Hi everyone, hope you're having a good week.
Following my last blog post on 'These challenging times', I thought I'd share a good question we can ask God next. It comes with an interesting God story too.
Hope you enjoy this one, and let's chat in the comments.
Ann
By Ann Hutchison
Hi SUM family!
Today I'm continuing on from Monday's post, with a curious story about something God did in my home this year. It shows just how good he is, and I really do hope you enjoy this story.
As I've shared before, last year none of my family was going anywhere near church. Sigh! But one day God gave me a most unusual word. He told me I was going to be on a year-long wait for something, starting on 21 June 2020, and that something would happen at the end of that year.
Goodness, how exciting!
Over those months, then, I waited. I waited … I waited … I waited.
I kept telling myself I should not have too high an expectation about what would transpire at the end of the wait (i.e., June 2021). I figured God works mysteriously and if I were to try to guess his moves, I would almost certainly be incorrect.
That said, I simply couldn't resist trying to guess as the wait continued and, to add to my excitement, God gave me another two things: The phrase Let’s Go, and the name of a New Zealand town Whanganui.
By now this was all feeling highly suspenseful. "Is my family going to move to Whanganui, Lord?" I wondered. I was fit to burst with anticipation.
Well, my friends, I could never have guessed what would transpire next; and it's almost a little difficult to describe. But I'll give it a go. It turns out that these mysterious words related - at least in part -- to my family's church situation.
In February (2021), my pastor told me he was going to close the church I'd been attending for the past six years. I've shared this part with you all already.
Indeed, it was a shock. But then came an immediate move of God, a swipe of his power: As I've also shared, my son Miles’s school friend suddenly began attending a new church himself and invited Miles along. A miracle, in my eyes. I began attending there too, and now here’s a photo of the three of us at church together: Me, Miles (next to me), and his best friend next to him. As I write, these two boys are now fully engaged in this church.
Well, that was amazing. Suddenly I had gone from despairing at my family's lack of church attendance to enjoying it with my son. But there’s more.
I'd not been attending my new church long when they announced this:
“We’re moving into a new venue, St Paul’s College on 20th June.”
St Paul's college? 20th June? I nearly fell off my seat. You see, St Paul's college was the venue my old church had just vacated! I would be going back there? And on 20th June? That was the date my year of waiting was to end!
"Lord? What is this about?" I whispered, sitting in my seat, there in my new church.
It could still have been a coincidence … Until I saw the Facebook announcement about the new venue, and saw what phrase they had included:
'Let’s Go' !!
And it got even better. That weekend I just-so-happened to look at a map and saw something I’d never noticed before: The new church venue that I was moving back to (St Paul's) sits below a road called Whanganui Street!!
At this, I sat back, gob-smacked.
All I could conclude was that this church and my family were meant to be together, and it was as if the Father had given me signposts to confirm it.
The new church's move feels like a big new season for them; but also very significant for me and my family.
How does all this relate to my SUM? Well, this move has done something curious to my family. I can’t say why, but Bryce is fully relaxed about my involvement in this new church where it wasn't like that before. It could be because it's run by young people, and he can see how they treat Miles -- They're lovely. Or, it could be the fact he is seeing Miles thrive socially there. Nevertheless, it is a clear move of God in my family, it has been a major development in my SUM, and I thank Him.
The motto from all this: Who knows how God will move in a SUM home, but he will surely move for us. We just... Have to wait.
(Finally, to give you a final smile after Monday's post, I have even begun attending a weekly ‘small group’. But that is another story.)
My friends, I so hope this encouraged you.
With love,
Ann
Dear friends, Ann here.
I mentioned on Monday that I would share some words from our archives that God gave our community.
These words are promises that we're dusting off now because they feel relevant for today. For the past months I've been hearing God that after this pandemic many of us are going to see more outward victory from the seeds we've sown. That's exciting to me. Does it mean salvations? Oh I hope so!
How are you feeling right now about this, I wonder? We reach a point where we settle in and become used to it 'not happening'. But we can now sit up and get a little more ready: We're watching something very unusual happen in our world, and things are moving.
While we wait, one thing we must do is refresh our vision. And we can do this by reviewing some of the important things that God has said to us. In that spirit, then, I'm going to share a word below that God gave Lynn in April 2013.
Before I go on, that week was a significant week; but in a sad and startling way. One of our beloved writers and ministry partners died in a car crash on the way to a conference we were holding. Her name was Rosheeda Lee and I know some here will remember that. The SUM community celebrated Rosheeda being in Heaven with Jesus, but it also felt tragic. Especially for her parents.
I discovered something strange about that, however, last week. It was only days after Rosheeda went home that I (a future writer) heard God's voice in my living room for the first time. Shortly after, I was born again. Her seed fell to the ground that week but God wants us to know he is with our ministry.
Now we have Rosheeda in the cloud of witnesses helping us run this race (Hebrews 12:1). It is noteworthy that it was she who coined our name: SUMites, and so now she stands for us in Heaven. Beloved Rosheeda.
That week was important. And here is what the Lord now says as we continue to run this extreme and challenging SUM race:
SUMites, you are in training to be harvesters!
For here is what Lynn wrote that significant week (April 2013), and it is certainly worth us mulling over these words:
“In the last week I’ve talked to God a lot about our community and I keep hearing this passage that Jesus spoke in Luke.
He (Jesus) told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Luke 10:2 NIV
I’m convinced that this family at SUM is in training to be Harvesters. My friends, think about it. I’m convinced by the Spirit that this time period and this generation sits on the precipice of one of the greatest revivals the world has ever experienced. We have been chosen to take what we have gained through our community here to the communities, the individuals, the broken and bleeding souls around us, we are to take the Good News!!!
You may read this right now and begin nodding your head because you know this is true. You may read this and think, “Lynn, you’re crazy.” But I want you to know that if you are part of this community, you are being called to be a harvester. Especially if you feel ill-equipped when you read this. I always feel ill-equipped. It’s us ordinary people that bring great glory to God when we move in His love and power to accomplish His purposes. So, as we move forward in this series, I want you to pray about how God is already using you as a harvester and ask Him about what more He has for you in the days ahead.”
***
So, that was Lynn, and what a wonderful word. Can I suggest a little exercise for us? That we sit with God over this coming weekend and ask Him those two questions:
Lord, how are you already using me as a harvester?
What do you have for me in the days ahead?
Sometimes God takes a while to answer, but if you do sense an answer about this would you share in the comments below? I would love to hear it.
I'll pause there and continue next time. But what an adventure we are on, and a joy to be in this together!
Ann
SUMers, I could write for days about 1 Samuel, chapter 25. Whoa. There is so much in here. So, get a cup, sit down, strap in, and hold on as we jump in and learn from God’s Word. Hallelujah!
PLEASE go read the chapter, click here for the NIV version. I’m going to be teaching from the NIV as well as the One New Man Bible which is a direct rendering from the Hebrew. Ahhhhh, we are granted a rich and deeper understanding when we look at the original language.
The setting: The books of Samuel are a history of the Priesthood in Israel and the Kings of Israel. It’s the telling of how the people of God left Him as their King and turned to an earthly King. Samuel means heard of God. This was because his mother prayed for a baby and God heard her. Read that story, it’s awesome as well.
Let’s start with the couple we will be reading about today:
Nabal: The Greek meaning from the NIV, fool. Ah, yep we knew it *grin*. Hebrew: Naval, means mean, base, vile, unbeliever. (Whoa, didn’t know that. So interesting.)
Abigail: NIV describes her as an intelligent and beautiful woman. But I LOVE the Hebrew rendering of her name, Avigayil means, My Father rejoices exuberantly. And she is described as a woman of good understanding and beautiful countenance. There is a striking difference here, in that the Hebrew describes her spirit and the Greek describes her physically. Interesting. Personally, I believe her countenance is what provided her with tremendous influence and also favor with God. Her favor with God brought her great understanding and wisdom.
David: In this portion of the story David is an outlaw. Truly, he is being hunted by the King, Saul, who has been abandoned by God. What I find fascinating about David is that he led a band of marauders who ransacked entire towns, killing the people and taking all the spoils. Say WHAT??????
Does that bother anyone else?
Well, let’s add to the understanding. Most of the people of Israel know David. Remember the army watched this 12 year-old-boy defeat the Philistines as David slew Goliath. They knew Samuel anointed him to be King. They knew of his exploits in battle to defeat the enemies of the Crown. And this is all in line with God’s purpose and plans. God still intended Israel to cleanse the Promised Land of the filth of the nations who practiced divination, idol worship, and who sacrificed their own children in the fire to Molech. And if you know anything about this practice, it’s absolutely revolting. Trust me on this.
So, David’s ransacking may not have been an evil in the eyes of God. ---- Doesn’t the Bible really mess with your head?---- That’s a good thing.
Another note I find fascinating is that Nabal is described as a mean, vile, and an unbeliever with whom no one can reason. Wow, I wonder how many of us know people like that??? And in this scenario in 1 Samuel 25 he is living up to his reputation. I wonder, however, how many of us would reject helping someone because a person was an outcast of society, a law breaker, an intentional defiler of all that we adhere to? Dang, I like to ask the challenging questions. *grin*
An overall summary of this passage is David protected Nabal’s men while they shepherded the flocks during the summer. Come fall and harvest, David needed provisions and naturally assumed he would be rewarded for his service. Nabal said, “No way. I’m not giving anything to a gang of fugitives.” Even though he knew David was anointed the next King and was likely aware that he protected his men and possessions.
At the core here is absolute arrogance and greed. And likely a lifetime of little repentance, consequence, nor love for others. People of great wealth rarely face consequence. It's a travesty that leads many of wealth into a poverty of soul.
God is so patient. Even waiting for a man like Nabal to experience a change of heart. Even giving to him a wise and beautiful wife and a life of comfort. The truth surrounded Nabal each and every day. He chose to ignore the truth: David will be King and this future King had protected his possessions and servants. Nabal was selfish and felt untouchable. What is fascinating about this scenario, Nabal was going to die either way.
