YOU'RE Still Good...

 YOU'RE Still Good...

There I sat in the dimly lit room in the morgue, holding her hand, angry and bitter.  I was so furious.  I thought I felt warmth coming back into her hand. I wanted that so badly. She died anyway. I prayed as hard as I could, then I cursed. I cursed her so hard.  I cursed God so much.  This was so wrong. How could this happen, without notice.  It was so sudden, and definitely too soon.  This was not how it was supposed to end.  So abruptly. So unprepared I was.  We'd just spoken two days ago.  No one told me it got complicated.  She never told me it got complicated.  I could have come sooner. I could have dropped everything and come sooner.  It hurt so much, even now it still does.  An entourage met me at the airport, but I didn't think anything of it.  I mean, it was thanksgiving right.  No one said anything about it. But once I opened the apartment door I just knew.  The gut wrenching pain I felt in my stomach, like someone was playing tug of war with my insides. The pull, the tear, the pain. I bellowed so hard.  Somehow I just knew.  I sensed that she had died, and I let them take me to the morgue to see her.   

It was a normal checkup, a regular checkup.  They made a mistake, and just like that, she's no more.  A simply wrong dosage. A small error, and she was no more. I literally just spoke to her. Why didn't she tell me to change my flight? We'd talked about things we were going to do, like make her perfect tiramisu for thanksgiving, etc...  This was just too much.  The walls came tumbling down. There I stood in a Jericho moment. Have you ever had one of those?  The moment everything that's supposed to be stable, powerful and perfect comes crashing down uncontrollably. Imagine, maybe your:

• Perfect marriage
• Secure family
• Beautiful children
• Super relationship
• Awesome friendship
• Secure job
• Financial security

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You just can't imagine your life otherwise. Especially if it happens suddenly. Death, no matter how anticipated is always painful for those left in the aftermath.  1 Samuel 31 David's best friend Johnathan dies in battle.  He'd been there for David and saved him from his father's wrath on several occasions.  Yet David couldn't save him and it broke his heart tremendously.  Several years later, David's son dies at the hand of God.  He had coveted a man's wife and got her pregnant.  Then he got the man killed to cover it up, and married the man's wife afterwards.  God killed the innocent child. 2 Samuel 12.  Then God sent a prophet with a judgement proposal for David.

2 Samuel 12: 15 - 20

15 After Nathan had gone home, the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them.

18 On the seventh day the child died. David’s attendants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, “While the child was still living, he wouldn’t listen to us when we spoke to him. How can we now tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate.”

19 David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves, and he realized the child was dead. “Is the child dead?” he asked. “Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.”

20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.

Samuel 24. Again, David sinned by taking a census of his soldiers.  He had forgotten that his victories were not as a result of his army, but God's power.  He was taking the glory for himself.  God is a jealous God.  Exodus 34.  David had done something that God did not authorize.  Be careful not to do those things.  Especially when you come into power, stay humble.  Only God deserves the praise. 

Proverbs 21:1

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own.

John 19 During HIS trial, Jesus told Pilate , "You would have no power over me at all unless it were given you from above". This is a reminder that all earthly power and authority is permitted by God. Jesus voluntarily submitted to his crucifixion as part of a divine plan, not because of the inherent authority held by Pilate.  Power to God is like oxygen to man. It's innate.  It doesn't marvel God and it shouldn't marvel us.  We were made in HIS image and likeness. Infact from the very outset, in Genesis 1 God gave man power to dominate.  HE commanded us to dominate the earth.  What HE expects from us is reverence, honor and humility.  We're supposed to love on each other, not lord things over each other.  That was God's original intent for mankind. There was only supposed to be one Lord, and that would/ should be HIM.  However, we got the wrong memo. We keep trying to outdo each other, not understanding that we have different assignments.  Each life has a unique role, just as each body part serves a different purpose.  Sometimes we re-assign or reconfigure our roles.  (That's why we need the Holy Spirit to teach us).  But God is patient with us.

