Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. | Proverbs 4:23

The Lord has been speaking to me on just how important our thoughts are. We often hear messages about the power of our tongues, or on the power of decreeing and declaring. While it is vital to speak life, I believe it is equally important to be intentional with what we meditate on and recognize the power of our thoughts.

It is written in the Proverbs that, “as a man thinks in his heart, so it he.” What a powerful truth! Our thoughts lead to behaviors. If we believe we are defeated, we will most likely walk in defeat. However, if we actively meditate on the Word of God—which says we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13)—we are much more likely to walk in victory.

Psalm 19:14 says, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” This verse points out the importance of what we meditate on in our hearts. The enemy loves to create strife, and he works to get us coming into agreement with his lies. Even as it was with Eve in the Garden, when he coaxed her to doubt what God had told her (Genesis 3:1). Eve entertained that thought from the enemy, and then she fell into sin.

How often do we do the same?

I’ve fallen into that trap myself by not immediately taking control of a negative thought or emotion that comes to me. Before you know it, something so minor can turn into a full-blown misunderstanding or argument. That’s why it’s so important to put on the full armor of Christ each and every morning, so that we can withstand the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16).

When we take captive every thought into the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), the enemy has no entry point. For instance, there are mornings that I certainly don’t feel lovely, but I need to choose to be intentional about thinking and speaking what the Lord says about me in that moment. Because of His Word, I know that I am, “altogether lovely, My darling,” and no blemish is in me (Song of Songs 4:7). So no matter what I am feeling, the Lord’s Word—and what He says about me—is the final authority.

The Lord has been continuing to highlight to me the importance of the Bride of Christ walking in freedom, healing, and restoration. I sense that as we actively pursue proper alignment of our thoughts, we are going to walk in greater joy and freedom that we’ve ever known. We will be able to love the unlovely and bind up the broken hearted (Luke 6:35, Isaiah 61:1), for it was for freedom that we have been set free (Galatians 5:1). As freely as we have received, freely we must give (Matthew 10:8).

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. | Isaiah 43:2

I sense the Lord’s heart of encouragement to His Bride today. I believe that He is saying, “Beloved, do not fear the shaking, for you will walk through the fire unscathed; the flames will not set you ablaze (Isaiah 43:2).”

I had a picture in my mind’s eye of myself walking with Jesus. There was fire blazing on both sides of us, and the flames were tall, but we walked right through the middle. As we walked together, side by side, the flames did not touch us. Friends, just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not alone in the fiery furnace, we are not alone in our circumstances. Jesus is the fourth man in the fire, standing with us (Daniel 3). We will come out unscathed, fortified in the faith.

God is encouraging us today, “Don’t fear the shaking; I am mighty in your midst! I am bringing you into a place of abundance. Your current testing is about to become a mighty testimony of My goodness and faithfulness in your life. Fear not, for I am with you!”

You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:11-12).

For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. | Psalm 18:29 ESV

On Christmas morning, I woke up to some slight pain in my feet. Even now, I have still continued to experience a little discomfort. While inquiring of the Lord regarding the pain in my feet, and as I was pouring my heart out to Him, I cried, “Father, I don’t understand. I feel as though I’ve entered this new year with a limp.” I, of course, was referring to the physical limp that I was struggling with at the time, but even more so to the discomfort that I had been feeling because of the intense transition that had been taking place since the beginning of the new year.

As I remained in a posture of prayer, I immediately heard the Lord say to me, “Do not worry; you may feel as though you started off this year with a limp, but you will finish with a leap!”

That got my attention!

As I continued to listen, I received the following word from the Lord. I feel that it is not only an encouragement to myself, but also to others who are in a similar season. I pray that it blesses you, as we press on into the new year.

Keep Your Hand to the Plow

Being a forerunner and plowing new ground is exhausting, and it can be tempting to fall into discouragement. Forerunners and trail blazers are plowing new ground in this year; they are paving a new path for those who will one day come behind them. The life of a forerunner can feel very lonely and daunting at times. However, I sense that there is a great reward for these faithful servants of the Lord. I believe a season of reaping is coming, more quickly than many even realize. Even where they see little to no progress in the natural, the reality is that they are closer than ever to reaping a mighty harvest!

