Holy Spirit and Fire

Let Freedom Ring!

Keep Praying – Let Freedom Ring!!

Millions have been praying for our country and for the election…but what we are beginning to see is much greater than what we could ever ask or think! (Ephesians 3:20) Jesus came to set the captive free and break the chains of the prisoner (Isaiah 61). Many have been led to pray for the exposure of corruption…which was primarily in regards to the US election. However, what is starting to be exposed now is a system of corruption used to keep NATIONS in bondage. This system was invented for Venezuela, with the help of Cuba and Communist China, for the sole purpose of changing the results of “free” elections in order to keep millions of people under the thumb of oppressive dictators. This system was not only used in Venezuela, but also was sold to and used in 30 states in the US election, as well as other nations across the world.

I believe that Jesus is coming to free the captive and will expose and cut off the rotten roots of bondage! As Dr. Francis Myles recently heard the Lord say, “Let my People Go!” So, let’s keep praying!

But, how do we pray?? I once had a powerful dream experience that vividly showed me that the eagles (prophets) come to provide the message that gives direction for the intercessors. After that experience, I was led to read the next few pages of Derek Prince’s book, “War in Heaven.”
In those next few pages, it reiterated the same point as I received in the dream, and then gave the example of Daniel praying during Israel’s captivity for the freedom that was prophesied by the prophet Jeremiah. Those prayers initiated a war in the heavens that took 21 days for the first message to finally break through…and that was just the beginning! Praying with endurance and perseverance was key (recently, the Lord had been teaching me about the connection between the Key of David – Authority – and Perseverance (Revelation 3:7-13)). After much prayer and revelation, breakthrough and freedom finally came at the decree of Cyrus. However, it still took the courage of the people to rise up under opposition and mocking voices, to rebuild the wall and the temple and to defend themselves.

Today, we have the voices of many seasoned prophets giving direction to our prayers. You can simply look them up on Facebook, YouTube, etc. Prophets like Dutch Sheets, Clay Nash, Bobby Conner, Bonnie Jones, Chuck Pierce, Rick Joyner, Cindy Jacobs, Jeremiah Johnson, Jane Hammon, James Goll, etc. There is actually great unity in the message of the prophets right now in regards to praying for our country. We also have the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to direct us…including simply praying in tongues. (And if you still don’t know what to pray, you can always pray “Let Your Kingdom Come and Your Will Be Done on Earth – and in the US – as it is in Heaven!”)

As for me, since mid-2016, I have been personally led to pray for Donald Trump according to Isaiah 45. Cyrus was the heathen king used by God to set the captive Israelites free, blessing Israel and the people of God. It says in that chapter that though Cyrus did not know God, he would obey Him and eventually know Him (So that is how I am praying now…that President Trump would grow closer and closer to God, even as he goes into his 2nd term as President). But, my favorite part of the chapter is what happens next…

“…Declare and present your case;
Indeed, let them consult together.
Who has announced this long ago?
Who has long since declared it?
Is it not I, the Lord?
And there is no other God besides Me,
A righteous God and a Savior;
There is none except Me.
Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth;
For I am God, and there is no other.
I have sworn by Myself;
The word has gone out from My mouth in righteousness
And will not turn back,
That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance.
They will say of Me, ‘Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.’
People will come to Him,
And all who were angry at Him will be put to shame.
In the Lord all the offspring of Israel
Will be justified and will boast.”
~Isaiah 45:21-28 (NASB)

Jesus is King!!

(Another thing that the Lord reminded me of was that during election night, He gave me the impression to “Pray for Pennsylvania” with the inclination to reveal corruption. Today, I was reminded that the Liberty Bell is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the center of the current corruption controversy. On the Liberty Bell, it is inscribed, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.” We need to pray that the rotten roots of bondage and corruption are exposed and removed!)

Thank you, Jesus, for the Freedom that You Have Provided!! Let Freedom Ring Again! Amen!

