Gospel artist and Lions of Christ praise & worship leader Rick Thompson is offering music from his 3 cd's for free through his website. Nothing required, including registration, click and you shall receive!
Visit his site today: www.rickthompson.us
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Free Podcast From Bill Johnson & Bethel Ministries
I believe offering the word free, although is rare in many cases in today's world is a vital part of building up the body. I also believe that it is important to hear the word from people who the Lord may use in different ways. This helps us to grow and may give us that one revelation that changes our lives and propels us into breakthrough whether it would be Word of Faith, prophetic, or denominational.
as far as Bill Johnson, the wisdom and revelation the Lord has blessed him with has really touched my life. I have read his book "Face to Face with God" and recommend it to anyone looking for a closer relationship with Jesus. I am also currently reading his devotional titled "A Life of Miracles" which included scripture and excerots from three of his most popular books. I am so intrigued by the excerpts from "The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind" I'm putting it on my "to read" list and already telling others about it.
With that all being said, Bethel Ministries offers free weekly podcasts that you can download on your pc and burn on your disc. I believe they will allow you to download past sermons as well (I think they're available for a couple of weeks at least, but not sure). I have been blessed by them and pray that you will be blessed also in Jesus' precious name!
AMEN!
http://www.ibethel.org/features/podcast/?page=75
as far as Bill Johnson, the wisdom and revelation the Lord has blessed him with has really touched my life. I have read his book "Face to Face with God" and recommend it to anyone looking for a closer relationship with Jesus. I am also currently reading his devotional titled "A Life of Miracles" which included scripture and excerots from three of his most popular books. I am so intrigued by the excerpts from "The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind" I'm putting it on my "to read" list and already telling others about it.
With that all being said, Bethel Ministries offers free weekly podcasts that you can download on your pc and burn on your disc. I believe they will allow you to download past sermons as well (I think they're available for a couple of weeks at least, but not sure). I have been blessed by them and pray that you will be blessed also in Jesus' precious name!
AMEN!
http://www.ibethel.org/features/podcast/?page=75
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Check Out "Stirring Waters Worship!"
Visit their My Space page: www.myspace.com/stirringwatersworship
Visit their You Tube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/SWWorship
Visit their You Tube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/SWWorship
Monday, January 19, 2009
The 7 Mountain Mandate by Dr. Lance Wallnau
In his teaching series titled “The 7 Mountain Mandate,” Dr. Lance Wallnau says in order to be more effective, Christians should infiltrate 7 mountains or pillars of society that shape culture. Wallnau claims the church has been successful at evangelism but has failed at changing nations. He says that only a few people in positions of authority at the top of each mountain (religion, family, education, government, media, arts/sports, business/technology) actually determines what happens on the mountain (or area of society), thus, shaping culture. Christians have made the mistake of merely focusing on getting people to the religion mountain rather than training and sending believers to infiltrate other mountains so that Kingdom principles can be applied and promoted there.
Some Christians believe this teaching is heresy, claiming Lance is a false prophet, and that it goes against scriptures that show the kingdom will be fulfilled at the return of Jesus Christ but I believe that history and the Bible would prove different.
In the Bible, David was anointed to be King, a secular position even though he was an incredible man of God. Daniel was promoted into a high ranking government position due to his spiritual gift of dream interpretation. Moses, Joseph, Cornelius, the list goes on and on.
In history, the anecdotes may be even clearer than the obvious Biblical examples mentioned above. One of the most profound examples I believe is Constantine and the conversion of the Roman Empire. In 312 at the Battle Milvian Bridge, it is said that Constantine saw a cross and light above the sun with words saying “by this, conquer!” A year later the Edict of Milain was instituted which decreed the tolerance of Christianity and removed penalties for professing Christianity. Constantine began to promote Christians in high-ranking government positions, supported the church financially, and built a number of extraordinary buildings for them. Many claim this was the beginning of Christendom. By the conversion of one man in authority on top of the government mountain, God spread Christianity throughout the world.