Despite our errors, God understands that we're HIS children.  As a father, HE gently guides us by the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Especially when we hurt, we need to maintain an attitude of submission.  This is learnt.  When we come to realize God's love and affection towards us, inspite of ourselves.  Sometimes our wounds can lead us into dark spaces.  Even when HE punishes us like David, HIS arms are always open towards us.  HIS arms are always ready to craddle us.  Romans 5.

Romans 8:32 

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

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Not until you've been backed into a dark space like the prodigal son in the pig's pen.  When you realize that your own efforts caused you to choose wrongly.  When you understand that you are powerless to make it right.  Then you will begin to appreciate God's unconditional fatherly love for you.   As HIS child, you'll allow yourself to experience HIS eyes searching for you; HIS arms waiting for you, and HIS wealth ready to enfold and smother you with HIS honest affection.  God isn't fickle.  Sure HE punishes us. But that's just a very small part of the process.  Our father in heaven, inhabits our praises.  Like David worship HIM.  After David's son died he chose to worship God.  This is the remedy.

When my sister died, I ran so far and hard.  But HE waited.  And everywhere I turned I kept hearing this song in my head: 

I Trust YOU Lord..

 

I had a Jericho moment. It's one of the hardest things I've ever encountered. Over the years, Our Father God has proven HIS faithfulness to me, over and over again. Sometimes I ran off like the Prodigal son Luke 15. And sure enough, there HE was looking out, and waiting with open arms. Sometimes, God chases you.  HE waits patiently in the background for you to wake up.  Love forgives without condemnation.   There are consequences, but it's just a part of the process.  The goal is reconciliation.  Sometimes like Job, my friends have accused me of things they don't understand. Job 4. Another Jericho moment. People are people! And Life is lifing! Jericho moments are the ebb and flow of it all. The only thing constant is the love of Our Heavenly Father towards us. No matter how many times we get it wrong, HE'S still good. HE'S still the most loving encounter we'll ever experience in our lifetime. Today, as I stand in yet another Jericho moment, I'm not running away. Instead, I've learnt to seek HIS embrace. It's safe, it's peaceful and it's rejuvenating. Are you hurting? What have you lost? What do you feel powerless to change or save? If you do, know this, HE forgives! HE heals! HE resurrects! HE'S the G.O.A.T. on restoration. Ask David, ask Paul. Better yet ask Jesus.

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

After over 30 years of a relationship.  My testimony is... HE'S STILL GOOD! 

Let HIM show you!

Our Father...

 OUR FATHER..

Matthew 6 These two simple words are two of the most powerful words ever communicated between God and man.  In the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray, these are the first two words.  Our is significant  for a myriad of reasons which include:

• When we come to God, we must acknowledge that we exist in community.  Absolutely, no man is an island.  We are all a part of a whole system.
• We are built for service. All jobs tend to serve others. Even in politics, those who lead are called ministers, eg. prime minister.  Doctors, lawyers, chefs, schools, hospitals and service stations all exist to serve others.  
• Though some of us many times try to operate independently, we need each other.  We need the farmer, the household helper, the garbage collector, etc.. No one is inessential.  Just as the body needs the pinky finger, so too we need each other.  
• Each part has a different role. In order for us to successfully advance, we need to voluntarily support each other.  The individual has to take care of the elbow as well as the knee.  When one part of the body is hurting, it affects the rest of the body and it's ability to function optimally.
• Though we are unique, God sees us as a unit.  HE expects us to come to HIM on behalf of each other.  HE expects us to fulfill HIS divine purpose, and also to represent each other amicably.

When we kneel to pray to God for ourselves, we should always remember to pray for the rest of the body. Christ is the head, and we are the body. Colossians 1 The believers in Christ represent the ecclessia.  We are supposed to govern, to dominate. Our role in the earth is to advance the kingdom of God based on the evidence of our love. John 13. We cannot claim to love God whom we have not seen if we don't or refuse to love our fellow brothers whom we see.  For nothing is impossible with God.  Some people are very hard to love; but it is God's power that enables us to do so.  