Now it’s easy to go down this road that my spouse looks like Nabal. Don’t do it. Most of us are married to good men and women who are honorable and love us. Even if we might think they could do a better job of it.
What the real story in the chapter is all about is Abigail. And I can’t wait to talk with you about this woman.
Okay, did I mess with your head looking into the introduction of this story? I hope so, *grin*. What do you think about the Nabal? Why is the Lord sharing so much of this man’s character, his name, his behavior? I really want to hear your opinions. There is wisdom in here. Let Jesus show you. And I’ll see you in the comments. And I can’t wait to chat about Abigail next time.
Hugs, Lynn
Hello, dear SUMite friends. Ian from sunny Sydney here. I returned this morning from a whirlwind trip to San Antonio to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) annual conference. This is now my fourth conference and the reason I keep returning is that each time I go I experience a significant God-moment, writing and non-writing.
My first experience of this was at the 2012 event where I met our dear friend Dineen Miller who introduced me to SUM. I’ve written about our meeting a few times but in a nutshell prior to this conference I doubted I could ever have a ministry role outside my small little world as a result of being a SUM. Dineen both at the conference and, later through her contribution to SUM, clearly demonstrated otherwise and it dawned on me that I’d allowed myself to be deceived by the enemy.
Clearing Obstacles
I had felt the Lord’s nudge to attend this year’s event. It surprised me because it’s a fiction event and my energies this year have been focused around a non-fiction project. Surely, there was a disconnect. But the nudges kept on coming.
But there were some clear obstacles, the biggest being a financial one. We simply didn’t have the money for flights, conference and hotel accommodation. I kept saying to God, well, if you want me to go then you’ll need to clear this obstacle.
Six weeks before the event, mid-August, I received a completely unexpected financial gift from my parents. They were unaware of my desire to attend the conference. I was amazed. The Lord said to me, ‘well, that’s no longer an obstacle’.
I left chatting to Fiona about it for a week or so until she asked me what I’d like to do with the gift. And so I told her. She was kind enough to let me attend and when booking flights I was able to use frequent flyer points to get me across the Pacific meaning I didn't have to spend as much as first thought.
I’m continually amazed at God’s goodness.
Expectant Heart
I boarded my flight last Wednesday still unsure of why I was attending. I had set up some meetings but there was no guarantee they would provide anything of any great value. However, my heart was expectant both because of my three previous experiences but also because of how God had made it possible for me to attend.
It didn’t take long for things to start bubbling. The first worship session included the mention of a verse from Revelation that had been important to me during the first half of the year. Aha … is this it, Lord?
Even though I was able to share the significance of this verse to the two people who mentioned it and had a lovely moment with both, it soon became apparent it was simply a minor precursor to what the Lord had in store.
Feedback
The second day proceeded uneventfully until an afternoon appointment I had set up week’s prior. It was with a man whose counsel I admire and on discussing my non-fiction project with him, it wasn’t long before I realised this was the ‘gotcha moment’ and the reason for my attendance. The feedback wasn’t exactly what I would have liked to receive but it was exactly what I needed to hear. Two subsequent meetings with agents confirmed the same.
I felt pretty flat and a little discouraged by the time night came about. I thought my project was headed in the right direction but it was clear it wasn’t.
Worship clears the cobwebs of discouragement
The conference always has a late night worship session where writers can sit and write as they listen to worship. I didn’t want to write. I wanted to worship. I needed to because it’s something that always lifts my spirits. And the worship band at ACFW is one of the best I’ve sat under.
The enemy hates worship. I reckon it’s like a persistent jackhammer banging away at their heads. They have to flee – remember Paul and Silas in the jail set to be executed the next day? What did they do? They “were praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25) What happened next? An earthquake happened, cell doors opened, chains fell off, freeing the two heroes.
Ephesians 5:18-19 is even more clear: “Be filled with the Holy Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to the Lord with all your heart.” The Holy Spirit is the one who changes the atmosphere and being filled with the Spirit through singing and praying weakens the enemy’s power.
The discouragement I had soon lifted even though I was unsure of the next steps in my project. I woke the next morning feeling refreshed and energized. The morning’s worship was tremendous even more so as the Lord’s presence was thick as He touched a number of people in a very gentle healing way.
The Dance of Dependence
God never lays out the blueprint of the future, does He? It’s always one step at a time so we continue to trust in Him to lead us. We have to depend on Him. I was reminded of how a dad dances with a young daughter. She places her feet on his and as He steps, her feet automatically follow. It’s a wonderful picture for how we can follow His lead don’t you think?
When was a recent time you followed one of the Lord’s nudges out of obedience even though you were unsure of what was to occur? Be great for us to encourage each other in the comments below.
Blessings, my SUMite friends.
When I was paying for the SUM community, Holy Spirit started downloading words and pictures into my soul for us! So, in prayer, I grabbed my pen and sketch pad and let Holy Spirit flow through me. This is the first time I have ever done this, and let me tell you, it was awesome and I want more!!! I really hope that the photo at the end of this post expresses it properly (best viewed on laptop/pc). I pray that God will bless you through it and reveal to you in your heart what He wants you to know :)
I believe He is calling together an army from across the nations to join forces together against evil. In the spiritual realm we are together and we are kicking up noise! An uproar against satan and his wicked plans. The angels can hear us and they rejoice! The demons can hear us and they flee! Other believers can hear us and they join us!
Holy Spirit led me to this scripture for the SUMITE ARMY:
"Raise a banner on a bare hilltop, shout to them; beckon to them to enter the gates of the nobles. I have commanded those I prepared for battle; I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath — those who rejoice in my triumph. Listen, a noise on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations massing together! The Lord Almighty is mustering an army for war. They come from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens — the Lord and the weapons of his wrath — to destroy the whole country." Isaiah 13:2-5
Then, knowing I am a word nerd, He led me to contemplate "Sumite" and how similar it is to "Summit". I got super excited! Look at the dictionary definition of Summit and how it ties in with this scripture!
1 - The highest point of a hill or mountain. (God is calling the Sumites to the Summit of the mountains/hills)
1.1 - The highest attainable level of achievement. (God is the highest of the highest. We are victors through him)
2 - A meeting between leaders (we are being called to converge at the Sumite Summit on the summit!!!)
Holy Spirit then blew me away and as I prayed, it was as though He downloaded these prophetic words to me for all the Sumites:
The Sumite army is rising up! This army has been amassed from across the world, and now it is time to join together and wage war! Listen to the sound of the horn calling you! Move forward inch by inch to take back the land that the enemy has stolen! It is our land - it rightfully belongs to us through Christ - and it is time to march forward and reclaim it. We belong to God, He has called us by name, we are His chosen army. Rise up to take back land and free the captives of the enemy (our unsaved loved ones) who will then join the army and be mighty soldiers for God. Who better to make a powerful and effective fighter than one who has been held as a prisoner of war?!
The battle is the Lord's. He goes before us and fights for us. He sends angelic armies to join forces with us. Trust Him. We fight from a position of victory! He has already overcome the enemy. Wave His banner high over you, blow the shofar, sing praises, dance and worship! The ground will shake and tremble. Mountains will crumble. Chains will be broken. Prison cells will be unlocked. We will spill the enemy's blood. Angelic armies are joining forces with us and fighting for us. Be fierce and forceful in battle, your strength comes from the Lord God Almighty and he has given us every provision we need to win. We are victors, we are overcomers, we are more than conquerors.
Our battle plan and strategy are given through His word. Remember, put on the full armour - this is essential - and keep your shield of faith high and declare hedges of protection around your families and your households. Use your weapon - the sword of the Spirit, His anointed word, which is sharper than a double-edged sword, the most powerful weapon which no enemy can withstand. Follow Jesus' example when He was attacked and tempted by the devil - He declared the Holy Word and did not enter into negotiation. Know your enemy. Know his deceitful tricks and strategy - knowledge is power. What are your weakest points? Where is he likely to press? Is there anything that could compromise your hedge of protection? Pray for discernment and wisdom and God will answer you and deliver you.
We have the organization needed in our ranks: generals, officers, watchmen, gatekeepers and foot soldiers. If you are battle wounded and weary and can't be on the front line right now that is okay. But, pray for the army and you can regain your strength so that you can join the fight on the front lines. The way to stop becoming battle weary is to rest in His love and peace. Worship Him. Draw close to Him. Speak to each other in hymns and prayers. If anyone falls down, then the rest of the army should surround them and encourage them. When the generals and leaders are fatigued, foot soldiers should carry them. When a comrade is injured, tend to them. This battle is real - the Sumites are already experiencing the attacks of the enemy and some are wounded in battle. BUT, the enemy may be able to superficially wound us, but he cannot beat us or kill us and he knows it. We are each sealed by Holy Spirit and stamped through and through as God's child. Do not be afraid. Do not tremble before the enemy. God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. He has blessed you with every spiritual blessing. He has given us everything we need. Use it and put the enemy back in his place!
The enemy is trembling, he knows his time is nearly up and he will now amass all his forces in every last ditch attempt to defeat us. But, we shall not be defeated! Stand guard. Stand firm. Press on. Know we are victors through Christ. Prepare for victory and celebration. God's glory will be sung throughout the land and our victorious cries will resound in heaven!!!
Libby xxx
On this Monday morning following Easter, I feel as though I want to share a passage that is continually running in my soul right now. It’s the passage that Easter is leading me to comprehend. It is the message from the Holy Spirit to the church in this season.
THIS is our inheritance and expectation as a daughter or son…. Or Bride of the King of Kings.
It’s a complete, full circle, from where we started this journey with the Father asking the Israelite slaves, Will you marry me.
BEHOLD! Our destiny, BRIDE OF THE MOST HIGH GOD.
The Glorious Company
18 For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore. 20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: “And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow.” 21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”)
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. —Hebrews 12:18-24
Hallelujah! AMEN!
