Revelation 22:17 17The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
Grace Applied: The conversation at the well has imparted at least 5 priceless gifts to this woman’s soul.
Value: Jesus is the one who seeks her out. Though a woman and a Samaritan, and in spite of her sin and shame, Jesus addresses her. Note too that the depth of the conversation speaks value into her.
Salvation: Jesus offers her living water which satisfies the thirsty soul into eternity.
Forgiveness: Jesus helps her to acknowledge her sin. Brought into the open, she is relieved of its burden.
Spiritual insight: He opens her eyes so that she can proclaim, “Could this be the Messiah?” as she points her community to him.
Honour: she is his chosen vehicle through which the townsfolk would come to believe in him. Bestowed with this honour, it’s hard to imagine that she doesn’t gain a new status in the wake of his visit.
Applying the story today Jesus’ conversation with the woman at the well poured grace into her life which overflowed into the life of her community. The same things which Jesus bestowed on her are timeless graces, given freely to whoever will receive them. They rightfully belong to God’s children, yet they often slip through our grasp.
Here are a few questions for reflection and Bible verses which relate to each of these gifts. If you find that you have difficulty in living out these graces in your life, reflect upon the Scriptural truths and ask God to help you to embrace them by faith. You may also find strength in sharing your reflections with a spiritual friend or mentor.
Value: Am I secure in my knowledge that I am valued as one made in God’s image, addressed by him, and precious to him? (Romans 5:6-11, 1John3:1-3, Eph 1:3-6)
Salvation: Am I drinking—deeply and consistently–from the living water which Jesus gives, allowing it to well up in me and to flow from me? (John 7:37-39, Isaiah 55:1-3, Isaiah 58:9-11)
Forgiveness: Do I bring my sins into the open, being truthful with myself and with God, so that they can be forgiven and their burden removed? (Psam 32:1-5, Isaiah 43:24-25, Luke 7:44-50)
Spiritual insight: Do I seek to know God ever more deeply, aware that the depths of his being are knowable and yet ever beyond my mastery? (Col 2:2-3, Phil 3:10, Romans 11:33-35)
Honour: Without seeking my own honour, am I faithful to reflect Christ to the world around me, compelled by his love, glory and praise? (Mt 5:13-16, Rev 4:10-11)
Peace like a River + Let your living water flow
Peace like a river Love like a mountain The wind of Your Spirit Is blowing everywhere Joy like a fountain Healing spring of life Come, Holy Spirit Let Your fire fall
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Father, Father, Father Spirit, Spirit, Spirit
Let Your living water flow over my soul Let Your Holy Spirit come and take control Of every situation that has troubled my mind All my cares and burdens on to You I roll
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Father, Father, Father Spirit, Spirit, Spirit
Isaiah 22:22, "The key of the house of David I will lay on His shoulder; so He shall open, and no one shall shut; and He shall shut, and no one shall open. I will fasten Him as a peg in a secure place, and He will become a glorious throne to His Father's house."
Taking Hold of the Key of David
The Lord is releasing fresh revelation of the Key of David in this hour. This is the time to take hold of that key with the revelation of what it means. The key of David is not outer court activity. It is entering into the most holy place where the glory dwells. The tangible presence and glory of God is accessed through intimate Throne Room worship. We must enter into the Throne Zone in order to see the tangible glory of God manifested in our midst. Hanging out in the outer court will not cut it. Jesus paid the price and shed His Blood so that we could enter in to the holiest of all through Him (Hebrews 10:19-22).
It is in that place that we find the glory and anointing needed to transform atmospheres on earth. We are called to be the carriers of His glory. Christ in you is the hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27). It is the glory of God that makes that difference. By laying hold of the Key of David, we lay hold of the glory of His Spirit allowing Him to manifest in us and through us.
Notice that the Key of David is mentioned in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 3:7). The Revelation of Jesus Christ is basically a Throne Room experience that John had when he was taken up in the spirit. So it is all about having a throne room paradigm. This is the proper perspective that we are to have as believers. We are not to see things from an earthly vantage point but from a Heavenly perspective. It is there that we are seated in the Heavenly places above all demonic forces. It is in the throne room that we have realization and revelation of the full victory that has been obtained for us. It is here that we walk out that victory and find Heaven's realities manifest in us.
As we take hold of this key of worship in the glory, we move into deeper realms of intimacy with God, greater revelation and understanding of His divine purposes, and we have the anointing to establish and plant His Kingdom in the earth. God got out of the box a long time ago, and He is longing for a people who will walk as habitations of God in the earth. Our mission is to carry His glory and release it. It is the true riches of His Presence that draw people to His heart.
Come Up Higher!
Psalm 18:33, "He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places."
The Lord is calling us up higher. When God begins to manifest His glory, we need to make sure that we don't try to pitch tents and build structures prostituting His glory. If we come up higher in the intimacy of His presence finding our identity in Him, we will not do this. The merchandising of His glory is when men try to establish their own identities and kingdoms on what God is doing and drawing attention to themselves.
Jesus was transfigured before the eyes of Peter, James and John. Peter suggested tents be built, but this was not the heart of God. The glory of God shone on Jesus--a sign of God's endorsement of His Son. But man saw an opportunity--not what the Lord desired them to see. The Father gave a sharp correction from Heaven, "This is My SON, LISTEN TO HIM!" (see Mark 9:3-8).
After this, all they saw was Jesus! When the glory comes, our focus must be on hearing His voice and obeying--not falling into the trap of adding our "hamburger helper" to what God is doing. God does not need our embellishments. He desires our intimacy, affection and love directed towards Him. We must keep the focus on Him and not turn to earthly arrangements. It is amazing how when man sees the glory, there is the fleshly reaction to capitalize on what God is doing--building earthly structures, etc.
God wants things organic and living. But if man gets his paws on it, God withdraws His Presence. Man's fleshly agendas are a stench in God's nostrils. If we are to partake in what God is doing, we must keep our own agendas out of the mix. It is the mixture that causes confusion and ultimately brings disgrace.
New Wineskin Thinking
Mark 2:22, "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins."
