lord wants us to remind us that it doesn’t matter what it looks like, it doesn’t matter what sort of negative or bad news we may receive – we must reach beyond that obstacle, that disappoint, the ups and down of this world and KEEP IT MOVING!!

Many times we have a way of permitting the cares of this world weight us down and weaken us.  Most of the diseases and ailments that we are afflicted with are the result of years of worry and stress.  Generations of stress and worriation.

But the Lord wants us to remember that he already encountered and become completely victorious against every situation that we will encounter.

Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.”

Nehemiah 8:10b “……..Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

 So how do we let the joy of the Lord be our strength?

Focus, Fill,  & Forget

1.      Focus more on the Blessings than on the Curses. 

2.      Fill your mouth with more positive, faith filled words  than negative words. Let a “PRAISE” always be in your mouth. 

3.      Forget yesterday; today is a new day.

You must remember:

When friends betray you –REACH BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT MOVING!   Because… “There’s not a   

                                  friend like the lowly Jesus”

When loved ones are taken from you and you feel alone – REACH BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT

                                 MOVING!  Jesus has promised that you’re …. “No, Never Alone”

When everything that you are trusting in is failing you – REACH BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT

                                  MOVING!  Because…. “Tis SO Sweet To Trust in Jesus”.

When the other cares of this world attempt to divert your focus to what’s not happening – REACH

                                 BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT MOVING!   Remember, “ You’ve Come This Far by

                                 faith; Leaning On The Lord!

When your nights seem long and dark – REACH BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT MOVING!  Just

                                   remember : “Because He lives you CAN face tomorrow!”

And whatever else may occur - REACH BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT MOVING!  ….and say “Hallelujah

                                 Anyhow”. 

Stay : “Wrapped up, Tied up, & Tangled up in Jesus”…... REACH BEYOND Your BREAK… & KEEP IT  

                                  MOVING! 

It’s Breakthrough Time….For Real!!! (Repost)

“Breakthrough Oh Lord, so that I may break forth”

“Yahweh Perazim ”

(The Lord of Breakthrough –II Samuel 5:20)

So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me……………… (II Samuel 5:20)

Read: II Samuel 5

As I enter a new month – the final month of the summer; Lord I ask you  to permit the power of the Holy Ghost to “breakthrough” and to break up any type of residue that is still attempting to linger in my spirit.  Any lingering mindset that will prevent your power from having its full range in my spirit. Yahweh Perazim, I summit my will to you now, and request that you break through it.  Burst forth as the waters through an overly stretched dam.  Break forth with your explosive, uncontainable power. 

As you broke through and rescued David from his enemies, breakthrough the plans and devices that my enemy, the master deceiver, has concocted for my demise and destruction.   Break through every shackle that is still attached to my feet, thus attempting to prevent me from being in my “appointed places” at the correct times. Break through the thorns and thistles in the realm of spirit, which produce the “snags” that permit me to misuse or waste valuable time.  Break through unhealthy, nonproductive relationships.  Break through every barrier and “smoke screen” that is hindering and blocking my vision - still preventing me from aggressively and confidently advancing.  Break through every negative spirit that the traditions of man have instilled in me, which are hindering the effectiveness of our twenty-first century church.  Yahweh Perazim, search my entire being, layer by layer.  Whatever concepts, precepts, ideologies, methodologies and the like, that are contrary to yours – break them up, move them out, replace them with your wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

And now Yahweh Perazim, as you break through, may I daily begin to perceive and receive the results which are being produced from my enhanced position of power and authority.  May I begin to break forth into one who is: feared, detested, hated, envied and begrudged by the kingdom of darkness.  Now, I am freed; once again, to be moldable clay in your hands.  As you use me mightily, may I always remain cognizant and grateful to you, Yahweh Perazim - for your prodigious “break -through” anointing.  May I never become arrogant, conceited or heady – only more confident as I walk and rest in the freedom that only you have the ability to provide. 

…..And it is so!

Spiritual Cataracts

“And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” ......” 2 Kings 6:17

Read: 2 Kings 6:8-22

Far too many people in the body of Christ are lacking the ability to see and understand the happenings of this season.  In other words, they have been “blind-sided”; not possessing the capability to clearly comprehend and relate the occurrences of today to those which are recorded in the Bible.  Although they sincerely love the Lord; attend Bible Study on a regular basis; and are faithful in the paying of their tithes and offerings; they can’t seem to see clearly.  Why? They have Spiritual Cataracts.

