Consider this: The Father has given us his love. He loves us so much that we are actually called God’s dear children. And that’s what we are. For this reason the world doesn’t recognize us, and it didn’t recognize him either.  1 John 3:1 GW

There was a song my girls used to sing that’s been ringing in my ears today. It’s based on 1 John 4:7-8 and it goes just like this: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who loves not, knows not God, for God is love. Beloved, let us love one another. 

True children of God love. Why? Because God is love. Not just any old love, but a deep abiding love that is so deep and so wide there is nothing that can compare to it. It’s the kind of love that is blind to our obvious flaws and failures. It doesn’t expose, it covers. It’s how you can see the difference between those who are truly born of God and those who wear their own robes of righteousness.

This morning as I sat before the Lord basking in His presence, He began to reveal something to me that I’ve not seen clearly before. If we allow ourselves to receive the love of God, changing us from the inside out, losing our own agendas and twisted thinking, we could change the world just as Jesus did.

We’ve prayed, “Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven!” We’ve expected hell fire and damnation to be poured out on the sinners because the times are evil but in all reality, His is a Kingdom of Love and it’s the love of God, not judgement of mankind that will be this last great revival we see in the earth.

Love-not conditional but unconditional, that’s what moves God. Jesus went about healing the sick and raising the dead unbelievers, not those who claimed to know God. Love begets love. God is love and if we’re His children then we too are love. We are to love them all! The sick and twisted need God more than ever today. Those who behave badly need a Savior more than ever today.

We’ve been longing to see signs, wonders and miracles follow us but they only follow Love. Oh what love the Father had for us that while we were yet sinners, Love died for us. Why? Because first the seed of Love must fall into the ground and die before it can bring forth much fruit.

It’s so simple really! We’ve tried to overcomplicate the most simple plan in the universe; Love one another as I’ve loved you, so love one another. Love. If you have all the special programs in the world and have not love, it’s nothing. If love doesn’t unconditionally propel you into the darkest part of the world so that they may know the true love of God, you’ve missed it. Love should cause you to share your coat. Love should cause you to share your food. Love should cause you to share your wealth. If it doesn’t, you love things more than you love God.

Father, teach me to love like You. I have missed it so many times in the past, give me another chance to Love. May I receive Your Love so that I can be so full that it spills over and puts out the flames of hate and evil around me. May it not only change me, but may it change my neighbors, coworkers and those in my community. May Your love spread like a fire in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

All this is for your sake so that, as God’s kindness overflows in the lives of many people, it will produce even more thanksgiving to the glory of God.  That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day.  Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine.  We don’t look for things that can be seen but for things that can’t be seen. Things that can be seen are only temporary. But things that can’t be seen last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 GW

So often we tend to focus on what we see in this natural realm but remember, it’s only temporary. We can place our trust in God and know that He who is not seen is more real then that we do see. Say this with me; It’s only temporary! This too shall pass!

When the snow comes down as it often does, and it piles up in drifts around the house, we know that eventually it’s going to warm up, the snow will melt and we will see it no more. There are probably some in the north that hope this happens sooner rather than later! But my point is, it’s only temporary!

It’s important to remember that our words may not be seen, but when they connect with Gods Word, they become powerful tools of breakthrough. You see my friends, we are spirits. Our bodies are simply a house for our spirits but our body is temporary. We should be spending more time feeding our spirits then our bodies. It should be our top priority because God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.

If we took just half the time we spend on social media and invest that time in our spirits, we’d have more giants in faith then seen in the past. There would be more of us listening and doing and less of us blabbing about what they saw on FB or Twitter. Let’s remember that the Word lasts forever but laws, politics and people are just temporary.

Father, I choose to focus on You today. All of Your promises are real, they are true, they never fail. Heaven and earth will pass away, but Your Word will remain. I commit to focus on You today, to listen to Your voice and do what You ask me to do. It’s for Your glory and in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Some Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. His answer was, “The Kingdom of God does not come in such a way as to be seen.  No one will say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’; because the Kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21 GNT

Oh this great and wonderful truth of what we carry inside of us. It’s not found externally, but internally. It’s not eating and drinking, it’s righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. There’s nothing in this world that can imitate it because it’s only found in Him.

