This is a repost of a blog from Joel Stockstill, Pastor of Bethany World Prayer Center North, Baton Rouge, LA.

Isa. 53:2b-3 declares “There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected–a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.

There is a trend in the Church of today that would try to give Jesus a “make-over.” This trend would do everything possible to make Jesus relevant and desirable. Is this right??? According to this verse (which is from arguably the most powerful and important chapter in the OT and Bible as a whole) there was nothing about him that was beautiful or desirable. Does this mean we should try to make things difficult for those outside of the Kingdom? By no means no! But we better be very careful in pursuing anything that does not reflect the true nature and heart of our Crucified Messiah.

There seems to be more and more “acceptance” and less and less “despised and rejected.” There seems to be an ever-widening path to eternal life and less mention of the narrow way that Jesus spoke of in Matt. 7:13-14. The Church has gone from persecuted and martyred to celebrated and celebrity. When was the last time we felt the sting of rejection? When is the last time a church was persecuted for telling the truth? In the age of the megachurch, we see churches seeming to explode with limitless growth and ease while around the world the Church is being persecuted like never before. Is this a season of favor or a straying from the trouble Jesus promised would be ours in this world (Jn. 16:33)?

I believe, according to the Word of God, that we as pastors, leaders, and believers should be very careful in trying to make Jesus more appealing to the masses. I’m all for utilizing technology and saying things in a diplomatic way but there has to be some balance of truth. From the stretching of grace to fit any and all compromise of lifestyle to the blatant acceptance of abominable sins such as fornication and homosexuality, the Church of today must return to the hard core truth of the Word.

If Jesus gave nothing to the world that would attract them to Him, then why should His Body? OUCH :)

1 Thess. 1:6 So you received the message with joy from the Holy spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. in this way, you imitated BOTH US AND THE LORD.

    Life will always be filled with mysteries and questions we cannot answer. We will always face tests, circumstances, and situations that challenge the very core of our confidence and stability. There will be times when we will encounter moments of fear, despair, hopelessness, and confusion that will give birth to doubt that renders us helpless and immobilized. Life will bring us the unexpected and the unbelievable, sending shock waves through our traditional convictions and causing us to wonder if there really is a loving Creator who cares about our plight.

Life will many times hit us from the blind side with obstacles and pressures that have no pattern. In essence, for each of us, life is an earthly journey that does not come with a map. I have come to the conclusion that we were created to live by trust and explore the unknown with the compass of faith. To live effectively on this earth we must accept the fact that we will face opportunities to doubt and that everything we believe will be challenged. This is the nature of life, and if you live on the planet, tests and trials will be common and normal.

If you accept the reality of trials and tests as the nature of life on earth, then you will be neither disappointed nor overwhelmed when they arrive. In fact, the best weapon against trials is to see them as tools in the hands of a skillful Sculptor dedicated to the task of unveiling from the block of your existence a perfected image of the real you. I challenge you to trust the divine Sculptor and have faith in His vision of who you really are. May you live a life that embraces the spirit of the words of the apostle James who declared,

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4).

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).

Listen to the words of Peter, who reiterates the same sentiments in his statement: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

The apostle John further injects this spirit of faith, giving us the secret to overcoming every obstacle in life: “And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:3-4).

The writer of the Book of Hebrews sums it all up in these words:

But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, l will not be pleased with him (Hebrews 10:38).

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

So I challenge you to live a faith-filled life. May you rise to every occasion and face the future with a confidence that intimidates trials and embarrasses the skeptics, knowing that nothing can stop the power of your belief. May you live by this motto: “When in doubt…have faith.” Be always mindful that you have the image and nature of your Creator, a nature that is fearless, bold, and stronger than death and life. As long as you believe, you win. Protect your capacity to believe knowing that everything except your destiny is temporary. Doubt is not an option, and faith is a necessity. Live and walk daily by faith. FAITH OVERCOMES THE WORLD – GUARANTEED!

