Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. | Ephesians 6:13

Stand tall, My beloved! Know that My blood speaks a better word over you, even in the face of false accusations and character assassinations (Hebrews 12:24). Always remember who you are and Whose you are. You are mine, and nothing can ever separate you from My love.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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 8:31:39).

There will be those who don’t see you rightly. They will make false assumptions about you and dishonor you in their words and speech. However, take no offense, My Bride; love intentionally and radically. For as it is written, “they will know you by your love” (John 13:35). Resist the urge to defend yourself; walk in humility and know that I, Myself, am your vindicator and your defender. Surely I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save (Isaiah 49:25).

For this is what the Lord Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye (Zechariah 2:8).

You are on the right path, though it is narrow and few may follow. Know that I am well pleased with you! I alone am your exceedingly great reward (Genesis 15:1). Keep moving forward and do not grow weary in well doing, for surely you will reap if you do not faint (Galatians 6:9).

Some may say you’re not qualified, but I, Myself, qualify you. Where man has looked at your outward appearance, I have seen your true heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Do not shrink back, rather stand tall, even in the face of adversity. Heaven is cheering you on, for your life is making a difference in My Kingdom and throughout eternity.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1).

I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. | Isaiah 22:22

For the past several days I have heard the phrase, “Come up higher” resonating in my spirit. I sense that the Spirit of the Lord is saying today, “Come up higher, for as you press into Me and call upon My Name, I will show you great and mighty things that you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3).

“I am releasing My heavenly wisdom and keys in this hour to unlock that which had previously been withheld. These keys I am releasing will bring the answers to complex and longstanding issues that have once seemed impossible to fix. Watch as the barriers come down and I release the breakthrough that you have been contending for!

“Your old methods and ways of doing things will not work in your new season. For I am leading you in a way that you have not formerly been, even as a cloud by day and a fire by night. It is imperative that you walk out Proverbs 3:5-6 on a daily basis, as it is written, ‘Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Me, and I will make your path straight.’

“This is truly a water-walking season for you. I am eradicating fear from your life. What had formerly held you back will do so no longer! For you have endured the fire and the process, and you have come forth pure. You are bursting from the cocoon that once confined you, and you will now soar to new heights with Me!

“Resist looking back, beloved. What was from the past season has served its purpose,  but now, I am doing a new thing! Do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19) Your wilderness season has equipped and trained you, and now you are prepared to carry the ‘more’ that I have in store.”

Praise be to the Lord my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle (Psalm 144:1).

“You are now equipped to release and impart to others the same freedom that you have received. I will make you My mouthpiece; you will be on display and your life will bring Me glory!”

You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God (Isaiah 62:3). For before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5).

Forerunner, rise up! Keep moving forward! You are My braveheart, My fearless warrior. Though you have been tried by the fire, you have become refined like gold; you have come forth pure through the flame. Surely My hand is upon you, and My goodness and mercy shall follow you all of your days (Psalm 23:6). For even now, I am preparing a table for you in the presence of your enemies.

You, My Forerunner, are plowing a new and uncharted path. Sometimes the path seems unclear and dimly lit, but know that I—the Lord your God—am leading you as a fire by night and a cloud by day. Be encouraged, for surely generations upon generations will come behind you and reap where you have faithfully sown. I will shower My love upon your bloodline, for you have kept my commandments and have honored Me with your love.

I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments (Exodus 20:5-6).

Though you may feel weak, I am calling you strong. Though you presently feel weary, even now I am imparting new strength into you. Surely you shall run and not grow weary; you shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

I am well pleased with you, Forerunner. You are breaking up the hard ground as you declare the promises of My Word and follow where I am leading you. As it is written, “‘Is not my word like as a fire?’ says the Lord; ‘and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?’” (Jeremiah 23:29). Lift your head up, for you shall be called Repairer of Broken Walls and Repairer of Streets with Dwellings (Isaiah 58:12). Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn (Isaiah 60:3).

