Hey SUM family, Tiffany Here!

Sunday, September 29th is the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. We've talked about this Jewish holiday over the years. In fact, the first time I'd ever been made aware of it's significance was because of a blog post from either Lynn or Dineen. For those who are not familiar or are new to this holiday, a simple "Rosh Hashanah" search on this site will provide you with a wealth of information. Feel free to check out the archives!

My prayer for us today is that we will each take away something fresh and new. Holy Spirit, reveal to us the heartbeat of God. Amen!

Rosh Hashanah isn't actually a biblical holiday but a traditional Jewish holiday. The term "Rosh Hashanah" means "head of the year" and is celebrated as the Jewish New Year. This is a two-day celebration that proceeds Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).

In the beginning of this month, the Lord really pressed upon me to watch Patty Tower's talk that was given at the SUMite Summit this last April. I decided to go back and watch it again. (I will provide a link below so you can revisit that as well. It is absolutely worth a re-watch!)

As I sat down to think about Rosh Hashanah and what I would include in this post, I went back to my notes from Patty's message. There is so much good in this message but I want to point out one theme:

• Joshua 6 - God gives specific instructions about the destruction and taking of the city of Jericho. In verse 20 we see the result of following God's plan and not their own: "So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city."
• Patty called us to march around our house 7 times and shout, declare, pray and praise things into existence. It was in the great shout that the walls fell flat down.

Rosh Hashanah isn't in the Bible; however, the first day of Rosh Hashanah, is. Let's take a look.

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,  “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.  You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.’ ” - Leviticus 23:23-25

The Hebrew word, Teruah, in Leviticus for blowing trumpets is the same word used in Joshua 6 where they shouted with a great shout. The first day of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Teruah, is a day of blowing trumpets or shouting.

Notice what else it says in Leviticus about this day - you shall have a sabbath-rest. Yom Teruah happens to fall on a Sunday. The day we, as children of God, call our sabbath!

So, why is this important for us? If we are not Jewish, what is the point of celebrating this time of year?

We've already seen in our community some amazing things worth celebrating. Many professions of faith and baptisms with our spouses, children or others we love. Libby gave us a beautiful word about the SUMite community with her picture of the mountain. The SUMite Summit where some gathered in California being at the top and from that trickle, the waters of our faith continued to pool together to create a river at the bottom.

I truly believe something was activated in the heavenlies and we have set off a chain reaction. The enemy has been stirred to anger and we have seen much push back from illness, discord with our spouses and children, financial struggles, backsliding, strongholds etc.

However, I truly believe that God is calling His children deeper. I believe that He is stirring in us a hunger and thirst that can no longer be quenched by fear, pain or opposition tactics from the enemy.  I believe that NOW is the time for us to press in all the more into the God of Miracles. NOW is the time to storm the gates of Heaven for our spouses, children, our complete freedom and healing. I believe that NOW is the time for us to suit up and prepare for battle.

There is a shifting going on right now. As we are in this transition period, it is up to US if we are going to take God at His word - for our destinies, purposes, signs, miracles and wonders. We cannot afford to give up or give in. The future of generations to come hangs in the balance. It sounds intense but don't worry! Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Patty's talk at the SUMite Summit: https://www.facebook.com/SpirituallyUnequalMarriage/videos/387269661859875/

There is so much more I could say but I've gone on a little long.

As we approach this Jewish New Year, what are the things you are coming to the Throne of Grace for? What do you hope to see in this new season?

Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! -- Psalm 47:1 (Shout here is the root word of teruah ::grin::)

We are going to shake the heavens and the earth with our shouts! In the comments, give a mighty shout to the Lord. Thank Him for the victory you've been praying and waiting for! Decree and declare that these prayers are answered in Jesus' mighty name! Now it is up to you to take Him at His word. Trust. Believe. Wait and see. God is so good. And He is worthy of the wait. Hugs!

Hey SUM family, Tiffany Here! 