While it may not have been as successful as the opportunity could have been, we cannot forget the story of Marco Polo. His family spread Christianity along a trade route to Asia. Intrigued by their claims of Christianity, Kublai Khan said, "You send me a hundred men skilled in your religion and I shall be baptized and all my subjects will study Christianity too. There will then be more Christians in the East than in the West… The men remained in China for 17 years, during which time Marco carried out diplomatic missions throughout the empire. Marco claims that he held the position of governor over the large commercial city of Yangzhou. He also claimed to have visited hundreds of Christian churches. These would have been the result of Christianity that had arrived in 635 from Christian merchants along the Silk Road (Nostoro, 2008)."
While it is true the Kingdom will be fulfilled to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must accept that God in His mercy still wants to save as many people as possible. History proves that there is no greater way for nations to be converted than through leaders in high positions whether it would be through their conversion or through the Lord raising up leaders full of faith in Him. The bottom line is that we must fulfill that which God called us to fulfill. For some of us this may mean full-time ministry but for most of us it will mean fulfilling our secular roles in a holy and Godly manner, using our influence for Kingdom purposes. I will close with some food thought: which has more influence in the lives of others, being a pastor of a church of 120 believers (the average size of an American church) or managing a company of 5oo employees, etc.?
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_I_and_Christianity
http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/bios/b3marcopolo_p1hj.htm
Some Christians believe this teaching is heresy, claiming Lance is a false prophet, and that it goes against scriptures that show the kingdom will be fulfilled at the return of Jesus Christ but I believe that history and the Bible would prove different.
In the Bible, David was anointed to be King, a secular position even though he was an incredible man of God. Daniel was promoted into a high ranking government position due to his spiritual gift of dream interpretation. Moses, Joseph, Cornelius, the list goes on and on.
In history, the anecdotes may be even clearer than the obvious Biblical examples mentioned above. One of the most profound examples I believe is Constantine and the conversion of the Roman Empire. In 312 at the Battle Milvian Bridge, it is said that Constantine saw a cross and light above the sun with words saying “by this, conquer!” A year later the Edict of Milain was instituted which decreed the tolerance of Christianity and removed penalties for professing Christianity. Constantine began to promote Christians in high-ranking government positions, supported the church financially, and built a number of extraordinary buildings for them. Many claim this was the beginning of Christendom. By the conversion of one man in authority on top of the government mountain, God spread Christianity throughout the world.
While it may not have been as successful as the opportunity could have been, we cannot forget the story of Marco Polo. His family spread Christianity along a trade route to Asia. Intrigued by their claims of Christianity, Kublai Khan said, "You send me a hundred men skilled in your religion and I shall be baptized and all my subjects will study Christianity too. There will then be more Christians in the East than in the West… The men remained in China for 17 years, during which time Marco carried out diplomatic missions throughout the empire. Marco claims that he held the position of governor over the large commercial city of Yangzhou. He also claimed to have visited hundreds of Christian churches. These would have been the result of Christianity that had arrived in 635 from Christian merchants along the Silk Road (Nostoro, 2008)."
While it is true the Kingdom will be fulfilled to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must accept that God in His mercy still wants to save as many people as possible. History proves that there is no greater way for nations to be converted than through leaders in high positions whether it would be through their conversion or through the Lord raising up leaders full of faith in Him. The bottom line is that we must fulfill that which God called us to fulfill. For some of us this may mean full-time ministry but for most of us it will mean fulfilling our secular roles in a holy and Godly manner, using our influence for Kingdom purposes. I will close with some food thought: which has more influence in the lives of others, being a pastor of a church of 120 believers (the average size of an American church) or managing a company of 5oo employees, etc.?
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_I_and_Christianity
http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/bios/b3marcopolo_p1hj.htm
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Paul's Prayer for the Philipians
This powerful prayer Paul prayed for the Philippians is a great supplement to our daily devotionals.
Philippians 1:9-11
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."
Put in first person to pray for ourselves:
This I pray, that my love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that I may approve the things that are excellent, that I may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."
Put in first person to pray for ourselves:
This I pray, that my love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that I may approve the things that are excellent, that I may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Friday, January 16, 2009
"Fishermen"
Posted by Nadine Mansour on the Pray4me Yahoo Group:
Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. And lo, there were many fish in the streams and lakes throughout the surrounding area.
Week after week, month after month, and year after year, those who called themselves fishermen met in meetings and talked about .
a.. The call to fish.
b.. The abundance of fish.
c.. How they might go about fishing as an occupation.
They declared that fishing is always to be the primary task of fishermen, but they never fished!