Don’t quit, My precious child! For surely you will reap if you do not faint (Galatians 6:9). I am causing the wind of My Spirit to blow away the cobwebs of the things that have sought to hinder you. Though you may feel there are boulders all around you, I am clearing a path. I am going before you, making your crooked places straight and the rough places smooth (Isaiah 46:2). Rise up, My beloved Forerunner! Clothe yourself with strength, for truly the victory is yours.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” | Isaiah 60:1

For the past several days, I have been hearing the phrase, “Out of the ashes, My glory will rise,” resonating in my spirit. Today I sense that the Lord is saying, “Out of the very ashes of past discouragement, heartache, and despair, My very glory will rise! I am turning your ashes into beauty, and I am giving you joy for a spirit of heaviness. I am giving you your breath back, and you’ll be able to breathe easily once again. You will drink deeply of My peace, being able to say with confidence, ‘It is well with my soul,’” says the Lord.

The Lord has been doing a deep work in the hearts of many during this hour. Though it has been painful, these ones have given Him their ‘yes’ and have not only endured, but have embraced the refining process. They have been through the fire, and now they are coming forth pure, refined like the gold!

But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10).

The Lord is roaring His freedom over His Bride! For it was for freedom that He has set you free (Galatians 5:1). Truly the prison doors are flinging wide open, and you are coming out of captivity and into His freedom! Look, as the grave clothes have been stripped away, and He has clothed you with new garments (Zechariah 3:4).

The Lord is calling you by a new name (Isaiah 62:2). It is time to walk forward, and no longer look back. You will be one who bursts open the ancient gates and rebuild the ruins of former generations (Isaiah 58:12). The Son of Righteousness is arising with healing in His wings! Rejoice, for it’s a brand new day!

But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall (Malachi 4:2).

I felt to release a short word of encouragement from Papa’s heart to those who are currently feeling battle weary. I believe the Lord is saying, “My Bride, you are lovely to Me, even in your weakness. I am undone by just one glance from your eye” (Song of Songs 4:9). Refuse to allow the enemy’s condemnation or words of accusation to take root in you. Rather, gird yourself with My truth, for My strength is made perfect even in your weakeness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

“Lean in close to My heart and hear the love song I’m singing over you today:

The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

“Come rest in and be refreshed by My presence. Cease your worrying and striving, and let those burdens fall to the wayside. Have I not said in My Word that I will contend with that which contends with you (Isaiah 49:25)? For I am your high tower; I am your shield and your safety.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (Psalm 18:2).

“Nothing, by any means, shall harm you (Luke 10:19). Enter into My rest today and be confident that I am working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28).”

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked (Proverbs 3:25).

At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. | Zephaniah 3:19

“Beloved, fear not when men falsely accuse you and speak all kinds of evil against you for My sake. Truly you are blessed, for My Spirit of glory rests upon you! (Matthew 5:11, 1 Peter 4:14).

“You are a sweet fragrance unto Me, My Bride. Like Mary, you have chose the better thing (Luke 10:42). For there have been those who have not seen you correctly, nor have they honored your decision to place Me at the center of your life. Yet you have sought to please me above the opinion of man, even the opinions of those close to you. I know that you have experienced slander and false judgements, as the enemy has sought to use these against you. As hard as it has been—even through the pain, tears, and heartache—you have continued to bless, forgive, and release those who have come against you. You have remained humble and have not sought to defend yourself, rather you have continually trusted Me and cried out of My vindication in your life. Beloved, know that I honor the choice you’ve made to continually put Me first, even at all costs.

“Truly I tell you, the appointed time is now! Like a mighty warrior, I will now arise on your behalf. In this season, I am going to right the wrongs and restore your honor and name. My very favor and blessings on your life will silence the voices of your foes and your accusers!”

But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. (Jeremiah 20:11).

For thus said the LORD of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye (Zechariah 2:8).

“Watch now, as I bless you and prepare a banqueting table of feasting for you in the very presence of your enemies (Psalm 23:5). I have seen your heart, even when others have not seen it correctly. (For man looks at the outward appearance, but I see the heart—1 Samuel 16:7).

“I see the cost and the price you have paid, Beloved. Cast not away your confidence, for I am the rewarder of those who diligently seek Me (Hebrews 11:6). I’m going to right the wrongs and restore your honor,” declares the Lord.