If we are to partake in what God is pouring out in this hour with longevity, we must have a new mindset, a new wineskin. What does it mean to have a new wineskin? One thing it means is that we don't lean on our own understanding. There are many cultures in the Body of Christ--many different expressions in various congregations, ways of thinking and etc., and with that can come preconceived ideas of how things are supposed to be or look. So we need to be tenderhearted and be willing to lay down what is negotiable in the eyes of God. Otherwise, leaning on natural thinking and old ways are like crusty and stiff wineskins. These mindsets cannot carry the new wine of God's glory that is being poured out.
We need to be FLEXIBLE and tender to the Spirit in our hearts. The religious spirit can mold itself to ANY "culture." Not one church culture is exempt from this. We have the Word of God that is unchangeable and abides forever (Mark 13:31), but our church cultures and natural thinking are not eternal--they are manmade and have flaws. So we must always remain flexible. We should hold true to the Word, but remain flexible in regards to how things should look in regards to the moving of God's Spirit.
This is important because man's tendency is to try to put God in our boxed limited thinking. God will not fit in anyone's boxed thinking. He has this tendency to constantly break out of the box of man's thinking just to offend the mind. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We all hoped we could have God figured out, but it is just one of those things where He won't let us figure Him out completely--because HE IS GOD.
So set your natural thinking aside, and ask the Lord to help you see with the eyes of His Spirit. The natural mind cannot understand the ways of the Spirit. But the spirit within us is created to see and understand His ways (I Corinthians 2:11). So let's commit ourselves to see with the eyes of our hearts and allow God to blow our minds with His unlimited power!
The time is now to move into glory realm worship. It is in the glory that all of Heaven's resources are at our spiritual fingertips. Apprehend that tangible glory of God in your life and settle for nothing less!
2 Peter 1:17, "For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'"
What is forgiving and forgetting in a relationship?
1. Forgiving is allowing another person to be human for faults, mistakes, or misdeeds. Forgetting is putting these behind you; they are no longer brought up and no longer remain a barrier to your relationship.
2. Forgiving is letting another know that there is no grudge, hard feelings, or animosity for any wrongdoing. Forgetting is the lack of further discussion, with no ongoing negative references to the event.
3. Forgiving is letting the other person know that you accept as genuine the remorse and sorrow for actions or words that hurt or disappointed you. Forgetting is promising that this deed, whether of omission or commission, will not be brought up again.
4. Forgiving is accepting the sincerity of penance, sorrow, and regret expressed over a grievous personal offense; making it sufficient to clear the air. Forgetting is your commitment to let go of anger, hurt, and pain over this offense.
5. Forgiving is giving a sign that a person's explanation or acceptance of blame for a destructive, hurtful, or painful act is fully accepted. Forgetting is the development of a plan of action between the two of you to heal the scars resulting from the behavior.
6. Forgiving is the highest form of human behavior that can be shown to another person. It is the opening up of yourself to that person to be vulnerable to being hurt or offended in the future, yet setting aside this in order to reopen and heal the channels of communication. Forgetting is equally as high a human behavior; it is letting go of the need to seek revenge for past offenses.
7. Forgiving is the act of love between you and a person who has hurt you; the bandage that holds the wound together long enough to heal. Forgetting is also an act of love; in rehabilitation therapy, helping the wounded return to a full, functional, living reality.
8. Forgiving is the God like gift of spiritually connecting with others, touching their hearts to calm the fear of rejection, quiet the sense of failure, and lighten the burden of guilt. Forgetting is the God like gift of spiritually touching others' hearts with the reassurance of a happy and full life with no fear of recrimination, remonstrations, or reminding of past offenses.
9. Forgiving is the act of letting go of temporary ill will, disappointment, or the disgust that arises from the break in your relationship. Forgetting is bridging this gap in the relationship, eventually strengthening it against such a break in the future.
10. Forgiving is an act of compassion, humanity, and gentleness by which you let another know that she/he is indeed a child of the universe upon whom a variety of graces and blessings have been showered and that current or past offenses need not be a barrier preventing goodness and worth to shine through. Forgetting is the act of encouragement, support, and reinforcement by which you assist the other person to rebuild, reconnect and re-establish a loving, caring, healthy relationship with you, others, and the world whereby gifts, talents, and skills are freely appreciated and shared.
I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or cry; I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why: I have a God who's mighty, Who sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, and I am on his team.
He is all wise and powerful. JESUS is his name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same. My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to end; His presence is my comfort; He is my dearest Friend.
When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low, I call upon my mighty God; Into his arms I go. When circumstances threaten to rob me of my peace; He draws me close unto his breast, Where all my strivings cease.
When my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control; He gathers me into his arms, He soothes my heart and soul. The great "I AM" is with me. My life is in his hand. The "SON OF THE LORD" is my hope. It's in his strength I stand.
I refuse to be defeated. My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, As through this life I trod. I'm looking past all circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in his love. I give God thanks in everything. My eyes are on his face; The battle's his, the victory mine; He'll help me win the race.
I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHS ME!!!
By T. D. Jakes There are people who can walk away from you..
And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone..
When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.
The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]
People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.
Let them go.
And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead.
You've got to know when it's dead.
You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.
Let them go!!
If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ....
LET IT GO!!!
If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth.....
LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you ........
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no! longer meets your needs or talents ....
LET IT GO!!!
If you have a bad attitude........
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......
LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take
you to a new level in Him......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship........
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves......
LET IT GO!!!
If you're feeling depressed and stressed .......
LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself
and God is saying "take your hands off of it,"
then you need to......
LET IT GO!!!
Let the past be the past. Forget the former things. GOD is doing a new thing
Along life's path some lessons are to be learned One cannot always depend on others - however turned But still there can be happiness and peace within If you put your hope and trust in Him True happiness is only in one place to be found knowing Jesus and sharing Him around.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph 6:12
What is Spiritual Warfare
Everybody is nowadays talking about Spiritual Warfare. However, do we know what it really implies? What exactly is spiritual warfare? How do we fight this war and which amour must we put on? Which weapons must we use? Many of us who are familiar with spiritual warfare understand what it implies. On the other hand many a Christian has no idea that a war is raging for his or her soul. They find themselves in all kinds of nasty situations, especially after conversion to Christ. If you think that embracing Christ will end your sufferings and your spiritual battles you are in for a big surprise. The bitter truth is that once you embrace Jesus as your Lord and Savior your warfare has just began. Your archenemy, Satan, will do his utmost best to block your walk with Christ every step of the way. You will find yourself under persecution, harassment, slander etc. If Christ was not exempt from suffering, how do we expect then to escape?
