2 Cor. 10:3-6: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the p8lling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”
        Strongholds are areas of the human soul which have not yet bowed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. They remain areas of darkness in the mind which have not yet been exposed to the light of Truth. Strongholds offer legal access to demonic oppression in a believer and continually keep believers from experiencing true victory in Christ. Common strongholds include bitterness, anger, fear, lying, rejection, envy/jealousy, and occult bondage.
        Many believe being born again removes strongholds. Justification, being born again, is a spiritual experience resulting in a recreated human spirit now entwined with the Holy Spirit making a new creation. A man’s mind and body remain relatively unaffected. Sanctification deals with renewing the mind by God’s Word. It identifies strongholds; and Truth uproots, tears down, and frees believers from bondage of demonic deceit and oppression. Through sanctification, the whole man—spirit, soul, and body, can experience restoration, healing, and wholeness. Sanctification occurs in proportion to the revelation of the finished work of Jesus Christ. This is a progressive revelation as is the process of sanctification and continues throughout life. This is the warfare which Paul describes above.
        The Old Covenant is filled with types, shadows, and “outward” examples of the “inward” or spiritual warfare of believers. The Old Covenant is the New concealed while the New Covenant is the Old revealed. Israel’s wilderness experience is a type of man living according to his flesh, or living in sin. The Jordan River is a type of death to flesh. The Jordan flows into the Dead Sea. As Israel began to cross the Jordan during the spring flood, they were led by priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. As their feet touched the edge of the water, it rose in a heap all the way back to a city called Adam (Josh. 4:15). This represents man leaving sin, passing through death by repentance where sin is rolled back to Adam’s original sin. The land of Canaan, or the “Promised Land” is a type of our life in Christ. The Lord instructed Israel that the land he was giving them was a land flowing with milk and honey. What Israel did not fully understand was they would have to milk the cows and swat the bees in this land to uproot and destroy its occupants.
        The Lord gave instruction through Moses for total destruction of inhabitants of the land. Seven nations which were greater than Israel occupied the land: Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Each of these nations has spiritual significance as types of strongholds which can exist in the lives of believers, even though they are born again. Just as Israel was instructed to utterly destroy these nations, so also must we as believers must leave no vestige of these strongholds of darkness in our lives.
        Canaanites were descendants of Ham, one of Noah’s sons. Canaan was cursed by Noah because of his father’s sin (Gen 9:18-27). From Canaan descended the Jebusite, Amorite, Girgashite, Perizzite, and Hivite (Gen. 10:15-18). The root word for Canaan means “humiliated,” which is the result of pride (Prov. 16:18-19). Jericho was a Canaanite city and the first enemy stronghold the Israelites encountered upon entering the Promised Land. Before the men of Israel could face enemies of the Promised Land, they had to be circumcised, which was the sign of the Covenant of Abraham and was based upon faith and obedience to God’s word. Faith is the opposite of pride. In order to conquer the spiritual stronghold of pride, you must battle in the opposite spirit of humility, one of the first characteristics marking a believer; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Jas. 4:6). Peter wrote the admonition then added, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (I Pet. 5:5-6). When a believer humbles himself under God’s mighty hand, the mighty hand of God can come under the believer and bring down strongholds in his life.
        Amorites were mountaineers descended from Canaan. The root word for Amorite means “to boast self,” and “to challenge.”  Joshua faced five Amorite kings as Israel continued in the Promised Land. These five kings hid themselves in a cave and were taken captive. They were Adoni-Zedek meaning “prince of the air,” Hoham meaning “crusher,” Piram meaning “wild demon,” Japhia meaning “high one,” and Debir meaning “challenger with words.”  Joshua had these kings put on the ground and had captains of his army put their feet on the necks of these kings. Joshua then spoke, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight” (Josh 10:25). Jesus spoke to His disciples, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Lk. 11:19). Paul also wrote, “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly” (Rom 16:20). The Amorite stronghold of 'boasting and accusation" must be destroyed in a believer's life.
        The root meaning of Girgashite is “slippery.”  This stronghold is the opposite of faithfulness, integrity, and honesty. The root meaning of Perizzite is “independent.”  A stronghold in many believers keeps them from total submission to the Lordship of Christ. This results in rebellion and eventually destruction (Isa. 1:19-20). The meaning of Hivite is “compromise” or “wicked.”  The Gibeonites in Josh. 9 were Hivites who tricked Joshua into a covenant. The stronghold of witchcraft/manipulations is rampant in the church today. This exists even with leaders and pastors who attempt to manipulate others for their own purposes.
        The root meaning of Jebusite is “defeated” or “discouraged.”  This is one of the major strongholds in believers today and can only be conquered through knowing God’s Word. Jn. 8:31-32 states that Truth makes a believer free. If Truth of God’s Word brings freedom, then the lie of Satan results in bondage. A believer must understand they are only free to the degree God’s Word is working in their lives.
        The Hittites were warriors who were first to make weapons of iron. They also made heavily armored chariots capable of carrying three men and used to break through enemy infantry lines. Their primary weapon was a long thrusting spear they would skillfully brandish from their chariots. The root meaning of Hittite is “fear,” a primary stronghold. Fear and faith are two spiritual forces which demand fulfillment. Human life is based upon one of these spiritual forces, and we reap results of each. Fear opens the door for Satan to enter one’s life. Fear masks itself as anxiety, worry, and even the catch-all—stress. Job explains the magnetic result of fear, “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.”  Fear, like faith, comes by “hearing” (Rom. 10:7). In order to destroy a stronghold of fear, a believer must move into God’s Word which replaces fear with faith.
        God instructed the children of Israel to utterly destroy all the “ites” in the land, but they failed to do so. They made treaties and allowed their men to marry Canaanite women who brought in polluted religion. This ultimately resulted in Israel, then Judah, losing its charter as a nation. As believers, we must be ruthless with strongholds in our lives, refusing even small compromises. Amen.
 

