Healing Fire

A few weeks ago, our Lord revealed a Word to me about His fire coming to touch people across the USA. He revealed that so many would be healed and delivered in churches, in families and in unexpected places that it would be undeniable by unbelievers—both the churched and unchurched.

We know that God heals daily and in more ways than one. Holy Spirit revealed that this would happen right in front of people’s eyes to the point that it would prove pivotal for an entire denomination that doesn’t typically practice healing today.

Our Lord revealed that people who have used wheelchairs for decades would walk again. And even as I wrote this devotion, He revealed to me that He will even touch those with down syndrome.

Shortly after revealing this Word, Holy Spirit directed me to Acts 3, especially verse 16 (TPT), which says, “Faith in Jesus’ name has healed this man standing before you. It is the faith that comes through believing in Jesus’ name that has made the crippled man walk right in front of your eyes!”

This key verse offers us insight:

First, the name of Jesus reveals His identity, which includes Yahweh-Rapha, The Lord Who Heals. The man believed that the name of Jesus contained all that he needed to be made whole. So, the man stood in faith in his heart for all of who Jesus was before he stood physically. He came to know, even more, the glorified Jesus, who restores all things (Ac 3:21).

Secondly, this restoration happened right before people’s eyes—the very ones who denied and killed Christ (Ac 3:13-15). Oh, what an undeniable witness and wake-up call this was for these onlookers.

Interestingly, too, is that the vessel from whom the restoration flowed was Peter, the one who received restoration from Jesus directly after denying Him three times (Mt 26:69-75, Jn 21:15-19). Peter had been empowered by Holy Spirit in the Upper Room and was especially compassionate to reach those who denied Christ because of what he himself had walked through.

So, Peter boldly professed the gospel to this crowd, urging them to repent so their sins would also be removed and that “times of refreshing” would “stream from the Lord’s presence” (Ac 3:19).

Our Lord set it all up perfectly purposed so that the man who received his healing was moved to the Beautiful Gate to showcase Jesus. In so doing, God set the stage for those who denied Him to receive their wholeness before the man received his (Ac 3:2). God used the man to reach others alongside Peter and John. The man received his miraculous healing and instantly became a voice of evangelism through worshipping God (Ac 3:9-10).

We can see that every step of this process was divinely strategic. When we consider that God makes everything beautiful in His time, according to Ecclesiastes 3:11, we can clearly see that our Lord perfectly timed the repositioning of this man around the 3 o’clock temple sacrifice, when there would be a crowd and when Peter and John were about to enter the temple.

Acts 3:2 TPT says, “As they came to the entrance called the Beautiful Gate, they were captured by the sight of a man crippled from birth being carried and placed at the entrance to the temple. He was often brought there to beg for money from those going in to worship.”

The Word “Beautiful” in this verse means timely and seasonable (Strong’s #5611). It means “an hour, the time of fulfillment” and “fully developed” (HELPS Word-studies). It means “beautiful in timing, hence fruitful.”

It was God’s time for this man to flourish and bloom as a witness to others, who also needed redemption from Jesus.

Peter and John saw with spiritual eyes what Holy Spirit highlighted to them. It was a captivating appointment, where the power of grace (represented by Peter) and the power of love (represented by John) met faith (in the man) that stood the test of time.

This whole scene is an expression of who Jesus is and the finished work He did for us at the cross. Acts 3:20-21 TPT says He is “the chosen one for you.” He is The One who “must remain in heaven until the restoration of all things has taken place, fulfilling everything that God said long ago through his holy prophets.” The Word “restoration” here specifically means the “restoration of perfect health,” (Ac 3:21TPT study note).

I believe we are at the forefront of a time of flourishing in divine health. I believe we will see stories like this one in Acts 3 happen on a multiplied scale. I believe it will spread, like the wind-powered fire it is, across the USA.

So, Lord, let Your fire fall for Your glory. Help us to go out in Your power to heal this nation (Mt 10:1, 7-8). In Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.

You can read the Word Holy Spirit revealed to me here.

This devo was graciously re-posted by the Salem Web Network, which includes iBelieve.com.

Obey Away!

May I share a personal testimony with you?

Nearly twenty years ago, I experienced a visitation from an angel, whose fierce presence was powerful beyond what I can adequately describe. I knew in my spirit, as he stood inches before me, that he was a high-ranking warrior and that he had come to reveal something life-giving.

I felt indescribably overwhelmed. And I was glad I was sitting in my prayer room at the time. Had I been standing, I would have surely fallen from shock and fear (Jdg 13:6, 9, 18, 20-21; Lk 1:12, 2:9).

