The key element in determining the will of God is always confidence. The Father does what is right always, and He is amazing in His consistency and faithfulness. He always finishes what He starts (Hebrews 12:2), and we can absolutely trust that He will complete His purpose in us (Philippians 1:6).3
Holding on to our confidence is the major part of being mentored by the Holy Spirit. Good coaches always impart personal conviction that a goal can be achieved.5 Mentors provide assurance. And in the same way, our personal security is built upon our own understanding of who GOD is for US (Hebrews 3:6, 14). Assurance allows us to become.
The Holy Spirit stimulates our inner man to stand up on the inside of us with a smile and a confident assurance of the love of the Father. Thus, abiding in Christ is a major source for confidence (1 John 2:28). It guarantees that we won’t step back into a place of doubt or mistrust. And with no condemnation, we are free to move about the Kingdom in confidence (1 John 3:21).
The will of God is never about doubt; it’s always about discovery.9
Everything about God is potentially open to exploration. The will of God is not a mystery—it is relational.3 Sure there are times when situations do not work out as we have prayed or purposed. We often cannot see the end from the beginning. We may only have enough light to take the next step. But if God’s will is relational, then our confidence lies in becoming like Him, not just in our own version of a successful outcome.
We must trust. As we abide, our confidence continues, and we become certain of God’s will being done even if the outcome is not what we would prefer. We’re able to trust that He sees more, and that He knows more. When we allow His will to be relational, we are saying that to become like Him through our present circumstances is a higher priority than just receiving a successful result.
When we make that work of the spirit a priority, confidence is always the outcome — full assurance of salvation.
To be made in the image of God is everything to us.
All our circumstances carry that relational priority. As we are becoming partakers of Christ, we discover God’s will more readily because we share His priority.
So in other words, Sonship is our priority.
All true sons are confident in the Father’s character. There is a godly routine that the Holy Spirit employs consistently in His relationship with us. He encourages our heart. He renews our mind. We enter into a dialogue with Him so that we can learn to ask properly.
He teaches us to pursue and go after Him in all our circumstances. In that, we learn to discover provision and power. And then, we get to call ourselves up to a new relational level.
There's a rich root of revival in Los Angeles—and women were a key part of it.
Assemblies of God history tells us the Azusa Street Revival brought women's ministries to the fore. Indeed, Jennie Evans Moore who married Daddy William Seymour in 1908, was a key figure. Her name is not as well known as Seymour's but she was in the revival trenches with him, along with Lucy Farrow and Julia Hutchins. These virtually nameless and faceless, yet faithful, women helped keep the fire burning.
Maria Woodworth-Etter was a mother figure in early Pentecost—John G. Lake called her "Mother Etter." Her trance-marked ministry helped pave the way for the Azusa Street outpouring and ultimately the birth of a movement that changed the world.
Bold women like Aimee Semple McPherson and Kathryn Kuhlman followed in Mother Etter's footsteps. McPherson's Angeles Temple is still standing in Los Angeles today. I stood behind her pulpit in her home, which the Foursquare denomination she started preserved for historical purposes.
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While in Los Angeles, I felt mantles being released; mantles for healing, mantles for miracles—and mantles for apostolic women. I began to prophesy these words:
The time is now, says the Lord. The time is now, says the Lord. The time is now, says the Lord, for apostolic women to arise and indeed they are arising even now. The time is now for apostolic women to arise and take their places in their church and take their places in the marketplace and take their places in their families, in their homes.
The time is now for apostolic women to release the revelation that I've shared with their hearts in the secret places. The time is now for apostolic women to arise and bring forth the revelation of days gone by. The time is now for apostolic women to build upon the revelation, to speak forth, to build, to build, to build and plant in the name of Jesus with the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ backing them; with all of heaven standing with them; with the ministering angels building and working alongside of them.