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb.11:1).
        As an avid student of those who have demonstrated faith, particularly in the areas of miracles and healings, I have found faith is best understood by those who have experienced and live faith as a lifestyle.  These faith folk understand the reality of Mk.16: 17-18 that miraculous signs follow them.  They don’t have to pray for signs; they just follow.  The reality of this truth has impacted me more in the last few weeks than ever before.  A dimension of faith exists where there is not a question of “if” the anointing will be there, but “when’ and “how” Holy Spirit will move.  Expectation precedes the miraculous. This expectation is scriptural “hope.”
        “Hope” can be defined as “white hot expectation.” Another description is “a man standing on tiptoes with an out-stretched neck scanning the horizon in anticipation of his answer coming to him.” Hope is the seed from which faith springs.  In this article I want to mention aspects of this seed of hope. 
·        Definition: The feature scripture above defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” Faith is the “substantiation of expectation,” the title deed to the not-yet-visible covenant promises of God.  Faith is a spiritual force which transports invisible promises of God from the spirit realm to the natural realm through a believer (2Cor.1:20). Faith is the currency of the Kingdom of God. Without an exchange of faith by a believer no supernatural transfer of heaven’s promises to the earth can occur.  Faith is a bridge anchored on the one end to the promises of God and on the other end to the messes of life.  Not only is faith the bridge but also the transporter of the promises of God which are “Yea and Amen” (2Cor.  1:20) from the eternal, spiritual realm to the natural, material realm.                    

• Necessity: Heb.11:6 declares that “without faith it is impossible to please God, for one must believe that God is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.” It is vital to understand that faith is a spiritual force which demands fulfillment.  So is fear.  These two forces rule men’s lives.  Every man walks in one of these two camps.  Job3:25 describes the magnetic effect fear has, “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.” Fear believes Satan’s report of death and destruction while faith believes God’s Word and acts on it! Faith is a requirement for believers, for whatever is not of faith is sin (Rom.14:23). 
• Authority: God has always dealt with men through covenant. In our modern world, we know very little about covenant. A covenant is an unbreakable contract between two parties in which each party is responsible to keep requirements detailed therein. The covenant lists both benefits (blessings) for keeping covenant and penalties (curses) for breaking them. I have found most believers to be woefully ignorant of God’s covenant promises, which are legally binding! Believers have a legal right to covenant promises such as freedom from guilt of sin, healing of our bodies, deliverance from demonic oppression, and freedom from lack, to name a few. Jesus ministered according to the covenant God made with Abraham, which was detailed through the law of the covenant and spelled out in Deuteronomy. As a Covenant Man, Jesus simply applied blessings (Deut.28:1-14) where He saw curses (Deut.28:15-68). Jesus walked by faith in God’s Word through the Holy Spirit’s power.  In his letter to the Galatians, Paul summarizes the whole of scripture most concisely in two verses: “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Gal.3:13-14). Our authority as believers comes through covenant relationship through Jesus’ blood by faith, and is empowered by God’s Agent on earth, Holy Spirit living in us, operating through us, as us!
• Process: Faith is the result of three distinct spiritual laws operating in sequence: law of possibility (Mk.9:23), law of profession (Mk.11:22-24), and the law of eventuality (Mk.4:26-29, Gal.6:9, Heb.6:12). I became a believer during the charismatic renewal movement in the 70’s. I saw and heard what can only be called “goofy” teaching on faith by some very well-meaning believers.  From this came the demeaning monikers of “the Name It and Claim It Crowd”, or “the Gab It and Grab It Bunch.” Many thought if you “claimed” something you desired long enough, God would finally relent and give it to you. Others thought you should never give a “negative confession.” This led many believers who may have been deathly ill, to verbally deny anything was wrong even though it was obvious to all they were sick.  That is not faith; it is lying! Rom.  4:17 describes “faith talk” as calling those things which are not as though they are. The ill-informed do just the opposite calling things that are, like they didn’t exist, denying obvious facts of life. We are not to deny facts that exist, but call for our covenant promises to manifest. Then, by faith, Truth of God’s Word will supersede and over-ride facts of life through faith in God and His Word. This is where the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death. Others who were prayed for would immediately throw their medicine away and “claim” their healing. Then when they needed to go to the doctor, they were criticized for lack of faith and came under self-condemnation. There is still a lot of this foolishness, not faith, practiced in some circles. All of these practices are diametrically opposed to scripture. Even through all this error, God moved mightily during the Charismatic Renewal Movement despite much ignorance of the scriptural process of faith. 2Cor.4:13 and Mk.11:22-24 detail the two hinges on the door of faith – believing then speaking. One who lives by faith does not speak in order to believe (Name It and Claim It) but speaks from having already believed God’s Word (covenant promises) first, and having received the title deed to what is yet unseen. Mk.4:26-28 relates directly to the process of faith with an illustration of a man sowing seed on the ground; the growth process of the blade, the head, and then the full grain on the head; and then the manifestation of harvest.  Yes, Holy Spirit can speed up the process to an immediate manifestation (miracle), but the normal sequence of faith is patient waiting for what you know is yours.  Paul says this best in Gal.6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Scriptural “waiting” is expecting and preparing for the harvest, not just lying around doing nothing. 

       Believing God’s covenant promises, speaking those promises into the circumstances of life, then preparing for the inevitable divine result is the process by which the “substantiation of your expectation” will manifest.  Amen.                                  
 