One of the most unique and amazing plants in the world is the Chinese Bamboo Tree. This tree is much different than most trees in that it doesn’t grow in the typical fashion. Once planted, one must water, feed and nurture the seed every day. It must be placed in an area of sunlight to receive nutrients from the sun. This process continues for four agonizing long years. For four years there is no evidence of growth. For four years there is no evidence of life. For four  years it seems like one is totally wasting their efforts. But then in the fifth year an amazing thing happens; The tree finally breaks the surface of the ground and in the space of five weeks grows to an astounding height of 90 feet. It is as if the tree grows right before a person’s eyes.

When I read of this amazing wonder of life, I can’t help but think of the time and effort we invest into our ministries, often without any evidence of growth or life. There have been many times I have personally invested my time, talent and finances into a person or ministry without evidence that it would pay off. There have been times, because of this, that I have given up on a person. Yet, there have also been times after giving up, that I have seen a breakthrough, and that person I worked with finally accepts a bible study. They finally come to church. They receive the Holy Ghost. Those years of hard work and effort finally pay off.

The Bible states;

Gal 6:7-9

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that  he will also reap.

8 For he that sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not grow weary while doing good: for in due season we shall reap, if we do not loose heart.

I have come to learn that God’s growing season is much like the Chinese Bamboo Tree. There isn’t anything typical about it. There is no rhyme or reason to it. We will never understand how God operates, we just need to understand, “in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. I sometimes wonder if God placed the Chinese Bamboo Tree on earth for us to learn from.

What most people do not understand about the Chinese Bamboo Tree is that the growth is not all occurring during that five week span in the fifth year. But underneath the ground, the seed has actually sprouted within days of being planted. During those first four years this Bamboo Tree is actually growing a very strong, deep and extensive root system below the surface of the ground. This extensive root system is necessary to sustain the life of this amazing tree. One cannot see this growth with the naked eye, but one who understands plants knows exactly what is happening. They cannot see it, but they know the seed is growing. They keep feeding, watering and providing sunlight to it because they understand if they stop, this plant will die. This is a great picture of faith.

Those of us who truly understand God know that He is going to do what He promised He would do. Our faith in God is what keeps us going. We continue to invest our time and energy into his Kingdom because we understand that something is happening just beneath the surface. Whatever is happening beneath the surface is a necessary part of the answer. We may not see the answer today, but that doesn’t mean the answer is not being worked on today. Our faith in God gives us the patience to keep working and waiting until His answer does come.

James said it this way;

James 1:3

3 Knowing this, that the testing of your faith produces patience.

Heb 6:12

12 That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Most of us have enough faith, but few of us have enough patience. I encourage you today to allow your faith to work patience in you. When you allow your faith and your patience to work together, God said, “you will inherit your promise!”  You will receive your answer. You will succeed.

Don’t quit now, you have come too far to turn back. Don’t give up. There is something happening just beneath the surface! Keep working. Keep watering. Keep witnessing. Keep praying. Keep serving. Keep giving, and “in due season you will  reap, if you don’t quit”

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails.

In First Corinthians 13:4-8, Paul describes the characteristics of agape love. God designed these verses to help you determine whether or not you are walking in this kind of supernatural love in your own life.

You can be sure that the agape love of God will never fail you or let you down. This love is constant, unchanging, and unbendable. It is a love you will always find to be reliable and true — a love on which you can depend.

God wants you to learn to function in His Agape Love, which is why the Holy Spirit inspired the apostle Paul to write these amazing words in First Corinthians 13:4-8. This passage of Scripture is God’s mirror, designed for us to look into so we can see how well we fare at walking in the agape love of God.

Following is a compilation of the words in this passage. Carefully consider them; then ask yourself, do I pass the love test? Or does this reveal that I need to mature more in this part of my life?