SUMites, tell me about your Easter this year. Did your spouse attend church. Did you feel the love of Jesus. Did you pray and give Him thanks. Do you say, YES! I adore you, Lynn
I sat chatting with my publisher. We’d only just met face to face for the first time and here we sat, an Englishman and an Aussie, having a cup of tea (as in hot) in a café in a Nashville hotel. We were attending a Christian Writers Conference, he prospecting for new content and I hoping he’d give me an update on my manuscript that I’d sent through to his employer three months previous.
Unfortunately, Tony knew nothing about my manuscript. He was now a contractor to the business and so wasn’t involved in the day-to-day. I thought we’d end up having a nice chat about nothing in particular until he quickly changed the subject with the question: “Have you thought of writing non-fiction?” (for those of you who don’t know I write fiction).
My heart jumped a little. I’d come to the conference having played around with an idea for a non-fiction project to discuss with some of my writing friends and one in particular, our very own Dineen Miller. But I didn’t plan on pitching it, as this was a fiction conference so I naively thought who’s going to be interested in non-fiction? Well, Tony was.
Not being prepared, I babbled out an idea and it was clear to both Tony and I that all I had was a general concept. He kindly agreed to my suggestion of sending him a proposal in the next month.
As soon as I finished with Tony I sought out Dineen and with much excitement shared what happened.
I’ve attended two of these conferences now and both times the Lord has surprised me.
Mary
We’re all familiar with the story in Luke 1. Last week we looked at Gabriel surprising Zechariah with the news of a baby. In verses 26-38, Gabriel appears a second time to a poor Galilean peasant girl. Most commentators believe Mary was 13 or 14 years old. It was relatively common in those times for girls of this age to be married and pregnant and I’ve always loved the innocence of Mary’s question to Gabriel: “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (v34 ESV)
This was only the first of a lifetime of surprises for Mary. God turned this girl’s life upside down in an instant.
Mary and Elizabeth
The surprises continue. And we’re still in Chapter 1. Mary’s now pregnant and she visits her cousin, Elizabeth who is now almost six months pregnant.
“and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit ”” (v40-42 ESV)
The babe inside Elizabeth, ie, John, leaped when Mary greeted Elizabeth. The spiritual electricity is hot. The baby senses the presence of the Messiah. And then Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit! Wow.
After this initial Holy Spirit-charged greeting, Mary, we’re told remained with Elizabeth for about three months. (v56) Here we have a 60-year-old woman, six months pregnant, with her fourteen-year-old cousin who was in her first trimester. Both women no doubt supported each other in very practical ways through their respective pregnancies. Just imagine some of their conversations!
Can we presume Mary was present at the birth of John? Did she assist in the birth? Did she hear Zechariah speak his first words after being mute for nine months?
And then Mary went home. With a baby bump. Surprising her betrothed, their families and communities. I expect Mary would have been dreading that day of departure.
How has God surprised you recently?
It didn’t take long for more surprises. Chapter 2 starts by telling us that the Romans are planning a census and everyone needed to go to their own towns to register. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem “the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David” (v4) only for Mary to soon go into labour then giving birth to Jesus in a barn because the inn was full due to the influx of people registering.
The Messiah! Born in a barn? Another surprise.
As we journey closer to Christmas, now only 14 days away, may we all be surprised by our Lord. May we all have expectant hearts as we keep our eyes on Him.
When was the last time the Lord surprised you? It would be lovely for us all to share in each other’s surprises by adding them in the comments. I trust this will fill us with even more hope as we wait upon the Lord in this season of Advent.
Grace and peace,
Let’s open the next book, shall we?
And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. —Revelation 20:12
There is a day in our linear future where every person whosoever liveth upon the earth, shall pass before the throne. The “Books” shall be opened and judgement shall be determined.
WHOA!!! I can’t stop saying that… WHOA!!!
Astounding….. I don’t have language to express the fathom of this truth.
“As I looked,
“thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened. —Daniel 7:9-10
Let this passage leave you awe struck. We will be there. We will have our very own book opened. And in our book, is written our original design, our unique creation, our purposes, our assignments that were ordained and written to be fulfilled in our lifetime on earth, before time began. And in our book, will be the results.
Did we discover the truest thing about our self?…. Did we learn that we are lavishly loved. Did we come to understand that our hair color, our gender, our eye color, our imperfections were imperfectly, perfect? Did we realize our full potential and creativity that were gifted to us from heaven? Did we walk in joyous laughter and live in peace, which is our birthright (Romans 14:17)?
Did we learn to love?
Oh, how I have prayed for each and every one of you that you have all learned to love. God gave us difficult marriages so that we would learn to love like Jesus. I have tarried in the secret place for you, your children, and spouse to come to the place of your truest identity.
You are an empowered and perfect child of God!
THAT is our truth.
So, let’s tackle the why.
Why aren’t we walking in victory, true identity, and our predestined missions and assignments?
Enter stage left: Lucifer
Before time began when our books were written, there was an angel. According to Ezekiel 28:13, a probable reference to Lucifer, we learn that he is an amazing being to behold: "You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: the sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created."
His pride in his beauty and position ultimately lead him and a third of the angelic host to be cast out of heaven and down to earth.
And thus, he’s pissed off. I mean roiling mad.
He’s mad and also fully aware of the destinies that are written in our books.
Thus, the war is at hand. We are in a war for truth. The truest thing about us, the works of our lives assigned and contained within our books. As I walked through the vineyards that morning a few weeks ago, the Lord began to show me how, as people, we are destined to live on earth as it was originally intended by the Lord. And God revealed how the devil immediately went to work assaulting the destinies ordained for our lives.
God said to me that morning, “Lynn, it began years ago. Centuries and centuries, way back in families. A brother became jealous and murdered his brother. A man, an ordinary husband and father, heard a whisper from the demonic realm that perhaps he wasn’t good enough to provide for his family, he turned to stealing and alcohol. A mother leaned into a lie that she was insignificant and unworthy to be loved or respected because she was only a girl. A child grabbed hold of a lie that anger was the answer to his pain. Pride was whispered to every generation. Father after father, mother after mother, the generations began to believe the lies of the enemy and their divine books became corrupted.”
“Abuse entered into the bloodline, alcoholism, occult practices, bloodshed. The wickedness of men blotted out names, destroyed childhoods, imprisoned generations to addictions of perversion. These wicked practices are passed to the children or gleaned from others with evil in their hearts.”
Oh Jesus, I whisper.
“But in my books, it is written that men would always love and cherish their wives. Their children were their pride and joy and the focus of their heart. Mothers were powerful and tender nurturers of the children and her husband. And together these families raised up the next generation to LIVE fully, alive and in the blessings and beautiful world that I created for them to enjoy.”
Okay, the heaviness of this is taking me over. I need a break.. Time to find Kleenex again.
Oh, My SUMites, let’s pray for the restoration of the books of our families.
See you on the next post…. It’s the BEST one of this series. I Love you, Lynn
A SINGLE LIFE Can Restore A Family Line
Remember Friday we revealed the truth that God created us as a perfect reflection of His love. AND He created us, every person on earth, to be His child, to walk in love and to live in His Kingdom. Remember God said to me, “Tell them about the books, Lynn. My people don’t understand the books and therefore they are unaware.”
Let’s open the next book.
The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. —Revelation 3:5
This is the Lamb’s Book of Life. Our name was written in this book and it shines with brilliant light as a reflection of our choice to believe in Jesus Christ. It was written before time began and only you can make the choice to have your name blotted out. (Rejection of Jesus Christ.)
We were perfectly made AND we were created to be victorious. Our names are recorded as a resident of the Kingdom of God. … before time began, I remind you.
Good LORD!!!
It is, and always has been, God’s intention that every person is to be included in the Kingdom. Read these next passages and let these truths seep deep into your soul:
Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, — Ephesians 1:4-5
Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. —2 Timothy 1:9
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. —Romans 8:29
Okay, I’m not going to debate predestination but I know, without a doubt, that God loves people. His intentions toward people are love and if there is some other doctrine that God doesn’t love people nor have the best intentions for us, we are all doomed. It’s a lie!
So where does life go sideways? Why are we not living in these truths? Why are people going to hell? Why is the world filled with hate? Why did we endure abuse as a child? Why are relationships and marriages so dang hard? What in the hell?..... Really, hell is the answer to all the why.
So, next post, let me share what happens to our books and how we have been every gift to fully realign with our destiny that was sealed before time began.
Book of Life is also referenced in:
And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. —Philippians 4:3 (NKJV)
SUMites, I don't know if I included all the references to the Book of Life. If I missed some, please post the scriptures in the comments. Also, what are your thoughts about the Book of Life? Would love your perspective. Hugs, Lynn
While on my walk-n-pray today (Thursday), trotting down a street in wine country, suddenly a small feather floated out of the sky and into my cupped hands. I whispered, Thank you Daddy! Then I began to ask the Lord, “Father, what is on your heart about this subject, identity. How do I speak to Your people about this extremely sensitive subject?”
God immediately replied, “Tell them about the books, Lynn. My people don’t understand the books and therefore they are unaware.”
WHOA!
THAT IS NOT the answer I expected…. At all.
But, it’s exactly the perfect answer. Following the Lord’s reply, immediately a download from the Holy Spirit about the books initiated. I began to perceive what the books intend for mankind and where and why we strayed away from the truth. So, please allow me to share with you my conversation with the Lord. Much of what I share is found in Scripture and I include theses passages in the posts.
God began to speak to me about who we are. So, today, I want to share what I heard, the truth of who we are, predicated on scripture and then we will visit the reality of how our identity becomes warped or distorted. Okay? Let’s do this!!
Let’s start with the books.
