Poverty of Spirit

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John 20:21-23 Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you! [Just] as the Father has sent Me forth, so I am sending you.22 And having said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit! 23 [Now having received the Holy Spirit, and being led and directed by Him] if you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of anyone, they are retained. (AMPC)

A good-looking society woman was invited to an expensive fund-raising dinner in New York City. She was seated next to a wealthy lawyer. During the meal, they had a chance to get to know each other and were having a good time. When the meal was finished, the lawyer leaned over and asked the woman if she would go to bed with him for $10,000. The woman blushed but said that she would. The man then asked her if she would go to bed with him for $10. The woman was shocked and said, “What kind of a woman do you think I am?” The man responded, “My dear, we have already established that. Now we are merely deciding on the price.”

In John 20:22 is a brief, but profound statement: Receive the Holy Spirit! For the first time in the history of mankind, the Spirit of the Lord had not simply come upon a person to empower them for a task. This time the Holy Spirit actually came inside of the person’s spirit, building a home for the Godhead. What many Bible scholars have failed to explain to my satisfaction are the passages that accompany this encounter. Consider the following: Luke 24:49 And behold, I will send forth upon you what My Father has promised; but remain in the city [Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from on high. (AMPC)

Acts 1:4-5,8 And while being in their company and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised, Of which [He said] you have heard Me speak.5 For John baptized with water, but not many days from now you shall be baptized with (placed in, introduced into) the Holy Spirit.…. But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth. (AMPC)

Since the Disciples of Jesus had already received the Spirit following the Resurrection of Jesus – before His Ascension into Heaven – why, did Jesus command them to wait for the Baptism? Numerous explanations have been offered to explain these two ideas, but none completely resolve the problem. Some have suggested that it was a new dispensation, or era, in the salvation of God among men, and that it is no longer necessary. Others have countered that this simply was an alternative account in the eyewitness necessary. But both explanations discount the fact that not only did a change take place in the Disciples and those attending the Upper Room Prayer Meeting, but this dramatic shift has continued to occur throughout the history of the Church. Ultimately it is a demonstration of one of Jesus’ beatitudes. Matthew 5:3 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! (AMPC)

Those who have experienced this encounter since the days of Pentecost have had one thing in common with those early followers of Jesus: they were aware of their poverty in the Holy Spirit. They were willing to pay whatever price it took to fill the emptiness in their souls with the Power of the Holy Spirit. That statement alone shines light on probably the biggest problem the Body of Christ has been facing in Western Christendom. We are disconnected from the Third Person of the Trinity. What makes matters worse is that we justify this disconnection through the doctrines of men. Leading to smugness, and ignorance in our carnality. I suspect that the number one issue troubling those who attempt to read the Bible is that they cannot relate to much of what it gives testimony too. Rather than confronting our poverty in the things of the Holy Spirit we ignore them. Rather than seeking Him for a solution we turn to our carnal nature to provide us with solace. Yet we fail to see that seeking to live by the carnal nature is hatred towards God. Why does God consider that hatred? Because we fail to live from the Resurrection Life that Jesus secured for all born-again believers. That Resurrection Life is only lived by and through the Holy Spirit. Carnal Christianity exposes how hard our hearts have become, and how naked we truly are before the crucified Jesus. Our ignorance, apathy, and indifference mock His crucifixion all over again. We have crucified Him again and again, as we ignore the poverty of our spirits. As Jesus rebuked the Laodiceans when He said: I know your [record of] works and what you are doing; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth! 17 For you say, I am rich; I have prospered and grown wealthy, and I am in need of nothing; and you do not realize and understand that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. (Revelation 3:15-17 AMPC)

In the opening illustration the rich lawyer quickly discovered how much it would cost for the woman to surrender her virtue. The same is true of your poverty in the things of the Spirit. What’s your price? What would it take to cause you to sell out to the Holy Spirit? We already know who we are. We are sinners who have been saved by faith in Christ. None of us is immune to sinful behavior. Question is, Are you aware of what a pauper you are in regards to the Holy Spirit? What price are you willing to pay to secure what is deficit in your spiritual life? The 120 of Pentecost were willing to climb some stairs, pray, and wait. The Laodiceans were contented to leave Jesus out of their worship service, and continue on in lukewarm service to the God of Consuming Fire. Which do you identify with?

Pointing to Pentecost

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It doesn’t;t take a rocket scientist to know that there are two ways at looking at a situation. We can either see it in a positive light or a negative light. Take for instance the corona virus. We could see it government interventions as an invasion of privacy, a violation of our rights guaranteed under the constitution, etc., etc. ad nauseam. Truth be known, those of us who know the Higher Power – Jesus, understand that He is the Sovereign Ruler over the earth, and the engineer of our circumstances. All of that to say, What are you doing with the circumstances He has engineered?

This morning a Scripture came to light that I had read before but hadn’t paid much attention to. That is until this morning. Luke 24:50 Then He conducted them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up His hands, He invoked a blessing on them. Now I have noticed that it mentions the name of the town Bethany, and I’ve definitely paid attention to the verse which precedes it – but is there a connection? Luke 24:49 And behold, I will send forth upon you what My Father has promised; but remain in the city [Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from on high. Is there a connection between this moment in time (the virus, stay at home orders, businesses shutting down, schools closing, people dying, etc.) – and the fact that we are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus? Is there a connection between our church being located on Beulah Church Road – which means “wedded” and the fact that it is located in Weddington, or Union County? Could all of these coincidences be pointing to something much bigger that Jesus, our Bridegroom, wants to do throughout His Church? We’ve been given a unique opportunity to stop, and get off the madness of this merry-go-round existence in America – and do what ever we want with our spare time. Essentially, an extended vacation.

Is it a coincidence that many celebrated and observed Passover with the practice of removing “leaven” from their homes? Is it any coincidence that this was proceeded by eating the Passover Lamb. A Lamb for Christians – that will take away the sins of the world. A Lamb for Jews – that causes them to remember that its blood was placed over their ancestors homes, causing death to Passover. And is it any coincidence that both Christians and Jews look forward towards Pentecost?

From Bethany the Disciples were given instructions to wait in the city for the Promise of Power from on high. In the Book of Acts they were given more detailed instructions: And while being in their company and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised, Of which [He said] you have heard Me speak. 5 For John baptized with water, but not many days from now you shall be baptized with (placed in, introduced into) the Holy Spirit….But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.9 And when He had said this, even as they were looking [at Him], He was caught up, and a cloud received and carried Him away out of their sight.10 And while they were gazing intently into heaven as He went, behold, two men [dressed] in white robes suddenly stood beside them,11 Who said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing into heaven? This same Jesus, Who was caught away and lifted up from among you into heaven, will return in [just] the same way in which you saw Him go into heaven.12 Then [the disciples] went back to Jerusalem from the hill called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, [only] a Sabbath day’s journey (three-quarters of a mile) away.13 And when they had entered [the city], they mounted [the stairs] to the upper room where they were [indefinitely] staying—Peter and John and James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas [son] of James.14 All of these with their minds in full agreement devoted themselves steadfastly to prayer, [waiting together] with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. (Acts 1:4-5, 8-14 AMPC)

Isn’t it odd that before Passover these Disciples were searching for leaven – a symbol of self, pride, sin, and religion – and following Jesus’ Resurrection, they went searching for the lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world? Isn’t it odd that leaven caused bread to rise, appearing better than it really was, and that this was what Jesus wanted them to get rid of? While, following Jesus’ Resurrection He wanted them to search for the Power that raised Him from the dead? Jesus wanted them to search for the Promise, Power, Fire, and the Holy Spirit. And the searching was to be accompanied by prayer. Should this search ever stop?

What’s interesting about the place where Jesus left His Disciples is that it was near the location of the Mount of Olives, where Jesus wrestled in prayer before His crucifixion. It is the location of where His Disciples deserted Him, and one Disciple betrayed Him. But what’s interesting about this location is what comes afterwards: And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from the east to the west by a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north and half of it toward the south. (Zechariah 14:4 AMPC)

I’m believing that the circumstances of the past and those of are present are inextricably bound together pointing us in a direction that calls for action. That action that we are being called too is a seeking for the Promise of the Spirit. Many will glibly say, “But Robert, I already have the Spirit.” Which is true for those who are born-again of the Spirit. But remember, these same Disciples also had the Spirit. What Jesus had them searching for was Fire, Power, and Promise. It was an equipping He had them hunting for.

At Bethany, Jesus drew the line in the sand – so to speak, inviting a division between those who would press on for the more, and those who would remain as they had been. I believe that Jesus is calling our church to press on for the more. That we are to continue our nightly practice of seeking Jesus for the Baptism of Fire, and Power to be equipped for ministry, witness and missions. Will you join us from 6:30-8:30 in prayer and seeking? We will begin this leg of the journey tomorrow night and continue marching on to Pentecost. may Jesus give us Grace for the journey.

The Jesus Fast of Forty Days Is Complete!

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Congratulations to everyone who participated in our time of prayer and fasting. Many of you met at the church to minister to the Lord and intercede. Our prayer focus each night was a wedding of the Spirit and Word in our lives and in our church, and the global church; revival and awakening; and a sovereign move of God. Many of you joined in seeking the Lord from March 1 till Thursday April 9 and now we should be asking, How has God answered our prayers? Are we any closer to the Lord now than we were before march 1? Is Jesus any closer to us now? Lastly, in the midst of our pursuit, have we become whole-hearted in our pursuit and devotion to the Lord? These questions become more pointed when I ask them of my self. During the fast I was awakened one night by the Lord asking, What did I want revival to look like in our church? I thought of all the things I wanted to see. Then He asked, Are these things happening in you? (He isn’t called Jehovah-Sneaky for no reason)

Recently I read Lou Engle’s blog for the last day of the Jesus Fast and it was as challenging as always:

And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it… It is the Lord’s Passover… Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.– Exodus 12:7,11,13

Years ago my friend had a dream of a mystic who had entered into the Great Cloud of Witnesses. In the dream, she held a container with letters coming out of it, floating in the air, saying, “Lou Engle now has the gift of faith for the Great Communion Revival.”

Again a dream was given in which another prophetic friend saw a chapel and lines of people as far as you could see were coming to this chapel. In the dream he prophesied, “All the revivals in all of history will not compare to what’s coming in the Great Communion Revival!” 

Do you realize, once again, the brilliance of the Father’s timing of this fast to end on Easter Weekend where the Church celebrates communion worldwide and the global Jewish community celebrates the blood of the passover lamb? The Hebrew calendar and the Church calendar have synchronized in an historic and momentous convergence! C’mon! A global 40-day Jesus Fast converging with a global communion service! Even now, I am connected to networks touching the whole globe and literally tens of millions will be taking communion at the end of this fast. Could this be the beginnings of the Great Communion Revival? 

Just as in the days of the Egyptian captivity, when a plague broke out, slaying all the firstborn of the land, a global plague has now broken out, slaying thousands around the world. In those days, the sprinkled blood of a lamb was more powerful than the plague, setting the Israelites free. Is not the blood of the Eternal Lamb of God even more powerful and, when applied in faith by the Church worldwide, will it not obliterate this present pandemic and set millions of captives free from the bondage of sin and death?

Who could have guessed that we would be living this moment in a worldwide pandemic similar to the plague during the first Passover. I believe Jesus is setting up the most glorious Passover moment in history. We are calling on this final day of fasting, April 9th, men and women who are now quarantined in their homes, like the early Jews who were in their homes on Passover night, to take communion and celebrate the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. We are calling far and wide for the Church to apply the blood to the doorposts of their personal guilt, their family guilt, and their national guilt, and plead the power of that blood over the virus. Then, with the rod of authority like the rod of Moses, let the Church declare to this virus, this messenger of death, “Enough! Restrain your hand!” Let the Church declare, “Be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea!” Let the Church declare, “This Coronavirus will be cut short!” Let the Church declare, “You will no longer hinder the evangelistic explosion going forward in the year 2020!” Let the Church declare to the masses of lost, seething humanity, “Go free in the name of Jesus!”

“And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.” – 1 John 5:8

On the cross, the Passover Lamb was slain and the precious blood was poured out for the sins of the world. 50 days later, on the day of Pentecost (Hallelujah!), the Spirit bore witness to the blood. “They were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).

Friends, do you see it? On this weekend of the great worldwide communion service, the blood of Jesus will be exalted. Then, what if the Church worldwide will pray for 50 days for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the season of Pentecost in 2020? Will not God respond with a mighty baptism that will hurl forth witnesses to the ends of the earth?! It will be called the Great Communion Revival.

So on this final day of the fast, meet with a few friends if possible (in accordance with government regulations), let Jesus say to you, as He said to His disciples on that night, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15)! Feel His Presence in your midst and eat of the broken body and poured out blood of your Savior. Apply that blood over your company and over your nation and then stand as an Ekklesia ruling body and resist that virus in the mighty name of Jesus. Then pray together with mighty faith and command the doors to be opened for the most glorious evangelistic missional assault on the gates of Hades this world has ever seen! Then, my brothers and sisters, pray for a mighty baptism of the Holy Spirit, from which you go now and preach the gospel!

Thank you once again for following me on “This dream trek, on this horrible, wonderful highway of commanding destiny” (Mark Rutland), called The Jesus Fast. Hopefully it has changed your life, and hopefully, it won’t be your last.Please join me as I will continue blogging periodically as the Holy Spirit directs at thejesusfast.global/.

May this Sunday’s Drive-In Church be an answer to the prayers, and cries of our heart. May it truly be a Resurrection Day for Bethany. Don’t forget to invite your family, friends and neighbors to this event. Lord willing I will see you this Sunday and hopefully we can to the elbow greeting. God bless you and your family this Resurrection Weekend!

Breaking the Fast

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Lou Engle offers the following guidelines for breaking your fast. Trust his words. I have learned the hard way over the years that there is a right way and a wrong way to come off a fast.

Lou Engle: This addendum is to provide you with a guide for how to break a fast in a healthy and safe way. This guide is provided by a good friend of mine named Dr. Vaughn Lawrence, who is a naturopath doctor. He has done extended fasting, has studied the subject, and can equip you on how to break a fast and better understand the health dimensions of lifestyle fasting. I am glad to direct you to this video and written article on the spiritual and physical wisdom of breaking a fast. If you have fasted with just water, make sure to watch this video.

Wisdom should be considered when breaking a fast. Too many have reported severe pain, discomfort, cramping, and even death when giving themselves over to appetite too quickly.

“…only a wise man knows how to break a fast.” – George Bernard Shaw

We must understand that in fasting, the body shuts down all digestive processes as it goes into “house-cleaning” mode to begin the healing of damaged cells, tissues, and organs at a deep level. Throwing too much food into the body too quickly can throw the body into shock and the consequences can be severe physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

This addendum is to provide you with a guide for how to break a fast in a healthy and safe way. This guide is provided by a good friend of mine named Dr. Vaughn Lawrence, who is a naturopath doctor. He has done extended fasting, has studied the subject, and can equip you on how to break a fast and better understand the health dimensions of lifestyle fasting. I am glad to direct you to this video and written article on the spiritual and physical wisdom of breaking a fast. If you have fasted with just water, make sure to watch this video.

Wisdom should be considered when breaking a fast. Too many have reported severe pain, discomfort, cramping, and even death when giving themselves over to appetite too quickly.

“…only a wise man knows how to break a fast.” – George Bernard Shaw

We must understand that in fasting, the body shuts down all digestive processes as it goes into “house-cleaning” mode to begin the healing of damaged cells, tissues, and organs at a deep level. Throwing too much food into the body too quickly can throw the body into shock and the consequences can be severe physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control .” – Galatians 5:22-23 

“Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” – Proverbs 25:28

The Bible makes it clear that to show we have given the Lord control over our spirit is to tame the flesh, especially when it comes to food and appetite. Fasting is difficult, but we do it out of desire to pursue the Lord’s heart, practice self-control, and receive revelation from the Lord. However, consider this: it is more difficult to break a fast with self-control than to actually fast! I completed a 40-day water fast one time and was way too proud of myself for this accomplishment. As I lay in bed, weak, emaciated, and barely able to think or move, I heard the Lord as clear as ever before in my life and it struck my heart like a dagger. He said, “I don’t just want your 40 days, I want your every day.”

John the Baptist was known most for his lifestyle of prayer and fasting that ushered in the first coming of Christ. As we earnestly seek the second coming of Christ, the Lord is going to raise up a generation of John the Baptists who will choose the spirit over the flesh by seeking to walk out self-control in all aspects of life. This allows the Lord greater access to our hearts so that He can move through us not just during a fast but afterward as well.

It is important to seek the Lord on how He would have you transition after extended fasting as it is all too easy to find ourselves deep into self-indulgence within a very short matter of time. I strongly believe that what we do after a fast is just as important to the Lord as what we do during a fast. In such a time as this, the Lord is calling a generation to draw near through a lifestyle of prayer and fasting. This will look different for each of us as we answer His call.

Here are some tips for breaking a fast. The level of caution you need to exercise is dependent upon the depth and length of your fast. Short fasts that include food require less caution, but should still refrain from bouncing back to indulgence. Longer fasts on juice or water require extreme caution to avoid serious consequences.

1. BREAKING A WATER FAST :

– Water fasts should be broken with fresh juice only, in small amounts, approximately 4 oz. every 1-2 hours the first day and 8 oz. every 1-2 hours the second and third days.