The nations will see your righteousness,
And all kings your glory;
And you will be called by a new name
Which the mouth of the LORD will designate.
You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,
And a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

It will no longer be said to you, “Forsaken,”
Nor to your land will it any longer be said, “Desolate”;
But you will be called, “My delight is in her,”
And your land, “Married”;
For the LORD delights in you,
And to Him your land will be married.

For as a young man marries a virgin,
So your sons will marry you;
And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
So your God will rejoice over you (Isaiah 62:2-5).

As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools. | Psalm 84:6

Recently, I was worshiping at church when I had an encounter with the Lord. My husband and I were standing beside each other with our arms raised as we were praising God. We—and I believe many others, as well—have been walking through some challenging situations. Yet as my husband and I were worshiping, I saw Jesus. He was standing in front of us in a white robe, and His arms were extended out to us. As Jesus placed His hands on my husband and I, I could feel the strength, peace, and deep love that He was imparting into us.

What a powerful and tangible picture of how our Lord intercedes for us!

Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us (Romans 8:34).

Then the vision changed, and my husband and I were now walking with Jesus through a dark place. Immediately I understood that the darkness represented our current circumstances. Even then, Jesus was our good Shepherd, leading us with a staff in His hand. I was instantly reminded of the familiar passage in the Psalms that says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

The final picture of this encounter then came before me, and it was so encouraging! All of a sudden, we emerged out of the darkness. Instantaneously there was light and vivid colors all around us. Lush, beautiful flowers appeared everywhere, and there was a sense of incredible joy. It was such a glorious sight to behold, and I was astounded at how we instantly went from a place of such darkness to light. “For You light my lamp; the Lord my God illumines my darkness” (Psalm 18:28).

The wilderness and the desert will be glad,
And the Arabah will rejoice and blossom;
Like the crocus (Isaiah 35:1).

I felt to release this encounter to the body of Christ today as an encouragement. Whatever you are currently facing in your life, Jesus—the true, good Shepherd—is making intercession for you, leading you through the hills and valleys. His rod and staff will comfort you, for He is mighty in your midst!

The Lord your God is in your midst,
A victorious warrior.
He will exult over you with joy,
He will be quiet in His love,
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy (Zephaniah 3:17).

I am reminded of Psalm 84:6, which says, “As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs.” The word Baca, itself, represents weeping. I truly believe that the Lord is taking our very places of weeping and turning them into joy!

The Lord would say to you today, “Your very tears have been watering and fertilizing the harvest that is ready to spring forth!” Be encouraged that the Lord has been working behind the scenes in your life, despite how things may feel right now in the natural. He is weaving His pattern of good through all of your circumstances, both big and small alike. As it is written, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Let hope arise! Surely your valley of Baca wil now become a place of springs!

He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him (Psalm 126:6).

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. | Matthew 19:30

I hear the Lord saying today, “The last shall become the first, and the least shall become the greatest! Just as it is written in the book of Isaiah, ‘The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly’ (Isaiah 60:22).

“I am calling forth my Davids, Josephs, and Esthers in this very hour. These are the ones the world has rejected, despised, and deemed unworthy; yet in this season, I am calling them to the frontlines. You have been like David, faithfully tending the sheep behind the scenes, all the while making Me your heart’s delight. You have been like Joseph, for while you were in the pit, you trusted in Me. You have been like Esther, for even in your season of hiding, I have been training you for such a time as this, and I will use you greatly. For I, the Lord, do not look on the outward appearance, but at the heart (Samuel 16:7).

”Truly you will receive honor instead of your former shame, as it is written in My Word,” says the Lord.

Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor (Isaiah 61:7).

“I am raising up My change agents, and they shall come forth from obscurity and take the world by storm! They will be humble in heart, yet move out in such power and authority. They have been trained on the backside of the desert, and now they are coming out, leaning on their Beloved” (Song of Songs 8:5).

Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle (Psalm 144:1).

“My people know who they are and they know Whose they are. These ones have not sought a platform, rather their number one desire has been to know Me and to make Me known. Watch, as others will see My approval and vindication on your life. Truly you have found favor in My sight,” declares the Lord.