The following is an expanded translation of First Corinthians 13:4-8 by Rick Renner:

• Love patiently and passionately bears with others for as long as patience is needed;
• Love doesn’t demand others to be like itself; rather, it is so focused on the needs of others that it bends over backwards to become what others need it to be;
• Love is not ambitious, self-centered, or so consumed with itself that it never thinks of the needs or desires that others possess;
• Love doesn’t go around talking about itself all the time, constantly exaggerating and embellishing the facts to make it look more important in the sight of others;
• Love does not behave in a prideful, arrogant, haughty, superior, snooty, snobbish, or clannish manner;
• Love is not rude and discourteous — it is not careless or thoughtless, nor does it carry on in a fashion that would be considered insensitive to others;
• Love does not manipulate situations or scheme and devise methods that will twist situations to its own advantage;
• Love does not deliberately engage in actions or speak words that are so sharp, they cause an ugly or violent response;
• Love does not deliberately keep records of wrongs or past mistakes;
• Love does not feel overjoyed when it sees an injustice done to someone else but is elated, thrilled, ecstatic, and overjoyed with the truth;
• Love protects, shields, guards, covers, conceals, and safeguards people from exposure;
• Love strains forward with all its might to believe the very best in every situation;
• Love always expects and anticipates the best in others and the best for others;
• Love never quits, never surrenders, and never gives up;
• Love never disappoints, never fails, and never lets anyone down.

After meditating on these verses, what is your answer? Are you walking in this kind of love?

Have you achieved the level of love that God wants you to have in your life? Do you manifest this type of love to others who are around you? Or do you now see that you still have areas in your life where you need to grow, develop, and change in regard to

This issue of God’s love in your life is so important. How you relate to others, love others, and impact others is the most important question in your life. Since this is such a vital issue, it’s worth your time to get into the Presence of the Lord and ask Him to reveal those areas in your love walk that need to be improved?

“Yes we had the sentence of death in ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:9)

We all occasionally have places in our lives where we don’t know what to say, what to do, where to turn, or even how to pray. Sometimes it seems like we’ve come to the end and it seems like everything is finished. These are very difficult places

Through these kinds of experiences, you and I discover that in our own strength, we are no match for some of life’s problems. That’s why we must learn to depend on the power and wisdom of God!

This was the circumstance Paul experienced. By all appearances it looked like there was no way for them to escape or even to survive. It looked like they had come to the end; everything for him seemed to be finished. Death seemed to be the final verdict.

We have all had times in our life when it looked like it was the end of the road for us and our dreams? In those times it looks like there is no way out, so many problems are stacked against you that you think you can never survive what you were facing. This was the Apostles Paul’s situation. Death seemed to be imminent.

But in spite of how it looked, Paul didn’t die, nor did he fail at fulfilling the job God had given him. It may have looked like it was the end of the road, but it was really the beginning of a new supernatural flow of divine power into Paul’s life. That’s why he went on to say that through it all, he learned not to trust in himself, but in God who raises the dead.

Paul had been under such intense pressure that he felt death was unavoidable. Then right from the midst of this horrible situation, God’s power was released and Paul was rescued! Paul said it was as if he and his companions had been raised from the dead.

When you don’t know what else to do and when you have no one else to turn to, that’s usually when God’s resurrection power begins to operate in you to the greatest measure! You see, there’s no such thing as no hope. As long as there is a loving Heavenly Father you can call on, there is still hope for you! If you learn to rely on Him, what seemed to be the end place in your life that you’re facing right now can become a new beginning!

So call out to the Lord right now and expect Him to release His resurrection power on your behalf to turn your dead-end situation around! Declare that you do not trust in your own efforts or human thinking but in God and His life-giving power. Trust Him to perfect that which concerns you, and believe to see His life giving power made manifest in your life today!

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.

Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.