1 Corinthians 12: 12 - 15

12 There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. 13 We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit. And so we are formed into one body. It didn’t matter whether we were Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink. 14 So the body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts.

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God's essential plan is to build HIS heavenly kingdom on earth through the believers in Christ Jesus.  Matthew 16 Those of us who believe in Christ follow HIM, and are become exposed to our father God, based on Jesus' teachings and manifestation. John 3.  Jesus re-introduced God to the world as father. Being born again is a spiritual occurrence. Are you born again? The laws are the mirror which show us the error of our ways.  Faith is the how to directive of positive change for what you see. Jesus brought a different mindset to us as believers. Except for Adam and Eve, we generally experienced God as the Lord God Almighty who was to be feared.  Jesus made our relationship more personal.  HE introduced us to God as our father. Before then, 0ur relationship had become estranged. Essentially, John the Baptist prepared the soil. Jesus planted the seeds. Jesus put us back on track. HE became the way. John 14 We regained access to God's lap as HIS children. Prior to Jesus' intervention, only the high priest had personal access to the father.  Jesus' death on the cross changed everything. Matthew 27  God revealed HIS sovereign plan to mankind.

John 1:12 - 13

But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe in HIS name, — 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Have you encountered HIM in this capacity? Do you believe in HIS grace?  Not just grace for forgiveness, but grace for power to overcome.  As a heir and co-heir with Christ you have power and authority. Your allegiance gives you power. Do you understand? Romans 8 The Almighty God is and has always been our father.  A real father is secure and responsible.  His children run to him especially for hard challenges.  He is a safe space. His children are excited to see him. He nurtures, guides, teaches, protects them and sustains his family.  Unfortunately, several of us have never known the reality of a father, so we cannot relate to the truth of this experience.  Instead, we are fearful, doubtful and plagued with unbelief.  (But fortunately, the role of the Holy Spirit is to teach us everything about HIM.) 

John 14: 26

The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.

A father is a symbol of trust. Many of us struggle to trust God.  In fact, until you experience HIM as your Father, you will never trust in HIM.  John 15  It's a completely different kind of a relationship when you know God as father and not just as God.  

Romans 8:28

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose

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When God made man in Genesis 3, HIS intent was to commune with us on a daily basis.  It was man's sin that separated us from God's fellowship. In fact, Adam and Eve hid from God when they sinned.  Are you hiding from God? Are you hiding anything from God? Inspite of their lies, God still covered them. God always cares, are you convinced? Lies and fear are two of the devils most popular weapons.  he has no new tricks.  Since then, over and over the devil deceives the Israelites. They turn away from God and exchange their freedom for the devil's slavery.  Then they run back to God, He delivers and restores them, then they run again.  It's been one ridiculous cycle after another. Is that your cycle today?. Does the devil have anything on you? sooner than later, he will use it. Do you see the devil for who he really is?  All of the devil's offers are an entrapment.  You always lose something.  Things are never as they appear, never. Do you feel trapped? What have you bartered?

God is the only creator, never forget that.  HE is the only one who can create something out of nothing.  We, including the devil, all are manufacturers. We work with already existing materials. The devil is in the exchange business.  he takes this from you to give to me, and this from me to give to another. his warehouse is not original. his mode of apparatus is barter. our win is seasonally deceptive. his power is temporal. he is a chief deceiver.  John 10 he manipulates our hearts and resources that God already gave to us. he is only able to continue to do this because of the access we grant to him.  his power is temporal. Jesus' death on the cross returned those keys to us that Adam and Eve previously gave him.  Revelations 1 he has whatever control we allow him.  That's it. Jesus returned the power to us that our forefathers gave to the devil.  We're all cut from the same cloth.  What God gave to one, HE gives to all.  Believe HIM.  Commit to trying! Train for the discipline.  No expert is built overnight! It is worth it! You are!

Luke 10: 19

I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you

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On becoming HIS child..