“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev. 19:10).
       The spirit of prophecy is essential for believers to consistently and effectively represent Lord Jesus Christ. The spirit of prophecy is Holy Spirit imparting revelation and anointing to believers who then release declaration and actions in the natural realm which in turn causes a spiritual reaction that manifests supernatural results. The spirit of prophecy creates a “boomerang effect” which is the key to the working of miracles (1 Cor. 12: 10).
       Jesus Christ demonstrated the spirit of prophecy in His earthly ministry. Jesus did nothing of Himself, but only what He saw the Father doing (Jn. 5: 19). He spoke only what He heard the Father saying (Jn. 12: 49-50). Jesus’ actions and words were Holy Spirit inspired resulting in supernatural occurrences. The spirit of prophecy was not for Jesus only, but also for believers today!  Jesus said that those who believed in Him would do His same and even greater works through the power of the Spirit (Jn. 14:12). For believers to do Jesus’ works, they too, will have to live in the spirit of prophecy.
       Many misunderstandings exist about the spirit of prophecy. It is a spiritual weapon that releases the power of God manifesting supernatural results (miracles). There should be no wonder then that Satan attempts to cause controversy, confusion, and division over this tremendous power point and the other manifestations of Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12: 4-11). “Prophecy” stirs up many diverse images for some believers.  Cessationists reject anything related to prophecy saying that all the manifestations of Holy Spirit ceased with the original apostles. My understanding of Heb. 13: 8 is that Jesus Christ (the Anointed One and His anointing) is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I do not believe Jehovah Elohim (Creator God) suddenly lost His ability to speak to men after He wrote His book. Holy Spirit was not just in operation when the “logos” was written, but the Spirit of truth brings “rhema”, a revelation from the Word of God spoken through Holy Spirit to believers for them to live in victory today!
        Others relegate prophecy to eschatology (end-time events). They do not understand that prophecy has a “now” application for our daily activities. Another extreme are believers (Pentecostal, Full Gospel, and Charismatic) with an Old Testament mind-set regarding prophetic utterances and actions. Prophets under the Old Covenant spoke 100 percent under the unction of Holy Spirit or 100 percent from the flesh. The penalty for false prophecy was death to the prophet because he misrepresented God to the people. New Covenant prophecy is different in several ways:
1.        The simple gift of prophecy is for the purpose of edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3). Any “word” that brings forth accusation or condemnation has not been authored by Holy Spirit.
2.        New Covenant prophecy is to be judged (1 Cor.14:29). Any prophetic word or action must not violate scripture. If it does, it should be dismissed as invalid. Many spirits exist (1 Jn. 4:1), and words are to be tested as to their source. The initial judgment is for the source of the revelation. Is it from Holy Spirit or another source? Secondly, an accurate interpretation of the revelation must be received. Many “words,” visions, or impressions come in symbolic form and require interpretation. A faulty interpretation results in false prophecy. Finally, once the revelation is determined to be from Holy Spirit and the interpretation validated, now the application must be Spirit-inspired as well. How should the “word” be handled, in other words? The “judging” of prophecy is the spiritual determination concerning these three elements of prophecy. There is a great likelihood that there will be a percentage of flesh involved in one or more of the three elements of prophecy. Spiritual discernment will “judge” the difference between flesh and Spirit. A seasoned prophet once said that believers should be as smart as mules. They eat the hay but spit out the sticks.
3.        New Covenant personal prophecy is conditional. A faith response is necessary from those to whom a “word” is given. Many believe that because they were given a “word” from the Lord that it will automatically come to pass. This is not the case!  Faith must always be present in the transfer of spiritual substance to natural reality. No faith, no manifestation. Faith requires action behind it. This faith action must always be directed by Holy Spirit to attain the desired result. Many prophecies have been short-circuited because they were not properly responded to by believers who were unaware that a response was necessary. Often prophetic revelation brings warnings of satanic attacks and traps which can be avoided when heeded.
4.        Directional prophecies should be confirmed by multiple sources. Many aspects of directional prophecy such as timing, training, resources, and other areas must be considered. Knowing God’s ultimate will in a particular situation is important, however often directional prophecy omits some very important details necessary before a person should act on it. I have seen too many young believers damaged by directional prophecies because they acted prematurely and missed God’s timing. 
5.        Prophetic gifts require maturing. Unfortunately, too many leaders limit or even prohibit the operation of spiritual gifts because of the potential for abuse. This is the primary reason there are very few acts of power in churches in America today!  Believers must have a safe outlet to exercise and develop their gifts. There needs to be room for training and even mistakes. Prov. 14: 4 states that “where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.”  In other words with the ox much work is done.  I grew up on a farm and know exactly what this proverb is saying. Livestock create nasty messes that have to be cleaned up. This proverb is especially true when it comes to the training and operation of the gifts of Holy Spirit. Many churches want clean stalls without the operation of Holy Spirit. If clean stalls are the expectation, there will be very little productivity. Prophetic power is costly and causes messes along the way, but there is no substitute for the anointing.
        Prophetic actions are demonstrated throughout scripture. Moses’ rod stretched over the Red Sea caused the parting of the waters (Ex. 14:21); brought water from the rock (Ex. 17:6); assured victory over the Amalekites (Ex. 17: 9-13). Elisha instructed Joash to strike the ground with arrows assuring victory over the Syrians (2 Kgs. 13: 14-19). Seven dips in a dirty river healed a leper (2 Kgs. 5: 10-14). Jesus not only spoke words that acted but also took actions that spoke of Father’s love. Whether making clay with saliva and creating new eyes for a blind man (Jn. 9:6-7) or speaking to waves and wind, Jesus demonstrated the spirit of prophecy through His actions and declarations.
       John describes the “boomerang effect” in Rev. 8:3-5. John’s vision described metaphorically angels holding bowls filled with prayers and prophetic declarations to which was added fire from the golden altar. The resultant effect was noise, thunder, lightening, and earthquakes.
       Daniel fasted and prayed to receive God’s revelation and was visited by an angel who told Daniel that his words were heard from the moment he began praying.  However, the prince of Persia withstood him until Michael, the archangel, battled through. Daniel’s fasting and prayer empowered Heaven’s forces to break through in the natural realm.
       God is changeless as is His Word and His plan for mankind. Jesus Christ is our model for living in power of Holy Spirit. Like Jesus, believers must also take actions that speak and speak words that act.   AMEN.
 