Do you know that before time began, books were written in the heavenly realms? Books of all manner of things, purposes, and people. There is a book(s) written about you, specifically. Let’s take a look at some of these books. Because understanding The Books of the Kingdom will shed great light on the deceptions of the devil and illuminate the truth of our identity.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. —Psalm 139:16
Let’s start with this passage in Psalms. This is David speaking, a prophet, a King, and man after God’s own heart. In this passage it is written that God ordained every single day of life. God wrote down our longevity, our identity, our purpose, our works, our achievements, and His divine destiny in our own book before the dinosaurs. Really!
Let’s linger here for a minute. PLEASE let this truth ROCK your world. God wrote my book and your book before time began.
God spoke to me this morning and He said, “Lynn, all things written in your book are good. Your book contains assignments for My Kingdom. Works that bring you great joy, such as when you write for My Kingdom, you come alive. That is a fulfilment of one of your chapters in your book. I recorded the destinies of every human being in their book. The books are written decrees to be fulfilled which brings great glory, honor and joy to My heart and it brings the same to those who walk in their written destinies.”
WHOA!!!! Can I just say, WHOA!
GULP…
Then the Lord went on to say, “Lynn, you and every person on earth was wonderfully and beautifully made. Remember that scripture?”
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. —Psalm 139:14
“Yes, Lord, I am very familiar with that passage.”
“Lynn, every person from the beginning of time, throughout history, has been created perfectly.”
Immediately I realized that every human being is a perfect expression of God’s love. God created us uniquely, specifically, intentionally. We aren’t a mistake in any way or any area.
Our eye color wasn’t a mistake. Our height, not a mistake. Our freckles, our bone structure, our skin color, NOT A MISTAKE, our gender, NOT A MISTAKE.
God is perfect. He doesn’t make mistakes. He crafted each of us, 7.5 billion people, as perfect expressions of His boundless, astounding, love.
We are NOT A MISTAKE. We were created in our mother’s womb with the love of a tender Father who only wants good for His beloved child.
Hold please, I need to find Kleenex. I’m weeping and shaking under the power of the Holy Spirit all at the same time. Taking in this reality is wrecking me. This truth is blowing up every false belief system about my life. And there’s more. So much more to this that I am shaking under the power of the revelation as I type.
I need to pause here. I ask you SUMite Nation, take in this reality. Ask the Father about your book, your destinies. Receive the truth that you are NOT a mistake and the reality that you are exactly who God created you to be.
I understand what you will wrangle with…. The WHY questions. If this is true, then why ______ did this happen. Where were you God when ______ this went wrong. WHY?
Oh boy howdy, did God give me an answer. Stay tuned. Pray into these passages. I feel a powerful revelation and freedom dawning.
WE LOVE YOU LORD! Hugs, Lynn
PS. There is gold dust on my keyboard right now.
Can I just say again…. WHOA!
The Israelites were a people who waited. They waited for the promise of restoration to their homeland for over 70 years. My friends, we are like the Israelites. We are also a people group united in our time of waiting as we yearn and hope for the promise of salvation. And God has given grace-filled promises for every part of it.
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable. — Isaiah 40:28
Nothing is unknown to Him. Every possibility is the doorway to another, yet the ultimate goal is always the same. He is the one unchanging constant in this life, my friends. He exists beyond time as we understand, as He just is. He is our Creator, our Redeemer, our Savior—His heart is to be all things to us and His power, like His love, is more than we can comprehend. He never tires, falters, or doubts. He trusts us more than we trust ourselves. He believes in us more than we believe in ourselves. And how could He not? He knows what He has given us as a deposit, as His ultimate promise—His Spirit.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted; — Isaiah 40:29-30
The Hebrew word for "power" is ḵôaḥ and holds meanings such as to be firm; vigor, ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance and wealth. It is a "power-packed" word (yes, pun intended) that attempts encompass and define His indefinable power, presence and provision. It is who He is.
Our limited power and strength never diminish or change His plans. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Our weakness is the very condition that allows His power to be revealed and perfected (2 Cor. 12:9). And He never grows weary in His own strength and He never grows weary of helping us, providing for us, sustaining us and loving us. When we see impossible, He says possible. When we see a wall, He makes a doorway. When we see the end, He says it's just the beginning of a new time, a new season, a new opportunity...
Appointed Times and Seasons
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. — Isaiah 40:31
There are two Hebrew words here that hold vital meanings to our complete understanding. The first is "wait." Other translations use "hope." That's because the Hebrew word here, qâwâ, means both to wait and to hope. It also holds meanings such as to bind together, to expect, gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon).
To hope in the Lord means to wait expectantly upon Him to fulfill His promises to us. He knows the times and season of our lives down to the smallest detail. He is always working to fulfill what He has promises us in the best timing and seasons possible. He wants us to have the fullest benefit.
The second noteworthy word in these verses is "walk." The Hebrew word here, yâlaḵ, and means to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses), bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, follow, grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, pursue, cause to run, spread, take away. Take not of the meaning "prosper" in this definition. As His children, no matter what time or season we are in, we are intended to prosper and thrive. Even in the toughest of times, God is working to help us reap our reward as we grow more like His Son Jesus.
And perhaps I'm not far off in say that is our greatest "opportunity," dear friends, to be more and more Christ-like. Our lives are a continual journey toward Jesus, to be like Him and one with Him. I used to wonder if we had to discard all that we are in order to be like Jesus, but the reality is, in doing so we become who we truly are intended and designed to be. Our identity in Jesus is a lifetime spent in revelation of our unity and inheritance in Him. And we are provided for in every way and for every aspect of that journey.
There is so much grace for us in the waiting, my friends. Both the Hebrew and Greek words for "grace" mean kindness and favor. So know that as you wait, God's grace is there providing His power, strength, hope and provision as we dwell in His great kindness and favor.
SUMites, you are greater in and through Him than you will ever know. You are destined to soar on wings like eagles!
Love you!
Dineen
I’m fascinated by Jesus. I’m fascinated by how He interacts with people in the Bible and today. And I’m fascinated by the deeper meanings the Holy Spirit brings to us as we move closer to the truth of who we are and find healing in that process.
My friends, one such story is found in Luke 7, the story of Jesus being anointed by a sinful woman. If you have a moment, read this account in Luke 7:36-50.
As I read this story recently, the Holy Spirit answered a long-held question I had in a very unexpected way. This question came from Jesus’ statement, “But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
I asked the Lord once again, “Lord, do I have to be forgiven of a lot of things in order to love you better?”
The question sounded ridiculous to me as I wrote it in my journal, because I knew that sin is sin to Jesus and that He took care of it all on the cross. But I wanted to understand the heart of this story at a deeper level. And if the Holy Spirit was telling me to read this particular piece of Scripture, then I could be assured He had something to reveal to me that would move me closer to the truth.
He brought me back to the beginning of this story and said, “Read it again.”
I did. I read it again, repeatedly over several days. I read of the woman’s weeping and reverent treatment of Jesus. I read of Simon’s thoughts toward the woman. And I read what Jesus says of Simon and how he welcomed Jesus into his home.
Jesus saw Simon and the woman in the very same light. His love for each of them was equal and His gift of forgiveness the same. In fact, the story isn’t at all about how Jesus saw these two people at all.
It’s about how they saw themselves. The woman knew her need and saw Jesus as the answer. Though the perfume was costly, her tears and love were priceless to Jesus. Only He could receive her sacrifice with love and forgiveness.
And restore her…”Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Simon didn’t see his need. He didn’t see himself at all actually. He lived in the deception that he was good, because as a Pharisee, he’d followed all the rules, therefore keeping himself blind to his need. He saw the woman as the sinner, not himself.
Simon saw the woman as who she used to be.
Jesus saw the woman as who He always created her to be.
My friends, that is how Jesus sees us. He always sees us from the place of our complete identity and destiny. And everything He is doing in us right now is to reveal more and more of that, what He’s already declared us to be.
On Friday I plan to talk a little bit more about this subject and share more of what the Holy Spirit is teaching me right now about connecting our identity in Christ to our destiny and how to live it right now. It’s an adventure full of the mystery of God and abiding in Him with peace. I can’t wait to learn more!
I love you, SUMites. I see you through the eyes of God’s love and you are more amazing than you can ever imagine!
Dineen
Copyright: semisatch / 123RF Stock Photo
My friends, on Tuesday we started talking about seeing our marriages instead of a but, to see them as a "But God..." My heart is to encourage you to walk in God's truths and to be all that His heart and love have declared and planned for you to be. The more I work in our healing rooms here, the more I understand that God has asked me to partner with Him to help people do this, to realize their divine destiny and walk in it. And this calling He's placed on my heart is not limited to healing rooms. He puts me into action all over the place. What an adventure!
And I love, love, love that I can bring that to our SUM nation. Dear friends, Lynn and I love you so much! We are passionate for you to walk in freedom, in the truths that Jesus came and died for us to believe and live in, and experience all the fullness of a life with God. Our abundant life isn't waiting in heaven. It's starts here on earth the moment we say yes to Jesus.
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. — John 10:10
Jesus does not put any qualifiers on this, my friends. No ifs or buts! We started with the truth that God is unchanged, unaffected and unmoved by our pre-believers lack of faith and neither are His plans and purposes for us.
Now I want to look at what Jesus did for us, because I love these truths. They have given me freedom from the enemy’s lies that his influence is greater than God’s.
In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. — Col 2:15 (NLT)
The NIV translation says “he made a public spectacle of them.” God not only defeated satan, He shamed him and made a public spectacle of him. My friends, the enemy wants to transfer that shame on us because he hates it. But remember, there is no condemnation (shame) in Jesus (Romans 8:1). That’s our truth! Wow!
Therefore…
You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. — Col 2:20
We have been set free of the enemy’s power. The only way he can influence us is if we let him, if we give him our authority. Lynn will be teaching more on that.
I want to finish with a few more powerful truths from Colossians:
For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. — Col 3:3
In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free (or spiritually mismatched). Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. — Col 3:11 (with my parenthetical addition)
My friends, Christ is all that matters. He’s the “but” in our marriages because all things are possible with Him. Lynn and I are living proof that we can walk in the fullness of our spiritual identity and callings regardless of our mismatched marriages. And I will tell you that I used to think my marriage—my husband’s unbelief—would limit what God had for me, would basically preclude me from being and doing all that God has for me, but that was another lie of the enemy that has been publicly shamed (by this ministry) and proven untrue.
