Category Archives: Word for the Day

Spirit of Might

Spirit of Might or Strength of the Lord

Isaiah 11:1-3 Amplified Bible Righteous Reign of the Branch

“Then a Shoot (the Messiah) will spring from the stock of Jesse [David’s father],
And a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.
And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and strength,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the [reverential and obedient] fear of the Lord
And He will delight in the fear of the Lord,
And He will not judge by what His eyes see,
Nor make decisions by what His ears hear;”

With less than 8 weeks to the most important election of history, we need the evangelical Christians and Churches to arise and engage.

A recent proclamation determined Trump will win by these margins if:

Level 1- 51% if Believers Vote

Level 2- 57% if Believers Vote and Pray

Level 3- 71% if Believers Vote, Pray, and activate in love in their community

Act 1:8 or purpose of /for Power is for witnessing. Winning souls for eternity. Denying hells flames! God’s Glory is a flame for our benefit. Hell’s flames is for torturing humans. Humans who deny Christ and thereby lived a selfish or soul-fish existence win Hell’s orange flames. 

Symbolic of endurance and strength, orange is the color of fire and flame. It represents the red of passion tempered by the yellow of wisdom. It is the symbol of the sun.

 

In the The Amplified Bible, let’s read Ephesians 3:16

“May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality.”

We need a stirring in the waters, A miracle today

John 5:4 Amplified Bible”for an angel of the Lord went down into the pool at appointed seasons and stirred up the water; the first one to go in after the water was stirred was healed of his disease.”

 

What season are you in? Are you going through the daily grind and motions? Does your life have meaning, vision or purpose?  The 2000 elections were decided by 550 votes. 500 votes in Florida decided the National elections! Don’t tell me your vote doesn’t count. People who do not vote, don’t talk about it. Voters will talk about their choices, thus influencing other. Therefore your vote can count for influencing several other people. See how voting snowballs?

2 Timothy 1:6-7 New King James Version “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

We stake a stake in the Ground. We hold our county, our ground and city for the Lord. Your prayers have consequences. They have momentum, if we keep stirring and stoking the fire. We do this by speaking in tongues and praying in tongues. We say “thus far and no further devil”!

Jude 20 Amplified Bible “But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit,”

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We are grateful to live in a country where we can openly pray for our leaders. One of Paul’s very first instructions to his protégé, Timothy was to pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:2 NIV). Paul’s message is as relevant now as it was when the Church was first formed: Your prayers can move mountains!

Apostasy

The Bible warns against being lukewarm. Revelation 3:16 Amplified Bible, 16 So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust].

National agencies or local government may influence you by fear  to stay home or wreck your business, but read this classic scripture. Dr Faucci is or will be making millions in patents and stock he owns in Pharmaceutical companies and he may scare you into shrinking back or staying at home rather than going to Church or to work.

Hebrews 10:25 Amplified Bible 25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.

One author recently wrote: “The Day of the Lord is not yet upon us, but we are in the headwaters of the flood that is swiftly approaching. The flood of deception is a precursor of more physically persuasive tactics designed to deceive the whole world into accepting the lie. But for now, Satan is surely concentrating primarily on God’s called-out ones.

God is permitting a sifting to take place. Paul uses the word “delusion” in II Thessalonians 2:11, indicating a “wandering out of the way.” Does that not happen to people who are confused and have lost direction and motivation? They wander. They drift. They get tossed about in the winds and currents. But the love of the truth will keep a person clear-minded, focused on the right areas of life and motivated to overcome. And this will lead God to save them.”

Matthew 5:8 AMP “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.

1 Timothy 4:12 AMP Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity.

This generation has many a crisis, born in changing times, with little root. They are being raised up to shine in crisis.

2 Samuel 6:22 AMP Yet I will demean myself even more than this, and will be humbled (abased) in my own sight [and yours, as I please], but by the maids whom you mentioned, by them I shall be held in honor.”

Activators activate their faith, when they see injustice.

Acts 20:20 AMP [you know] how I did not shrink back in fear from telling you anything that was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public meetings, and from house to house

We have duties as watchman, to man the walls and as intercessors to intercede.

The New Age theology believes that man or woman is inherently good, while we as Christians believe the opposite. We confess that all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.  We understand that Adam sinned and when we are without Christ there is no good in us. Grace is fundamental to building a new life, otherwise deception and delusion is our foundation.

How can the main line Churches take PPP money or grants from the government otherwise.

Why doesn’t main line Churches get behind front line doctors like Dr. Richard Bartlett (www.covidsilverbullet.com) and Dr. Gold and others who have proven that tried and decades tested medicines like hydroxychloroquine and Budesonite works to not only aid but also cures the coronavirus. Yet scientists are on a mad rush to push injecting us as pin cushions with human fetus stained serum.

Preceding WW2 the brain trust in England thought the same which led to pacifism. 

Once again, 50, 60, 70  years later, doctors, dentists and college educated people want to go on a pilgrimage to India, seeking some kind of universal peace. The world is becoming more muddled and worldly and there will be no peace in your life until you allow the Prince of Peace to come in.

Noah built an ark as a provision for his family.

Jesus to take our cross.

The Church Within The Church

These are crazy times, now it is that many of the conservative or charismatic Churches has taken PPP or Federal Covid relief money. The stop gap in reason why our society in the USA is morally protected is the Autonomous Church. The Bill of Rights and the Constitution allows for a separation of Church and State.  The Government is not to interfere with the Church. So guess what the sneaky devil has done?  He has and is entrapping many Churches with payroll grants and loans. The churches may seem justified in this, however the Bible warns against the Church losing its purpose.

 

Matthew 5:13-16 Amplified Bible Disciples and the World 13 “You are the [a]salt of the earth; but if the salt has [b]lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery]. 14 “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.

 Rather than adapt, modify, overcome and change the evangelistic approach though parking-lot Church (drive-in Church), door to door evangelism, calling Church members on the phone regularly, and by seeing a dip in giving, overhead and loans on Church property and buildings are mounting up, some have taken the free government money to prop up their dependent market share. We in the private sector, see that true Capitalism requires changing, and the evolving our business, lest we fail, or go bankrupt. The Church can and must do the same.

However, the sneaky offering of Government money is right out of the Nazi play book. The last thing that stood in Hitler’s way was the Church. So what did he finally do? He put the Pastors on State/Federal payroll, to tighten the noose and be able to control the movement called the “Confessing church”.

A friend of mine recently wrote: ” Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the few who did not do this – you can see his sermons were always against the Reich – and he also participated in the “Valkerie” attempt against Hitler’s life – behind the scenes – and was executed 3 days before Germany’s surrender – I know the pictures of all of this today make it very difficult to believe there can be a comprehensive revival effort by the Church when there is such a financial connection to government…it is very concerning”

Many years ago I wrote a book on prayer. One of the chapters was called: “Watchman”. Please read:

(Anti Covid) Watchmen

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious (NT:4993) and watchful (NT:3525) in your prayers (NT:4335).

Watching is a place of maturity. Have you ever been to the eye doctor and one of the tests were to see what your peripheral vision was? What the Doctor wants to know is how wide your field of vision is. Yes, it is important to be focused. No, we do not need to be double minded. The mature Christian is not immune to problems; life has many roads with twists and turns.