 
        Eph. 2: 1-10: “ And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
        This scripture is a celebration of life! It is also the clearest definition of the Gospel that exists in scripture. The first century believers were so excited about this “Good News” that they spread it throughout the entire known world despite persecution, hardship and martyrdom. Why is it that believers today are not as excited as the first century believers? Many are not excited enough to even get to church on time, let alone share the gospel with anyone, particularly someone they don’t know. How can we continue to hear this “gospel” and remain silent about it?  What is the difference between now and then?
       Perhaps the reason is that we are not hearing the same gospel as the first believers. Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” (Rom. 1: 16).  If the gospel is the power (dunimas) of God, then where are our results? Are we really preaching the gospel or a poor substitute?
       If I were to ask the average believer to give me a definition of today’s gospel, I would probably hear, “Jesus died for me on Calvary so my sins are forgiven and I now have a home in heaven.”  This is an incipient version of the gospel that came straight out of the Middle Ages making the gospel nothing more than a memorial to God on a crucifix. By contrast, the apostles’ gospel is: “Jesus Christ swallowed up death at the Resurrection, ascended to the Father, and now lives in believers through Holy Spirit. The invisible person of Christ now lives in us, demonstrating His life through us, as us! Believers are now re-connected to LIFE Himself through Holy Spirit!” This is the true gospel that energizes and compels a believer to share with others.
       Perhaps this new life in Christ has never been compared to the old life of sin and corruption. Many say, “I’m not that bad. Really, I’m pretty good compared to most others.” This attitude comes from hearing a substitute gospel. They have never seen their own sin nature – their rebellion against God. They have never experienced the conviction of Holy Spirit. Others have been inoculated and sedated by religion – pretending to keep all the rules in order to meet man’s expectations. They have never heard the “Good News.” Why do you think jewelers display their precious jewels and diamonds on a background of a black velvet cloth? It is to contrast the darkness of the cloth with the brilliance and spectacular beauty of the diamond. Men will never understand how glorious salvation is until it is contrast against the depravity of sin and sin’s consequence – death. Eph.2: 1-3 provides a portrait of sin. “We”, Paul includes himself, were all members of the realm of the “living dead.”
     We need a new understanding of LIFE and DEATH. 1 Jn. 4:8 says that God is love. God’s choice is love. Love is the active pursuit of the highest good for others, even your enemies! God is love, and He is life – ZOE – the God-kind of life. Man was created to be God’s ultimate “expresser and container of Himself and His own love nature.” Man was to be God’s communicator to spread His Glory throughout the universe. Man was to express the true meaning of life, to know fulfillment, peace and joy. Man has always been given a choice. Choice is the reason for the two trees in the midst of the Garden of Eden. Original man had to choose to disobey God. Satan was brilliantly subtle in his approach to Eve. “Eve, you’re so wonderful! You’re meant to be much more than an expresser container! You are worth so much more than that! You can be your own god!” What is sin? Sin is very simple. It is man’s choice to be independent from God, to do your own thing – to find your own meaning to life by exalting self above God. This results in the beginning of death. This is what caused Adam to die – not with a casket and funeral, but a spiritual death, which is really “backwards life”. Adam left his connection to God – LIFE - and entered the “realm of the living dead!” DEATH is backward living. Life is man vitally connected, in union and relationship with God. Death is being cut off from God and united with corruptible life. Jesus told the Pharisees, “You are of your father the devil.” The word “of” is the Greek word “eck” which means “to be out from.” In other words the Pharisees were out from corruption, dead in their own sins. Eph. 2:2 states that we walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. Every person is born in the darkness of sin and sin’s ultimate consequence –death. The choice that man now has is much different than Adam’s choice. Adam had to choose to disobey God. We must choose to obey God!
       Sin caused man to experience a whole new set of emotions. After sin entered, fear, rage, pride, envy, jealousy, lust, murder, rejection, bitterness, lying, and self-pity followed. All these emotion caused racism, separation, segregation, denominationalism, materialism, humanism, divorce, war, etc. The worst insult that sin ushered in was RELIGION. Religion offered the pretense of being alive on the outside, while all along being dead on the inside. 2 Tim. 3: 5 defines religion as, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Religion is from an anti-Christ spirit. To be “anti” does not mean to be against, but over and against. For example, if I were to open an ice cream shop on a street corner and someone who did not like me and threw a rock through my window, they would be against me. However, if someone set up another ice cream shop right beside me, they would be anti-Wade’s Ice Cream Shop. To be “anti” means to be a “substitute for”. Religion is man’s substitute for Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.
       Eph. 2: 4-7 provides our hope, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” God loved us hostile, rebellious people so much that He became Man to bring salvation through His great grace by moving in our helplessness through Christ Jesus and His finished work which resulted in Holy Spirit living in you and me. Amen.
           
     
 

2 Cor. 3: 2-3 - “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is , of the heart.”
 
One of Satan’s most effective strategies in our time has been to keep the Kingdom message merely intellectual, not allowing the message of the Kingdom (present day reality of Holy Spirit) to become lodged in our hearts. The effect of this strategy has reduced the Kingdom experience to a system of religious traditions that has left the church bereft of passion and power. Instead of being the solution to life’s problems, the church has become just another human institution that exists for its own benefit.
 
 God’s original plan for the church has become so distorted by religion that it carries only the bombed out, distorted image of God’s original intent that believers would be a “royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9), “kings and priests” (Rev. 1:6) exercising dominion and governing with Kingdom power and authority in earth.
 
The key to understanding God’s original purpose is not to be found in perfect doctrine for there will always be differing opinions over doctrinal beliefs, but in relationship with the Living Word (Logos) through Holy Spirit releasing (rhema). The true purpose for accurate doctrine is to be conformed to the image of Christ.
 
Rom. 8: 29 - “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
 
Paul further explained to the Galatians, “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you” (Gal. 4:19).
 
The process of conforming us to the image of Christ is the work of Holy Spirit in our lives. Holy Spirit is Teacher, Revealer, and Administrator of the New Covenant ushered in through the finished work of Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Human tendency is to make the Holy Bible and more specifically the New Testament into another Law. The Holy Bible (scripture) was never intended to be a part of the Trinity. To elevate the Bible to that level is a form of idolatry. The scriptures were never intended to replace Holy Spirit, but to provide guidelines while promoting freedom to hear Holy Spirit.
 
2 Tim.3:16 - “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  
 
The Living Word (Logos- Jesus Christ) must have priority. It is Holy Spirit Who illuminates the scriptures revealing the Logos; then breathes into the written scriptures bringing His Will and Word (rhema) to life. Revelation of the scriptures through Holy Spirit is required for our message to become “spirit and life” (Jn. 6:63) confirmed through signs and wonders.
 
The Old Testament prophets understood the necessity of their lives becoming the message. Jeremiah testified, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart” (Jer. 15:16).
Ezekiel was instructed by God to be the message as well, “Moreover He said to me, ‘Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.’ So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll. And He said to me, ‘Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.’ So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness” (Ez. 3:1-3).
 
These scriptures illustrate the necessity of our becoming the message God speaks to the world around us. We must assimilate the written Word (scriptures) so we can become One with the Logos so that He becomes a part of us. Then when we speak the power of Holy Spirit impregnates our words with power.
 