I love what Paul wrote in Colossians 1:27; God’s plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.

Who is this that lives in us? LOVE. God is Love. The power of love changes and transform us from the inside out. It is Love (God) in us that will change the world, heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons. When we as believers begin to operate in that kind of unconditional, sacrificial Love, everything around us will change.

You’ve got to try and understand this because it’s the key to everything in the Kingdom. It has nothing to do with how good you are or how you act or dress, it’s an internal thing. You are only holy because Christ lives in you. “ so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.” Galatians 2:20

I could go on and on and on all morning about this, but the truth is found in the fact that we must know God to know Love. To love as God loves we must die to self and surrender and allow Him to fill every nook and cranny of our lives with Him. If we want signs and wonders to follow us, Love. The true power is found in Love.

Father, it’s my desire to know You deeply and completely so I release those I’ve held prisoner, those who have hurt me, deserted me, lied to me, used and abused me. You said that love covers a multitude of sins, so I choose to cover not expose. Father forgive them, they don’t know what they’ve done! I ask Your grace and mercy be on them today and that they may truly know You in the deepest way. They are Your sons and daughters who have been deceived. May Your deep Love open the eyes of those blinded and may they be set free today. It’s in Jesus’ name and for Your glory, Amen.

Then the Philistines once again made a raid on the valley. Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” So David did as God commanded him, and they drove back the army of the Philistines from Gibeon as far as Gezer. I Chronicles 14:13-16

Here’s a lesson to start off your week:

1. When faced with great opposition the first thing I should do is ask God what my next move should be.  
2. I should listen and follow instruction carefully.  
3. Give God the credit because the victory I experience belongs to him.

Until I learn this very important lesson, I will not walk in the victory God wants for me. I must rely on HIM, ALWAYS! When I begin thinking I can do it alone, I will end up lonely. When I am dependent on Him, I remain hidden in him, surrounded by his glory and victory is assured.

Whatever I face, I will face it with You, Lord. I am never alone for You are always with me according to Your Word. You said that if I seek You I will find You so I’m seeking You with all my heart. Your Words were, “Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open to you.”

You desire to give good gifts to me and I desire to ask for and receive them. Every good and perfect gift comes from You so I give You thanks for direction, for wisdom and guidance. Today is going to be the best day ever because You will be glorified in all I do, all I say, all I type. Victory belongs to the King and I stand with Him. It’s in Jesus’ name, Amen.

But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.  Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.  Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee,  saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” And they remembered His words. Luke 24:2-8

No it’s not Easter and yes there’s a reason for this message. What I want to point out in this is that regardless of how many times we hear a promise or a word from the Lord, it is easy to forget. Why? Because we can’t see it, we hear but don’t hear, it’s just not relevant to our circumstance…..yet.

That’s how it was when Jesus first spoke these words. Everyone around heard him, they just didn’t understand what he meant by it. Jesus was notorious for speaking in parables, so I think they just thought it was another one of those stories. They probably thought to ask him later but there was so many other things that they let it go. Sometimes in the speaking, it’s merely a declaration of things to come.

Here’s something important to remember; God always has purpose for everything spoken. His Word always does what it was sent to do, just not when we think it should be done.

Approximately 5 years ago, our then pastor stood by me, grabbed my hand and said to me, “Every Word! Every Word spoken will come to pass! Every Word!” He kept saying it over and over with such force, so much power coursing through his hand to mine, I still feel it. Has every word happened? Not yet. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt it will.

It had nothing to do with the man who delivered the message. He was just a method to deliver that word to me. But I won’t forget that Word or the powerful impact it had on me. Each time I think of a promise, I remember. Each time I look at something not completed, I remember. Each time I’m discouraged and want to give up hope, I remember.

