​Jn. 1:14; 16-17 – “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”… “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Grace is one of those theological terms we often wave at as it goes through our minds. We’ve all heard that grace is God’s unmerited favor. Some describe grace as God giving us what we don’t deserve and mercy as His Not giving us what we do deserve. These are accurate enough definitions, but somehow I believe God’s grace is so much more important than to just give it a wave and tip of the hat.
In ancient Greece, grace -“charis” was simply a sort of an empty tavern greeting such as, “How’r ya’ doin’?” Or, “Have a good day!” It was simply a meaningless form of recognition. However, after the resurrection, the disciples adopted that formerly empty word and filled charis to overflowing with new meaning which was accompanied by the power of Holy Spirit. Strong’s Concordance defines charis as “a divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.” Grace charis was used to describe the very ability of Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated in and through believers by the gifts of Holy Spirit. Hence, we now have the term “Charismatics” – those believers who operate in the gifts of Holy Spirit.   
God’s grace is a divine force which comes through faith in Jesus Christ ushering in an atmosphere where God’s love, favor and blessings flow into lives bringing about kingdom reality. It is the grace of God which brought about the reality of the prayer Jesus taught His disciples in Matt. 6:10 – “Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.” God’s grace is His kingdom’s atmosphere here on earth and comes as a direct manifestation of His agape love. His grace is responsible for all the kingdom principles; every Old Covenant example; Jesus’ birth, His life as an example for us, His death, burial & resurrection; His grace sent Holy Spirit to live within believers; it brought salvation, gifts and ability of God through Holy Spirit as well as eternal life; His grace brought heaven to earth! God’s grace brought all things we need for life and godliness and made us to be partakers of His divine nature!
 God’s grace is the spiritual counterpart to His wrath against sin and man’s sin nature. Just as God’s wrath is a constant pressure against sin and sin’s consequences which is a living death penalty over sin-controlled men’s lives; His grace is a constant pressure which propels believers into deeper intimacy, understanding, revelation, power and ability to demonstrate His love in earth. Grace creates an atmosphere where earthly limitations lose its hold on lives and where impossibilities become reality as signs, wonders and miracles thrive and expand.
Grace also has the power to confront those under God’s wrath and pull them out to safety! Jude 20-23 – “But you, beloved, building yourselves upon your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”
When the fullness of God’s grace becomes recognized, acknowledged and received in a believer, the very gates of Heaven are opened for God’s glory to be manifested on earth.  For God’s glory to manifest, His grace must be recognized, received and put into action – lived out in our lives!
This is my definition of God’s grace - His willingness to provide all the resources of heaven - not just meet your need, but to overflow your life with every spiritual blessing out of the riches of His treasures in glory by Christ Jesus – which has already been accomplished through the Finished Work of Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace is a present reality, the very atmosphere of heaven, given to us through Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, ascension and the release of Holy Spirit to live His life in, through and as us!
·       Jesus Christ ushered in the grace of God.
·       His life and ministry displayed grace in action
·       His death, burial and resurrection expanded grace
·       Holy Spirit ushered grace into lives of all who would receive by faith
·       We now live in a perpetual state of grace in Holy Spirit
As the revelation of the Finished Work of Lord Jesus Christ expands – so also does the grace of God in our lives. Grace releases God’s ability through Holy Spirit. The grace of God always causes us to triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14); made us more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37); has given us power to trample on Satan and his demons (Lk. 10:19; Rom. 16:20); and has given us eternal life here and now (Jn. 17:3). Paul came to recognize the grace of God was sufficient to conquer and overcome the thorn in the flesh – demon assigned to cause him to lose the vision he received (2 Cor. 12:1-10). The enemy always attacks the truth of God’s word (Matt. 13: 21; Mk. 4:17; Heb. 10:32; 2 Cor. 12:7). God’s grace empowers us to overcome and walk in victory.
2 Pet. 1:2-4 – “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who has called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” The grace of God is responsible for our having been given ALL THINGS that we need in this life and for ministry. And not only that, but God’s grace has available to us to be a partaker of God’s very nature – just like Jesus Christ!
You might be saying to yourself – that just doesn’t equate with my feelings and my experiences.  Many can’t recognize their solution – the very promise of God that you have been given “all things”- because it’s in “SEED” form in your life. God uses Covenant and His kingdom principles in His dealings with man. One can be in Covenant with God yet not understand His principles – how He works in earth through Holy Spirit. One primary principle is “Seedtime and Harvest”, simply what we sow, we will reap. A corollary principle is “Reproduction” – every SEED produces after its own kind. Your answer is in Word (seed) form, ready to be planted to produce your solution. Have you really invested time in the Word and in God’s presence asking and seeking His answer to your problems? God will give you His rhema – He is always broadcasting His answers to life’s issues; our problem is that we aren’t properly tuned in to receive! Grace holds all the mysteries of God for those who are willing to ask, seek and knock – He doesn’t just throw out His treasure for anyone to stumble over (Prov. 25:2).
 All things you need in life; you already have; it’s yours – every answer to every problem, even your destiny is there – it’s just in seed form and needs to be nurtured, watered with Holy Spirit and exposed to plenty of SON-shine! Soon that seed of potential will grow into the fullness of your answer – your solution – your destiny! That’s God’s grace!
 The last verse of the Bible is Rev. 22:21 – “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” John’s last words of scripture were for the grace of Lord Jesus Christ to be with us – unmerited favor? I certainly think so – and so much more! Amen.