I vividly remember my heart racing as I sat still, frozen really, and listened to this messenger. It was a Psalm 46:10 moment, and he had my full attention. This encounter helped me better understand why Moses wasn’t allowed to see God’s face at Sinai (Ex 33:23).

The message the angel came to reveal included four keys of strategy and a warning to help me navigate what God was bringing me through in the deep, behind closed doors.

The angel delivered the 4 keys and then said to me, “This is the only way you’ll get through this.”

God’s message resounded in my soul to the point that I knew I had to make choices of life over death by adhering to God’s ways. I knew that God revealed this strategy to me in a way that I could never deny. It was as important in my life at that time as it is right now.

Very recently, our Lord brought one of those important keys to remembrance, reminding me to adhere to it regarding my path of promise.

The key is “careful obedience.”

In God’s mercy to meet us right where we are, when the enemy attacks, when it doesn’t go the way we thought it would, it’s time to trust God as He trusts us to move forward with Him in His redeemed way.

That’s what Caleb did—the wholehearted one. The one who had a different spirit than his mainstream community. The one who was called out by God to fight battle after battle in Joshua’s army. The one who did it victoriously, knowing God better in it, having been made stronger through it and coming out on top. Caleb was established in the outward fruit of victory-salvation.

Caleb’s story teaches us that all is not lost when those around us disagree with what we know to be God’s will. As with Caleb, God helps us work out our salvation with fear and trembling, in reverence to Him above any fear of man.

One of the pseudo obstacles that presented itself to me recently was an unwilling spirit from others to move forward with an opportunity. But, like Caleb, I decided to turn to God, believing He will reveal His redemptive next steps to me. And so, I trust Him.

I have come to realize, even more, that Caleb’s story involves redemptive grace in action. I am excited to see how God works it out, as I do my best to carefully obey Him.

I share this testimony to put to rest any apprehensions or disappointments you may have experienced in your own destiny-journey. To encourage you about opportunities God has for you. Opportunities that the enemy would have you think you may have missed. Always remember that God is not without redemption when your heart is submitted to Him (Kairos – Strong’s #2540).

So, you will not be turned away when the community around you does not obey God. Instead, God will see your willing heart and make another way for you, even if He has to call you out from among them and set you on a new path, like Caleb.

We can receive our instructions and go forth, knowing God and His fierce angels are with us in battle. Therefore, may our fear of God be greater than any fear of man, including the unwilling behind us and the resistant before us.

This is what God’s command of “Obey Away!” means—to fully and firmly commit to His process of the establishment of His purposes and promises, above and beyond falsehoods that will fall away in His Presence. Keep going, no matter what.

So, let’s put our confidence in God as we remember and walk out His faithful truth in Deuteronomy 30:15-16 ESV, which says, “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.”

Thank You, Lord, for helping us choose life. To You be all glory, honor and praise. Amen.

This devo was graciously re-posted by the Salem Web Network, which includes iBelieve.com.

Sweet Dominion

Sweet dominion. It sounds like home, sweet home, doesn’t it?

It reminds me of a moment in time when the Israelites’ victory felt like they could settle into their new space without intrusion. Where battles were won and expansion finally felt like establishment. Where the fruit was big and sweet. It was theirs. And the long journey was worth every step, even for future generations.

I believe God is expanding the establishment of His bride in this hour and that we will see it unfold more and more in the days ahead. Also, that the next few years will be pivotal for many in this regard as our Lord brings us into His promises to live them out for His glory, changing lives and even history for families and others they will touch.

Like the Israelites, your greatest heart’s desire has likely been your greatest battle. You may have even wrestled with God over it. At times, you may have wondered if it would ever come true for you. But God saw that your heart remained steadfast for Him in what felt like longsuffering. And He has not forgotten you.

Your reward will be better than you expect.

This brings to mind Caleb’s daughter, Achsah, who asked for more than her initial portion of land and received it immediately. Joshua 15:18 AMP says Achsah “[rode up to Caleb and] dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?”

Achsah answered, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me the [dry] land of the Negev (South country), give me springs of water, too.” So, he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs” (Jo 15:19 AMP).

When we take a closer look at this conversation, here’s what we find:

The Amplified Classic version of Joshua 15:18 says, “When Achsah came to Othniel, she got his consent to ask her father for a field. Then she returned to Caleb and when she lighted off her donkey, Caleb said, What do you wish?”

Obviously, this was a pivotal moment for Achsah. What’s especially interesting in this verse is the Word “lighted.” In Hebrew, “lighted” means “went through” and “descend.” It means “fasten” and “light from off” (Strong’s #6795).