John begins his gospel with the Word of God (Logos) becoming flesh and living among us (Jn. 1:1-14). Jesus Christ was God’s message to the world. Jesus Christ was the perfect expression of the heart of the Father – the Living Word, His Love Letter to man. Just as Jesus Christ was the perfect expression of God’s heart, our words are the expression of our hearts as well. Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12: 34).
 
The message we carry is what is in our hearts. It is vital we protect our hearts by meditating on the scriptures thus experiencing Lord Jesus Christ (Pr. 4:20-23). Our eyes and ears are gates that provide access to our hearts. What we see and hear settles in our hearts and comes out our mouths. Words are containers filled with the contents of the heart. Words are powerful.
 
 Pr. 18:21 - “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”  Words create and destroy, justify and condemn. Words establish or destroy destiny. A man’s heart is easily exposed by what he says. Our speech identifies where we spend our time listening and viewing.
 
The message of our lives is comprised of our words and actions.
Rev.19:10 states, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Jesus spoke only what He heard from the Father and did only what He saw the Father doing (Jn. 5:19-21, Jn. 8: 26; Jn. 12:49). Just as the Spirit of prophecy empowered Jesus, so also Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak and act.
 
Is the message of our lives consistent with the gospel of the Kingdom, or does our message speak something else? Now is a good time to take stock of what our life’s message is speaking to the world around us. It may just be that we need to repent and change our direction. To repent means to change your mind. This change of mind always results in a new direction for your life. John the Baptist introduced the kingdom, and later Jesus confirmed the kingdom’s arrival and what our initial response should be, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:2; 4:17)!
 
The world is longing to see and hear a message that transforms and empowers lives. Let your life become that message to expand the kingdom of God, here and now. Amen.                 
                    

I Jn. 3:7-10 - “Little children, let no one deceive you.  He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.  He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.  For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.  Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and cannot sin, because he has been born of God.  In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.”
        In order to practice righteousness, we must know what righteousness is, how we become righteous, and how we maintain a righteous lifestyle.
        Mention righteousness, and many people think of those who think more highly of themselves than they should (Rom. 12:3).  This self-righteous behavior is anti-Christ--the exact opposite of the nature of Christ.  It is based upon our own works and accomplishments, comparing our lives with others.  Self righteousness is rooted in pride, arrogance, and hatred (satanic characteristics), which have no place in the body of Christ.  Unfortunately, self-righteous attitudes keep hurting, desperate people from coming to Christ because of pretentiousness and pride.  The Lord describes our self-righteousness as being like filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). 
        Jesus was the most righteous man who ever lived, and He was known to be a friend to sinners.  When challenged by the Pharisees for fellowshipping with sinners, Jesus replied that He did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matt. 9:12-13).  Jesus’ reply was an indictment against these religious leaders and their self-righteous attitudes since they could not see their own sinfulness. 
               What is righteousness?  Righteousness is right-standing with God.  It is the means by which we can stand in the Father’s presence without guilt, inferiority, or condemnation.  Righteousness cannot be earned or measured through the works of men.  Righteousness is a gift of God (Rom 5:17) and comes to us as an edict of God through our faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 5:18-21).  Paul’s letter to the Romans describes the “law of faith” which causes the righteousness of God to miraculously be imparted to men who would then demonstrate the love and power of God in the earth (Rom 3:21-27). 
               Righteousness is ours in the new birth (Jn. 3:3-8).  We become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).  This is a legal event that occurred at the beginning of the New Covenant, sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Our righteousness through faith in Christ is a past tense reality that every believer needs to understand.  Legally, as the righteousness of God, we are sons of God (Rom 8:140-16), heirs and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom 8:17), more than conquerors through Him (Rom. 8:37), masters over Satan and his demons (Lk. 10:19), partakers of the divine nature (2 Pt. 1:4), and made to always triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14).  We have clear-cut, legal grounds as new creations to come boldly to the throne room of grace at any time (Heb. 4:16).  Righteous-consciousness eliminates sin conscious behavior and attitudes which keep a believer under guilt, feeling unworthy, and inactive (Heb. 10:1-2).  We are complete in Christ (Col. 2:10) and can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13).  All this and more is legally provided the New Creation.  Righteousness is our gift from Father (Rom. 5:17).
        Just as a gift does the recipient no good if it is not opened and used, so also righteousness is not effective until it is put into effect.  Just as knowing truth makes us free (Jn. 8:31-37); ignorance of truth keeps us bound.  Fear, caused by ignorance of God’s word, is Satan’s greatest weapon.  What we don’t know not only can harm us; it can kill us.  Ignorance is no excuse when it comes to the knowledge of God (Lev. 5:17).  Believers must understand their “legal” and “active” status “in Christ.”  It is time to grow up into the full stature of Christ (Eph. 4:13).  The church is full of spiritual babes, many of whom have been on milk of the Word for decades (Heb. 5:12-14). 
        The natural, physical realm often mirrors the spirit realm.  Just as we are in a heightened state of natural war, we are and have been in intensive spiritual warfare for years.  Spiritual battles cannot be waged with natural weapons; however, every natural battle and war is won or lost first in the spirit realm.  Now is the time for spiritual soldiers to step up to the front lines and take up their spiritual weapons (2 Cor. 10:3-6).  It is also time for the babes to grow up and volunteer for “basic training” for spiritual warfare.  The first course is learning who we are “in Christ,” our New Covenant rights and responsibilities, and the weapons of our warfare.  Training in righteousness is mandatory for effective spiritual warfare to be waged.
                The practice of righteousness is faith in action through the anointing of the Holy Spirit enabling you to take Jesus’ place in partnership with Holy Spirit here on earth (Jn. 14:12).  It is the Word becoming flesh in you and walking in the boldness and assurance of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Jn. 1:14; Prov. 28:11; Rev. 5:5).  The practice of righteousness is Christ in you living His life through you resulting in spiritual victory which manifests triumph in this natural realm.  It is only through the practice of righteousness that the kingdom of God will be made manifest in this present world. Amen.