 

 1 John 4:4, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”
       Holy Spirit has impressed me that disorder, distress, disruption and deep darkness is covering the world; but this offers an opportunity for spiritual resurgence of Holy Spirit’s power for believers..
        As we speed towards the edge of civil and economic collapse with inner-city rot and riot increasing; immorality flourishing to the degree that would make Sodom blush; a news media where evil is spoken of as good, and good as evil; where most Christians are afraid, even ashamed to admit they believe in Jesus Christ for fear of ridicule; where political correctness demands acceptance of counterfeit religions – even the worship of demons; where prayer is forbidden in schools but condoms are liberally passed out and alternative lifestyles not only taught but applauded; where the Ten Commandments and nativity scenes are stricken from public property, but drug addiction and dealing are winked at since it’s become so commonplace; where millions of pre-born and partially-born babies have been systematically murdered for convenience with this atrocity hailed as a woman’s “choice” – the current darkness will become even blacker in the coming year. Never will there ever be a greater opportunity for believers to shine and display the glory of God than in the midst of such gross darkness!
       The prophet Isaiah perfectly described this opportunity to shine:
“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see: they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side, then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you” (Isa.60:1-5).
       We may well have reached a high water mark for ungodliness, but as wide as the gates of hell are opened, so also the power of Holy Spirit and the glory of God are available to believers to turn back the tide of darkness and shine ever brighter.  
       Naysayers, particularly in the church world, will be plentiful. They will continue whine and complain about the crumbling society and yearn for the good old days – just like Israel complained to Moses about being delivered from Egypt where they had their onions, garlic, and fleshpots, but forgot about the whips and death of their firstborn sons. Complaint is full of self-pity, weakness and powerlessness. Those having a form of godliness, shallow Christianity, always complain when faith is required of them. They will be even more upset when their creature comforts are diminished or completely eliminated! Doubt, unbelief, victim mentality, poverty spirit, along with envy of God’s blessings and favor on those living by faith will exude from those who refuse to leave their familiar comfort zones of religious mediocrity. They will be the worst detractors and opposition to any resurgence of the power of Holy Spirit. The greatest opposition to a new move of God does not come from the world – they are interested in seeing something REAL! Opposition has historically come from within the church and has impeded many from entering into a new dimension of truth and experience in Holy Spirit. For those who are habitual complainers, may I suggest you read about a complaining prophet who lamented to God – why do the wicked prosper when the righteous suffer? This was God’s response: “If you have run with the footmen and they have wearied you, then how will you contend with the horses? And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you, then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan” (Jer.12:5)? The Lord said, Jeremiah – cheer up, things are going to get worse! In like manner Holy Spirit is issuing a clarion call to the complainers in the church today – “STOP WHINING AND START SHINING!”  
       The world is only doing what it knows to do – SIN! And they’re becoming more and more accomplished at it. For the most part, the church has tried to ignore the elephant in the room because they had no ability to move it out, because of ignorance of the covenant, power of Holy Spirit and kingdom principles governing the earth – not having any understanding that “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 Jn.4:4). For this reason, many who have professed faith in Jesus Christ have found themselves bound and even facing destruction by the enemy (Hos.4:6; Isa.5:13). For believers – ignorance is anything but bliss, it’s an open door for the hell’s forces to invade their lives! What’s the remedy?
       Isaiah wrote, “Arise, shine! This is the short, sweet answer for our condition. To “arise”, one must engage in MOVEMENT. Too many believers have become spiritually stagnant – no movement, static, sitting down, kicked back, comfortable, content with their present understanding of God. The Lord warned of stagnation: “For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns – broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jer.2:13). Not only are cisterns containers of lifeless water with no source, but Holy Spirit describes these people as “broken cisterns”. Here’s the problem, just because you’ve stopped in your understanding and pursuit of God, doesn’t mean that God has stopped His plans and MOVEMENT, waiting for you to catch up with Him at your leisure. He’s moved on! God’s character is changeless – He is love; but His ways are always changing – Holy Spirit is always engaged in MOVEMENT. Jesus explained, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (Jn.3:8). Holy Spirit is pneuma, Wind – always moving in and through believers in partnership with Him. MOVEMENT is the first sign of LIFE – not just that your heart is beating – “bios”; but “zoe” -  God’s kind of life lived in the power of Holy Spirit. In order to participate in the coming resurgence of the charismas – gifts and power of Holy Spirit, you’re going to have to get up and out of your comfort zone. Just as God told Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you” (Gen.12:1); so also Holy Spirit is saying, “Arise, shine, get out of that religious trap which the enemy has lulled you into!” Just as Abram believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness (Gen.15:6); so also our response must be instant willingness and obedience to His leading.
       Years ago, as a builder, my crew nicknamed me – “The Hammer”. I’m not sure why. It may have been they thought I had a “hammer mentality” with a worldview that everything was a nail to be driven. Anyway, here’s the point Holy Spirit impressed upon me. We live in a TARGET RICH ENVIRONMENT for believers. Spirit-filled believers will be surrounded by darkness offering an incredible opportunity to SHINE in the midst of “deep darkness” over people’s lives. Believers must gain a “GLORY MENTALITY” to shine with the reflection of the glory of God – with a worldview that everything is filled with darkness requiring the light of God’s truth shined upon it!