This same Word “lighted” is used in Judges 4:21 in reference to a tent peg that went through a man’s (Sisera’s) temple and was fastened to the ground.

This helps us see Achsah’s story unfolding metaphorically, which is that her mind had to be established in the light and fastened to peace in order for her to release her beast of a burden that she went through to position herself for the outward establishment of righteous increase. In other words, she had to come away from where she had been—the former hardship, the battle (that helped get her to this pivotal moment) and fasten herself to the outward double blessing, for which she asked. Achsah had to come increasingly into the light of what God was highlighting to her to receive what He offered through His beloved Caleb.

Achsah became a beacon of light.

Achsah asked and received.

Her reward was a tangible living-water testimony of Isaiah 43:19 BSB, which says, “Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.”

Achsah, received her land increase as the evidence of her hope, her belief, her faith to be established in God’s provision of restoration—the land of milk and honey.

Achsah would not be shortchanged.

She worked out her salvation and we can, too (Is 12:3)!

The Apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians 2:12 AMP by saying, “So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].”

God requires our surrender to His gracious and righteous ways so we can experience an increase of His goodness in the land. We can be transformed to serve the God, who “turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs” (Ps 107:35).

We can pursue Him and obey Him. We can choose to not look back but look forward and step up to receive our promised inheritance as God helps us. Like Achsah, He is taking us full spectrum as we actively believe in Him (Jn 7:37-39).

So, “…Lord, do it again (Ps 126:4)! Turn our captivity, as the streams in the Negev. To You be all the glory, honor and praise.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name.

Amen.

This devo was graciously re-posted by the Salem Web Network, which includes iBelieve.com.

Dominion Rising

So, you’ve learned to love God above all else, and chose to walk in honor above lesser things. You’ve discerned and forgiven and risen along the way. You’ve receive God’s revelations as His wisdom. You’ve grown and matured. You’ve guarded your heart against evil and set healthy boundaries. You are the repentant and the redeemed. The learned and the obedient. You are the ones who stood their ground for God. You know whose you are. You hearken to your Shepherd’s voice.

Through it all, you’ve learned that God did you a favor. Now you’re rising like beauty from ashes. And because you didn’t settle in bitterness and despair, you are being seated in an outward expression of restoration—a whole new place: The manifestation of your heart’s desire.

It has felt like a long time coming. Pretty much your whole life. But you hung in there. You waited upon The Lord and believed He wouldn’t disappoint you. You took hold of His perfect rope of hope and kept moving toward the vision He gave you—the one you’ve held in your heart.

And now it’s right before you—His promise of fulfillment by our Hope of Glory, God Himself. The only One who can bring it to pass. The only One who can get you there.

Friends, as we move more into this season of harvest, we will find that whatever we have allowed to predominate our hearts will manifest. In other words, we will reap what we have sown. And, hopefully, that’s God’s best.

God is repositioning His glory carriers to new places in new roles to reveal Himself mightily. These are His people who live submitted lives unto Him, not the hateful unresolved ones—the self-centered strife-stirrers. No, not the immature self-justified imposers, who live their way in God’s way.

After all, how can God use condemnation to share His love, honor and glory to nations?

These wiser, blessed ones are those who willingly receive God’s perspective and attitude. They are the ones who receive God’s vision and plan for their assignments. The ones who sync with God—spirit, soul and body. They are the ones who walk in His powerful anointing and boldness unafraid, knowing God is with them.

And they see miracles.

The enemy is under their feet. They are his biggest threat as they walk on Holy ground with Jesus. Jesus has given them the land, because they have made Him their greatest dominion of heart in all things.

Is this you?

If so, God has prepared you for some major shifts ahead. He is bringing you into your greatest heart’s desires. He has been all along, only now you will see them manifest.

Holy Spirit will help you live out what He has put in you every step of the way. You will be delightfully set free from old ties, as former things that God once used to develop you fall away. As you live in a greater measure of restoration, some important relationships will be renewed full circle. New wine will flow to you, through you and all around you.

God will add new people who will come alongside you. He will reveal them to you, just as He revealed the ones who couldn’t remain with you. Your burden is light and bright as you experience God’s fullness of joy through His promises fulfilled. He will reveal more specifics to you as you enter in and build with Him.

Holy Spirit is for you and will never leave you. You can trust Him throughout. He will amaze you as you continue to abide with Him and receive His best life. Fruit will abound and joy will resound. Awesome wonder will fill your days, growing your delight in Him.