During the leader's meeting on the Friday morning before the conference I said I would share a spoken word piece during the offering time. I didn't have anything prepared at the time of volunteering. In fact I just heard the words come out of my mouth. You know those moments when you realize after the fact that you were pushed into things by the Holy Spirit? Maybe it's just me. It happens quite often. *grin*

The rest of the day seemed to fast forward pretty quickly. Filled with fellowship, food and fun. I was exhausted after the meet and greet at Lynn's house - in a good way - and went to bed shortly after everyone left. Saturday morning I wake up and realize that I didn't take time to prepare a spoken word! Out of desperation I laid flat on my back with my arms outstretched (my body in the shape of a cross) and said, "Holy Spirit, I need You to give me a spoken word for today. I want those who hear it to feel your deep love. I want them to know that they can have a close relationship with You. Give me something."

In that moment of asking Him, I could feel the atmosphere change in the room. It was like He was waiting for the invitation to share what was in the deep recesses of His heart. The following is the spoken word. I have posted it on Facebook so it may be a repeat for some. In my humble opinion, Holy Spirit really delivered!

More, Tiffany Carter, 4/6/19

 

Remember when I first revealed myself to you?

The relief you felt?

Just wait there’s more.

 

Remember when you heard me speak life into your bones?

The comfort you felt?

Just wait there’s more.

 

Remember when you received my loving embrace?

The warmth you felt?

Just wait there’s more.

 

Remember when you needed Me and cried out for help?

The deliverance you felt?

Just wait there’s more.

 

Remember when you sought me for clarity?

The answers you felt?

Just wait there’s more.

 

More. Love that is unendable.

More. Passion that is unshakable.

More. Desire that is unquenchable.

More. Joy that is uncontainable.

More. Intimacy that is unthinkable.

More. Wisdom that is unmatchable.

More. Peace that is uncontrollable.

More. Power that is undeniable.

More. Faith that is unbeatable.

MORE.

 

Remember when you stepped into your destiny and calling?

The freedom you felt?

My beloved child…

Just wait.

There’s MORE.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (TPT) - Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.  Now we offer up to God all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ—and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity. Amen!

Do you want more? I know that I sure do!

Let's talk in the comments. In these weeks since the conference, what are some things that God has been showing you? How has He shown up in your life personally? In reference to Libby's visions, how have you been feeling the residual affects of the river flowing from the conference? I love you all.

SUM Nation,

Dineen and I have decided to push the series we are writing into next week because the LORD is prompting us to lead our SUM church through a week of reflection on Easter.

The Holy Spirit impressed upon me to take this week to reflect on each day the events of the Passion Week and allow us to walk with Jesus through it. The death and resurrection of Christ split time in two. It brought about the salvation of the Gentiles and it forever took the keys of death from satan. The implications of the shed blood are freedom, deliverance, healing and protection.

So, walk this week with me as I post a few short scriptures and the events of the week. Ask Jesus to include you into this week. Let the truth of this week and Resurrection Sunday change your life.

Also, begin to pray about asking your spouse to attend church with you. Don’t pressure, pray, ask and be okay with whatever reply comes.

Today is Palm Sunday. It’s the Triumphal Entry into the city of Jerusalem. These are the events of the day. Pull out your Bible and read the account in one of the four Gospels. I love Matthew’s rendition.

Today’s events:

• Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem
• Spends the night in Bethany

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”—Matthew 21:9

AMEN! 

Hello SUM family! I hope your 4th of July celebration was full of fireworks, yummy food and family fun. My house was packed with close to thirty people (including my daughter Leslie who’s here for a visit!), which equated to me making a lot of hamburgers! The aroma of grilled burgers and hotdogs still lingers in the air here. How about you? 

Last week I laid the foundation (yes, pun intended) for this Foundations Series. And left you with a bit of a cliff hanger, didn’t I? Blame the fiction writer in me. It’s in my genes. Giggling just a bit here.