– The best juices for breaking a water fast are from raw fruits and vegetables. The best are orange, watermelon, grape or pineapple. Note: I do not recommend breaking a water fast with apple juice because it can cause severe pain and cramping . Cucumber, celery, and other green juices are good as well, or a combination of fruits and vegetable juices.

– When breaking a water fast, spend a minimum of 3-5 days on only juices before eating solid foods. The solid foods can be the same as those listed below as when breaking a juice fast.

2. BREAKING A JUICE FAST :

– Juice fasts should be broken with raw fruits and vegetables, blended warm soups, steamed vegetables, or small amounts of broth. Keep it blended and easy to digest for at least a week or more. Eat very small portions every couple of hours so you don’t become too ravenous with appetite.

– As a general rule of thumb, eat fruits, vegetables, and greens (raw or cooked) for at least 2 weeks following a fast. Continue to avoid grains, fats, starches, and proteins. Please add these foods back in slowly and intelligently so you don’t shock your body.

3. THE DANGER PERIOD:

– The 2 weeks following a fast is called the “danger period”. Ravenous and extreme voraciousness must be kept under control, which can last approximately 2 weeks. This desire will disappear after 2 weeks and is an excellent exercise in practicing self-control.

– On a physical level, voracious eating after a fast is not only dangerous, but can undo much of the benefits of the fast related to healing, tissue regeneration, and reversing the sickness and disease processes that occur in the human body.

– It is estimated that you should take nearly just as long to return to a normal diet of foods as you chose to fast. I encourage people to follow a Biblical diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and clean meats as advised in Leviticus 11 for long-term health.

If you are familiar with the ancient desert fathers, these monks were warriors who were always encountering the demonic and fighting for people and cities in the land. When another monk named Abba Pambo approached the great Abba Anthony and said: “Give me a word Father,” Abba Anthony responded, “… keep your tongue and your belly under control.”

I believe a fasted lifestyle can separate us from the temptations of this world and is absolutely crucial for what is coming in the next move of the Lord. God is looking for empty vessels and fasting is a great way to empty yourself out before the Lord. God bless you in your journey with the Lord!

Please watch our video for more information on breaking a fast: youtube.com/watch?v=dvKi2Fynrsw

Passover

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Tonight all across America Jewish families will be participating in an event that is thousands of years old. That event is called Passover. Passover signifies when God the Father came to set His people free, and bring judgment down on the demonic gods of Egypt. During this night, the angel of death visited Egypt looking for the sign of the blood of the lamb over the door posts of each home. In the homes which had the lambs’ blood over the door posts death would passover and in the homes where the blood was not to be found death entered in. May I suggest to you that this night you participate in a time of family prayer and communion with your family? Pray and ask for the blood of Jesus, the Lamb, to be applied to the door posts of your property, home, marriage, family, children and children’s children, and possessions – that the angel of death may passover. Pray also for your neighbors, and loved ones that they may also receive the Blood of the Lamb and apply it to their lives also.

If you want to actually practice a traditional Jewish Passover you can take the notes below and put them into practice, or you can simply don load a seder, or passover service online. Here are the notes I have on celebrating the Passover:

WHAT PASSOVER CELEBRATES

As in all Biblical holy days, Passover is both a holy day of remembrance and a holy day of prophecy.  Passover for the Jewish people is the annual celebration of God delivering Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 12).  The entire service, with its various ceremonies, is designed to help the Jewish people remember the great workings of God when, through signs and wonders, He freed the Jewish people from the bondage of the Egyptians and delivered them to the Promised Land of Israel.  Passover is a holy day of redemption picturing how God used the death of an innocent lamb to redeem the firstborn sons ofIsrael from death and free the nation of Israel from slavery.

Passover is certainly the most important Biblical holy day for Christians. It also clearly pictures the redemption Jesus provided for our sin.  The last meal Jesus ate with His disciples in the Upper Room was a Passover meal.  It was during this Passover meal that Jesus took a piece of unleavened bread and a cup of the fruit of the vine and said to His disciples that these represented His body given in death and His blood shed for the remission of sins (Luke 22:19, 20).  The Messiah used the story of the redemption from Egypt to illustrate the redemption He provides from sin.  The Passover meal beautifully pictures the redemption Jesus provided for us on the cross.  Having a Passover dinner, either in the church or in one’s home is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus in its historical, New Testament setting as it was celebrated by the disciples with the Messiah.  We can rejoice, “For Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us” (I Corinthians 5:7).

HOW PASSOVER IS CELEBRATED IN THE JEWISH HOME

The Seder is really like a family dinner where the family gathers around the table to worship God and follows a prescribed order of service to celebrate the miraculous events of that first Passover.  Because Passover begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:13-16), no leaven is be eaten during the seven dayswhich begin with the Passover meal.  In the daysproceeding Passover, the mother cleans the home to remove all leaven so that as the family celebrates the Passover they can eat it without defilement.  Because regular flour, bread, and legumes are considered leavened, only matzah in its various forms is used in the meal.

At sunset, on the night of Passover, the family gathers around the table.  The evening begins with the mother lighting the candies at the table and saying a blessing.  After this, the father begins leading the family through the service which includes drinking four times from the cup of the fruit of the vine (grape juice) and discussing the items on the Seder plate (page 7 gives details about these items).

The following is an outline of the service for the evening:

WHAT PASSOVER CELEBRATES

As in all Biblical holy days, Passover is both a holy day of remembrance and a holy day of prophecy.  Passover for the Jewish people is the annual celebration of God delivering Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 12).  The entire service, with its various ceremonies, is designed to help the Jewish people remember the great workings of God when, through signs and wonders, He freed the Jewish people from the bondage of the Egyptians and delivered them to the Promised Land of Israel.  Passover is a holy day of redemption picturing how God used the death of an innocent lamb to redeem the firstborn sons ofIsrael from death and free the nation of Israel from slavery. Passover is certainly the most important Biblical holy day for Christians. It also clearly pictures the redemption Jesus provided for our sin.  The last meal Jesus ate with His disciples in the Upper Room was a Passover meal.It was during this Passover meal that Jesus took a piece of unleavened bread and a cup of the fruit of the vine and said to His disciples that these represented His body given in death and His blood shed for the remission of sins (Luke 22:19, 20).  The Messiah used the story of the redemption from Egypt to illustrate the redemption He provides from sin.  The Passover meal beautifully pictures the redemption Jesus provided for us on the cross.  Having a Passover dinner, either in the church or in one’s home is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus in its historical, New Testament setting as it was celebrated by the disciples with the Messiah.  We can rejoice, “For Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us” (I Corinthians 5:7).

HOW PASSOVER IS CELEBRATED IN THE JEWISH HOME

The Seder is really like a family dinner where the family gathers around the table to worship God and follows a prescribed order of service to celebrate the miraculous events of that first Passover.  Because Passover begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:13-16), no leaven is be eaten during the seven dayswhich begin with the Passover meal.  In the daysproceeding Passover, the mother cleans the home to remove all leaven so that as the family celebrates the Passover they can eat it without defilement.  Because regular flour, bread, and legumes are considered leavened, only matzah in its various forms is used in the meal.

At sunset, on the night of Passover, the family gathers around the table.  The evening begins with the mother lighting the candies at the table and saying a blessing.  After this, the father begins leading the family through the service which includes drinking four times from the cup of the fruit of the vine (grape juice) and discussing the items on the Seder plate.

I. THE CUP OF SANCTIFICATION – The drinking of this cup begins the service.  The Passover story is told using the elements from the Seder plate.  The middle matzah of the Matzah Tash is broken and then hidden.

II. THE CUP OF JUDGMENT – This cup focuses on God judging the gods of Egypt through the plagues.  The bitter herbs are taken.  The Charoset is eaten.

AT THIS TIME THE MEAL IS SERVED.

Ill. THE CUP OF REDEMPTION – This cup focuses on the redemption of God.  The Passover story is concluded.

IV. THE CUP OF PRAISE – This cup focuses on praising God for calling a people unto Himself.

As can be seen, the meal is both preceded and followed by the story of Passover.

THE HAGADDAH & THE MESSIANIC HAGADDAH

Through the centuries, since God first instituted Passover as the Israelites came out of Egypt, many traditions have been added to the Passover celebration.  Yet, the basic elements of the Passover found in the original instructions are still present, including the bitter herbs, the matzah (unleavened bread), and the symbol of the Passover lamb.  For centuries, the Passover tradition was celebrated based upon traditions handed down orally.  Eventually, these oral traditions were put into writing called the Haggadah.  The word “Haggadah” is taken from the Hebrew, meaning, “to tell” (Exodus 13:8).  Though there are many different variations in how the Haggadah is written, they all contain the basic outlines of the service that dates back to antiquity. 

THE SEDER PLATE

The Seder plate is the ceremonial setting for the first part of the service.  Included are items which will be partaken of.  These help the people better understand the meaning of the holy day.  There will need to be one Seder Plate (use a 10 inch Plate) per table or per 10 people.  The following is a list of items to beincluded on the Seder plate and the proportions for each person or per plate as indicated:

ITEM DEFINITION QUANTITY

Karpas Parsley 1 sprig per person

Maror Ground horseradish 1 teaspoon per person (red, if available)

Charoset Apples, nuts & spices 1 tablespoon per person (recipe on pg. 12)

Salt Water (for dipping of parsley) 1-2 1/2 oz. cup per plate

Zeroah *Shank bone of a lamb Head table only.

Betzah **Hard cooked egg Head table only

  The arrangement of the items on the Seder Plate is as follows:

MATZAH TASH(orBread Holder)

This item isof major importance in the Passover Service.  There should be one Matzah Tash (or Bread Holder)for each table.  The Matzah Tash consists of:

One large dinner-sized paper plate 

Two dinner-sized napkins 

Three full-sized unbroken matzahs

The three whole sheets of matzah are placed inside the dinner napkin so that one sheet is inside each section of the napkin.  The second napkin is placed on top of the Matzah Tash.

During the service, a volunteer at each table will be called on to remove the center piece of matzah break it in two, and “bury” one half in the extra napkin (to be”resurrected” later).  This ceremony ismost important and will be explained further later.

A suggested Passover Dinner:  

Main Course: Roasted Chicken  or Beef or Turkey with

Vegetables such as: Squash, Carrots, Asparagus, Broccoli  and a green salad

Roasted or baked potatoes

Dessert- can be fruit or if possible a dessert without leaven- check Passover recipes

Matzah as the bread substitute 

Recipe for the Apple salad for the Seder plate

CHAROSET – Serves 12 at 1 heaping tablespoon per person

1 cup chopped, peeled apples 1 teaspoon honey 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 

1-2 tablespoons grape juice 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Mix all ingredients.  This mixture is so tasty you may want to make extra.

NOTE: Charoset is supposed to turn brown to represent the old fashioned brick mortar the Israelites used in Egypt, so it should be ground to that consistency (a blender or food processor is recommended).  The above proportions are very approximate. It should be sweet but the honey flavor should not dominate.  The taste of each ingredient should be subtly noticeable in the final mixture.

Search For Leaven

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1 Corinthians 5:6-8 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore [a]purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed [b]for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (NKJV)

Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

Tonight (Tuesday, April 7), at sundown begins the Passover requirement of searching the house for leaven, (chametz) or yeast. Traditional Jewish homes will take the time to “prepare the house for Passover,” just as Jesus’ Disciples did the week of His crucifixion:

Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.” (Matthew 26:17-19 NKJV)

Jason Aaronson writes: A typical Jewish family will take this night to begin a centuries long tradition of searching their households for leaven using a candle; a feather (which acts as a miniature broom); and a wooden spoon into which the pieces of bread will be scooped. First, a candle is lit, and the following benediction is recited: Barukh atah Adonai eloheinu melekh ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’’zivanu al be’ur chametz. Praised are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who has made us holy commandments and instructed us concerning the burning of the hametz (leavened bread). Since by this time the house has been thoroughly cleaned and the chances of finding any leaven are minimal, it has become customary to put a number of crumbs of bread in places where they can be easily found in order to prevent the recitation of a benediction in vain. The crumbs of bread that are found and the leaven left over from breakfast should be guarded lest a new search become necessary. After the search for leaven, one recites the following formula of annulment: “All leavened food and grain fermentation that are in my possession, that I have not seen or removed, shall be null and considered as the dust of the earth.”

The following morning, usually sometime between 10 and 11 o’clock, the leaven is burned, and again the formula for the removal of hametz is recited, with a slight variation: “Any leaven that may still be in the house, that I have or have not seen, that I have or have not removed, shall be as if it does not exist, and as the dust of the earth.” Excerpted from Every Person’s Guide to Passover (Jason Aronson, Inc).

Now, as Believers in Jesus (Yeshua), as our Messiah the question remains: If this much trouble was taken to prepare for the Passover why don’t believers in Jesus take this much time to prepare for communion? For you see our communion comes from the Jewish Passover. There are four cups used in the Passover celebration. At the third cup, called the Cup of Redemption, the broken bread of hidden matzah (unleavened bread) is eaten. This cup, and the broken bread, make up our communion. Here we find understanding in our preparation to take the Lord’s Communion. Here we discover that in our looking for leaven, we are actually making way for the reception of our Savior – the Lamb of God. Thus the question remains, Are you prepared for Resurrection Day? Have you searched your spiritual house for the leaven of sin, pride, and self-importance. For you see that’s what leaven does: it makes the bread seem better than it really is; it puffs up. Leaven being the slow, controlled “rot” of bacteria reduces the elements combined into simpler objects. It represents that which de-humanizes us. When God, the Father created mankind He observed, “It is very good!” Sin, or leaven takes us away from that which is very good, dehumanizing us, making us less than who God made us to be.

So what can be done to search your spiritual houses for leaven?

a) Recognize, Remember and Remove All Leaven – Dt. 16:3 You shall eat no leavened bread with it; seven days you shall eat unleavened bread with it, that is, the bread of affliction (for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste), that you may remember the day in which you came out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life.

We Recognize, Remember and Remove All Leaven  Because….

– We remember His affliction, His sufferings

– We remember we left the slavery of sin 

– We remember we have become His Bread: 1 Cor. 10:17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. (1 Cor. 5:7 you are unleavened)

Greek word for bread is artos, and its root is airo = which means to raise up, elevate, lift up. By implication it means to take up or away. By Hebraism it means to atone for sin. 

Eating the Bread of Affliction, Unleavened Bread, the Bread of Life – helps us to remember that He was lifted up to take away our sins. We’ve been raised with Him to become Unleavened Bread, Bread of Affliction, and bread of life to those still enslaved in Egypt.

b) Clean Every Room of the House – Where are the locations in your “house” where you have eaten the “leaven” of sin?

Remember you are two houses in one. If you truly met Jesus’ covenant conditions you have been born again of the Spirit (John 3). But you’ve got yourself a problem: Romans 8:5-11 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be [b]carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the [c]carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies [d]through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Thus you are a new, spirit man, creation, but you still have the old, sin man of the soul. These two houses are at war with one another. The soul man hates God and the the things of God. The spirit man desires to please God and respond to the Spirit. If you are participating in ridding your soul house of its leaven then you will be seeking to bring it into submission to the Spirit of God residing in your spirit man, or house.

But how can you identify the leaven of the soul man, or house? Doctor Luke provides us with a clue in Lk. 11:21-22 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.

We must ask the question, What armor has the enemy had you trusting in? 

What would be the exact opposite of God’s Spiritual Armor found in Ephesians 6 but the devil’s armor alluded to in Lukes gospel? The belt of truth of Ephesians 6 reminds us to center ourselves in the Truth, which Jesus is, and not ourselves. Since it is the first piece of armor you put on, then the first piece of the devil’s armor that you would begin removing is self-centeredness, self-importance, pride, selfishness, etc. It’s interesting to note that the Roman Armor of the New Testament and the armor of the Hebrews in the Old Testament were held in place by the belt. It was probably the most important weapon in your arsenal considering that every action for combat proceeds from the midsection, and hips. This belt would essentially hold you together by keeping every other piece of armor in place. I am sure you can see now that if you apply this analogy you soon discover that the opposite of Truth, or Jesus, would be lies, deceit, deception, manipulation, or control. Ultimately, that which is competing for Jesus, the Truth, is self and satan. The leaven of self, reduces you to a slave, holding you in place, bound to the lies, deceit, deception, manipulation, and illusion of control.

From here it is easy to identify the armor of darkness in which we rely such as unRighteousness. Since the next piece of spiritual armor is the Breastplate of Righteousness its opposite would be to be improper, corrupt, debased, perverted, mean, evil, immoral, wicked, or twisted. Which begs the question, What  covers your heart, will emotions, and personality? If its His righteousness then your mind, will, emotions and personality will be falling in line with that. But if its Unrighteousness, then all which makes up unrighteousness will be determining what your mind, will, emotions and personality are controlled by.

It doesn’t take long to realize that at closer examination we all have a whole lot of leaven lurking in the analogies found in the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation (or Hope according to 1 These. 5:8), and the Sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God.

Ultimately the question remains, What do we trust in more than the Word of God? More than the Spirit? All of these pieces of armor dwell in the rooms of our soul house. These are the enemies possessions. These are things in which you have trusted instead of God, the leaven of sin.

Another question we must ask ourselves is, If I’m cleaning every room of my soul house – mind, will, emotions, and personality – which aspect of these do I trust more than Jesus? More than I trust His Spirit or Word?