The Mount of Olives

“Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.”
~Luke 21:37-38 (NASB)

I find it very interesting that Jesus’ favorite place of intimacy either the Father, also became one of the greatest places of interaction between heaven and earth…

  • Jesus prayed on the Mount of Olives through the night before walking on the water towards the disciples in the boat
  • Jesus prayed on the Mount of Olives before going out and praying for and healing and delivering the masses
  • Jesus rode in on the donkey on the Mount of Olives
  • Jesus tought His disciples about His return and the events leading up to it on the Mount of Olives
  • Jesus ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives
  • Jesus will return to earth on the Mount of Olives – and when He does, the Mount of Olives will split in two!!

The Real Endgame

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There are many theories and opinions about the end of the age. But, what did Jesus have to say about it? He said quite a bit, actually…throughout the whole of Scripture. Let’s just looks at a few things He said:

First, Jesus asks us to pray for His Kingdom to come to earth and for us to be delivered from the evil one. I imagine that this has been prayed billions and billions of times over the last 2,000 years. Our prayers are remembered and stored in heaven (See the bowls in Revelation 5 & 8) and will be poured out and answered in His perfect timing.

“In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

~Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)

Second, Jesus asked us to demonstrate what the Kingdom of God is like by doing the things He did while He was on the earth. Jesus preached and proclaimed that His Kingdom is coming soon…and asks us to do the same as we demonstrate His Kindgom.

“Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.”
~Matthew 4:23 (NKJV)

“…as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”
~Matthew 10:7-8 (NKJV)

Third, Jesus instructs us to proclaim to every tribe, tongue and nation the good news that His Kingdom is coming!

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
~Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)

Fourth, Jesus instructs us to take the message to the world in a fearless manner. He warns us that the enemy will try to kill the messengers (just as he did with Jesus, the disciples, and millions of Jesus followers since then).

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.”
~John 15:18-22 (NKJV)

“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.”
~John 16:1-4 (NKJV)

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
~Matthew 24:9-13 (NKJV)

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
~Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

Fifth, Jesus admonishes us that the last 3 1/2 years at the end of the age, just before He returns to establish His Kingdom on the earth, will be the most difficult time in world history. He encourages us to continue to watch and pray with patience and endurance during this time, and continue to proclaim and demonstrate the gospel of the Kingdom. Scripture tells us that when the number of marytrs reaches a certain number known only by Father God, that His vengeance will finally come against Satan and his fellow oppressors.

“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”
~Matthew 24:15-22 (NKJV)

“And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.”
~Daniel 11:31-35 (NKJV)

In Scripture, we see that Satan loses his 2nd heaven power and authority and it cast down to the earth. His only option is to rage for a short time against the followers of Jesus, to persecute and try to kill them, but he knows his time is short and he will be removed from the earth.

“Satan Thrown Out of Heaven

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,
“Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

~Revelation 12:7-12 (NKJV)

“Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs

When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.”

~Revelation 6:5-11 (NKJV)

“The ten horns are ten kings
Who shall arise from this kingdom.
And another shall rise after them;
He shall be different from the first ones,
And shall subdue three kings.
He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,
Shall persecute the saints of the Most High,
And shall intend to change times and law.
Then the saints shall be given into his hand
For a time and times and half a time.

‘But the court shall be seated,
And they shall take away his dominion,
To consume and destroy it forever.
Then the kingdom and dominion,
And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven,
Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High.
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’”

~Daniel 7:24-27 (NKJV)

“You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.”
~Daniel 2:34-35 (NKJV)

“Christ on a White Horse

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

The Beast and His Armies Defeated

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.”

And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Satan Bound 1,000 Years

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.

The Saints Reign with Christ 1,000 Years

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”

~Revelation 19:11-20:6 (NKJV)

“All Things Made New

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

The New Jerusalem

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.
Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

The Glory of the New Jerusalem

But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

The River of Life

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

The Time Is Near

Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.
“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”

Jesus Testifies to the Churches

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

A Warning

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

I Am Coming Quickly

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

~Revelation 21 & 22

The Peacemakers

The Peacemakers

I’ve never seen some many doves. They’ve been all over the place…even in the streets as I’ve been driving around town. This morning when I got up, there were three on the power line outside the window.