At the end of Colossians, Paul says something that has had me pondering:
“Remember my chains.”
I wondered at first if this was his way of asking for prayer and perhaps it was, but I think it goes beyond that. I’ve studied Paul’s letters though the years not just for the truths he shares but to understand the man he was. I believe Paul was encouraging believers to see that despite his chains, God was still working in and through Paul to accomplish all that God had predestined (planed in advance) for this man to do (Eph 2:10).
SUMites, I’m not saying our pre-believers are our “chains,” though some days, I dare to say, many of you may feel this way. And I say that with humor! What I am encouraging you to embrace is that if we are to stand in the truth of God’s Word, which tells us that ALL things are possible with God, then let’s believe and live it right in our marriages.
We are not defeated, and we are by no means limited as long as we believe God, believe what He has told and promised us. Let’s do as Paul tells us, to believe this truth and stand firmly in it.
In the mighty name of Jesus, amen!
Quiet Time Study: (Take these questions to the Lord in your quiet time. Then listen.)
Continue to seek God for His plans and purposes for you. Write down whatever He tells you and then start seeking Him for each step of this journey. He may start you big or He more than likely will start you with small steps, my friends. God’s great “divine plan” for us is to know Him. To just be His kid. If that’s what He’s calling you to do right now, that means He wants to take you deeper first to know Him, love Him, trust Him, so that He can move you into bigger places.
Community Questions (answer in the comments):
No questions today, my friends. Simply share whatever is on your heart. If you want to share what God is showing you, please do! Let’s encourage and celebrate each other in whatever God is doing in each of our lives. And I want to pray over and bless each of you for whatever Papa God is revealing to you. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, feel free to email me.
I love you, SUMites! I’m praying for you and celebrating with you, for all that God has for you. Next week, I want to share with you three keys to walking in the fullness of faith and victory. The Holy Spirit has started a new dialogue about these. I’m listening to hear more and look forward to sharing them with you. Have an amazing weekend!
My friends, I want to touch on an area that I feel the Holy Spirit has placed on my heart. I sense there are some of you out there who are reading this spiritual warfare series and seeing your marriages (regardless of how you got there) as blocks to all that God has for you. As a “but.”
Instead, I want to encourage you to think of your marriage not as a “But God…”
We’ve talked about sanctification before so I encourage you to go read this post on that subject and study and seek God for more truth and understanding of 1 Cor 7:14. That is a powerful foundational truth to understanding the influence your faith has on your marriage, your pre-believer and your children.
But today I want to talk about our places in these marriages, the truths that protect us and how this relates to spiritual warfare. First, we need to understand that our pre-believers choices and criticisms against our faith do not change these truths:
This may seem simplistic in some ways, but I find this truth as powerful as the truth of God’s love for us. God is unchanged, unaffected and unmoved by our pre-believers lack of faith. Period. God will always pursue our pre-believers in His relentless love for all to repent and know Jesus, but this does not stop His plans, purposes and blessings for us.
Salvation is an individual choice. In other words, our salvation and standing as a child of God with all the benefits, inheritance and blessings is in no way dependent upon any other person except for Jesus. And He already did the work. It’s done.
So, let’s talk spiritual warfare in our marriages. Yes, we may face more warfare because we are on the front lines contending for our pre-believer’s salvation, but we also are way more aware of this warfare than a lot of believing couples, SUMites. We know the enemy’s plan is to destroy marriages. We are on guard and praying against his tactics. We have skills!
Let’s start with an awesome Scripture Lynn quoted last week from Colossians and look at some others from this powerful book about our standing with God and the enemy.
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. — Col. 1:11-14 (ESV)
Our reality is that we have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of Jesus. Paul continues to expound upon this truth in verse 22 with a word of caution:
Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it. — Col. 1:22-23 (NLT)
Paul is admonishing us to believe and stand in the truth of our salvation, which again is true regardless of what the world says about our faith, what our pre-believers think of our faith, or even what we may mistakenly believe about ourselves. Jesus has made us holy and blameless before Him without a single fault.
My friends, I'm going to stop here for now, but come back Thursday, because I have more to share with you on the spiritual warfare side of this.
Quiet Time Study: (Take these questions to the Lord in your quiet time. Then listen.)
Community Questions (answer in the comments):
I love you, my friends. I'm excite to share the rest of these truths with you and I pray they revolutionize your thinking in some way that frees you to walk in the fullness of your faith. In the name of Jesus, amen!
My friends, forgive me if my last post confused you but I promise that as I wrap this up it will all make sense. As the Holy Spirit has revealed more and more of the importance and power God’s Word plays in our lives, I am undone by it. And my prayer is that by the end of this series, you will be too.
The Full Armor of God is representative of our identity of Christ. We’ve covered the belt (truth), the breastplate (righteousness) and the shield (faith). Let’s move on to the rest.
Our feet are to be “fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:16). This too is built upon all the other pieces of our armor and identity. We are grounded to stand (Paul repeats this word many times in Eph. 6:10-17) in truth, righteousness and faith.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” — Matt. 7:24-25
The Greek word for fall, piptō, has enough meanings to make an entire post of its own here. It covers the literal meaning of to physically fall down but also encompasses our salvation (judgement), to be overcome by terror or under attack by evil, to worship and more. This word covers literally and figuratively all ways we could “fall.”
Yet these verses tell us we won’t fall if our foundation is built upon Jesus’ words. He is Truth. He IS the Word—we’ll come back to this shortly, so hang with with me a little longer. And His peace guards our heart and our minds (Phil. 4:7).
Our helmut of salvation is the covering of our mind. Salvation came through the sacrificial blood of Jesus, so therefore our helmut is that blood covering, cleansing and identification as a Christian. It is through His salvation that we receive His righteousness and become the righteousness of God. See how these truths continue to come full circle?
But wait…it gets even better. The sword of the Spirit is the only only piece of armor that Paul clearly defines (Eph. 6:17). And he tells us to pray in the Spirit, which many believe has to do with praying in tongues, but I also believe it means we are to pray the Word—speak it out loud in our prayers, back to God. It is His living and breathing Word of God. And hearing it builds our faith.
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. — Romans 10:17
John 1:1-14 also defines Jesus as the Word and that the Word became flesh.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14
by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; — 2 Cor. 6:7
If the sword of Spirit is the Word of God and Jesus is that Word, then as we stand on the Word, speak and pray the Word, believe the Word and share the Word, we are living, breathing and being as Jesus. He is in us and we are in Him (1 John 4:13). He is not only our Truth, our Righteousness, our Faith and our Salvation, He has also given us His Spirit. We are inseparable.
The full armor of God defends and protects us, because it is who we are and reflects Whose we are. This truth comes full circle and keeps going: The Armor of God is our identity which is our armor.
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. — Psalm 91:4
My friends, I am convinced the first and most important battle we will ever fight against the enemy will be to make time to read God’s Word, because he knows that when we do, we learn who we really are and are set free from his lies. The truth, THE Truth, sets us free (Gal. 5:1). It is our greatest weapon against him. And when we learn the truth, we stay free.
SUMites, the Word of God is the answer to everything we need. It’s not just words on a page. It’s truth. It’s Jesus. It’s the key to being everything we have been created to be and to do. The Word of God will save you, heal you, release you, anoint you, empower you and love you. It will reveal who you are and who you are meant to be—your purpose and calling, divine destiny.
How is all that possible? Because it’s alive and powerful.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. — Hebrews 4:12
The Bible is not just a book. It is a dialogue with the God who created you. This is part of the mystery of God, of how His Holy Spirit in us creates the bond and connection to the Father’s heart to know Him, to love Him, to hear Him. All through Jesus, the Word become flesh, the Truth.
Quiet Time Study:
My friends, my prayer right now is that this truth I’ve shared with you today will spark a hunger for God’s Word like never before. If you don’t have a time each day to sit and read your Bible, ask God right now to help you make that time. Tell Him you want to go deeper with Him in His Word. I promise you, He will rush in and answer this prayer if you are willing to do what He asks or shows you.
Community Question:
Share a moment the Holy Spirit spoke to you directly through God’s Word.
As I said, I believe this is our greatest battle, to make daily time with God reading His Word, but once you “win” this one, SUMites, you will be empowered to win the rest. And as your identity becomes clearer, your armor is stronger. Pretty amazing, huh? On Thursday I will share how I pray my armor on with these truths. There’s a benefit to doing this that I don’t think we don’t realize…
Lord, my prayer today is for every SUMite who reads this to have a greater hunger for Your Word. That You would move time into alignment and opposition out of the way for each one of them to spend time reading their Bible every day. Lord Jesus, You are the Word and You are our Truth and our reality. Meet them on the pages of their Bible and show each one of them a specific truth this week that is from Your heart to theirs. In the name of Jesus, I pray, amen!
Love you, SUMites!
P.S. Check out this awesome worship song about who we are!
This is one of the most important post to read. Please take the time to make it to the bottom. Hugs, Lynn
SUMites, after writing the post, Legal Permissions, that I was originally intended to post today, the Holy Spirit strongly impressed upon me that we need to first consider our authority in Jesus. That post will be shared later in this series.
In the past couple of weeks, Dineen and I have been hitting hard on our identity in Christ. Because it’s out of knowing who we are and whose we are that we then begin to exercise the authority we have been given through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
So let’s look at authority. Turn in your Bible to, Luke 9. If you have been a reader here for a number of years, you may remember that I shared an encounter with a woman I met at a conference named Maria. She said to me, “Lynn, read Luke 9:1&2. That passage is for you.” Those verses change my life, my prayer time, my authority when I pray over others became real. If you want to hear me pray in this context, listen to the short video in the sidebar titled: Praying with the power and authority of Christ….