These fishermen built large, beautiful buildings for local fishing headquarters. The plea was that everyone should be a fisherman and every fisherman should fish. One thing they didn't do, however, was fish.
In addition to meeting regularly, they organized a board to send out fishermen to other places where there were many fish. The board was formed by those who had great vision and courage to speak about fishing, to define fishing, to promote the idea of fishing in far-away streams and lakes where many other fish of different color lived. Also the board hired staffs and appointed committees and held many meetings to .
a.. Define fishing.
b.. Defend fishing
c.. Decide what new streams should be thought about.
But the staff and committee members did not fish.
A speaker bureau was provided to schedule special speakers on the subject of fishing. After one stirring meeting on "The Necessity of Fishing," one young fellow left the meeting and went fishing. The next day he reported that he had caught two outstanding fish. He was honored for his excellent catch, and he was scheduled to visit all the big meetings to tell how he did it. So he quit his fishing in order to have time to tell about the experience to the other fishermen. He was also placed on the Fisherman's General Board as a person having considerable experience.
Now it's true that many of the fishermen sacrificed and put up with all kinds of difficulties. Some lived near the water and bore the smell of dead fish. They received ridicule of some who made fun of their fishermen's clubs and the fact that they claimed to be fishermen, yet never fished.
They wondered about those who felt it was of little use to attend the talks about fishing. After all, were they not following the Master, who said, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fisher of men"? (Mark 1:17)
Imagine how hurt some were when one day a person suggested that those who didn't fish were not really fishermen, no matter how much they claimed to be. Yet it did sound correct.
Is a person a fisherman if, year after year, he never catches a fish? Is one following if he isn't fishing?
Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. And lo, there were many fish in the streams and lakes throughout the surrounding area.
Week after week, month after month, and year after year, those who called themselves fishermen met in meetings and talked about .
a.. The call to fish.
b.. The abundance of fish.
c.. How they might go about fishing as an occupation.
They declared that fishing is always to be the primary task of fishermen, but they never fished!
These fishermen built large, beautiful buildings for local fishing headquarters. The plea was that everyone should be a fisherman and every fisherman should fish. One thing they didn't do, however, was fish.
In addition to meeting regularly, they organized a board to send out fishermen to other places where there were many fish. The board was formed by those who had great vision and courage to speak about fishing, to define fishing, to promote the idea of fishing in far-away streams and lakes where many other fish of different color lived. Also the board hired staffs and appointed committees and held many meetings to .
a.. Define fishing.
b.. Defend fishing
c.. Decide what new streams should be thought about.
But the staff and committee members did not fish.
A speaker bureau was provided to schedule special speakers on the subject of fishing. After one stirring meeting on "The Necessity of Fishing," one young fellow left the meeting and went fishing. The next day he reported that he had caught two outstanding fish. He was honored for his excellent catch, and he was scheduled to visit all the big meetings to tell how he did it. So he quit his fishing in order to have time to tell about the experience to the other fishermen. He was also placed on the Fisherman's General Board as a person having considerable experience.
Now it's true that many of the fishermen sacrificed and put up with all kinds of difficulties. Some lived near the water and bore the smell of dead fish. They received ridicule of some who made fun of their fishermen's clubs and the fact that they claimed to be fishermen, yet never fished.
They wondered about those who felt it was of little use to attend the talks about fishing. After all, were they not following the Master, who said, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fisher of men"? (Mark 1:17)
Imagine how hurt some were when one day a person suggested that those who didn't fish were not really fishermen, no matter how much they claimed to be. Yet it did sound correct.
Is a person a fisherman if, year after year, he never catches a fish? Is one following if he isn't fishing?
3 Attacks on Your Faith in the Church & Strategy to Overcome Your Giant!
When we develop our relationship with God and we know who He truly is and who we are in Him, our faith will likely be persecuted. As believers we expect this from the world (John 15:18-25) but where we miss it sometimes is that it comes from the church as well. This is dangerous, especially for new believers who filled with zeal have recently learned of the precious freedom we have in Christ. This lesson is most clearly illustrated by the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.
All the men of Israel feared the Philistine giant because they saw the insurmountable circumstances before them while David had faith because he knew God was bigger than any giant (2 Corinthians 5:7). In verse 26 David shouts, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” This one statement of faith causes three attempts to keep David from his destiny (keep in mind David was already anointed to be king) through fellow men of Israel:
David was accused of evil: “Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did. Now when the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul; and he sent for him (v. 28-31).”