(Source: mail.aol.com)

Removing the Fog

When the load is heavy and your heart is burdened it creates a spiritual fog so that you have difficulty seeing clearly where you are headed or where to take your next step. You must release your burden and cast your cares upon the Lord in order to regain clarity. Refuse to allow fear to overtake you. Changes are inevitable, but you can make the necessary adjustments easily if you will trust the Lord to bring you through this time of transition. Even though you feel that you have to bear the brunt of responsibility, you are not alone; He is with you to carry the load.

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

As we are involved in 40 days of fasting and prayer in Pensacola and today honoring Dr. Martin Luther King I felt the following information about Dr. Kings Prayer Life is significant.

The Role of Prayer for Dr. Martin Luther King

The late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. has long been hailed as a civil rights leader, but religious studies professor Lewis Baldwin said one aspect of his life has often been overlooked: the role of prayer.

“In order to understand him, you must begin, I think, with this idea of King as a spiritual leader,” said Baldwin, author of the recent book, Never to Leave Us Alone: The Prayer Life of Martin Luther King Jr.

“Dr. King always made it clear that his civil rights and political activities were an extension of his ministry.”

As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of Monday’s (Jan. 17) federal holiday honoring King, the scholar who has spent a quarter century chronicling King’s cultural influences has focused on King’s prayer life.

For King, personal prayer and public prayer were equally significant, the scholar said.

“Dr. King’s personal devotional life was very, very important in giving him the courage and the determination to fight for justice,” said Baldwin, who teaches at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

King would take “personal prayer retreats” and shut himself in a hotel room or pastor’s study to pray, meditate and plan his next sermon or civil rights activities.

“But public prayer was important to him also because he understood prayer in that context as a form of creative energy,” Baldwin said. “It was a way of motivating, affirming, reaffirming, empowering people in the context of the struggle for equal rights.”

He writes that “prayer was King’s secret weapon in the civil rights movement,” a key to its success as people found the strength to continue despite arrests and killings.

King’s prayers included a sense of perspective on the man and the movement he led. In a 1957 sermon at his Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala., he said one of his daily prayers was, “Help me, O God, to see that I’m just a symbol of a movement.”

Others were personal as well as corporate: “As we look within ourselves we are confronted with the appalling fact that the history of our lives is the history of an eternal revolt against thee,” he prayed in a 1953 prayer broadcast from Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church.

He sounded a similar tone later that year: “We realize that we stand surrounded with the mountains of love and we deliberately dwell in the valley of hate,” according to the 2007 volumes of “The Papers of Martin Luther King Jr.”

Prayer — at mealtimes and before leaving for school — was emphasized in King’s childhood home, where he grew up the son and grandson of Baptist preachers. As a young married father, he continued prayer traditions when he was home with his own family.

King had what was perhaps the most transforming prayer experience in 1956, after a midnight call from a racist who threatened to kill him and destroy his home.

“He retreated to his kitchen and over a cup of coffee poured his heart out to God,” Baldwin said.

King later preached a sermon about the experience, saying he had a vision of God telling him to “stand up” for righteousness and assuring him that he would always have God’s companionship.

“He felt from that point on that he was never really alone,” said Baldwin, who named his book after King’s experience.

Baldwin, who heard King speak as a high school junior in Camden, Ala., said King’s praying and preaching were intertwined.

“You can’t talk about his preaching without talking about his prayer life because he engaged in prayer from the point of the preparation of the sermon,” he said.

Often his prayers were brief, only one or two sentences in length.

“He had difficulty at times with those in the black churches who prayed on and on for minutes and minutes and minutes, repeating themselves,” said Baldwin, 61. “He felt that prayer at that point becomes just an exercise in words and perhaps even meaninglessness.”

King’s prayers, influenced by the legacies of St. Francis of Assisi and nonviolence advocate Mahatma Gandhi, became a pioneering aspect of interracial and interfaith dialogue, Baldwin said.

“Dr. King was able to intersect into the civil rights movement Christians, Muslims, Jews, Protestants, Catholics and they all … sang together and prayed together,” Baldwin said.