The Belt of Truth is what girds our loins with power. The truth is this, Jesus gave His disciples power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1&2. This authority is also for us and this is how I know. Turn to Matthew 28:20…. teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. See the word everything? That includes passages addressed to the Disciples.
For many years I didn’t understand that when Jesus was speaking to His disciples, that included me, a modern day believer. When I rejected that lie, immediately my prayers began impacting others because I prayed under the direction (intimacy & Holy Spirit) and authority of Christ (Word of God). I’ve been privileged to pray with many of you over the phone. And even through phone calls, the Lord Jesus shows up and moves with love and power. Can I get an amen?
Okay, are you tracking with me? Truth (Word of God), replaces lies which leads to intimacy and through our intimacy and the Holy Spirit we hear the Lord’s will for our prayer life and receive the authority of Jesus to further His Kingdome here on earth.
Yep, MIND BLOW!
The best way I’ve heard this explained is this way. My daughter went off to college. She was given the privilege to be added to our credit card and received a card in her name. With that privilege came the full credit worthiness and power behind her father and me. We vouch for her and we also take a risk in that she could use this card irresponsibly. However, she retains intimacy and trust with us and always asks if she needs to use it. So when she makes a purchase, we honor her request and she leans on her father and me for the credit authority to use the card. Are you tracking? *
It’s a beautiful Kingdom principle. The Lord trusts us to ask in His authority as His children and within His will and then the spiritual realm must submit! DOUBLE MIND BLOW.
What does it mean to have this kind of authority…. Luke 9:1&2 Baby!!!!!
This scripture (and others) is our authority and it’s also our mandate for life. Our divine calling… To drive out demons, cure diseases, peach the good news and heal the sick! Astonishing isn’t it?
So how do we use our authority? We listen to the Holy Spirit and then we speak. Our WORDS bear great, GREAT power. Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…. Jesus spent a great amount of time in prayer but when he came face-to-face with the demonic, He didn’t stop to pray. He commanded. He used His Words to speak and command the demonic to leave. (Look up the story of Legion)
The spirit realm is always listening and responds to our words, good or evil.
The Spirit world cannot turn a deaf ear to the commands of God’s servants*. Hallelujah!
Okay, so let’s put this new knowledge into practice. Let’s start with protection and blessing.
There is great power in proclaiming and speaking (out loud) our declarations of protection as well as blessings upon ourselves, our situations, our homes and upon others.
Here are some examples of speaking protection that I use all the time:
I always speak these truths with belief and in the name of Jesus. And I often repeat scripture promises.
Okay, let’s take a look at how we can bless.
In the last year I’ve battled foot pain. It started with Plantar Fasciitis. While on my walk n pray I would say something like this.
I bless my feet in Jesus name. All inflammation and pain must leave right now. I declare my feet healed and whole in the powerful name of Jesus.
Today my feet are finally pain free. I’m currently speaking a blessing over my vision and eye sight. I want to watch Jesus do a miracle and restore my vision to a perfect 20/20 even though my eyes are older. I BELIEVE and will speak His blessing into my life. AMEN! Thank you Jesus.
Other blessings:
I could go on and on. I talk all day to the Lord about situations I face and I speak His love into my life, family and community, especially the SUMite family.
Okay, this week let’s practice and believe. As things begin to change in your world, PLEASE write me. I want to praise Jesus with you. And be patient. This is a life-long journey where we learn how to listen and then speak with the authority of Christ.
Quiet Time Study: (Take these questions to the Lord in your quiet time. Then listen.)
Community Questions (answer in the comments):
I say that my SUMite brothers/sisters are blessed among millions. We are the living children of the Most High God and will walk in love, power and authority to change our circumstances, our marriages, empower our families and bring hope to thousands with our humble voice of obedience. We will shake the very foundation of satans kingdom and free ourselves and others from depression, illness, anxiety, fear, financial stress and every other assignment of the enemy. We demolish every argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. We will thrive in love and our testimony will bring great glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Jesus name, AMEN
I love you, SUMite Nation. We are becoming a mighty nation with the love and authority of Christ. We are going to rise up and shatter the darkness and bring God’s goodness and glory to this earth. In Jesus name. AMEN
One more thing, what we are learning will transform your marriage. Hallelujah!!!
*Adapted from I Give You Authority by Charles Kraft.
…so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. — Ephesians 4:14-16
My friends, I left my post last week with the promise to tell you some stories of how God is equipping and testing me. My most ardent prayer the last year has been to hear Him clearer and to know His voice better. I am stunned at how He has answered that prayer with specific training at a conference a couple weeks ago and the people He has brought into my life to speak new levels of truth and teaching. Let’s just say that Abba turned my world upside down a bit and knocked a few things into place, like bringing my body, soul and spirit into alignment with the Kingdom. I will share more on that soon as the Holy Spirit leads me.
Last week He gave me very specific words to give to people. He’s done this before but not with this clarity or detail. My heart cry along with wanting to hear Him better was so that I can help people more. On my walk and pray one morning I noticed the same woman walking in our neighborhood that I’ve seen before. God gave me a very clear message to share with her. Turned out she was a very strong woman of faith and that was my test, to step out in faith and do what He was asking me, even if it seemed a little over the top. This particular encounter took me way out of my comfort zone, and I realized afterwards He wanted to see what I would do with what He gave me—how I would steward it.
A few nights later I was at a restaurant with my family (my daughter and husband were visiting). A woman from my church, who God previously gave me a specific word for her husband, walked in with her husband. I'd seen her the week before at church but didn't want to disturb them while they were worshiping. So I left it to God to orchestrate another meeting. And He did! Even my mother-in-law commented on how they have lived there for years and never run into people they know, yet I seem to do this frequently.
And that is what He is accelerating us into right now—orchestrated encounters with key people we need and who need us in order to move into new ministries and territories. God is releasing more spiritual giftings to us and raising us up to new levels in the ones we have already been walking in.
My friends, this is how He wants to reveal Himself to the world, and right now! Seek Him like never before. Ask Him for His heart and what He wants to show you (Jer. 33:3). And if He allows you to share it here, please do! I have listened and watched as so many of you have been released into new places already these last few weeks—new ministries, new levels of intimacy and peace in your marriages and family and even more clarity in your purpose and calling in Jesus. For our SUM community, the Holy Spirit is showing me how we are being lifted up, one by one, into new places and purposes with power, authority and spiritual giftings to move effectively in these places.
Today I fly to Dallas for the American Christian Fiction Writers conference that I attend each year. I have been blessed to man and coordinate the registration for several years now and especially blessed by the divine appointments God sets up during these events. This time, I’m asking Abba for something very specific this year, and I look forward to sharing that with you as well.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. — Hebrews 12:20
What about you, my friends? Where you do sense God is leading you? What has He put on your heart to think about, pray into, and seek Him for? Please share. This is a safe place to share whatever is on your heart. I want to pray with you for this calling, this divine destiny God is revealing to you.
SUMites, I am holding you close in my heart and prayers.
My friends, through the end of 2013 up to early August of this year I've heard Abba speak of preparation over and over again. I believe we have been in this time of preparation up until now. The Holy Spirit has impressed upon me that we, the SUMites specifically, are now being shifted into a new season of equipping. And I believe He's equipping us to move into and claim our promise lands.
What I want to share with you is the importance of stewardship, because it is a crucial part to how we move forward. And I'm not talking about money although that will be an important part for many of us as God opens the storehouses of His provision (Deut. 28:12).
What the Holy Spirit has put on my heart to share with you first is that the very first thing God asks us to steward well is His Word. Are we reading it, studying it and speaking it out loud? Are we allowing it to transform our minds and trusting and believing God through His Word more? I believe we are and will continue to grow in this area as long as we are reading our Bibles and seeking God. This is what we have been doing in our time of preparation.
The second thing He's showing me is stewarding what we are given. This goes beyond our material provision to our spiritual provision and giftings. I didn't fully understand until recently that when we are given a word or revelation, we must steward it by praying into it (1 John 4:1), receiving it and believing it. And then take action. Sometimes the action is believing, like believing the truth of God's love for us above anything the world or even our own families may say of us. Other times, with the affirmation and direction of the Holy Spirit, we must take action and trust God to lead our steps.
One of the most freeing revelations I have recently received is the exposure of another lie. I'd believed the enemy's ability to deceive me was greater than Jesus' power and presence to lead me. Scripture again is the key here for God's Word says, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27) (Read John 10:6-17 and you will see that this is Jesus' build up to His explanation in John 14:6 that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.)
At the revelation of this lie, I began affirming the truth, speaking it out and believing it. The result was stunning! My ability to hear God opened to a new level, which then brought my area of spiritual gifting up to a whole new level. This is how we steward and grow in our spiritual gifts. And this is what "equipping" is about right now.
The third thing we are called to steward is the places He puts us. Our marriages, our homes, our churches, our places of ministry, etc. These are our Promise Lands. And just as the Israelites, we are using our spiritual weapons (our armor of God) to lay claim to the places God is establishing us in right now and moving us into. I have a sense we will be talking about this a lot in the upcoming weeks, and I look forward to sharing more of what the Holy Spirit is teaching me in this area.
So what does all this look like? Right now, look around and take notice of how much in sync the children of God are. Many of us are hearing the same things from the Holy Spirit and are even being led to read the same parts of the Bible. The Holy Spirit planted me in Joshua a couple weeks ago and last week, Ian shared this same nudge to read this book. My friends, follow these leadings. This is your Shepherd showing you the way and giving you revelation.
Lynn spoke of acceleration. Abba has spoken to me about this as well. We are being moved forward more quickly than in the past. As the Holy Spirit told me, I will tell you. Don't be afraid. And don't be afraid of how fast things may start to shift, change and move. Just trust, trust, trust God. My friends, this is not a time to suffer for religion but to delight in God! We are on a great adventure!
I'm stunned at how this is playing out in my own life, my friends. I'm hearing God in ways that I have longed to hear Him for so long. He's explaining things of the past that I see now were key to what is happening now, and He is revealing small bits of what's to come in relation to these areas.