We see this many times in church. When believers step-up full of faith they are many times misjudged as prideful and self-seeking when truly they are full of faith and vision, believing the word of God. To be aware of this attack is crucial to ever believer’s life.
From early on in my walk with Jesus, the Lord has blessed me with a prophetic calling which was the cause of much persecution from family, church members, etc. While I focused on Jesus I knew rumors and backbiting were going on but I never stopped to think or dwell on them. When I put my focus on them I started questioning myself and whether or not I really heard from God, after all I thought, if these Christians have been around much longer than I they must certainly know what they’re talking about. This became a short stumbling block for me until I turned my focus back of Jesus.
David’s ability was questioned: “Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth (v. 32-33).”
Once our faith is accepted the next thing which is questioned is our ability. What Bible school did you go to? Who did you sit under? What denomination are you from? The problem is that Saul, like David’s brother was walking by sight. He was looking at David’s schooling, experiences, etc. while David wasn’t walking in faith in his own abilities but rather he was walking in faith of God and His ability to use David and to come through for him as He has done in the past.
“Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” Moreover David said, “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine (v. 36-37).”
Saul clothed David with his armor and weapons: “So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine (v. 38-40).”
Once we pass the “ability” test and are accepted for the task, many times others will try to get us to use their gifts, weapons, or the way they have always done things. David however, had to use the tools that he knew, the ones God gave him not Saul. If David would have decided to face Goliath with Saul’s armory, the results could have been devastating but we know the rest of the story! Hallelujah!
A Closer Look at David’s Strategy:
As we take a closer look at one of David’s most profound victories recorded in the Bible we can recognize a few key steps David took to overcome this giant:
David recognized that the Lord was with him and His ability to overcome: Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied (v. 45).”
David expected the Lord to move of his behalf: “This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand (v. 46).”
David declared the word: “This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (v. 46).”
David glorified God & gives Him the battle: “Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands (v. 47).”
When the giant came at him, he hurried to meet him: “So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine (v. 48).”
This is a crucial step that should be noted by all believers. David did not run from Goliath, an army in retreat always opens itself to attack from behind (Joyner). David did not hesitate, by confronting the giant the rest of the enemy fled. “And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled (v. 51).” James 4:7 says “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
When David overcame the rest of God’s people had faith to overcome: “And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. Now the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted, and pursued the Philistines as far as the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell along the road to Shaaraim, even as far as Gath and Ekron. Then the children of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their tents (v. 51-53).”
Our testimony of victory builds the faith of others to overcome in their own lives!
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelations 12:11).”
“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelations 19:10).”
My Prayer:
I pray that the Lord will use this teaching to show you how to overcome trials and battles in your own life and that He would pour His wisdom into you and strengthen you with His right arm in the name of our most precious and powerful Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!
AMEN!
All the men of Israel feared the Philistine giant because they saw the insurmountable circumstances before them while David had faith because he knew God was bigger than any giant (2 Corinthians 5:7). In verse 26 David shouts, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” This one statement of faith causes three attempts to keep David from his destiny (keep in mind David was already anointed to be king) through fellow men of Israel:
David was accused of evil: “Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did. Now when the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul; and he sent for him (v. 28-31).”
We see this many times in church. When believers step-up full of faith they are many times misjudged as prideful and self-seeking when truly they are full of faith and vision, believing the word of God. To be aware of this attack is crucial to ever believer’s life.
From early on in my walk with Jesus, the Lord has blessed me with a prophetic calling which was the cause of much persecution from family, church members, etc. While I focused on Jesus I knew rumors and backbiting were going on but I never stopped to think or dwell on them. When I put my focus on them I started questioning myself and whether or not I really heard from God, after all I thought, if these Christians have been around much longer than I they must certainly know what they’re talking about. This became a short stumbling block for me until I turned my focus back of Jesus.
David’s ability was questioned: “Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth (v. 32-33).”
Once our faith is accepted the next thing which is questioned is our ability. What Bible school did you go to? Who did you sit under? What denomination are you from? The problem is that Saul, like David’s brother was walking by sight. He was looking at David’s schooling, experiences, etc. while David wasn’t walking in faith in his own abilities but rather he was walking in faith of God and His ability to use David and to come through for him as He has done in the past.
“Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” Moreover David said, “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine (v. 36-37).”
Saul clothed David with his armor and weapons: “So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine (v. 38-40).”
Once we pass the “ability” test and are accepted for the task, many times others will try to get us to use their gifts, weapons, or the way they have always done things. David however, had to use the tools that he knew, the ones God gave him not Saul. If David would have decided to face Goliath with Saul’s armory, the results could have been devastating but we know the rest of the story! Hallelujah!
A Closer Look at David’s Strategy:
As we take a closer look at one of David’s most profound victories recorded in the Bible we can recognize a few key steps David took to overcome this giant:
David recognized that the Lord was with him and His ability to overcome: Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied (v. 45).”
David expected the Lord to move of his behalf: “This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand (v. 46).”
David declared the word: “This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (v. 46).”
David glorified God & gives Him the battle: “Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands (v. 47).”
When the giant came at him, he hurried to meet him: “So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine (v. 48).”
This is a crucial step that should be noted by all believers. David did not run from Goliath, an army in retreat always opens itself to attack from behind (Joyner). David did not hesitate, by confronting the giant the rest of the enemy fled. “And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled (v. 51).” James 4:7 says “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
When David overcame the rest of God’s people had faith to overcome: “And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. Now the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted, and pursued the Philistines as far as the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell along the road to Shaaraim, even as far as Gath and Ekron. Then the children of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their tents (v. 51-53).”
Our testimony of victory builds the faith of others to overcome in their own lives!
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelations 12:11).”
“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelations 19:10).”
My Prayer:
I pray that the Lord will use this teaching to show you how to overcome trials and battles in your own life and that He would pour His wisdom into you and strengthen you with His right arm in the name of our most precious and powerful Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!
AMEN!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Vision of the Multi-Headed Dragon
After a couple of days of being busy and not taking a specific time to pray and be available for God, I hit the Prayer Room and began plowing again. The first two days were like digging a dry well but I made sure I pressed in for a significant amount of time. When I went to pray on the third day, as soon as I kneeled down I heard the Lord say, “write this down (I only told this part to encourage people to press in, breakthrough can be one more prayer away).”
As I grabbed my notebook I saw a red multi-headed dragon being ridden by a woman. The Lord then warned me that after my next breakthrough I would have to fight the biggest battle I have had to fight yet in my spiritual walk. I then saw a man in full armor representing me resisting this huge dragon and I thought as I saw this “how am I supposed to fight this thing? Lord, I need strategy!”
The Lord then told me each head of the dragon represents a different attack. At first I saw only two heads. The Lord told me to resist the weaker head with my shield (faith) and to attack the stronger head with my sword (Word) so I watched as I raised my shield to resist the weaker headed and I attacked the stronger head with my sword ( appeared as though I was attacking it’s mouth). As I watched on I can remember successfully resisting the dragon but it took much focus and endurance, it was a long and constant battle and I knew that I needed perseverance to overcome.
As I started to knock the enemy back I noticed a few more heads coming from the background in the forefront on each side. I remember thinking something along the lines of, “I only have two hands, I need back-up, Lord what do You want me to do?” The Lord then told me to ask others for help. As I asked for help I saw other believers interceding for me and as they prayed light would shoot from their mouths to a specific head of the dragon keeping it from attacking my while I continued to thwart off the first two heads before the dragon fled in frustration.
After the battle, I noticed I was wounded and exhausted but in good spirit. I had chinks in my armor from the battle but I knew it was time to rest and that the Lord would heal me. The Lord then told me after this battle He would send me a prophet, a mentor who made sense of the battle and taught me as I rested and recovered.
I believe the Lord wanted me to share this with others so that they could implement this strategy in their own battles.
I believe the Lord was showing me that enemy comes to devour us he will come on different fronts. For example, one head may be finances and another head may be a relationship problem, etc. We should use our faith to resist the weaker one and the word to attack the other stronger one. When the enemy brings more things that we can handle we need to ask the brethren for help. One thing I should note is that in my vision each person that interceded for me were praying against different heads coming against me (i.e. one might pray for finances one might pray for relationships, etc.).