So, as I shared last week, my husband and I are building a house here. There is a God story behind this that is truly amazing and is part of this foundation theme. You see, roughly 26 years ago we moved away from Sarasota and family to find a better place for our growing family. At the early buddings of our careers, we couldn’t afford to buy a house. Though we loved being near our families, we didn’t see much of a future here. We moved away and lived in many places, including Switzerland for a short time.

Fast forward to the end of 2010. We (me, hubby and our girls) drove to Florida from California to spend Christmas with family. One day as I sat with my mother and my youngest daughter, we prayed a prayer that God answered so fast it made my head spin, yet would take four years to fully manifest.

I wanted to move back to Florida. My husband adamantly did not. Yet that day my mother, daughter and I prayed for God to soften my husband’s heart about moving back. Three days later hubby and I left the kids with the grandparents to run an errand and have a few minutes alone. Mike’s unusual silence told me something was on his mind. 

Suddenly he asked, “How would you feel about moving back to Florida?” 

I was so stunned I couldn’t speak a coherent word for about three minutes! Little did I know that the next four years would be filled with some tough times for us financially and would just about make me lose hope in that dream becoming a reality. Then everything “suddenly” fell into place.

So we’ve come full circle. From unable to buy a house here near our families to now building a home big enough to host family get togethers and holiday celebrations. This is part of my Jubilee year promise God gave me. (Lev 25:8-13)

In the Year of Jubilee each of you may return to the land that belonged to your ancestors. — Lev 25:13

And also why I wanted that picture of our feet on the foundation of our house. Kind of silly, kind of fun, yet packed with meaning in light of the 26 years it took to return “home.” And there is so much more coming, my friends.

As we started this house process, God was showing me eagles in the Bible. I was praying that verse in Psalm 103 about renewing our youth like the eagles. Best aging remedy I know! One day we drove to our future neighborhood to see our empty lot, and there in the middle stood a bald eagle. I kid you not. 

God spoke to my heart that day a sweet confirmation that this was from His hand, His blessing and that I was to delight in it. He is so very good. So very generous.

And we are blessed to bless others, right? That was my inspiration behind a decision to share His generosity with this beautiful SUM family. 

We’re talking about foundational truths right now and salvation is one of them. More coming on that one, as I shared. But I wanted to create a monument to this, my friends. To God’s goodness and His salvation promise to us.

I just read about Jacob and and his Uncle Laban. Their story culminates in Genesis 31 with a pile of stones called Galeed, which means “witness pile” in Hebrew. I love monuments like these in the Bible, because they mark a moment of significance. Which is what I wanted to do with our new home, this community and our SALVATION word this year.

Millers, Donovans and ENTIRE SUM NATION!

I printed out a copy of our 2016 SUM Word (see the sidebar if you haven’t read it) and wrote Lynn’s and my names on it along with our hubbies names too. And I wrote “The entire SUM Nation” with it. Then I tucked this along with a glass “stone” with Romans 8:28 engraved on the surface into a baggy.

This prophetic package is now part of the foundation of our house—our home. It is right at the corner of the entry to the house. 

The "promise package" is now a permanent part of the foundation, right at the entry to the house, under a "cornerstone."

Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. — Ephesians 2:20

Wow! That’s giving me Holy Spirit chill bumps! And you know what’s even more amazing about this story? My husband is the one who put it into the foundation for me. Is God astonishing or what?

Now there is one more part of this story that’s incomplete. As I was praying and worshiping last night, God showed me He wants to fill the walls of this house with Scriptures. 

From you. 

Has God given you a Scripture and promise for your spouse? Email it to me so I can write them on the beams of this “monument” house built on the foundational promise of SALVATION God has given us, set in the corner to represent Jesus as the cornerstone. I’ve already enlisted a team to help me do this too!