God's role in our lives has not changed.  It's our acceptance of HIM that makes the difference. As a father, we are assured of HIS motives. HE loves us no matter what, and His intent is to bring us favor.  Even when it's unpleasant, that's when we should run to HIM first and foremost.  We are confident that HE will defend and rescue us. We run to HIM for  everything good or bad. We want His opinion. We regard HIS opinion.  We seek to impress HIM, to gain HIS approval.  We enjoy spending time with HIM, and we never want HIM to leave.  That's what fathering is all about, consistent love and security.  We have to let HIM love us.  We have to give HIM a chance and invite HIM in.  We cannot know HIM in this capacity if we don't let HIM in.  Nothing happens if nothing happens.  Just as someone becomes a wife or husband, so too we have to become childlike.  Jump into HIS arms. Run to HIM.  Walk behind HIM, beside HIM, with HIM. Enjoy HIS humor. Let HIM make you smile.

Matthew 18:3

Jesus said, “What I'm about to tell you is true. You need to change and become like little children. If you don't, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Children jump into their parent's arms, chase and obey them blindly.  In fact, children don't understand anything about the adult decisions made on their behalf.  They trust their parent's decisions, that's it. Hopefully, it's love and not hate.  It's anticipated.  The real question is, do you believe that God loves you? So why as a child of God do you not chase and obey your father blindly?  Don't you trust HIS love?  Do you really? Prove it!

TESTIMONY: I thought New Age Would Bring Me Healing, But I Was Trapped In Darkness | I Met Messiah

WORSHIP: Spirit Break Out - Kim Walker-Smith w/ Lyrics

Give HIM your hand and leave it there!

Rabboni....I Have Seen HIM!

 Rabboni....I Have Seen HIM! 

John 20

Have you seen HIM? Have you seen the risen Lord?  Has HE spoken to you? Has HE taught you nothing?  Are you currently in a real relationship with HIM?  Does HE call you by your name? Have you gone seeking for HIM? Have you gone alone? Have you waited earnestly?

After HIS crucifixion, after HIS burial in the tomb, after three days - Jesus rose from the dead.  HIS death on the cross released every believer from every power of sin and death; and also reconciled us back to the Almighty God our Father. 2 Corinthians 5 HIS resurrection means that we too have power over every sin and dead situation in our lives.  These situations include relationships that we think are irredeemable, dreams that we think are unattainable, miracles we believe are impossible, prayers we think are neglected, sins that we think are unforgiveable, maladies, careers, ministries, marriages, children, mistakes, losses, etc...  Our human experiences are very limited, and our exposure to 'smear' often limits our imagination.  Though we have the capacity, we are like birds in a recently opened cage.   We've been caged for so long, we are afraid to fly through the open window set before us.  Jesus's resurrection is about trusting HIS word and ability to set us free. But we do not always believe. 

2 Peter 1: 1 - 3 

His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

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Mary went to HIS tomb to see about HIM.  She was one of HIS close followers. HE had become her teacher.  Jesus had previously delivered her from an enslaved lifestyle.  Are you limited:

• Sometimes we have habits in our lives that we would love to change but feel powerless to do so.  For though we might have attempted to do it on multiple occasions, we often always fall back feeling trapped and overwhelmed.  
• Sometimes it our 'little' secret.  The thing that contaminates us, that we keep hidden.  
• Or maybe that 'big elephant in the room' that we can't escape.  Something so unforgettable or unforgivably wrong that was done to us that keeps us docile. 
• Sometimes it's what others have done to us or hammered in our heads by their compounded negative actions and / words.  We've somehow come to accept it as gospel.

HE came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10. As HIS sheep, we are familiar with HIS voice, HIS presence.  If you feel far away from HIM, praise HIM!  Don't forget, HE inhabits the praises of HIS people. Psalm 22. We are fully equipped to live as victors rather than victims. If we still continue to live a life of bondage and defeat, then that makes Jesus' work on earth for our sake futile.  What's the sense in having the keys if we never use them? 