I also believe the Lord was saying it’s OK to rest, refresh, and heal after a battle. To evaluate what happened so that we can learn and be empowered by our trials and to learn from the trials of others. Also the Lord told me that the woman riding the dragon was the source of the attack. I believe He was saying that what comes at us is not the cause but there is usually something behind it, a root so to speak. I believe that He would have us ask for His wisdom in these things and have Him reveal to us any cause or root of attack so we can be much more effective in overcoming it.
I pray that the Lord will use my experience to show you how to overcome trials and battles in your own live and that He would pour His wisdom into you and strengthen you with His right arm in the name of our most precious and powerful Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!
AMEN!
As I grabbed my notebook I saw a red multi-headed dragon being ridden by a woman. The Lord then warned me that after my next breakthrough I would have to fight the biggest battle I have had to fight yet in my spiritual walk. I then saw a man in full armor representing me resisting this huge dragon and I thought as I saw this “how am I supposed to fight this thing? Lord, I need strategy!”
The Lord then told me each head of the dragon represents a different attack. At first I saw only two heads. The Lord told me to resist the weaker head with my shield (faith) and to attack the stronger head with my sword (Word) so I watched as I raised my shield to resist the weaker headed and I attacked the stronger head with my sword ( appeared as though I was attacking it’s mouth). As I watched on I can remember successfully resisting the dragon but it took much focus and endurance, it was a long and constant battle and I knew that I needed perseverance to overcome.
As I started to knock the enemy back I noticed a few more heads coming from the background in the forefront on each side. I remember thinking something along the lines of, “I only have two hands, I need back-up, Lord what do You want me to do?” The Lord then told me to ask others for help. As I asked for help I saw other believers interceding for me and as they prayed light would shoot from their mouths to a specific head of the dragon keeping it from attacking my while I continued to thwart off the first two heads before the dragon fled in frustration.
After the battle, I noticed I was wounded and exhausted but in good spirit. I had chinks in my armor from the battle but I knew it was time to rest and that the Lord would heal me. The Lord then told me after this battle He would send me a prophet, a mentor who made sense of the battle and taught me as I rested and recovered.
I believe the Lord wanted me to share this with others so that they could implement this strategy in their own battles.
I believe the Lord was showing me that enemy comes to devour us he will come on different fronts. For example, one head may be finances and another head may be a relationship problem, etc. We should use our faith to resist the weaker one and the word to attack the other stronger one. When the enemy brings more things that we can handle we need to ask the brethren for help. One thing I should note is that in my vision each person that interceded for me were praying against different heads coming against me (i.e. one might pray for finances one might pray for relationships, etc.).
I also believe the Lord was saying it’s OK to rest, refresh, and heal after a battle. To evaluate what happened so that we can learn and be empowered by our trials and to learn from the trials of others. Also the Lord told me that the woman riding the dragon was the source of the attack. I believe He was saying that what comes at us is not the cause but there is usually something behind it, a root so to speak. I believe that He would have us ask for His wisdom in these things and have Him reveal to us any cause or root of attack so we can be much more effective in overcoming it.
I pray that the Lord will use my experience to show you how to overcome trials and battles in your own live and that He would pour His wisdom into you and strengthen you with His right arm in the name of our most precious and powerful Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!
AMEN!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
3 Keys to move into 2009 and Beyond
God spoke on New Year’s Eve and said, “tell my bride it’s time to make herself ready. Behold, I come quickly!” Afterward I thought to myself, “what do I tell” and “who do I tell?”
In the prayer closet today He had me read James 1:5-7 and to pray for wisdom. As I prayed with the scripture I prayed for wisdom, not have any doubt, not to be moved like the waves of the sea being carried by the wind, and not to be double-minded but to be full of faith, wisdom, and discernment and to know where to move throughout 2009 and beyond.
He responded by giving me 3 keys, 3 “to do’s” for this year and the coming years. When I questioned whether or not I should share this word publicly, I heard the Lord say prophesy according to your faith. Romans 12:6 says, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith.” I felt like if I didn’t give this word I would be blowing a huge opportunity for growth so I quickly grabbed my pen and notebook.
The Lord told me there are 3 keys we need to focus on privately and corporately. Those three keys are praise, intercession, and intimacy. He then began to show me the effects of putting these 3 keys into practice; we will look at them individually.