I really sense the Lord highlighting the importance of Galatians 6:9 in this hour. The verse says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” I hear the Lord saying, “Keep your eyes forward, Beloved! Do not look to the right or to the left, but keep plowing ahead. Do not be daunted by the naysayers, nor measure the results of your labor by what you see in the natural. You are advancing and taking ground,” says the Lord!

Out of Your Comfort Zone

“Just like when a mother bird nudges her babies out of the nest when it’s time for them to fly, you’ve been sensing your ‘nest’ being disturbed. Do not resist the shaking, for I am causing you to break out of your comfort zone and take a step into the great unknown. Trust Me, for I will be with you, even as Abraham obeyed Me and went by faith to the land that I showed Him.”

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him. (Genesis 12:1-4a).

I truly believe that Proverbs 3:5-6 will be imperative to walk in during this season: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” There will be many for which this will be a great year, and they will move out by faith to where the Lord directs them.

New Provisions and Opportunities

Do not fear if previous supplies of income and resources seem to be drying up. The Lord is bringing in new provisions an opportunities in this new season! It may look different that what you first expect, but you will know by the peace that you feel and the new open doors that this is from the Lord.

While it is good and wise to seek counsel, I also sense the Lord saying that He is calling many of His forerunners off the beaten and familiar path. This will make some people uncomfortable; they may attempt to hold you back and advise you to stay where it’s comfortable and familiar. It will be best to listen to the Lord’s voice above the opinions of man or any ‘fear-based’ advice you may receive. As you step out into where the Lord is leading you, there will be provisions and blessings.

The enemy has sought to bring discouragement and distractions, especially to the forerunners. However, the Lord is encouraging you today that you are gaining momentum and leaping over obstacles. You may feel as though you started this year with a limp, but I prophesy that you will surely finish with a leap!

I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name (Isaiah 45:2-3).

Recently, as our family was traveling out of state for the holidays, the song “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty began to play on the radio. In that moment, the Lord began to speak to me. I heard Him say, “2019 will be the year of the free fall.” I immediately pulled out my journal and began to write. This is what I sense the Lord speaking for the Bride of Christ as we enter into this new year and new season:

2019 will be the year of the free fall. You have felt the momentum building, and everything has been leading up to this moment. Through many valleys, you have faithfully walked with Me. Indeed, I have been your fire by night and your cloud by day (Exodus 13:21). 2018 has been a year of extreme intensity for many, but know this, My Bride: not one thing that you’ve walked through will be wasted. Indeed, I have been strengthening and fortifying you for what lies ahead.

What has looked like tremendous loss, I will turn to gain. Am I not the God Who gives beauty for ashes? (Isaiah 61:3) What has seemed like an end is actually a new beginning! This will be a new chapter for you. Do not look to the former, for I am making all things new (Isaiah 43:19). I have been doing, and am continuing to do, a deep work in you. As you have been freed of the baggage and trauma of the past season, it is important not to pick it up again. For whom the Son sets free is free, indeed (John 8:36).

You are entering into this new year and new season free of the past yokes and entanglements. You have been emptied out to be refilled! As it is written, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Your hands are now free to carry the new that I am releasing unto you. Doors that have been previously shut will now fling wide with little to no effort, for I set before you an open door (Revelation 3:8).

A friend once told me during a time of prayer that she was hearing the phrase, “When it rains, it pours.” She continued to say that she believed the Lord is turning this saying into a positive phrase for the Body of Christ. I believe the Lord is saying now, “There will be rapid acceleration and assignments opening up for you. Even like the weather patterns, things will begin to change very quickly in this next season. You will see My blessings rain down on you, and you will be one who testifies of My goodness. You will be able to say with joy, ‘When it rains, it pours!’”

Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy (Acts 14:17).