       For Spirit-active believers, we are in the midst of opportunity and excitement the likes of which many have never seen before. As the world spirals deeper into depravity, despair, and gross darkness, believers will have incredible opportunities to offer God’s plan of salvation and Holy Spirit’s healing, miracle working, restorative power for deliverance, healing and provision in the midst of the world’s chaos. Just as Mordecai’s words to Esther: “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this” (Est.4:14)? This may be your kairos time, God’s appointed time, to arise, shine, and demonstrate the power of the Greater One Within.  Amen.         
​

​In order to heal our hardened hearts, we need a fresh revelation of the heart of God, manifested most vividly in healing power.  Too many hindering doctrines undermine the reality of God’s love demonstrated through His healing power.
The first and most effective tactic Satan used and continues to use today is to convince believers that we can’t trust God or His word. This is a deception which accuses God of indifference towards men’s trials and problems. It distorts God’s heart and perverts His Word and love towards His creation (Gen.3:1-6).
Too many believers have forgotten or never knew Jn.10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” They blame God for anything bad that happens – “How could a loving God allow that to happen?”
Jesus Christ came to reveal the heart of Father, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.’ Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’” (Jn.14:7-9).
Jesus was “the express image of His person” (Heb.1:3). So, what was Jesus Christ’s response towards healing? He healed ALL who came to him! I am particularly impressed with the leper who came to Jesus saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” This is the same reaction to healing many believers have today. They know Jesus CAN heal, but they’re not sure He is willing to heal them! Jesus was moved by compassion, stretched out His hand and touched the leper, saying to him, “I am willing; be cleansed” (Mk.1:40-45).  Jesus’ response appears calm and gentle, but I believe His voice was filled with intense love of Father mixed with anger at the curse of sin Satan caused to be God’s creation, man!  On only one occasion, Jesus told someone He would not heal her daughter (Matt.15:22-28). This woman of Canaan came to Jesus asking for Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Since she was not a Jew she had no covenant relationship with God for healing and Jesus did not respond to her request. She kept asking for her daughter’s deliverance as Jesus deflected her requests with her disqualification for healing, yet she persisted over and again. In Matt.15:28, Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” Her daughter was healed that very hour!
Today, such faith is rare indeed! As a matter of fact, a standard excuse for lack of healing is, “Well, they just didn’t have enough faith for their healing.” I’ve never seen that in scripture, have you? I believe many miss their healing not because of lack of their faith, but because of corporate unbelief in the church. Fifty to sixty years ago hundreds of people were being healed of life-threatening diseases every day! Why not now? Very little expectation for healing or the miraculous exists in the church. When you add that with lack of persistence, it’s not hard to see why so few believers receive their healings and experience miracles today! We need the same type persistence as the mother from Canaan had. Let’s compare her persistence with what exists in many areas of the church today.
·       The woman asked Jesus to heal her daughter; Jesus doesn’t answer her. Knowing Jesus is her only hope, she persists! Today, a prayer for healing is offered and the heavens appear to be as brass. Prayer is halted because it’s assumed it isn’t in His will to heal the person.
·       Jesus tells the woman it’s not Father’s will to heal her daughter; she continues to persist. As prayer is made, the thought comes that God doesn’t want to heal because of the timing or sin is in the life of the person.
·       Jesus tells her that it isn’t her covenant right to ask for healing. She agrees, yet persists nonetheless! When prayer is offered and no evidence results, many believe that the person has to get their lives in order before they can be healed.
·       Jesus commends the woman’s faith and heals her daughter! Today, Jesus marvels at the lack of faith with people going away without their healing!
Just as our modern “me-first society” wants instant gratification; so also the church has gained a “micro-wave” attitude towards ministry, particularly healing. Most healing ministry is conducted with a “BOOM – DONE!” attitude. I call it “Brylcreme ministry”. You may not be old enough to remember the old hair dressing commercial on TV that said, “A lil’ dab’l do ya’”.
Jesus equates faith with persistence in Lk.18:1-8, the story of the widow who sought for justice from an unjust judge. Even though he was crooked, the judge relented because of the widow’s persistence. Jesus said if an unrighteous judge would relent how much more would God avenge His own elect! Jesus ends this parable with, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Good question! Persistence comes into our lives when we receive a revelation of God’s heart.
In Jn. 9: 1-5, Jesus passed by a man blind from birth. His disciples made the assumption that either his sin or the sins of his parents caused his blindness and they asked Jesus which was the cause. Jesus replied, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
After saying this, Jesus made clay from spitting on the ground and anointed the man’s eyes. He told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. The man did as told and came back seeing.
Many believe this man’s blindness was a platform for showcasing Jesus’ healing power. I believe Jesus used this event to teach His disciples to avoid pointless debates over useless doctrines and religious thinking as their question about whose sin caused the blindness. Jesus was saying, “I didn’t come to discuss nonsense; I came to destroy the devil’s works and demonstrate Father’s heart through healing and restoration.” Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  He could only be the light while here, now it’s up to us to display His glory! We are the light of the world now – it’s time to start shining!
1 Jn.3:8 explains, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” His mission is now ours and gifts of healings are a mighty weapon in our representation and partnership with Holy Spirit.
Ps.103:2-3, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” Yes, it’s the Lord Who heals, but He uses believers to be the instruments of His healing power.
The world is waiting to see the church awake from its slumber and be the instrument of healing and restoration it has always been intended to be.   