When we see doves, we often think of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is sent to look for those upon whom He can rest…a person of peace and rest in the Lord in the midst of troubled times. It’s similar to when Noah sent a dove to go on ahead to see if it could find a place where the Ark could rest amidst the troubled waters.

We are coming close to the end of one age and entering into a new age of peace. We call it the millennium (Rev. 20:1-6). But we can see how the end of this age, there is a strong temptation to be drawn into the opposite of peace…a temptation to be drawn into anger, violence and rage. However, we are ambassadors of heaven…and of God’s peace in troubled times. Those who want to participate in the age of peace, must first allow the Prince of Peace to rule and reign in their hearts.

In this time, we need to have the patience and endurance of the church of Philadelphia. If we have endurance and patience to continue to walk in the love and peace of God, He will keep us safe through these troubled times…and He will make us a pillar in His sanctuary and He will write upon us His Name, as well as the name of the City of God (Rev. 3:7-13).

“Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.”
~Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:5-9, NKJV)

Amen.

Out of Egypt

One morning, about a week ago I was impressed by the Lord that He was pulling the plug on the global financial system. I believe we may be seeing the beginning of this now. The Coronavirus, as serious as it is, I believe is also a trigger to something much bigger. I don’t believe the world will be the same anymore from now on. It is as if we are being led straight out of Egypt and into the desert. In the desert they saw many miracles, including manna…it was their daily bread. Their shoes didn’t wear out, the waters split, etc. They went out and prayed at the mountain and saw the fire of God manifest. They were led by the pillar of cloud by day and the fire by night. God is leading us out of the world’s systems because He has something better for us. We are looking for His Kingdom to come, and we are to let go of the world’s systems. As is says in Hebrews 11, Moses considered, “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.” Perhaps, by His grace, He is simply “breaking” us out of Egypt, and leading the way forward (Micah 2:13). Many people will be very troubled and dismayed. Idols are falling quickly, while the people are still grasping for them (Daniel 2, Habakkuk 3). Many troubled waters, the distress of many nations (Luke 21:10-36). We need to lead the masses to look to the Rock, with compassionate love. The winds will blow and the waters roll, but the Rock still stands. He is leading us out to a better place, crossing over to a promised land…a place of meeting and walking with Him in the cool of the day…a place of intimacy, communion and fellowship with Him.

…and remember that Jesus said, “Behold I am with you always,to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

“Who is this coming up from the wilderness,
Leaning upon her beloved?” (Song of Songs 8:5)

“I will betroth you to Me forever;
Yes, I will betroth you to Me
In righteousness and justice,
In lovingkindness and mercy;
I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,
And you shall know the Lord.”
(Hosea 2:19-20)

Yellowstone and the Quiet Rumbling

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As we near the end of June, Yellowstone is quietly rumbling past a historical earthquake record. USGS has now recorded 1,041 earthquakes at the super volcano for this month, higher than any previous recorded month, including during the swarms of 2010 and 1985. What does this mean? Nobody really knows. But I do have a sense that there is a low level rumbling across the earth in many realms, a rumbling that will eventually lead to a higher level of shaking. I believe this rumbling and shaking in the physical realm is often tied to the shaking in the heavenly realms.

“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” ~Haggai 2:6-9 (NIV)

The Lord showed me in a series of dreams a few years ago, a connection between earthquakes and revival. For example, the Azusa Street revival and the historic San Francisco earthquake both happened in April of 1906. Tens of thousands of souls were saved and the impact went across the face of the earth and had great eternal repercussions. There was a connection there between prayer, fasting, shaking and the harvest of souls. Often the shaking is in answer to prayers, but leads to chains being broken and a great harvest.

“Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.” ~Revelation 8:3-5 (NASB)

“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.” ~Psalm 107:13-16 (NIV)

At the same time that this increase in rumbling is happening, there is also a quiet rumbling of a new wave of prayer and salvations happening across the earth, especially in the last few years. Since the turn of the century, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of houses of prayer across the world. Some estimates are in the 10,000-20,000 range. I would also guess (based on a some recent large ministry reports) that we are seeing close to 100 Million people being saved every year, mostly in the global south and now in the middle east. Yes, we know that there is evil at work in the world. But, to me, that is just a reminder that our work is not yet complete. We know that Satan throws a fit because he knows that his time is short. But he will not succeed! We know that we will face difficulties in the meantime, but in the end Jesus’ Kingdom and His Saints take over. Consider the following scriptures by Jesus, John, Paul, Daniel (and the mysterious writer of Hebrews):

“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.” ~Matthew 11:12 (NASB)

“Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.” ~John 12:31 (NASB)

“Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” ~I John 5:5 (NASB)

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” ~Romans 16:20 (NASB)

“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord. ~Isaiah 54:17 (AMP)

“The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time [3 ½ years].

“‘But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.’” ~Daniel 7:24-27 (NIV)

“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” ~Revelation 12:11 (NASB)

When will all of this happen? According to Jesus, it will happen when the Gospel of the Kingdom is finally preached to every tribe, tongue and nation. Then, the end will come.

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” ~Matthew 24:14 (NIV) (Also see Revelation 7)

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For,

“In just a little while, he who is coming will come  and will not delay.”

And,

“But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.”

~Hebrews 10:36-39 (NIV)

 

When Heaven Comes Down – Worship Warfare

This morning, as I was reading Isaiah, I was reminded of the connection between worship and warfare, especially in regards to the end of this age on the earth. There is a divine connection between worship, which brings heaven to earth, and the destruction of everything on earth or in the heavens that stands against Jesus!

What brought this back to my memory was Isaiah 30:32 (NIV), where it says “Every stroke the Lord lays on them with his punishing club will be to the music of timbrels and harps, as he fights them in battle with the blows of his arm.”

We may have a tendency in the natural to fear the things that will take place at end of the age. We fear the destruction. But why do we fear? As is the case with our own hearts, the only things that we can possibly lose by worshipping and following Jesus are things we were not meant to keep, or things we were not meant to be, in the first place. Every tower and principality and kingdom that will fall at the end of the age was not meant to remain anyway…these are only powers that stand in opposition to God’s Kingdom of Love (Isaiah 16:5). When heaven comes to earth (in response to our prayers…including the Lord’s Prayer), Satan’s kingdom on the earth doesn’t stand a chance. In Isaiah 24, there is a description of the destruction of the earth at the end of the age. Very few people, it says, remain. Yet what do we find the people of God doing in Isaiah 24? The answer is in verses 14-16:

They raise their voices, they shout for joy;
from the west they acclaim the Lord’s majesty.
Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord;
exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel,
in the islands of the sea.
From the ends of the earth we hear singing:
“Glory to the Righteous One.”

Perhaps, in the end, we will find that it is this very worship that God is using to destroy the oppressive kingdoms of the earth…

“Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.
Let them praise His name with dancing;
Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.
For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.

Let the godly ones exult in glory;
Let them sing for joy on their beds.
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
To execute vengeance on the nations
And punishment on the peoples,
To bind their kings with chains
And their nobles with fetters of iron,
To execute on them the judgment written;
This is an honor for all His godly ones.
Praise the Lord!
~Psalm 149:1-9 (NASB)

“Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed
and establishes a town by injustice!
Has not the LORD Almighty determined
that the people’s labor is only fuel for the fire,
that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing?
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.”
~Habakkuk 2:14-16 (NIV)

The Peacemakers

dove

We have recently seen an increase in conflict pouring out on the streets, and an increase in the manifestation of the conflict between the kingdoms: the kingdom of the earth vs the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we see riots stirred up in the streets, I would ask, do these things stir up a riot in our own hearts? Do these things foment anger against one side or the other? I ask this because the riots in the street are an outward manifestation of what is pouring out of the hearts of men. We must all examine our hearts to see if we are completely under the rule of the Prince of Peace in these tumultuous days.

“Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.”
~Psalm 139:23-24 (AMP)

We must ask the Lord to search out hearts and to burn out and uproot any riot or conflict in our hearts first. For the Lord, the Prince of Peace, is sending out the peacemakers at this time. If we want to join alongside Him in this effort, we must first let peace rule our own hearts.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].”
~James 3:17-18 (AMP)

Several years ago, the late Bob Jones saw a vision of thousands of eggs being hatched in heaven. He first impression was that they were eagles (prophets) being released. However, the Lord corrected him and showed him that they were actually doves (peacemakers living under the power of the Holy Spirit). Noah sent the dove from the ark three times before the dove (representing the Holy Spirit) finally found a place to rest. The ark (the presence of the Lord) could then finally come to rest among the people. So, I would ask, are we a people on whom the Holy Spirit can rest?