You will be refreshed as you go to refresh others. Longtime burdens will be things of the past, as you pour out love forward, bringing new life to the downtrodden: Those who have been bound in consequences from living in lies and limitations. You’ll begin to see them physically healed as their soul rises in His truth and light.

Surprises are ahead that will make you leap for joy. You will experience a youthful exuberance and know that your Creator has answered your Psalm 103:5 prayer, which is that He will satisfy “your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”

Because of God’s grace to agree with and walked out His way, you will have a testimony of Isaiah 40:31 TPT, which says that “those who wait for Yahweh’s grace will experience divine strength. They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their race without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up.”

And for this, you are being rewarded.

So, pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord,

Thank You for blessing me to be a blessing. Please help me to continue to fearlessly walk with You in Your grace, love and wisdom to fulfill my calling and assignments Your way. I choose to trust You.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen.

This devo was graciously re-posted by the Salem Web Network, which includes iBelieve.com.

Slow vs. Late Dominion – Part 2

“It’s not over!” the ministry leader said to me.

This was one of the most prolific prophetic Words I had ever received. It was spoken to me many years ago by someone I greatly respect in a church sanctuary.

Since then, from time to time, when I feel like I’m working to catch up on projects, Holy Spirit will bring this declaration to my remembrance so hopelessness doesn’t set in.

I love how God is so good to help us and that we are never alone.

In Part 1 of this series, we addressed hopelessness—that it’s a lie from the enemy. We touched on God being in our continuance of time and that slow can mean patient; and late can mean from here forward

We determined that God is longsuffering and remains to have a plan for His redeemed ones to partner with Him, even when we mess up. And we determined that repentance is key for coming closer to God and moving toward the fulfillment of His promises.

We saw that God helped Joshua’s army enter deeper into His righteousness as they purged evil from among them to obey Him forward at Ai.

Righteousness, which is God’s way, is God’s standard.

God tests our obedience as we walk with Him on the narrow path. We can stay the course with our eyes on Him, or we can stray and do it our way.

God’s promises fulfilled involve a process we grow through. Staying on the narrow path involves a kind of suffering. Getting off of it does, too. But, with God’s grace-power, remaining on it and returning to it, after we have steered off course, can produce timely fruit.

For example, when we fast forward to Joshua in the ninth chapter, we find that he made a peace treaty with an envoy of deceivers—the Gibeonites (Jo 9:15). Three days later, when the truth came out, he realized his error. Even so, he still made good on his promise to keep peace, as he dealt with their deception swiftly. Joshua turned the people toward good by having them serve God’s house. So, any time lost in the Israelites’ mission to deal with this sin was made up by their increased labor force.

Just like with Joshua, when God is with us in battle, we cannot lose. We can grow wiser and stronger in the journey, as God reveals His strategies to us and we obey Him in the small things that will reinforce His ways in us for bigger things forward—and not just for ourselves.

So, we don’t have to beat ourselves up if we’ve messed up. And we don’t have to sell ourselves short by caving into deception. God always has a solution for a better, higher outcome.

A couple of encouraging scriptures in this regard are:

First, James 1:4 TPT, which says, “And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.”

Secondly, Hebrews 10:36 TPT, which says, “You need the strength of endurance to reveal the poetry of God’s will and then you receive the promise in full.”

So, along our journey to fulfillment, we can be encouraged by God’s truth in Ephesians 2:10 TPT, which says, “We have become his poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!”

With all this assurance, we don’t have to worry about being late in the worst sense of the word. We can arrive by fixing our eyes on God and actively agreeing with His righteous truths—His promises of hope that will come to fruition (He 11:1).

God will not resist us when we humble ourselves and call on His Name for help. He will be faithful to His great nature and lift us from every false burden, so we can begin again, be made stronger by Him and bring honor to Him.

Romans 12:1 TPT specifically reveals God’s strategy of reciprocal honor by saying, “Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.

Pray with me if you will…

Dear Lord,

Thank You for making me courageously faithful. I repent of believing the devil’s lies that I’ve missed it or will miss it. I declare today that, with Your help, Lord, I will not miss your appointed times for me. And I choose to fully trust You to get me where You desire I be on Your timetable. I declare that Your promises are yes and amen. “You keep every promise You’ve ever made to me! Since your love for me is constant and endless, I ask you, Lord, to finish every good thing that you’ve begun in me” (Ps 138:8 TPT)! I choose this day to walk with You in Your truth on Your righteous path of Your faithful fulfillment for me.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen.

This devo was graciously re-posted by the Salem Web Network, which includes iBelieve.com.