More than four decades after King’s assassination, Baldwin said King’s focus on prayer has much to teach other social movements.

“Dr. King taught us about the importance of prayer, not only as a part of our own personal devotional life but … also prayer must be a part of any movement for social action,” he said.

This is a repost of an article from David Barton at www.wallbuilders.com as we commemorate this special day in American History.

Remembering Our History

Today, January 17, is officially designated by Congress as Martin Luther King Day, celebrating his life and achievements as an influential American civil rights leader. (Significantly, he was born in 1929 as Michael King Jr., but in 1935, his dad changed both of their names to Martin Luther to honor the great Christian reformer.)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister, was the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, being honored for his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination without the use of violence.

Today is also the birthday of another significant American leader who fought for racial equality and justice: Benjamin Franklin. Although best known as a signer of the Declaration and th e Constitution, he was a also a vocal social activist and one of the earliest and strongest proponents for ending slavery and securing rights for all Americans, regardless of the color of their skin.

Franklin founded and was President of the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery, and he worked tirelessly in the civil rights arena throughout his life, warning that if the injustices continued in America, it would “draw down the displeasure of the great and impartial Ruler of the Universe upon our country.”

Franklin’s last public act was to petition Congress on February 3, 1790, to abolish slavery, urging them to “devise means for removing the inconsistency from the character of the American People” and to “promote mercy and justice toward this distressed race.”

So today, in addition to remembering the contributions of the Founders, we honor the extraordinary life, achievements, and sacrifice of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in pursuing and helping fulfill the Declaration of Independence’s two-century old recognition that all men were created equal and were equally entitled to an enjoyment of their God-given rights.

Word Given by David Wagner  New Years Eve at Jubilee International Ministries - Pensacola, Florida   12-31-2010  

 I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying: “I Am granting you access to secret chambers and dimensions of My heart. You are being armed with an arsenal of My ability and I Am adorning you with My favor like never before. Accept My word and align yourselves with what I have spoken. Anticipate the greatest hour that has ever existed. I Am awakening My church to a new day of harvest and purpose. It is time for you to activate the anointing I have put within you. Acknowledge Me in all of your ways and I will give you the desire of your hearts. This shall be a decade of acceleration and accommodating My promises a fresh and anew.”

“Be bold and do not shrink back from what I have promised you. Bombard heaven with your praise and I will break you through the walls of limitation and take you beyond the veil of My glory. My bride shall shine in this year like never before as I cause her to carry My radiant beauty in the earth. Brace yourselves for the best instead of preparing for the worst. Breakthrough is here and you have entered a new chapter and era as the people of God.”

“Consecrate yourselves, keep your hearts pure and your hands clean. Cling to my presence and cast off every care. I Am staking My claim and coming to My church like never before. As I spoke to Moses and Joshua so I speak to you: Do all that I command you to do and you will have great success. Commit yourselves to Me and allow Me to create a new culture of covenant within My church. Be consumed with compassion and commit to My great commission and I will cause nations to be converted as I have promised. Stay connected to a steady stream of the Holy Spirit and become conduits of My power”.

“Dare to dream again and declare that your day and time of destiny has arrived. The days of disappointment have come to an end. It is the dawning of a new day. Delight in the Lord and His promises. Do not doubt and you will not be denied. Be deliberate in your steps as I cause you to walk in new realms of delegated authority.Declare your full dependence upon Me and I will give you the desires of your heart. I am delivering the designs for your destiny and causing your dreams to become reality. I have determined that this will be a decade of double portions and double favor.” 

“Expect to be surprised by expressions of My love and affection as I enhance My presence upon My people even in public places. I will be seen enthroned upon the praises of My church and I will release My glory in extraordinary ways in the year ahead. Prepare to be entrenched in victory as I continue to heap coals upon the head of the enemy. I Am equipping believers with the power and glory that was demonstrated in the Book of Acts. Expand your expectations and I will expand your territory, your impact, and your influence. I am sending the hosts of heaven to be embedded among you to listen to what you say and and carry out my word as you give the command.”