The time is now for apostolic women to arise in this city and in this region and in the nation and in the nations of the world. For many years apostolic women have sat in the background waiting for permission to prophesy, waiting for permission to take their places and their God-given roles in the body of Christ. And the time is now for apostolic women to come to the fore, working alongside apostolic men and prophetic believers and evangelists, pastors and teachers who have a heart to build, who have a heart to see awakening, who have a heart to see revival impact this land and who have a heart to see the glory of My Spirit go forth in the nations and cover the earth as the water covers the sea.
The time is now.Apostolic women, the Lord says you have permission to rise up, even own and carry the mantle of Aime Semple McPherson, and carry the mantle of Kathryn Kuhlman, and carry the mantle of Maria Woodworth-Etter, and carry the mantle of those great women from generations past who were nameless and faceless.
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Colin MacLean has always felt like a black sheep—especially after his brothers are slain before his eyes in the Battle of Culloden. A smuggler by trade, Colin makes for an embarrassing chieftain. He can’t even save his friends from their British pursuers without getting himself captured. But before he is martyred by the hangman’s noose, Colin escapes with his cellmate, a brave lad he’s come to admire. It’s only in the depths of the Highlands that Colin discovers the lad is a lass—and a bonnie one at that.
Raised by her older brothers, Maggie Sinclair can drink a pint in no time flat and wield a dagger with the best of ’em. Still, men have always excluded her and women have always shunned her. Colin makes her feel different. His wild spirit and rugged good looks have Maggie reconsidering her less than ladylike ways. For the first time, she’s tempted to put on a gown, just to see how Colin would react. She can only imagine what might happen next: a kiss . . . a touch . . . and perhaps enough sultry heat to melt a cold Highland night. AMAZON 4 STARS This book managed to grab my attention from the beginning chapter. Both Maggie and Colin were great Main Characters. They had a hard time fitting into anyone's mold for them but I really liked their style. They would probably fight with anyone that said that they had some things in common. Like, being fierce, stubborn and going their own way, when they wanted and how they wanted. In fact at least one person did say that exacty and was able to grin and find humor in it. Colin had some negative voices in his head from his father and brothers. They all were disappointed in him and he constantly had to battle their words of, he'd never amount to anything. They had said it so much that even while they are dead, he still felt like a failure. When Maggie figured that out, she wasn't going to put up with any of that. She saw who he really was and she liked what she saw. Colin was afraid of his developing feelings for Maggie. He admired her and she often surprised him and she wasn't like any other woman he had ever met. BUT still even though he wanted her, he had nothing to offer her. But of course, that does begin to change or where would we have a HEA ending? It was interesting to see how that came about. This book also had good people who were secondary to the story. It does have marital sex in it so its not a sexless read, if you wanted to know about that. I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A federal judge has been murdered. There is only one witness, and an assassin wants her dead. U.S. Marshall Marcus O'Malley thought he knew the risks of the assignment . . . but he was wrong.
Introducing the O'Malleys, an inspirational group of seven, all abandoned or orphaned as teens, who have made the choice to become a loyal and committed family. They have chosen their own surname, O'Malley, and have stood by each other through moments of joy and heartache. Their stories are told in CBA best-selling, inspirational romantic suspense novels that rock your heart and restore strength and hope to your spirit. LINK 4 STARS
I liked this book, I like the idea that the 7 "kids" adopted each other and made their own family and chose their own last name. Just like the other books I have read in this series, this was a good one. It was also good to "re-vist" the other "siblings" in this story. Because they really did have each others backs. One of the seven, Jennifer is going through something that is just being revealed to the rest of the group in this storyline. Like I said, I liked this story, Marcus and Shari were both great charcters on their own and also as they got to know each other. I would like to continue reading the rest of this series. But I have to say that so far my favorite is the one with Kate, The Negotiator, Book 1.
I am the True Friend you have always wanted. So many times, when you called to Me, I answered, and I was with you. Though you are delicate I have made you strong. Remember how I set your heart on fire and gave you grace to love Me and seek Me? I am your Wrap-Around-Shield, your Strong Protector, Your True Friend.