Next if I am really wanting to prepare for communion, in order to have the angel of death “Passover” then I will: c) Search for the Bread Crumbs. How do you do this? Look at the symptoms of repeated sin in your life and follow them to their root source. Ask questions like, When did this happen first begin? What things were going on in my life at that time which caused me to begin “eating” of this sin? Make a search for all the possible places in which the leavened bread of sin was eaten. Where are the hidden places? The Secret places where leaven lurks? Follow the bread crumbs back to its source – to get out of the “woods” of the witch. (Remember Hansel and Gretel?)

The next step to searching is found in: d) Separate Yourself Unto the Lord – Are you All-In for Jesus? 

Are you growing in His Grace, His Spirit? (Promptings and Urgings of the Spirit, Gifts, Manifestations, or Relationship to the Spirit) Are you drawing near to Jesus to know Him? Are you obeying Him in every way – (See the topic regarding the fallow ground for the seed of God’s Word found in Jeremiah 4:12; Hosea 10:12)? Are you restored to your First Love -OR- Have you rejected His Grace to grow? Have you rejected His invitations to Pray & Draw Near; Know His Word; Grow in Worship, Thanksgiving, Praise; Co-Sharing Jesus w/ Other Saints; Make Disciples; Baptize Others; Going to the Nations? Are you growing in holiness – separation unto the Lord? 

Now you may say, ” Robert, this could take a lifetime.” To which I would reply, “Exactly!” You and I haven’t been saved, we’re in the very process of salvation. You and I aren’t going to be safe until we reach Heaven’s shores. Our Life-Savior, has to get us through the darkest of life’s oceans, and then we will be safe. In the meantime all we have to do is hang onto His Grip – enduring to the end. That’s biblical Trust, and salvation. So let’s get to the business of spring cleaning.

Christmas Day Truce 1914

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Isaiah 55:6 Seek, inquire for, and require the Lord while He may be found [claiming Him by necessity and by right]; call upon Him while He is near.

This Scripture couldn’t have ben more true than on December 25, 1914. World War 1 had been raging since July 28, 1914 and Pope Benedict XV had suggested a temporary hiatus of the war for the celebration of Christmas. Unfortunately the warring countries refused to create any official cease-fire, but on Christmas the soldiers in the trenches declared their own unofficial truce. History.Com Editors state in an October 27, 2009 article that: The Christmas Truce occurred on and around Christmas Day 1914, when the sounds of rifles firing and shells exploding faded in a number of places along the Western Front during World War I in favor of holiday celebrations. During the unofficial ceasefire, soldiers on both sides of the conflict emerged from the trenches and shared gestures of goodwill. Starting on Christmas Eve, many German and British troops fighting in World War I sang Christmas carols to each other across the lines, and at certain points the Allied soldiers even heard brass bands joining the Germans in their joyous singing.

At the first light of dawn on Christmas Day, some German soldiers emerged from their trenches and approached the Allied lines across no-man’s-land, calling out “Merry Christmas” in their enemies’ native tongues. At first, the Allied soldiers feared it was a trick, but seeing the Germans unarmed they climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. The men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs. Some Germans lit Christmas trees around their trenches, and there was even a documented case of soldiers from opposing sides playing a good-natured game of soccer. German Lieutenant Kurt Zehmisch recalled: “How marvelously wonderful, yet how strange it was. The English officers felt the same way about it. Thus Christmas, the celebration of Love, managed to bring mortal enemies together as friends for a time.” Some soldiers used this short-lived ceasefire for a more somber task: the retrieval of the bodies of fellow combatants who had fallen within the no-man’s land between the lines.

The so-called Christmas Truce of 1914 came only five months after the outbreak of war in Europe and was one of the last examples of the outdated notion of chivalry between enemies in warfare. It was never repeated—future attempts at holiday ceasefires were quashed by officers’ threats of disciplinary action—but it served as heartening proof, however brief, that beneath the brutal clash of weapons, the soldiers’ essential humanity endured. During World War I, the soldiers on the Western Front did not expect to celebrate on the battlefield, but even a world war could not destroy the Christmas spirit.”

Obviously this isn’t Christmas, and the Stay At Home Order from our governor regarding the Coronavirus Covid-19 hasn’t been raging for five months. Yet in many ways we are at war with an unseen enemy. It’s during this time that small gestures at continuing to gather together as believers through small prayer gatherings, online streaming of services, Zoom Bible classes for youth and children, and prayers – that we are reminded of deeper values: worship, community, friendships, relationships, faith, hope, and love.

As the annual celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus approaches we’ve decided it’s time for a truce with this virus. Not for a Christmas Truce, but a Resurrection Celebration Truce. Though our war with the virus has only been raging for a little over a month it’s time we gather together to worship, celebrate community, all while taking a creative approach to our coronavirus guidelines. This coming Sunday we want to invite you, your family, friends and neighbors to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with us through having “Drive-in Church.” We will begin at 10:30 AM transmitting the service via your car radio, while maintaining social distancing of 6 feet. Some churches that have been practicing this have had members back in to the staged area so that they can pop open the hatch, and listen from a lawn chair. If you plan on this approach come prepared for some rain by bringing an umbrella, and wearing your rain gear.

Lastly, may I remind you of Isaiah 55:6? Seek the Lord while he may be found. The church has been given a window of grace to pursue and seek Jesus. There was a story from the Week magazine regarding a 67 year man by the name of Roger Pasquier. He was a retired ornithologist who has a keen eye for spotting stray coins. In fact, he had found almost two thousand dollars’ worth of coins dropped onto New York City’s sidewalks since he started his strange hobby back in 1987. As years passed by, he began to be focused, developed some strategies and implemented some scientific methods to keep track of collecting loose coins and bills. Most of the time, Pasquier hovers around bars, targeting careless drunk people, and avoids eye contact with other pedestrians. “It’s important that I keep my eyes on where the money is.” Crucially, he deploys his expert knowledge of birds—and their use of “search images”—as a guide. “They have a general sense of what their food looks like and they become very attuned to those shapes.” He had been so adept to this that he can spot a coin by its shape or by the sound it makes when it drops. But his biggest boon has been the introduction of the iPhone. Since its invention in 2007, Pasquier’s annual takings have nearly doubled, because most people are too busy staring at their phones to notice coins on the street.

Have you been too busy staring at the deadline of our “Stay At Home Order” missing the opportunity to seek Jesus and His Presence? It’s important that we keep our spiritual eyes focused on where our real treasure lies. The treasures of God’s Grace and Spirit are being released on the earth at this time. Question is, Are you attuned enough to hear its sound as its dropping? Merry Christmas!

Encouraging Words

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I trust everyone is doing well and adjusting to all the stay at home policies being encouraged by our government. As we are in lockdown (that’s how it feels) many of us are finding new ways of reaching out through a new tool called Zoom. Through it we’ve been able to gather together for prayer, and through internet streaming we are able to maintain a semblance of connection. Just recently I got off the internet doing a conference call through Zoom that enabled 5-6 people to join another 8 of us who were meeting to pray at the church. Since March 1 prayers have been released from 6:30-8:30 asking God to release a wedding of the Spirit and Word in our church, community, nation and the world. We have been calling on Heaven to invade our earth through Spirit sent revival and awakening. Lastly we have been beseeching God to release a sovereign move of His Spirit throughout the globe. Several passages of Scripture have come to the surface repeatedly:

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 If I shut up heaven so no rain falls, or if I command locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people,14 If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you.3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

James 4:7-10 So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].9 [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection andheartfelt shame [for your sins].10 Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].

Hosea 10:12-13 Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.13 You have plowed wickedness; you have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, because you trusted in your own way, in the multitude of your mighty men.

Hebrews 12:27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

Recently Kristy received a word from the Lord that all the idols of America are being shaken, and that’s what we are seeing. As believers, those who truly cling to Jesus, we are finding out if we built our lives on idols of sand, or the Rock that can’t be moved.

Recently I received an email from a Christian organization out of Israel, Mike Evans, and I thought that I would share it with you:

Dear Robert,
God has given me a word that has shaken me to my knees. As I was working on this revelation that God put in my heart, I picked up an old Bible, and a handwritten note fell out. It was from a meeting I had with Dr. David Wilkerson at the Embassy Suites near the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport on a Tuesday in 1986 when we were having breakfast. The letter he wrote was addressed to Rev. Richard Dortch, who ran PTL under Jim Bakker. It said, “Within 12 months from the date of this letter, the judgment of God will fall on PTL. You are fornicating with brick and stone. Flee now and repent. Bats will fly through the empty building.” It was exactly 12 months to the day that the Charlotte Observer broke the PTL scandal story. In that meeting in 1986, Dr. Wilkerson said something else to me: “I see a plague coming on the world, and the bars and churches and government will shut down. The plague will hit New York City and shake it like it has never been shaken. The plague is going to force prayerless Believers into radical prayer and into their Bibles, and repentance will be the cry from the man of God in the pulpit. And out of it will come a third Great Awakening that will sweep America and the world.”
Plan to join us in watching this amazing and prophetic message tomorrow at 6:00 PM (CST) on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1094173014269685/
Your ambassador to Jerusalem,
Michael David Evans
Make an online donation here: https://giving.jerusalemprayerteam.org
Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. See, the LORD is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will conceal its slain no longer. —Isaiah 26:20-21

We are seeing the manifestation of this word as I write this. Over 70,000 believers are praying, fasting, and seeking God for a global awakening and revival. Please join them, and us, as we seek God – not simply for an end of this virus, but for the very Face of Jesus to manifest, calling people to repentance, and brokenness.

We love you and miss all of you. It will be a great day when we all can gather together and sing His praises. Remember again to check in on those who are shut in, the elderly, and those alone. Know that you are in our prayers as I trust that we are in yours. It’s time for all God’s people to awake and prepare. Heed the call to show up for the Last Day’s dress rehearsal, and turn to see Jesus.

One Thing

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There’s a great scene in the movie City Slickers in which Billy Crystal (playing a city- dweller in the throes of a midlife crisis who’s trying to find himself on a dude ranch) is talking to Jack Palance, an old-time cowboy, about the meaning of life. Palance holds up one cowhide-gloved finger (No, not that finger; his index finger) as he says, with a cigarette dangling precariously from the corner of his mouth, “Do you know what the secret to life is? This.” Crystal looks a Palance, puzzled, and asks, “Your finger?” As the scene at the dude ranch closes, Palance looks at Crystal and smiles wryly as he holds up his finger and goes on to explain the meaning of life. “One thing, just one thing. You stick to that and everything else don’t mean (use your imagination).” “That’s great, but what’s the one thing?” asks Crystal. “That’s what you gotta figure out,” says Palance.

In the light of all that is happening regarding the virus that “one thing” comes into sharper focus. Is it your health, where to find groceries, the brevity of life, will I have a job, is the economy going to collapse, getting a disease, the importance of family, or what you’ve lived life for? The other thing that comes into focus is what do you set your sights on? Where should your focus be?

Recently John David and I were having a conversation about what the prophets were saying. Which reminded me of a prophecy given several years ago back in October 2010. I was blown away by its relevance to our present crisis:

On October 22, 2010, I dreamed I was walking through a log cabin. Every room that I walked through was a different part of America. It was like this log cabin was the United States. Small fires started breaking out on the floor in every room. They were easy for me to stomp out. As I started to leave the log cabin, another fire ignited that I went over to put out. I saw that it had burned through the floor, so I looked through the hole to see if I could determine what was causing these fires. I discovered that the entire foundation of the building was covered in hot burning coals. I knew the cabin was about to go up in flames so I started to turn aside to grab my laptop computer. Immediately, I heard the voice of the Lord say, “You don’t have time for that. Get your wife, and the fire hose, and put the fire out.” The dream ended. When I woke up I was deeply shaken.

Interpretation: Our national problems are much worse than we realize. The foundation of our nation is being consumed by a fire that threatens everything. The reference to “my wife” represents the church, and she alone has what can put out this fire—the truth. In Ephesians 5:26 we are told that water represents the Word of God, and this alone can save us now. I believe that if the preachers and the prophetic voices in America don’t stand up and pour out the truth, our whole nation is about to be lost. And we’ve got to pour the truth on the foundations.  A week after my dream, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi who believes in Jesus (who I cannot name) had a dream that I felt corroborated mine. The following is an abbreviated version of what he sent to me:
    
I had a dream on the evening of October 29 and again during the afternoon on October 30. I saw a giant grizzly bear running rampant through America and the rest of the world, though primarily in the United States. It was large enough that it could swallow a man whole in a single bite. People everywhere were cowering in fear. I watched in horror as it swallowed person after person with alarming speed and left a swath of destruction behind it. As it approached where I was standing, that fear and panic started to overwhelm me, and then suddenly I felt a peace. That was when I noticed the Lord was standing next to me. He said, “Come with Me, you have seen all that you need to here. There is something else you need to see.”  He took me to what looked to be a classic church with a steeple.  When I walked inside, while it still had the feel of a house of worship, it looked more like a hunting lodge filled with trophies. Suddenly I saw what looked at first to be the rampaging bear. Then I realized that, no, this bear was considerably smaller, and while still menacing, it was nowhere near as fearful as the rampaging bear that I had seen.  After a moment I realized that it was another trophy. As I approached, I saw a plaque at the bear’s feet that said, “The Great Bear of 1929.” Even knowing that it was a long dead trophy, I still stood trembling before this bear. The same fear and confusion seemed to radiate from it as was radiating from the rampaging bear. Again, I felt calm come over me as the Lord stepped up to my side. When I turned to Him, He said, “You need to stand in my peace to see clearly what must be done.”  As I looked back at the bear I noticed a rifle in a case next to it.  It looked like an old M1 Garrand in 30-06 caliber. When I looked at the manufacturer’s information inscribed in the barrel it said, “Mission and Intercession Armory.” In place of the model number were two verses, “Matthew 6:33” and “Matthew 6:10.”  As I was marveling at the rifle, an old hunter approached me.  He was dressed in a field jacket of WWII vintage. He said, “That rifle is great for killing bears. We used it to take down the Great Bear here. It is available for any who are willing to take it up now. One well aimed shot at the heart is all it takes.” The dream ended.

In both of these dreams there is an answer to the current crisis. In dreams and visions, bears usually represent fear, or as in this case, a “bear market,” which is actually the result of fear. Though I was not told this in my dream, I felt that the fear that was devouring our foundation, and would soon consume the entire house, was an economic catastrophe. In my friend’s dream, it was a bigger bear than the bear of 1929. Often the time when we wake up from a prophetic dream can have significance, indicating a date, or a Scripture verse. That he had this dream on “the evening of October 29th” also speaks of 1929. This is what we are approaching. In my dream the answer was to get the church (my wife), who has the hose, and get her to pour water on the fire. The water that can put this fire out and save the house is the truth. Pastors, preachers, individual Christians, must stand for the truth without compromise, they must proclaim it boldly regardless of the threat, and they must do it now. That I did not have time to get my laptop spoke of how we cannot worry about our own stuff—we’ve got to proclaim the truth. In my friend’s dream, the weapon we can use to kill the bigger, more deadly bear we are facing now was the same weapon that killed the bear of 1929—faith in the Lord and His coming kingdom (Matt. 6:10), seeking “first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and not worrying about tomorrow (Matt. 6:33-34). The only way that we can do that, as this dream indicated, is to stay close to the Lord.

What’s the One Thing that every believer should be turning to in the present upheaval? Matthew 6:10 specifically – we should be in prayer. Secondly, Matthew 6:33. We should seek the Lord’s Kingdom and His righteousness. The question is, What will the Lord find us doing when He returns to the earth?

Good Afternoon Precious Church Family!

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I thought I would reach out and address some of the things that I’ve been meditating on and wrestling with in the midst of our present crisis. First let me encourage you to do what the Lord and faith is telling you to do. I was reminded of Romans 12:3 that states: For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him. My interpretation of that would be for all of us to live according to the dictates of our faith and conscience. The measure of Grace and faith I have may be lower or exceed that which you have. Thus we all must respond accordingly seeking to please our Lord and Master.

This places us squarely in the middle of a Biblical conundrum. We are commanded to submit ourselves to our authorities, love our neighbor as ourselves, and walk by faith not by sight. If you obey one commandment you may actually disobey another. For example, Scripture states in Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,25 Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. Thus we are commanded to not forsake the assembly of the saints, yet Scripture also states that we are to submit ourselves to our governing authorities. Which one do we obey? We go the way of faith. Recently I was reminded that church is not a building but a gathering of believers. In fact church defined by Jesus in Matthew 18:19-20 is the gathering of 2 or 3 in His Name. Thus church can be in the thousands or as small as 2 or 3. But what constitutes it as church is when we gather in His Name, doing what He taught us to do in our gathering. Some have used the logic that they can worship at home watching Charles Stanley, or sitting in a deer stand. But that does not constitute having church. Church is an assembly of believers to worship Jesus through fellowshipping or co-sharing our relationship with Jesus. Biblical worship manifests itself in trust, surrender, obedience, singing, thanksgiving, giving, prayer, reading of the Word, witness, and ministering to one another. Just to name a few. I can worship Jesus from the deer stand but that does not constitute Biblical Church. I can learn God’s Word from watching Charles Stanley – but again that does not constitute church. All of this to say that if your faith dictates that you stay home continue to gather with your family for Biblical Church. And if your family is not the size of the Dugger Family invite another family to gather with you and worship. That could begin a revival and awakening all across this land if we would take this step. One day I suspect we will have to make that choice – but until then assemble in Jesus Name and participate in as many aspects of worship as possible.