 
  

​Isa. 60: 1-3 – “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”
Many are praying for a mighty move of God in our land, but the question I have is – will they receive or reject His move when it comes? Every true move of Holy Spirit comes in unprecedented ways. For this very reason, I have seen two mighty moves of Holy Spirit (Charismatic movement and River movement) rejected by many who would not believe God would move differently than what they were used to or they expected Him to move!  
Unprecedented moves of God are shown throughout scripture. In Exodus 3, Moses encountered a “Burning Bush” which was totally unprecedented – no theological basis for God putting His glory on an ordinary bush that burned without being consumed. Just as the bush burned from the presence of God upon it, so also will the remnant shine with the glory of God on their lives in the coming move of Holy Spirit!
The glory of God – His holy radiation will drive out, dissolve and displace all manner of sickness, disease and demonic strongholds that currently plague people’s lives and hold back their destinies. Holy Spirit is about to once again author unprecedented acts that will be opposed by those saying, “Well, I’ve not seen that in the Bible!” Here’s my question – Have you ever noticed John’s comment at the end of his gospel? Jn. 21:25 – “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” 
Heaven is about to touch earth through those who understand their positions “in Christ” and the mandate to be transfer agents of the reality of heaven to earth. 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.” Most believers understand that in Jesus Christ all God’s promises have been fulfilled. What they don’t understand is that those same promises are manifest on earth “though us” – those who are vitally attached to God’s kingdom through Holy Spirit. This is a beautiful description of the position of a believer with a new identity of partnership through Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 6:1). Without this renewed mindset, believers are relegated to being bottle fed the milk of the word of God and remaining spiritual infants their entire lives. The religious system, ruled by the principality of the anti-Christ spirit, has the intent of keeping people in a state of stupor, ignorant of kingdom principles and power of Holy Spirit. If it can’t keep people from being “saved”, it will certainly attempt to keep them away from any understanding of Holy Spirit and His purpose in their lives – going so far as to teach that Holy Spirit’s gifts and operations are no longer valid and any operation today is of the devil. Jesus said, “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against Holy Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matt. 12:31-32). Paul wrote, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30); and, “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thes. 5:19).  I’m not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but these scriptures are straight forward and clearly understood.
My point is that Holy Spirit is about to release a sweeping move which will undoubtedly include unprecedented events. Don’t allow the enemy to dissuade your entering into the “new thing” He is doing. Detractors and naysayers will warn against anything “new” and “different” which threatens their comfort zones of religious rituals and traditions which have made the word of God of no effect (Mk. 7:13). Allow Holy Spirit to be your Guide providing discernment and leading you into all truth (Jn. 16:13). Amen.      
 

​“How the mighty have fallen!”
This was a part of David’s lament for Saul and Jonathan after their tragic deaths in battle with the Philistines (2 Sam.1:17-27). This was the final summary of a life which began with more potential than any other in Israel, yet declined to this tragic end. Most of us think of Saul as a wicked king who was out to kill David – a man after God’s own heart. But a closer examination of Saul shows that he had more potential and blessing on his life than David, yet his responses and actions brought him down. This is an object lesson for many gifted and anointed leaders today. Let them learn from the lesson of Saul and avoid those same temptations that caused him to fall.
Saul’s characteristics and qualities were ideal for becoming a leader of God’s chosen people. He was known to be humble, generous and loving. Saul had no symptoms of vanity or pride which typically brings down those whose character does not equal their position. He was courageous and considerate of his father; he hated evil and in addition was a handsome man standing head and shoulders above others. He was a man of considerable stature commanding honor and respect. In other words, he was cut out for the job of king.
God also gave Saul an anointing to become “another man” and to “prophesy” as well as be sensitive to the voice of the Lord (1 Sam.10:6-7, 10).  Saul was God’s “man of the hour” and Israel’s anointed leader. How, then, did Saul end as he did?    
Saul’s first major mistake was one of disrespect and presumption (1 Sam. 13). The Philistines had come against Israel and Saul was told to wait for Samuel at Gilgal. Saul violated the priesthood by offering sacrifices himself to the Lord because of his fear and impatience in waiting for Samuel to arrive. Samuel rebuked him saying, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.” Wow! How often has presumption, impatience and anxiety robbed us of God’s blessing on our lives? I’ve seen this happen often to those who had unique gifting and anointing on their lives, but they also had some of Saul’s traits as well which precluded them from rising to higher levels in kingdom authority.
Saul’s next blunder was caused by his impulsiveness and willful pride. God had used Jonathan to start a rout among the Philistines. Saul called for a priest to ask for God’s guidance in the battle, but before they could bring God’s wisdom, Saul panicked and impulsively sent his men off with a rashly imposed death sentence on any man who would eat food that day (1 Sam. 14:24). This order caused many to sin (vs.30-32) and even Jonathan came under the death sentence imposed by his father. He was only rescued by the intervention of the people. Saul panicked without a clear word from the Lord with devastating results!
1 Sam. 15 is the story of Saul’s disobedience and deceit in the battle against the Amalekites. Saul spared their king’s life as well as their livestock when he was told by God to utterly destroy them. When Samuel confronted Saul, he lied about his reasons for doing so. 1 Sam. 15:22-23 – “So Samuel said: ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.’” This began Saul’s freefall. 1 Sam. 16:14 – “But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him.”