I don’t pretend to know Gods plans or understand His methods, but I do know He is God. Omnipotent. The Great King has a plan that my mind can’t understand and my intellect can’t figure out. It’s ok! I know who’s in charge and I trust that my very small part has significance. I will trust Him while I remember.

When things look bleak-remember to place your hope in Him for He will never fail you.. When the pain is great-remember, He is the great Healer. When the needs are great-remember, He is the great Provider. When the river is a mere trickle-remember the rain is coming. He will bring water to a dry and thirsty land.

Thank You Father for this reminder to remember. I will watch as You draw the curtains aside so the sun shines through. I will crawl up into Your lap and warm myself in Your presence because You are mine and I am Yours. It’s in Jesus’ name. Amen

II Corinthians 9:8 AMP: And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.

That word, Abundance means; an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply.

You were never meant to be broke; God is your Provider. You were never meant to be sick; God is your Healer. You were never meant to be fearful; God is your Protector. You were never meant to be alone; God is with you. Your husband is His. Your children are His. Your life is His. He is God and there is no other. If He is for you, who can be against you? Won’t you just take a moment and thank Him? He’s been all this and more to you.

Here we are trying to do it all in ourselves and God has already provided every favor and earthly blessing, every miracle needed, every way of escape, everything we will ever need, and placed it inside of us. He simply wants our trust. Think about that. How drastically would your life change if you really believed that verse? You wouldn’t sweat it, you’d believe and trust Him for direction and out of that trust, you’d submit and do it His way.

Father, so many times I just wanted to be in control and I’ve so messed things up! I repent of my self-sufficiency. What was I thinking? That I had enough wisdom in myself to make it happen? I realize now that everything in my life is designed to develop utmost trust in You. So today, I submit and surrender the lordship of my life to You, the author and finisher of my faith.

You have placed in me everything I need, it’s Your Holy Spirit who counsels me, instructs and directs my steps. He keeps me healthy and strong, keeps me balanced, helps me to walk in love, to forgive and accept forgiveness. He either removes obstacles or shows me how to get around or over them. Every good and perfect gift is from You. You are the only wise one. You have provided a table filled with goodness, grace and mercy, just as my enemy thought he’d defeated me, my trust in You paid off and you beat his loser self.

You are amazing beyond words, even beyond my ability to comprehend. Therefore I will hope in my God. I will not give up or quit. I know that You hear every word I speak, therefore I will remind You of Your promises to me and know that You deliver on them and keep Your Word. It’s in Jesus name and for Your glory, Amen.

So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30

Have you ever heard a report about someone that grieved your spirit? I’m not talking about shedding a few tears then going about your business, I’m talking about a deep sadness in your spirit that won’t let go of you. The kind that creates a sound of deep intercession for a soul.

I am going to attempt to put into words the things that I saw in my spirit as I began to cry out for this person. I saw their mother (who I’ve never met and who is long deceased), with her apron over her head crying out for her children. I heard her say, “Save my children that they may serve you and be mighty warriors in Your Kingdom.” She was rocking back and forth in deep prayer on a stool in her kitchen.

Suddenly I saw her words moving through the earth as if they were just spoken and I heard the Lord say, “The prayers of the saints still cry out to me, will you take up their cause? Will you cry out for their children and their childrens children? So many of my people are only concerned for their own, but if you will intercede for them, I will indeed watch over My Word for your children and their children unto the 3rd and 4th generation and they will serve me always.”

This has always been Gods way; sowing seed, doing for others, it’s the way His Kingdom operates in the earth. I just wanted to stir up in you what the Lord is stirring in me. Pray for others as if your own life depended on it. Cry out for the lost as if those were your children. Call them back to God in the spirit realm so that your words will join His word and their words and battle for their souls.