“The faith of the faithful shall release the works of God in action. I am calling forth the flames of fire to carry the fullness of My glory. Favor shall surround My people like a shield and I will fulfill My promises and bring My word into fruition. The fruit of the Spirit must line up with the gifts of the spirit in this next season. There is a new freedom coming upon My people to be who I created  and called them to be. I am driving out fear and releasing fresh faith. Be like the great men of old who obtained a word from God and framed their world with it. Fortify the body, fall into formation as I send you into unchartered territories of favor.”

“Greater glory, greater works and greater purpose is being birthed in the heart of My church. Grab hold of my promises and go forth with great confidence. My goodness shall be seen in the earth this year and many that are in darkness shall gravitate to the living God. I have given you glimpses of My glory in the past but this year I shall consume you. Generations are coming into 2011. There is a generational move of the Spirit that is coming in this year focus on generation ministry and I will release the mystery hidden throughout generations.”

“Hold on to My word and hide it in your heart. You shall no longer be hindered. It is time for the heirs of salvation to have what I have spoken. I am putting greater honor upon My house. 2011 will be a year of humbling for many leaders in the church and on the world stage as I release My hand of mercy to bring forth the turning of hearts among the elect and the elected. Healing shall spring forth like the morning and the hope of many shall be restored as I heap the resources of My heart upon My people.”

“Increase has come upon you in 2011. Increase your capacity as I release to you the inheritance of the Kingdom. Your inheritance has already been secured and paid for. There will be an increase of opportunity, fruit, and souls in the year ahead. Operate out of your identity, be secure in who I created you to be and know that you are backed by the I Am. Your sphere of influence will be expanded as you are illuminated with a child like faith and innocence. Intercessors are being called to take their rightful positions and infiltrate the enemies territory. This shall be a year of financial intervention and Kingdom investment.”

“Joy unspeakable and full of glory is yours this year. My joy is your strength so do not let the enemy steal it. I am jealous over you and long for you to fall in love with me all over again in the year ahead. Judgment begins in the house of God pulpits and steeples shall be shaken with a greater sense of the holiness of God. Justice shall be served in this nation and the nations of the earth this year as I overturn the rulings of man and unravel the plans of the enemy.”

“Kingdom Keys are being released to Kingdom hearted people. I will give you the keys to unlock generations, nations, and resources for an end time harvest. Keep your eyes on My presence in this season because you have never been this way before.”

“Lead with love, listen with love, learn with love, lavish with love. Pursue love and I will make you irresistible. Love is the key, love is the answer, love is your greatest tool, and love is your greatest weapon. Love the unlovable and I will give you cities, regions, and nations.”

“Multitudes are about to be moved from darkness to glorious light. My mercy is going to release a movement of miracles in the earth as I manifest My majesty and might in the earth. Move beyond the ordinary and maximize the moment I have created for you.”

“Nothing is impossible for those who believe and I am launching you far beyond what you have ever thought was possible. I am releasing My nature upon those who are called by My name.”

“

Open heavens shall abound in 2011. This will be known as a year of open doors and unexplainable open doors of opportunity for those who have abandoned themselves to obedience.”

“Perfected praise shall spring forth out of the mouths of children. The pure in heart shall see My face. Be persistent, precise, and patient and you will posses the promise. Peace is power in 2011. This will be a year of prophetic encounters, provision encounters, and power encounters.”

“Quit worrying and let your faith be quickened. I am quashing the attacks of the enemy and causing the earth to quake with the knowledge of the glory of God.”

“Restoration is on My lips this year. I Am bringing about the restoration of all things including the restoration of rest for My people. Release what I have deposited inside of you. Rely on My power and not your own. Jesus the Redeemer is coming to redeem, restore, renew, and rejuvenate His people. Rivers of resources are being released to the Remnant that will build by the Spirit.”