In late August we are scheduled to close and move into our house. But even as the walls are going up and the rest of the house is being completed, I will be walking the rooms of this house, praying the prayers you have sent me for your spouse. I don’t fully understand the meaning behind all this, but I know He is bringing us together in a powerful way and has even shown me this in a dream. What God has planned for us is glorious, my friends! Together, we are His house!

Love you so much!
Dineen

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
— Isaiah 43:19

 The Lord replied,  “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it. — Habakkuk 1:5

SUMites, these verses from Isaiah and Habakkuk have consistently shown up around September for the last seven years. I can’t help but think all that has been His way of showing us and preparing us for what is happening right now.

The more I’ve studied the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament) and Joshua, the more I see a relatable pattern to how God moves us into our Promise Lands—I believe we have more than one, and that they are physical as well as spiritual places. 

As we study the Israelites, we see how God moves them to first “see.” To see this place they haven’t claimed yet as already theirs. I shared that in an earlier post, in how God told Joshua to see Jericho as already conquered despite the physical walls still standing.

This if our first call to faith, to believe what we can’t yet see (Heb. 11:1). With faith we are to move forward and claim our new Promise Land, even before we have moved into this place. 

Then we are called to occupy our Promise Land. This place now becomes a place of authority where we are to grow and navigate. Sometimes the Israelites had to clear the land and manage the animals to make it livable. Other times they literally took over the towns, houses and vineyards of the people they conquered.

Think of areas that you have had breakthrough in. You’ve “cleared the land” and made it good. These places now give you a special authority to pray for others to receive similar breakthroughs. By your example they can learn and understand how to seek God for this. 

God also gives us special giftings and anointings to operate in. We are filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit and are able to do and know things we couldn’t other wise, like having the sudden unction and courage to tell someone that God has ask you to tell them He loves them like crazy! People are desperate for God’s love! 

My friends, from here God desires us to prosper in our Promise Land. We share what we are given and blessed with. And we’ve talked about that in the past as well. That which we are blessed with is not intended just for us. We are to pass the blessing on and share it. This is how we steward our blessings and giftings, my friends. Abba watches what we do with what we are given and gives us more according to what we do with what we are given (Matt. 25:23).

And that is why I say “lands” instead of just “land.” There are many places that we are called to claim, occupy and prosper in. Our relationship with God is the first place. How will you claim, occupy and prosper in this place? This is the key to all that is to follow, SUMites. Success and increase in our marriages, families, jobs and ministries follows, and I’m sure you can see the relationship that builds as we progress from one place to another. 

And we are not leaving one place to go to another either, my friends. We are increasing our territory. 

“Enlarge your house; build an addition.
Spread out your home, and spare no expense!
For you will soon be bursting at the seams.
Your descendants will occupy other nations
and resettle the ruined cities.
“Fear not; you will no longer live in shame.
Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you.
You will no longer remember the shame of your youth
and the sorrows of widowhood.
For your Creator will be your husband;
the LORD of Heaven’s Armies is his name!
He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel,
the God of all the earth.
For the LORD has called you back from your grief—
as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband,”
says your God. — Isaiah 52:2-6

My friends, I am so, so excited for our community. So many things that Lynn and I have been praying for you are now moving into place. We have longed for, agonized over and rejoiced with you over so many things and places. I simply cannot express my joy to see you, SUMites, overcoming, breaking through, and claiming your Promise Lands. 

This is our time, our season, to walk in the fullness of where God has placed us for such a time as this. I truly believe that time has come and is starting right now! 

Our God is so, so good. Love you!

In the Jubilee year, the next 12 months, I’m discovering that the Lord is seeking a people who are able to walk in increasing holiness. To raise up a people in faith and spiritual strength to fight against the kingdom of darkness and to walk in His miraculous power and love. But so many of His children aren’t ready.