But be of good cheer, your reward awaits in Heaven.
Let's take a closer look into what Spiritual Warfare really is....
In order to understand how it originated we must take a look at the fall of Satan out of heaven. In this way we get a clear picture of how spiritual warfare did originate. Its origin lies in the rebellion of Satan against God. Scripture tells us that Satan was an anointed Cherub (Ezekiel 28:14) who was covered in precious stones.He was a very beautiful cherub. Let’s take a look at what Ezekiel 28:11-15 tells us about him:
“Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so : thou wast upon the holy mountain of God ; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee .” (Ezek. 28:11-15).
Ezekiel not only speaks in this verse of the King of Tyrus but also of Satan. This Scripture actually teaches us quite a lot about Satan. First of all, he was perfect in wisdom and beauty. He was covered with all kinds of precious stones. His former habitation was heaven until he rebelled against God. Let’s see what Isaiah had to say about him:
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer , son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” Isaiah 14:12-15
As you can see his pride let him to aspire the very throne of God and that is of course, plain rebellion. How did he exactly rebel against God? By trying to usurp God’s throne. He wanted to be just to be like God. How did this come about? Through pride.Satan was very beautiful, and he was and still is very smart. This led him to be very prideful. He thought he could do a better job than God and therefore tried to attain His place. He longs to be worshiped like God is. When he was expelled from heaven, due to his rebellion against God, his name became Satan or Lucifer. Lucifer means ‘shining one’. With him, he took two thirds of the rebelling angels with him. Their new habitat became the pit of the earth, hell. “Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”(Isaiah 14:15).
Let’s take a closer look as to what Scripture has to say about this horrendous place. Jude tells us that hell is “the blackness of darkness for ever “(Jude 1:13b), “place of eternal fire.”(Jude 1:7) and of “ everlasting chains” (Jude 1:6).Jesus himself talked much about hell (Matt18:28; 25:41; Matt 25:46; etc), empahasizing the horrendousness of that place. He did this in order for us to realize that hell does exist and is the final destination of whomever rebells against God.
Now that we have established who our enemy is, we can now more easily understand whom we wrestle against. Satan and his evil minions! The battle is always fought in the spiritual realm. Sometimes this battle becomes physical like sickness, curses that manifest themselves in a physical way, but also in actual beatings and bitings from the enemy on the human body. You must never underestimate Satanfor he and his forces are well organized. His forces arecomprised of powers, throne’s principalities and demons. Satan and his kingdom not only attack believers but they lso attack races, countries, nations, areas etc. In regard to us, humans, the battle is for our souls. Satan hates us because we are children of God. He hates everything that has to do with God, you see, therefore he will do his ‘utmost’ best to get you from getting to heaven. Believe me!
We see then that spiritual warfare is a battle fought between good and evil on the supernatural level. Even though we cannot see it with our physical eyes, we must realize that this battle is for real and is currently being fought. In fact it will be fought until Jesus'return and the fulfillment of Scriptures.. Let's see what more the Bible has to say about this warfare:
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." 2 Co 10:3-4 This battle requires weapons, in our case it is the armor of God. God tells us to put on His armour. Only in this way we can overcome the attack of the enemy. Let’s take a look at what the Bible tells us about this armour:
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints ;” Ephesians 6:13-18
Let’s take a good look at this armour. In Jesus’ time and shortly afterwards, the Roman Empire was in reign. It had vast territories under its rule. We can compare the armour of God with the armour of a Roman soldier. Let’s start and let’s take a look at what exactly is meant by girding the loins. The Roman soldiers, as part of their uniform, had a belt around their waist. This belt kept their garment together. This belt also contained their spare holder. Thus we see it was essential for their protection. The breastplate protected the chest area where the heart and the vital organs are. The feed were protected by shoes and this gave the soldiers the advantage of not having infections nor any foot diseases due to the absence of shoes. In this way they could march and attack without any problems for their feet were protected. (Shoes were very expensive in those times).
The shield was a huge shield which protected almost the entire forefront of the soldier. This shield was a metal plate shield which allowed no arrows to pass through it. No arrows could easily catch up with the soldier, if he was protected by this shield. With this shield he could quench all the fiery darts of the enemy. But, the shield did not protect the head area. This is where the helmet came in. It protected the head. The head contains our vital sensitive organs as well as our brains. In our heads are our eyes which enable us to see and perceive the world, it contains our mouth which is essential for our daily food provision and the ears to hear. And finally, we have the sword which was of course their weapon to attack the enemy.
We can conclude from Ephesians that our armour is indeed the Word of God. Spoken aloud and in truth. We see, that the Word of God protects our very life. It is essential for our well-being. Just as the Roman soldier needed his soldier's uniform, so we need our own uniform to win our battle, the Word of God. The Word of God is our whole armour! Take a look at the Roman soldier's uniform and see how powerful it was. It was due to their well thought and planned uniform that they could enter into battle secured of coming out of it alive. Your uniform is the Word of God. This is why it is so important to spend time reading and studying your Bible on a a daily basis! In this way, and only in this way, you can counter-attack the devil.
A good soldier trains himself for the battle. We ought to do the same by reading and studying Scripture on a daily basis. That is our soldier's training which makes us fit for our ongoing battle which will last througout all of our lives. Start to realize that the moment you you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you entered into a heavy battle with the forces of darkness. And this battle will not cease, it will lt until you die. This is why you need to acquire all the necessary knowledge of who your enemy is, and how he operates. You need to know his schemes in order to know how to successfully counter attack him.