When a person has a cataract in the natural; they have a condition where there is a cloudiness of the lens in the eye that prevents light from passing to the retina, which can impair their vision.

Therefore, when someone has a Spiritual Cataract they have a blockage in the realm of the Spirit, which is preventing the illumination of God’s word from being comprehended to its fullest capacity.  They may “see men walking as trees” (Mark 8:24); or not even see at all (refer to the key verse).  Whatever the case they need to have those cataracts removed if they are going to be abreast of these end-time situations that have already been fully explained in our canon.

In some instances cataracts in the natural can remain intact because they aren’t really obstructing too much of the retina.  However, in terms of Spiritual Cataracts; whatever the consistency – they must be removed.  We can’t afford to permit anything in our lives which will block or hinder the Light of the Lord to prevail.

So if you are lacking the ability to accurately “see” the signs of the times; if you are still not actively progressing in the realm of the Spirit; if you are still being motivated by “Your” plans, opinions, and directives….. then maybe you are in need of Spiritual Cataract Surgery. 

Ask the Lord to reveal to you every area in your life where He is still not “Lord”.

Ask Him for the correct directives and directions which will permit an illumination of who He is to prevail in your life.

Lastly, remember that God will perform the necessary procedures – but we must be willing to do our part by walking in obedience, persistence, and a determination to do whatever the He mandates for our lives.

Nobody Greater!!!

Lord, you are supreme in power & position.

“Elhoy Marom”

(The God of heights – Micah 6:6)

As this text is researched, we can observe that the word “height” here signifies supremacy of power and position.

So Lord, may I now aline and place everything under the authority of who you are.  May I never exalt the power of my thoughts or actions above what your word demonstrates and declares.

I will no longer surrender to; and I forbid, any other power to rule or to reign in my life.  My acceptance of your sovereignty and my knowledge of your omnipotence validate who you are.  I ask that those character qualities fully infiltrate my every thought.  May I renew my mind to the extent that I have reworded my vocabulary, to release from my mouth, only the words that will reflect what your Word declares.

There is no other; nor has there ever been; nor ever will be; any force; - visible or invisible, that is able to be in comparison with who you are.  Your attributes reveal that you are matchless. Therefore you are the monarch, the exalted one.  We could climb up to the highest mountain; even search the lowest valley….  And the supremacy of your power and authority would yet reveal that… There’s NOBODY GREATER THAN YOU!

May I continuous position my spirit to operate in submission only to your sovereign reign, your absolute authority and your ultimate guidance… For YOU ALONE ARE GREAT!

"You Are God Alone" (Marvin Sapp)
There's no question of Your greatness, no searching of Your power.
All the wonder of Your glory, to You forty years is but one hour.
Your knowledge is all encompassing, to Your wisdom there is no end;
For You alone are God, You are God alone.

Your mercy is everlasting; Your truth is here always.
You are He who was and is, and is to come.
Who is He that can number you day, You've flung the sun to burn in space,
And the night's moon powers light from day; You are God alone.

Now unto the King, eternal, immortal, invisible,
The only wise God, the only wise God;
You alone are God, For You are God alone.

Be all glory and honor, dominion, and power - forever and ever, amen.

For You alone are God, You are God alone!

The Undercurrents Have Shifted…. Have You?

“ All these are but the beginning of the birth pains”. Matthew 24:8

Read Matthew 24

One of the expressions that many theologians have used for decades as the verification of God’s “plum line” is nature.    We can no doubt attest to the facts that we are experiencing extreme atmospheric conditions.   While people may vary in their knowledge and their understanding of the Bible; no one can deny the alterations in the usual flow of nature which are now occurring.

An undercurrent is a current under the surface, which is flowing in a different direction from the surface current.  While undercurrents occur both in the air and in the water; today we will focus on the effects of those associated with the water.  This summer has yielded to an above normal increase in the rate of water fatalities – especially those associated with drowning.   Many people are explaining that the conditions of the water are very deceiving this summer.    The currents which are not visible to the naked eye; and which can’t be easily detected have changed.  People who usually swim in various creeks and lakes are drowning – because the undercurrents have shifted.