We are close to entering the time of the millennium reign of Christ, a time of peace that will last for a thousand years. Yet, only those who have the Prince of Peace ruling in their hearts will be able to rule with Him during this upcoming age of peace. So, we must deal with the Lord, however severely, to have him remove any wicked or riotous way in us. Now is the time!

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.”
~Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV)

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” ~Romans 16:20 (NASB)

The Valley of Decision and God’s Training Ground

valley of decision

The Valley of Decision

We can either be possessed by the Holy Spirit or possessed by demons. We get to choose.

Life on earth is a valley of decision. We may be tempted to think that we can just be possessed with ourselves and not choose God or Satan. I would respond to that thought with a phrase from the Rush song “Freewill” which says, “If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.” Rush may have gotten many things very wrong, but they sure got that one line right! At the end of the day, there is no middle ground. It is the battle of the kingdoms and we will choose sides…and Satan owns the fence.

“So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” ~Revelation 3:16 (NIV)

Ultimately, we will be possessed by the object(s) of our greatest pursuit. Then, we get to spend eternity with the gods—or with The God—that we worshipped and invested our lives in. Wouldn’t you rather be possessed by a God who is pure, righteous love?

 

God’s Training Ground

Life on earth is also a training ground. If we choose to give our whole life to God, He will begin to teach us how to love. We must receive His love and then give it back to Him and to others (See Luke 10:25-37). We don’t have love in ourselves, unless we first receive it from above.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” ~James 1:17 (NV)

We must learn to give love freely in the face of evil and hatred. God has allowed enough devil opposition here on earth enable us to learn to be overcomers. We must learn to overcome evil with good. We will then receive the rewards of the overcomer (see Revelation 2, 3 & 22).

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)

So, I hope that you are encouraged today. You are here for a reason. I pray that you are strengthened in the Lord. I pray that you are filled completely with the Holy Spirit and receive the great love that He has for you. I pray that you waste no time to move forward in His great purposes and calling for your life. Amen!

The Burning Ones

burninglion

Billions have likely prayed, “…let Your Kingdom come, Your will be done…on earth as it is in heaven.” But I wonder sometimes if we really consider what we are asking for? Well, Daniel saw “as it is” in heaven. In Daniel 7:9-10 (NIV) he describes what he saw,

“As I looked,

…thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.”

What an awesome sight! It can be presumed from this scene, that one thing we are asking for when we pray the Lord’s prayer, is for the Ancient of Days to come to earth, and for Him to bring His throne of flaming fire, and river of fire with Him!

Many might say, “How will we survive this?” As the prophet Isaiah foretold, “The sinners in Zion are terrified; trembling grips the godless: ‘Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?’” (Isaiah 33:14, NIV)

It is only by the blood of the Lamb, that a way has been made for us! He made a way for us to invite the Burning One into our very hearts! When we do this…it sets our hearts ablaze and burns out anything that is not of Him! We, then, also become burning ones for Him!

Remember the two that walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, but didn’t know at first that it was Him? They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Just being close to Him set their hearts ablaze! Jesus wants the same thing for us! Remember also what happened later in the upper room? “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” They went out from there, and with signs following, they led thousands to the Lord! His desire is for our hearts to be set on fire…and for that fire to spread to others!

During his revelation, John saw the fire in Jesus’ eyes. It is the fire of his love! This love is described in Song of Songs 8:6-7, “Put me like a seal over your heart, Like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are flashes of fire, The very flame of the Lord. “Many waters cannot quench love, Nor will rivers overflow it…”

Let us, therefore, receive the consuming fire of His love into our hearts…and let us spread it to others and increase His Kingdom…and reduce the number of souls ultimately consumed as enemies of God by the fire of His jealous anger!