“Seek me in the secret place and I will tell you secrets that you have never known or heard so take time to sit at My feet. Salvation is here. This is a year of household salvation! I am changing the landscape of your surroundings I am releasing a saturating presence upon those willing to soak in my presence. Surrender your ways for My ways. Seize the moment as I continue to secure your future. Spirit led will replace seeker sensitive and the sons of thunder shall be heard loud and clear.”

“Trust Me during this year of transition. Your trials are being turned into triumphs. I am crowning you with truth and taking you from grace to grace and glory to glory. This is a year of transformation for many churches, cities, and nations. Taste and see that the Lord is good. This is your time to take back what was stolen. The Holy Spirit is coming to teach and train His people as He thrusts them out to do what has never been seen or done before.”

“Unwrap the gifts I have placed inside of you. God is unifying and fortifying His church. I am ushering you into a year of unusual and uncommon encounters with the Holy Spirit. He is uprooting, unraveling, and undoing the plans of the enemy on behalf of His people.”

“Victory is at hand! Men of valor are rising like Gideon to defeat the works of darkness. Virtuous women are taking their place of value in the body and victims are becoming victorious.”

“Watch me fulfill what I have said. The waiting is over and I am moving you into realms of fulfillment and completion like never before. I am washing over My body with rivers of refreshing. Be willing to be stretched, challenged, and changed. This will be a year that the whispers of heaven will be heard.”

“Expel all thoughts of failure. I have called you people of excellence, to soar like eagles and to see what others could not. Exhaust yourself in your pursuit of My presence and I will show you mighty deeds. I am expanding your territory. Exalt me and lit me up and I will draw all men unto me.”

“Yesterday is gone so let it go. Yield yourself to me. Let your soul say yes to what I am calling you to do. I am releasing the anointing that destroys the yoke. You have been anointed and called to make history and change the world around you. This is your day, your time, and your year to go beyond where you have ever been.”

“Be zealous for good works and let the zeal of the Lord be seen upon you and provoke others to jealousy because of your passion for Him and His love for you.”

(Source: mail.aol.com)

As I consider the miracle of Christmas, God becoming Flesh, I am always intrigued with this amazing act of God’s Love for us. The Creator of the Universe became the created. Just as God was made flesh to fulfill His eternal promise, He wants His promises to you to be fulfilled in this season. I am excited about the Lord bringing His word to pass in our lives. The scriptures says, “God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent. Has He said and will He not do? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good.” (Numbers 23:19) He watches over His Word to perform it.

One of the most inspiring acts of faith and obedience are words of Mary when the angel visited her with the announcement of God’s Supernatural plan in Luke 1:24-38. Mary’s response was “How can this thing be”… and the angels said, “with God nothing will be impossible.” Mary’s answer was “Let it be to me according to your word.”  Some of you have had this same question come to your mind as you have waited on the Lord. I have great anticipation for these days. I am convinced more than ever that OBEDIENCE is much better than sacrifice! When you choose to obey God, you will spend your days in prosperity and your years in pleasure (Job 36:11). CHOOSE to obey Him at all times because what you will reap from it will be beyond your greatest expectation.

The scripture says in Psalm 126:1-6, “When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then was our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then they said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us; and we are glad. ….Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth and weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” The Lord is prepared in this moment to turn your mourning into dancing, your tears into joy and your captivity into liberty. However, you must make a decision to believe God that your season of JOY has come! The Christmas song says, “Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room….” Joy is not just for the world. The joy is for those who have prepared room in their hearts for Him to dwell without obstruction. Make room in your heart…and let the KING OF GLORY COME IN! “Who is this King of Glory? The Lord God strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; even lift up you everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:8-10)

May you have a very Merry Christmas and the Most Blessed New Year ever! Enjoy and treasure your time with friends and family. More importantly magnify the Name of the Lord Most High Who Was and Is and Is to Come!