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

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. | 1 Corinthians 13:13

The Lord is highlighting the importance of love in this season. I sense Him saying, “Beloved, don’t run from difficult people or circumstances, rather draw upon Me for My wisdom and insight. Allow My love to overflow in you and even spill out over those you find difficult to love, yourself. For My strength is made perfect in your weakness (1 Corinthians 12:9). Freely you have received My love, so freely give it away (Matthew 10:18).

“I am calling you to lay down any walls of defense and step out once again into My radical love. It is written in My Word, ‘You are to owe no man anything other than to love him’ (Romans 13:8). For as your ways are pleasing to Me, I will cause even your enemies to be at peace with you (Proverbs 16:7). Stay in a posture of meekness and humility, as you continue to abide in Me. The light that I have placed inside of you is greater than the darkness, and surely the darkness shall not overcome!”

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5).

“In many ways you have felt like Joseph: lied about, falsely accused, and seemingly thrown into a pit by those close to you. Yet I would say to you, love extravagantly and without reserve! Pay no attention to a suffered wrong (1 Corinthians 13:5). Do not seek to defend yourself, for it is mine to avenge; I will repay (Romans 12:20),” says the Lord. “Where you have suffered injustices, trust Me to make it right. I, alone, am your vindication and your defense. Even as I made Myself of no reputation (Philippians 2:7), I am calling you to do the same. What has been done in secret will be brought into the light (Mark 4:22). Watch, as My hand of favor and vindication shall lift you out of that pit!”

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand (Psalm 40:2).

“As you allow yourself to be a conduit of My radical love and blessing, you will experience a greater freedom and joy than you have previously known or experienced! For it was for freedom that I have set you free (Galatians 5:1).

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. | Philippians 3:14

“Keep moving forward, Beloved! There will be people in your life, even some who were once close to you, who will refuse to see you as the new creation I have called you to be. They’ll attempt to keep you hemmed in, trying to define you by the things of your past. However, remain confident that My blood speaks a better word over you (Hebrews 12:24). You are not who the world says you are; you are My beloved child in whom I am well pleased.

“Like the caterpillar, you have crawled out of the tight place of restriction and confinement that once held you in bondage. Now I have brought you into a wide and spacious place, because My delight is in you (Psalm 18:19). You will continue to soar to new heights with Me, and the world will be amazed by the places I take you!”

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand (Psalm 40:2).

“Do not be swayed by the thoughts and opinions of others, for even as it is written in My Word, “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, I make even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). You owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law (Romans 13:8). Though the path seems lonely at times, keep moving forward, just as a brave soldier marches into battle. I will open up the way before you and turn your darkness into light.

I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, and I will not leave them undone (Isaiah 42:16).

“Alignment is key in this season. Stay aligned with Me, and trust in where I lead. I will send you reinforcements, people who will celebrate and partner with you, to help carry out the God-given visions and assignments that I’ve placed within you. Be strong and courageous, for I, the Lord, am with you! Everywhere your foot treads, I will give you the land,” says the Lord!

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. | Ephesians 2:6

“My Bride, I am calling you to arise and walk in the fullness of your authority, even as I have given you the very authority to overcome all the power of the enemy. Truly nothing—by any means—shall harm you,” says the Lord (Luke 10:19). “For as it is written, ‘whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven’ (Matthew 18:18).

“This is not a time to relent or retreat, Beloved. Rather, this is a time to wield your sword and walk forward confidently into your new territory. For indeed, I am enlarging and expanding you, and you will spread out to the right and to the left (Isaiah 54:2-3).

“Be assured that everything I have has been made available to you, My Bride! I will withhold nothing from you, for indeed, you are seated with Me in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Be encouraged today, as I am calling forth My sons and daughters to rule and reign as they walk in their rightful authority in Me,” declares the Lord.

I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open (Isaiah 22:22).

 No longer will they call you Deserted or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you. | Isaiah 62:4

“Beloved, I am calling you by a new name! Look now, as I am removing the heartache and the reproach that you have experienced in your previous season. I take great delight in you, My Bride! Watch, as I restore your honor and bless you in front of those who have come against you. For they will see my favor and vindication on your life, even as I prepare a table of feasting for you before their very eyes. (Psalm 23:5).