Remember the promises that I have spoken to you and do not let them go. I promised you life, strength, healing, and power. My words will be the armor to empower you when doubts assail. Keep coming to Me and never forget the destiny I have promised you, for your inheritance is received by faith. Your enemy knows how to wound you. He will come through the voices even of those you love. Be alert to My voice, for I have taught you to follow My voice and not the voice of another.
Remember the countless times I directed you, even on a path you had never been on before. I never failed you and I never will. Remember always that I am your True Friend.
These are days of discovery. You will discover Me in hidden places and in previously unknown ways. My voice will comfort you and bring you peace. Remember the comfort I poured out upon you when your heart was broken and you did not know what to do. I was there in that hour to mend your broken soul and restore you to Myself. I am drawn to your weakness, like a river is drawn to the lowest place. I will fill you with a peace to sustain you and My love to empower you. Remember this, My beloved. I am your True Friend.
Proverbs 18:14 The Passion Translation Some friendships don’t last for long, but there is one loving friend who is joined to your heart closer than any other! LINK
After months of investigating the brutal homicide of a young girl, Detective Abby Hart finally has the evidence she needs. But when the arrest goes terribly wrong, Abby begins to doubt her future as a police officer. As she wrestles with conflicting emotions, old questions about the fire that took her parents’ lives come back to haunt her. “There is proof.” PI Luke Murphy can’t stop thinking about what Abby’s former partner, Asa Foster, mumbled just before he died. When he uncovers a clue to the murder of Abby’s parents and his uncle, he’s reluctant to tell Abby, despite his growing feelings for the beautiful detective. A decade-old abduction case brings Luke and Abby together, but will his secret tear them apart? AMAZON 4 STARS
As I started reading this story, I kept thinking, "Are you sure you haven't read this book before? It sure seems familiar.". I finally figured it out. It wasn't the same book but Book 2 of the adventure I had started with the first book , Drawing Fire . I liked it and had hoped that this would tie up all the loose ends. Well, not exactly. A lot was solved but I see that there is Book 3 to hopefully finish up the rest. I liked both of the main characters Luke and Abby. Woody, who was a friend figured into the story pretty nicely too. The attraction between Luke and Abby was there and just wouldn't go away completely. But they did fight it, repeatedly. After all, like Luke said MANY times to himself, she is an engaged woman and I can't go there. Ethan, a godly man but I didn't like the way he was trying to force Abby into his mold. Oh, he was very caring and all but he knew what he was called to be and do. He was led into it by the Lord but I don't see him asking God what Abby's path was or maybe even IF they were supposed to get married. He was so sure he knew what was best. I really disliked that part of their relationship but I also don't think that it was mean spirited or anything. He just loved her and felt that if she tried harder to let things of her past go, or quit her job, they could make it work. He really didn't see her passion for the work as a mission field. It helped cause some added pain and confusion that she was already experiencing from some things that she went through in the current time. Plenty of action, evil, plotting, several different villians with their own agendas. God and faith are also a part of the story. Even strong people sometimes struggle with what happens that they don't understand. I thought it was pretty realistic. I would just like to mention that when I first read the book, Critical Pursuit some years ago, I wanted to read more by the author. And she hasn't disappointed. I would like to read Book 3 in this series. I also hope that Book 3 puts it all together. As a reader, I hope it does. As much as I like the people and the story, I just don't know how much longer I can hang on. I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!" - 2 Chronicles 20:6
During worship I had a vision of a huge tidal wave bursting out of the heavens and flooding towards earth. This tidal wave was made of lightning, stream after stream, after stream of lightning. As it moved I could hear the sound of the crackling of power. Such intensity, but there was no fear. An incredible sense surrounded me that NOTHING will stand in the way of this tidal wave His power.
NEW ELECTRIFYING START
I can hear Him speaking as the wave is crashing in "PROPHETS OF MY HEART, THE WATERS ARE ABOUT TO PART, THIS IS A BRAND NEW ELECTRIFYING START!!"
I watched as this tidal wave began to crash in over the lives of the Prophets!