Saul went from a respected king to a man operating in jealous rage with hatred towards David. All this from rejecting the Word of the Lord in his own life! Saul, once given a new heart by God, found himself with murder in his heart for David. Saul became bitter to the point that he sought for wisdom from the witch of Endor (1 Sam. 28: 6- 25).  Saul’s tragedy finally ends with his suicide on the battlefield against the Philistines (1 Sam 31:4).
As horrible as Saul’s outcome was, I believe it serves as a signpost for all to heed the lessons it teaches. From out of this pit of despair and tragedy of Saul’s life, it’s possible for redemption and restoration to come for those who will hear and heed. Saul started out with much more promise and potential than did David. Saul had everything David had and more. Both were susceptible to sin – David had his fleshly lusts, pride and deceit, but the difference between Saul and David was in their responses. When wrong, Saul would make excuses – David would repent. When Saul would try to hide his wicked actions – David would confess. When Saul would act impulsively – David would wait for a word from the Lord. When Saul became jealous over his position – David supplied all that was needed for his successor to fulfill his destiny.
Here’s the lesson – we all face situations where contention, strife, pride, jealousy, envy, impatience, presumption and fear confront our lives. Our response to these situations becomes a test as to whose type heart we will display – Saul’s or David’s.  Will you respond in the same way in which “the mighty have fallen” through pride; or, will you “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may be able to exalt you in due time” (1 Pet.5:6)? Surely time will tell!
 
 

​1 Pet. 5:5-7 –“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Ps. 138:6 – “Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar.”
 The world looks at humility as a liability or a weakness. The scriptures teach just the opposite. Humility is an opportunity for the power of Holy Spirit to rest on believers. It is also the key to recognizing and understanding the voice of Holy Spirit. If we are “humble”, God will “look upon” us – meaning He will be intimate with us. If we are proud, He will only know us “from afar”.
What is humility? Perhaps one way to define humility is telling what it is not – not proud, not arrogant, not haughty, not assertive and not pretentious. Humility is not denying our talents and attributes, nor is it seeing in comparison to others. Humility is seeing oneself in the light of God’s greatness!
Humility is gained as the fruit of a desert experience. Moses, David, John the baptizer, and Jesus Christ all had significant training in desert situations. Most all who are greatly used by God earned a “desert training” patch! God even sent the entire nation of Israel into a long desert training exercise of forty years to humble them and bring them to a childlike dependence on Him before they could receive their inheritance (Deut. 8:1).
John the baptizer was an example of the fruit of a desert experience. John knew he was special. His conception was announced by Gabriel, and his birth was one of the most celebrated prophetic words in scripture (Lk. 1:67-79). John knew he had one of the greatest privileges of all the prophets as the forerunner of Messiah (Isa. 40:3). John knew he was special, yet he was humble. John was small in his own eyes when he looked up to Jesus. He embraced humility even when he knew that his ministry would end at the presence of Jesus Christ. John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30).
Many reading this are currently in a spiritual desert - dry, lifeless place without water (life of Holy Spirit). The desert may well be God’s cure for personal and/or prophetic pride. The greater the prophetic gifting in your life is; the more time you may have to spend in the desert to bring your character to a place of humility so you can be used as His representative of love and power. After forty years of preparation to be God’s man of deliverance; and after even more desert time with Israel, Moses still misrepresented God’s heart of love for His people by striking the rock, instead of speaking to it as instructed (Num. 20:1-12). Humility is the hallmark characteristic of a mature prophet of God.
Yes, God still uses the desert to build character in His future partners – for that is exactly what the prophetic ministry is – a partnership with Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 6:1). We need to embrace and welcome the desert. It means that God is imparting new levels of humility in our lives for His intended promotion which is on the way as we submit and receive His life. Just as John said, “He must increase, but I must decease.” Never the same – in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 

Dual kingdom principles of Representation and Identification run throughout scripture and hold significant relevance in our lives. All mankind is represented and originally identified with the "man of sin" - Adam, #1. When Adam sinned, all men coming after him were born in sin and identify with the consequences of the curse of sin. God's plan of redemption, in and through Jesus Christ, eternally changed the possibility of a "new and better" Object of our Representation and Identification - Lord Jesus Christ - the Last Adam.
Rom.5:12-21 explains that all of mankind hangs from the belt of one of two Adams. Divine ability to move into our predestined purpose, success in life, and power to be conformed to the image of Christ, as well as every relationship  - all are centered in with which Adam we identify! Unfortunately, many believers still identify with Adam #1 and suffer through life with a carnal mindset, matching lifestyle and unnecessary limitations of living devoid of Holy Spirit's power and anointing in their lives. They remain caught in the enemy's trap of "generational curses" and the human tragedy of living under the curse never coming to an understanding that they have been "redeemed from the curse of the law" through the "Finished Work of Lord Jesus Christ".
Once a person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord, their roots which were planted in Adam #1 are transplanted into the Last Adam, Lord Jesus Christ. This is the transformation changing every aspect of their lives - once they come to understand that they have been redeemed from the curse and begin to identify with Lord Jesus Christ in His love, power and victory over sin, death and the grave. Whom we identify with, we become like (2 Cor. 3: 18)!
With which Adam do you identify? I pray you come to a new understanding of the reality of "Christ in you" and begin to help others with their "Identity Crisis" as well. Amen.

​“Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, ‘Thus saith the Lord God; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the Lord will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols...’  For every one…which separateth himself from me, and setteth up idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face…; I the Lord will answer him by myself: and I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the Lord ” (Ezek. 14:4-5, 7-8).