We are living in a lifestyle of sin. We are slumbering in unforgiveness or bitterness. We haven’t experienced the liberating freedom from a fresh revelation of God’s love. So during our fast today, I ask you to pray about holiness. Ask the Lord about areas of surrender. Ask Him for a fresh revelation of His unending and unconditional love. Let our Papa speak tenderly to your heart. Let Him pull you into His arms and soften the anger, bitterness, the lines of fear upon your face.

Let His love grow in your life and push out selfishness and allow in His Holy Presence. It’s in His holy Presence that we are utterly transformed into a new creation in Christ Jesus.

“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”
—Revelation 4:8

Share with me in the comments what the Lord is showing you today. I'm so anxious to pray along with you and to experience the joy of the Lord with you as He moves and speaks into your heart. I love you, Lynn

PS. After writing this post and during the night the Lord impressed upon me that our SUM Community should also pray for Israel. Pray for peace, protection and for their prosperity.

Daytime fast begins Monday.

A Kingdom People Fast:

I’m deeply moved that we should pray beginning this weekend in preparation for our fast together on Monday. The Lord is quickening my spirit to lead us to pray during this three days centered on holiness.

I’m also keenly aware that following Rosh Hashanah we are leading directly into the solemn and holy observance of Yom Kippur. I will share more on that next week.

So this weekend and through Monday’s fast, God is calling His people, specifically to holiness.

Be Holy (NIV)
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” —1 Peter 1: 13-15

I love you my family on the web. I truly love you and pray for you often. In His grace, Lynn

Don't forget our community fast this Monday, September 14. Rosh Hashanah

SUMite Family:

We are indeed, living in an interesting season. I’ve spoken with my mom at length over the past few months about all of the end time scenarios that are being propagated in the Christian realm. These discussions are always fascinating and they are signs that make you wonder. *grin*

I will share with you some quick thoughts as we approach the end of the Shmita, Elul 29, for those who are following closely. We, all of humanity, may bear witness to some financial disturbances, the stock market, oil prices, and financial turmoil worldwide. We will witness the eclipses and the blood moons in the next three weeks. Yet, I’m convinced in my spirit that this is not quite the end. It may be the beginning of the end and the Lord is possibly positioning events, people and situations for His Last Day. (Now, if we are all raptured next week, you can find me in heaven and tell me I was wrong. *double grin*)

My heart is burdened to help us step out of fear. I’m convinced God is now creating one of the biggest moves of the Holy Spirit to ever be witnessed on earth. So, why in the world would He put an end to all that He has meticulously put into order and placement before the actual revival commences? It just doesn’t make sense. And I think we get all stirred up into fear and false expectation that removes us from love, generosity and the pursuit of intimacy with Christ.

I do believe there will be some turbulence but I also believe in this Jubilee, God will reassign wealth and protect His children. I am convinced and I have witnessed the holy Church rising into new areas of faith, spiritual growth and Kingdom advancement. So this is what I want us to take away today.

It’s going to all be okay!

We are not going to die today.

We have a hope and a future and God want’s our focus on love, holiness and the furthering of His Kingdom purposes.

I also want us to begin to pray into the promise of this Jubilee. Several years ago I wrote a post about the enemy and our rights to repayment from what was stolen. I’m going to repost some of that here because the Lord quickened my spirit that this Jubilee holds a short window to demand repayment from the dark Kingdom. You can read the entire article here:  I Am Taking The devil To Court!

Excerpt: There are so many areas in our lives that satan and his minions have caused us pain. He has literally stolen our family, our health, our homes and more.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. ~John 10:10 NIV

Today let's shine the light of God in this area and reclaim territory that has been lost, even lost for years and years. We are going to seek and receive the justice of our King.

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:6

I ask you, SUMites, “What has the devil stolen from you?  

God’s heavenly courts are open for us to petition and demand justice. I’m petitioning my Righteous Father to restore to me the years stolen and the pain of loss. I’m asking God to demand restitution for the years stolen from my family and marriage. In Jesus name.