I then see the Lion of Judah and He is riding this tidal wave and as the wave crashes into the lives of the prophets, I see Him land on the ground. He lifts up His foot and stamps it down hard. I watch what looks like lightning bolts spreading throughout the lives of these prophets and the whole atmosphere around me is filled with authority and the stamping of His foot decrees "NO MORE!!!!! IT IS TIME FOR THE UNHINDERED RELEASE OF MORE"
ALL attacks, injustices, circumstances hindering and holding back the prophets of His heart are being BROKEN in this tidal wave. NO MORE! The justice, breakthrough, recompense, redemption, vindication and healing of God is being released. Nothing is standing against His decree of "NO MORE"!! It is decreed, it is done!!!!
Instantly I hear birds singing loudly all around and it's the sound of a new day!
The prophets of His heart are going to transition suddenly in the coming days, weeks into a completely new level. A level of the UNHINDERED RELEASE OF MORE!!!!!
Such a significant breakthrough catapulting the prophets of His heart into an entirely new land like they have never known. Into a revelation of His Word that is deeper than they could imagine and a purity of the prophetic flow accompanied with a greater level of manifestation of the fire of His love and signs and wonders!
CHARGED TO IMPART
"These encounters with My power for the prophets of My heart are about to occur on such an unprecedented scale, they will be CHARGED AND THEN RELEASED TO IMPART."
There will be significant manifestations of the power of God in these encounters that are going to CHARGE the prophets of His heart with greater strength, greater boldness, greater awakening to their authority and greater sensitivity to His leading taking them to a whole new level of prophetic accuracy and sight.
"Prophets of My heart are about to be clothed with greater power, My power"
IMPART
These prophets of His heart are now forerunning and being positioned quickly to set the stage for what God is about to do and then release impartations for deep encounters with the heart of God that will see His power released for sudden and increased momentum of groundbreaking breakthrough throughout the entire body of Christ.
BUT YOU MUST STEP IN
I heard the Lord say "But you MUST step in"!!! Once the breakthrough comes you MUST STEP IN! It is completely new, so it will look nothing like you have experienced before but I will guide you, teach you and lead you and you will see a move of the power of My Spirit through your words and lives like you never have spread into My Bride and out into the world in explosive ways. But through your positioning and obedience you MUST step in! Fear will be the one thing to steal your new level of destiny if you allow it! You must step in! Prophets of My heart, as you have steward My heart in purity and obedience, I am moving you into a whole new realm of favour and promotion right now, but you must live LOW in order to release the PURE FLOW!!"
"I CALL THEM MY POWERHOUSES!!"
I heard a booming voice all around me in this vision so loudly that spoke "I call them My power houses for they know how to carry My power with purity."
TENFOLD FLOW
The sense surrounded me that these prophets of His heart are going to see the presence and power of God rest upon their lives in exponential ways with such great increase. There is a TENFOLD FLOW of His power that will be released from them wherever they go! The key is they have learnt to host His presence with purity and humility.
Kings and queens of the earth will begin to flock to these prophets of His heart as He now begins to lift them up onto the worlds stage. Not for anything else but His Glory to shine brighter than EVER and His Kingdom extended. These high places the Lord is raising the prophets of His heart up onto will see a wave of the fire of His love sweep through churches, cities and nations and BREAK DOWN ANY LIES that have been built declaring that Jesus is anything BUT GOOD! These prophets of His heart as they minister will see a great awakening and reshaping released through them bringing the true nature of Jesus and His goodness into FULL VIEW!!!
A WHOLE NEW REALM
These encounters with the power of God are not only setting these prophets free and releasing groundbreaking breakthrough to them and through them, it is moving them into a whole new realm.
THE NEXT FOURTEEN DAYS
I kept hearing the words "The crossover is happening in the next 14 days". (Up until 7th July, 7/7) 14 being the number of deliverance and a double portion. These encounters with His power are seeing a great deliverance of what has held these prophets back and releasing them into DOUBLE! But there must be an intentionality in "entering in" in whichever way the Lord leads over the next 14 days. Significant crossover into a whole new realm.