“Know that My hand has been at work in your life, and be assured that I have been working behind the scenes. Even when you could not see, I was weaving my pattern of good in your life. Like Joseph, you will soon say, ‘What the enemy had meant as evil, God has used for my good’ (Genesis 50:20). For as it is written, truly I work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28).

As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. | Psalm 42:1

Many are feeling discontent and restless in this current season. However, I strongly sense the Lord saying today, “Your discontentment is birthing a greater desire and hunger for Me. Truly My presence is the only thing that satisfies you. Do not despise the dissatisfaction or restlessness that you are experiencing, for I am inviting you to go deeper into Me. As you do, you will explore the depths of My Spirit that you’ve not previously known or tapped into before.”

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6).

“My Bride, lean into Me, and keep pressing in. Guard your heart against the different voices that clamor for your attention, for as it is written in Proverbs, ‘everything you do flows from it’ (Proverbs 4:23). As I have promised you in My Word, if you draw near to Me, surely I will draw near to you (James 4:18).

“Worship Me and sing your praise—even over the battle—for as you do, you will encounter Me and the new revelation that I am longing to pour out to you.”

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

“Keep pressing into Me, My Bride. As you continue to seek Me with all of your heart, you shall surely find me,” declares the Lord!

The LORD will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies. | Isaiah 42:13

Recently while walking and praying, I heard the phrase, “I’m releasing My sound!” I heard this same sentence several times, and shortly afterwards I saw a picture of dry, hard ground cracking and breaking. As I pressed into the Lord regarding this phrase and picture, I heard Him say:

“I am releasing My sound over the earth in this very hour. Even now, the earth is groaning in eager anticipation for My sons and daughters to be revealed, rise up, and step into their rightful place of authority and identity in Me (Romans 8:19),” declares the Lord.

“I am releasing a battle cry over the injustice that My people have experienced; no longer will I keep silent!

For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant . . . I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:14, 16).

“The sound that I am releasing will awake My slumbering Bride from her place of apathy. Even as I am releasing My sound, My Bride will also release a new sound of her own, as I am imparting it to her in this season. She shall now arise and engage in battle! I am extending My scepter to her in this very hour, and she shall rule and reign in the midst of her enemies (Psalm 110:2). No longer will My Bride shrink back in fear and intimidation. Instead, she will display My glory and reflect My very image.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).

“Listen to Me, O my people! This next movement will not be exclusive, but it will be available to all who are hungry (Matthew 5:6).  I am increasing revelation and clarity to My people in this season, and I am removing the fog that has attempted to settle upon them. New songs, new books, and fresh revelation are being imparted to the body of Christ! I’m sending My revival fire, and I will use My children in this next movement,” says the Lord. “My Spirit will fall on the young and old alike. As it is written, ‘In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams,’ (Acts 2:17) and ‘out of the mouths of infants and babes I have ordained praise’ (Matthew 21:16).

“I am breaking up the hard and rocky ground. Watch, as I send My refreshing rains! For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants (Isaiah 44:3).

“I’m breaking the stronghold of the religious spirit that has attempted to keep My Bride divided. In this next movement, many denominations will come together and seek My face. Even as it is written, ‘how good and pleasant is it when God’s people come together in unity’ (Psalm 133:1). They will worship Me in spirit and in truth. My glory will not be contained to the four walls of the church, but rather I will move in the unusual and unexpected places. Revival will break out in the streets, in the market place, and even in home groups. Listen, as I release My sound!”

And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps (Revelation 14:2).

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. | Deuteronomy 7:9

The Lord is restoring generational and family blessings in this season. As I have stated in a previous word, our Heavenly Father has been purifying and cleansing our bloodlines. Though initially this can be an uncomfortable (and even messy) process, we can be assured that if we yield to His working, the end result shall be great healing and restoration!

There has been an attack on families, as the enemy has sought to cause division through strife, wounding of the soul, and breakdown of communication. We must recognize who the real enemy is: not our family, nor those we hold close to us, but the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).