God has given us an edge. Christians that are informed, pray a lot. They read the Word (Bible) and allow the Word to read them. They have Heart Faith and haven risen above Head Faith. They are the remnant, the preparing Bride. We are the wheel within the wheel, or the Church within the Church. It’s slowly by the Spirit, that we are being changed into His image, 2 Corinthians 3:18 Amplified Bible 18 And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

(Anti Covid) -Gatekeepers have three primary roles

  1. To protect the Lord’s house.  This means they defend the gospel, the truth of the Word and Protect the holiness of God’s house. Their hearts are on fire with the Fear of the Lord. They want the Lord’s house to be a house of Prayer and they are not content until they see the Lord’s will come to place. The gatekeeper protects the House. They know the scriptures well and are full of understanding. They are bold to speak out against the sins of the church- even if it means they will be mocked, hated or even kicked out of the church. They stay close to the House of the Lord
  • They keep the Lord’s people on the right path, keeping them from drifting from the Lord. As a staff or sheepdog would keep the sheep together from straying, so the role of gatekeeper is the same. He is responsible to oversee the people, gently guide the drifter back and keep those on the threshold of evil paths from taking another step in the wrong direction. They are bold and not afraid to tell the truth of God;s word, knowing full well they are saving many from the fires of eternal hell. They are prayer warriors and intercessors for the people
  • They keep watch for the master’s return; ready to usher in the King of Glory

There are solutions for every problem on this planet! Every virus! Every pestilence! Every germ! It must answer to the sound of the blood declared by the bride who has taken her place. The decree of the praying Church will prevail! God is not taken by surprise.

Matter of fact he sits in the Heavens laughing according to Psalm 2:4

This brings entrance to a precious side of the Spirit of the Lord. The entrance of the sweet, sweet Spirit of the Lord. A visitation is what we need daily from a dimension of sweetness.  The Lord will expose lies and deception.

Luke 8:17 For there is nothing hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come out into the open.

Acts 17:6 But when they failed to find them, they dragged Jason and some brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too;

We the Church, the Essential ones ( State Governments and Mayor may think we are not Essential) are not the problem but the solution. Philippians 3:3-8 New King James Version For we are the circumcision, who worship [a]God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

We come out amongst the world that runs and hides in their homes with masks and sanitizer. We rise above and against the yell from the enemy, the noise of the enemy, the left, the toothless lion’s roar. So much of the media hype is from the enemy today. Make a stand in your prayer closet, or while driving down the road today. Pray, stand, fast against enemies of intimidation and the noise to scare people into party line mail-in ballets. Covid-fear is being used to change 2020 elections!

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Amplified Bible 17 
“So come out from among unbelievers and be separate,” says the Lord, “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will graciously receive you and welcome you [with favor],
18 
And I will be a Father to you, And you will be My sons and daughters,” Says the Lord Almighty.

They say in every society and work place, you have three groups of people. Those that make things happen, those that watch things happen and those that wonder what’s happening.  Ha! In Ezekiel we see a picture of a group within a group, within a group. The inner group is not the one that are wondering what’s happening, but in reality they are the Gate Keepers and the watchmen.

  • Ezekiel 1: 1 Now it came about [when I was] in my [a]thirtieth year [of life], on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles beside the River Chebar [in Babylonia], the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. (On the fifth of the month, which was in the fifth year of [b]King Jehoiachin’s captivity, the word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the [c]Chaldeans by the River [d]Chebar; and the hand of the Lord came upon him there.)
  • Psalm 137                                     
  •       11. Click to listen and download Demo
  •                Historical, French, English, Modern
  • Psalm 137                                     
  • 13. Click to listen and download Demo 01:12
  •                English, Modern

Which version do you like the 500 year old version or the modern?

  1. 15 Now as I looked at the living beings, I saw one wheel on the ground beside the living beings, for each of the four of them. 16 Regarding the appearance of the wheels and their construction: they gleamed like chrysolite (beryl, olivine); and the four were made alike. Their appearance and construction were a wheel [set at a right angle] within a wheel. 17 Whenever they moved, they went in any [one] of their four directions without turning as they moved. 18 Regarding their rims: they were so high that they were awesome and dreadful, and the rims of all four of them were full of eyes all around. 19 Whenever the living beings moved, the wheels moved with them; and when the living beings rose from the earth, the wheels rose also. 20 Wherever the spirit went, the beings went in that direction. And the wheels rose along with them; for the spirit or life of the living beings was in the wheels. 21 Whenever those went, these went; and whenever those came to a stop, these came to a stop; and whenever those rose from the earth, the wheels rose close beside them, for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.

Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and [h]self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

So if anyone loves the glory it’s me. If anyone needs and wants to have fun it’s me. But with liberty comes responsibility. So the two million dollar questions, are where is all of the discernment?  And once discerned who has courage to speak out, to act out on informed knowledge to the point of being jailed for their faith?

1 Chronicles 12:32 Amplified Bible 32 Of the tribe of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, two hundred chiefs; and all their relatives were at their command;

 

So come against the spirit of fear today and the agenda of using political fear to suppress our votes and our rights. Fear is a type of Torment, 1 John 4:18, Amplified Bible, 18 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear,

The counselors of Peace have Joy! Prov 12:20

I Am Essential

Note from Author: When so many churches closed down in late March, we opened up the gates of our Ranch, and had people come and sit on our simple spit log seats outside and we started Ranch Church for 60 days during this extremely emotional time. For Mother’s Day I ministered a sermon to build up our mothers and let them know they are essential.  As I kept asking my Pastor and staff to let me come to church or just let me sit under a tree in the parking lot and listen to our Pastor over a PA speaker to feel proactive as the Bride and Body of Christ, this Word took root in my Spirit, I woke up one day and said “I Am Essential”, reader be ware. The testimony you are about to read my detonate a Revival Fire in you.  We want to declare this in love for our brothers and sisters that you would received this as Prophetic declaration to the heavenlies.  We want to bring unity to the body with our words but also help everyone understand the truth of the situation we are in.

I am Essential

Essential:  something that is basic or necessary : something essential. adjective. es·​sen·​tial | \ i-ˈsen-shəl \

The governor said I was not essential... So my church shut down

My friend was arrested…Still my church stayed closed.

An outcry went forth, Christian lawyers engaged… Within 72 hours the governor, then said The Church in Florida was essential.

I received a call from the church in the first week, asking if we were ok, for a moment I was essential.

So the next sunday, I could not see my Pastor, so I wrote him, he did not respond…I was not essential.

If the power company was going to turn the power off to the church, or telephone service or cable TV to my Pastors house, the power company, telephone or cable  would have been essential. He would have called the utility company.

So then the government suggested that a chip or tracer would be put into a serum vaccination and if people did not participate they would not be allowed to enter into society. Sounded like the mark of the beast to me and the beginning of the anti-Christ. Yet my church was closed to me, Internet Church or what is becoming Synthetic Church, was now the new norm, to define their version for Essential.

This was strange, unnatural, new territory, so I wrote the church again, asking if I could stand under a tree in the parking lot, not go inside, and be ministered to by an Elder or hear my Pastors voice over a speaker in the parking lot.