This new realm, is a whole new world, unchartered territory but as they say YES to Him, I saw Jesus take them deep into a place of learning and strategy. I saw the prophets of His heart in a place with Jesus, sitting at a table and in the "go" (the favour, promotion, acceleration of the new realm), He was teaching them the new strategy for the season. Blueprints of divine wisdom and highlighting keys in the Word to see the new giants in the land come down.
There was such an increase of anointing and grace in this new realm, that they were moving into a whole new realm of overcoming.
From this place of learning and teachability with Jesus for the new season, I watched as what looked like bombs of fire fall into the mouths and pens of the prophets and they were impartations of the wisdom of God married with the fire of His love that is about to be released through in significant increase as they minister.
There has been a great attack on the wisdom and revelation coming to the prophets because there is an increase of the revelation of heaven and wisdom to know how to walk it out, coming to them now!
STRATEGY! The prophets are moving to a higher level of divine strategy personally and corporately.
Prophets of His heart, stay positioned! The opposition has been relentless this last whole but these next 14 days are crucial! Do not give up! Press in!!! For significant encounters with His power are upon you to bring deliverance to you and cross you over into a whole new double portion realm!
A group of prophets are building a larger meeting place. As one of them cuts down a tree, the iron axhead he is using falls into the water and sinks out of sight. In distress because the axhead was borrowed, he calls on Elisha to help him restore it. (2 Kings 6:1-6)
Here we have an entire company of prophets – and yet when a situation occurs that requires a miracle, only oneprophet—Elisha, known as ‘the man of God’—has the authority to overcome the laws of nature and cause the iron axhead to float.
A similar thing takes place in 2 Kings 4:38-41, during a gathering of the prophets. There is a crisis in the kitchen and they are faced with a poison stew. Again, amongst the entire group of prophets, it is only Elisha who has the spiritual authority to cause a miracle to take place.
I believe that the call of God is going out at this time: ‘Will you be one of the many, or one of the few?’
Many can bring prophetic encouragement; only a few have the capacity and level of spiritual authority to walk into situations and bring death to life. Only a few can cause a miracle to take place by the word of their mouth or through a prophetic act.
In our day we will see ‘the few’ become many prophetic sons and daughters who carry spiritual authority for miracles and breakthrough.
Keys to Increasing Your Prophetic Authority
If you are called to prophetic ministry or office, the above scenario will be most applicable to you. However, I believe God is calling all of us who have a prophetic gift to grow further in the anointing He has for us.
Wherever we go in our daily lives there are people who need a breakthrough miracle, and Jesus is inviting us to partner with Him in His Kingdom authority. With that in mind, following are 5 keys from the life of Elisha on how to grow in your prophetic authority.
1. Know God Through Intimate Relationship and Know His Word
Among the prophets, Elisha was known as ‘the man of God.’ He was known for both his intimacy and authority.
‘Those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits.’ (Dan 11:32b)
Develop your intimate relationship with God. This includes knowing Him through His Word, having a thorough knowledge of the Bible and standing by its authority without compromise.
2. Find Someone to Serve
Elisha spent years serving as Elijah’s attendant. Some of the tasks he was required to do during this apprenticeship were menial. (2 King 3:11b) But all the while, he was observing, learning and being infused with the faith and spiritual authority that were on Elijah’s life.
Start where God has placed you. Your ‘Elijah’ does not have to be a prophet—it may be the pastor of your local church. Be faithful and let God move you forward in your gift. If you are a ministry leader or senior pastor, find a godly Apostolic leader to relate to.
As Prophet David McCracken often says, ‘the authority you are under determines the authority you carry.’ He calls it the Centurion principle. (Matt 8:5-13)
3. Step out of Your Comfort Zone
Elisha went further than other prophets of his time in his quest to follow God’s call on his life.
This is clearly seen in his pursuit of Elijah at the time God was calling his master to Heaven. A group of fifty prophets stopped short at Jericho, whilst Elisha pursued Elijah past the point of no return. The Jordan waters miraculously parted for Elijah and still Elisha followed. He knew that his destiny was up ahead. (2 Kings 2)
The increased prophetic authority that God has for you is beyond the comfort zone of your history and past experience.