The only way you to recognize youre your enemy is through the Bible and the only way to get to know your victory through Jesus is through Scriptures as well. If you do read your Bible, you will learn that our enemy has a final destination, the lake of fire (Rev.20). However, till that time comes we still have to fight our good fight. Waste no more precious time and start seriously to study your Bible, prepare yourself for the counter-attack. In Jesus, your Savior, you have the victory! Get to know how to claim that victory. You need the Scriptures, they are your arsenal.
"This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare." 1 Tim. 1:18
I AM calling you to a deeper place in worship that you have never experienced before, a place where you can just bask in My presence like being by streams of living water continuously rushing from the throne room of God. Yes, I AM calling you closer than ever before to prepare you for what is ahead, for you need the refreshing that takes place only within the secret place of the Father’s heart.
Come apart from the cares of the world. Leave them all in your Father’s hands for He cares for you dearly and He is more than able to take care of them all. Just rest in My presence and concentrate only on those things that I have promised to you. Believe without doubt or wavering, no matter what you see before you.
Believe only for the best and see the good that can take place in every situation, for this is the time and the hour to choose who you will believe. Will it be the lying circumstances, because if they go contrary to My word and will for you, that is what they are ... lies. Or will you stand on My promises that will manifest in My perfect timing? Believe the good in every situation for truly all things work out for the good if you love Me and are called according to My purpose.
Now just rest in Me and concentrate on My faithfulness. Be faithful and believing unto death and I will give you a crown of life. Examine your heart if you are truly resting in Me. If not, then you need to realign your thoughts and actions according to My word. Cast down those vain imaginations of the worse that can possibly happen when going through the fire.
Remember My faithfulness of My deliverance and restoration to others and all the times I have set you free before. I never waver from My promises. I AM always constant. You can count on Me to keep My word. Maybe not the way you expected, but believe that My ways are perfect. I know what it takes to transform you into My image. Don’t you know that I AM your Father and I know what is best. Just trust Me always.
Yes, believe Me and stay faithful and I will give you a crown of life. And there will come a time when you will bow before My throne and cast it before Me. I will always bring you health and good fortune if you trust in Me. Remember this is the day of salvation. This is the hour to choose whether you will rest in Me or just strive after the wind.
I love you and want to bring you into a deeper place in Me, but you must learn to be still and to take every opportunity to come before Me. Don’t let the cares of the world discourage you. Don’t worry about the timing of things whether you will meet that debt deadline. Didn’t I say that My people will never beg for bread? I will always fill your mouth with good things if your heart is stayed on Me.
For this is the time of the last trump, so be ready by resting in Me. As deep cries out to deep, every hindrance will dissipate as the rain upon the field. For the great catching away will come when many are caught unaware, but to those who are ready, they will know the time and the hour for they have made themselves ready in the secret place. They will know the tug in their spirit “come up higher” and they have followed closely My call.
So when I call you to come apart from the cares of the day, follow Me, for I will surely lead you by those streams of living water and I will prepare you by the refreshing of My Spirit. And My joy and My peace will be your strength, for this is the final hour for the catching away of My saints.
Seek My Face and Not Just My Hand by Elena Ramirez
Child, Seek my face, And not just my hand. Let me show you, To help you to understand.
I love you with an everlasting kindness. With me you can find great success. Or, do you settle for less?
You are so caught up now, To make ends meet, That your focus is off of me And, in seeking compensation, You are failing the test, the lesson. You will miss me and, surely, be in defeat.
Turn around and turn to me. Seek me, wholeheartedly. Seek my truth and Hold it close to your heart. I will never leave you or depart.
Do you hear my voice? You will, if you make the choice To seek me, my wild child. Turn right now, right now, here, And listen as you hear.
Pray, in faith, for me to make a way. I will guide you and will not turn away. But, do not stray. Stay close to me. Repent of any sin and then, again, begin.
Hidden or in darkness, I will give you sight. But, let me bring it to the light.
Do not let anything else Become your priority. By taking your eyes off of me, You would lose your sight And be in darkness of night. Remember, My ways are right.
Seek My Kingdom And my righteousness, With the greatest of awareness.
All these things will be added unto you. But, you must do What my word tells you to.
For, who I AM, In holiness divine: The earth is mine and the fullness thereof; I will give to you, my child, with my love. I will send blessings from above.
Do you want to know how to live? Then, also, give. Plant a seed for someone's need. Turn away from selfish greed. For if you knew, it is better to give then to receive.
The enemy would leave You would bind; His plan, against all man, Woman and child. But, it is by my blood I shed, On the cross, to take this loss
What a better world it would be, You and others in victory. Do you have the vision to see? Or, do you stand by, helpless, And let the enemy steal, From you, all that is true?
For my gospel's sake, Do not let the enemy take the word. For, you have heard I am here. With me there is nothing to fear.
Do not let greed steal your blessing. But, let your yearning be directed to me See only me and not just my hand to receive. For when you believe, The blessings will not leave.
Do not look to any person As your resource. But, stay on course with me. Trust in the plan I have established, Through me, for you, my child. By my Spirit, I will guide.
My child, seek me and pray, And believe, and know. For, to those in faith, I show; I will make a way ...
As you seek my face. For, by my grace, it comes As you understand My ways As I have spoken to you, today.
Seek my face and not just my hand. By my Spirit, you can withstand.
II Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Hosea 5:15 I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.
Psalm 27:8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Father, I bless you, my Lord, as I come to your throne. For, I am weary, as I have, been in a spiritual battle. How good it is to know that I can come to you, and seek your face, and that you love me. As I listen to you speak to my heart, and know, you are able to do a good thing.... For, you do provide for my needs, according to your riches, through Christ, Jesus.
I will trust in that, today and everyday. For, it is a testimony, today. Even though, Lord, I see, how people hustle each other, how they cheat and steal, and make someone's life miserable ... I will not give place to that and I will not let it steal my joy. My trust is in you.
Father, your system, is not the system, of the world. You have mercy, you are kind, and you make a way when there seems to be no way.
How wonderful, that you speak to my heart and comfort me, and those that would seek you. I know because, today, someone tried to hustle and cheat me. I thought, in anger, truthfully, how rude, how crude. Lord, get them. I was shocked!