So has the shifting occurred in the realm of the Spirit.  Nature is only revealing what have already occurred in the Spirit world.  In the realm of the Spirit, there has always been a subordinate current; flowing contrary to the major current.    However now, the undercurrent has shifted.  What was once detectable for the shore is no longer visible.  If we are going to be effective, we must venture from the “shore” and get into the water.   The shifting has occurred and its effects are evident in every arena; from the “White House to the Poor House”.     

While everything around you has shifted …The question now is… have you?  What measures have you taken to assure yourself that you will not be swept away and even drown in the swift moving undertow?  Have you increased your times of praying, studying and serving?  Have you amended your “busy” schedule to include a God ordained – rather than God permitted agenda?

We, the body of Christ must be that support system for the world which will lead them to the saving and sustaining power of the Lord.  However, we must leave the “shore”…our comfort zones: and venture into the water….where the fish are… and the swift flowing undercurrents are prevailing.  We must be equipped with endtime strategies and the ability to implement them. 

The undercurrents have shifted –therefore we must modify and fortify the anchors of our minds; to assure our success and to make certain that we will not become the next victim … swept sway …caught off guard by an oncoming, rapidly approaching and swift moving current!

I Must Forgive!

Lord, May I remain cognizant that forgiveness is a decision!

“El NORE”

(God that forgave - Psalm 99:8)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Read Psalm 99 & I John 1

Until we have received an in-depth comprehension of God’s love for man, we cannot even initiate a conversation on His forgiveness.   

Although we don’t usually envision it to be so, the concept of forgiveness is birthed from a seed of love – and the act of forgiveness is more beneficial for me than for my offender. Inevitably, when we increase in our knowledge of; and become engulfed with an awareness of God’s love—then the decision to forgive one another will become as natural to us as breathing.

For far too long we have been deceived into thinking that forgiveness must involve forgetting as well.  Forgiveness is a decision not a feeling.  Forgiveness is not reliant upon the acceptance nor the initiation of the offender.  

Forgiveness is a principle that was established by God because He knew that man would sin. He also knew that (1) sin would separate man from Himself and (2) His love for man was so great that He didn’t want to be separated from him.   Hence He has given to us His most precious gift in the person of His son Jesus to atone for our sin, thus bridging the gap caused by sin. 

Therefore, whatever “traps” that I become ensnared in that will cause me to commit a sin - because of God’s unconditional love for me - the blood of Jesus has already made atonement for them. I must now learn how to receive God’s forgiveness for myself and apply it to others who may offend, misuse and abuse me.  I must also realize that to walk in unforgiveness is only a deceptive tactic which has been released from the kingdom of darkness – which permits me to establish a gap in my relationship with the Lord!

Now… contrary to popular belief…..what a blessing it is to forgive and not forget – but REMEMBER! To remember the offenses that have scarred me – yet, to have finally reached a plateau of spiritual maturity in the Lord, where I now possess the ability to decide that I will administer true forgiveness to my offenders!

So, Lord may I daily embrace and extend to others the true forgiveness that you have extended to me….. and walk in the freedom thereof!

Ants Always Await & Anticipate

“You lazy fool, look at an ant.  Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two, nobody has to tell it what to do.  All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions.  So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing?  How long before you get out of bed?  A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next?
Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent house guest!”

                                                                                               Proverbs 6:6-11 (The Message Bible)

Recently I read an article which had been written by John C. Maxwell regarding various lessons which can be learned from the ant.  He said that ants have:

      A-   Attitude of Initiative (Self -motivated)

N- Nature of Integrity (Work faithfully and need no outside accountability)

T- Thirst for Industry (Labor hard & will quickly replace their anthill when it gets destroyed)

S- Source of Insight (Store provisions in summer)

When we consider the ants we can also observe that they are never intimated by obstacles or the presence of anything that they may encounter.  Whatever is placed in front of an ant will not defeat or convince it the surrender…. or become distracted from its mission.  They may be forced to discover an alternative route – however they won’t quit!  The ant is one of the smallest creatures – yet they are some of the hardest workers.

Also, the ants “make haste while it is day”.  They know that the night will come when they will not have the ability to work. (I’m not referring the physical nighttime!) We should become encouraged from the tenacity which is shown by the ant.  

Looking forward, let’s always, with great: expectation, motivation and determination have that same zeal which is found in the ants.  The road may be long and the journey seemly all up hill; however we must keep in mind the old cliché: a winner never quits… and a quitter and wins!