4. Learn how to Release the Power of God
Elisha understood his God-given authority and was able to release the power of God into situations through a bold word or prophetic act, as the Holy Spirit led him.
Learn the dynamics between the prophetic ‘now’ word of God and releasing God’s power. Speak life-giving words and expect those anointed words to shift atmospheres and circumstances.
5. Be Willing to Empower Others on the Journey
In our opening story, Elisha was leading a company of prophets. This and other incidents were a training ground and a demonstration to them.
Elisha was not holding his knowledge to himself; he demonstrated to others what could be possible. He gave of his time and resources to bring up the next prophetic generation.
The prophetic gift, along with the wisdom and faith of its operation, is not for us to hold onto. It is not an exclusive gift or ministry.
Like Elijah and Elisha did, be willing to encourage and empower others in their gifts and ministry and your fruitfulness will be multiplied many times over.
The Holy Spirit is absolutely brilliant at life. Why would we not spend focused time with the resident genius that's been given to us as a companion by God?!
Community and friendship and other parts of life in God are important, but there is no substitute for your own personal time with Him. It’s these personal conversations that empower us to trust who He is and what He wants to do for us.
Last week, I got the Daily Prophetic Words for July 2016. They usually come to me all at once, and it normally takes less than an hour for me to do.
For years I stood before individuals and gave prophetic words, sometimes over 5,000 prophetic words a year.
So in 2010 when God called me to start doing the Daily Prophetic Words, I used the same process. Instead of prophesying to a person, I stand before a day in the future and get a strong first impression from the Holy Spirit.
I do not think about them and they leave my mind right away. So, when I get them delivered to my email inbox every day I am pleasantly surprised, as are many other people, at how confirming and accurate they often are. I love the way God speaks in such simple ways. I can usually tell by the way they come to me how the month is going to be.
Last month, June, they were a little harder—it did not flow as easily. That was an indicator that the month was going to be a bit of a laboring time to get things done. But I noticed at the end of this month things started to pick up.
When I did them for July 2016, things flowed really fast for me in getting the Daily Prophetic Words. I knew this was an indicator that it is going to be a fun month, and I even saw certain days that popped out at me.
I want to give you a sneak peak of what I heard from God about July. I normally release a monthly prophetic word on my Spirit Connection Webcast the first Wednesday of each month. I then convert it to a written prophetic word that goes out to my blog and around the Internet. Usually, before I write the Daily Prophetic Words I ask God for a general overview of the month and I write that down.
Here Is What I Wrote down for July 2016:
July is going to be time of major changes. Things that God has promised over the last few years are now going to start to take place. The 15th—17th there will be a major shifting. Dreams are going to increase, as well as angelic activity. Watch for repayment from 2014.
A few days later, after God had spoken to me about July, I had a prophetic dream that I knew was going to happen in July as well. In the dream I was standing before a brilliant, crystal clear swimming pool. The water was actually gold and silver, yet still clear as water. I knew that when we jumped into this water it would activate things in the spiritual realm and bring about immediate answers to prayers. I was so excited when I realized this and begin to share with others in the dream.
Get Ready for July to Be a Breakthrough Time
God is going to bring about answers to prayers that we have prayed for years. This is such an exciting time as we are going to see accelerated breakthrough.
Doug Addison is a prophetic speaker, author, Life Coach and stand-up comedian. He is known for his Daily Prophetic Words, Spirit Connection webcast, podcast and blog. Doug’s message of love, hope and having fun reaches people around the world! His unique style of teaching and coaching helps open people to discover their destiny and experience God’s supernatural love and power. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California.
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This is a portion of an email I received recently-
Good morning, All,
First of all, a big thank you to so many of you who helped get the word out about the Kickstarter campaign for the Africa Study Bible! We know you understand the need for and the mission of the ASB, and we so appreciate the support you gave to help us be able to share this incredible resource with the African continent.
I thought you might be interested in knowing the results of our efforts.While we raised nearly $40,000, we unfortunately did not meet our $100,000 goal. Because with Kickstarter it’s “all or nothing,” Oasis isn’t able to collect those gifts. However, some good news!