We were told that I must listen over the internet, even though my internet works sporadically and the Bible says “Forsake not the assembling of yourselves” (Heb 10:25) and  “if anyone among you is sick call the elders of the church” (James 5:14-15). So I began surfing internet and found astounding stories of Covid lies, Covid treachery and conspiracy of colleges and labs owning stock and patents. That the virus was going to make leaders in the industry big money. Learning that the flu kills more every year, and that storms, hurricanes and earth quakes kill more every year.  I wanted to seek my Pastors advice, he would not respond, I wasn’t essential.

We continued to work, to do all things needed to generate money.  We were being isolated for the first time in American history.  I wondered if the church staff were being paid on their vacation, while we had no work and our business sales were plummeting. I notices that it seemed to be essential that blue collar men worked on one of the church’s new buildings.  What is the staff doing? week two, three, four, email 1 ,2, 3 and no one called, no one  allowed me to visit…I wasn’t essential.

So we opened up “Ranch Church” at our Cattle Ranch, desperate for fellowship, wanting to spread hope, vision and purpose. We felt essential.

We learned that the local Church of God in Callahan was having drive-In church for Easter/Resurrection Sunday, so we went and  felt more than Essential. I felt patriotic as the spirit of my revolutionary grandfathers and relatives who fought in every war to defend the flag and constitution, surged in me.

We learned that a Church in Yulee Fl was having drive-in church and daily prayer.  So we asked if we could bring a team and decree post-virus-prosperity of silver and gold per Psalm 105:37. They said come, so we did. We became Essential.

So I asked my church, why aren’t home groups open or intercessors mobilized? I was told they are. I asked why is it secret? Why isn’t it advertised. I offered to bring a team of warriors who had no fear of virus or death.  No answer. We were not given a opportunity to be essential.

We asked for help plan an upcoming soaking, Missionary event that was pre approved, and was told that all events and planning is on hold due to the virus. Post-virus plans were not Essential

I argued that we are the church, the bride, that we must be an example as the Scriptures says “They overcame by the Blood of the Lamb, the Word of their testimony and loved not their lives unto the death”(Rev 12:11). I was told that some Pastor in Jacksonville has covid, so we feel it’s wisdom to remain closed. I argued that it’s unconstitutional to keep the church closed, I was told that New York did it in 1917 and was given an improper interpretation of Romans 13 concerning civil liberties and submission. What about Black Robe Clergy that fought tyranny during the Revolutionary War. New York State may have issued edicts 100 years ago, when millions were dying does not meet the scrutiny of the Federalist Papers nor the Bill of Rights.   The Civil war was fought over States Rights versus Federal Jurisdiction. Just because a Governor or Mayor suggests something, does not make it law. Over and over I stated how a church in Germany sang louder to drown out cries of the gypsies, elderly and Jews being marched off to their deaths, and that any liberty we freely give up now, will never be given back by big government and tyranny later.  The covid virus is a biblical pestilence demonstrating that we are in the end times. That this is a test run to see who will stand up for Christ.  I was told that an intercessor at church had a virus and now all prayer meetings were shut down. I asked why the prayer meeting were secret for a certain chosen few. I asked if the local pastor or intercessor was interviewed and possibly had sin in their life or had not taken communion and why would the actions of 1 or 2 people, change the Holy Scriptures and the Church’s mandate and or the Great Commission.

 I reminded leaders that the Ordinances of the Church are to be done in person such as baby dedications, communion, elders praying for sick, laying on of hands, water baptism, etc can’t be done when they’re hidden in their homes. If ever the people needed the clergy, a Pastor, Presbytery, those who have been called out as God’s representatives and whom have been taking our tithes, it would be in a pandemic, an epidemic or a catastrophe. Listen to what Dr Rodney Howard-Brown says. “You need to touch somebody, look them in the eye and lay hands on people. You can’t substitute modern technology for Bible ministry.”

So now we must conclude that our opinions is not important, that our help is not needed and that my church’s voice in the community is limited to the internet or synthetic church. We began to see that the church staff was more concerned about fear of lawsuits or taking time off, rather than to shepherd and to  leave the 99 (Luke 15:4) or fight or go to jail for me.

What do I do with this new knowledge? Oh how I have been awakened!  How do you put new wine in a old wineskin? Remember the movie when Roman soldiers asked “Where is Spartacus?”  One by one all of the slaves said  “I am Spartacus”

One author recently wrote: “The Day of the Lord is not yet upon us, but we are in the headwaters of the flood that is swiftly approaching. The flood of deception is a precursor of more physically persuasive tactics designed to deceive the whole world into accepting the lie. But for now, Satan is surely concentrating primarily on God’s called-out ones.

God is permitting a sifting to take place. Paul uses the word “delusion” in II Thessalonians 2:11, indicating a “wandering out of the way.” Does that not happen to people who are confused and have lost direction and motivation? They wander. They drift. They get tossed about in the winds and currents. But the love of the truth will keep a person clear-minded, focused on the right areas of life and motivated to overcome. And this will lead God to save them.”

If our Pastors send messages of mixed emotions, callings and self preservation then: 2 Thessalonians 2:7 says For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way.

 

Ready to be a restrainer? Ready to enlist in the Bride’s war department? God’s Army of intercessors, those 7000 in 1 kings 19:18 who have not bowed the knee is marching and he is asking “Will you ride with me”? The day is rapidly approaching when you may be forced to take an inoculation, serum, anti-virus shot or you will not be allowed to “enter Society”  = “go to work”. Better write your Senator, Congressman, City council person, Mayor today or suffer the consequences tomorrow.

I am reminded of the Apostle Peter’s request to be hung upside down as he was crucified for his faith. Legend says, He said “He was not worthy to be crucified like Jesus upright”. If the foundation of the church was laid with these pillars of character, humility and integrity how can I let a germ that the left and the devil is using to spread fear to shut our economy down to help shift the upcoming election, by misstating statistics, cause me to hide, shrink my faith back or shirk my responsibilities as a witness. After all, I  am born again, I have had a conversion. My mind will not forget, that there was a specific time and place that Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, redeemed my Spirit, Soul and Body to be available for such a time and season as this. 

…the message is loud and clear… Jesus has taken us into a Spacious Place (Psalm 18:19) and by His Righteousness and Blood,  I am essential

National Hug Day! (No Mask Required)

Today’s message is a dual message. By serving the Lord, marching in cadence or step with Him and with others, we then find our place of destiny. We then find supernatural grace for the race. By doing this type of service, we can give Jesus a hug. Our life becomes a song. We can honor Him in the song service of our lives and guess what? No mask required! January 21st is the official day for National Hug Day and International Hugging Day, but why wait?

There’s an old charismatic song:

“WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE
WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE
ANGELS BOW BEFORE HIM
HEAVEN AND EARTH ADORE HIM
WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE”

Don Moen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYUcDcy-HMw and Hezekiah Walker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lTGJsuuFiw both sang this song. Do you remember? Which version do you prefer?

Victory and breakthrough are ours today. The question is – how bad do you want it?

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (AMP)

“Behold, today I am setting before you a blessing and a curse—the blessing, if you listen to and obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I am commanding you today;and the curse, if you do not listen to and obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I am commanding you today, by following (acknowledging, worshiping) other gods which you have not known.”

What is God’s mirror? It is the Word of the Lord. The Bible. God’s Word is a type of mask or shield. It is the anti-COVID protection.