I now understand that my move to Florida was very strategic and part of where He has placed me for this upcoming Jubilee year, even to reminding me that this move placed us back "with our clan" (see Lev. 25:10) and that I turn 50 in just a couple of months.
He has faithfully lead me every step of the way to what I need (mentors, a church filled with the Holy Spirit, and connections to other believers who are part of this great set-up) and plugged me into the healing rooms here in such a powerful way that I'm stunned beyond words.
Affirmations and confirmations have come with each step as well. God knew exactly what I would need.
My friends, this is what He is doing in all of us. Now is a key time to be aware, to take note, to not discount anything but to take everything before God in humility, openness and willingness of heart to learn and do whatever He may ask. And don't be surprised by how He may test you in this.
Next week I will share some stories with you of how God has been equipping and testing me in these new areas. God is moving in ways I never imagined possible, but just yesterday I was reminded again that nothing is impossible with God as I found out from a friend that He did something she was convinced couldn’t be done.
Dare to believe, my friends. Ask Jesus to help you believe. He will. Then wait and watch! My friends, share in the comments what you believe God is doing or about to do in your lives. What are you sensing the Holy Spirit telling you? I would love the opportunity to pray with and for you.
And I am believing great things are in store for each and every one of you. And yes, you as well, my dear one, even you who is thinking this isn’t for you or that God has forgotten you or left you out for some reason to do with your past or present. Let me be the voice to tell you, that’s not true. Ask Him what He has for you right now, my friend. He’s waiting…
Love you so much, my SUM family!
Peter’s story of restoration is one of my favorites in the Bible. And I think knowing where he came from gives us even deeper appreciated of his letters which reflect the man of faith he became. So let’s just jump to John 21 and look at the foundation Jesus built in the man we know as Peter.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”
He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”
He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “ Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “ Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “ Follow me. —John 21:15-19
This transaction is very symbolic. First Jesus told Peter he would deny Jesus three times, which Peter did. And it is Jesus who also restores Peter, three times. I believe Jesus knew exactly what Peter needed to be able to move forward as the rock upon which Christ’s church would be built.
Just as Peter denied Christ three time, Jesus gives Peter the chance to “choose” him three times thereby reaffirming Peter’s place in relationship to God’s kingdom and also to Christ himself.
But let’s dig a little deeper into the Greek meaning behind the two version of the word “love” used in this passage.
The first time Christ asks Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” he uses agape, which portrays love as volitional (a choice) and self-sacrificing. Peter answers him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” But he uses phileō, which means a brotherly type of love with common interests.
The second time Christ asks Peter this question, He again uses the agape form (“Do you truly love me?”). And again, Peter answers the same, using the phileō form of love.
Finally, a third time, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” Only this time he too uses the phileō form of love and in a sense he’s asking Peter, “Are you really my friend?” Peter didn’t quite seem to catch on to what was going on, and though hurt, he affirms his love for Christ in the same form he had the previous two times, phileō.
I wonder if Peter was afraid to confess such devotion out of fear. He’d let his Messiah down once. Was he afraid he would again, that he didn’t have what it took for the long haul? As I read this part of Peter’s history and imagine how he would have felt, I believe his self worth was at an all time low, which gave Jesus the opportunity to not only restore him but to define him.
Peter was about to learn who he was and whose he was—his identity in Jesus. And as we enter into his letters, we will see Peter as the man Jesus created him to be. A man sold out for Jesus because of his agape love for his Messiah.
I love Peter’s story because it reminds me that even in our worst moments, our bad choices, our failures, our losses...Jesus restores us and we can move forward in grace and truth.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. — 1 Peter 5:10
Peter shares this bold truth with us because he understood it more intimately than most. On a beach as he sat soaked to the bone with the smell of fish cooking on a fire, Jesus himself restored, confirmed, strengthened and established Peter, the rock on which He would build His church.
SUMite Nation:
Many of you participated in our Dream With God experience during Rosh Hashanah, 2014. If you didn’t, don’t click out. Because God is up to some crazy, neat stuff and our entire community is part of this.
I thought my “Dream List” was crazy, BIG and filled with impossibilities but this past week, I was praying with a few friends and Christi said to me, “You aren’t praying big enough.” Now SUMites, I’ve been praying:
2 million souls
2 million books
2 million dollars
This seems impossible to me.
But I was so taken back by Christi’s declaration that I spent two days and asked God, “What would you want, Lord? What do you dream? What should I be dreaming?”
Friends, take heed, when you ask God questions like this……. I went a laid down in the afternoon on Friday and over the next two hours God began to down load a vision that is so far beyond my mind that I couldn’t think of it myself. I began to see schools…. Ministry schools, supernatural training of teachers, leaders and every believer who wants more of God. I saw houses of prayer in our valley spring up that will worship God 24/7 and people from all over came to receive prayer, healing and deliverance.
God said, “Two million souls is way too small. Lynn, dream and contend for ONE BILLION SOULS.” The harvest is rich but the workers are few. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest and train those to bring the broken, the demonized, the sick the proud, the poor into My House.” Pray for the resources. $10 million to start.
(By this point I’m in spiritual shock and awe.)
Then I heard a name or a type of another school that God was wanting. I keep hearing “Gregorian.” I don’t know what that means so when I woke, I Googled the word. There are many meanings such as our Gregorian calendar and it’s a name of a rock band. But what I saw that grabbed my attention was there was a Pope named Pope Gregory… He was a good Pope who was born 540 years after Christ. Now get this. He is the patron saint of musicians, singers, students, and teachers.
I about fell off my chair. The second school that God wants is a school of music… A WORSHIP SCHOOL. For students and for teachers. Duh!!! Worship is at the core of my heart. I’m happiest when in worship. Sometimes I’m soooo blonde! Sheesh!
Gang, I’ve been humbly contending to just get my next book approved by the Publishing Committee. (Which I still contending) But I’ve been dreaming way too small. I serve the God of the Universe of all time and eternity. And He can do this.
Do I have a clue how? NO. But I believe right now He is connecting me with people who have connections who will share His vision for the future of His Kingdom. I can’t wait to see how this all comes together.
On Friday, the Lord told me to write this down. It is my vision for my future and I’m to share it, read it often, keep it at the forefront of my prayers and thoughts. So here it is. I will post further in detail in a new website I’m going to launch soon.
Okay, so NOW I say to each of you my SUMite brothers and sisters. Did you dream with me last fall? If you did, have you checked your lists lately and thanked God for His faithful fulfilments? At this time also renew your prayers for those dreams yet to come to pass.
Right now, I believe the Lord is calling all of us to once again write down our dreams, our vision, for our purposes to bring His Kingdom to earth. So, right now make it plain. Go into your quiet time. Ask God again to dream with you. No, to give you His dreams!
Write it down. Share what pops into your mind right now in the comments and make a public declaration of what and where God is leading you. We are walking in an anointed time and I ABSOLUTELY believe our community was born for such a time as this.
I love you so much. I can’t wait to read what the Lord is placing on your heart. Let’s dream BIGGER SUMite nation. There are a billions souls waiting to experience the love of Jesus, His healing, freedom and the abundant life. End of days are upon us. Let’s bust out the truth and bring it to our world who needs to experience perfect love.
See you in the comments. Share any and all that the Holy Spirit is impressing upon you. Nothing is too weird, too big, too great or outlandish. Love you, Lynn
Here is the link to the original post: Dream Big.
PS. My Biggest dream: My husband and family meet and fall in love with Jesus, The King of Kings!
SUMite Family,
I have to share that the word “family” has taken on an entirely larger implication in my life this past week. So, to say that you are my family, please know that I’m overwhelmed with authentic love and hope for you. Let me explain.
I’m working on a new writing project and praise Jesus, the downloads are now flowing. It’s been astonishing. I’ve waited nearly a year for this past week and the few weeks that are ahead to hear the voice of God and His heart for the assignment He’s given to me. And this week in particular, I’m writing about the love of God.
The love of a Father.
Well, I don’t know how in the world you can encapsulate the love of God into a single chapter. However, I’ve asked the Holy Spirit to write this out because God will figure it out for me and then, I can’t wait to read it myself!!!! *grin* Really!
So as I’m trying to figure out what specific attributes to share and asking myself, How do I explain the love of God, the Lord decided that I need to experience His love through profound experiences all week. I am so full of the love of our Father today that when I arrived at church, I hugged everyone I could get my hands on. The Father’s love poured off of me onto people. I just couldn’t help it. And wouldn’t you know it; almost all of the worship were songs about the love of God. I just can hardly stand up under the relentless expressions of my Daddy’s love this day.
Today I feel I am to share what I’m experiencing and learning. I pray you are wrecked by our Daddy’s love this week too.
Last week as I prepared to write on this topic my prayer and conversation with God turned into cries to experience His love. I cried out, “Father, I want a baptism of love. I want to be overwhelmed by your love. I want to experience a love so grand, so profound that I see (things, people) as you see them.”
Let me share some insights of my week. They are not in any particular order:
Do you know what it means to others and unbelievers when I truly understand that I am loved by our Father?
God is love. —1 John 4:16
God is good. —Psalm 136:1
My friends, when we truly believe these scriptures guess what happens. We see God differently. When we see God differently we then see ourselves differently. When we see ourselves differently we then see others differently.
My family, my dear adored family, I know that our Papa’s love can touch every deep fear in our heart and leave us forever change, healed and restored. We need only to cry out and ask to see ourselves as our Father sees us.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. —Psalm 34:8 I’ve come to believe this is one of the most powerful scripture verses in the entire Bible. Oh what a different life we can live when we step out of unbelief and truly know that we know in our knower that God is love, God is good and God has good things for His kids.
Thoughts?
I pray that when you read this phrase today: I love you, that you somehow hear the Father whispering the words directly to your heart.