So today, what has the enemy stolen from you? Approach the throne of grace. Begin to petition God about this promise in His holy and powerful Word. Begin to believe you will be made whole, times seven, for what the devil has stolen, killed or destroyed in your life.

Man, I’m certain that the enemy is mad about this post today. I’m asking you to leave me a word in the comments about what you are now declaring restored, sevenfold. I will pray with you.

This moment, this day, this hour the court of the Most High is in session and it’s our day as our loving Father extends His scepter and welcomes us to the mercy seat to make our requests known. And then we only need to stand back, pray with belief, and then watch as our God moves for us.

Woo Hoo. I can’t wait to see what comes from this moment in the SUMite Nation. Lookout devil. Your deceptions are over. We are the ordinary/ extraordinary army of the Most High and we demand this day a return of ALL that you have stolen and it MUST BE RESTORED SEVENFOLD. In Jesus name. AMEN.

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! 

Community Fast together: September 14th: Rosh Hashanah

Part I - the Promise of Jubilee

Don’t you find it interesting that God established a Jubilee year?

I mean really. He knew we would mess up. Make mistakes. Go into debt. Trade our Freedom for bondage. Under the Old Covenant He also established a Family Redeemer who would rescue family members from disaster. Fascinating. I could write an entire series on that alone and how Jesus became the ultimate Family Redeemer for the human race. But, alas that will be another day. *grin*

Onward…. As we leave the year of the Shmita (2014) and head into a year of Jubilee, I think we should understand what Jubilee was intended under the law and then we will ponder what Jubilee is to those of us under grace.

As I mentioned on Monday, Jubilee was a year of restoration. “Where Jewish people were restored their “rights” to their original inheritance. Man, as I write this sentence, my spirit jumps in expectancy. Think about all that you have surrendered in recent years. What was stolen by the enemy? Good grief, I see this year in application to our faith life, in many dimensions. And think about our Kingdom inheritance. Did you know so much of our inheritance we can claim right now on earth?

Restoration & repayment.

Today I want to talk about restoration. Next week we will talk about repayment.

I’m convinced that we will, indeed be a people, who will experience restoration. Restoration can be in relationships, finances, broken dreams, faith, property and so forth.

I am experiencing some of this in my personal life and have sensed this restoration was coming for about a month now. But, I also want to tell you that restoration in the eyes of our Sovereign Lord may not look like what you are imagining right now. Let me explain.

For many of you who have been readers here for a season, you know that my son and family relocated to southern California to live near Mike and I. It’s been almost two years since they moved here. And so much happened in our family in this past two years. A lot of turmoil, warfare, in the spiritual realm. In the physical realm, my son and wife split up, then reunited nine months later.

During that season, I became a full-time caregiver for their little girl who was 18 months old. She and I were ill, physically ill, for six months last year. Colds, flu, virus, fevers, on and on… They lived with us for a year and then move to a house a mile away. Good grief. It’s been a busy few years. Sheesh. And although it's had rough patches, the laughter, joys and family love has been a blessed gift from our Lord to my heart.

Well a month ago due to some changes in their employment situation, they decided to move back to Nevada. Say What? Why God? After years and years of praying, why would you let this happen? Well this is what God told me.

“It is best for them. And I want you back, Lynn.”

Say what again? You see, I’ve been pulled in many directions that have stolen me away from the very intimate and precious relationship I have had with my Savior. *Gulp* It’s true. The illnesses, baby sitting, the turmoil. It truly did change the time and devotion I had with the Lord.

This doesn't look like restoration.

Or is it a restoration? Could the Lord have arranged this change?

Of course, I’m sad they are moving. It’s not what I dreamed. I wanted my grandchildren near. I wanted Sunday dinners at my house with little ones running around. I wanted my son and daughter-in-law to be near. But it is not to be.

