Sylvia Neusch's Blog, page 2

Seeing Your Dreams with Eyes of Faith

We are in an incredible time of momentum, acceleration, and new birth as God is pouring out His Spirit on dreams and visions to see the kingdom advance in every arena. Many are experiencing His awakening Spirit, blowing and bringing life to seeds that were sown, sometimes decades ago. Ideas, dreams, revelations, and inspirations born by the Spirit of God are beginning to burst into life at this time.

All of this is very exhilarating, but for some the prospect of what God is calling you to do and pioneer may seem overwhelming and for some....impossible! But, this is exactly what God is doing in this hour. He is causing miraculous life to come into the dry bones of latent dreams and He is involving you in the process. He is looking for GREAT FAITH in this hour. He is looking for those who will peer into the landscape of the promised land the Father is giving them, and see it with eyes of FAITH and HOPE.

He is watching for the Caleb's of this generation who will courageously pioneer into their land of promise and see with Spirit eyes and Heaven's viewpoint. When these Caleb's encounter the inevitable opposition and giants inhabiting their land, they know to seek the LORD, believing that He will give them the strategies to overcome.

Lessons From the Widow of Zarephath

Recently I was praying into some fresh vision and dreams the Lord was giving me. To be honest, it all felt exciting, but I also felt overwhelmed and somewhat terrified. I was rehearsing in my mind all the obstacles and reasons why these things might not come to pass. Then, God interrupted my futile thoughts and said to me, "You are thinking like the widow of Zarephath". He had my attention! I immediately looked up the story found in I Kings 17: 7-11:

"Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the LORD came to him: "Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food." So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?" As she was going to get it, he called, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread." As surely as the LORD your God lives, "she replied, "I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug, I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--and die."

After God directed me to this story I read it again, now understanding it in a fresh way. One thing I had never noticed was that God had already directed the widow of Zarephath to supply Elijah with food before he ever arrived. I had normally felt somewhat sorry for the widow and her predicament until I realized that she already had the word of the LORD. God had directed her and with His command, the power to fulfill the word would have already been released and available to her.

If God has spoken to us and given us His words and promises, then the power and grace to fulfill the word is present and available to us! But, we know the widow of Zarephath resisted the prophet's request because she had her eyes on what she didn't have instead of on what she did have; the powerful word of God. When our focus is on the obstacles to our promise, then we block the flow of God's grace to fulfill the promise. Our mind must be renewed to see as Heaven sees in order to obtain our promises and see the birthing of our dreams.

God has been teaching me to use my imagination to retrain my brain to see as Heaven sees. If God has spoken a promise to you, then imagine yourself receiving the promise. Imagine Him overcoming every obstacle and the increase of His kingdom manifesting as you see with eyes of faith. When we do this we begin to fill up the space in our mind with Heaven's perspective instead of all the obstacles to obtaining our promises. We will never go in and take our land until we can envision ourselves doing so.

Fortunately, Elijah ignored the widow's arguments and instructed her further in what to do for him in I Kings 17:13-16:

"Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the Lord of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.'" She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken to Elijah."

Obedience Opens the Door

Think of it. The widow of Zarephath went from planning her and her son's funeral, to a miraculous season of abundance and provision. Though she initially balked at the impossible sounding command coming through the prophet, she did obey. And her obedience opened the door for the miraculous flow of God's provision to visit and sustain her family and Elijah throughout the difficult season.

Our fear doesn't mean we have failed unless it keeps us from doing what God has told us to do. I appreciate the fact that after Elijah addressed the widow's fear, she "went away and did as Elijah had told her". Her hands must have trembled as she mixed the remaining bit of flour and drops of olive oil, knowing that if God didn't come through it would surely be their last meal. But God did come through, over and above what she could have imagined!

Even greater than the widow of Zarephath, we are in a time of God's miraculous intervention and provision. We are in a great time of fruitfulness and increase like we have never seen before. It is a time for the birthing of dreams and unparalleled kingdom increase.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Ephesians 3:20

God is Awakening a Fresh Hunger for Him

Recently, as I was spending time with the Lord, I saw God moving powerfully to release WAVES OF HUNGER for Him in many in the coming days. Hunger in the kingdom is actually a good thing and to be cultivated and desired. If we are not hungry, then we become unhealthy. This is true in the natural as well as the spiritual.

The enemy has sought to defeat the sons and daughters of God by drawing them away from true nourishment. I saw that many had lost their healthy hunger through disappointments, loss of vision, and hope deferred. When the mind is offended, the heart is soon to follow. When left unhealed, wounded hearts can result in a loss of spiritual appetite. Because of the lies believed, these hurting ones no longer desire to take their seat at His table.