And finally, imagine what our pre-believers might experience if we begin to see ourselves as God sees us. A Holy mind-blow!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Lief Hetland. You inspired the many affirmations of this post.
My friends, my heart is so full of love and awe—of you! Reading your comments the last two days…I’m so touched and blown away by your prayers for Lynn and I and for each other! Wow! I can just see Abba nodding His head with pride and pointing out this online community to the heavenly host and saying, “See? This is what the body of Christ really looks like."
Wow, wow, wow…
And it’s with that full heart that I share today what God spoke to me about our community. On Sunday as I was worshiping at church I was also praying for the words to share this week, for whatever was on Abba's heart for us.
The word "annihilation" came clearly to me. Now that's a pretty strong word and not one I use often. I asked Abba to clarify, to help me understand His heart. And this is what He revealed for our SUMite community:
Annihilation of all fear, doubt and unbelief. I am declaring a "holy war" on all fear, doubt and unbelief. 2015 will be a "Year of Freedom."
I am lifting this community up to a whole new level of strength and belief. In Me. In My Word. In My promises. No more of the old. The New is in place and now I will reveal it. My strength is yours and all you need I have already provided. Your strength is found in Me and Me alone. I am your destiny. I am your hope. I am your future. It is done.
Believe ME.
As I wrote this down, my friends, I began to sense that today God is asking us to put an offering on the altar, to release those things we've been holding onto:
This is our holy offering, our incense to the Lord. There is significance to the offering and "the burning" (releasing) of that which we place there. This is an act of faith, a choice to let go more than we ever have and to trust God even more, a deeper trust than ever before.
It is an act of love.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. — Ephesians 5:1-2
Take time today or in the morning to sit quietly and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what God is asking you to give to Him, to trust Him with. Then make that offering. Write it in your journal, because I believe that later this year Abba will take you back to this moment and show you what He has done with your offering.
My friends, share what you are offering up to the Lord in the comments so that we may pray for each other. As I said, this is an act love, and it's also an act of faith and trust. Not an easy thing to do, but when we make the choice and offering, I believe the Holy Spirit comes to help us walk in trust and faith. We are not required to provide the sacrifice, just to have a willingness to let go and trust, just as Abraham did with his son Isaac.
And of course, share any breakthroughs you are having and let’s be encouraged together!
King Jesus, we offer these “things” we've held on to, our selves and our pre-believers to you today as a holy offering, sweet with the aroma of our love and adoration for You. We pray that it pleases You and brings you great glory. We praise You now for what You will do with these offerings—what only YOU can do because You are Holy and Mighty and Faithful!
Abba Father, we believe YOU. Make us strong and raise us up as You have declared. In the Powerful name of Jesus, amen!
Love you dearly, my friends, and praying for you!
Today is a continuation of Stone’s testimony. Part I was posted on Monday. On Friday I intend to get started teaching on the power we have to defeat the demonic. Stay tuned… Now here is Part II from my friend, Stone.
Temecula, CA
Worship In The Valley: A worship event in Temecula, CA on November 20th.
Then I was brought back to the battlefield with a new knowledge of the enemy’s strategy and his determination to prevent me from ever setting foot on the battlefield because it is my destiny to speak into the face of darkness and command that he let God’s people go, that his captives be set free in the name of Jesus. Before this battle has begun I know and so does he that he is destined to lose his hold over God’s beloved who he has shackled with fear, depression, suicide, self-mutilation and abuse. He has been lying to them, keeping them captive to his lies for too long and God has heard their cries and is committed to them to receiving their freedom. He is going to use me to speak freedom into the lives of his beloved, His chosen and treasured people and they will receive freedom, He will speak through my wounds and years in bondage. He is going to shine through me and shine His light of life, freedom and joy into the lives of His beloved.
Then He did something amazing! God called me to cast this spirit out of my life, He told me to command that this demonic spirit no longer has permission or authority to stand at my door and torment my nights, or speak lies into my life. I commanded this spirit, who has followed me my whole life at the command of the enemy, to go that it can’t stand beside my bed keeping me awake all night or at my door shouting at me tormenting me or come into my home at all. God assured me that He is my sword and my shield, my strength and my defender and that His hand of protection is upon me and that I am safe in His presence. He showed me that I have the authority in the name of Jesus to command that this enemy leave my home and torment me no longer.
I am God’s chosen; His cherished and beloved daughter and I have a destiny to pursue my passion of bringing hope and freedom into the hearts and lives of the lost, the hurting, the broken. He has given me authority to speak hope and freedom into the hearts of those enslaved by suicide, depression, self-mutilation and abuse. As I look at the battlefield I know that this victory is sure, that the enemy is terrified of God’s power and passion for His people, he knows that his reign of terror over them is ending and that they will have freedom.
Jesus is going to rain down and wash away the chains and shackles he’s been using to hold on to God’s beloved. Their freedom is coming and His people are going to run away from their captivity in waves and there is nothing that he can do to stop it. He could not destroy me, he never could but that didn’t stop him from trying, that didn’t stop him from assigning his chosen warrior to stand at my doorway and torment me, shout lies into my life and try to keep me down, convinced of my own enslavement and utter ruin. But Jesus reached out His hand released me from my chains, and carried me out of my prison of pain and suffering. Jesus led me out into a beautiful meadow and taught me to walk with Him in joy and freedom, he taught me a new song and He is singing it with me. He is with me as He always has been and always will be.
I love you and I'm praying for healing over you and your family.
Hugs,
Stone
It’s Thanksgiving this week. And I know all of us are very busy. And I’ve been very ill again. However, James 5 was in my daily Bible this week so I went for healing prayer. And I know my full healing is now decreed. AMEN!
This week I have family in town and will likely be crazed entertaining but loving every minute of time I have with my mom who is visiting from Colorado. My daughter will be here and her friends, my son and my granddaughter. It’s going to be a great turkey day!
Dineen and I are going to take the week off from posting. So today and Wednesday, I want to share with you an email that arrived on Thursday evening from a young woman whom I’ve prayed for, love on, and encouraged through the many months/years of her healing process. I asked her permission to share her testimony. I know there is someone in our Sum family who needs to hear this word.
From my friend: Stone.
Temecula, CA
Worship In The Valley: A worship event in Temecula, CA on November 20th.I’ve been in a season of isolation, pain, depression and hopelessness, and yet I’ve known this whole time that it hasn’t been real, I have refused to take ownership of it as from me or a part of me. I’ve prayed against it over and over again, I’ve begged and pleaded with the Lord to free me from this painful darkness and yet it persisted. I kept my eyes on Him and continued to ask for freedom, trusting that it won’t always be like this, that hope and freedom are here and that more is coming. I know that I haven’t been betrayed or abandoned, through all of this Jesus has been right beside me and His passionate love for me has never wavered. I haven’t been alone for even one second, even though I’ve felt completely alone I’ve known that He has never left me alone and that this is not for me, this is not what my life will be like. I’ve known that a shift was coming.
So tonight I came expecting, I struggled to get there, fighting off a cold and exhaustion from a long and trying week at work but I knew that God had something for me to receive tonight. Upon arrival I wanted to leave, and that feeling grew to where I felt like I couldn’t stand it and I knew without a doubt that it was the enemy’s desperation, his last attempt to prevent me from receiving all that I did tonight. This realization made me that much more determined, more committed to staying and receiving all that He had in store for me tonight.
Tonight I got to see myself the way my mentors have been describing to me. Tonight I got to see myself as a warrior, a leader, strong and brave, leading a strong and mighty army into battle. This description has been terrifying me but tonight it was incredible because He also gave me a peace and an incredibly deep assurance that everyone who had come with me onto this battlefield is someone I chose because I trust them. God assured me that everyone who has joined in this army is someone I can trust. He gave me peace about the discernment He has given me and the things He has shown me over the last few years as we’ve built this tribe around me. As I followed Him into the heart of this battlefield He showed me just how sure the enemy is of his coming defeat. He knows we’re coming, that I have my eye on him and my heart set on his defeat, he knows that we’ve come for his captives; we’ve come united in Jesus to set his captives free.
As the fire grew within me I saw into my past, but from a whole new perspective, I saw the strategy of the enemy and the power and goodness of God. I saw His hand of protection over me always, and I knew that this was all set in motion before I was born and that I’ve never been alone. As the Pastor spoke of peaceful sleep I was reminded of the years I spent my nights in terror. I remembered the nights I wept before The Lord, crying out the name of Jesus over and over for hours. As a young child I couldn’t see Him there, I begged and pleaded in what I thought was in vain, but throughout this past year Jesus has been showing me exactly where He was. As I stared into the face of darkness at the demon that the devil stationed outside my bedroom doorway Jesus stood in the doorway of my room as my shield, keeping her from entering my room and destroying me. I saw this spirit outside my room for years, I was always afraid for my life because its goal was to destroy me, convince me that I meant nothing to God, that I was completely and utterly alone, that I was unloved, betrayed and abandoned, hopeless.
What I saw tonight was just how strategic this assignment was, God showed me that my destiny has always been to march on the enemy’s camp and demand that His captives be set free from cutting, suicide, depression and abuse and that through me He would speak into the hearts of His beloved and show them that they are free. I saw the enemy’s determination to destroy me, to crush me to a point where I would never rise up and destroy his hold on God’s children through depression and suffering. I saw that he did not have authority to kill me; it didn’t stop him from trying or keep him from trying to destroy me. He selected a strong and determined warrior to stand at my door every night for years and for years they stood outside my bedroom instilling fear, depression and lies into my heart, all night long they called out to me, shouting lies of my worthlessness, of my smallness and insignificance, threating pain, death, dismemberment and utter destruction, ruin. He sent a chosen warrior but God sent His Son.
Jesus stood inside my bedroom every night looking into the face of this chosen warrior and spoke the truth, He spoke of the coming destruction, He reminded them that He has already won the war and He spoke truth and love into my room and over me. —End Part I… Stone
Okay, my friends it gets even better. Tune in Wednesday and let this testimony set you free. Hugs, Lynn