I believe that 2018 will be the year that we will see the family redeemed; ongoing issues and cycles of dysfunction, family breakdowns, and heartaches will be restored to the pure, healthy relationships that the Lord desires for His people. God’s heart is for the family. Where the enemy has sought to kill, steal, and destroy, the Lord is now releasing and uncovering generational blessings. Do not listen to the lies of the enemy that would seek to tell you that nothing will ever change, or that things are too broken to ever be restored. With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

I truly believe that this is the year that we will see families restored! We will see the hearts of fathers and mothers turned back to the children (Malachi 4:6). The Lord has seen what has broken your heart, and He is bringing His justice and recompense to the things that have seemingly been lost.

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
the great locust and the young locust,
the other locusts and the locust swarm—
my great army that I sent among you (Joel 2:25).

Be encouraged, for the Lord is in the process of rebuilding (Isaiah 61:4); He is making beauty out of the ashes. His heart is for you and your family, and the plans that he has for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11).

They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations (Isaiah 61:4).

Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation. | Isaiah 12:3

There are deep waters of refreshing coming to God’s people. Stand strong in the midst of the sudden onslaught of heaviness and discouragement that would seek to knock you off course. The Lord is with you, and He surrounds you with songs of deliverance.

You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7).

This is a time to encourage yourself in the Lord, even as David did (1 Samuel 30:6). One of the psalms recorded in the Bible shows how the psalmist found his hope in the Lord, even during the trials and tribulations he was experiencing:

Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence (Psalm 45:2).

Be encouraged in this: great and mighty things are coming swiftly, and God is going before you, fighting your battles (Exodus 14:14). There is much angelic activity happening behind the scenes, and the Lord is bringing things into His divine order and alignment. I prophecy fresh strength to weary hearts today; I prophecy hope to you in the midst of discouragement! The fog will soon lift, and you will drink deeply of His living waters.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:6).

Keep pressing into the Lord, for He honors hunger. As you enter into His rest, you will be refreshed by His presence. I say to you, you will encounter your Heavenly Father in deeper ways than you have previously experienced. Be encouraged today, for even now He is leading you beside the still waters and restoring your soul (Psalm 23:3).

“For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.” | Isaiah 61:8

“2018 will be a year of divine recovery, restoration, and recompense,” declares the Lord! “Expect to see My swift justice in the very areas of extreme loss and hardship that you had experienced in your previous season. As it is written in the book of Isaiah,

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice” (Isaiah 42:1-3).

“My Bride, I have been purifying you for such a time as this. Even as you have gone through the fire, I have been burning off the dross and molding. I have been shaping you, even as the potter does with his clay. You have allowed Me to have My way with you, and you have endured the process. Now, My Beloved, you have come forth pure and restored, as only what I desire in you has remained.

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work (1 Corinthians 3:10-13).

“Watch now, as I open the floodgates and pour out a blessing upon you that you will not be able to contain! I am turning the bitter waters of the previous season into My sweet waters of refreshiong renewal and restoration! As I bring my restoration, things will not be like they have been before, but rather you will experience even better. I am restoring your joy, and you will laugh again! For out of your belly shall flow My living waters (John 7:38).

“Such healing and transformation are taking place right now, both physically and spiritually. Your health and vigor are even being restored in this very season! You shall rise up with wings like eagles, and you shall run and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

“I am releasing a new-found freedom in you, even now as you enter into My rest. Allow me to rejuvenate and refresh you, My Bride!

My beloved spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, come with me. See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone (Song of Songs 2:10-11).

“Arise and shine! Your light has come, Beloved, and My glory rises on you in this new season” (Isaiah 60:1).

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. (Psalm 126:1-3).

“Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved?” | Song of Songs 8:5

Out of the Wilderness

There are many who have entered into a new season of promotion. However, due to the intensity of the trials and warefare of their previous season, they may not even realize that they are now walking in something new. It is easy to become battle weary, living life in survival mode. But dear Bride of Christ, lift your eyes! You have come up out of the wilderness, leaning on your Beloved. Your season has shifted, as you are leaving the wilderness behind.