But, You made a way and set me free. You caused me to escape a trap, they tried to set. I am free, indeed. I will never take that for granted.
I thank you, for just doing a new thing and restoring my hope, my resources, and my love.
Why is it that I know, you will restore? Hmmm..... (a private thought, between me and my Lord) Thanks Father! You just put a smile on my face. Because of that and all that you are to me, my dear Lord, I seek your face and not just your hand. In Jesus name, Amen
In Genesis 18:17-33, we read about God sharing His ideas with Abraham. Abraham responds by telling God his thoughts and feelings about the situation. God and Abraham are able to do this because they trusted and respect each other.
First Samuel 20 focuses on the friendship of David and Jonathan. These two men truly cared for each other and had great trust and confidence in one another. David was running for his life from Jonathan's father, Saul. Jonathan recognized that David was innocent. Because of the true friendship they shared, David survived Saul's assassination attempts and went on to become one of Israel's greatest kings.
Real and true friendship involves freedom of choice, accountability, truth, and forgiveness. Peter and Jesus give us this example: Peter, afraid for his life after Jesus is led away from the Garden of Gethsemane, denies knowing Jesus (John 18). As He is led away by His accusers, Jesus casts a look toward Peter that says, "I knew you would deny Me, and I forgive you" (John 21).
Real friendship looks at the heart, not just the "packaging." Genuine friendship loves for love's sake, not just for what it can get in return. True friendship is both challenging and exciting. It risks, it overlooks faults, and it loves unconditionally, but it also involves being truthful, even though it may hurt. Genuine friendship, also called "agape" love, comes from the Lord. The Lord Jesus calls us His friends and He laid down His life for us (John 15).
God is always with you (Hebrews 13:5). He calls us to be His hands and feet in a world starving for true friendship.
May The Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
I believe this is the time to come into a new season of praying, for a new strategy for prayer, and for a new way of praying to come upon us.
A new kind of watchman is emerging
Read Esther 2:9-17 carefully. I believe that the time of importuning God is drawing to a close; that we are to stop praying like a widow and begin to pray like a bride. A new kind of watchman is emerging.
I wonder how many intercessors have been feeling in recent months that not much has happened about the things they used to pray against on the battlements. Perhaps part of you has been blaming the enemy, while another part has almost experienced a drawing back from this type of prayer, but you don't know why.
A forerunner of intimate prayer
I believe God is making many into a forerunner of intimate prayer, taking you out of one type of prayer, that has been very successful in terms of ministry, and bringing you into a whole new season of prayer.
I think it was Derek Prince who spoke in the 1970/80s of the prophets not being able to go further until the psalmists took their place. At that time there was an incredible anointing for new forms of worship, beyond what we were used to. As those new forms of worship began to take hold, so the prophetic anointing began to increase.
I feel that until the intercessors take their place the apostolic will be hindered in being fully positioned.
Real warfare in the kingdom is always concerned with the battle for intimacy. This is a time to come off the battlements and enter a new place of intimate petition. Too many intercessors have become exhausted and burned out.
A season of intense favour for intercessors
I believe a year of intense favour specifically for intercessors is coming - a year of deep and profound love, a year of exquisite peace, a year of excessive joy, and six months of oil.
Six months of cleansing and joyful refining will be followed by six months of the fragrant presence of the Lord, where in normal life you will be putting on Christ in a fresh and more exhilarating manner. As you learn to become conformed to Him and His nature, and be transformed in your minds and personalities, He will teach you to look beyond the natural into the supernatural realm so that you can see the kingdom of heaven at work.
It will no longer matter what life, people or the enemy throw at you. You will look beyond the natural and discover the kingdom of God at work all around you. Read 2 Kings 6 - When Elisha was surrounded by an army of the enemy, he looked beyond all of that and saw an army of the hosts of heaven.
I believe God is raising up an army of Esthers, an army of bridal intercessors, and it is a time to come off the wall and rest in the throne room presence of God.
It will be difficult for some people to come out of one type of ministry into the discipline of resting in God, but the discipline of rest must be entered - it is a time of laying down ministry to gain fresh intimacy.
Watchmen from a secret place
In this next season, I believe the Lord is going to prune your ministry in order to produce bridal love and affection, and from that intimacy a new intercessory power will emerge; one that is earthed in favour and worship, where you will become watchmen from a secret place of the heart, and throne room prayer will take on a whole new substance. In this season you are not going to be looking for the enemy.
Your place as watchman is to look for the return of the King. You will have prophetic revelation in order for us to confront the enemy because the King is here.
In that context, as the King comes, so the enemy will come after Him. As you proclaim the coming of the King, the Lord will say to you, 'and the enemy is coming up by this way'. It will be like Jehaziel, in the time of Jehoshaphat - when the Spirit of God came upon him, he identified where the enemy was and what he was about to do.
Pray in a different way
Don't pray with importunity, like the widow before the unjust judge, pray with delight and favour. Don't pray against the enemy, but let your delighted prayers cause the King to stir himself and come down. There is an edict coming forth from the King of Kings that will cause protection to come forth over the body and throughout the body of Christ to the earth. This anointing will cause you to intercede with joy that the glory of God will fill the earth.
What is the glory of God? When Moses asked God to show His glory, God said He would cause His goodness to pass before him.
The glory of God is that He is good!
As bridal intercessors, it will be your joy and delight to pray for the goodness of God to come down so that the church can learn that we really do overcome evil with good.
The Holy Spirit will give you a new strategy for prayer and for praying through in perseverance; one that contains delight and laughter, full of ardent and passionate love, bathed in fresh worship, and coming out of a deeper closeness.
Like John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, you will be lying back with your head on the chest of Jesus, and He will present you with an opportunity to position Him from restful intimacy, so that you will have a powerful confidence in your abiding rest in the Lord.
The King of Kings
As you come and petition the Lord out of this place of intimacy, closeness and worship, He will be pleased to speak into your hearts the favour and blessing of God. Not only will your prayers move His heart and hands, but the words you receive from Him will be like a balm of Gilead across the nation, that churches may rise up in a fresh favour. The attention of the church will be taken off the enemy and put on the King of Kings.