Now, the issue is that we leak.  We may get prayed up the night before or full of the Word at church. Then we go to sleep and find some rest for our bodies, yet our Spirit after we wake up can be depleted, empty. This is normal. So we need to daily, hourly “build our spirit man back up” like an alternator in a car does for the car battery.  Read:

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (AMP)

But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed.”

We want to be lined up with the Word of God! What is the Word of the Lord for you today? Is this a fresh word for you? Are you being fed reading this blog and building up your inner man?

Positional righteousness

This is righteousness that we receive from God. It is given to us when we trust in Jesus, and it is based on Christ’s sacrificial death. Theologians often describe it as imputed righteousness. Positional righteousness is not earned, it is given. It is a gift of grace that we receive by faith. 

Here are three scriptures from the New Testament that describe positional righteousness:

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

“Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” (Romans 4.4-5)

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” (Philippians 3.8-9)

Practical righteousness

This is doing what is right. It is when Christians practice their position. It is trusting God, acting with discipline, building skill, and living in alignment with God’s standards. Scripture repeatedly admonishes us to pursue what is right.

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)

“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”  (Ephesians 4:1)

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:14-16)

We need to flow in purpose. A unit. A trained army. There is power in unity. There is power in wearing God’s mask or shield.

 

 

 

Ephesians 6:16 (AMP)

Above all, lift up the [protective] [a]shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Footnotes Ephesians 6:16 

“Here the Greek word refers to the large Roman soldiers’ shield designed to protect the entire body. It had an iron frame and was covered in several layers of leather. When soaked in water before a battle the shield could put out the fiery missiles thrown at them by the enemy.”

When we are protected by the shield of faith and not walking in fear because China’s COVID attack on our society, then we have time to relax, worship, serve, hug Jesus and others.  Our lives then become like a sound coming forth. An army marching in strength and power is a noise or sound.

I Hear the Sound of the Army of the Lord by Dave Moody

I hear the sound of the army of the Lord
I hear the sound of the army of the Lord
It's the sound of praise
It's the sound of war
The army of the Lord
The army of the Lord
The army of the Lord is marching on

We have been adopted.

Galatians 4:4-7

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Our names have been written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Revelation 21:27

“But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

There is a sound in Heaven that must manifest in the earth, on the earth. Rick Pino has a version at The Ramp/ Rick Pino – “I Can Hear The Sound”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP9VOi7UbvY

So give Jesus a hug! Tell Him you love Him. Show Him you love Him. Go out and give someone else a hug.

Counselors of Peace

Proverbs 12:20

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.”

Recently, when praying about what I could do in my city concerning the COVID plot to change the election – the interruption to a booming USA business economy from a germ that can be dismissed by proven, multi-decade, pre-tested, and highly successful and cheap medicine, I was given the scripture above.

Key to the COVID Silver Bullet

Last night, while watching Daystar Christian Network, I heard about the most amazing solution that was given to a Christian frontline doctor who was on a 48 hour shift. He was burdened by wanting to find a cure for his patients in March. Go to www.covidsilverbullet.com. Dr. Richard Bartlett has more than 28 years of experience in medicine, serving his patients as a general practitioner and in emergency care settings. His excellence in general medicine in underserved areas came to the attention of Governor Rick Perry, who appointed Dr. Bartlett to the newly-formed Texas Health Disparities Taskforce.

Remember early on in the first quarter of this year, how governments everywhere, WHO, and CDC with their “pearls of wisdom”, were telling hospitals to wait? If someone was sick, wait till they get worse, then admit them to a hospital. All along there was a proven solution with early treatment. Is it more than interesting how Dr. Fauci, who never practiced frontline medicine or worked in a practice with sick patients, owns stock and patents in big pharmaceutical companies? Why doesn’t Dr. Fauci, drug companies, WHO, and the “left” want a $3 proven cure with little to no side effects? There’s no retained money in offering people a solution at such a low cost. Remember how the President was attacked by taking Malaria medicine (hydroxychloroquine) as a precaution? This particular medicine has been around for 50 years with little to no side effects.

Based on Dr. Richard Bartlett’s experience and recommendation, which you can find on his website (www.covidsilverbullet.com) to share with your doctor, here is some info from that site to help you understand:

·       Inhaled Budesonide

His successful treatment includes using an inhaled corticosteroid called budesonide, used with a nebulizer. Budesonide is a prescription drug that any doctor or nurse practitioner can prescribe for respiratory symptoms.

·       Stops the Spread

Inhaled budesonide used with a nebulizer blocks the inflammatory chemicals released by the virus. Inhaled budesonide targets the lungs and does not affect your immune system or body’s ability to heal, like systemic steroids do.

·       Safe & Tested

Inhaled budesonide is a generic drug that is extremely safe and has been around for over 20 years. It is FDA-approved for asthma and lung inflammation. It is not FDA-approved for COVID, but no drug has been approved yet.

·       COVID Studies

As of July 2020, many institutions and countries are starting to study inhaled budesonide for COVID, including the NIH, France, Spain, Oxford University, and Queensland University of Technology.

·       What to Do

If you test positive for COVID or have symptoms of COVID and do not test positive for the flu, ask your doctor if inhaled budesonide is right for you. Start taking it ASAP. DO NOT stay home and “manage your symptoms”! Early treatment is the key!

All of our lives have been so greatly affected by the “left’s” attempts to derail President Trump at any cost. I was reading this scripture and decided to launch some more local prayer meetings. To decree peace on our streets, schools, city council, police, and firemen.

My purpose was not to concentrate on the negative nor on the first part of the scripture “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil…”; however, let’s look at it for a brief moment.

Proverbs 12:20-21 (Benson Commentary)

Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil — Either, 1st, Deceit toward others, whom they design to deceive, and then to destroy, while good counselors bring safety and joy to others: or, rather, 2d, To themselves. So the sense of the verse is, They whose hearts devise mischief against others, shall be deceived in their hopes, and bring that trouble upon themselves which they design against others: but they who, by good counsels, labor to promote the peace and happiness of others, shall reap the comfort and benefit of it themselves. There shall no evil happen to the just.”

Key to safety and success

Let’s look at other scriptures before and after verse 20, to bring context. You will see a lot of instruction to engage in truth, speaking in wisdom, being faithful; and finally routing out and exposing deceit, injustice, and falsities.

“He who speaks truth [when he testifies] tells what is right, but a false witness utters deceit [in court].18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.19 Truthful lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] only for a moment.20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.21 No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.22 Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.23 A shrewd man is reluctant to display his knowledge [until the proper time], but the heart of [over-confident] fools proclaims foolishness.24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the negligent and lazy will be put to forced labor.25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.”

Key to Worshiping in Peace

Check out this song: Peace Be Still (feat. Lauren Daigle) // The Belonging Co // All The Earth

Key to Joy

I never realized that rejoicing and joy are coupled together. Maybe you are struggling today. Maybe you don’t feel like rejoicing. Well, the counselors of peace have joy. So rejoice! The precursor to joy is to rejoice. That’s how you stir up the gift within you, like Paul told Timothy in 2 Tim 1:6 (KJV)

 
Romans 12:12 – Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

James 1:2 – My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Romans 15:13 – Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always: [and] again I say, Rejoice.

Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

John 16:24 – Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

1 Peter 1:8 – Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Proverbs 17:22  A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

John 16:22 – And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Psalms 16:9 – Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 – Rejoice evermore.

Psalms 118:24 – This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

The first thing to understand is that you are not alone. Jesus is our intercessor. Jesus is interceding for you today, even now; your home, finances, health, relationships are protected by Jesus’ prayer. Do you think that Jesus knows how to pray? Do you think that Jesus can pray the best kind of prayers for you?

Well, here’s the proof:

Romans 8:34   Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

1 Timothy 2:5 – For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Hebrews 7:25– Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

So what’s our responsibility? What are we to do?


Ephesians 6:18 – Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

1 Timothy 2:1 – I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men;

Hebrews 12:1– Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
James 5:16 – Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (person) availeth much.

Are your prayers real? Do they really exist? What happens to them? Where do they go? Well, here are four scriptures that show that you are not just moving your lips in vain. Your heart is not exposed and doing something foolish. Heaven is actually collecting and recording your prayers and translating them into perfume, a sweet aroma! Imagine all the prayers spoken in different languages around the planet. Holy Spirit then translates them into perfume – a fragrance that lingers sweetly upon the nostrils of God. Your prayers are reminding God in a different way. God doesn’t just hear your prayers, but His nose smells your prayers. Profound!

So, be careful how you pray. Pray diligently with all your heart and soul. Make every word count by taking communion often. By walking with clean hands and a pure heart as much as possible (Proverbs 24:4).

Revelation 5:8 – And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Revelation 8:3 – And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Revelation 8:4 – And the smoke of the incense, [which came] with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.

So, in summary:

We are called to expose deceit and corruption by being counselors of peace, tempered by joy. The best way to do this is to live a righteous and exemplary life openly, in business and leisure – always in and through prayer.

Start a prayer meeting in your home or church for your city. Jesus, your High Priest and Intercessor, has given you the keys to the Kingdom (Mathew 16:19). So take the key for your city and start binding deceitfulness and loosing peace and a revival of joy! Amen!

Comit Your Way

Psalm 37:5 (AMP)

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him also and He will do it.”

We are living in a time when governments and elected officials are overstepping their bounds and suppressing the Church. Many pastors are manipulated by local mayors and governors, rather than inspired by God’s Word or honoring the code of their callings. Many pastors are enjoying a sabbatical during this COVID narrative that the left is using to shut our economy down so that President Trump will not be elected. They couldn’t impeach President Trump. Whether you agree with this statement or not, you can’t argue that the numbers at the Center for Disease Control and WHO are being altered and manipulated. If you think I’m crazy, then wait till after the November elections in 3 months and watch all this hype and publicity disappear. Mysteriously, all the cities that democrat or “blue” mayors and democrat or “blue” governors have closed down – their economies and suppressed school openings or business openings or restrictions will suddenly go away. You will also see a huge uprising, and these politicians that don’t care about your or my ability to make a living will be voted out of office. Americans on the left or the right will only stand for so much nonsense before they revolt and vote these economy alarmists and recourse out.

Example 1: If you test positive, every time you return to a doctor, they list that visit in national statistics as a new COVID case.

Example 2: If you had COVID, which was created and released into our country by China and the scientists in 2019, and your immune system prevailed and you are over it, the CDC and WHO will list you as a new case.

Example 3: Scientists now say that a new wave of respiratory issues will emanate from all the carbon dioxide people are re-breathing into their lungs from wearing masks.

Example 4: COVID is one of many cold viruses.

Example 5: COVID has mutated, and human’s immune system needs to adjust and learn to combat germs. That is what the immune system is created to do.  This is an amazing attribute.  So as younger, healthier people contract colds and germs, our immune system builds up resistance and eventually a society overcomes.

Therefore now more than ever we need to keep committed to the Great Commission stated in

Mark 16:15, Luke 14:23, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:7-8. We are commanded to “go” from a higher power than local or national government.

“Commit your way” means walking and moving forward, not hiding in your home or behind some mask re-breathing carbon dioxide. Get out and minister in public; help others in this crisis.

Anti-COVID medicine is available when prayer is launched in your personal life.

 

Jude 20 (AMP)

“But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit…”

Proverbs 16:3 (AMP)

Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him],

And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].”

The ordinances of the church must be done in person. Water baptisms, baby dedications, administering communion to the sick and bed ridden. The doctrine is of the laying on of hands (Heb. 6:1).

We may adjust our schedule and our walk. Communion helps us adjust. Communion nullifies idle words. Our relatives and friends will see us as a new creation.

At the race track, the referee says, “Start your engines.” So, race car drivers warm their engines. Then a checkered flag and gunshot go off and the race begins. Jesus fired the gun at Calvary. His blood is the checkered flag. You have been commanded to “go”.

Act 1:8 (AMP)

“But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”

 

We are starting our spiritual engines, ready to start walking. In the spirit we are pushing powers of darkness back if we engage publicly and not shrink back.

 

Hebrews 10:39

But our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but [we are] of those who believe [relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by this confident faith preserve the soul.”

 

If anyone had a reason to idle back, to throttle back, to relax a little, it was Paul the Apostle. He had been beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and on and on. Imagine Paul shrinking back? How it would have affected us today. We would have excuses, but now none.

 

Acts 20:20-24 (AMP)

“ [you know] how I did not shrink back in fear from telling you anything that was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public meetings, and from house to house…” 

 

Conflict with victory breeds assurance. Self-confidence in the Lord is obtained when one comes through or out of something successfully. We see here:

 

 

1 John 4:17 (AMP) “In this [union and fellowship with Him], love is completed and perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him]; because as He is, so are we in this world.”

Significance comes out of prayer. Destiny and purpose are refined. Show me someone who prays in the Sprit to the point of breakthrough or saturation, and I will show you someone who has light in their eyes, and a skip in their step. Prayer is sickle that cuts through nonsense, insignificance, and mundaneness.

Now our power base is in God’s cocoon of prayer. True rest and soul peace comes when we pray to a point of Kingdom awareness or presence. We are not simpletons. We were not made to have someone else preach to us everything and make all of our decisions. Jesus made a way where we can directly communicate with the Father.

We will not be lukewarm in this time of history, but our efforts will bring forth everlasting fruit. As a youth, do you remember skipping stones in a lake of water? The amount of ripples depends on your efforts.

Cats always land on their feet.  God gave them a special ability. The way cats manage to land on their feet is called the righting reflex. They can turn themselves the right way around during the fall to land safely on their feet. Their low body to weight ratio also helps cats to land on their feet as it manages to slow their velocity while falling. If God put this in a cat, what do you think he will do in and through and for and to his sons and daughters?

St. Francis of Assisi said, “A cat purring on your lap is more healing than any drug in the world, as the vibrations you are receiving are of pure love and contentment”. Only 2 countries in the world allow open drug commercials on TV. The USA is one of them.  It has become so normal to see drug advertisements, that so many Americans and Christians have heavily justified prescription drug intake for any and all ailments, rather than stand on God’s Word or choose God’s healing.

The next step of the WHO is mandatory COVID vaccinations. If you do not submit, you will not be allowed into the marketplace to work. Cross God’s bridge today, or WHO will herd you over their bridge tomorrow.

We need a Word as we go out in public. Not bravado or zeal, but a Word of God against COVID. Have you taken your serum or had your Holy Ghost inoculation today at the prayer table?