Some have lost their hunger by taking in things that are artificial or that lack the ability to truly satisfy. These things have temporarily filled the place of hunger in many, only leaving them malnourished. They have created a FALSE FILLING that interrupts the hunger cycle that God created. The FALSE FILLING causes them to stop searching for true nourishment. Many have drifted away from what will truly satisfy as the enemy has continually assaulted them with distractions and enticements. These enticements promise fulfillment, all the time drawing the ones they attract into a web of futility.

I see God breaking these cycles of wounding and false fillings as He moves powerfully to release fresh waves of hunger to God's children. Some are going to "wake up" as if they had been in a dream, and a renewed and overwhelming hunger and thirst for God will grip them. Many are going to have PSALM 63 moments, as they experience their whole body longing for God. Take heart, for God is bringing a SUPERNATURAL THIRST upon you and you will once again LONG for Him!

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare." Isaiah 55:1-2

As God brings these fresh waves of hunger, many will encounter Jesus once again as the BREAD OF LIFE. He and He alone will satisfy our deepest longings and hunger. He is altogether good and we must learn to dine on Him and the richness He offers.

"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35

Notice that the word says "whoever comes to me will never go hungry". We may come to Him hungry, but we will never leave hungry when we eat what He has to offer. When we encounter Him as our Lord and Savior, our spirit is satisfied and this can never be taken away. But, we need to continually dine on who He is. A healthy hunger develops and grows and KNOWS that there is always more.

It was hunger that led Zaccheus to climb the sycamore tree so that he might get a glimpse of Jesus as he passed by. Little did he know that Jesus would see him and call him down out of his perch. Jesus came to the house of Zaccheus that day, and his life was forever changed. Zaccheus' hunger led him into an encounter with Jesus.

It was hunger that led the woman with the issue of blood to reach out and touch the hem of Jesus' garment. Expecting ridicule and shame, instead the woman received her healing and an encounter with Jesus that marked her life.

I hear the Lord saying, "Come to Me My weary ones. Come to My table and take your place. I have food and drink for you that will truly satisfy your deepest longings. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. Bring to Me your longings and deep desires, for I am your Bread of Life. Come to Me for I am your daily sustenance.

Those who are dry, COME! Come and see what I will do. For, it is the DRY WOOD that catches fire the best! Yes, you will BURN once again as HOT COALS! I will ignite you with My fiery passionate love. My love for you burns like a mighty flame. My love will AWAKEN you and you will delight once again in the richness from My table. Allow My Spirit Wind to blow on your embers of hunger. As I do, you will become a burning fire for Me, continually feasting on Who I am."

"O taste and see that the LORD is good;..." Psalm 34:8a

Attend to Your Own Vineyard

"...They made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept!" Song of Songs 1:6b

"My child, it is a time to attend to your own vineyard. You have been through a difficult season, distracted and focusing on many things. You have been busied with caring for the needs of others, but it is time to care for your own vineyard. You are the steward of all the things I have entrusted to you, including your own body. Take inventory of all that is in your hands. Are the vines healthy and flourishing or are they languishing and in need of care and water?

I am bringing many things into greater alignment in this season. A life in alignment will be better able to sustain the acceleration and momentum that is coming. A brittle vine will snap under pressure, but a supple one will bend and move with My Spirit.

As your soul prospers, you will prosper in all things. Take care of the small things, the "little foxes" that would come into ruin the vines. Practice My Presence in all things. Forgive quickly. Turn your anxious thoughts into prayers. Renew your mind daily, receiving the washing with water of My word. Love generously and refuse to harbor offense.

Allow My hands as your skillful Vinedresser to nurture your vines and prune where necessary. Trust that My intentions for you are loving and full of wise compassion. Though pruning may feel painful now, it is needed for greater fruitfulness and the increase of life I have planned for you. You are part of My New Wine Army. I am indeed doing a new thing, and I will reveal My new wine in this time. My new wine will flow from My Bride and those who have set themselves apart for Me and My Spirit.

My child, look today to the health of your own garden. Drink from the waters of My refreshing river and receive the healing sustenance that time in My Presence provides.

Come away with Me and draw strength from My eyes."

Weary Waiters, Listen for the Sound of Rain!

During a time of worship recently, I saw a vision of a portal opening in the clouds and heard the Lord say, "Weary waiters, there is an opening to step through to a new level of faith and expectation".

Many have grown weary in waiting and even your countenance has grown downcast as your expectations have become diminished over time. The waiting and persevering period has been so long and so intense. Many feel drained and as if they have lost their way. The battle in the second heaven has caused a difficulty in discerning and hearing God's voice for some as the enemy has attempted to distort and bring interference.

Then, as I saw this portal of light opening in the clouds, I knew that God was about to fortify the faith of His persevering ones. The weary waiters were about to get a second wind! This would not be just any wind, but a supernatural Spirit-filled wind to carry them through into the new thing God is getting ready to do. Get ready to be energized, refreshed, and renewed as this second wind begins to blow upon you. Have you noticed that the winds usually come before the rains begin?