Matthew 16: 19

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Trust Jesus.  Believe HIS word. John 1 HIS incomprehensible sacrifice is incomparable.  Romans 5.  Jesus died for strangers, technically that's what we are, right? We have to go all in or not at all. That's what Jesus did for us.  HE went all in. In Gethsemane HIS sweat became blood.  HE walked through Jerusalem carrying a cross, humiliated for you and me. We need to seek HIM with all of our hearts.  We need to recognize that we need HIM daily. Let us not mock God.

Galatians 6: 7 - 8

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

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We are victors! There is absolutely no circumstance that exist today that Jesus hasn't already provided a solution for us. 1 Corinthians 10 Nothing should be holding us captive.  And if it exists, then we like Mary should go in search of HIM.  HE really does love us and is interested in our good.  Jesus suffered so we wouldn't have to.  Life is to be enjoyed.  It is a gift.  It was God's intention.  It still is.  We do not have to settle.  HE gives us HIS peace as a seal of HIS signet ring.  When we walk in step with HIM, we understand that there are seasons. Seasons are a part of the process. But all seasons change!  Ask HIM for wisdom. 

Romans 8:32

He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Jesus brought grace and truth to us.  HE brought revelation.  Truth for obedience and grace for capacity and empowerment. God resolved our issue once and for all through Jesus' death. The Father wants a relationship, not a puppet. HE wants to commune with us as he did with Adam and Eve. The veil in the temple was torn in two by God from the top to the bottom.  We all have access. Jesus is our only High Priest, since then, our bodies have become the temple of God.  Jesus is our Emmanuel. 

1 Corinthians 6: 19 - 20

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.

Life - It begins and ends with God. HE is the only one who can satisfy us completely because HE made us. HE knows and understands us, and HE wants us to live fulfilled lives. From the very outset HE told us to dominate. Genesis 1. But we are called to do it together. Sheep is both plural and singular simultaneously for a reason. God wants us to have an individual relationship with HIM, but to also do it in community. Romans 12.  Jesus did what HE expects us to do. HE completed HIS purpose. HE finished HIS race well. We need to honor God with our lifestyle.  Then we will fulfill Jesus' request to the Father, that we will be one and bring honor to God. John 17.  It is always about God's honor; we should never forget that!  

If we say we have seen HIM, then we ought to live in HIS resurrection power today! And if we haven't, then let us come away from all the noise and allow HIM to be our shepherd. Seek HIS truth and grace. Let go and let God renew your faith in HIM. Whatever we consider dead and buried, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. What is dead in your life is not too deeply buried for God. As with Lazarus, allow HIM to change your situation and command it to come forth. Roll away your stone of doubt and unbelief. Because HE lives, you can live too!  HE invites you to do so.  Seek HIM! Call HIM! Trust HIM!

TESTIMONY: Synagogue cantor finds what she was missing in Yeshua | I Met Messiah

WORSHIP: Charity Gayle - I Speak Jesus (feat. Steven Musso) [Live]

Trust Jesus again!

When The Lion Roars...

 When The Lion Roars...

Daniel 6

When the lion roars, he can be heard from 5 miles away.  He struts like a king who dominates the area.  His roar is to claim territory and strike fear into all.  Size is not a deterrent. His prowl is calculated.  He is wise and selective. He is fierce and fearless. He can jump over 35 feet high and he's extremely strong. He has a posse, and he's out for blood. He's known as the king of the jungle.  He hunts everything.  No one dares to silence him, except God!

21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

In the lion's den, Daniel was not afraid because he understood man's limit.  He had seen God do too much for him, to doubt God's ability to do even more.  He feared God more than man. He was innocent. He knew too well that obedience to God was better than sacrifice.

• He had been captured as a teenager and brought to a foreign land. Yet promoted.
• His gang remained healthy on just a leafy diet.
• His friends escaped the fiery furnace uncinched.
• He had seen a most powerful king eat grass.
• He ruled foreigners in their country, in their government.
• He was right when he interpreted the king's dream.
• He was right when he interpreted the writing on the wall.
• He walked in favor with God and with man.
• He had a real relationship with his God.