Father, I join the prayers of all the saints before me and I lift up their sons and daughters before you. I cry out with a loud voice, come back to God! Come back to the call of God! Stir up the gifts and anointings’ You’ve placed on them. Give them a deep sense of dissatisfaction that is only satisfied in You. Father, I join my words with those who have gone before me, that their children will be mighty in Your Kingdom. That signs, wonders and miracles will follow them and many will come to know You from their great testimony. It’s in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

I was reminded this morning of the 10 spies Moses sent into the promised land. Eight of them came back reporting all of the bad and two of them came back and reported the good. Two remembered that God was on their side and 8 of them forgot that part. So what made the difference? Vision.

I hear people saying, “Seeing is believing!” but the Lord says, only those who believe will see. Faith must be firmly established in God, not the things we see in this natural realm. The bible states that without vision, we perish. Why is that? Because if we only believe what we see there is no hope, but if we believe what we don’t yet see, our faith filled words will cause them to show up in the natural realm.

What happened when God said, “Let there be light!” Light came!

What happened when God sent His Word and healed them and delivered them from all their diseases? Jesus came and did just that. He was the Word made flesh. Where did the breakdown come into play? Was it Gods Word that failed? NEVER! It was our failure to see and believe.

What makes a business plan succeed? Vision and faith in that vision plus determination to never give up. Regardless of the ups and downs, the highs and lows, they refuse to quit. This seems to be what Gods people are lacking. When they don’t see the results they want, they quit believing and try to find another way. God must be the ONLY way.

Jeremiah the prophet was such a great example of this. In chapter 1 beginning in verse 5 we read:

Jesus replied, “It is only right to do all that God requires.” Then John baptized Jesus. And as Jesus rose up out of the water, the heavenly realm opened up over him and he saw the Holy Spirit descend out of the heavens and rest upon him in the form of a dove. Then suddenly the voice of the Father shouted from the sky, saying, “This is the Son I love, and my greatest delight is in him.” Matthew 3:15-17

Who baptized Jesus? John the Baptizer did. Who saw the heavens open and the Holy Spirit descend and rest on him in the form of a dove? John did. Who heard the Father say, “This is the Son I love, and my greatest delight is in him?” John did. So why is it that the same John sent his own disciples to inquire of Jesus, “Are you the one?”

So John dispatched two of his disciples to go and inquire of Jesus.  When they came before the Master, they asked him, “Are you the coming Messiah we’ve been expecting, or are we to continue to look for someone else? John the prophet has sent us to you to seek your answer.”

Without answering, Jesus turned to the crowd and healed many of their incurable diseases. His miracle power freed many from their suffering. He restored the gift of sight to the blind, and he drove out demonic spirits from those who were tormented.

Only then did Jesus answer the question posed by John’s disciples. “Now go back and tell John what you have just seen and heard here today. The blind are now seeing. The crippled are now walking. Those who were lepers are now cured. Those who were deaf are now hearing. Those who were dead are now raised back to life. The poor and broken are given the hope of salvation.  And tell John these words: ‘The blessing of heaven comes upon those who never lose their faith in me no matter what happens.’”Luke 7:19-21 TPT

Why did I share this story this morning? Because I want you to see that even the most anointed minister, those who have seen and experienced the mighty power of God up front and personal, can lose faith. You are not alone! You’re surrounded by many who have become discouraged, and disillusioned, caught up in a cyclone of debris that has robbed you of your will to go on.

You’ve questioned, “Did God really say that or was it my imagination?” After years of standing and waiting, perhaps you’ve even questioned whether the promises of God are only for a select few that doesn’t include you. I’m here to remind you of what Jesus said, ‘The blessing of heaven comes upon those who never lose their faith in me no matter what happens.’

Hold on regardless of the pain. He’s faithful who promised healing to your body. Hold on regardless of the lack, He’s faithful to provide for ALL your need according to His riches and He’s a rich God. Hold on regardless of how your children act, He’s faithful to keep your children and return them to His arms.

Just keep your eyes on Jesus, keep doing what He says to do and let Him take care of the rest. The bible says, Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:5) It’s the devils game to convince you that God’s a thief and a liar when in reality, that’s who he is! Every time those thoughts come to your mind you must remind the devil that you know the truth of Gods Word and it’s that truth that sets you free.