       Eph.1:7-10, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that is the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth – in Him.”
       To live victoriously in this life, it is essential to understand that ALL THINGS are summed up in Christ – He is the Alpha (foundation) and the Omega (capstone). To understand victorious lifestyle, one needs to take a close look at the first century church and compare it to the church today. Perhaps we can discover some glaring differences and make the necessary corrections to our own lives so that we can walk in the fullness of Christ and power of Holy Spirit as they did.
       The power of the 1st century church came from their message – Jesus Christ and His Finished Work! Their message was not the church as an end to itself. The church was the vehicle through which the message and demonstration of the gospel of the kingdom originated. The emphasis of the first church was “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1: 27). It was not about a particular denomination, doctrinal form, nor was it compliance to some manmade model; but it was the formation of Christ in believers’ lives. Paul wrote in Gal.1:15-16, “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles.” Paul explained that Christ was not revealed to him, but “in him”! In this same letter, Paul wrote, “My little children, for whom I travail in birth again until Christ is formed in you” (Gal.4:19). The message of the first church never consisted of just teaching about Christ; but experiencing Him so that Christ be “formed in you”!
       The teaching of mere form and doctrine as information is not enough to make this internal transformation a reality. Doctrine must become experience leading to understanding before it can become part of us. Form and doctrine alone may well be responsible for some of the most heinous deception of our time; as well as the cause of millions of “false conversions” with people not being led to Christ, but to a particular fellowship, personality, denomination, emotion, even a single truth. Those experiencing “false conversions” often become major stumbling blocks and persecutors of the true church of Jesus Christ. Their false conversion experience was from the evil side of the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” to the good side (Gen.2:9). The problem is that both sides of that tree have the same root system leading to death. Only One Way, One Truth and One Life leads to Father; and that is through Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:6). No other entrance is acceptable to God, not matter how “good” it sounds or looks to be!
       2 Cor.3:18 states, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”  The scripture confirms that we are changed into what we behold. When we behold Christ, we are changed from one degree of glory to a higher degree! When we worship God, we are submitting our lives to be transformed more and more into His image and through the knowledge of Him we become a “partaker of His divine nature” (2 Pet.1:2-4). This certainly goes to explain why Islamists worshipping Allah (prince of Persia) are changed into the nature and character of that ruling principality whose character is to kill, steal and destroy ( Dan.10:13; Jn.10:10). All men were created to worship. Even those denying God’s existence worship something – that’s how man was made. The truth is that our lives will be submitted to either Holy Spirit leading us to life; or a counterfeit spirit leading only to death and despair. Who or what are you worshipping? Where and in what does your allegiance and trust lie? 
       Improper motivation is another major disqualifier for living in victory. Jn.1:35 - 38, “Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, ‘Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are you staying?”  They did not ask, “Where do you bless? Or, visit?” But, “where are you staying?” It is vital we distinguish the difference between that which God blesses and that which He inhabits! Ishmael was blessed because he was Abraham’s son – even though he was a product of the flesh! Products of the flesh will always persecute the Spiritual Seed (Gen.21:8-20). The child of the flesh must always be cast out! We must look beyond that which God blesses and give our undivided attention to Isaac – the child of promise – that which God not only blesses, but also inhabits! Our carnal plans and desires rarely coincide with God’s plans for us. Ps. 137:9 explains, “Happy the one who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock!”  Our “little ones” - plans and desires for recognition, power, and wealth need to be “dashed against the rock” of Jesus Christ as we submit to His plans for our lives.
       To me, one of the most sobering passages of scripture illustrating improper motivation is Matt. 7: 21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in your name?’ And I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”  Inner motivation is as important to God as the actual results of what we do in His name! It’s just not what we do, but why we do it that’s important to Him.
       Are we properly joined to Christ? Ezek.37:7, “So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and bones came together, bone to his bone.”  Are we doing things for Him, or from Him? Are we joined to Christ, or just to an organization? The church is not an end, but a means! All things are summed up in Christ! We do not become the church in order to become a part of this. We become the church when we have done this. The church is not the pattern for the church. Christ is the pattern for the church! We are easily deceived when improperly joined. 2 Cor.11:3, “But I fear, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” True faith comes from the recognition of the One in whom we believe! We cannot substitute “faith in faith” for true faith in God. “In Him” were the promises given! 2 Cor.1:20, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”  As we become properly joined “bone to his bone” (  in Christ) His covenant promises begin to be manifested through our lives.
       A danger exists when we become the sole object of God’s covenant promises. Some attempt to use God’s covenant promises “on Him” instead if “in Him”! 1 Cor.10:4, “And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.” Moses lost his inheritance in the Promised Land – He was told to “speak to the rock”, but he struck the rock twice! He represented the authority of God to the Israelites and in this instance he misrepresented God to them! Such presumption can cost us our inheritance in the Promised Land of life “in Christ” just as it did Moses!
       God’s love must be the priority of our lives. As judgment descends upon the household of God, the church (1 Pet. 4:17), our teaching, preaching, and ministries must impart God’s nature (love). We must speak the truth in love (Eph.4:15), while demonstrating God’s love through gifts of healings, working of miracles, signs and wonders which in themselves declare Jesus Christ is Lord!  Faith working through love (Gal.5:6) demonstrates the anointing of Holy Spirit in our lives. This is not impartation of information which is the modern church’s solution to life’s problems, but an impartation of life (zoe) in the power of Holy Spirit just as the first church did.  Our life “in Christ” is the Final Product of the Finished Work of Jesus Christ and the key to a VICTORIOUS CHURCH! Amen.