Forward Only

The trials and tribulations of 2017 have been intense, but they have served much purpose; you are stronger now and more fully equipped to steward what lies ahead. Like a diamond, you have been purified and shaped through the intensity of the heat and pressure.

I feel the Lord’s heart of encouragement towards His Bride. I believe that God desires for her to walk boldly and courageously into the new land that He has placed before her. Beloved, it is vital to walk forward only. What once worked in past seasons will not work in this new season, for truly the Lord is doing a new thing! Do not look back, nor get entangled in what the Lord has already set you free from. It is His anointing that has destroyed the yoke of the former bondages, and whom the Son sets free is free indeed (Isaiah 10:27; John 8:36).

Guard Your Heart

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23).

It is critical that we guard our hearts in this new season.

The Lord has been impressing on me the importance of purity. A good daily prayer to begin dialoguing with the Lord is Psalm 51:10. The Psalm reads, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Another great scripture to pray is Psalm 139:23-24. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”

It is vital that what we put before our eyes, what we allow our ears to hear, and the words we let out of our mouth are life giving. It is written in the Bible that to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). With promotion comes greater responsibility and stewardship, and we need to steward well for the Lord.

Greater Authority and Influence

You now carry the breaker anointing in the very areas in which you have overcome, and you are equipped to set others free in the places you once struggled in. Freely you have received, now freely give (Matthew 10:8).

I sense that many new doors will be opening at an accelerated pace in this season, and not just one door at a time, but many simultaneously!

“Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills” (Amos 9:13-15 MSG).

It will be important not to get overwhelmed or lean merely on human wisdom and understanding as this happens. Rather, as the doors fling wide, apply Jeremiah 33:3 to your mind. For the Lord says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

As your heart’s cry is to honor the Lord and seek His will, He will be faithful to lead and guide your steps. Stay in a posture of obedience and surrender to our God, for those who have remained humble are being exalted and promoted in this hour. For the Lord exalts the humble, but resists the proud (Psalm 138:6).

Walk Boldly and Courageously Into Your New Land!

Every place where you set your foot will be yours (Deuteronomy 11:24).

“Walk forward,” says the Lord. “This is not a time to shrink back in fear, rather to rise up boldly and confidently!”

You have slayed many giants in this past season, and now the Lord is enlarging and expanding your territory (Deuteronomy 19:8). Your wilderness season is over, and new life is springing forth! Rise up courageously, oh mighty men and women of valor! This is a season of great joy, new assignments, and promises fulfilled. Let your hope arise, as you walk forward boldly and confidently into your new season!

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. | Psalm 126:5-6

Once again the Lord has been highlighting tears to me in this season. I believe that the Lord would want you to know that He has taken note of your tears and the injustices that you have experienced. His eye is on you, Beloved; be assured that your God is intimately acquainted with all of your ways (Psalm 139:3).

You have taken account of my wanderings;
Put my tears in Your bottle.
Are they not in Your book? (Psalm 56:8)

Though your faith feels weak and your strength low, you have said in your heart, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him” (Job 13:15). Be encouraged that the Lord has been working behind the scenes in your life. He is putting together a beautiful mosaic, even out of what looks like the broken, shattered pieces of your life. Our God wastes nothing, and He is giving you beauty for your ashes (Isaiah 61:3). He has seen the posture of your heart and how you have praised your way through the darkest valleys of despair.

How blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring;
The early rain also covers it with blessings (Psalm 84:5-6).

The Lord is redeeming things, though the process may look different than what you’ve anticipated. Be confident that it will be His very best for you. Your joy will be explosive, as you witness with your own eyes the goodness of God in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).

Cast not away your confidence, and let your hope arise! Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all (Psalm 34:19). Your very tears have been fertilizing the ground of your harvest, and you are going to reap great joy. Get ready to be in awe of God’s continuing faithfulness in your life!

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

It says in the Word that the Lord cuts off every branch that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful (John 15:2). I believe that 2018 is going to be a year of incredible freedom for those who have surrendered their all for the Lord. These people have allowed the Lord to have His way in their lives, as they’ve truly embraced the pruning process (even when it seemed painful to their flesh).