Perhaps if John would have reminded himself of that day he baptized Jesus and what he saw and heard, he wouldn’t have lost hope, but he thought God was going to do it a different way and because it didn’t happen like he thought, his faith faltered.

The fact is, God’s not obligated to share His whole plan with us, it’s been hidden in His Word to be revealed to those who seek Him with all their heart. Suffice it to know that you’re a part-a very small part of a very large plan. Be thankful for the role you plan and keep your trust in Him.

“While you were ministering, I watched Satan topple until he fell suddenly from heaven like lightning to the ground. Now you understand that I have imparted to you all my authority to trample over his kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will be able to harm you as you walk in this authority.” Luke 10:18-19 TPT

The way I hear some people pray today, they expect God to do something about the demons attacking their families, finances and future.  But my dear friends, before He even died for you, Jesus imparted all His authority to you. When he sent the 70 out to the villages, He first gave them authority. Why would he ever send anyone out without first giving them the authority to heal the sick and raise the dead.

“However, your real source of joy isn’t merely that these spirits submit to your authority, but that your names are written in the journals of heaven and that you belong to God’s kingdom. This is the true source of your authority.” Luke 10:20 TPT

Right there! Knowing who you are and whose you are makes all the difference in the world. If you know you belong to God, that your names are written in the Lambs book of life and that you are a part of His Kingdom, that’s the source of your authority. Knowing! Without doubt. No more questions. I’m His child and I have authority.

I know that when I hit the light switch, the light will come on. I know that when I turn the thermostat up, the furnace will kick on. I know when I get in my car and hit the button or turn the key, the car will start. I know when I unlock the door of my house, I gain entrance. And I know that when I lay hands on the sick, they’re healed. I know that Jesus gave me power and I don’t just possess it, I use it!

It’s time the body of Christ started using the authority they have. It’s time we let the devil know that we’re in control, not him! He no longer has power over our bodies, minds or spirits because they’ve been surrendered to Gods service and NOTHING will harm us! Go back and read that again. You can read it in any translation and it says the same thing:

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. NKJV

I have given you the authority to trample snakes and scorpions and to destroy the enemy’s power. Nothing will hurt you. GW

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. AMPC

See what I’ve given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. MSG

Do you see it? Go to your favorite translation and pull it up, the message is the same and you must know it deep in your spirit until it screams louder then your fears of failure. “I AM GODS CHILD AND HAVE ALL AUTHORITY OVER ALL SATANS FORCES. NOTHING CAN HURT ME, MY FAMILY, MY HEALTH, MY BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT, MY FINANCES. YOU CAN’T WIN, DEVIL! I HAVE AUTHORITY OVER YOU!!!!!”

Trust me when I tell you that once the light comes on and you recognize you’ve been blinded, deceived into buying into his lies, you’ll go after him like a tornado. You’ll wreck havoc on his forces and when he sees you coming, he’ll run like the coward he is. NOTHING CAN HARM YOU when you know your authority. NOTHING!

I’m tired of seeing Christians run in fear when the enemy comes knocking. He’s afraid of YOU and the one IN you is so much greater. Let your light get bright and the lover of darkness will run.

Look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I am a child of God and He who is in me is greater then he that’s in the world. I will walk in the power and authority that is in me and be a force to be reckoned with today. Satan, I’m telling you to back off my body, mind and spirit! I serve you notice, the eviction process has begun. You will not control my thoughts nor will you have access to my finances. You will not touch my body or my families bodies. You pack up and high-tail it out of here in the name of Jesus. Now I plead the blood of Jesus over every part of me and thank You Father for the blood that was shed. There’s power in that blood! One drop was enough to deal with all sin, sickness and disease. I will walk in my authority today and bring Your Word and the manifestation of Your goodness to everyone around me. It’s in Jesus’ name and for Your glory. Amen”