       Idolatry takes many forms. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as: 1) worship of idols 2) excessive devotion to or reverence for some person or thing. Idolatry is not just overt worship of foreign gods. Over-devotion to anything besides God is idolatry! The first two Commandments indicate God is jealous of our devotion (Ex.20:1-6). Today very little is spoken about idolatry in the body of Christ, yet it has infiltrated many lives. For example Jesus admonishes in Matt. 10:37, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Jesus’ words should convict many! How many have rejected an intimate relationship with God because of family relationships and commitments? How many venerate a relative who has died over their own commitment to God? How many more love their church, denomination, programs, pastor, etc. more than God Himself? These may be tough questions when they are closely linked to the Lord’s work. Many of us would shake a finger at those who skip worship services for the golf course, boating, or ballgame; but we fail to look at where our affections and worship are given. Perhaps our misplaced affections make us as guilty as they.
       Paul identified one of the most insidious idols, “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). Notice, money is not the root of evil; “love” of money is. Avarice is an idol many, even Christians, worship. Peter wrote concerning the last days, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” (2 Pet. 3:11). The Lord is calling His people to holiness and purity. One of the most telling aspects of our walk with God is attitude toward money. I believe the “mark of the beast” is an invisible spiritual economic mark to identify those who put trust in money rather than God. Actions and words will identify where loyalties lie.
       Judas’ heart was filled with greed (Jn. 12:4-6). His love for money was a cause of history’s most notorious treachery, betraying Jesus. History judges this ruthless act so even unbelievers know being a “Judas” equals betrayal. He was one of a circle of twelve who preached the gospel of the kingdom and to whom Jesus gave authority over demons, diseases, sickness (Lk. 9:1-2). Judas was included in those who operated in power and authority in Jesus’ name. Jesus’ words are clear: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name…cast out devils…and done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:21-23). Could it be if Judas lived in our day, he may have been a miracle-working evangelist with a world-wide ministry? Anyone is subject to setting up idols in his/her heart! Avarice may not be obvious to natural man. I don’t believe the other disciples were aware of Judas’ greed. Jesus, however, was not caught off guard. He even put Judas in the position of ministry treasurer. Judas was given a clear choice to trust Jesus or money. The Lord still tests us in areas of weakness where we may have set up idols. Have you ever betrayed Him? Thank God for His grace and mercy which He provides when we confess our sin, repent, and turn back to Him!
       Balaam is another example of avarice as an idol in the heart. Numbers 22-24 details the story of Balaam and the Moabite king who requested the prophet curse the Israelites who were advancing and conquering the land. Initially obeying God, Balaam refused; but when offered more money, he inquired a second time to see if God changed His mind. Scriptures clearly declare God changes not (Mal. 3:6); yet, God permitted Balaam to prophesy over Israel even though He knew the evil idol in his heart. Why? The feature scripture above explains when a man sets up idols in his heart, God answers that man according to the multitude of his idols. The Lord will agree with his idols, deceive, and then destroy him! Balaam’s eyes were so blinded by greed he could not see the angel ready to slay him. Balaam’s donkey was more aware of the danger than he and supernaturally spoke. I don’t know about you, but I would have surmised something was up if my donkey spoke to me. Balaam seemed to be unaffected by this conversation with his animal until the Lord opened his eyes so he could see the angel. An idol in our hearts can totally deceive us as it did Balaam, particularly when the Lord agrees with our idol. We really believe we are justified in pursuing our idols when in reality it will lead to our destruction.
       Though Balaam was outside God’s will, prophecy was still with him. This is a powerful lesson. Gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Rom. 12:29): what God gives, He does not take back. Therefore, we cannot judge a person’s spiritual condition by their gifts. Clearly God alone can judge thoughts and heart’s intents (Heb. 4:12). Remember Judas preached, delivered, and healed in Jesus’ name. Balaam prophesied the coming Messiah. How then can we know who is truly joined to the Lord? Jesus says, “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:16). The fruit of Holy Spirit is Jesus’ character and can only be produced through one joined to Him. Jesus described this union as a vine and its branches (Jn. 15). A branch can only produce fruit as it is attached to the vine. As we abide In Christ, we will produce His character of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, faith, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and temperance (Gal. 5:22-23). As a vine is recognized by its fruit, so is a person by his character, which seeps out over time through the tongue. The tongue will separate a believer from a pretender because it is spiritually attached to the heart (Matt. 13:34).
      “Money speaks” is a true expression. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21). When an idol resides in the heart, the tongue will expose it!  How we feel about money reveals our commitment to God. A quick survey of a person’s check stubs will reveal if avarice is an idol. Many readers may say their hearts are pure and devoted to Jesus, yet there may still be a yoke of bondage preventing full obedience. Debt is a powerful yoke which has kept many in chains of guilt, fear and doubt. Whenever we receive a clear word from the Lord concerning a financial gift and our first thought is, “Can I afford it?” we are in financial bondage.
       Holy Spirit is preparing the church for a marvelous harvest of souls. Much of this preparation has to do with the supernatural release of finance. Many of us have been tested in the area of finances. Perhaps you need financial deliverance and healing. The Lord is waiting for His people to turn back to Him in unrestrained obedience to His financial principles: seedtime and harvest, tithing, and giving are God’s methods of providing resource blessings. The Lord has provided a test of  faithfulness in how we manage the least of things (money) before He will commit to us the true riches of His kingdom (Lk. 16:10–11). I pray each person reading this will weigh this matter in his/her heart and follow the Master. He is the only Way to freedom from idolatry. Amen.       