The year of 2017 has been an intense season, but it has also been a year of personal growth. There have been many ongoing issues that some in the Body of Christ (myself, included) have been facing head-on for a long period of time. We have been contending for freedom from issues that have been passed down through generational bloodlines. It has seemed as though the enemy has been working overtime to bring division and destruction. However, despite these circumstances, we know that if anything is brought to the light it can no longer hide in the darkness (Ephesians 5:13). Be encouraged, Beloved! God’s heart for you and your loved ones is to bring healing and restoration; for the blood of Christ speaks a better word (Hebrews 12:24).

A couple months ago I began travailing over some things, and to my flesh it felt extremely uncomfortable. As I inquired of the Lord as to what I was experiencing, He immediately quickened my spirit and reminded me of a word that He had given to me in January of this year. The Lord further instructed me to go back and reread that word over again. I was shocked, as I discovered after pulling up the word that I had written it exactly nine months ago from that day.

God instantly began to flood my spirit with His wisdom and revelation in regards to my question and feelings of discomfort. “I gave you a word declaring that 2017 will be the year that the umbilical cord is cut. Nine months later, similar to a mother’s pregnancy, I am bringing that word to completion in your life. Now is your time of birthing! You are experiencing discomfort, even as a woman in labor has birthing pains. However, once the baby is birthed, there will be incredible joy and freedom.”

The Lord has been cutting away unhealthy attachments and root systems so that the Bride of Christ can come into her place of freedom. I sense even now, as 2017 is coming to a close, that the Lord is completing this process of inner healing. Then they will be able to enter into 2018 completely healed of soul wounds and those unhealthy attachments.

Although His “cutting away” process can be painful to our flesh, it is all for good. God is getting rid of the old wine skins and making room for the new. This can be a vulnerable process; often during times like this, the enemy tries to come in and deceive. Yet, just as it’s written, “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy,” but the Lord has come so that we can have life more abundantly (John 10:10).

Do not believe the lies of the enemy that seek to tell you that you are being punished. The truth of the matter is that the Lord prunes His fruitful branches, those whom He loves, so that they can produce an even greater harvest. I believe that those God uses the most often endure the most intense time of pruning, however, it is so that they are prepared to carry the “more” that He is about to release upon them. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

Beloved, if you find yourself in a season where things are being brought into the light, know that the Lord is bringing restoration by allowing this to surface. He is completing His work in you, and He is flushing out any toxins in order to bring the healing that He so desires to give. Truly the Lord is doing a great work, as His ways and thoughts are always higher than ours.

It is vital in this season to look beyond what we see in the natural, having absolute trust that the Lord will complete the good work that He started in us. He tears down, but He also rebuilds (Job 12:14, Isaiah 61:4).

I sense the Lord’s heart of encouragement today. He is in the process of rebuilding, making beauty out of the ashes. Jesus Christ is allowing His Bride to enter into complete wholeness and health so that she can be fully equipped to go into this next year strong and free from her past entanglements and bondage. 2018 will be a year of new assignments, greater favor, and even geographical relocation for many. If you are currently experiencing turbulence, just hold on. This will soon clear, for the Son is breaking forth and you will experience a new day!

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 Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”

So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.”

Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. | Exodus 17:8-15

“I am the life giver, and I am the answer to any problem or difficulty that you may be facing. Come to Me all who are weary, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Come, drink of My living waters, and you shall thirst no more (John 4:14).

“Fix your eyes on Me, My Beloved, and not your problems. For I am the answer, your all sufficient One, and your ever present help in times of need (Psalm 46:1). Refuse to give into worry or fear, rather receive My peace that surpasses all understanding. Be confident that I am Jehovah Nissi, the Lord your Banner. Surely My banner over you is VICTORY,” declares the Lord!

“I release unto you the gift of faith: faith that sees with the reality of heaven’s eyes, faith that says to your mountain, ‘Be removed and cast into the sea!’ (Mark 11:23). For truly nothing shall be impossible for you as you receive this gift of faith that I am bestowing upon you, even now. You will laugh at what used to buffet and overwhelm you. You will receive and know my peace like never before. You will walk in great freedom,” declares the Lord, “for you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). Freedom is your portion in Me,” says the Lord!