I then heard in my spirit these words from an old hymn written in the 1800's:

There shall be showers of blessing; This is the promise of love;

There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above.

Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need;

"Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead."

(from "Showers of Blessing" lyrics by Daniel Webster)

We are beginning to experience the mercy drops of revival and renewal, but we HUNGER for the showers. We are longing and waiting for the downpour--a continual FLOOD of His life-giving rains that will manifest in us and on us.

Listen for the Sound of Rain

In 2 Kings we find Elijah also in a place of waiting for the rains to come. Their land had been in an intense drought both naturally and spiritually, just as we are experiencing at this time in our nation. But, Elijah heard the sound of heavy rain before the rain even started. Weary waiters, don't give up listening for the sound of the rain! Can you hear it? Keep your ear attuned to God and what He intends to pour out on the earth. God will manifest the sound of His rains in your spirit even before it is manifest in the natural.

Weary waiters, God is calling you into an active prophetic intercession role to aid in birthing the rains of revival. Notice that the moments where Elijah heard the sound of heavy rain occurred immediately following his famous confrontation and showdown with the prophets of Baal. Things had come to a spiritual head and kairos moment for Elijah and the people of God. A kairos moment is the appointed time in the purposes of God. This was surely a God appointed time and He was mercifully turning their hearts back to him once again.

We are in a similar showdown moment right now. Evil has become less hidden and blatantly arrogant. God is causing a great exposing and revealing of those things that have stood opposed to the Kingdom of Light. The enemy has already been defeated, but his torment of the sons and daughters of God has continued. "For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed." Romans 8:19. A significant part of this revealing will be the children of God stepping into their powerful role and place as the royal priesthood and heirs of salvation. God has given us the power to bind and loose, and open and shut things, releasing His kingdom to advance.

Just as Elijah assumed a birthing position on top of mount Carmel, we are to follow God's instructions and position ourselves accordingly, ready to birth through intercession the breakthroughs of Heavenly rain He is wanting to release.

Prepare the Altars

In I Kings 18:30, Elijah repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down. The altar was a place of sacrifice and a place where the grace and mercy of the LORD was released following the sacrifice. Now as believers, we experience a continual flow of the grace and mercy of God because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the very Lamb of God. But, many around us have never experienced this incredible forgiveness and grace.

Just as Elijah received specific instructions for repairing the altar and then preparing it for a miraculous display of God's power to that generation, God is calling the Church to prepare for amazing displays and encounters of His fire and power to this present generation. The enemy's plan has included a deep discouragement and "dumbing down" of the faith of God's people. It's time to shake off these harassing spirits and come into alignment with the inevitable kairos moments planned for our day. Those who have grown weary in well doing are about to be revived so that they can revive others.

God is issuing an alert to the weary waiters to lift up your eyes towards the light, and tune your ears to the sounds of heavy rain. Step in to His grace-filled infusion of energy and receive His refreshing second wind. God has an assignment for you in this hour. Though we are experiencing His mercy drops all around us, we plead for the showers. We declare His life-changing rains to come! May our Church altars once again be drenched with His life-giving waters. We won't settle for less than a Holy Spirit downpour. This generation will also cry out as did Elijah's generation when they encountered the power of God, "The LORD--He is God! The LORD--He is God!" I Kings 18:39b

A Battle Has Raged at the Threshold of 5784, but You Will Go Through!

As we head into Rosh Hashanah, and the Jewish New Year 5784, we see that the 4th letter of the Hebrew alphabet is the Dalet, meaning door. Doors are significant in this season and for this new year. Many have experienced great warfare and battles as they made their way towards the threshold of 5784. But, if we continue to seek God's face and heart, we will receive instructions and the battle plans for making our way triumphantly through the doors that He is opening for us.

The enemy is intent on hindering and stopping the movement forward of God's people. He wants to render us powerless which he can only do through our agreement. Recently, the Lord highlighted to me just how key our agreement is and why the enemy has worked overtime to bring about disagreement.

This past two years I witnessed an incredible increase of dissension, factions, and broken relationships in the Body of Christ. In discussions with other leaders, many had also experienced similar circumstances. I believe this is partly due to the unrighteous strongholds and principalities that have gained ground in our nation through the ungodly agreements of government and other leaders. But, as believers, we are a part of a different kingdom, and we have the ability to rise above the power of these ungodly strongholds if we walk in righteousness, obeying the voice of our King Jesus.

The Significance of our Agreements

Recently I was studying Matthew 18:15-17 to do a short teaching on the Biblical standards for broken relationships or offense. I then noticed that these verses were followed by two verses that seemed somewhat out of place:

"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matt. 18:18-20

Then, immediately following these three verses on binding, loosing, and agreement in prayer, Jesus begins to teach on forgiveness and shares a compelling parable on the importance of forgiving from the heart.