Matthew 4:4 (AMP)“But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”

This “word” in Greek means “rhema” or “spoken word”. Let God speak to you today something that brings fire in your belly and true confidence in your soul. When you receive a Word from God in prayer, it’s like rocket fuel. You feel inspired, envisioned, and motivated to go in a certain direction. Motivated to continue, perhaps all alone, standing in faith about a certain issue. You have hope, courage.

God’s words are sweet like honey. They leave a good taste. We thank you once again, Lord, for significance. A honey of a day. A sweet day!

Song of Solomon 4:11 (AMP)

Your lips, my [promised] bride, drip honey [as the honeycomb]

 Honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.”

This tool is sharp and effective.  It causes the poeple in your life to have ears to hear.  Not because of suaveness, our good looks or humor, but Gods fragrance.

3 John 2 (KJV)

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

Fire Behind The Throne

Fire comes from the glory of God! In Revelation 4:5, we see God’s throne and worship of our creator:

 From the throne came flashes of lightning and [rumbling] sounds and peals of thunder. Seven lamps of fire were burning in front of the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.”

God backs His word. The Word manifested in the flesh in the world was Jesus! Has he come into your world? Has He rocked your world? Has friction in your family been evident since you became born again?Has your house been set on fire? Not literally, but spiritually, since you became born again.

If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence for a conviction?

Proverbs 12:20 (AMP)

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,

But counselors of peace have joy.”

How can we enter into a productive rest?Productive peace?

Like turtle pulling its head in, we must learn defensive and offense warfare. Turtle’s shell shows us that we need to use the Armor of God, spoken of in Ephesians 6.

Luke 12:49-53

“I have come to cast fire (judgment) on the earth; and how I wish that it were already kindled!I have a baptism [of great suffering] with which to be baptized, and how [greatly] I am distressed until it is accomplished!Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division [between believers and unbelievers]; for from now on five in one household will be divided [over Me], three against two and two against three.They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Here Jesus talks about friction that comes when a believer in a family portrays the new life. When we become a new creation.

2 Cor. 5:17-18 (NKJV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Now this new experience can produce friction with our friends and family. So what is the solution? Maybe traditions in your family are being shaken. You once went to the family church, but now you want to go where Holy Spirit and fire are. Friction. House is on fire.

 

“18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation…”

The answer is reconciliation, meaning your people need to be converted like you. Your friends and family need to be a new creation like you. Welcome to the war!

“Well, that’s for my pastor,” you might say. No, that’s for you! The Word says you now are a minister! “I haven’t been to bible school.”The Word says you are a minister of reconciliation. “I just was born again, saved – I don’t know how.” Yes, you do! Just share your story of HIS-Story, because you are now a minster.”

Luke 12:54-56

He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain,’ and that is how it turns out.And when [you see that] a south wind is blowing, you say, ‘It will be a hot day,’ and it happens.You hypocrites (play-actors, pretenders)! You know how to analyze and intelligently interpret the appearance of the earth and sky [to forecast the weather], but why do you not intelligently interpret this present time?”

This is where Jesus’ words get interesting. How does this apply during this COVIDpandemic?

John 16:2

“They will put you out of the synagogues and make you outcasts. And a time is coming when whoever kills you will think that he is offering service to God.”

Recently a friend of mine, a pastor in Tampa, was arrested for having services on the front end of the virus. He spent $100K on special air conditioning equipment and introduced social distancing. Then guess what? It was other churches that put pressure on the City Council, and next thing you know the sheriff came to his house and arrested him. Not heathen or the unsaved, but alleged religious, no doubt jealous organizations.

The good that came out of this was the civil rights attorneys he hired to sue the State of Florida based upon the Bill of Rights and our constitutional privileges. In very short order the governor declared that churches were now essential.

So God says you are essential, but what is the “state of affairs” in your home? Are you willing to stand up and go to war? How do we war?

2 Timothy 2:4

“No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him.”

So how do we engage? How do we get our friends and relatives off our back and enlisted into Gods army? We can “Peace a River” in our souls like the ole’ song says.

Paul told Timothy to “stir up the gift” that was.

Question: What does it mean to stir up the gift? (2 Timothy 1:6)

Answer:“stir up the gift” is a phrase written by the apostle Paul to Timothy, his young disciple in the faith: “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Stir up the gift” also appears in the KJV of this verse, but other translations read “fan into flames the gift” (ESV, NIV, NLT), “keep ablaze the gift” (HCSB), and “rekindle the gift” (CSB, NRSV).

In 2 Timothy, Paul reminds him that it was his mother and grandmother that prayed him in. Thank God for praying mothers and grandmothers!

“5 I remember your sincere and unqualified faith [the surrendering of your entire self to God in Christ with confident trust in His power, wisdom and goodness, a faith] which first lived in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am confident that it is in you as well.”

So there are seven baptisms in the bible. The third is the baptism into the Holy Spirit, and the fourth is the baptism into fire.

A missionary friend of mine wrote recently, “Don’t try to avoid it. Prepare your heart for it, for it is coming soon. In fact it is already kindled. Can’t you see the sparks of it?”

Accept that fire! Allow yourself to be immersed in it, and you will become a brand of fire that will help set the whole world on fire.

And after this last great revival fire, I will gather My messengers of fire (Hebrews 1:7) home to Me, and I will baptize the world that has rejected My precious fire of the Holy Spirit, by sending such a fire as it has never known.  Peter saw it and wrote about it in 2 Peter 3:7, 10. And so did the prophets of old (Isaiah 66:15-16,24).

There is a secular movie in which Stephen Segal was, called “Fire Down Below.” click here to read the plot.”

Why do I talk about a secular movie? Well, before we are born again, we have the fire of Adam. The fire of sin. The plot is about Taggert finding hidden toxic chemicals in caves – mining shafts. So he takes on the underworld and cartel profiting. Don’t let your old man pretend to tell you there are profits.  We have all kinds of toxic waste in our old man that needs to be purged by the fire of heaven.

Eph. 4:22

that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation].”

I assure you that there are many people that have become born again that still have one foot in the world and one in Church or the Lord! Many people know Jesus as their savior, but few know him as their Lord!

How do we get that old man subdued, out of us? The answer is the fire. The baptism of fire.

At West Point Academy there is the “Master of the Sword.” The Master of the Sword, or MOS, is the title of the head of the Department of Physical Education and the director of the program of physical instruction at the United States Military Academy at West Point. This position is unique in that the physical program at the academy is both academic and non-academic. Some of the courses are taught in a classroom or laboratory environment and some elements of the physical program are stand-alone testing and non-tested events that must be completed by all cadets during their time at the academy.

Have you been tested lately? How deep and wide was your test? There used to be a song we sang called “Deep and Wide.” Did you pass your test? Remember, you are a soldier now. You’re enlisted into God’s army. You volunteered! You were not drafted, but as an act of your free will you enlisted. So don’t whine or complain when trials come. God is trying to burn out of you the old man and false fire or carnal nature that’s keeping you from being the master of the sword to your friends and family.

Finally, to graduate “fire school”, we need to lose our attitudes. All bitterness and complaining when you were in a test have to go. Our example:

Daniel 3:27

“And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.”

The boys in Daniel came out without the “smell of smoke”!