“Be willing to lay down what I am calling you to lay down, and pick up what I am calling you to pick up. Radical faith and obedience will be required of you, but I will be with you; I will never leave or forsake you. Faithful I have been, and faithful I will continue to be. As you are stretched out of your comfort zone, know that you will be rewarded for your obedience. My will is the best and perfect place to be.

“As you allow yourself to free fall into My plans for you, you will be amazed at the places I take you. Like the caterpillar that bursts from its cocoon as a butterfly, you will soon soar to new heights with Me! Beloved, now is the time to get your hopes up. It’s a new day and a new dawn. Let hope arise! The Father is breathing fresh life and strength into you, even now! I am washing away the sorrows and heartaches from your past season. Truly the best is yet to come!”

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. | Psalm 29:11

The Lord is extending his shalom peace to those who find themselves experiencing much turbulence. These ones are not only experiencing turbulence and upheaval in one area, but many different areas simultaneously. However, the Lord is speaking, “Peace, be still! I’ve got this, and I’ve got you. Yes, it’s stormy right now, but I am in your boat; we are crossing over to the other side. Do not be buffeted by the wind or the waves, rather, keep your eyes on Me. I am bringing my sovereign and divine order, even to the chaos that you are presently experiencing. You will come forth from all of this unscathed. You’ll walk through the waters and they will not overtake you; the flames will not set you ablaze (Isaiah 43:2).

“I am teaching your feet to dance on disappointment. Even in the midst of these present trials, you are being fortified and will come forth stronger than ever. Your latter will be greater,” declares the Lord. “Do not be moved, and do not be dismayed. Look not to the left or the right, but keep your eyes on Me. I am working! I am mighty in your midst. I am bringing my good out of what you are currently walking through, regardless how it looks or feels in the natural. Peace, be still, My Beloved!”

But the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me (Jeremiah 20:11).

Many people, especially the prophets and the forerunners, have been feeling such intense pressure and warfare on every side. Like Elijah, they have wanted to run in a cave and hide!

In the story of 1 Kings 18 and 19, Elijah proved that the God of Israel was the one true God and the gods of Baal were false because the God of Israel was able to comsume the sacrifice with fire from heaven, while the prophets of Baal were not able to do anything to get their sacrifice to burn. Once the people could see who the true God of Israel was, Elijah had the prophets of Baal killed. King Ahab reported all this to Jezebel, causing her to become furious! Jezebel sought to intimidate Elijah by threatening him with his very life, causing him to retreat into a cave and fall into a depression. So it has been with you!

Dear friends, please know thet the pressure and opposition that you have been feeling is not because you have done something wrong, but like Elijah, you are doing something right! The enemy is terrified at the ground you are taking!

The Lord is saying,“Come out of that cave!” You have no reason to be afraid, for there are more for you than there are against you. (2 Kings 6:16).

“Arise, mighty men and women of valor: this is your time to shine! For I, Myself will silence the naysayers and the very ones who have wrongly accused and mocked you. They will watch you feast on My goodness, as I will prepare a table before you in the very presence of your enemies (Psalms 23:5).” Take courage, dear ones! You are going forward, and things are coming to a head, but in a good way!

“Like David, you have been prepared on the back side of the wilderness. You have learned to slay the lion and the bear. Indeed, your hands have been trained for war and your fingers for battle (Psalms 144:1)! I have made your mouth like a sharpened sword. In the shadow of my hand, I have hidden you. I have made you into a polished arrow and concealed you in my quiver (Isaiah 49:2).

“You have been in a time of hiding and preparation, but now, I am drawing you out! You are My chosen vessel, in whom I take great delight! Fear not! Rather, be bold and courageous, for I am bringing you to the forefront for such a time as this!”

Arise, shine, for your light has come and my glory has risen on you, says the Lord of hosts (Isaiah 60:1).