Next thought I had was that during this time of crisis, fear and panic seek to be a source of hope, peace, light and love to your neighbors by simply knocking on the door and checking on them. See if they need anything. Especially check on your older neighbors to make sure that they have all that they need – especially toilet paper (LOL). Whoever dreamed that we would have a toilet paper apocalypse? Reminds me of a time back in the 70’s or 80’s when Johnny Carson made a comment about there being a shortage of toilet paper and everyone hurried to the stores to clear the shelves. Actually creating a shortage. Later Johnny had to admit that he was just joking.

As I stated before walk by the faith that the Lord has given you the Grace for. Some of you are naturally concerned for your own health or the health of your loved ones. There are those among you who have loved ones who’s health is already compromised. The last thing I, or anyone else, would want you to do is to expose them to any potential hazards in the form of germs or viruses. But always remember to never allow your concern to be transformed into fear, worry, anxiety or full-blown panic. This is sin and is the opposite of faith and trust in the Lord. Preacher, and author Bill Johnson states: The biblical command repeated most often is: Do not fear. Why? Fear attacks the foundation of our relationship with God—our faith. Fear is faith in the devil; also called unbelief. Jesus would ask His fearful disciples, “Why are you so faithless?” because fearfulness is the same as faithlessness. Fear is also a decay of the heart. It attracts the demonic in the same way as bitterness and hatred. Like faith, fear is substance in the spiritual realm. Satan has no power except through our agreement. Fear becomes our heart’s response when we come into agreement with his intimidating suggestions.
Thus we are exhorted to walk by faith and not by sight, realizing and understanding that God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind. Scripture reminds us that if we are abiding in Love, we are abiding in God. If we are abiding in Love and God, fear is cast away from us. We are a people of faith and we all know that without faith it is impossible to please God. Irrational fear is to be treated as the devil himself. When he comes to visit – do not answer the door. Send Jesus. James 4:7 states what we are to do: Submit yourselves to God. That’s the first step – surrender or submit yourself to the Lord. If He hasn’t been Lord over this crisis and your fears, confess it, and return Him back to His rightful place – the throne of your heart. Restore Him back to ruling over your mind, will, emotions and personality. He’s better at it than you are anyway. The second step is, Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. Often when we are tempted our first instinct is to seek to resist the devil. That’s a mistake. One that will cost us the battle time and again. The very first step is, Submit yourselves to the Lordship of Jesus over your life. Once you do that you have His power to resist instead of your own limited will power.

Another thought I had. Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. One thing I’ve observed over the years is that God’s principles work for all people – whether they are born-again or not. For example, Scripture teaches we reap what we sow. If an unbeliever begins giving generously to others, practicing this principle, whether conscious of it or not, they typically get blessed in return. Thus the same must be true regarding Romans 10:17. In the Greek text the word used for “word” is the Greek word “rhema.” The definition for “rhema” literally means “out of the mouth of God.” It implies revelation, and understanding. The other Greek word for “word” is logos. Logos refers to the written, recorded, words or sayings of God, or Jesus. Thus Romans 10:17 states that what really encourages our faith to blossom and bloom is the words, the revelation, the understanding that proceed out of His Mouth, by and through His Spirit. Those words cause our faith to grow. What’s interesting about God’s principles is that they also work in the demonic realm. Scripture teaches that satan is a liar: You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. John 8:44

Thus if you can take the principle that Faith grows from hearing words then you could make an argument that unbelief grows through listening to lies. What’s my point? Much of what is on the news is designed to sell, and make money. Each news station, whether tv, radio, or the internet is pandering to a certain demographic. In other words, they are a business, not a charitable organization. Businesses must make money in order to keep the proverbial lights on. This results in misinformation, inflated information, half truths, and personal – business centered bias. To sum all of that up: the news is based mostly in half truths inflated to make money. This means that half of what you are receiving isn’t good for you. In other words it builds unbelief. Psalm 22:3 states that God inhabits the praises of His people – not the news of CNN, FOX, NPR, MSNBC, or CBS. For many the news is just another addiction that simply needs to be cut off. Many will say to me, “But pastor we need to be informed.” I agree, but limit your input. When your daily input of information from the news exceeds your daily input from the Spirit and Word – something is wrong. As the old adage reminds us: “GIGO – Garbage In Garbage Out.” Readjust your schedule to make more time to fix your minds on things above – not on things on the earth.

Recently I had a conversation with the Lord that you may be able to glean some lessons from. During my time with Him I asked if this corona virus, locust invasion of East Africa, and the fires that burned in Australia, and not so recently California an indicator that the Last Days had begun? His answer to me: “Look it up.” I did and here’s what I discovered:

When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” 7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. Revelation 6:5-8

I’m not the greatest mathematician in the world, so forgive me if my numbers are way off. But when I did the math the present world population stands at 7.8 billion people. According to this prophecy – if it is to be taken literally and not symbolically – 1/4th of the population would equal 1.9 billion people – give or take a million. If we add the numbers of those impacted by the fires, the swarms of locusts, and the virus, the numbers don’t even come close to 1.9 billion people. Now you could caution me by saying, “Now Robert, we haven’t seen the final numbers on this virus.” Which is true. But according to the experts this virus dies once the weather heats up. If this is true it appears that through our governments immediate actions to halt the spread of this disease, and the heating up of the environment, that this virus is going to be short lived. My limited conclusion is that all of these things are simply a dress rehearsal for the real thing. Now that should cause more alarm than the virus or a shortage of toilet paper at the grocery store. Jesus stated in Luke 18:8 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Jackie brought this up last night during our prayer meeting at church (Yes we are still meeting to pray. But there were only 9 of us). She prayed, and I paraphrase, Lord if you returned tonight would you find us doing what You called us to do? That’s the question, we need to be focused on. Which returns me to my opening line: First let me encourage you to do what the Lord and faith is telling you to do. As Romans 12:3 states: For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him. My interpretation of that would be for all of us to live according to the dictates of our faith and conscience.

We must all respond according to the Grace and Faith God has supplied us with. We must be led by His Spirit and His Word, not allowing one to exceed, or supersede the other. And lastly may He find us doing what He told us to do, pleasing Him with hearts burning hot with faith and love.

We love you and want you to remain safe. If you are showing any symptoms of being sick, simply remain at home and join us online. It’s not the same as being here – but it keeps you in touch with what’s going on at church. If there is anything you need, like a hug, food, transportation, and yes, even toilet paper feel free to contact me (704-785-4748 or resjes@msn.com), Jackie, John David, Church Office, or your deacon. Don’t forget we are still seeking to minister to the Lord through worship, and prayer every night from 6:30-8:30, meeting at the church till Thursday, April 9. We are fasting and praying 40 days for a wedding of the Spirit and the Word in our lives, Lastly, if you need prayer, and encouragement give me a shout and we will see Jesus show up in our gathering.

Sorry, the preacher in me can’t stop. One last word of encouragement from Babylon Bee (If you don’t subscribe – do so. It’s Christian satire and it’s pretty funny)

God To Ignore Quarantine And Continue Being Everywhere

HEAVEN—The CDC now recommends for everyone to stay home and avoid going out as much as possible. Despite this, reports are that God is breaking quarantine and going absolutely everywhere. Hospitals, nursing homes, prisons — wherever He is needed, God is going. He is reportedly visiting everyone and checking on everyone in this time of need and not using any amount of social distancing. God is said to be following the absolute best practices, though, and is at no risk of making people sick but only making people better. “We have absolutely no control over the guy,” said CDC spokesman Jim Wells, “which is extremely frustrating. We want to remind you, though, that you’re not God, so please stay put in small groups.” God is also reportedly trying to get people to stop hoarding toilet paper and instead put their treasures in Heaven. Treasures that don’t include toilet paper.

Esther Fast To End Corona Virus- Day 1

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This is taken from Lou Engle and is a call to fast and seek the Lord for the end of this virus:
A Plague Has Broken Out
 NOW ESTHER 
 A plague has broken out all over the earth. It’s called the Coronavirus. It is threatening to kill tens of thousands across the world and is shutting down global economies. Terror and panic have seized the nations. Something is going on here that is beyond the virus itself. It seems like a demonic force is fueling the rapid spread of the virus and the excessive hysteria it is creating. Amazingly, I believe that 2020 has been marked by the Holy Spirit as the year of stadium Christianity and explosive advance of the Kingdom. In America alone, I believe, 20 stadiums are being prepared for prayer and evangelistic breakthroughs. Satan has risen up in rage to halt this mighty advance. Oftentimes God is riding in the storm, but so is the Devil. Obviously the Sovereign God rules over the affairs of men. He says that He will shake everything that can be shaken in Hebrews 12:26. Plagues in the Bible were used to bring Israel to repentance. It is clear that King David was brought to repentance through a plague in 2 Samuel 24. It is our conviction that the sins of the Church also give an open door to the enemy to wreak havoc. This plague presents a clarion call and opportunity for all to return to God, repent, and seek mercy from the Lord of heaven. God will use this to judge the gods of our hearts and of this world.However, we have been seeking God earnestly on this 40-day fast on how to respond to this plague within this “now moment”. David inquired of the Lord on two separate occasions if he was to go to war. The wisdom was different for both situations. We believe there is always a hidden wisdom that must be sought out in every current circumstance. It has become our conviction that this storm has been stirred up by a high-level demonic principality to hinder the surge of the Church’s mighty assault of fasting, prayer, sending, and missions on the global gates of Hades. It is our conviction that when Jesus and His disciples were going over the Sea of Galilee to deliver the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 4, a demonic storm was stirred up to stop Jesus’ mission. A panic took hold of the disciples when Jesus expected them to take their authority with mighty faith and rebuke that storm! Jesus said to His disciples, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith” (Mark 4:40)? Then He spoke to the storm, “Peace! Be still!” and the storm obeyed. Therefore, in the midst of this 40-day fast, we are calling an urgent and special three-day Global Esther Fast, as when the wicked prince Haman released a genocidal plot to destroy all the Jews. And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:13-14Faced with a life and death situation, Esther told them: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” – Esther 4:16Brothers and sisters, those around the world fasting and praying, we are faced with a life and death situation with this Coronavirus. A casual approach to this worldwide crisis and this prophetic call to fasting could multiply needless casualties. Who could have guessed that the timing of this 40-day fast would be synchronized with the timing of the Coronavirus? I believe God saw it coming and raised up a fasting prayer movement to call for repentance and then stand against it.     For several days, five of us had been holed up in a house, fasting on water, and seeking God concerning this virus. We had been inquiring of the Lord if we were to call a global three-day fast of humility and then rebuke this virus. We didn’t want it to just be a good idea; we wanted to know if it was God. That very morning, a great evangelist from Europe, Jean-Luc Trachsel, texted me and said, “Lou, don’t miss this moment. Call a three-day fast across the world and rebuke this Coronavirus!” At that moment I knew it was the word of the Lord. I sat down with my team and began to prepare to write up this call to action that you are reading now. Just before taking up the pen, Andy Byrd, one of the leaders of The Send, texted me and said, “Lou, would you call a fast in the midst of this 40-day fast and call the Church to stand against and rebuke this Coronavirus? It is threatening the global advance of evangelism and missions and is determined to stop stadium Christianity. The Send Kansas City must not be stopped! Other great gatherings must not be stopped!” At that moment, with two or three witnesses, it was confirmed again that this was the word of the Lord. We must take our place at the right hand of the Majesty on High and rule in the midst of our enemies!Therefore, we are calling the global Church during this three-day Esther Fast to humble themselves, confess their sins and the sins of their nations (Joel 2), and cry out to God for mercy. And then, on the third day, as when Esther went before the king, let us gather together in with our prayer partners, or online, and stand as the Ekklesia before the King of Glory! Let us stretch out His rod of authority out of Zion and rebuke the Coronavirus in united corporate agreement, believing in faith that the storm will abate, stadiums will be filled, and 2020 will go down as the year of the historic advance of evangelism and missions worldwide!
 Esther Fast  Some will go three days on no food and no water. Desperate times demand desperate measures. Others will have faith to do different fasts. We are encouraging all on this 40-day fast to consider intensifying their fasts with greater focus for these three days. May those who are following this devotional but are not fasting enter with us now in the fast. Who knows? For such a time as this we’ve been brought into the Kingdom.

Raise the Shield! Wield the Sword! A Corporate Call to Pray and Fast—THURSDAY

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The following message is from a local ministry. Please read it and consider fasting with us.

Battle Lines Are Drawn—The assault is on public confidence because panic creates chaos and shuts down love. The assault is on love because that’s who God is. The assault is on the business community because it funds the work of God. The assault is on the FAITH of believers because we are the salt and light. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “The Church is the only hope for the world.” We are set up for a massive display of God’s recovery!We—the Church everywhere, believers on the earth—are the front line of defense and offense. Raise your shield and wield the sword of your word in agreement with God’s word in this moment.

Two things this week:
FAST
Following up with the President’s call and National Day of Prayer, we are calling you to participate in a day of fasting this Thursday, March 19. You may fast in any form you have grace for. We are asking everyone to participate. If you choose to fast food, some of all that stuff you may have packed into your cupboard will just go that much farther!
 
We are fasting according to Psalm 2:6-8: “Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.’”

PRAY
For America. Fast and pray for America’s victory in the full-fledged battle against the coronavirus outbreak. Lift up a concerted prayer for our nation to be hidden in the shadow of the Most High. Lift up the name of Jesus and the Lord’s banner of victory over this disease. Pray for the administrations on national, state, and local levels to effectively cooperate and collaborate. Pray they mobilize our best reach and resource to turn the tide of infection and begin national recovery of health to our citizenry and economy. Bind spirits of panic, isolation, greed, and the kind of “self preservation” that disregards concern for a neighbor as well as one’s self. Ask for America!
 
For Italy. She is the spiritual mother of the faith of Christians around the world for generations. She has been put on display globally as an epicenter of celebrating Christ, specifically the sacred beauty and power of His death on the cross through the Eucharist. Regardless of your theology or ours, putting Jesus on display through faith appropriated in His body and blood is the demonstration of the gospel: “Every time you do this you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). It is the ultimate challenge to the kingdom of darkness and the kingdoms of this world. It is His “blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins…poured out for many…given for you!”
 
Italy is being crushed beneath the shadow of coronavirus. The infection rate has spiked, the healthcare system has been pressed beyond capacity and medical workers are now having to choose whom to save. Nearly a quarter of Italy’s population are octogenarians, the most vulnerable and highest risk for this infection.
 
In the midst of this crisis, we are also we are seeing the incredible love and resilience of the Italian people under lockdown quarantine out on their balconies filling their atmosphere with songs of love and solidarity for one another. Let’s join them, America.

 Heartwarming Moments Quarantined Italians Sing Together from Balconies

The Italian Airforce gives a Big Emotional lift to their Nation.

Pray for supernatural turnaround. We lift up every aspect of Italy’s medical facilities and workers. Pray for the families being hit by this crisis, the governing agencies and decision makers, and their supply lines.
 
Bind fear and accusation.
 
Loose the consolation of the Holy Spirit and recovery of all that has been stolen from them as a people, as families, as a nation.
 
Pray for the Church and believers across the nation to be anointed with fresh healing power and testimony to proclaim the gospel in this hour of trouble.
 
Pray for the Vatican, Pope Francis, and Father Cantalamessa, the preacher to the papal household under the two previous  popes and current Pope. We have had the joy of meeting Father Cantalamessa on several occasions. He is a wonderful vessel of joy and love who was filled with the Holy Spirit in the U.S. during the Charismatic Renewal of the 1970’s in which Derek Prince, our spiritual father and your spiritual grandfather, played such a significant role.
 
As you pray for Italy, thank the Lord for your New Testament:
·      Apostle Paul’s “prison letters” written from Rome;
·      Ephesians, the great “Church” anthem;
·      Philippians, the affectionate brotherhood epistle;
·      Colossians, the majestic ode to the Son King;
·      Philemon, the appeal and plea for social justice and brotherly kindness.

Jesus Fast Day 6

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Atomic Power
“As the Creator is greater than that which He has created, so is the power wielded by the Christian through fasting and prayer greater than that wielded by the atomic scientist.” – Franklin Hall

The next three devotional days may be review for many of you, but these stories are prophetically and Biblically foundational to everything we will discuss. If you have heard these stories before, bear with me. If this is your first time hearing these stories, you will understand why I am gripped by God to call the global Church into the 40-day fast and extended seasons of fasting and prayer during this pregnant moment and decade.

In 1999, I was approached by a Youth With A Mission (YWAM) leader who asked me to help him call the whole world to a 40-day fast to unleash the harvest of the new Millenium. I thought to myself, “Lord how can I call the world? Nobody knows who I am. But if this is you, have a prophet call me with a dream that I am flying a plane and dropping an atomic bomb.”

There was a reason for this somewhat unreasonable request. At the time, I was reading a book that would be pivotal in my life’s calling: Atomic Power With God Thru Fasting And Prayer by Franklin Hall. That very night, a prophet called me with that exact dream! I was flying a plane and dropping an atomic bomb! Whoa!