There is a song called “God Leads Us Along” by George A. Young, which is a great reminder that God is with us through it all:

“Some through the waters, some through the flood,

Some through the fire, but all through the blood;

Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,

In the night season and all the day long.”

Let this day be set aside for a rekindled flame. Let the fire spread to friends and family. Results must come forward. We must have evidence if we are convicted.

You shall become witnesses after the fire. The testimony must be firsthand before, during, and after all of our tests – that God is good, and when people taste and see our lives, they will not spit us out but enjoy our testimony!

Act 1:8 (AMP)

“But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”

It Is No Secret

Isaiah 26:3 King James Version (KJV) “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

In prayer and intersession this morning we prayed for the minds of the 100 or so in our branch and group in Jacksonville. That everyone’s mind would stay crisp and sharp and never turn into ‘mush’ from the disease Dementia.

Last night in my sleep, I was singing over and over an old song that I heard first hand in a Church in Las Vegas, in 1979 called Centerama Christian Center. Stuart was leaning on his wife, both around 80 or so. It is etched on my mind like it was yesterday.

Here is how he tells the creation of this great song, that filled a trunk up with suicide letters, letters of people’s despair. While and after hearing this song, Hope emerged in so many hearts, so much so, that people had to respond. God is wooing you to action today and to respond in some way for the Kingdom. It may seem trivial for you to pick up the phone and call, write a card or pray a prayer for someone. But it could be the very bridge that brings Hope and Change to someone day!

In 1949, when Billy Graham was in Los Angeles for an evangelist meetings under “The Big Tent,” Hamblen’s wife persuaded him to attend one of the services. Early the following morning he requested an appointment with Graham – which was granted – and during their conversation Hamblen surrendered his life to be a follower of Christ.

Hamblen tells the story behind one of his songs:

“I wrote the song one night, shortly after midnight. My wife and I had been visiting one of Hollywood’s most famous movie stars. We had gone over to his home just to fill him in on some of the things that had happened in his recent absence.”

“Somehow the discussion got around to how people can solve problems within themselves. I remember making a statement such as, ‘It’s no secret what God can do in a man’s life.’ About two hours later, as we were about to leave the actor’s home he said, ‘Stuart you ought to write a song about it is no secret what God can do. That is a beautiful thought.’”

“As we walked across the lawn, back to our house, I began to think about it. When we arrived at home I walked into the living room and sat down at the organ.

Our hall clock began to “chime” the hour of midnight. I grabbed a pen and started writing, ‘The chimes of time ring out the news, another day is through’ and on and on until the song was finished. I then turned and glanced at the hall clock. It was only 17 minutes after midnight. I couldn’t believe it. I had never been able to write any musical composition in less than three or four hours. I thought the clock had stopped. I then looked and saw the big pendulum still swinging.”

Hamblen’s song has been heard in every small city, town and hamlet in America and in countless places around the world – in more than 50 languages. Stuart’s neighbor, who made the suggestion about writing the song, was John Wayne. You better believe it, pardner!

“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9

It Is No Secret

The chimes of time ring out the news another day is through
Someone slipped and fell was that someone you
You may have long for added strength your courage to renew
Do not be this hearten for I bring hope to you
It is no secret what God can do what he’s done for others he’ll do for you
(With arms wide open He’ll part anew) it is no secret what God can do
(There is no night for end his light you’ll never walk alone
Always feel at home wherever you may roam
There is no power can conquer you while God is on your side
Just take him at his promise don’t run away and hide)
It is no secret what God can do what he’s done for others he’ll do for you
(With arms wide open He’ll part anew) it is no secret what God can do
(What God can do)

We come against Dementia and mind altering diseases Romans 5:5 King James Version (KJV)And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

So Hope is actually a precursor or stimulate of Faith. As we get older, we fall into routines. We need Hope, Purpose, a daily Kingdom connection to plug us in and keep or Faith Passionate. What is the catalyst? It is Hope. How do you get Hope, by giving Hope to others. Start by praying in your prayer closet. Then meet with some friends once a week, praying for a Purpose. Praying over those younger than you in a group. Then call them, invite them, counsel them (Prov 12:20) and Joy will come.

1Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is [deep] within me, bless His holy name.

Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,
And do not forget any of His benefits;

Who forgives all your sins,
Who heals all your diseases;

First the natural then the spiritual, maybe you have a friend or relative with a chemical imbalance and in prayer you sow some vitamins or plant the idea of encouraging them to change their diet. This could be profound and as their body comes into balance (1 Cor 15:46) continue to call their name out loud and say “I come against Dementia and mind altering diseases and rebuke it by the power of the blood of Jesus over ________________ in Jesus name. !

Philippians 4:7-9 Amplified Bible (AMP)And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

There is true peace and false peace. The body of Christ needs your help. Older Christians need to fight against Apathy, against satisfaction of “good ole days” when they were involved and not feel time to coast. Maybe your old praying friends and friends you went to Church with are gone, disabled, etc and you are discouraged.  Find true peace by uniting with us or anyone of “Like Precious Faith” (2 Pet 1:1). Help us shake the tree and shake the branch for fruit. Help us run through a troop and leap over a wall (Psalm 18:29) for Jesus in our old agedness can do more through us, than in our Youth. I know this sounds crazy, but it is true!

Romans 12:2 Amplified Bible (AMP)And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [a]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. 

God has a  plan for this ministry and every ministry that wants to engage and build. In Christianity, ministry is an activity carried out by Christians to express or spread their faith, the prototype being the Great Commission. … Some ministries are identified formally as such, and some are not; some ministry is directed towards members of the church, and some towards non-members.

Nehemiah 2:18 & 20 AMP I answered them, “The God of heaven [has appointed us for His purpose and] will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no portion, right, or memorial in Jerusalem.”

In Chapter 18 and 20, two times Nehemiah says “Arise and Build”.  There are blue prints in heaven with your name on them. What are you  planning on doing today?  Same ole same ole? Or something important? What is it? Are you on your post?

1 Peter 1:13 AMP So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

God did a quick work through Nehemiah rebuilding the Wall.   “Once there, Nehemiah defied the opposition of Judah’s enemies on all sides—Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabs and Philistines—and rebuilt the walls within 52 days, from the Sheep Gate in the North, the Hananeel Tower at the North West corner, the Fish Gate in the West, the Furnaces Tower at the Temple Mount’s South West …”  We don’t know how old he was. He did have a secular job. His job helped prepare him. His job helped him deal with Fear, Viruses, Poisons etc. He had to drink the Kings wine, water , taste food to make sure it was not poisoned. This is why we can’t allow Covid to allow us to shrink back in fear. (Rev 12:11)

He also instituted extensive moral and liturgical reforms in rededicating the Jews to Yahweh.

If ever we needed the elderly in our community to engage and get involved it is now. We see the chart below. And even baby boomers (56-76 who grew up in 60’s and Vietnam era) searching for false counsel and peace through psychologists, prescription drugs etc and etc. Baby Boomers: Baby boomers were born between 1944 and 1964. They’re current between 56-76 years old (76 million in U.S.)