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” | Proverbs 3:5-6

I feel the Lord highlighting the words trust and surrender in this hour. Many have been experiencing heavy warfare recently, as the enemy has been trying to create a sense of foreboding and dread; he’s caused you to wonder and worry about what may happen next. However, the Lord desires that you enter into His rest, trusting and surrendering all of your heavy burdens and anxieties into His loving hands. Our God knows the plan that He has for you, plans not to harm you, but to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

I believe that the Lord is saying today, “Lean into My Presence.” The eagle doesn’t fight against the storm, rather it leans into the wind and allows the adversity to take it to a higher level. This is also true for us. The Lord has everything under control. He wants us to cease from our worrying and striving, and to trust that His heart is towards us. Our God is a good and loving Father, and He will bring good out of our trials and situations.

Know that the Lord will make a way, even where there seems to be know way (Isaiah 43:16). Now is the time to trust and surrender!

Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving, and the voices of those who celebrate. I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will make them honored, and they shall not be small. |
Jeremiah 30:19

Happy Thanksgiving week, everyone! I feel the Lord’s heart of encouragement extended to His bride this morning. I believe that He wants you to know that He is mighty in your midst! As many will be gathering with friends and loved ones this holiday season, the Lord wants to encourage you to trust in His goodness and faithfulness. Let His peace guard your heart and mind, and let His praise ever be on your lips, regardless of the circumstances that may appear to be contrary to what He has spoken. Truly He is working everything for our good, and as we praise Him, we will be elevated to a higher place above the storms.

The Lord has been doing, and is continuing to do, a great work in the heart of His Bride, even amidst the fire, shaking, and realigning. He is working! He is increasing you and enlarging you through the stretching and discomfort than many are currently experiencing. The Lord wants you to know that even if you find yourself in uncharted waters and circumstances, He is with you! His hand is upon you, and He is lovingly watching over your life to keep you from all harm. Trust in His goodness, Beloved!

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. | John 8:36

The Lord is continuing to do a deep work in the heart of His Bride, ridding her completely of any unhealthy entanglements and bondages so that she can walk forward into this dynamic new season. She will be completely free of anything that would seek to hold her back.

Though these seasons of pruning can be uncomfortable (and even painful) to our flesh, the Lord uses them for our good. It is vital that when we are undergoing seasons of pruning that we don’t misunderstand the Lord’s heart towards us. Our God is a loving Father, faithful in all of His ways! He is always working for our good, and His heart is towards us. It is also important that we don’t confuse seasons of pruning with seasons of discipline. As we are told in John 15:2, “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

I believe that in this season the Lord is freeing many from the opinions of others and the fear of man. It says in Proverbs that, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25). In my own life, I have struggled with prioritizing the opinions of others, fearing how they perceived me for as long as I can remember. However, God is relentlessly calling us into a place of freedom. In His goodness, He has continued to work on me, bringing me to a place of being free from the opinions and fear of man.

I’ve learned that striving for other’s acceptance of us can turn into a form of idolatry. When we obsess over how other people perceive ourselves, becoming overly concerned with what they many think of us, we can lose sight of how the Lord truly sees us. Yes, we should do our best to live at peace with all men, but ultimately, we are to strive to please and obey God above all others.

It is nearly impossible to please both God and man at the same time. Being held in bondage to what others think—constantly seeking to win their approval an affirmation—will drain you of your energy. If you trap yourself in this lifestyle, you’ll only entangle yourself in unhealthy cycles and behavioral patterns. It requires a great courage to break away from the familiar, especially if these unhealthy lifestyles have been modeled to us by others from a very young age. However, I can personally testify that there is great freedom on the other side! We must be brave enough to break out of the mold that others may seek to confine us to. For we know that with God on our side, anything is possible. 

Often times, when you begin to whole heartedly pursue the unique and specific calling that God has placed on your life, your life can start to offend those closest and most familiar to you. Even Jesus experienced this, as He was not allowed to minister in His hometown because the people once closest to Him began to take offense to His teachings:

And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home” (Matthew 13:57).

When we are rejected by man, Jesus gives us permission to move forward, saying, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet” (Matthew 10:14). However, it is important that we, ourselves, do not become offended. We are commanded to bless, release, and move forward with a clean heart.