 

​Isa. 1:19-20 – “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat of the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword’; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Have you ever wondered why some receive and continually walk in God’s blessings while others seem to always come up short? The reason, in all likelihood, is all about the little BIG word “if”. I haven’t done any kind of exhaustive study on where the “if’s” are in scripture, but I do know that God’s covenant promises are ours IF we do our part of the covenant – that is, have faith in Jesus Christ and the word of God; and faith requires our action! Examine the legal document of the covenant God made with Abraham with the law of that covenant given to Moses - Deuteronomy, chapter 28, which lists the blessings for obeying (vs.1-14); and the curses for disobedience (vs.15-68). Notice Deut.28:1 – “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.” Moses goes on to lay out God’s blessings for obedience through verse 14. Then, he lists the curses starting in verse 15 – “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.” Moses goes on with a fearful list of curses until verse 68! “IF” is the determining factor whether you will walk in God’s blessings or curses in life.
Jesus spoke several “if’s” as well. Here are just a few:
Jn. 7:37-39 – “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of His heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because us was not yet glorified.”  
Jn.8:31-32 – “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Jn.10:37-38 – “If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” I love these verses and believe that every believer should use them as their ministry goal. After all, didn’t Jesus say – “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (Jn.14:12)? Again, this is totally dependent upon our response to “if” we truly believe in Jesus Christ!
Jn. 12:32 – “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”
Jn. 14:14-18 - “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me. Keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him not knows Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will; come to you.” 
Jn. 15:7 – “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
Jn. 15:18-19 – “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
Jn. 20:23 – “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 
Paul understood the conditional nature of God’s promises as well.
Rom. 8: 9-11 – But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
Rom. 8:16-17 – “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may be glorified together.”  
Lord Jesus Christ, in Revelations, spoke to the church at Laodicea: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20).
 I trust with just these few scriptures you can see the tremendous significance of the little BIG word - “if”. The realization of the conditional nature of God’s covenant promises as well as personal prophetic words you have received in the past which have not manifested in your life hinge around the “if’s” of your faith response. In most cases “if” you; “then” He! “If” becomes the real faith issue which has the power to determine destiny. If you heed the kingdom principles clearly laid out in the scriptures, then God’s covenant promises manifest in your life.
 Many reading this right now are in financial straits and have been for some time. Yet, you refuse to obey God’s simple principle of reproduction (Gen.1:11) that every seed produces after its own kind; seedtime and harvest (Gen.8:22) that you must plant seed in order to have a harvest. If you want money; guess what you have to plant? You have withheld your tithe and are “cursed with a curse” (Mal.3:8-12). You have set yourself up for the enemy to steal, kill and destroy God’s covenant promises of prosperity and abundance in your life. Some are saying right now – “Well, that’s Old Testament and it doesn’t apply to me today!” My answer to you is “How is that working for you so far?” And by the way what do you say to Lk. 6:38 – “Give, and it shall be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you”? Or, what do you have to say about 2 Cor. 9:6-11? I’m using finances as an example of one’s willingness and obedience because money is the best indicator of the  heart! This principle works in every area of your life.
Others are hiding in their self-imposed cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 22) where they have lived in distress, debt and discouragement for years. Fear of rejection has produced a rebellious attitude towards the church with the excuse that “they” are just a bunch of hypocrites and aren’t nearly spiritual enough to embrace your superior gift. Your only fellowship is with other spiritual cave dwellers communicating through an internet church where people can’t really get to know you and where there is no accountability. Don’t get me wrong – the internet is an awesome media platform to publish the gospel – it just isn’t a substitute for personal interaction and public worship in accountable relationships. Heb. 10:24-25 –  “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” It’s time to come out of hiding and begin to use the gift God has given you for the purpose He intended – “to equip the saints for the work of the ministry” (Eph.4:11-16).
My ministry is to tell you the truth in love and stir up the gift of God in your life. Some have the ministry of comforting the afflicted; mine is to afflict the comfortable. I’m too old and have been to the woodshed too many times with Holy Spirit disciplining me in my own disobedience not to do and say what He tells me to. Anyway, if I don’t tell you the truth, who will?
Bottom line - “If” you’re not considering your “if’s”, maybe it’s time to take a closer examination of your life. Are you doing your part of complying with the conditional nature of God’s covenant promises? “If” not, then, why not? Amen.
 

        Prov.29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
       Spiritual vision is a topic which will probably leave you with more questions than answers.  This article is intended to raise the bar of what’s possible through Christ in your life – a subtle nudge to jar you out of your comfort zones and present a fresh revelation of purpose and destiny.
       Spiritual vision is power in a believer’s life. Vision authored by Holy Spirit is a detailed portrait of your future in Christ. Visions often begin with a dream. Once the dream is interpreted and meditated upon, Holy Spirit aids in initiating a plan of action to cause the dream to become a reality. This Spirit-inspired plan of action becomes your dream with wings – a vision. The prophet Habakkuk states, ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” (Hab.2:2-3). When your vision becomes your focus for life, everything you do prepares, equips and brings you closer to its fulfillment.