I pray that the stronghold of God will come down into the earth so that His feet will touch the earth where we live - and as He touches down amongst us, so His goodness will spread out from us so we will touch and impact our communities and overcome evil with good.
Let us thank the Lord for the things we have learned so far, and for the place He has prepared for us in this next season. Let us pray that He will enable us to inhabit that place, that we may come into our inheritance; that we may come into the favour and blessedness that He has set aside for each one of us.
Let us pray that a revelation of the Lord's love for us would fill our hearts, that we may come into a whole new place of spirituality, a whole new place of walking with Him, where we will be convinced of the bigness of God, and that God loves us, cares for us and is for us - that He wants us to succeed and that He is on our side. Amen!
God is a God of order. Therefore, it is no mistake that Christ followed the same distinct pattern in His "bread" ministry. Each of us, as a member of the body of Christ (i.e. a slice of the Bread of Life), have a distinct function, but our call to service isn't too much different. Let me walk you through the process of God:
1. He Took
Christ began by taking the bread. To take is to "to bring or receive into a relation or connection" or to "get into one's hand or into one's possession". Christ took. I grew up in the church. We went nearly every Sunday. To be honest though, there was no point in my adolescence that I felt like I had been "taken". There was no "relation"ship with or connection to Christ. One common theme that I saw in all of the bread passages was that Christ could not begin the process of feeding the people until He had the bread in His hand or in His possession. My God!!!
He does the same thing with us. He can't begin the process of feeding His people (using you) if He doesn't have you in his possession or in His hand. The hand in biblical times was a sign of authority. Therefore, for someone to have something in their hand was a symbol that they exercised dominion or control over that item. As vessels in the hand of the True Potter, can we really say that Christ has that dominion in all areas of our life? Even as I write this the conviction hits me because I know that to be used by God I need to be taken (i.e. give Him free reign in all areas of my life) by Christ. Lord, forgive me for selfish behavior that has not allowed You to take me and accomplish all that you have willed in my life. *Pause for Reflection*
2. He Blessed
After He took, He blessed. It is interesting to note here that the word blessed means to "endow or favor." After we have surrendered, Christ begins the process of endowing us or favoring us. In the Old Testament, the blessing of the father was highly sought after. This blessing was usually given to the older son and was performed by the laying the right hand on the head of the son. This act signified that the son would receive the inheritance of the father and was irreversible.
My God. Irreversible. That word will preach itself. Once you've surrendered and allowed him to "take" you, you receive an irreversible blessing. God's favor rests upon you and can't no devil in hell say differently.
3. He Broke
After He blessed, He broke. Hold up God. Aint this out of order? I'm supposed to be blessed going in and coming out. Blessed in the city and in the field. Blessings are supposed to flow. I don't like this word broke. To break means to "to disrupt the order of." Ut oh. Many times my life is so ordered that any break in that order causes me to panic. Why does God want to disrupt order? Why does He love to keep us uncomfortable?
Breaking has a way of testing one's character. Ask Job. Brother man lost family, land, friends, and anything else that you can lose. And the kicker...God made the suggestion!!!!!!! Yes, God asked the enemy if he had "considered His servant Job."-Job 1:8. Could it be that God is in heaven now calling your name? "Have you considered my servant your name here?" God used Job's process to break him. I can personally attest to God's breaking. It seems like the stronger I get spiritually the more opposition I get. I now believe the old adage: "NEW LEVELS, NEW DEVILS". In other words, the closer you get to your destiny, the more resistance you get. But isn't that how you develop? Physically, "resistance training" is used to strengthen our muscles, how much more can spiritual "resistance training" strengthen our spirits?
4. He Gave
After He broke, He gave. Why all the breaking in the first place? What is its purpose? I'm glad you asked. Its purpose is for you to be "give"n to someone else. Contrary to popular belief, it's not all about you and your experiences in life are not all for you. That idea may seem foreign in such a selfish generation. But the process of taking, blessing, and breaking all leads to Him "giving" YOU to others to be fed. Someone in this world needs your witness. Put your light on a lampstand and not under a basket.-Matthew 5:15. "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"-Romans 10:14. We all are "preachers" (proclaimers of the Good News of Christ). There are many out there who need to hear your story of brokenness to draw on as they navigate the difficult waters of life. Full surrender to Christ involves you allowing him to give you (i.e. your testimony, gifts, and time) to others. Don't fall short of that mandate.
Take me, bless me, break me, and give me Lord. All for your service.
Press Through For Breakthrough Yolanda Ballard Apr 17 2008 12:00AM
roarnworship@cfl.rr.com
When the heavens are as brass, what are you to do, but to seek the face of the Lord even stronger. Never give up when it feels like you are getting no where and even feel like you are losing ground, because that is a lie from the enemy to discourage you even more. You truly are in a period of transition, and you must press through to get to the other side. I will reward those who diligently seek My face, no matter how they feel.
These are hard times for My people, and many are falling away. My seed within some of them has been allowed to be devoured by the enemy by the cares of life and even by the blessings that I bring forth. Don't forget Me when I bless you! Don't let your guard down even in the good times, because that is when the enemy is right at the door waiting to get in with his schemes and deceptions.
You might feel like you don't need Me when everything is going so well. That is the greatest deception, because complacency and apathy have already entered in. Cry out for a heart of desperation for Me once again. Cry out for a hunger and thirst for My words to flow through to you and for My presence, and a heart of worship. Don't give up by looking around you at how the church is these days, but continue to seek My kingdom and righteousness and press in.
Yes, press in. Birth My will in your life, for you are truly in a period of transition, and with every push forward you might feel you are losing ground, but cry out. Yes, travail within and reach out for My life, My joy to be your strength, My peace and patience to be your stamina, and My great grace and glory to get you through.
Many are called but few are chosen to go on to the deeper things of My kingdom. Yes, what does My kingdom say when the heavens are like brass, but to press in! Never give up, because you are at the edge of a mighty breakthrough. Yes, you are at the edge of a mighty waterfall with a river flowing strong enough to wash away and repel all the enemy's tactics in your life.