Jn. 5:39, “You search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of me.”
This scripture clearly means that revelation is meant to take believers into an encounter with God.  Revelation is never meant to increase head knowledge, which is a by-product. Revelation is to bring about an experience in Holy Spirit. The renewing of our minds is not just to make us think differently; it is given so we will live differently in a new experience in the empowerment of Holy Spirit. When God reveals things to us, it is essential to put those things into action.
Matt.13:19, “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.”
Revelation of the kingdom is a “living seed of another world carrying new possibilities”. But when one does not understand it, the enemy has open access to that seed to snatch it away. To understand also means yielding to something before you can explain, define, or describe it.
Heb.11:3, “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”
We don’t have faith because we understand; we understand because we have faith. It is imperative to accept things without completely satisfying your intellect. Scriptural understanding first takes place in the spirit, and as we obey Holy Spirit, our spirit communicates it to our minds so we can intellectually understand. 
Understanding IS NOT REQUIRED FOR OBEDIENCE! Normal Christianity is to obey the revelations and prompting of Holy Spirit without understanding! Understanding usually unfolds in the experience.
Revelation will take us only half way there; experience leads us the rest of the way in. If we don’t move into experience, that revelation remains locked in our minds to the point where we believe that it’s active in our lives, even when it’s not.
Hearing without doing locks us into a form of godliness without the power thereof (2 Tim.3:5).  Entire denominations would fight to the death to defend divine healings, prophecy, deliverance – but they rarely see any of it happen! They agree with the concept, but make the excuse, saying, “If God wants me to have it; then He’ll give it to me.” They have a revelation, but can’t point to any proof of the validity of God’s power in their personal experience.
Jn.3:13, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of man who is in heaven.”   Strange verse, isn’t it?
We tend to think of heaven as a place way out there someplace in space when in reality heaven co-exists within us. What is this verse saying? The Son of man who is in heaven; well, what about our lives here and now? Doesn’t this mean that we, like Jesus, should live in a posture of dwelling in heavenly realms as ambassadors of another world, the land of faith, the realm of Holy Spirit called the kingdom of God?
Revelation should change our hearts before we can ever explain what we’ve learned. Let’s consider divine healing for a moment. Christians are responsible for bringing divine healing to people, “proving the will of God,” bringing earthly reality in line with what is true in heaven. Healing is a part of normal Christianity. Think about how far the church has backslidden! When you put revelation into practice, you probably won’t get it 100% right – maybe not even 50%, but you will learn and grow to a level you would not have otherwise. Receiving and acting on revelation for healing is a great place to experiment in the Spirit.
When you begin putting revelation into practice, you will soon have the attitude that what used to look impossible now looks logical as your faith expands. Your revelation will bring you into an experience and empower you to do the works of the kingdom you have been called to do. Amen.

John 1:1, 14: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with  God, and the Word was God. . .And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
        Jesus was the firstborn of a new species of being. Jesus, the Word made flesh, was manifested as a result of a divine encounter between the angel Gabriel and a young virgin, Mary. Gabriel spoke the anointed Word of God, which had already been prophetically decreed into earth by men of God creating an atmosphere of spiritual fertility; Mary heard, believed and conceived this Word, then birthed the Word in a lowly stable in the Judean village of Bethlehem (Lk. 1 and 2).
        Gabriel informed Mary of the anointed Word’s power in Lk. 1:37, “For with God nothing (literally meaning no word) will be impossible.” The virgin birth of Jesus was the door through which God entered humanity (Jn. 10:1-9). Jesus, the Word made flesh, was the “firstborn among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29). Paul indicated Jesus was the first Word made flesh meaning others would become the Word made flesh as well. This becomes possible through the new birth and our being made new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). 
        With infilling of Holy Spirit, the Word Himself is manifested in our lives. The ability and character of the Word reside in us through Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4-11; Gal. 5:22-23). The potential of becoming one with the Lord is the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer in Jn.17:20. As prophesied, the Word of God released in the earth will not return empty but will accomplish its desired purpose, even prospering its results (Isa. 55:11). We become the Word made flesh as we live out life in the Kingdom of God which is within us (Lk. 17:20, 21).
        As we renew our minds through the written Word, a transformation occurs in our lives. What was once only correct Bible doctrine now becomes living and vital reality as the Word travels from the written page through our souls (mind, emotions, intellect, and will) and settles in our hearts becoming a part of our nature. The Word expands within us as new dimensions of understanding unfold, and our love for the living Word Himself deepens within. Our Bible study changes from our being a scriptural tourist seeing only the highlights and obvious tourist attractions popular with our favorite tour guide to becoming an explorer of scriptures being supernaturally led by the illumination of Holy Spirit as He reveals deeper treasures of wisdom and understanding not  found by the casual observer. Tourists may gain bits of information that may be beneficial if they play Trivial Pursuit, but they will rarely experience profound change in their lives. Paul wrote that head knowledge only inflates our pride (I Cor. 8:1), but love builds us up.
        As people move through different stages of salvation from justification (redemption of our spirits) to sanctification (the continuing process of renewing our minds and being transformed into Christ’s image), a new, fresh excitement concerning what was once only the mystery of God’s will emerges. It now becomes an open road map into new horizons of possibility and destiny in Christ as discovery of dual realm authority becomes manifested. Jesus lived and continues to live through Holy Spirit in both the Spirit and natural realm. Holy Spirit is the Bridge between the visible and invisible placing believers in both realms with supernatural ability to take spiritual substance, transport it to the natural realm, and create physical manifestations. Jesus’ earthly ministry clearly demonstrated this supernatural ability, and He told His disciples they could do likewise (Jn. 14:12). The anointing (power of Holy Spirit) supernaturally enables us to extract spiritual substance and transport God’s reality into the visible, natural realm.
        Paul wrote that the promises of God are Yes and Amen in Christ (the anointing) (2 Cor. 1:20). Through faith in God and the Word made flesh in us through Holy Spirit, we transport God’s promises which have already been established in the Spirit realm by speaking the Word of faith into the problem. A word of faith released into the visible realm is an irresistible force that will accomplish God’s will (Job 22:23; Isa. 55:11). The Word of God is incorruptible seed (I Pet. 1:23; Mal. 4:14). When this “Seed” is sown into the fertile ground of a believing heart, it produces a harvest amounting to 30, 60 and 100 fold the amount sown. Just as the natural process for seeds to germinate, sprout, bud, and then yield fruit, a similar process occurs whereby spiritual seed (spoken Word of faith) is planted, then sprouts, buds, blooms, and produces its desired results (Num. 17:8; Mk. 4:26-28).
        I believe we are on the threshold of the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit ever known on earth.  Many reading this will find their spirits confirming this statement. The world is ripe for harvest. Multitudes are yearning for truth, and the evidence of Almighty God performing miraculous acts through His people. The counterfeit, hype, and outright fraud and deceitfulness of pretenders and cults will be exposed. Those having a form of godliness but denying the power of God will be ignored (2 Tim. 3:5).This move of God will cross and even bring down many denominational barriers that have segregated and separated the body of Christ into armed camps. New leadership will arise who will truly understand servant-hood, son-ship, partnership and sacrifice. They will experience great persecution from modern Pharisees who will be threatened by this move of God they do not understand. 
        The coming harvest will reap all that has been sown, both good and evil. Matt. 13:24-30, 37-43 describes the harvest in the parable of the tares where tares are removed first. Peter spoke that judgment begins in God’s house (I Pet. 4:17).The shaking described in Heb. 12:27 has begun and will intensify along with fiery trials (I Pet. 4:12; I Cor. 3:12-13) which will burn until wood, hay, and stubble of our lives are consumed and we have been thoroughly refined for the Master’s use. Those who refuse to change (Ps. 55:19) will suffer loss. The only true security will be in Jesus Christ who is our source of abundant life (Jn. 10:10). This will be a time when the power of God and the enemy’s deceitfulness will both be released in an incredible outpouring. Millions will come to know Christ, and many will lose their lives because of the coming persecution of the true body of Christ.
       We are in the hour when every believer must become the Word made flesh. Christians must demonstrate their supernatural ability to walk in faith and love as dual realm people converting spiritual substance to natural reality. Resulting miracles will be “signs” which point to the living God and will create platforms for millions to be converted into the Kingdom. The time is ripe for your purpose and destiny to shine forth in this hour. The “Christ in us” will not remain hidden but will shine through and flavor every word spoken and action taken for His glory. If you won’t be used by God to influence those around you, then who will be used?  If not now, when God is clearly moving in the earth, then when? Consider your response carefully; your future and others’ depend on it.  Amen.