It was in 1946 that Franklin Hall released this booklet and it began to fly across the world, moving thousands to enter into long fasts for evangelistic power and harvest breakthrough. It seemed that for an entire season the spirit and grace of fasting rested on the Church. Reports of fasting from around the world began to come forth, with many testifying of God’s supernatural power and salvation.

But I believe much more was happening. I am now convinced that a global season of fasting and prayer precipitated a worldwide miracle harvest. Franklin Hall said that 1946 through 1950 was a fasting era. By 1952, two hundred thousand Atomic Power books and over six million pieces of literature were published and distributed all over the world by Hall and his team.

 Within the year following Hall’s release of Atomic Power, healing evangelists like Oral Roberts and T.L. Osborn launched their ministries with extended fasting. T.L. Osborn read Hall’s book in 1947 and was stirred to enter into long fastings which launched him into one of the most remarkable evangelistic careers. Hundreds of thousands attended his crusades. Miraculous healings and deliverances followed. Osborn thanked Hall for his impact through the book, saying, “Our lives have been revolutionized by fasting and prayer.” Oral Roberts fasted seven months in 1947 and then his renowned healing ministry broke out.

Franklin Hall’s newsletter stated that, “A few of the other (not too well-known then) ministers who had major fasting experiences by our writings in the 1946, 1947 to 1950 fasting era and who also became famous (as healing evangelists) are: Wm. Freeman, Gordon Lindsay, A.A. Allen, O.L. Jaggers, Gayle Jackson, Oral Roberts, David Nunn, Wm. Branham, W.V. Grant, Wm. Hagen, Dale Hanson, and Tommy Hicks” (Don’t Cry For Me Argentina).

Do you see the pattern? Unknown evangelists rediscovered the power of The Jesus Fast (extended fasting without food) and a divine reenactment of Jesus’ power exploded on the earth. That was 70+ years ago. The sick and the dying, the harassed and the helpless, demand a new manifestation of Jesus’ healing power.

And shall not we, the children of these Pentecostal forerunners, turn our hearts back to them and return to the sacrifice of the 40-day fast? What if thousands globally entered into The Jesus Fast? I tell you, stadiums will be filled all over the globe and the world will come flocking to Jesus, who is the Savior, Healer, Baptizer, and Soon-Coming King! 

This is not theory, friends. This is what happened when men and women read Atomic Power. And this 40-day devotional series is their testimony. More to come on Tommy Hicks and the rest of these guys later!

Prayer:

God the Mighty One! We cry out to you! Unleash your spiritual atomic power through my life and through your church. Release a worldwide mighty baptism of the Holy Spirit that we may be your witnesses!

Jesus Fast Day 5

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In light of a recent message regarding the baptism of the Spirit and Fire and it’s symbolic reference to zeal I thought Lou Engle’s Post for today was timely:

Bread From Heaven

“Passion is the north star compass for your calling.” Yesterday we spoke concerning passion as the mainspring for the 40-day fast. Passion is the north star compass for your calling. It enables you to make sacrifices that otherwise would be unthinkable. Have you written down the dominating prophecies, dreams, and inward desires that we spoke of yesterday? Take time, ponder these things, and be possessed.    

Today, we want to continue to help you climb this 40-day mountain. Jesus said, “This kind cometh not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:21). To fast without prayer is starvation. Or at best, a diet. You can lose weight and lose your salvation at the same time. Prayer provides the oil that lights the lamp that illuminates the darkened path of your ascent to spiritual conquest. Eating takes hours of our days. We think about it, we talk about it, we spend time preparing it, eating it, and thinking about what we’ll eat before we go to bed. Almost without question, you will, during this fast, have dreams that you’re breaking your fast. You’ll wake up thinking “Oh no, I broke my fast!” Actually, the dreams reveal what really has a hold on you. In fasting and prayer, we find ourselves beginning to feast on bread from heaven that truly satisfies. Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51). In place of your normal eating times, set aside much time to pray and read the Word. Pray your promises and your passions. Put your headphones on and be swept along by the sounds of heaven’s epic music soundtrack that is playing above you and in you. Worship God. In fasting with prayer you know in the deepest sense that you love God more than anything. Job said, “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). Do not be discouraged if there is no light coming to you during the fast. Endure and persevere in your pursuit. “He who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God” (Isaiah 50:10). Almost by definition, the wilderness of fasting can be a dark place, but the realm of the invisible sometimes cannot be seen in the daylight of our normal existence. Stars can only be seen at night. It may be in your darkest moment of this fast that a dream comes and lights your lamp forever. Or it may be after the fast that angels will come and minister to you, like what happened at the end of Jesus’ fast. In many fasts that I have entered into, dreams have come and shown me a new dimension of God and a new direction of purpose. Other times, it seemed like the heavens were closed. But the Bible reassures us that the Father will reward you openly for the fast you do in secret (Matt. 6:4). 

Your soul will be attracted to entertainment and food, anything just to keep your mind off of the fast. Know that the fast creates a vacuum in your soul into which spiritual water is to be poured. Be careful what you pour into your soul. In the natural, fasting removes toxins from your body. I read somewhere that in a 30-day water fast, you actually get a new stomach through the renewal of your cells. Spiritually speaking, you receive a new capacity for spiritual renewal and breakthrough. Shut down other voices, shut down all the noises so that you can hear another voice, “the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord’” (Isaiah 40:3). Open the faucet of your spirit man through crying out to God, “Fill me with your Holy Spirit! Give me a revelation!”    

 Find the fellowship of fasting friends. They will fuel your fire. Speak often with one another and God will listen and hear. He will write you down in his diary of devotional lovers. Your fast moves heaven. Lock on to another brother or sister who will fast with you, for two are better than one, if one falls another will lift him up (Eccl. 4:9-10). For 35 years, I’ve had my close fasting friend as my wingman. We have flown together with revelation. Share your revelations with one another and that revelation will fuel your fast.  
Prayer: Lord we ask for bread from heaven in this fast. We ask for personal revelation that we can live by – every word that proceeds from your mouth! We ask for dreams and visions. We ask for the salvation of five unbelievers in this forty days. Lord of the harvest send laborers into their lives and here am I send me! 

Jesus Fast – Day 5

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I thought I would share this post from Lou Engle from Day Four of the 40 Day Jesus Fast:

You Can Climb This Mountain
“No one climbs Everest without a mesmerizing motivation of passion.” – Lou Engle“And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.” – 1 Kings 19:7-8We hope that yesterday’s video from my friend, Dr. Vaughn Lawrence, helped you in preparing for a healthy fast, but many of you may still be wondering how you can even do a 40-day fast. You may be asking, “What kind of fast should I do? How can I do a 40-day fast or any extended fast? How can I climb this 40-day mountain?” Recently, the wife of the young man who helped me write and edit my most recent book, The Fast, had a dream in which they were struggling to climb a mountain that was very difficult and steep. She looked up and saw me above them on the mountain, calling and encouraging them to come up to the top of the mountain. This young man had been feeling a desire to fast. I said to him, “I think the mountain is the Mountain of the Lord. Moses fasted for 40 days on the Mountain of the Lord and Elijah fasted for 40 days on that same mountain. I think the Lord wants you to come up to the Mountain of the Lord and fast for 40 days.” He had just completed his water and juice fast at the time we were finishing the book. God changed his life; he discovered his scroll. The 40-day fast can be done and the rewards are very great. As we are at the beginning of our 40-day journey together, you may be daunted by the sheer height of such a climbing endeavor. I understand. Paul boasted that he spoke in tongues “more than all of you” (1 Cor. 14:18). My claim to fame is that I’ve broken more fasts than all of you. It is amazing that the minute you begin to fast, that beautiful pink box of donuts appears at the office and immediately you start thinking, “I’ll start my fast at Noon.” For the next few days, we want to help you climb this mountain. First of all, you must understand that fasting must be born and motivated by the Spirit. “Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.” – Mark 1:12     “I should fast” or “I need to fast” will never bring about the kind of motivation required to subdue the appetites of the flesh. Legalism and law will not liberate you into the flight of freedom in fasting, they will only bring you under bondage and accusation. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God”(Romans 8:14). The Gospel writer of Mark said that the Spirit of the Lord drove (ekballo’d) Jesus into the wilderness to fast 40 days. It was the impetus of the Spirit that enabled Jesus to overcome the most intense temptations to eat. This is why we write this journal – to create within you an overpowering faith, a divine motivation, and an expectation for an unbelievable breakthrough. In fact, you would not even be reading this journal if God was not leading you by the Holy Spirit. It is our conviction that once again the Spirit that drove Jesus into the wilderness is now driving the Church worldwide into the wilderness of the 40-day fast because a great light is about to dawn.  Passion is like a mighty river that breaks the dam of our fleshly obstinance to spiritual sacrifice that brings great spiritual reward. When an inward desire to fast begins to overtake you, you can bet that the devil is not tempting you. No, the Spirit of the Lord uses inward desire, the life force of passion, to drive you into a new dimension. Many times there’s a build-up of the force of that river – overwhelming circumstances that nothing can move, an inward desperation for change, dreams and prophecies, even books that get into your hand (like this one) are the voice of the Lord screaming inside of you, “Fast for the unfolding of your new future!”    As you begin to climb this mountain, do not look at how steep the climb is, but look to the peak of spiritual pleasure that is at the top of that mountain. I would encourage you to ponder and be possessed by the prophecies, dreams, yearnings, and prayer requests that are stronger than the very desire for food. Live this fast under the shadow of a dominating prophecy. At the right hand of God “are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). Look to the rewards of fasting, not to the temporary reach for Adam’s apple. Take this moment right now to write down a list of what you want and need from God: a friend to be saved, a disease to be healed, a calling to be heard, an addiction to be overcome, a job or career to cross into, a  people group to be won. Set your eyes on things above, not on things below (Col. 3:2), for the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the cross (Heb. 12:2). 40 days is not too steep a climb for eternal pleasure, impact, and reward. Let passion be the fire for The Fast!
 Prayer: Lord, we pray that you would release the fire of prophetic passion on the thousands that are fasting. I pray that they would live under the shadow of a dominating prophecy that would so capture them that this fast will become a joy and not a burden. I pray that the joy set before them will release grace to endure the suffering, the Cross, for the reward that is coming, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jesus Fast Guidelines

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We are amazed at the response of tens of thousands who are joining together for The Jesus Fast. Prayer and fasting are gifts from God to reset the compass of our hearts toward Him and focus our intercession for a breakthrough. I believe these next 40 days will shake the nations and prepare us to be sent into all the world to proclaim the Good News! I know many of you are doing your very first extended fast.  Praise God for your obedience!  Please read over these guidelines from my website and prepare your heart and body in these next days leading up to the fast.
With this call to enter into extended fasting, we must prepare ourselves adequately so that the fast can honor God and fulfill its purpose. I want to share some thoughts from our own experiences to help and encourage you.
 1. Seek medical advice if you are older or have health challenges 
2. Fast and pray to humble yourself and purify your worship – In Fasting we are not trying to get something from God; we are seeking to realign our hearts’ affections with His. We do holy violence to the “pleasures which wage war against the soul,” opening the way for a greater submission to the Holy Spirit. Lust is a perverse form of devotion. Fasting enables us to cleanse the sanctuary of our hearts from such idols.
 3. Take time to pray and read the Word – This may seem obvious, but busyness and distractions can keep you from devotions. Reading books with testimonies of victories gained through fasting will encourage you. Register at TheJesusFast.com to schedule your fast and receive encouragement by email.
 4. Have a clear target for prayer focus – Without a vision (a clear, prophetic prayer goal), the people perish. During a fast, I have four or five prayer goals I have clearly articulated. When I am not deeply motivated by a clear goal, I usually fast until breakfast! Write down your vision so you can run with it.
 5. Do the fast with someone else – Two are better than one! We encourage young people to talk this through with their parents before starting the fast. Parents and kids should consider fasting together.
 6. Do not give in to condemnation if you fail – The “to fast or not to fast” dilemma can be a major tool of the enemy. Even though you may fail several times, God always extends grace. Hit reset and resume right where you left off.
 7. Husbands and wives, consider sexual abstinence for the sake of prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5)
8. Determine the length in advance of the fast, not after you start• – A total fast is without water. This is extremely hard on the body. Do not go beyond three days.
• A water-only fast is a very challenging but deeply spiritual experience. Many people can endure forty days on water alone, though this is dependent on one’s weight and metabolism.
• A fruit and vegetable juice fast allows you to enter into fasting but still gives enough energy to function. Most people can do a forty-day juice fast. Out of consideration for their health and metabolism, I encourage teenagers to drink juice and protein drinks to sustain them.
 9. Prepare physically – Two days before your fast, limit your intake of food to fruit and vegetables. Fruits are natural cleansers and easy to digest. Stop drinking coffee before the fast. Prepare yourself for mental discomforts such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety. Expect physical discomforts. You may experience dizziness, headaches and different kinds of pains. The headaches are not necessarily a sign to stop fasting. Your body is working to cleanse itself of impurities.
 10. Prepare for opposition – On the first day of your fast, you can bet doughnuts will somehow show up at the office or in class. Your spouse (or mom) will suddenly be inspired to cook your favorite meals. Take this as encouragement from God to press ahead! Many times you may feel increased emotional tension at home. My fasts are just as difficult on my wife as they are on me. Satan tempted Jesus on His fast, and we must expect the same. Discouragement may come in like a flood, but recognize the source and take your stand upon the victory of Christ.
 11. Fast in secret – Do not boast about your fast, but do not go to extraordinary lengths to mask it when people inquire; if necessary, just let them know you will not be eating. The bigger deal you make of it, the more attention you draw. Be discreet, be transparent, then move humbly along.
 12. Break the fast over several days with fruit juice and/or light soups
On a light juice fast or a water fast, your digestive system shuts down. It can be dangerous if you eat too much too soon. Break such a fast gently with several days of diluted, nonacidic juice, then regular juice, followed by fruit and vegetables. When breaking one of my early water fasts, I ate too much too quickly and almost needed hospitalization. Be careful!
 13. Feel free to rest a lot and to continue to exercise
14. If you are pregnant or nursing, do not fast, PERIOD
15. Expect to hear God’s voice in the Word, dreams, visions, and revelations – Daniel prepared himself to receive revelation through fasting (Daniel 10:1-3). Scripture also speaks of a fasting reward (Matthew 6:18). Expect God to fellowship and communicate with you in special ways.
 16. Breakthroughs often come after a fast, not during it – Do not listen to the lie that nothing is happening. It is my conviction that every fast done in faith will be rewarded.

Jesus Fast 2020

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Please take the time to sign up through the Lou Engle video that John David will be releasing today. The Video post has a website sign up that will provide you with additional devotionals from Lou Engle. Also take the time to choose the fast that you are going to partake in.

Lou lists the following fasts: The Original Jesus Fast: Water-Only – According to Luke 4:2, Jesus was driven into the wilderness by the Spirit and ate nothing for 40 days. He drank only water. A 40-day fast on water is the most physically difficult fast and should be undertaken with complete rest and under medical supervision because of the extreme danger of over-toxification, breakdown of vital body tissues, and loss of electrolytes. We encourage you to be led by the Spirit into a water-only fast.

Juice Fast: A juice fast is a fast where you drink only juice and water (primarily water) and do not eat any food. This type of fast will provide you with more energy than a water-only fast. This is an excellent type of fast, because you will lose all hunger cravings while still maintaining a certain level of energy that allows you to function. On a juice fast, we recommend drinking only fresh-pressed juices, which you can make at home with a juicer, or (if you don’t have a juicer) cold-pressed juices which you can buy at a store. You want to avoid juices with high acidic content, added sugars, and pulp. Drinking juices with pulp causes your metabolism to start back up, bringing back all of those difficult-to-deal-with hunger pangs. For a great resource on fasting, one of our fasting heroes, the late, great Bill Bright, compiled an entire fasting guide found here.

Smoothie Fast (Liquids-Only): A smoothie fast allows you to still get all the necessary nutrients you need to function, just in liquid form. You still deprive yourself the pleasure of chewing and eating solid foods. Smoothie fasts allow you to still get lots of servings of fruits, vegetables, protein powders, and whatever else you choose to include in your fast.

Daniel Fast: The Daniel Fast is the most well-known type of fast and is done according to the pattern revealed in Daniel 1:12 and Daniel 10:2-3. On this type of fast you will be able to still fulfill all of your life’s requirements, while denying yourself some of your typical diet’s pleasures. This type of fast is very healthy for your body as well. A Daniel Fast is essentially a vegan eating plan with more restrictions. It is a plant-based diet where the only beverage is water. You can read more about the Daniel Fast here.


Media Fast: If you are unable (or do not feel led by the Lord) to do any of the food-related fasts, consider doing a social media, video game, or movie (Netflix or other streaming service) fast. In 2018, the average American spent 1 hour and 57 minutes on social media every day. It takes only about 71 hours to read the entire Bible at an out-loud reading rate. If the average American replaced their time spent on social media with reading the Bible, they would be able to read the entire Bible in 37 days!

Other Types of Fasts: For 40 days, you could fast a certain favorite food, coffee, or one thing that you usually spend time doing. You can be creative. Ask the Lord what He would want you to fast during these upcoming 40 days.
*With water-only, juice, and smoothie fasts, consider taking a few days before your fast to detox your body in order to prepare it for your liquid fast. You can find more tips to prepare for your fast as compiled by our friends at IHOPKC here.