  • Gen X: Gen X was born between 1965 – 1979 and are currently between 41-55 years old (82 million people in U.S.)
  • Gen Y: Gen Y, or Millennials, were born between 1980 and 1994. They are currently between 26-40 years old.
    • Gen Y.1 = 25-29 years old (31 million people in U.S.)
    • Gen Y.2 = 29-39 (42 million people in U.S.)
  • Gen Z: Gen Z is the newest generation to be named and were born between 1995 and 2015. They are currently between 5-25 years old (nearly 74 million in U.S.)

Where are you elderly, we need you to engage us, hold us accountable. To show you care. Arise a (still) build and do not laugh like Sarah did (gen 18:12) when the angel visited Abraham and promised a Child and Change.

Let God do a quick work renewing your mind today. Stand up, Stand tall. If you must fall, fall forward, doing something for the cause of Christ.

Praise In The Midst Of Thunder

Psalms 150:6 (AMP)

“Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)”

We must learn to praise in the midst of trouble and find the peace that surpasses all understanding. The God of peace sits on a throne of peace.

Philippians 4:7 (AMP)

And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”

In the midst of controversy, assault, financial pressure, isolation, sickness – praise Him!

“Thunder, Thundering.” According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, “[1,,G1027bronte] in Mark 3:17 ‘sons of thunder’ is the interpretation of Boanerges, the name applied by the Lord to James and John; their fiery disposition is seen in Mark 9:38Luke 9:54; perhaps in the case of James it led to his execution. The name and its interpretation have caused much difficulty; some suggest the meaning “the twins.” It is however most probably the equivalent of the Aramaic bene regesh, “sons of tumult;” the latter of the two words was no doubt used of “thunder” in Palestinian Aramaic; hence the meaning “the sons of thunder;” the cognate Hebrew word ragash, “to rage,” is used in Psalms 2:1 and there only. In John 12:29 bronte is used with ginomai, “to take place,” and rendered “it had thundered;” lit., “there was thunder;” elsewhere, Revelation 4:5Revelation 6:1Revelation 8:5Revelation 10:3Revelation 10:4Revelation 11:19Revelation 14:2Revelation 16:18Revelation 19:6.”

Some of us have fiery personalities. Not everybody is smooth and calm all the time. As a matter of fact, a lot of the folks that God uses are the ones that get things done. The fisherman Peter while a disciple and before becoming an apostle, was a hothead at times. Evidently, James and John had tendencies as well. Strong-willed people and personalities can offend others.  There is a process to God’s using you, and that involves dying to self, so that you don’t allow the thing that drives you to disqualify you. Your personality can only take you so far. God can direct or redirect a moving vessel. It’s the stale, lukewarm, and apathetic personalities that seem to hold up the plans and purposes of God the most.

What other kinds of thunder are there? There can be thunder from within and thunder from without. Some people never fully surrendered unto the Lord. They’re still holding back some corner, secret thing, place or room in their soul. Just like sonar bounces back when it hits an underwater object, peace can bounce back when it hits an obstacle in your soul. Rather than every area being invaded to the inner depths of your soul so that you find true peace with God and man and most importantly yourself, there can remain in many Christians a wrestle or inner fight.

There is thunder without. There can be storms from life, storms in business – whether they be self-induced or demonic. Attacks can sometimes be avoided by preventative maintenance or asking God for wisdom, power of prayer, and walking in humility. Other times they are unavoidable when you make a stand for Christ, when you go against the flow of the world and the world system. Your peers or friends may be flowing one way, but God causes you to rise to a higher level of obedience, and now thunder is building. Noise from without.

So when thunder comes, how do we find the higher place of praise? Try beholding Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18). Looking unto Jesus (Heb. 12:2). Realizing the work of righteousness is already done because of Jesus, and you are righteous (in right standing with God) because of His death on the cross.

Psalm 2:1-2

“Why are the nations in an uproar [in turmoil against God],
And why do the people devise a vain and hopeless plot?
The kings of the earth take their stand; And the rulers take counsel together
Against the Lord and His Anointed (the Davidic King, the Messiah, the Christ), saying…”

I find this passage interesting. It shows how the devil will use people to attack God’s anointed. If our opposition only knew their end, the futility and vanity of their power, power games, and manipulation, they would give up. So don’t you give up first! Make the devil give up by pressing in and walking and abiding in the anointing.

John 12:29

“The multitude therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it had thundered: others said, an angel hath spoken to him.”

We bind all mischief! There is a place of peace for each of us. You have a place called “There” waiting for you with provision and peace. This is your inheritance, which is your portion allotted to you by God.

The Lord in 1 Kings 17:3 told Elijah to go to the brook Cherith and there the ravens would feed him. We must be obedient to find our place, and “There” will our provisions be.

What does Cherith mean in the Bible? “Cherith” is a common English spelling of the Hebrew name כְּרִית “Kərīṯ”, that comes from the Hebrew root כרת (kh*r*t), meaning to cut off or cut down. The name also signifies to engrave or carve – a cutting, separation, gorge, torrent-bed, or winter-stream.

Out of being cut down or cut off from friends, family, or money, there is a covering in the blood of Jesus. Out of seasons of separation, divorce, fear, or thunder, is a place called “There” with provisions from the blood of Jesus.

That is why we need to find a place called “There”, and that only comes, my friend, from obedience to the Holy Spirit. We don’t need to go beyond our callings. The anointed place is the safe place under the “wings of the Almighty”, as in Psalm 91.

Psalm 91

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].

We can be secure when we are obedient.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”

For He will save you from the trap of the fowler…

What is your trap? What was your trap? I hope you know that the devil lays traps. Our mouths can lay traps (James 3:10-12).

And from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions,

And under His wings you will find refuge;

Whose protection are you seeking? Doctors, needles, masks?

His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.

You will not be afraid of the terror of night,

Nor of the arrow that flies by day…

We bind terror today and sudden fear, in Jesus’ name! Ephesians 6:16 says to bind the fiery darts of the enemy.

Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon…”

We bind COVID and all the germs or pestilence, and any death in our camp amongst God’s people, coming in the darkness on our hands or utensils, in Jesus’ name!

Have you ever heard this song?

Let the Wind Blow by The Imperials

There’s a storm on the horizon,
Oh, let the wind blow,
There is thunder in the heavens,
Oh, let the wind blow,
Let the rain fall down from the sky above,
Let the tempest roar ’til it’s had enough,
I’m trusting in the Lord of love,
Let the wind blow.

There is lightning in the distance,
Oh, let the wind blow,
There is darkness all around me,
Oh, let the wind blow,
Let the world give all the hurt it can,
Let the evil one devise his plans,
I’m trusting in the great I Am,
Let the wind blow.

Let the wind blow… blow as hard as it can,
Let the wind blow,
Upon the solid rock of God I stand,
Oh, let the wind blow.

There’s a storm on the horizon,
Oh, let the wind blow,
There is thunder in the heavens,
Oh, let the wind blow,
Let its mighty fury be unleashed,
Let the doubters…

So we see in Job 3 a clue to the possible magnet that brought him into calamity:

 

Job 3:25

“For the thing which I greatly fear comes upon me,

And that of which I am afraid has come upon me.”

Evidently, Job had a secret fear of losing everything. A lot of rich people have this fear. So go to God with your fears today and don’t allow the devil to come for you tomorrow. Do not open the door to the enemy through fear!

1 Peter 5:6-7

“Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you…”

Let “thunder” be your place of highest, most authentic praise to God!