The Holy Spirit highlighted that it was the power of agreement of two or more that would unlock the power of Heaven to fulfill the request made. It was the power of our agreement that would bring about answers from Heaven. Jesus promises that where two or three gather in His name, He will be there with them. We have the promise of His presence when we gather in agreement and we have the promise of answers from Heaven when we agree together.

If we are walking in disagreement or disunity, we nullify the power of our prayers to obtain answers. We can certainly see why this has been a major strategy of the enemy over the past few years. We are in the decade of Pey, or the mouth, where the power of our words and agreement is a vital and increasing focus and needed reality as the kingdom moves forward. It is no wonder that the enemy has sought to sabotage the power of our agreement through causing us to partner with him as the accuser of the brethren.

Go Low Through the Door

As I pondered all of this with the Lord and listened to His counsel, I felt I heard Him say, "Go low through the door". Our posture in walking through relational difficulties and dealing with the spirit of offense is to "go low". I am always humbled to remember that Jesus washed Judas' feet, knowing that Judas would betray him. As we move over the threshold and on into 5784, humility of heart will be key to position us to truly possess the land that God has for us. Many are still walking through tests and relational struggles. Trust God to be your vindication and don't give way to the temptation to vindicate yourself. Let these words be the prayer you breathe:

"Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might. Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Arrogant foes are attacking me; ruthless people are trying to kill me-- people without regard for God. Surely God is my help the Lord is the one who sustains me." - Psalm 54:1-4

A Nehemiah Company Will Rise Up

The righteous remnant that God is raising up will have a heart to rebuild and restore. Nehemiah captured the heart of God for the city of Jerusalem and set about to restore it to a place of peace and safety. God is raising up Nehemiah's in this time who will carry the heart of Heaven for rebuilding the broken down nations.

"Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." Nehemiah 4:13

God is going to be birthing new strategies and giving new marching orders to his sons and daughters. Intercessory prayer is going to continue to burst forth and the saints will grow in their knowledge of accessing Heaven's strategies for breakthrough and overcoming strongholds.

"Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me." Nehemiah 4: 17-18

As in this passage, we will experience an increased awareness of walking in warfare as we work. We don't set our spiritual armor down, but we learn to wear it as we work, not fearing the attacks of the enemy, yet being prepared for his tactics. The importance of the prophetic voice of God as we seek to do the restoration assignments will be vital for our success.

Nehemiah divided up the work of restoring the wall around Jerusalem, and gave assignments to many of the families and people. The task was way too large for one man to accomplish. Instead, God used a company of people under the leadership of Nehemiah.

As we move forward into 5784, God is giving out new assignments to many individuals. At the same time, there will be great collaboration partnering different streams together to see and accomplish these assignments. The Great Harvest will take many companies of people working together to see the fulfillment of God's heart and unfolding plans for the nations.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Though there has been a battle raging at the threshold of 5784, I feel God's heart and intent to see His children through the door and into all that He has in store. I hear Him saying, "Keep your eyes on Me. Keep your eyes on the prize. I am your prize and Pearl of Great Price. Keep your eyes on Me and I will bring you through. Follow Me into the place of deep surrender and here you will find life abundant and beyond measure."

It's Time to Trust Again

Recently during a time of worship, I saw a line drawn in the sand and people standing on one side, looking as if they were unable to cross over the line. I instinctively knew that disappointments and unanswered questions were holding them back from stepping over the line to give their hearts to fully trust again.

The enemy had lied to these individuals, clouding their perceptions and ability to clearly see the path ahead of them. A cloudy film hung over their eyes like cataracts, but the film consisted of their perceptions of situations that had occurred, and it had built up making it difficult to see.

"But as for me my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold..." (Ps. 73:2)

This is where many find themselves right now. The onslaught of difficult circumstances have come in such a way that you feel as if your feet have slipped. It is difficult to move ahead and you haven't been able to see the way. Loss of family members, prolonged sickness, financial setbacks, relational difficulties, and more have plagued many causing hope deferred to taunt and threaten to take up residence in your hearts.

"All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments." (Ps. 73:14)

Come Into God's Sanctuary

If you can identify and find yourself In the midst of this swirl of difficulty and inability to see ahead, God is inviting you into the sanctuary with Him. He is inviting you to trust Him again. It is in this intimate place where He will speak and reveal His heart for you and bring understanding to your place of confusion.

He is inviting you to lay down your hurt and your wounded pride and come to Him with a humble heart to hear and believe in His goodness. It is in this secret place with Him that He will pour His healing oil into your wounded heart.