Regardless of which type of fast you choose, in place of your normal eating (or social media) times, set aside much time to pray and read the Word. Fasting creates a vacuum in your soul. Fill that void by feasting on God during your fast. When you would have gone to social media, pray. When you would have eaten a meal, feast on God’s Word. When you would have gone to a favorite food for comfort, go to God for comfort.

Our hope is that these options have given you a faith and confidence that there is a type of fast that you can do! As you choose your fast, we look forward to you joining us for the 40-day Global Jesus Fast starting March 1st. God Bless!

Lou Engle Ministries

Seek God For The City: 2020

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“Seek God for the City: 2020” begins today, February 26. If you haven’t read the meditation and prayed the prayers it’s not too late.

Psalm 27:8 You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].

When confronted with Scriptures like this many are quick to remind you that no one can see God’s Face and live. Exodus 33:20 But, He said, You can not see My face, for no man shall see Me and live. Yet, we are commanded to seek God’s Face. Though, in contrast, there are those who claimed to have seen God’s Face and lived. Was God lying, or is the Scripture contradicting itself? Neither. One of the things I love pointing out to people is that Jesus was God when He walked the earth. In other words, They saw God. To which they will typically counter that argument by stating that He was simply living as a man during His earthly ministry – He wasn’t really God. To which I agree. Yet this statement is only half the truth. For following Jesus’ resurrection Jesus appeared too over 500 people (1 Cor. 15:6) as God. Was Jesus glorified as God following His resurrection? Absolutely. So how do we reconcile the differences? The differences are reconciled when you understand that in the Old and New Testaments man could not look upon the Face of the Father and live, but they could look upon Jesus’ Face. Jesus was making appearances throughout the Old Testament long before He arrived as a baby in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. Consider the following:

In Ex. 3:2 it states: The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush…

Angel of the Lord is used exclusively in the O.T. This term is never used again in the New Testament. What escapes our notice is that this “Angel” refers to Himself as the Lord: Ex. 3:4-6 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I. 5 God said, Do not come near; put your shoes off your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground. 6 Also He said, I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

This Angel of the Lord spoke as God. Regarding the use of this term the Amplified Classic contains the following footnote for Gen. 16:7: “The Angel of the Lord” or “of God” or “of His presence” is readily identified with the Lord God (and other passages). But it is obvious that the “Angel of the Lord” is a distinct person in Himself from God the Father. Nor does the “Angel of the Lord” appear again after Christ came in human form. He must of necessity be One of the “three-in-one” Godhead. The “Angel of the Lord” is the visible Lord God of the Old Testament, as Jesus Christ is of the New Testament. Thus His deity is clearly portrayed in the Old Testament. The Cambridge Bible observes, “There is a fascinating forecast of the coming Messiah, breaking through the dimness with amazing consistency, at intervals from Genesis to Malachi. Abraham, Moses, the slave girl Hagar, the impoverished farmer Gideon, even the humble parents of Samson, had seen and talked with Him centuries before the herald angels proclaimed His birth in Bethlehem.”

In fact if you were to go through all of the Old Testament references to the Angel of the Lord you discover that He appears quite frequently. This Term is used in Gen.16:7-13 regarding Hagar. It is used of Abraham in Gen. 22:11-16 when he is about to sacrifice Isaac. In Gen. 22:15-16 it states: The Angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 And said, I have sworn by Myself, says the Lord…. You discover it in the account of Jacob wrestling with the Angel of the Lord in Gen. 31:11,13 the Angel of God said to me in the dream, Jacob. And I said, Here am I …..13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you vowed a vow to Me.

In the book of Joshua is an amazing account in which Joshua encounters the Angel of the Lord Who refers to Himself as Captain of the Lord’s Hosts. The term Lord of Hosts, Yahveh-Sabaoth, means Lord or God of Angelic Armies. How powerful is that? The other interesting thing about this passage is that angels never receive worship from man. That’s how we know that this is Jesus, and the Angel of the Lord. Josh. 5:13-15 When Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up, and behold, a Man stood near him with His drawn sword in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, Are you for us or for our adversaries? And He said, No [neither], but as Prince of the Lord’s host have I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, What says my Lord to His servant? 15 And the Prince of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, Loose your shoes from off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy. And Joshua did so.

All of this to say, when we are commanded to seek God’s Face, we are being commanded to not only seek God’s manifested Presence, but an experiential encounter with Jesus. Question is, Are you willing to turn to see?

Seeking God’s Face Day 1 (February 26): We have heard Your Voice calling to us. Yet too often we have allowed the noise of life to obscure Your call. Although we’ve ignored You before, we now hush our hearts long enough to respond to Your Voice. You are calling, “Come! Come nearer! Come seek My Face!” Our hearts answer back to You, “Yes! I’m coming! I will seek Your Face!” This really is the deepest longing of our hearts. This is what we were made for: To know You. To come near You. To love You. We seek You because You first sought us. Please keep calling us, and we will keep coming.


40 Day Jesus Fast Challenge

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Sunday, March 1 – Thursday, April 9

Challenge 1: Seek the Lord through Prayer & Fasting – to Stir the Fires of His Spirit in You OR Seek Him for a Baptism of the Spirit and Fire.

Challenge 2: Commit to a Night, or Several Nights from Mar. 1 – Apr. 9, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, for 40 Days, or 6 Weeks – of Ministering to the Lord through Thanksgiving, Worship and Intercession.

Prayer Focus: Seek the Lord for a Wedding of the Spirit and Word – in your life, and our church. Seek the Lord for a Sovereign Move for Revival and Awakening.

If you desire to sign up for Lou Engle’s Daily Devotions during the 40 Day fast you can subscribe at: https://louengle.com/thejesusfast/

Confession & Declaration 39

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Romans 8:29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.

I love mysteries. Everything from UFO’s to Stonehenge, from Pyramids to Big Foot, from the Loch Ness Monster to Easter Island, and the Bermuda Triangle. I just love them. What is it about them that’s so intriguing? I believe, that in part, it’s what’s left of the child within. When I was a child I grew up in areas where there were woods, secret creeks, and holes in the ground. All of these things fascinated, activated, and fueled an all too active imagination. Yet, probably the greatest reason that mysteries capture our attention is that they are imbedded in our soul, or spiritual DNA. An obvious example is found in the story lines of every good movie, book, or play. Think about it, “Why does every good story have a hero, or heroine? Why are movies, and books boring without an enemy to conquer, a challenge to overcome, and a happy ending?” Why do our souls soar from this common story line? The common denominator, is that all of these things call to “His Story” in us. For some reason, when we were younger, we knew that we were made for something more. But as life happened, and we grew older, we slowly released those hopes, and dreams. The sad truth is that many, if not most, have never stopped long enough to ponder why our dreams, and imaginations were designed for much broader possibilities than this life could contain. Combined, these aspects of our nature act as a compass pointing us away from ourselves to the greatest of all mysteries. What is that mystery? Paul begins answering this question in the Book of Ephesians.

Ephesians 3:3-10 [And] that the mystery (secret) was made known to me and I was allowed to comprehend it by direct revelation, as I already briefly wrote you.4 When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.5 [This mystery] was never disclosed to human beings in past generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles (consecrated messengers) and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit. 6 [It is this:] that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the Jews], members of the same body and joint partakers [sharing] in the same divine promise in Christ through [their acceptance of] the glad tidings (the Gospel). 7 Of this [Gospel] I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s free grace (undeserved favor) which was bestowed on me by the exercise (the working in all its effectiveness) of His power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (God’s consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out], 9 Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan [regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation of all men] of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed until now in [the mind of] God Who created all things by Christ Jesus. 10 [The purpose is] that through the church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere.

Did you pay attention to the final verse? Part of God’s mystery was to unveil His plan of salvation for all mankind through His Son. Talk about “do-overs,” or “mulligans.” This mystery is the ultimate “do-over” of all times, and of all ages. What is that mystery? Think of it from Heaven’s perspective. God creates angels to serve alongside of Him in Heaven, and in the created universe. He designs a “Big Blue Marble” in the cold, empty blackness we call space. Then out of all the other “marbles” He calls forth time, life and creatures to inhabit its space and make it home. From these creatures, He fashions something far more inferior to angels – He makes man and woman. To the angels they must have looked awful puny, but to God they were His crowning achievement. To make matters worse God the Father, doesn’t select a Cherubim, or a Seraphim, one of Heaven’s Arch-angels, to rule this earth – but a mentally deficient, physically weak, spiritually infantile man. You know the rest of the story. One of those angels became so offended that he led a revolt to displace the Father, and dethrone the man-child. And in some respects satan’s plan seemed to have worked. That is until Jesus. Talk about the unveiling of a mystery. Our God is so awesome – the devil, demons and angels didn’t get the whole picture yet. Paul tells us that if the devil had of – he would never have crucified the Lord of Glory. They couldn’t see the ultimate plan – the Father was just getting warmed up. For not only did He send His Son down to earth to be a man – but this man came and took the punishment that we deserved, and defeated death, hell and the grave. But for the Father this was like flexing His pinky finger. He wasn’t done yet. Not only did He raise His Son from the dead – He began raising the slaves of satan, and enemies of God from being spiritually dead. But the story gets better. These slaves begin to serve Jesus bringing other slaves of satan to life. These former slaves begin to build God’s Kingdom on earth to clash with the kingdom of darkness. Going “awol” they enlist in Jesus’ Army to wreak havoc on the darkness with the Light of the Gospel Blood. Risen from their graves their hearts begin to beat again, dreams come to life, and now they live for something more – for some One more. At first the risen ones think their dream’s end is found passing through Heaven’s Gates. But then the story reaches a crescendo of anticipation never before imagined. Their part in the mystery – is to be conformed to Jesus in every way, co-reigning with Jesus, turning back the clock to God’s original design. Jesus has won for the Father a Forever Family, but greater than that – son’s and daughters that are chip’s off the old Rock – Jesus. The greatest part of the story? These sons and daughters are crazy in love with the Father’s son, and His Father. They want to be just like Them. They want to do the things He does. Truth is they can’t get enough of Him – they want to be forever with Him.

We overcome the accuser through the Blood of Jesus by declaring that the Father’s design for us is total metamorphosis. We’re not just a do-over, nor a make over, we are New Creations in Jesus Image. We are sons and daughters of the Most High. We – are God’s New Creation! We are His Kingdom on this earth!

Declaration 39: Thank You Jesus, that I have overcome the accuser of the brothers through Your precious Blood by being transformed into Your image – sons and daughters of the Most High. Thank You Jesus, that I am Your New Creation, Your Kingdom on this earth! Thank You Jesus, that I am part of the Mystery – Your Chosen one. I am not a do-over. I am not a make over. I am a blood, bought, born-again, happy ending! I am Your happy ending and You are mine. You are what I’ve always looked forward too; Who I always wanted to be. You are everything I imagined, dreamed of, and hoped for – going far beyond the limitations of all my expectations. Hallelu-Jah! WE – all the angels, all creation, all the planets, suns, and stars burst in applause and praise to You! WE – join the songs. WE – join the shouts. Lift up your voices and your hearts – you fishes and creatures of the seas. Raise your hands all you trees of the fields swaying, and dancing to His Glory. Burst forth in praise all you creatures of the air, the land, and the sea – and give Him the Glory! Hallelu-Jah! Hallelu-Jah! Amen!!!

Confession & Declaration 40

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Romans 8:37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us…..AND….. 1 Corinthian’s 15:57 states: But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Greek word for conqueror is made up of two words: “huper” – which means in behalf of or for the sake of; over or beyond. The second root word is “nikao” and its where we get our modern word “Nike.” “Nikao” means to carry off the victory, or to come off victorious; to conquer or prevail. You see this word used extensively throughout the letters to the 7 churches in the book of Revelation. It’s typically translated, “overcome.” Revelation 2:7 To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life…Revelation 2:11 He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death…Revelation 2:17 To him who overcomes (conquers), I will give to eat of the manna that is hidden, and I will give him a white stone with a new name engraved on the stone….Revelation 2:26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— Revelation 3:5 “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.… Revelation 3:12 “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.….Revelation 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,…Revelation 21:7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

Today is Day 40 of the Confessions and Declarations. They were intended for the purpose of seeing our minds transformed by the truths of Jesus’ words to defeat the lies of the evil one who seeks to accuse and mislead us from who we really are in and through His Precious Blood. These truths, and so many more that I have not covered, are there to give us something to fight towards. Like the Children of Israel from of old, we also have been given a Promised Land. Yet this land will not fade away, nor be hidden behind prophetic symbolism and mystery. It’s our inheritance, or manifest destiny. Until that destiny is manifested we must fight in behalf of or for the sake of Jesus – our Savior, Lord and Conquering King. We must fight over, and beyond the obstacles that life may throw at us. By His Grace we will overcome carrying off the victory already won through Jesus. The really good news is now you have more revelation regarding what to do when you stumble and fall. Always remember you are continually being washed in the Blood of the Conquering King (1 John 1:7 Greek Tense and Word for “cleanse”), and all you have to do is get back up and continue advancing the Kingdom.

My theme song, Underdog, by Audio Adrenaline, encourages me, and I trust its words will encourage you: I am so weak and I’m so tired, It’s hard for me to find enough strength to feed the fires that fuel my ego and consequently all my pride has all but died which leaves me down on my knees back to the place I should have started from. Been beat up been broken down, no where but up when you’re facedown on the ground. I’m in last place if I place at all but there’s hope for this underdog! You can call me the underdog!  I’m in this race to win a prize the odds against me. The world has plans for my demise what they don’t see is that a winner is not judged by his small size but by the substitute he picks to run the race and mine’s already won! 

Never forget that you and I are Jesus’ underdogs.

Lastly may I leave you with the words of another song that should remind us of Who we are fighting, and the battle He has already fought and won: Swallowed into earth’s dark womb and death has triumphed that’s what they say. But tried to hold Him in the tomb the Son of Life rose on the third day. Just look the gates of hell they’re falling crumbling from the inside out. He’s bursting through the walls with laughter (Hah!) Listen to the Angels shout. His plan of battle you know He fooled them all. They led Him off to prison to die. But as He entered Hades Hall He broke those hellish chains with a cry. Just listen to those demons screaming. See Him bruise the serpent’s head. The prisoners of Hell. He’s redeeming (Oh!). All the power of death is dead. Just look the gates of hell they’re falling. Crumbling from the inside out. He’s bursting through the walls with laughter (Hah!) Listen to the Angels shout. (Listen, oh, listen). It is finished. He has done it. Life conquered death. Jesus Christ has won it! (The Victor by Jamie Owens Collins, redone by Keith Green)

Declaration 40: HalleluJah! I praise You my Precious Jesus, that you have already won the battle defeating satan, hell, sin and death. As Your servant the Apostle Paul wrote: Death is swallowed up- utterly vanquished forever – in and unto victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? Thank You Jesus, You give us the Victory, making us your conquerors! I praise You that I am Your underdog that I’ve Been beat up. I’ve been broken down, and that there is no where but up when you’re facedown on the ground. I’m in last place if I place at all but there’s hope for this underdog! I’m in this race to win a prize though the odds are against me. The world has plans for my demise but what they don’t see. Is that a winner is not judged by his small size but by the substitute he picks to run the race and mine’s already won! Thank You Lord Jesus, You have already run my race before me and that my race has already been won. I have overcome the accuser of the brothers through Your Precious Blood because You have already overcome. Grant me Your Grace and the Power of Your Spirit to keep on running and overcoming for the Reward of the Lamb and for His suffering.

Confession & Declaration 38

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1 Corinthians 6:3 Do you not know also that we [Christians] are to judge the [very] angels and pronounce opinion between right and wrong [for them]? How much more then [as to] matters pertaining to this world and of this life only!

I remember back in the 90’s I would make reference to this Scripture and the people I was preaching to would look at me like I had grown a third head. We can banter about why this passage of Scripture has been ignored all of these years but what needs to be asked is, “Has true, Biblical Christianity, been replaced with something less revolutionary?” My answer to that question is, “Absolutely!” We rarely blink an eye when we discover that the first believers were called “Christians” in Antioch (Acts 11:26) and the full implications of that designation. You can imagine the average pew sitter in America replying, “Yeah! So what?” Let me say it in a way that awakens you, “You are Jesus.” Now people’s feather’s begin getting ruffled and they begin thinking you have asked them to saddle up to a trough of poison flavored, Kool-Aid. Now I am not suggesting that we take Jesus’ place but what I am saying is that the modern day Church has lost sight of what we have actually been called to be and do. Let me explain it in a way that you can swallow, or drink it in (Don’t worry – there is no poison in these words). John 14:7-9 If you had known Me [had learned to recognize Me], you would also have known My Father. From now on, you know Him and have seen Him.8 Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father [cause us to see the Father—that is all we ask]; then we shall be satisfied. 9 Jesus replied, Have I been with all of you for so long a time, and do you not recognize and know Me yet, Philip? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say then, Show us the Father?

Jesus is making the assertion that He and the Father are One. If you have seen Jesus you have seen the Father. But let’s take this a step further. John 14:23 Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.

This passage of Scripture is stating that If we really love Jesus we will do what He says (Sadly, that’s revolutionary enough for some church-goers). If we do what He says then the Father and Jesus will come to us and make their home with us. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states that we are temples of the Holy Spirit. If we are temples, then we are homes. And if we are both Who is residing on the inside?