Remember My promises to you--that you are to prosper and to be in health as your soul prospers. The greatest blessing is that you prosper in having My presence within you, and that you are having My love flowing through you, and My gifts are constantly being stirred up and activated and being excelled in.
Yes, this is the day to listen closely, for My words echo through every corridor of My kingdom. Listen closely for what My kingdom is saying to you this hour. You are a unique and peculiar individual, because I made you that way, and only through you can I accomplish My will in the way I have intended. Don't allow the enemy to hinder My glory flowing through you to touch the multitudes with signs and wonders following My words spoken through you.
Yes, in the marketplace, and in your neighborhood, with your family and friends. These are all building blocks as you speak faithfully and do what I show you to do. If you are faithful in the little things, I will give you greater authority. You show Me I can trust you with My light and glory being poured out by your obedience.
All things are passed away. Behold all things have become new for this is a new day for you. Walk in My grace and My love, believing My promises are yes and amen, and that breakthrough is right at the door for you. Be blessed, and carry My sword and My shield, covered with the armor of My love, holding My name before you as a mighty banner to blind the enemy.
I cover you with My peace and say "be encouraged!" for this is truly the day that I have made for you!
WHO GOD SAYS YOU ARE John 1:12 I am God‘s child. John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 I have been justified. 1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. 1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ‘s body. Ephesians 1:3–8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. Colossians 1:13–14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. Colossians 2:9–10 I am complete in Christ. Hebrews 4:14–16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
YOU ARE SECURE Romans 8:1–2 I am free from condemnation. Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. Romans 8:31–39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. 2 Corinthians 1:21–22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. Colossians 3:1–4 I am hidden with Christ in God. Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven. 2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. 1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
YOU ARE SIGNIFICANT John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. 1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God‘s temple. 2 Corinthians 5:17–21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God. Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. Ephesians 2:10 I am God‘s workmanship. Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Beware of a Passive Spirit There are many examples of David's valor. As a young man, for instance, while others trembled, David was ready and eager to face Goliath. David is an example of one whom God chose, whose passions for God sustained him for most of his life.
Yet David also provides an example of what happens to good people when they go passive when they should be fighting. For there was an occasion when David did not pursue his enemies and the consequences were grave. It happened because he allowed a passive spirit to subdue his will.
"Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem" (2 Sam.11:1).
During a time of war, the king allowed a passive spirit to immobilize his soul. Soon we find this great warrior king almost helpless to resist the unfolding spiritual attack.
"Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance" (2 Sam. 11:2).
The woman was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. From the moment David accepted the influence of that passive spirit, his resistance was weakened; a paralysis of conscience occurred. Scripture says that "when evening came David arose from his bed." Perhaps it was customary to rest in the afternoon, but it strikes me as inconsistent for David to nap while his men fought. It is possible that this nap was not a response to a bodily need but an expression of the slumber that gripped his soul. He was in bed until "evening."
This heaviness of soul resting on David was actually part of a larger, synchronized spiritual attack. The other part of that battle was the quiet, inner prompting that stirred Bathsheba to bathe in a place where David could see her. Finally, unable to resist, and in defiance of his noble qualities, David "sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her" (2 Sam. 11:4).
Dear friend, remember: This terrible moral failure was not driven by David's lust or flagrant rebellion to God. A passive spirit introduced David to his sin! The problem was simply that, in a time when the kings went forth to war, David stayed at home.
We ourselves are in a time of war. The Spirit of God is calling us to fight for our souls as well as our families, cities and nations. Indeed, God's Word reveals that "The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies" (Isa. 42:13).
Is that holy fight in you? Is there a war cry in your spirit? If you are born again, that cry is within you, even if it has been muted by lethargy.
We will never succeed as overcomers without carrying in our spirits the war cry of God. We must stop resisting the call to prayer; we must embrace the reality of spiritual warfare; and we must fight with the weapons of warfare that God has given us, both for our own progress and also on behalf of those we love.
Know, however, that the moment you accept a passive spirit, you should anticipate that a temptation appropriate to your weakness will soon follow. It may not be Bathsheba; it may be pornography on the Internet. Or it may be a coworker who begins to look attractive at a time when you and your spouse are struggling. Whatever the area of weakness in your life, Satan will attack that area. It will likely not be a bold frontal assault; if you first drop your guard and relax your fight, he will disarm you with a passive spirit. If the enemy succeeds in his assault, you will find yourself wrapped up in something that can devastate you and your loved ones.
One may argue, "I'm walking with God. I'm a bond-servant of the Lord. I'm not vulnerable." Remember what the Lord warned the church in Thyatira: "I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols" (Rev. 2:20) .
Jesus was concerned, not only for the corrupting influence of Jezebel in the world; He was concerned that the leaders of the church had grown tolerant. More, her seductions not only targeted the wayward or new believers, but she led God's bond-servants astray.
Although it does not identify this seductive spirit by name, Proverbs warns of the temptations of the Jezebel spirit. Speaking of "the woman of folly," she calls out "to those who pass by, who are making their paths straight: Whoever is naive, let him turn in here" (see Prov. 9:14-18).
Who is this spirit after? Those "who are making their paths straight."
Beloved, it is springtime here in the northern hemisphere. It is that time of the year when seduction begins to call out "to those who pass by." Let us not become passive in a time of war. Rather, let us fight for our nation, our cities, our families and, especially, our own souls.
The profile contours of a new breed of prophets is starting to be recognized. When I say this, I don't mean they bring something which never existed before, but rather that it's easy to forget or be oblivious to them due to the type of church culture we have, stage/pews, even in the prophetic/charismatic movement.
Their existence is a collective force we have to recognize, embrace, validate, affirm, mentor, nurture and cherish, because it is a breed of believers which touches ground zero in terms of an incarnated prophetic lifestyle, a much needed model for everyone.
Many of them are survivors of tragedies and traumas, have difficult issues with their health, physical and emotional, and don't fit in the present paradigm of mainstream "ministry" types. However, they are like hound dogs joyfully hitting the prophetic trail, joined by kindred hearts, running in the direction they feel the Lord lead ing them, scouting the land for those coming behind.