"When I tried to understand it all, I just couldn't. It was too puzzling--too much of a riddle to me. But then one day I was brought into the sanctuaries of God, and in the light of glory, my distorted perspective vanished." (Ps. 73:16-17 TPT)

Our wounded and distorted perceptions are healed as we encounter the light of His glory. This is a place of honest and open communication and a place where truth is revealed. The light emanating from His countenance dispels all darkness and confusion.

Many are standing at that line in the sand. Things too difficult to understand have paralyzed you, causing a hesitation in moving on with God and others. God is beckoning you to come into His sanctuary and be with Him.

Unanswered Questions and a Choice to Worship

In the familiar story where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in John 11, we find Mary struggling to trust Jesus, the man whom she had come to serve and love as Lord. When they initially reached out to Jesus, and he delayed to come immediately, both Mary and her sister Martha were overcome with questions and doubt. When Jesus finally arrived after Lazarus was dead and buried, Mary's response reveals the torrent of emotions she must have felt:

"When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." - John 11:32

The scripture doesn't give us a lot of Mary's subsequent process, but we know that Jesus did raise Lazarus from the dead, and this she witnessed. But, a very revealing moment is found one chapter later, in John 12 where Mary pours an expensive bottle of perfume on Jesus' feet, anointing them and then wiping them with her hair. We don't know if all her former questions were answered or resolved, but her extravagant act of worship reveals that her heart was in a place to fully trust again. Mary was willing to put the past behind her as she moved forward with an intimate act of devotion. Mary chose to offer a sacrifice of worship without demanding that all her questions be answered. Mary chose to trust.

The only way to trust again is to trust again. I feel God is beckoning many right now to put aside unanswered questions, disappointments, and those things that have held your heart captive in this season. For some, a conscious decision to just trust again needs to be made. For others, a deeper process of healing may need to occur first. But, either way, I see the Father extending His hand to come into His sanctuary with Him. It is in this refuge with Him where true healing will occur and hearts will once again burn with the flame of passionate love and devotion.

I hear the Father saying, "Trust Me. Lay aside the things you don't understand, and be with Me. I will guide you with My counsel and you will know the way to go. I will remove your cataracts of distortion and give you Spirit eyes. Look to me and magnify who I am in the midst of your confusion. I will level the rough places before you and once again give you a firm place to stand. I am bringing you into alignment and you will walk uprightly in the land I am giving you. Come, bathe in My glory. This is a place above the enemy's waves of confusion and lies. You have been capsized, but I am bringing you upright, and restoring you to navigate with ease as you learn to follow My light."

Remember, You are Born of the Spirit

The enemy has sought to pull you into His realm of self and flesh. But you are of a different realm, My born again ones. You are born of My Spirit and now your spirit is alive in Me. There is a war raging in this season. Light and dark are at war and flesh and Spirit are also at war. Remember whose you are, My child of light.

You are being strengthened to choose according to the Spirit in adversity and hardship as well as in times of peace and blessing. Choose wisely, because your enemy would seek to ensnare you. His traps are set to pull you into his arena of darkness and division. You must learn to surrender to My voice and lay your life down. Resist the urge to satisfy the desires of the flesh and the quick fix of happiness. The quick fix will often sting in the end, and you will pay dearly for the convenience and misguided pleasure.

Stay clear of the path of judgment and the pointing finger of accusation. Your agreement must not be with the accuser who seeks to smear and stain the royal identity I have ordained for each of My beloved sons and daughters. Yes, I have said, “regard no one according to the flesh” (2 Cor. 5:16) You must see with Spirit eyes, My called out ones. No evil the enemy has assigned to those around you is beyond My redemption. My love is a powerful force. Love one another. Do not be quick to cast stones or pull each other down. Immerse yourself in My words and allow My Spirit to guide and correct you.

I have realms of delight for you, My Overcomers. Peace of mind, peace of heart, and fullness of My Spirit are your inheritance in Me. Give way to the threshing process as my word separates soul from spirit, judging the intentions of the heart.

My discipline is always born out of My great love for you. My discipline is not to shame, harm, or punish you. My reproof reflects My great love. I am the Alpha and Omega. I see the beginning and the end, and all the days ordained for you. I delight in you and desire to see you step fully into greater realms of fruitfulness and destiny.

An Epoch Time of Transition and Testing

A few months ago, I released a word where I heard the Father saying, “It is time for My Church to graduate”. I continue to sense that a mass graduation is underway, and it may feel a bit like exam week for many. The intensity of the season is felt by most of us, and the feeling that something epic is transpiring may be evident for those who are discerning the times and seasons. I believe the graduation is related on a large scale with passing from one era into another. The graduation also has to do with the Body of Christ stepping fully into Her authority and who She is called to be as the Bride. As there is a mass graduation underway, there has been a mass preparation process for the hearts and lives of many. God is using the situations of our lives and circumstances to prepare us for the reset and transition that is already underway.