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Like David, he'd seen Goliath. But he'd also seen God.  He knew that God was able to do far more than any man on this earth could.  After all, God created man.

Isaiah 55:9 

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

If you are walking in the will of God for your life, you will have enemies.  Ask Jesus, or Paul.  The men decided to go without food until Paul was dead.  Acts 23 The Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus because HE was too popular. John 11 Herod's wife asked for John's head on a charger. Matthew 14 Jesus told HIS disciples to take up their cross. It's a decision we all have to make.  We have to be prepared for earthly "unfair" judgement when we decide to stand for God's laws.  We make ourselves unpopular when we chose to declare our faith in the face of adversity.  But faith can only come from a place of a true relationship with God.  There's no way around it. Faith is about jumping in and knowing your Father God will catch you.  You have to become like a child when it comes to The Almighty God. You have to step out of your boat into the water and walk towards Jesus like Peter. You have to keep your eyes on Jesus all the way, or you will sink. Are you innocent in God's eyes? Are your eyes focused on Jesus?  Are you committed to God? You have to have your own story of what you've seen God do in your own life.  David saw God rescue him from bears and other wild animals when he was with his sheep. He wasn't afraid of Goliath.  Goliath was just another beast. Goliath was just a pea brain in comparison to God. David understood that God made Goliath as well. He understood that God was in charge. God is always in charge! What have you seen God do? What have you trusted HIM to do? Only God is all powerful!

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God is supreme!  There is no situation that you can ever encounter that is not subject to God's authority. It doesn't matter where you are.  It doesn't matter who or what you are facing. God is always in control of everything. As long as you focus on God, HE will work it out.  Just remember that your most powerful weapon is prayer.  The disciples didn't ask God to show them how to do miracles.  They asked HIM to teach them how to pray. They observed the source of HIS strength. Prayer is the work. Jesus always resorted to prayer. Queen Esther told her people to pray. Esther 4. Daniel prayed three times daily. He went into his house, turned to the window facing Jerusalem and prayed when he realized that they had plotted for his death.  You have to believe that God will work it out.  HE is your help.  Like a shower, you need prayer every day.  It is what it is. When you're not sure what to do - remind HIM of HIS word.  Psalm 121.  The great news is - because of Jesus' finished work on the cross; every power in the earth is now subject to us as believers.  Like a lion, we should be fierce and fearless in our communities knowing that God has given us power to overpower any and every adversary. Know that when we feel weak, that's when we are most strong, because then HE fights for us.  God is our posse. HE is our pride. Greater is HE that is in us than he that is in the world.  The same spirit that rose Jesus from the dead is alive in us today.

Luke 10:19

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Faith in God's ability is the ingredient to overcome all fears.  Just imagine the growls of the lions before Daniel was thrown into the den.  Just imagine spending an entire night with multiple lions walking around you.  Just imagine the sight of all the dead bones in the den from prior people. Imagine the awful smells.  Plus, they shut him in with a stone. Yet he survived.  What den have you been thrown into?  Do you have others scheming and plotting, even lying or spreading rumors about you?  Are you surrounded by lions, situations and or systems and people that seem more powerful than you? Remind HIM of HIS word. Psalm 91. Remember, it is always about HIS Glory.  God works it out to draw men unto himself.  In the end, not just Daniel, but a whole nation that needed 120 satraps to lead them, now bowed to the Almighty God.  Daniel did not complain. Instead, he gave thanks. His relationship with God was more important than what others thought of him. We do not always understand God's agenda, but we ought always to give thanks. When you don't know what to do PRAISE GOD.  Like Paul and Silas in prison, praise God.  Your faith, your commitment and obedience to HIM is what matters. HE will open your oppressive gates and give HIMSELF the glory.