They love God with a consuming passion. Seasoned through trials and tribulations, they walk a path of eagerness to know more of Him. They journal, write on forums, have their own blog, support and pray for ministries and people, in fact, the Internet is their preferred vehicle. They spawn virtual communities all over the world. Their ministry of encouragement is outstanding and their compassion runs deep.
They recognize each other when they meet, and form spiritual friendships anointed with a fierce passion to share blessings and discoveries, working tirelessly to mentor each other and witness the establishment of spiritual revival at a level never seen before. They are usually recognized for having visions much bigger than their own lives, visions that can't be beaten into smaller packages to fit the mainstream "box" paradigm. They speak of heaven as if it's next door, pray and intercede for strangers with dedicated passion, they worship with tears and usually can be prophetically ministering at deeper levels than any counselor could expect to reach, all this without even knowing it!
Some dream of bigger "ministries" but what they mostly mean is that they would like to see their lives be a greater blessing to many. They can't flow as well within the boundaries of rigid religion, but will find patches of sun anywhere they can. They give sacrificially, long for meaningful spiritual fellowship, dream big dreams and often live a hidden, almost anonymous life. But they are giants. We have heard it say in many ways that praying moms may be of greater stature in heaven than 100 great preachers on earth. These are chips from the same block.
Their destiny is the Bride's. Their song is for the Bride's to awake and walk in her prophetic stature and maturity; Jews and Gentiles united in Christ; purity in the media and in our cities; unity in the Body of Christ; daily signs and wonders on a very, very large scale; power and miracles through faith-based prayers; no-nonsense leadership in our churches and government; prophetic understanding of social and international events, and subsequent prophetic strategies applied to specific tasks in response to the Lord's guidance and assignments, etc.
Most of these people don't have a secular day job, a huge number of them are women, many mostly home during the day, some are 'stay at home' moms, many are people living with a disability, dealing with debilitating conditions. But if you try running with them, you could end-up out of breath! They tirelessly read, pray, minister, worship, all the while tackling difficult life situations. Yet, they grow by leaps and bounds, cross-pollinating through the vast international network of home-based communications that the Internet has become, creating a new breed of anointed ministers who are, to use a prophesied term: "the nameless and faceless."
I call them "Bathrobe Prophets." I don't use the term "bathrobe" in a derogatory way, like in "couch potato." I use it because at times, that's what many would wear most of the day, due to their condition.
They write tons of dreams and miles of prophetic words, thirst for the Presence of the Father, hunger to see the kingdom of God be all it can be. They love to speak words that bring life and healing, encouragement and truth, they are ever learning about proper prophetic "etiquette" so they walk in love and not arrogance, and will astound many with their tireless scribing activity and vibrant need for fellowship.
There are so many prophetic "ministries" today, our attention will usually be solicited by the most noticeable and loud ones, but these here are the creme de la creme. Like Mary Magdelene, the apostle John, Daniel and many others, loving God's presence and fellowships with Him as friends is their utmost passion.
If you recognize yourself in this, blessed are you. You have not been overlooked, passed by or ignored by God. You simply may be part of one of His secret armies. Your prophetic life is not barely lived on a stage before thousands, or addressing a limited number of issues relevant to the latest prophetic fad. Your life is a rich and glorious prophetic canvas where God is weaving the words of His heart as they resonate and transform your daily life. You are not ignorant of the enemy's fire and brutal attacks on your life, but you still pursue God's fire. Healing is in His wings, and you believe it, yet, as broken and disabled as you are, you do not give up, trusting with a robust, unpretentious and unadorned faith that He will come through some day. Many of you believe that their sickness or conditions are used by the Lord as intercession material, and so it is. We know little about how much we are carrying in our bodies the prophetic assignment of intercession for His Body on earth...
A voice of one calling:
"In the desert prepare
the way for the LORD;
make straight in the wilderness
a highway for our God." (Isaiah 40:3)
Prepare a way. For the Lord. As you are in the desert. A highway (huge and faster traffic). Not just a trail. In the wilderness. Isolation. Barrenness. The pace can increase full speed on a highway. Multiplication. We are to prepare this highway for the Lord. Not ourselves. Making straight a highway so we won't have to make detours. In the desert, detours can cost you your life if water is not present.
I just can't keep from thinking: "Bathrobe Prophets of the world: UNITE!"
1 Cor 12:14, 18 - "Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. [...] But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
1 Cor 14:5 - I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
1 Cor 14:24 "But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"
Prayer warriors are people who are known for regularly interceding on behalf of others before God. To intercede means to come between, so prayer warriors are, in effect, coming between God and the trouble in another person's life.
Prayer warriors are like defense attorneys, appealing to the Higher Court on behalf of their defendants. We're all guilty before God, but God is merciful. Prayer warriors recognize that quality of God's personality and call on Him for intervention.
Let's study several prayer warriors in the Bible and see what we can learn from them:
Jehoshaphat was King of Judah when he received word that his land was being invaded. In 2 Chronicles 20:1-24, we read how the king prayed fervently to the Lord: "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?" (verses 6-8). Jehoshaphat acknowledged God's power and His help in previous circumstance, he was aware of his inability and lack of knowledge, and he proclaimed his trust in God!
God answered his cry for help in a miraculous way! 2 Chronicles 20:15 reports God's message: "…Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." Early in the morning, Jehoshaphat gathered his army and urged them to have faith in God. When they arrived at the battlefield, they found that the Lord had already won the victory (2 Chronicles 20:20-30)!
Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego were three men who refused to bow before anyone or anything but God! When they refused King Nebuchadnezzer's order to bow down, they told the king, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:17-18). Because of their disobedience, the king threw them into a blazing furnace.
The king immediately saw that they were not harmed. Daniel 3:26-27 says, "So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them."
Paul was perhaps the greatest example of a prayer warrior in the New Testament. He repeatedly prayed for others, especially the individual churches with whom he was working. In Ephesians 3:14-21, while Paul was in prison, he prays for the believers in the church at Ephesus: "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Are your prayers filled with requests for others? You have been given this ministry of intercession and through prayer you can be used by God to touch lives of people - those you have never met and those who are very close to you. Are you a prayer warrior?
If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