I recently had a vision of a very large ship making a turn. I knew instinctively that the ship represented the Body of Christ. Yes, we have moved into a new era, but when a large ship turns, it takes a while to make the turn and so it is with the Body of Christ. I believe the Spirit of God is ushering in the new, making sweeping changes, and releasing the new wine. The wineskins are being prepared and the Body of Christ across every nation is making the giant turn, stepping into the new that God has prepared and ordained for this time.

A Seismic Pause

Covid came as no surprise to God. I believe God in no way caused the pandemic, but as He promises to work all things together for our good, He will use it for our good and for His larger purposes. A seismic pause occurred all across the earth, giving way for a resetting of many things, including the Church. In a very real sense, God is “restocking the shelves of His Church”. Sometimes a business will close its doors, taking inventory of goods, re-organizing, restructuring, and then restocking its shelves for more profitable business. I see God doing this with the Church right now. He is taking inventory of those things that are redemptive and those things that have eternal value. Some things have a clear "expiration date" and like some items in my refrigerator, they need to be removed to make way for the new things God is wanting to do.

God is putting His Church in right order governmentally and restructuring leadership that has gotten out of alignment. Jesus Christ was and is the Chief Cornerstone of the Church. All things must come into alignment with Him. As the Church is being brought into alignment, the people of God are a major part of that alignment process. It is a sifting and shaking time, and a time of separating the wheat from the chaff. At the same time all this is occurring in the Body of Christ, there is also an epic clash between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. It is certainly a time of preparation and testing.

Preparation for our Tests

I want to share some keys and revelation that will bring greater insight and clarity to the times of testing we face as believers. When we face a test, we need to ask ourselves the questions, “What tools and revelation was I given in the former season that will help me in this current test?” "What mindsets and heart attitudes will reflect the values of My Father and His kingdom?" We have a choice as to whether we allow fear, anger, bitterness, judgment, and unforgiveness to be our primary response in our test, or we can respond by the Spirit, with the fruit of the Spirit, as our grace-filled response. Our tests will reveal if we have allowed these truths to become part of who we are and part of the arsenal of weapons He has given to us. When we have not absorbed and embraced the revelation from our former seasons, we may have to repeat our tests.

"Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved?" Song of Songs 8:5a

The wilderness is often a place of testing. Our response will determine if we continue to circle and wander in the wilderness or if we emerge from the wilderness leaning on our beloved. The one leaning on their beloved has surrendered pride and self-effort, finding that the only way to navigate the unknown terrain of their life is by leaning on Him. This position of leaning is a vulnerable and intimate place. There is a yielding involved, and a depth of intimacy that is only found when true yielding has been our heart's response to Him.

Tests reveal what you know, but more than that, they reveal who you are, presently, and where you might need adjustments as you grow in your knowledge of Him. This is not a head knowledge, but an intimate heart knowledge. Tests reveal where we are in our journey of faith. When God tests us, it is not to shame or embarrass us, but it is simply to reveal if we have learned the revelatory truths and skills that the Holy Spirit has been attempting to teach us in the former seasons. A good teacher does not test you on material that they have not taught or covered in class. God is the same way. He wants to see you understand and grasp what He is revealing so that you go fully prepared into the next season He has for you.

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

God’s desire is that you move forward into your calling and destiny not lacking anything. James goes so far as to say that we should “consider it pure joy” when we face trials. It is only when we begin to understand the heart of our good Father and how He teaches and trains us to be victorious and reign here on earth, that this joy response is possible.

Tests that Expose Faulty Beliefs

Early in our marriage, I found myself in a situation where my faith was tested and was found lacking. Our 6 month old son became severely ill and ended up in the hospital. As I was still nursing, I stayed with him there around the clock for 5 or 6 days. The first night as I tried to fall asleep, I came to realize that I was absolutely terrified. I happened to be reading a book that talked about sinkholes in the state of Florida, and how we can think we have things built securely on solid ground, and then everything can come crashing in because of those giant areas of unstable ground. There, in the dim light of the hospital room, God used that analogy to reveal to me the state of my heart and how I had some giant holes in my belief system about Him and how He works in our lives. That moment set me on a course to discover why faith had been so hard for me. I would in time experience encounters with God that changed me and helped me overcome the stronghold of fear and unbelief in my life.

When unbelief is our primary response and mindset when walking through a trial or test, then we will likely need to retake the test later. But, when we walk through our tests with belief in God’s goodness and faithfulness as our primary default response, then I believe we will pass our tests. I have found and experienced God to be incredibly merciful and gracious. Many times, when I wonder if I have passed a test, He promotes me even before I think I am ready! When we have not adequately absorbed His revelation into our lives, He guides and directs us into the next step of breakthrough that will bring about the necessary changes. God is not a strict taskmaster, but a loving Father who wants the best outcome for His children.