Joseph also experienced rejection and betrayal by his own family. After sharing his dreams with his family, Joseph’s brothers became very angry towards him. Joseph was then thrown into a pit by his brothers before they eventually sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:12-36). Amazingly, even through this horrible experience, Joseph managed to keep his heart pure and did not become bitter. He forgave his brothers, even saying to them, “What you meant as evil against me, the Lord used for my good (Genesis 50:20). Joseph could have easily justified his right to become angry against his brothers, or even use his position of authority in Egypt to get revenge on his family. However, he ended up choosing the better thing. In the end, God vindicated Joseph and continued to bless him greatly (Genesis 48:15).

The Lord brought Joseph from the pit to the palace because Joseph continually stayed faithful and obedient to Him. Joseph honored the Lord, even through the intense trials and testing that he endured. Through it all, the Lord allowed Joseph’s character to be refined and developed during his time of pruning, and eventually brought him into a place of promotion and honor.

He raises the poor from the dust,
He lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with nobles,
And inherit a seat of honor;
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
And He set the world on them (1 Samuel 2:8).

I believe that many in the body of Christ have experienced setbacks and betrayals from others. Even so, the Lord wants to encourage us today, saying, “As you have continually chosen to let Me defend you, even when your experiences didn’t make sense or turn out how you expected, I will now be turning the tables!” You will come out on top, just as it is written, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). As you continue to allow God to rid you of what others think—living solely for an audience of One—you will experience a new found freedom!

The Lord tells us in His Word that when our ways are pleasing to Him, He will cause even our enemies to be at peace with us. Beloved, be encouraged! God is ridding you from being enslaved to the opinions of others and fear of man. You will now be able to walk forward into your new assignment, completely free from the bondage’s and weights of the past. Truly the Lord’s yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

Beloved, the Father is so pleased with you; He calls you flawless (Song of Songs 4:7). Continue to say “yes” to Him, regardless of the misunderstandings and rejection that you may have once encountered. He is removing the final traces of sorrow, and you will experience His freedom, healing and restoration! Truly your joy will know no bounds.

This is your season to celebrate! The Lord is turning your mourning into dancing, giving you a new song to sing (Psalm 30:11). Continue to walk forward boldly and confidently into your new place of freedom. Your Heavenly Father delights in you, and you have found much favor in His sight!

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless (Psalm 84:11).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. | Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust Me in transition and be willing to hold all things loosely. There is much change taking place right now. Though this can be an uncomfortable (and even messy) process, know that I have your best interest in mind and that I am working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). You are going forward, not backwards, despite how things may look or feel; for truly My ways and thoughts are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

“Do not fear the road bumps, nor the unexpected twists and turns along the way; trust Me and be assured that we will reach the desired destination. Enjoy the journey and refuse to borrow trouble from tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). There is grace for today, and My mercies are new every morning. You are safe with Me, My Beloved! I am leading you and guiding you. I will be your cloud by day and your fire by night (Exodus 14:19-20). I am bringing you to a good place; I am freeing you from past entanglements, and you will know in this season what it is to travel light. Trust me in transition,” says the Lord!

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. | Romans 8:38-39

In the Lord’s goodness, He is exposing all that has been hidden in darkness. Yet even amidst the shaking, as things are beginning to come to the light, the righteous will be lifted up (Psalm 75:10). Continue to intercede and maintain a heart posture of humility. As you continue to follow the Lord’s leading and walk in obedience to Him, be assured that He will cause your enemies to be at peace with you (Proverbs 16:7).

 Your life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning (Job 11:17).

Many are feeling unbalanced and in somewhat of a fog due to all the transition that is taking place, but be encouraged! Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Your anchor holds as you remain rooted in Christ, the One who never changes!

Beloved: you have nothing to fear, for truly nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:39). He will not fail you, nor will He ever leave your side. Even during turbulent times, the Lord will lead you beside the still waters; He will restore your soul (Psalm 23:3). Just as God led His people out of Egypt, He alone is your fire by night and your very cloud by day. Be strong and courageous, for your anchor holds!