       To truly understand spiritual vision, one must gain an understanding of God’s kingdom and sense of time – eternity. Our finite understanding of vision is a promise we have that will be fulfilled in a future time. From God’s perspective, eternity contains the past, present and future. Heb.13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Lord Jesus Christ is the very Presence of the Future!  In Rev.1:11, Lord Jesus Christ says, ‘I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last.” He’s the Eternal One who declares the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which are not yet done (Isa.46:10). Every word God has spoken (rhema) has been established in the eternal, spiritual realm: “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” (Heb.11:3). This rhema comes as a revelation directly to you by Holy Spirit, and is often confirmed through others in prophecy. You may not be able to “see’ the result of a “word” initially; but as you voice your clearly articulated vision, the vibrations of the voice of God come through you stirring up and unleashing Holy Spirit who through the force of faith secures the object of your spoken word and causes it to be manifested in your present reality. Faith goes forth and secures your vision of the future and pulls it back into your present! In Holy Spirit, we have the secrets of God in our spirits and we have the revelation of a pre-existent plan (an image of our futures) that carries us towards our intended end. Eternity lives within us through Holy Spirit – past, present and future. Paul wrote, “For whom He foreknew, He also pre-destined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren, moreover whom He pre-destined, these He called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He glorified” (Rom.8:29-30). Holy Spirit’s revelation gifts are ours to know the past, present and what the future holds (1 Cor.12:4-11).  
       The NKJV of Pv.29:18 states, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint.” I believe this perfectly describes a large percentage of the church today, existing without a vision of purpose. I need to say this right now – the church’s vision is not to hang on until Jesus comes back to snatch us out! That’s not a vision – it’s a pathetic excuse for languishing in self-pity with a victim’s mentality assuming a defensive posture in a religious redoubt. Without a clearly written and rehearsed vision of our future, we are in effect handing our futures over to the god of this world – satan. No vision equates to no glory for our futures. Our lack of knowledge (ignorance) about the importance of vision has permitted the enemy to usurp our futures and diminish our present circumstances. Today, without vision, the enemy has us going in circles from one crisis to another, in a constant state of crisis management with no anticipation for the future other than more crises to manage. No one can thrive in crisis; in fact, it’s very hard to survive in a constant state of crisis. Pastors and church leaders may feel good about helping people cope with their problems, but that’s not what we’re called to do. We’re to equip believers for the work of the ministry (Eph.4:11-16); we’re to be growing them up spiritually by teaching them how to overcome their challenges in the power of Holy Spirit, and to live by faith and not by feelings; not allowing every problem the enemy directs their way to cause a state of panic. Constantly dealing with crises in people’s lives; trying to fix every problem that comes to them; and never releasing those problems to Holy Spirit are the major causes of burn-out in ministry. Why? I believe the single dominant cause is lack of vision for both ministry and people.
       Jesus said, “However when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (Jn.16:13). Why? For what reason will Holy Spirit tell us of future things? Obviously, He wants us to know what the future holds! Why, again? Paul explains, “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor.6:1). We are co-laborers, in partnership with God through Holy Spirit. We are God’s agents of change to bring about His plans on earth. Without constant communication with Holy Spirit; without understanding God’s plan and how He intends to accomplish it, how can we effectively minister and expand the kingdom?
       1 Kings 17:8-23 provides a prophetic picture of much of the church today with no vision. In this section of scripture, Elijah had been told by God to go from Brook Cherith, which had dried up from the drought to Zarephath where He had prepared a widow who would provide for him. When Elijah arrived, the widow was gathering sticks to prepare a last meal for her son and herself. Elijah told her to take what she had – a little oil and meal and bake him a cake first; then she would have provision until the end of the drought. The widow complied, and as the prophet had said, her bin of meal and jar of oil never ran out through the drought. Later, the widow’s son became sick and died. Elijah told her to give him her son, Elijah stretched himself out on top of the boy three times, cried out to the Lord and the boy revived. I believe this is an accurate depiction of much of the church today in a drought-ridden condition – water is a type of Holy Spirit. The widow (church) had a death-oriented vision (she was about to make a last meal and die). The prophet came with a word of hope for her future – vision. The widow obeyed the prophet who spoke the vision and her needs were provided. But because of her lack of vision and her initial death oriented outlook, which I’m certain her words agreed with, her son died as that death-talk manifested in his life. Elijah, who was responsible for speaking the vision of life and future into the widow, demonstrated the resurrection power of vision. Without a vision, one lives a death-oriented lifestyle, having no plan, no destiny, going from one mess to another hoping for Jesus to come and rapture them out of trouble.
       Paul wrote, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph.5:15-16). The word we usually understand for time in the Greek is chronos, which has to do with natural time (tick tock). That’s not the word used in the above scripture. Time here is kairos, meaning God’s appointed time, or the fullness of time. Paul is admonishing believers to redeem the kairos – God’s appointed time when He desires us, as His partners, to be operating diligently in the power of Holy Spirit bringing about his will on earth. Without a vision, we’ll continue to remain ignorant of God’s timing and the principalities and powers of hell will impede and thwart us from advancing the kingdom. Without a vision, we’ll remain on the defensive, handling one crisis after another, never becoming any challenge to the gates of hell as they continue to take over our nation.
       Peter wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet.5:8). The enemy’s plan is to distract us and put to death our dreams and visions. In so doing, the enemy has been successful far too long. It’s time for a change! It’s time for seek the Lord for His vision to be released into our lives. Amen.