It's an Open-Book Test!

I feel God would say that the tests you face are an OPEN BOOK TEST! He wants you to have His word, fully open as you walk through your tests and trials. He wants you to find strength and solace from the pages of His living and active word. He knows that His word in you will only multiply and grow and His word will not return to Him void.

"For we have the living Word of God which is full of energy, like a two-mouthed sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! it interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts." Hebrews 4:12

As we absorb the Word of God into our lives, if we are willing, it will work the very process mentioned in Hebrews 4 in our lives. His words have the ability to go deep within and reveal to us the secret things of our hearts.

God's word to us is like a deep well. We will never fully explore the depths of it, because it is unending. The revelation is unending because the Author is unending!

Do Not Be Dismayed

We are not to be afraid as we walk through this time of great transition and testing. I hear the Lord saying, "Do not be dismayed at the difficulties you are facing. It is a time to know Me in the midst of your trials and tests. Do not be afraid. Let perseverance finish its work. I want you to be mature and complete in Me, not lacking anything. Look to Me for you are not walking alone. Yes, I am with you every step of the way. I am with you the same as I was with those who have gone before you.

I am the One who can spread a table for you in the presence of your enemies. I am the One who provided a ram in the thicket when it seemed that all hope was gone. I am the One who hid the deliverer of Israel in a basket floating in the river, raising him up to be My chosen vessel. I am the One who parted the Red Sea and provided dry ground for My people to cross. I am the One who caused the oil to flow freely, providing miraculously for the poor widow who had no money to pay her debts. I am the One who raised Lazarus from the dead after four days. Yes, I am a miracle working God, and I will work miracles as you place your trust in Me! Lean on Me, and we will walk out of your time of testing and wilderness together."

No Longer Will You Be Overtaken, for God is Making You an Overcomer

I heard the Lord say, "I'm taking my people from overtaken to overcoming." Then, I saw a picture of the children of Israel as they had followed Moses out of Egypt and were camped by the sea at a place called Pi Hahiroth. Pharoah had finally relented and agreed to let them leave Egypt. The Israelites were on their way to freedom. It was while they were in this vulnerable place, camped by the sea, that Pharoah and his officials changed their minds, deciding to come after the Israelites to once again take them into captivity.

I believe this is a clear picture of where many find themselves right now. You have felt the pull and call of God's Spirit within you, and you have answered the call and begin the move forward into the unknown of what He has next for you. You have left Egypt once and for all. But, the enemy is waiting, lurking, and threatening to once again overtake you, just as He did with the children of Israel. You are in that place of navigating the threats of being overtaken, and at the same time seeking to trust the Father's heart and voice to lead and guide you into a place of victorious destiny and overcoming.

It is in this place that some may feel the pull of Egypt as it falsely represents "security and safety". The lure of routine and normalcy may look attractive as you venture out facing the unknown and what appears to be impossible obstacles before you. This was the moment when the Israelites actually begin longing for the shackles of slavery.

But, God's answer to you is the same as the one He spoke through Moses to the children of Israel, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." Exodus 14:13-14 ESV

THREE ASSIGNMENTS FOR OVERCOMERS

Is it possible to stand firm and continue to move forward at the same time? I believe the answer is "YES!" The first part of your assignment as an overcomer is to STAND FIRM. The inward stance of your spirit man is to stand firm in who God is and what He has spoken to you. This is a place of standing your ground, refusing to budge from what God has spoken to you and who you know him to be. Your hope is in His deliverance and ability to see you through to the destiny marked out for you.

The second part of your assignment as an overcomer is found at the end of verse 14 - BE SILENT. Your mouth should not utter a word contrary to what God has spoken to you. Let the words of your mouth come into total alignment with what He has called you to be and do.

We know the familiar story of Joshua as he led the Israelites to march around Jericho. Joshua issued this command in Joshua 6:10, "...Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!" God clearly did not want anything spoken that would hinder the supernatural power being orchestrated and released as the army of people marched in obedience around the city seven times.

We have been learning the power of our spoken words and declarations. After their time of silence, it is powerful to note that God then used this army's shout to bring down the walls. What a sobering picture of the importance of bringing our tongue and mouth into submission to the Spirit of God!

As we bring our mouths under subjection to Him, this is a moment to let God be God. This is a moment when He is going to fight for you. You are only to STAND FIRM, BE SILENT, and watch what He will do.

The third part of your assignment as an overcomer is to MOVE ON as found in Exodus 14: 15, "The the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground."

Though the children of Israel were called to stand firm, inwardly resting in who God is, they were outwardly called to move forward in faith. They had not yet seen the waters divide when God gave the command to MOVE ON. If they had refused to move, I believe the waters would never have divided. God responds to our faith and obedience just as he did to the faith and obedience of the Israelites.