This Jubilee year the Lord has decreed for me, peace. He is reestablishing peace in my life. And I am truly at peace with how this change has unfolded. My son and family will truly live better there. And I am at complete peace over all of it. So the Lord is fully behind this restoration. He is returning to me my time. And right now I perceive He is leading me into something new for the year ahead. 

In fact, I believe what He is revealing to me now is His desire for all of His people this Jubilee year. I will share more with you on Monday… If you are tired of the average Christian life and your spirit is wanting more out of your faith,  if you want to know God better and experience miracles and the supernatural, this “something” can change everything in your life. But I'm learning it is a narrow road that we must walk to obtain that Pearl of Great Price.

As we consider our restoration that is immanent, I ask you to ponder what God is restoring in your life. But also, contemplate what God may be removing from your life. Is it a toxic relationship? A bad circumstance, situation? Is He moving you physically or emotionally out of something into the new?

I would like to pray over your restorations and changes. If you are led by the Spirit, share with me what you are sensing the Lord is preparing for your Jubilee year.

And on Monday…. We are going to fully embrace what this Jubilee is for the people of God. He is preparing us for the end times my friends and we must be ready. Have a great weekend. Kiss your children and your spouse. Tell them they are amazing and that you are wild about them. Hugs, Lynn

My friends, in my journey through the book of John, the Holy Spirit is revealing more connections to the truths in God’s Word. I find this journey so fascinating. I hope you are too, because I have some to share with you today.

First, go with me to the book of John, specifically chapters nine and ten. I would first like to give a preface based in chapter nine. 

In chapter nine, we read about a man blind from birth who is healed by Jesus. This so stirs up the Pharisees that they question not only the man but his parents too. Still unsatisfied with the answers they receive, they go back to the man and question him further. I’m struck by the final answer the healed man gives:

“Why, that’s very strange!” the man replied. “He healed my eyes, and yet you don’t know where he comes from? We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.”

“You were born a total sinner!” they answered. “Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue. — John 9:30-34

In reading this man’s answer, the Holy Spirit pointed out three things this man somehow knew:

• God doesn’t listen to sinners, but is ready to hear those who worship Him and do His will. (This is based in OT Scriptures, the old covenant that required the law to be upheld perfectly to be right with God).
• Since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind.
• Only a man from God could have healed this man.

It’s quite possible his wisdom came from years in the synagogue, but I believe that in opening the man’s physical eyes, Jesus opened his spiritual eyes as well. This chapter is very symbolic in showing the contrast of spiritual and physical blindness. 

Yet even in blindness, this man more than likely “saw” more than the Pharisees and his wisdom seemed to increase with the healing of his eyes, judging by his answers, which frustrated the Pharisees to the point that they threw him out of the synagogue. Even Jesus calls them blind in the conclusion of this chapter as they still don’t recognize Him as the Messiah despite the evidence of miracles right in front of their face. Even seeing they are blind.

My friends, the veil of the Pharisees was thickened with great pride. We see this in the world today and very often in our pre-believers.

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. — 2 Cor. 4:3-4

The enemy blinds our loved ones from the truth, but even the man born blind was healed and given sight—something that had never been done before Jesus. 

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. — 2 Cor. 3:16-18

Just as the blind man received sight, our pre-believers can be healed too. We can pray for the veil to be taken away and sight to be given and/or restored. And lets remember that we too once were veiled from the truth, yet Jesus came and gave us sight to see. To see the truth and to see Him. This is wisdom for us to understand that our true enemy is not our pre-believer or their choice not to believe, but the enemy who keeps them blind.

Thus why our prayers matter. As ones who where once blind but now see, we stand in the authority of Jesus through our salvation. Our prayers matter for our pre-believers (James 5:16). They make a difference. We may not see it, but again, as I’ve said in the past, God’s heart is that none would perish (2 Peter 3:9-15) and He will take the exact amount of time necessary to bring our pre-believers to faith.

My friends, I want the veil removed from my husband’s eyes too. I am praying for God to give him eyes to see and ears to hear, and I am praying this for Lynn’s husband aw well as all our pre-believers.

Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the LORD. — Proverbs 20:12

God is showing me that we must first contend in the spiritual realm for these things in order to see them in the physical. And especially now as, I believe, this veil is thinning, prayer by prayer. Now is the time for us to press in even more in faith, belief and trust, because so much is about to be released into our lives. I firmly believe that many of things we have been contending for here in the SUM community are about to manifest. I’m already seeing things I’ve been praying and contending for starting to come into place and alignment with God’s kingdom.

The Jubilee year is about to start and our Abba Father is already moving things into place. I’ll talk more about that as the Holy Spirit leads me. He’s doing some crazy stuff in my life right now that I hope I will get to share with you soon.

Love you so much, my SUM family!
 

SUMites:

5775

Jewish Holiday Calendar - Hebrew Year 5775. All Jewish holidays begin the evening before the date specified. In Hebrew calendar a "day" begins and ends at sunset, rather than at midnight. 

Two weeks from today is Rosh Hashanah. Monday, September 14, 2015 represents the New Year according to the Jewish calendar. This season, September into October has been a significant season of change in my life in years past. And this year I’m expecting “BIG”, Super-Ginormous things in the Kingdom of God.

In the next several posts I want to share some of my thoughts about the season ahead. I’m convinced that we, Christ followers, stand upon the precipice of the supernatural, restoration, redemptions and fulfillment of persona promises from God that are destined for His children. Last year I shared my thoughts about this significant time of year. It is worth reading so that you understand where I’m coming from today. (Click here)

I think we need to cover some historical ground in order to understand what is happening in the Spiritual realm. Why do we want to understand what is happening in the realm of the Lord? Because our earthly lives are deeply affected by the decrees, dispensations and purposes of God. When we walk in understanding of God’s purposes we grow in our faith. Also, we aren’t taken off guard by the unexpected and we can thrive when the world is in turmoil. I truly believe this! AMEN   

2014 has been the year of the Shmita.

2015 is the year of Jubilee.

I brief description of these follows as taken from Wikipedia:

The Jubilee (Hebrew yovel יובל) year is the year at the end of seven cycles of shmita (Sabbatical years), and according to Biblical regulations had a special impact on the ownership and management of land in the Land of Israel; there is some debate whether it was the 49th year (the last year of seven sabbatical cycles, referred to as the Sabbath's Sabbath), or whether it was the following (50th) year. Jubilee deals largely with land, property, and property rights. According to Leviticus, slaves and prisoners would be freed, debts would be forgiven, and the mercies of God would be particularly manifest.

Leviticus 25:8-13New International Version (NIV)

The Year of Jubilee

Count off seven sabbath years—seven times seven years—so that the seven sabbath years amount to a period of forty-nine years. Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan. The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines. For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields. In this Year of Jubilee everyone is to return to their own property.

Why in the world am I sharing a history lesson with you? Because these years aren’t just about history. God’s timeline remains vital, true and important to all mankind.

My friends, we the believers who are alive right now will bear witness to a Jubilee year. As we end this season of rest and for many it was also a season of tremendous spiritual warfare, we are about to embark on a profound moment in time. We will behold the great promise and reward because we pressed through the torment, the warfare, and the persecution of our faith.

Hallelujah! And AMEN!

And I’ve been experiencing glimpses of what is to come. I’m sharing my personal story over at lynndonovan.org. But I want to tell you what I believe the Lord is preparing to give and reveal to all of you.

But, alas….. Already this post is way too long.

Friday, holds the promises. And it’s not too late to pray for your share of the Jubilee. I will lay it all out on Friday and then we are going to walk into this year of restoration together and bring others with us.

What say ye? Are you in?

Also, who will fast with me on September 14? If you want in on this, let me know in the comments too!

I love you SUMites. We are living in perhaps the Best time to live on earth since Jesus! Hugs, Lynn