Praise: Praise is where we serve God, minister to Him, and Glorify Him. Psalm 22:3 tells us that God is enthroned in the praises of His people. When His Spirit comes as a result of our praise, heaven opens, barriers in the atmosphere are broken, our hearts get plowed, and we experience breakthrough.
Intercession: Intercession is a way we can serve others through prayer. The Lord showed me when we take the time to pray for others we not only help them but we help ourselves. Intercession is one form of love in action which is why I believe Paul told us to “pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17).” As we recognize the needs of others we gain perspective and are more thankful for things that He has given us, especially here in the U.S. As we pray for others, our own heart gets plowed. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Intimacy: When we set time apart for God and make ourselves available, He will minister to us by revealing Himself, restoring us, giving us rest, and empowering us to overcome. John 14:21 says, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” Hebrews 11:6 says, “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Mark 14:38 says, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Private vs. Public: I believe the Lord is really speaking to His people to get in the prayer closet. I know this is the case for me personally and many believers are saying the same around the globe. While we must come together and practice these 3 keys corporately, the Lord is looking for people to set time apart, close the door, and plow the heavens with prayer. I believe our public ministry and breakthrough can be only as big as our personal prayer life (relationship) and the difference between those who do and don’t practice these 3 keys privately will begin to be drastically shown. Matthew 6:6 says, “when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
I thank you for taking the time to read this word the Lord shared with me and I pray that it will speak to your heart and kindle an even closer relationship with Him in Jesus’ precious name!
Amen!
In the prayer closet today He had me read James 1:5-7 and to pray for wisdom. As I prayed with the scripture I prayed for wisdom, not have any doubt, not to be moved like the waves of the sea being carried by the wind, and not to be double-minded but to be full of faith, wisdom, and discernment and to know where to move throughout 2009 and beyond.
He responded by giving me 3 keys, 3 “to do’s” for this year and the coming years. When I questioned whether or not I should share this word publicly, I heard the Lord say prophesy according to your faith. Romans 12:6 says, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith.” I felt like if I didn’t give this word I would be blowing a huge opportunity for growth so I quickly grabbed my pen and notebook.
The Lord told me there are 3 keys we need to focus on privately and corporately. Those three keys are praise, intercession, and intimacy. He then began to show me the effects of putting these 3 keys into practice; we will look at them individually.
Praise: Praise is where we serve God, minister to Him, and Glorify Him. Psalm 22:3 tells us that God is enthroned in the praises of His people. When His Spirit comes as a result of our praise, heaven opens, barriers in the atmosphere are broken, our hearts get plowed, and we experience breakthrough.
Intercession: Intercession is a way we can serve others through prayer. The Lord showed me when we take the time to pray for others we not only help them but we help ourselves. Intercession is one form of love in action which is why I believe Paul told us to “pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17).” As we recognize the needs of others we gain perspective and are more thankful for things that He has given us, especially here in the U.S. As we pray for others, our own heart gets plowed. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Intimacy: When we set time apart for God and make ourselves available, He will minister to us by revealing Himself, restoring us, giving us rest, and empowering us to overcome. John 14:21 says, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” Hebrews 11:6 says, “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Mark 14:38 says, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Private vs. Public: I believe the Lord is really speaking to His people to get in the prayer closet. I know this is the case for me personally and many believers are saying the same around the globe. While we must come together and practice these 3 keys corporately, the Lord is looking for people to set time apart, close the door, and plow the heavens with prayer. I believe our public ministry and breakthrough can be only as big as our personal prayer life (relationship) and the difference between those who do and don’t practice these 3 keys privately will begin to be drastically shown. Matthew 6:6 says, “when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
I thank you for taking the time to read this word the Lord shared with me and I pray that it will speak to your heart and kindle an even closer relationship with Him in Jesus’ precious name!
Amen!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Quote of the Week
Victory over depression
"Depression is usually the results of allowing discouragement & confusion to cause us to drift from our basic spiritual disciplines, such as reading the Word, praying, fellowshipping, etc. Picking them up again with resolve will almost always start to reverse the downward spiral." - Rick Joyner
"Depression is usually the results of allowing discouragement & confusion to cause us to drift from our basic spiritual disciplines, such as reading the Word, praying, fellowshipping, etc. Picking them up again with resolve will almost always start to reverse the downward spiral." - Rick Joyner
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