WADE URBAN
        Heb. 11:1, 6; “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. . .But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
        Job 3:25; “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.”
        Two spiritual forces dominate men: faith and fear. These are spiritual forces which demand fulfillment. The object of faith or fear will inevitably be manifest in your life. Those thinking they are in control of their own destinies are under demonic deception and are actually under the influence and control of a sprit of fear. Fear came into earth’s environment as a result of the Fall in the Garden of Eden. Adam’s sin and subsequent expulsion from the Garden resulted in fear-filled living for all Adam’s offspring. This includes every human ever born, for we all can trace our lineage back to Adam. It was the “Last Adam,” the Lord Jesus Christ, who redeemed man from the consequences of a fear-filled life through His death, resurrection, ascension, and release of Holy Spirit to live in the hearts of men. Faith in God for those who believe can replace the force of fear. Unfortunately, many believers still are caught in the tyranny of living a fear-filled life, when in reality they have been given the antidote, faith in Christ Jesus. They just haven’t understood the reality of faith and purpose of Holy Spirit in their lives. This topic deserves far more detail than this quick thought can provide. My hope is that this will ignite a desire to pursue a faith-filled life and realize fear is an enemy to be defeated in order to complete your God-ordained assignment in life.
        Here are the methods by which faith and fear operate:
1.        Hearing:  Rom. 10:17 explains that faith comes by hearing the word of God. Since faith is a direct result of heaven’s influence through God’s word, it stands to reason that fear comes through hearing something other than God’s word. Satan has various titles in scripture. One is “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2), and the “prince of this world”(Jn. 12:31). Satan’s influence is extended through fear and travels by hearing worldly conversation. Paul wrote, “for whatever is not from faith is sin” (Rom.14:23). This is a sobering statement for many who are more in the world than “in Christ.” Understanding we are influenced greatly by what we “hear” and that “hearing” determines which camp we reside in--faith or fear--is vitally important!
2.        Heart:  What a person hears, sees, and thinks about ends up in his heart. Jesus said what comes out of man’s heart defiles him (Mk. 7:20-23). Pr. 23:7 states, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”  Man’s heart is the residing place for either faith or fear. Believers must maintain tight control over what enters their hearts. Pr. 4:20-22 states, “My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” Fear is the primary reason today for natural heart attack (Lk. 21:26) which results from stress and anxiety, symptoms of fear. The ultimate cause of natural heart attack is the spiritual attack of fear in the hearts of men.
3.        Words:  That which resides in the heart will be revealed through words. Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt. 12:35). In other words your tongue is directly attached to your heart. Words which proceed from the heart will either bring justification or condemnation (Matt.12: 37). Pr. 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Words are powerful! God created all that is, through His Word (Jn.1:1-4). Words are thoughts verbalized or expressions of our hearts. They are containers of what lies within us. Words are filled with the spiritual forces of either faith or fear. When released, words will eventually return, bearing results of what was spoken. Man was created in the image and likeness of God. God created through His speaking the Word and likewise we do as well. Isa. 55:11 describes this process, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Unfortunately, most believers unwittingly become their own worst enemies through the words they utter. We often curse ourselves and others by idle, faithless chatter that binds faith and looses fear into our daily lives. The reality of life is that we prophesy our own pathways through the words we speak. If you are dissatisfied with your present situation, change what you say. Matt. 13 and Mk. 4 detail the parable of the sower. Jesus explains that seeds in the parable are words, and we reap the harvest of what we speak. The question is: Are you sowing faith or fear?
4.        Believing and Speaking:  Mk. 11:22-24 is known as the hallmark scripture of faith which describes two essential ingredients of faith: believing and speaking. Paul confirms this in 2Cor. 4:13 as he defines the spirit of faith. We believe what we hear, and what we hear we will speak. Just like faith, fear operates through the same ingredients, believing and speaking. When we hear “evil reports” of doubt, doom, gloom, failure, lack, and poverty and then speak them, the result is fear which is the force that brings the things feared into our lives. We must live by Pr. 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”                              
5.        Love:  1Jn. 4:8 proclaims God is love. Love Himself comes into our hearts in the person of Holy Spirit. Then 1Jn. 4:4 becomes reality in that greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1Jn. 4:18 decrees, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out all fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” Love is the power behind faith. Gal. 5:6 explains that faith  works by love. Love also supplies boldness necessary to carry out our divine assignments (1Jn. 4:17). James urges believers to submit to God (Love), then resist the devil (and his force of fear) and he will flee from you (Jas. 4:7). Our love level determines our power over or vulnerability to fear.                  
        Not many like to confess that their lives have been fear-based. I often have to examine my own life and make radical adjustments. The next wave of Holy Spirit power is directly contingent upon the church living by faith not fear. We must realize not only the power of faith and fear, but also the process by which these dominant forces come into our lives, then choose to live by faith through love! AMEN.