What is the assignment God has given to you in this hour? What obstacles stand before you? Is He is calling you to STAND FIRM in Him and His faithfulness to you? He is your Anchor, fixed and immovable. He is steadfast and never failing. He is your firm foundation on which to stand.

Is He calling you to BE SILENT, refusing to voice words that contradict His voice to you? He is ready to show Himself strong on your behalf. Lean into His goodness and mighty strength. Listen for His particular assignments for you and your words in this season. His glory will be revealed as you put your trust in Him.

Lastly, has He given you the command to MOVE ON? If so, then lock eyes with Him and take the first steps forward, trusting the waters to part as you advance. He will be with you in the midst of the crossing, giving you dry ground on which to stand. The waters may rage on your right and left, but you will not be touched.

The seas that threatened the Israelites ended up being the very thing that God used to take out their enemies. Likewise, God will use those things that have come against you for your advancement, thwarting satan's plans, reminding him that he is a defeated foe.

If you have felt like you are about to be overtaken in this hour, then you have the opportunity to allow the Spirit of God to call forth the OVERCOMER in you. Our enemy, satan, is a liar and there is no truth in him. His threats, His intimidating attempts to hinder your advancement are all lies. As you place your trust in God, He will take you from your place of being overtaken, to a place of OVERCOMING.

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.- 2 Corinthians 2:14

God has a triumphal procession for you, His OVERCOMER, as you spread the fragrance of your testimony with others. God will receive glory through what He does in your life and the lives of others who choose to trust in Him as their MIGHTY DELIVERER. You will not be overtaken, for God is making you an OVERCOMER!

Jesus Christ has Planted His Flag of Deliverance

Recently I felt I heard the Lord say, "Get the deliverance teams trained". I was surprised at the urgency in His words and so I began to pray, communicate with others, and prepare as a result of this directive. Since that time, I have seen deliverance ministries springing up and coming forward in many places. God is doing a new thing and deliverance is a key part of it! Deliverance itself isn't a new thing and has been available since Jesus defeated satan by his death, burial and resurrection. But now, a new revelatory understanding of our authority and a fresh grace to administer deliverance is being released to the sons and daughters of God. We are about to see the raw power of God displayed unlike anything we have seen before.

As I spent time with the Lord, I saw a picture of a hill, and there, a battle raging over whose flag would occupy and fly. Planting a flag is an ancient custom that is carried on to this day. When a flag is planted on a particular land it is a sign or representation of a declaration that this land is claimed by the one planting the flag. Jesus Christ has already planted His flag of deliverance securely and eternally claiming those who rightfully belong to His Father.

However, I saw the enemy attempting to raise "false flags" over individuals. I then saw the enemy offering "enticements" to people. As they succumbed to the enticements, it soon became evident that these enticements were a trap. The enticements had lured them into his traps, and now satan had legal ground to steal, kill, and destroy in their lives. I saw the enemy raising a flag called "Entrapment" over these individuals.

Entrapment defined is "the illegal act of tricking someone into committing a crime so that the person you have tricked can be arrested."

James describes the process this way,"but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." James 1:14-15

The enticements had baited individuals into entrapments that turned into prisons of affliction, oppression, and captivity.

The DELIVERER is Here!

But, thanks be to God, Jesus Christ, our DELIVERER, is here to rescue and save those who have languished in the enemy's traps. When Jesus entered the synagogue in Nazareth, he astonished all who were there as he unrolled the scroll to read from Isaiah's words:

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19

Jesus rolled up the scroll and sat down after reading this and all eyes were on Him. He then further astonished the crowd with these words, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:21b)

Jesus revealed that He was the very fulfillment of Isaiah 61, and was here on a mission, and that was to bring freedom and deliverance to all those who had been enslaved and held captive by the enemy.

"....The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil."

I John 3:8

A Call to Step Into His Authority

I hear God issuing a clarion call to the Body of Christ right now. He is urging us to take up our authority so that we can continue the job of setting captives free and releasing the prisoners from their dungeons of darkness. Jesus has already accomplished everything needed through his death, burial, and resurrection so that every chain would break and every prison door be thrown wide open.

"He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Colossians 2:13b-15.

God is calling the Body of Christ to prepare the troops for advancement. We are to leave our defensive mindsets behind and take up our offensive mindsets. It is time to take back the stolen plunder from the enemy's camp. It is time to command the squatters to leave our rightful land and inheritance. It is time to see lives and families redeemed and restored and bodies healed. Jesus said that He would build His Ekklesia, His legislative ruling body, and the gates of Hades would not prevail against it. (from Matt. 16:18) It is time for the Ekklesia to decree and legislate the freedom that has been purchased.

Jesus Christ has already planted His flag of DELIVERANCE. Now let's go in and take the land!