Most would have no problem with that assertion when connected to the exhortation learned when we first trusted in Christ. For many a pastor, or Sunday School teacher would ask, “Do you want to invite Jesus into your heart?” But here is where a profound truth has been buried. Adding the Scriptures together we’ve discovered that if you’ve seen Jesus, you’ve seen the Father. The Father and Jesus are building their Home and Temple in our houses, and temples. But the sum total of that equation is: If you’ve seen me – you’ve seen Jesus! If you’ve seen me – you’ve seen the Father. Now that is like a punch in the face. It exposes so many things. It exposes our unbelief. Our lack of experience of this truth as a reality. It exposes the impotent, water-downed version of Christianity that we have been espousing. See the truth of the matter is this, If we are struggling with this foundational, fundamental truth – why would any believe that Christians were made for judging angels?

But let us broaden our gaze and take a look at the bigger picture. Before 100 AD the New Testament Church had grown so exponentially that there were very few citizens or slaves in Rome who had not become followers of Jesus Christ. The government determined that this “cult” must not simply be suppressed but totally annihilated from the known world. They enacted wholesale slaughters of anyone suspected of being a believer. Men, women, and children were rounded up tortured, and killed in horrible, unimaginable ways. But even the threat of suffering, torture, and death was not enough to suppress it. Now imagine that you are the devil and you see this insurrection going down in the world you are the prince of. What are you going to do? What can you do to stop this? It took you some time to recognize that this was the very method that you used to crucify Jesus, and look at how that turned out. So you’ve got to come up with a better plan. Something more subtle, but effective. And he did. In 320 AD, the Roman Emperor, Constantine, made Christianity the state religion of Rome. That was the beginning of the downhill slide of true, Biblical Christianity. Pagans, and unbelievers began joining the ranks of those who had been born-again of the Spirit resulting in the Church, and her message being watered down, and diluted.

Before this time killing Christians was a spectator sport that filled the coliseums. After this royal decree Christianity, and the Church, was reduced to a spectator sport. The Goats, champions of the soulish, or carnal man, took the reigns of the Church, suppressed the sheep, and exalted the intellect over the spirit of man, and the Holy Spirit of God. What was once an army composed of life- surrendered, death-defying, soldiers was now reduced to luke – warm, half-hearted, C- Team bench warmers.

Why is this truth – you will judge angels – a threat to the devil of hell? How do you use this to overcome the accuser of the brothers? Because it exposes the truth that you were made for more than just looking at the back of somebody’s head. You were made to co-reign with Jesus. You were made to judge satan and all his demons of hell. You were made to have dominion and authority over – even them. Can you see why satan has buried this truth? That you were made for more than this life? We have been taught that the final destination for all saints is Heaven. That is not true. That is not Biblical Christianity. You were made for more than a “retirement home” in the sky. You were made to be with Jesus – to be like Jesus – to do the things Jesus did and is still doing. You were made for co-reigning with Jesus and defeating the enemy.

Declaration 38: Father I come before You today asking Your forgiveness. Forgive me for accepting these lies from hell. By Your Grace and Holy Spirit rise up in me that I may become the little Jesus You destined me to be. Give me grace to shake the dust off of this nonsense, and begin loving You and Your Word, doing what it commands. Grant me Grace, to align my life completely with Your Word, so that when people see me – they see You, and the Father. Thank You Jesus, for this amazing gift of Salvation! You truly have made me for more than going to church. You’ve made me the Church to be the Church – the Body of the Resurrected Jesus! Thank You Jesus, that the same power that raised You out of the grave is at work in me – conforming me into Your Image. Thank You Jesus, for Your Precious Word, and Holy Spirit, Who brings its words to life, and brings me to life. Thank You Jesus, that I’ve always known I was made for more. That I’ve always known that their is a destiny and purpose for my existence. Thank You Jesus, for the day we get to line up beside You, and judge the devils of hell who tormented us; who attacked and betrayed us; who lied and deceived us. Thank You Jesus that we get to bring down the wickedest empire of all empires through the Revolution of the Kingdom of God! Thank You Jesus, that this Kingdom resides within me. Your Home is inside of me. I am Your Temple, Hallelu- Jah! Thank You Jesus, for the Blood! Thank You for the Blood! Praise Your Name for the Resurrection Power that courses through my veins! Hallelu- Jah! Hallelu- Jah!

Confession & Declaration 37

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Colossians 3:3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.

The context of this passage places an emphasis on who you really are to be. That who you are really going to be is hidden in Jesus. But the good news is that you are also hidden in Christ – in the sense of your guilt, sin and shame. All of that has been hidden in Jesus.

Zephaniah 2:3 Seek the Lord [inquire for Him, inquire of Him, and require Him as the foremost necessity of your life], all you humble of the land who have acted in compliance with His revealed will and have kept His commandments; seek righteousness, seek humility [inquire for them, require them as vital]. It may be you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.

The prophet writes: It may be you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger. The Good News is that through the Blood of Jesus there’s not a question of whether or not you will be hidden. Your sins have been buried deep in the Cleansing Stream of the Blood of the Lamb.

I may have shared this with you before but the illustration is worth repeating. If you were to take a sheet of paper and attempt writing all of your sins on it – front, and back. Then take another sheet of paper and write the word JESUS on it. Fold both sheets of paper in half then insert the paper with your sins on it into the folded paper with Jesus’ Name on it. The illustration concludes with the question, Now Who do you see? The answer? Jesus. Just Jesus.

This is powerfully illustrated the night before Israel was to depart Egypt. We know from Scripture that the Israelites were commanded to take a year old lamb, sacrifice it, and take its blood and paint the top of the door frame and its sides. When the angel of death passed over and saw the blood – he would not visit the house with the judgment of God. When the angel passed over he wasn’t measuring how good the people were. He wasn’t looking at how well they brushed the door posts in the blood. He wasn’t looking at the type of house, or what kind of door they had. He was only looking for one thing: had the people trusted God, obeyed His Word, and applied the blood to their door frame. That’s pretty powerful for it illustrates our responsibility: trust, obey, and apply.

You are hidden in Jesus – but you still have a responsibility to trust His Word, obey and apply it to the door posts of your life. You overcome the accuser of the brothers when you learn how to paint the door frames of your mind, heart, will, emotions, and personality in the Blood of Jesus. When you apply Jesus’ Blood to the door frames of the “gates” of your soul it causes the enemy to passover. Why? Because he can’t go through the Blood. That’s true in the spiritual realm and the physical. What’s really interesting is that you can apply His Blood to your physical and spiritual house. Through His Blood you really are hidden from the assaults of the enemy. As the old hymn goes, Would you be free from the burden of sin? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood. Would you o’er evil a victory win? There’s wonderful power in the blood. There is power, power, wonder-working power in the blood of the Lamb. There is power, power, wonder-working power in the precious blood of the Lamb. Would you be free from your passion and pride there’s power in the blood, power in the blood. Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide there’s wonderful power in the blood.

Confession & Declaration 36

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Isaiah 49:14-16 NKJV Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me.” 15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. 16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.

The Lord saves our tears in a bottle, our prayers in bowls, and counts the number of hairs on our heads. How much proof do you need that the Lord is crazy about you? In this passage the Lord Jesus is speaking to the people of Israel, and letting them know that they are so precious to Him that He has tattooed a picture, or the name of Israel, or both – on the palms of His hands. Now when you take into account that Jesus is the One talking in this chapter, you can’t help but wonder where the nail scars ended up in the middle of that tattoo.

Yet when it comes to the topic of the Lords’ hands the Bible has something to say: John 10:29 ESV My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:13 ESV For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Psalm 139:10 ESV Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

There are some powerful pictures of what the Lord does with His hands: He holds us, upholds and strengthens, and holds our hand. John 20:27 records something that should amaze and astound us: Then He said to Thomas, Reach out your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place [it] in My side. Do not be faithless and incredulous, but [stop your unbelief and] believe!

Jesus’ perfect, resurrected body still has the scars from the piercings in His feet and hands. His body still contains the scar in its side. The hands that hold you, uphold and strengthen you are the same hands that reach out to hold your hand. Jesus wants to hold your hand. These are the hands that freely stretched themselves out so a nail could be driven through them. The thought of that just crushes me. The Creator of the Universe reaches out His hand to hold ours and our response? We put a nail through them.

But this is what you got to get. If Jesus is holding your hand, holding you in His hand, protecting you, watching over you – what can satan do to you? Come on – really? Some may object and say, Well he could engineer circumstances to hurt of kill me. And then what? You are going to see Jesus face to face. You are going to be able to trace the scars in His hands with your own fingers. I ask again, What can satan do to you? How precious are you to Him?

I crack up when people complain over people shouting their praises to Jesus – getting loud and noisy in their songs. Why do I laugh? If they think it’s loud down here wait till we stand before the Lamb of God and see those scars. You wait. It’s going to be so loud it will make thunder sound like the pop of a child’s cap gun. Why do we raise our hands? To put them into the nail scarred hands! To give Him the Glory, Honor, and Praise – He is due. And you know what? It still isn’t enough.

Declaration 36: We worship the Lamb of Glory. We worship the King of kings. We worship the Lamb of Glory. We worship and sing. And with my hands lifted high, I will worship and sing. With my hands lifted high I come before You rejoicing. With my hands lifted high to the sky as the world wonders, Why. I’ll just tell them I’m loving my King. (Dennis Jernigan, “We Will Worship the Lamb of GLORY!”)

Thank You Jesus, that Your hands hold me, uphold and strengthen me. Thank You that Your hands are stretched forth toward me because you want to hold my hand. I want to hold Yours. I want to feel the scars that love me. I want to trace them with my fingers, and collapse before You in adoration. Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain! What can satan do to me? I’m in Your hands, covered by Your Blood, and Your’e crazy in love with me. And Lord, I’m so crazy in love with You. Thank You, thank You and again thank You!

Confession & Declaration 35

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I trust that you are seeing that you are precious to Jesus simply on the evidence of the riches of our salvation found in Jesus’ shed Blood. I also trust that you are not simply reading the declarations but saying them aloud. There is power and transformation found in our declarations and confessions. Remember the Scripture we began with: Rev. 12:11 “They overcame the (accuser) through the blood of Jesus and the Word of their Testimony…” The overcoming is enforced through our words (the Living Word) and our testimony (Who Jesus is for Us, What He has done – and is doing – by and through His Blood).

Today we see that we are precious simply by the fact that He placed His Spirit inside of us. Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

The day our hearts were moved to trust Jesus for salvation, and we met the conditions of His Covenant we received the Holy Spirit for salvation. Before Jesus’ sacrifice, resurrection and ascension – the Holy Spirit would come and go, but not remain. You see this symbolized as Noah released the dove from the ark. Once the dove found a place to rest and roost it ceased to return to the ark for safety. David voiced this in Psalm 51 when he asked the Lord to not take His Holy Spirit from him. Yet once Jesus ascended to Heaven He released the sealing of our salvation with His Precious Holy Spirit. He no longer leaves – but remains.

Why would this encourage you and I to know that we are precious to the Lord? And how can this be used as a weapon against the accuser of the brothers?

In Matthew 3:11 it states: I indeed baptize you in (with) water because of repentance [that is, because of your changing your minds for the better, heartily amending your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins]. But He Who is coming after me is mightier than I, Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to take off or carry; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Deuteronomy 4:24 states: For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Then in Deuteronomy 9:3 it adds what His Fire does: Therefore understand today that the Lord your God is He who goes over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and bring them down before you; so you shall drive them out and destroy them quickly, as the Lord has said to you.

Because our God is a consuming fire guess what happens to anyone who chooses to pass through it? They die. It would be negligent of me if I did not take the time to point out how you are able to stand amidst His consuming Fire. You are able to stand, or rather rise, because you have chosen to identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You’ve been crucified with Jesus, picking up your cross daily – to follow Him. Thus the way you use this knowledge against the enemy is through simply exerting the Truth that you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit and Fire. Why should we declare that? Because God is a Consuming Fire destroying, bringing down, and driving out His enemy and ours – thus satan can’t remain. He cannot pass through His Fire.

We know that we are precious to the Lord simply because He has caused His Spirit to dwell within. Very few rarely take the time to understand and grasp what this means. I usually begin this discovery by pointing out that the 11 Disciples of Jesus received the Holy Spirit from Jesus after His Resurrection (See John 20:22-23) But there was no transformational change in the Disciples. Why is that? They had simply received the Spirit of God to secure their salvation. What few fail to examine is that Jesus exhorts these same Disciples, along with the 500 He had appeared, to receive the Baptism of the Spirit. I make this assumption based on the 120 who had gathered to pray in the Upper Room to receive this Promise, and the exhortation in Acts 1:4-8. There are no contradictions in God’s Word and thus there must be an explanation for the differences found in the two passages of Scripture. (And there most certainly is) John 20 is about the Disciples being sealed for salvation (See Ephesians 1:13-14). While Acts 1 is about the Disciples being empowered to be little Christs – little anointed ones. This is why Ephesians 5:18-20 states that the believers were to be filled with the Spirit even after he stated in Ephesians 1 they were already sealed by the Spirit. One is for salvation and the other is an equipping to be Jesus’ Witnesses, Ministers, and Missionaries. I split these out into these categories because of what the modern church has done to dilute these terms. In Jesus’ day one Christian didn’t just do the work of evangelism, and another the work of missions, and another minister to others. No, if you were a disciple of Jesus, Born – Again of the Spirit – you did all three.

The other thing I really enjoy pointing out is the expectation the New Testament Church had as they prayed in the Upper Room. I enjoy asking a certain question that modern day believers typically fail in understanding. The question is this: When Jesus promised the Baptism of the Spirit, did the disciples and believers have a clue in understanding what to expect? In my limited experience through out the Body of Christ I can say that within that narrow scope the modern believer always fails to answer this correctly. The answer to the question is, Yes they did have a clue. In fact, you can actually find it in Scripture. Numbers 11:16-17 And the Lord said to Moses, Gather for Me seventy men of the elders of Israel whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; and bring them to the Tent of Meeting and let them stand there with you. 17 And I will come down and talk with you there; and I will take of the Spirit which is upon you and will put It upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not have to bear it yourself alone. Then in verses 24-29: So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord, and he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people and set them round about the Tent.25 And the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was upon him and put It upon the seventy elders; and when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied [sounding forth the praises of God and declaring His will]. Then they did so no more. 26 But there remained two men in the camp named Eldad and Medad. The Spirit rested upon them, and they were of those who were selected and listed, yet they did not go out to the Tent [as told to do], but they prophesied in the camp. 27 And a young man ran to Moses and said, Eldad and Medad are prophesying [sounding forth the praises of God and declaring His will] in the camp. 28 Joshua son of Nun, the minister of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, My lord Moses, forbid them! 29 But Moses said to him, Are you envious or jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!

There are numerous examples of this throughout the Old Testament in which when the Spirit of the Lord came upon someone they were able to do amazing things: artisans, elders, judges, prophets, priests, Kings, and disciples of the prophets. When Jesus said He was going to be baptize them in the Holy Spirit they knew exactly what He was referring too – and they wanted it! They wanted to be like the Spirit anointed saints of old and empowered to do the works they did. Do you see how the enemy has robbed us of this? Diluted and made this truth impotent? Can I let you in on a secret? Jesus doesn’t change (See Heb. 13:8). If it was available back then – its still available now. Do you see and understand why you are precious to the Lord? You were made for more than looking at the back of somebody’s head and calling that worship, or Christianity. What a sad joke has been played on the modern day church, and satan has us exactly where he wants us.

Declaration 35: Lord Jesus, Baptizer in the Spirit and Fire. I praise You for the greatness of Your Salvation, that You made me for more than what I’ve understood. Thank You Jesus that You dwell in Consuming Fire and no power of hell can pass through it. Thank You Jesus that Your Consuming Fire lives in me. Fan the Flames with the Wind of Your Spirit. Empower me with Grace and revelation to throw the kindling of my flesh onto its glowing embers. Call me to raise up and ascend in holiness that Your Fire’s may roar to life in me. Thank You Jesus that the promise still remains, and that You don’t change. I need the Baptism, the Infilling and the Fire of Your Holy Spirit. Blaze in me! Light revival fires through me. Use me as Your witness, minister and missionary. And Lord thank You, thank You, thank You that you have poured out Your Spirit into my life to raise me up with power like the prophets, elders, judges, priests, and kings of old. Thank You Jesus! I truly have overcome the enemy by the Blood of the Lamb! Burn within, burn without, and light me ablaze with Glory and Passionate Love. Thank You Jesus!

Confession & Declaration 34

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Galatians 4:5 To purchase the freedom of (to ransom, to redeem, to atone for) those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us [and be recognized as God’s sons].

Ephesians 1:5 For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]—

It is amazing that Jesus is our Elder Brother and that we are co-heirs with Him. But even more amazing is the fact that we have been adopted into the Father’s Forever Family. Why is that so amazing? Well let me explain. When Paul wrote the above passages he had in mind the Roman concept of patria potestas. What in the world is patria potestas? Which in latin roughly translates to “power of a father.” The website, U.S. Legal defines the term as: The authority held by a male head of the family over his legitimate and adopted children and other descendents in the male line who are not emancipated. In earlier days the father had extensive power over the family, which included the power of life and death. However with the advent of time, Patria Potestas became limited to the responsibility to support and maintain family members. This is also termed as fatherly power.