Daniel is the only prophet who lived through four different regimes (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus). God did that! HE is sovereign over all. Daniel's enemies and their families were crushed in the lions den.  God caused that. All wisdom and power come from God. Daniel was a 'big deal' in a foreign government. He had seen man's power in comparison to God's.  Proverbs 21.  Inspite of his position, he remained humble and faithful to God. He understood that God could handle any terrorizing situation, by HIMSELF anytime. He understood that God could shut the mouths of any and every enemy power. He understood that all the glory belongs to God. Therefore, God revealed many things to him in dreams and visions.  Ask. Talk to God. Pray continually. Jeremiah 33. If you seek revelation, stay humble.  If you seek justice, turn to God. Draw near to God and HE will draw near to you. At exactly the right time, God will work it out.  God is forever sovereign.  HE will ALWAYS be the last one standing. Nothing and no one is as powerful!  Do not compromise your faith. Never trade obedience to God! It's not worth it!

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TESTIMONY: They Stabbed Me for My Faith but Yeshua Healed My Heart – Pod for Israel

WORSHIP: God Will Work It Out (feat. Naomi Raine & Israel Houghton) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL

When you don't know what to do ROAR GOD'S PRAISE!

Can These Bones Live Again...PROPHESY! Ezekiel 37

Can These Bones Live Again...PROPHESY! Ezekiel 37

What situation are you facing today that seems completely hopeless and devoid of restoration? Are you feeling powerless to change a circumstance, or too overwhelmed to think about it?  Do you feel buried in unresolve? Is there something or someone that just seems unchangeable and irreversibly lost? If any of these match your reality, let's talk this through for a minute. What you feel powerless to do, 'Your Father' God is powerful to prevail.

Whatever the Almighty God has done before, HE is willing and able to do it again.  HE is not limited to time and space like us humans.  HIS ways and thoughts far exceed ours on every level. Isaiah 55 HE never sleeps nor slumbers and nothing escapes HIS purview.  HE'S never caught off guard.  It's extremely important that we know God's promises to us HIS children, and the power that HE bestows on those who choose to walk in obedience to HIS precepts. Study HIS Word. Recite HIS promises to HIM. Isaiah 43. Jesus before HE left HIS disciples and went back to heaven told them that HE had given them more power than any force that they could/ would ever confront in the earth.

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give to you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

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The Israelites who were considered the people of God had been disobedient to HIS laws. As a result, God allowed them to be captured by one of their enemies the Babylonians, who destroyed their city and robbed their wealth.  They were driven from their homeland to Babylon.  While they were in exile, God confirmed that HE had not forgotten them and that HE would one day take them back there.  They were very grieved and homesick, hopeless even.  They had given up on God and even started worshiping other gods.  Inspite of their waywardness, God sent the prophet Ezekiel to encourage them to return to worshiping HIM.  But before God sent him, God gave Ezekiel several visions.  God revealed HIS restoration plan for HIS people in several ways.  One of the ways was by showing Ezekiel a valley of dead people - dry bones; people who had been dead for a very long while.  It was a valley filled with dry bones and no water nor plants.  There was absolutely no sign of life around.  There were no human resources available to change the situation.  Do you have any 'dead situations' lying around/ any sealed tombs or closets/ any heavy stones to roll away? What about memories, lost dreams, forgotten hopes?

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Sometimes, God allows us to be stripped of our capabilities so that we will attribute all the glory to HIM for the transformation HE will cause to occur in our lives.  It is very innate for us as humans to be self reliant and egotistic.  When we achieve/ accomplish things we forget that the very energy to achieve it comes from God.  We sometimes forget that we don't own anything, and that we're just managers. Like the bones in the valley, from dust we came and to dust we will all return.  It is intrinsic to God that we walk in full obedience to HIS laws.  The wealth HE allows us to have can be stripped away as well as it can be restored.  Ask Job. The health that we have can be stripped away as well as it can be restored.  Ask Nebuchadnezzar or Miriam. The family, the job, the security, the master plan, the whatever it is that we have can be stripped away as well as it can be restored.  Will and or does God have to take it away from you in order for HIM to get your attention?