Due to gifts previously received outside of the Kickstarter platform, we will be able to move forward with the printing of the ASB, though on a slightly delayed timeline and potentially fewer copies. We know God still has a plan for the ASB!
Oasis will still accept donations through its Web site and you can direct your readers to learn more about the project here:http://oasisint.net/#asb. There is a “give” button at the bottom of that page if anyone is interested.
It’s Wednesday morning. Theresa left early for work. I’m making the bed, thinking about the day ahead.
Suddenly there is a huge crash coming from the kitchen. A sound like shattering glass, full of impact and devastation.
Instinctively I asked the Lord, “What was that?”
What I like to call “Suddenlies,” like this one, are His domain. They always have significance and they are usually about upgrades and encounters.
I heard the Lord say in my spirit, “Your joy just fell over.”
“What?” I asked, non-plussed, my heart still beating above the average. I walked into the kitchen. I could not see anything amiss.
“Your joy just fell over.” This time I caught the laughter in His voice, felt the grin of His delight in me.
No shattered glass, nothing on the floor that should not be there. Pictures were still hanging on the walls. I stood puzzled but captivated by the huge ‘smile’ in the room.
Then I saw it. On the counter top next to the cooker, Theresa had leaned a metal sign against the splash back that had fallen over. I picked it up.
It was the word Joy in pristine stainless steel. The word felt alive.
I put it back in its original place and then flicked it over. It made that same shattering noise.
Your joy just fell over. The sign was lying on it’s front, it’s face.
A sign is a sign is a SIGN!
One of the most beautiful things that I adore about he Father is that He lives in everlasting joy. Despite all that He has to do, all that He cares for… He is happy, light-hearted and full of delight.
His sense of wonder about people is awesome to behold. He sees everyone’s potential always and speaks to it with relentless joy. He is elated when we get it and always excited about His ability to show it to us again and again until we receive.
His faithfulness and loving-kindness destroys the work of the enemy. His love for us is designed to overwhelm all that we are not.
The contagious joy of the Lord, lit by expectancy, will always overcome the shadow sickness of despondency, fear and aloneness.
He invites us to “be of good cheer,” because in the world of tribulation He has already overcome. (John 16:33)
His joy is the true source of strength. Impossible to be negative when exaltation is present.
The ultimate permission that allows us to experience heaven regardless of circumstances, is to be given the freedom to count everything as joy.
We have a license to practice joy.
In Christ, we become the authorized dealers of delight, elation, laughter and the essential oils of gladness, jubilation and happiness.
In Christ we possess a legally binding contract to become as light-hearted as He is in this world.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest… Take my yoke upon you and learn from me… For I am gentle and humble in heart… And YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Your joy just fell over. Flat on it’s face. I grinned. I know an invitation when I hear one.
I walked into the living room and lay flat on my face, arms and legs spread wide. I closed my eyes.
All at once, something fell on me and something rose up within me. The weight of God’s jubilant elation pressed me into the carpet as the cheery light-heartedness of Jesus rose up in me to meet His Father.
I heard the sound of something shattering. Like memories, hurts, wounds, disappointments and betrayals.
I felt the solid weight of joy and at the same time I felt buoyant. Like a cork on the ocean going where the ways of joy took me.
Your joy just fell over. I surrendered my joy for His. All that I thought I knew about joy went away. In its place, I’m learning how He feels it rather than what I understand it to be.
We are at the mercy of joy. We are vulnerable to His cheeriness. We live in His pleasure over us. We are made extraordinary by His delight in us.
I’m loving the ongoing process of discovery as I explore joy as the only viable lifestyle option in Jesus.
Something shattered in me last Wednesday morning. May you be broken also into the true nature of God. Everlasting joy.
Right now, this moment. I believe you are on the edge of a whole new experience with the nature of God. Take time out to ask Him questions about joy.
Ask for an experience… you know He will say yes and amen. He loves to give us Himself.
Everlasting joy is right here, right now. It’s not leaving. LINK