Now that is really powerful. But in Roman times the concept of patria potestas also included freeing someone from slavery. The reason being that often those who were adopted had been slaves of their master. Once adopted the slave was made a son, and vested with the privileges, and relationships which came with their new status. Thus they were translated from calling their masters, lord, to calling them Abba, Father! What’s even more amazing is many of the terms we have covered thus far are integrally related with terms such as union with Christ, regeneration, conversion, repentance, faith, justification, sanctification, perseverance, and glorification. These terms become even more powerful when combined with the concept of adoption. Thus adoption becomes more like the embracing and restoration of the prodigal son – receiving a robe, the ring, the feast, and the celebration. And as the parable goes, the Father had been scanning the horizon for his long, lost son and when he caught view of him, pulled up the hem of his robe, tucked it in his belt, and ran to embrace his son. That’s our God and that’s our Heavenly Father.

Thus we see that being related to Jesus has its “perks.” The Father has responsibility to support and maintain us, and we move from being slaves to full-fledged members of the Family. We are no longer in a Master – slave, or Judge – prisoner position. No, now we are in a Father and son relationship. Hallelu – Jah!

Do you see the power of this term and how it can be used against your enemy the accuser of the brothers? When you have the accuser reminding you of your past – you can remind him that he needs to take it up with your Elder Brother, and Father. You are no longer slaves but have been adopted into the Father’s Family. You belong to them: Father, Son and Holy Spirit! It’s Their job to support and maintain you. It’s their fight. The Bible says, The Glory of the LORD will be your Rear Guard. In other words, God’s got your back! Press on! When Satan messes with you – he has picked a fight with the entire Godhead. That’s the coolest picture. It’s like Marvel Comics the Avengers.

Declaration 34: Holy Father. Abba – Daddy, I praise and worship You. You are my Beloved and I am yours. Thank you, thank You for adopting me into Your Forever Family. I thank and praise You that the entire Godhead has my back. Your Glory is my Rearguard. Thank You that I am no longer a slave to sin. Thank You that I am a child of Yours. Thank You for scanning the horizon for me, hitching up Your robe and running to embrace me. I leap into Your arms Father and receive Your Love. I hold You tight as You hold me. I am Yours. You have adopted me. I am Your son – by the Precious Blood of Your Son. Thank You Father for Jesus paying for me to adopted by You. You are my Treasure and Delight. I worship You! Thank You Father! Thank You Jesus! Thank You Holy Spirit! You are my Family. What a marvelous Family it is.

Confession & Declaration 33

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Romans 8:29 NLT For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Hebrews 2:11 NLT So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.

The take away from both of these passages of Scripture is that Jesus is our brother. What’s more profound that that? You’ve been adopted…. by the Creator of the Entire universe. Ephesians 1:5 For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]—

In one of the past confessions and declarations we discovered that we are co-heirs with Jesus. Now in hindsight I should have covered this topic first – then expounded on the fact that as adopted children we now have an inheritance. But I digress. My hope is that you are seeing the interconnectedness of it all. Paul refers to it as the Great Mystery of God (“mega – musterion” or the “musterion basileia ouranos” = “Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven“). The Great Mystery is that through Jesus, the Father is getting the Forever Family He’s always wanted. On top of that? He’s rolling back the clock of the restoration of all things – or former things. The former things are going to become new – again. In other words: He’s not just getting the old band back together again; the duet singing group of Adam & Eve. Nay, nay, nay. He is building a “Von Trapp Family Singers Group.” You know, “The Hills are alive with the sound of music,” and “doe, a deer a female deer, ray, a drop of golden sun,” and so forth. (Now you are going to be humming that song all the live long day). Our Father is putting together a new band – a family band. And Guess what? Jesus has the lead vocals.

As sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve – through Jesus, we get to pick up where our grandparents left off. We get to inherit the Father’s business, and co-reign with Jesus.

Another thing we need to understand and receive is that Jesus is our Elder Brother. Now that is pretty powerful. I don’t know about you but I did not grow up with an older brother. I was the older brother and I had a younger sister. One thing I can tell you about that relationship is that we had a typical brother and sister relationship. We loved each other, but boy could we have some arguments. But here’s the thing: it was one thing for me to get angry at my sister – but you had better not mess with my sister. Or it was going to be a really bad day.

Which reminds me of a dog we had for over 15 years. Her name was Maggie. Near the end of her life we got her a companion friend – we named Toby. Maggie and Toby were as different as night and day. Maggie was the elder dog, more Grandma than Mom, to our puppy Toby. And as dogs go, and especially as puppies and elder dogs go, Maggie had to “school” Toby in knowing his place. Which often wasn’t pretty. Maggie was a quiet, shepherd mix. Yet she was quick to put you in your place with her ferocious bark. Which, as you can imagine, was used quite frequently, on the white, spunky, cockapoo puppy, Toby. As Maggie grew older though, she developed hearing loss, dementia, and a little blindness. What’s amazing is that little Toby became her eyes and ears. Jackie tells of a time when she was out walking the 2 dogs, and a bigger, more aggressive dog went to attack Toby. Guess what happened? You guessed it. Maggie came to Toby’s rescue. She was quick to get between Toby, and the aggressive dog, taking an agressive stance, with hair raised, and teeth clenched, growling, and snarling. (You know who won that battle). Funny thing is that Maggie expressed her pride, and confidence through her tail. The happier and more confident she was the tighter her tail would curl. After that throw down, Maggie’s tail was wound tight with delight. She showed the other dog who was boss. It was as if she were saying, “I can bark at this dog – but not you. This is my dog! So back yourself off to what ever hole you crawled out of.” What a crack up.

But here’s what you need to get: Jesus is your Elder Brother. He’s your “Maggie” and you’re His “Toby.” You belong to Him and anything that attempts to get between you and Him – is going to have a really bad day. Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and as C.S Lewis states in the Chronicles of Narnia, “He’s not a tame lion.”

Declaration 33: Lord Jesus, my Elder Brother, Who is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! I praise Your Name that You are not a tame lion. You are wild at heart, untamed, and extreme – going beyond what is usual and expected. Hallelu-Jah! Thank you for adopting me into Your Forever Family and making me Your own. Thank You that through Your Blood and Body You get between me and the enemy. Thank You that You let him know that I am Yours, and he can’t have me. You are my Big Brother – what can satan or man do to me? Thank You for restoring all things and re-forming me into Your image. Thank you that I have overcome the roaring lion, satan, by the Roaring Lion of the Lamb of God. Thank You that You are my Lion, and I, Your Lamb! Thank You Jesus! I praise Your Holy and Wondrous Name!

Confession & Declaration 32

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Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And [yet] not one of them is forgotten or uncared for in the presence of God. 7 But [even] the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be struck with fear or seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows.

This statement is made in Matthews,’ and Lukes’ Gospels. In both accounts the context involves four things: obedient discipleship, persecution, fear, and death. When studying the topic of hair throughout the Bible you come to some interesting conclusions. Hair can be a symbol of vanity or self glory; sin or separation unto God.

For example, in the Old Testament there was what was known as a Nazarite Vow. During the time dedicated to the vow the participant would not cut any of their hair. At the end of their “fast” they would shave all of their hair as a sacrifice to God. As I read this passage in Luke I couldn’t help but ask, Why did Jesus use the topic of “hair” to make His point? The answer is two-fold. First He is making a contrast and comparison between our lives, and something as insignificant as sparrows, and hair. Second He is drawing attention to our consecration, and dedication. The Nazirite vow is taken by individuals who have voluntarily dedicated themselves to God. The vow is a decision, action, and desire by its participants to yield themselves completely to God. By definition, the Hebrew word nasar, simply means “to be separated or consecrated.” Our lives were yielded to God to be separated, and consecrated for His Glory. Our lives are our sacrifice unto Jesus. Yet it would be real easy to discount or belittle our sacrifice when clumped together with all those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus. What we must understand is that to Jesus, our sacrifice is no small thing. He wants you to know that your life is such a treasure to Him, that He not only notices your sacrifice, but how many hairs are on your head. He wants you to realize that if He cares for the little sparrow, then your life means much more to Him than them.

Next He wants us to know that even when we are suffering for our consecration; suffering from religious authorities, or civil authorities that He knows – and He cares. He wants us to know that even if we are being attacked or rejected by our friends and loved ones that He is aware. And Lastly He wants us to know that even when we are facing death that He is there and cares deeply for our sacrifice, and consecration unto Him.

But there’s one more thing. Jesus is known as Jesus of Nazareth. This is not to be confused with the Nazirite vow. He was from the town of Nazareth. Nasar in Hebrew means to be separated, or consecrated. The noun for the root word means branch or root. Interestingly enough the same Hebrew letters used to make the word can also mean crown. Thus a “nasar” can be a branch, or a crowned one.

What’s the significance behind all of this? First we must understand that there are several prophecies referring to Jesus the Messiah as the Branch: Isaiah 11:1-4 And there shall come forth a Shoot out of the stock of Jesse [David’s father], and a Branch out of his roots shall grow and bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord— 3 And shall make Him of quick understanding, and His delight shall be in the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord. And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, neither decide by the hearing of His ears; 4 But with righteousness and justice shall He judge the poor and decide with fairness for the meek, the poor, and the downtrodden of the earth; and He shall smite the earth and the oppressor with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.

The second thing that I want you to recognize is how Jesus sees you: John 15:5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

Thus you can see the significance that you are His branch; you are His crowned one. What’s interesting about the Hebrew word is that it also applies to unpruned vines (thus the allusion to the uncut hair of the Nazarite). Even more profound than that is the allusion to Jesus, the True Vine.

Yet there is one more play on the word “nasar.” It means to watch, guard or keep. It describes the diligent endeavor of keeping something shielded from an intervening outside world and maintaining this thing’s constitutional integrity. It may describe keeping a promise or covenant or edict, or an attitude of kindness.

Thus we have come full circle. Jesus is our Nasar. He watches over us, guards and keeps us. Yet we are those who keep His covenant, guard and watch over it. That’s powerful. And as His branches, we are crowned with His Spirit, and upon us the seven manifestations of His Spirit reside. He has anointed us to shine forth His Light, and manifest His Spirit to the poor, and the downtrodden of the earth. He has called us to smite the oppressor. Are you beginning to get a glimpse of why the devil hates you so much?

Declaration 32: Son of David, True Vine, and Branch of God I worship You! Son of Jesse, the Living Root, and Rod of God – You are my Rod and Staff. Covenant Keeper, Defender, and Way-maker – I praise glorify Your Holy Name. Once again I marvel at the greatness of Your salvation that You have entrusted to me. I praise You and thank You that my life is so precious to You that even the number of hairs on my head is of significance to You. I thank You that You see my yielded consecration to You as a precious thing. Who I am matters to You. I praise You, that through Your precious Blood You have made me Your branch and crowned me with Your Spirit! Thank You Jesus! Upon me rests the Spirit of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Power, Knowledge and Holy Fear of Father God! I praise You Jesus that through Your Fire burning in me I am a light to the downtrodden, poor, and the oppressed. But greater than that Your Holy Fire burns agains the oppressor who comes against me and these. Fuel me full with Your Holy Spirit and burn, and blaze through me. Flame up through my life to vanquish Your foes and mine. Explode like a firestorm through me advancing Your Kingdom against the oppressive darkness. Flare up a holy, unquenchable passion, that no devil of hell can squelch, nor circumstance put out. Rise higher, and higher in me. Thank You Jesus that by Your Blood I have conquered the oppressor, and the Author of all oppression. Hallelujah!

Who’s Your One?: Day 30 – Tuesday, February 11

Confession & Declaration 31

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Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

What does this mean, as far as the east is from the west?

Got Questions answers the question by stating: The phrase as far as the east is from the west is meant to communicate in infinite space. East is in one direction, and west is in the other. This is different from north and south—you can travel north only so far (to the geographic north pole) before being forced to travel south; thus, north and south meet at the poles. But east and west never meet; no matter how far you travel east, you will never reach a point at which your next step must be westward. Therefore, God in His wisdom did not say, “As far as north from south”; rather, He said, “As far as east from west.”

In Psalm 103:11 the Psalmist provides us with another illustration regarding the infinite mercies, and love of our God and Father. It states: For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him. Again the Psalmist is pointing us up and down, to the Heavens, which science has revealed are spreading infinitely on into more space. In other words there is no end to God’s mercies and love. This is why Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:14-19 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

What does this have to do with overcoming the accuser of the brothers? The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that quite honestly it never becomes old news because you constantly have opportunities to practice reciting it. For example when the enemy comes to remind you of your past. You can agree with your enemy quickly, saying, Yes you are right. I was quite an awful sinner and I did horrible things. But thank you for reminding me that the Blood of Jesus has separated those sins of my past from me as fast as the east is from the west. When he comes and reminds you of what a sorry person you have been recently; what a failure; what a miserable representation of Christ you have been. You can agree with your enemy quickly and say, Yes, satan you are correct. I have been a sorry person lately. I have failed my Jesus miserably. I have been an awful failure, and a horrible representation of Christ lately. But thank you. Thank you for reminding me – the Blood of Jesus, has taken my failures, my sins, sorry-ness, and horrible representation of Jesus – and separated them from me as high and deep as the heavens. Jesus has taken them from me. Jesus is taking them from me.

Declaration 31: Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all my iniquities, Who heals all my diseases, Who redeems my life from destruction, Who crowns me with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies my mouth with good things, So that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with me, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with me according to my sins, nor punished me according to my iniquities. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows my frame;
He remembers that I am dust. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them. The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the Voice of His word. 21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! (Psalm 103 Personalized)

Thank You Jesus! Praise the Lord!

Who’s Your One? Day 29 – Monday, February 10

Confession & Declaration 30

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John 15:15 I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.]

The term used for “friend” in the Greek simply means an associate. That term is typically associated with someone in business. Yet this word actually implies a partner, companion, and someone you keep company with. John the Baptist shines some light on the meaning of the word in John 3:28-29 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.

The phrase, “friend of the Bridegroom” is known simply as one word in the Hebrew, and that word is “shoshben.” I love this word for it describes not only John the Baptist’s association with Jesus but one that we are called to as well. What’s a shoshben? Ellicott’s Commentary for English Reader’s gives us the following explanation: The “friend of the bridegroom”—called by the Hebrews “Shōshbēn,” and by the Greeks “Paranymph”—was charged with the preliminaries of the marriage. He arranged the contract, acted for the bridegroom during the betrothal, and arranged for, and presided at, the festivities of the wedding-day itself. It was a position of honour, in proportion to the position of the bridegroom himself, and was given to his chief friend. That friend then joyed in his joy, and there was none brighter on that day than he. This in John’s thought is an illustration of his own position.

The 11 Disciples of Jesus (Judas had left the room to betray Him) were promoted from servants – who didn’t know what their Master was doing – to friends. Friends of the Bridegroom Jesus. What an honor and a privilege. What you need to understand though – is that this calling is available to all who choose to be true Disciples of Jesus. You are given the privilege to arrange for others to come into a contract or covenant with Jesus. And your responsibilities don’t stop there. You are given the joy of acting on behalf of the Bridegroom, arranging the betrothal, and overseeing the festivities at the wedding day itself. Far greater than all that, though, is that you are invited to be His chief friend. In the terminology of today – you are invited to be Jesus’ “best man.” Now I don’t mean for you to view that term through the modern understanding of that term. No, not at all. What I want you to do is to see it as literal. You literally are called to be His “bestest” of men – His “bestest” of friends.

Let that sink in. Now process what it’s like to be Jesus. People using, accusing, attacking, and ignoring you. Others acting like they know you, but haven’t a clue what you are like. Familiar faces that talk about you, and around you, yet treat you like you aren’t even in the room. Week after week they throw a celebration in your honor – but you’re not invited. The only time they talk to you is when they want something. Once they get it, they walk away, forgetting you were there. In truth most do not welcome you or want you around. They say they love you – yet when you really show up they do not really like you. That’s Jesus heart-breaking life. His life is a lonely life. He has many acquaintances but very few friends. Yet this Lover of your soul invites you to be His friend. What greater privilege and honor can there be? A friend of Jesus.

What does being a friend of God have to do with overcoming the accuser of the brothers? Think about that for a second. You are a friend of Jesus. Let me say it another way, you are friends with the Most High God. He not only loves you, but likes you and wants to be with you – for eternity. He’s crazy about you, and wants His Heaven filled with you. Think of the authority that has over satan. You have been called a friend of Jesus. Let’s take this time to thank Him. And may this challenge you, as it has challenged me.

Declaration 30: Precious Jesus, my friend. I confess to You that I am humbled by the invitation and the designation. By Your Grace and Holy Spirit I humbly receive your invitation. By Your Blood You have declared that I am Your friend. I have overcome satan the accuser by that simple fact. By the Blood of Jesus Christ of Nazareth – I am a friend of God. Jesus has called me friend. What can any foe do to me? I am His chief friend, His best man, his favorite. He loves me, and likes being with me. He loves my company and I His. I am His “go to” man, His “go between” – from Heaven to earth, from Bridegroom to Bride, from the Lover of Souls to those yet to be betrothed – I am His best friend, and He is mine. You got a problem with me? Take it up with my Friend. You want to attack me? You got to go through my Jesus. Oh, and one more thing: when you come looking for me – look under His Blood – because that’s where you will find me.

Who’s Your One? Day 27, Saturday, February 8