Sometimes it's not even gone, it's just on the other side of the boat.  Like when Peter and the disciples were out fishing all night and caught nothing.  Sometimes we just don't know where to look. Jesus sent them right back out again to the very same spot and told them to cast their same nets on the other side of the boat. This time the boat began to sink because of the overload of fishes.  Then Jesus told them that HE would cause them to fish for men instead. Luke 5 That's it right there.  

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When Ezekiel saw the dry bones, God told HIM to prophesy and cause the dry bones to become a resurrected army.  An army advances a kingdom.  An army takes territory and takes orders from a King for the sake of his kingdom.  Jesus told HIS disciples, when you have seen ME you have seen The Father. John 14. Jesus was on a mission orchestrated by The Father. When Jesus resurrected his friend Lazarus after four days, that's what sealed his crucifixion.  That's when the Pharisees plotted to kill him. Jesus' resurrection power was undeniable.  John 11 But more importantly, Jesus' crucifixion was the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy of David uniting Israel. Caiaphas reiterated Ezekiel.  Jesus was from the bloodline of David. The crucifixion was about Jesus restoring mankind back to a right relationship with The Father, while regaining the power and authority God originally gave us in the garden of Eden. Genesis 1 At the very center of it all, God just wants us to acknowledge HIM and serve each other with the resources HE has given to us.  Power and property is to be shared for the sake of advancing the kingdom of God in the earth.  That's what Pentecost was about. That was the Acts church. Acts 2.

Every deficiency or lack in your life and community is an opportunity for you to walk in obedience to the word of God - PROPHESY!  When God asked Ezekiel, "Can these bones live"Ezekiel said "only YOU know Lord". Yes! God knows, let's say, a few things about power, and life, and death.  HE not only knows, but HE has a plan. Nothing on earth happens by coincidence. God always has a plan.  The thing is, are you aware of what it is?  Have you thought to ask HIM?  Have you chosen to wait on HIS response?  Are you walking in obedience? The veil in the temple has been ripped in two. There are no more secrets between us.  Mark 4 God's heart is right out in the open for those who dare to look.  God invites us to ask HIM the questions. 

Matthew 7: 7-8
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

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The Almighty God is always about being in a relationship with HIS people.  HE chose to walk in Eden with Adam.  HE chose to lead HIS people in the desert. They were the ones who insisted on Moses being a mediator. They were the ones who insisted on an earthly king.  Yet, inspite of our rebellion and disobedience, God chose to restore us to himself; and in the process for us to bring others along with us. The things we receive or release are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.  They all have a lifespan. They are all tools God uses through us. The things are dry bones - hip bones, ankle bones, etc...  Whatever dead/ lifeless circumstance we encounter, our job is to prophesy.  

Speak what God says.  Declare HIS word over every situation.  Only then does the Holy Spirit take charge.  It is the Holy Spirit that gives life.  HE brought life to the dry bones in the valley. HE brought life to Lazarus and to Jesus in the tomb.  Jesus said, I must go, so that the Holy Spirit can come.  My job here is done.  I fulfilled my purpose.  John 16 Are you fulfilling your purpose?  Are you being led by the Holy Spirit? How are you allowing HIM to help you to change your situation for the sake of the kingdom? At the end of the day, is God getting the glory?  Where are you fishing? Are you still catching fish, or are you fishing for men too? God told Ezekiel that HE would restore HIS people as a testimony to the nations of HIS Kingship. Everything revolves around HIM. HE raises one and HE cancels another. Daniel 2 HE sanctifies and HE glorifies for the sake of HIS holiness. Romans 8 The harvest is extremely ripe.  The valley is full of dry bones. God is giving you an opportunity to live in power and purpose. Use it! Look around! Listen to HIM! Prophesy!

TESTIMONY: Jewish Air Force Colonel finds Yeshua in an unlikely place! - Why I'm One for Israel

WORSHIP: Israel & New Breed - Jesus At the Center (Live Performance)

The Almighty God is a Restorer - Prophesy!