“The exiled will soon be set free;
they will not die in their dungeon,
nor will they lack bread.
For I am the Lord your God,
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—
the Lord Almighty is his name. I have put my words in your mouth
and covered you with the shadow of my hand—
I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth,
and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.’” | Isaiah 51:14-16

Very recently, I have felt the Lord speak to me about freeing His people from exile. ‘Exile,’ defined by the New Oxford American Dictionary, is the state of being barred from one’s native country, typically for political or punitive reasons. Today I hear the Lord saying, “Many of My people have been held captive in a place of exile. They have experienced exile in their relationships, finances, and other areas of their lives. The pressure has been almost unbearable at times, but take heart! Even as it is written in the book of Isaiah, ‘The exiled will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread. For I am the Lord your God!’”

In this scripture, bread represents your resources. God is sending the rain of His provisions, and you are coming into a wide and spacious place. Where you have experienced much lack and have thought that you will barely survive, you will now know a season of abundance!

The enemy has tried to crush you with the heavy load you’ve been experiencing. Even in your area of finances, he has tried to keep you as a prisoner in exile. However, the Lord is roaring His freedom over you today. Listen and be encouraged, beloved, for God is declaring that you are coming out of exile!

For those of you who have endured, or are currently enduring, false accusations and slander: be encouraged! Know that God is your Great Defender, and He is vindicating you in this very hour.

I hear the Lord saying today, “Let your life speak! My truth and justice shall prevail, even in the midst of character assasination and other attacks of the enemy. As I’ve said in My Word, “no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and I refute every tongue that accuses you” (Isaiah 54:17). Truly, what has been whispered in secret will be shouted from the rooftops (Luke 12:3).

“I am exposing things in this very hour. I am righting the wrongs that you have suffered, and bringing justice to the areas where you have experienced injustice. I am giving you double for your trouble,” declares the Lord!

“I am restoring the years the locusts have eaten; I am redeeming the time (Job 2:25). Fret not and fear not, My Beloved. I am working on your behalf, bringing light to the darkness. Truly My truth shall prevail. Continue to move forward, and let your life speak.

“I am raising you up and restoring all you have gone through in your season of suffering. You shall know great joy, as I am changing your season. The pain you have endured cannot compare to the joy that’s coming! You shall be a jewel in My hand, a royal diadem in My eyes. Indeed, your life will speak, and I will use you for My glory,” says the Lord.

You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God (Isaiah 62:3).

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. | Revelation 3:8

As I was on my walk this morning, the Lord reminded me of a song entitled Surrounded (Fight My Battles) by Upper Room. He continued to speak to me, saying, “Many of my people feel surrounded right now by pressure from various circumstances, but they need to know and realize that they are surrounded by Me!”

Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield (Psalm 5:12).

God is saying, “My bride, fear not! For indeed, I am surrounding you. You’re not going under; in fact, you are overcoming, even through the immense pressure that you are currently experiencing. Know this: what you are feeling are birth pains. Even as a woman in labor is ready to give birth, so you are ready to give birth to your promise!

“I know that things have been beyond difficult, and you have felt surrounded on every side, but even through this I have been working. You are being strengthened, even amidst the difficult circumstances. It is imperative that you don’t quit now, because everything is getting ready to change for the better! I am sending you reinforcements, and help is on the way.

“What I am about to do for you will renew your confidence and your faith in Me, and you will see and testify that surely  I have been working things for your good all along! Keep your eyes on Me, and keep walking in the light, for I will be faithful to bring every word I have spoken to pass. I have not brought you this far to leave you. Yes, you are in uncharted territory, but I am with you, and you are surrounded by Me.

“You are getting ready to enter into a season of your reward for your faithfulness, so live with the constant and hopeful expectation of what I will do for you. I am calling you, even in the midst of your own needs, to boldly step out and sow. Even as the widow who was down to her last jar gave all that she had (as the prophet instructed her to), and her supply never ran dry, so I will also provide for you. Truly my ways are not your ways. Step out in faith today, and know that you will not fail. Your victory is assured, and truly you are surrounded by Me!”

 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. | Philippians 4:8

The Lord is calling us to fix our eyes on what is true. There are many distractions and challenging situations that the enemy is seeking to magnify in hopes of getting our eyes off of the Lord. However, as we fix our eyes on the truth—the fact that if Christ is for us, nothing can possibly be against us (Romans 8:31)—these other things will lose their grip on us.

I sense the Lord saying, “Magnify Me, for I am the Solution to everything you are currently facing. Have I not said in My Word that no weapon formed against you shall prosper? (Isaiah 54:17) Indeed, I am a very shield around you, your glory, and the lifter of your head (Psalm 3:3). As you focus on Me and my goodness, and even begin to declare it, things will begin to come into order and divine alignment. Now is the time to lift your praises high, for your praise will not only confound and confuse the enemy, but also shift the very atmosphere.

“My Bride, refuse to give your attention to or focus on anything that is negative or does not align with My Word! Rather, fix your eyes on what is true. Even as Joshua and Caleb did not listen to the negative reports, knowing that there were more for them than against them, so it is also with you. Know this: everywhere your foot treads, I have given you the land (Joshua 1:3). Truly, with Christ before you, who or what could possibly be against you? Now, arise in My confidence, and go forward! You are more than a conqueror through Me, and you shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of your testimony,” says the Lord!

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. | Psalm 27:14

Despite how opposite things may appear in the natural, God is working powerfully in your life right now. Keep trusting in His goodness! Refuse to come into alignment with the lies of the enemy, rather, fix your eyes on Jesus. Carry on like a brave soldier, knowing that He has all things in control, and He’s got you in His hands. Even now, the Lord is going before you, preparing the way. Lift up a shout of joy, and praise Him in advance for what He’s about to do! Truly, the battle is already won!

The One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD at their head (Micah 2:13).

You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. | Isaiah 62:3

Many are currently experiencing what feels like an intense crushing and pruning process, but the Lord is saying today, “Do not despise the crushing, for a diamond is being formed out of you.”

A dear friend of mine recently reminded me of the diamond, and how it isn’t as appreciated while in its uncut form. She went on to say that the beauty of a diamond comes from the long, difficult process it endures, making it into the precious jewel we all know and recognize. Just like this picture of the diamond, so it is with us, also. Beloved, know that though the trials you are facing are all a part of the process, God won’t leave you here. He is cultivating you and working His divine purposes in your life, even as the diamond is formed under heat and pressure. Though right now you currently feel the pain of the process, know this: the pressure is producing the promise.

PHOTO BY JOSH CAUDWELL

You are on a narrow path, and you may currently feel in a tight and restricted place, but the Lord is expanding you. Be encouraged, for you will soon be brought out into a wide and spacious place.

A caterpillar goes through a major transformation while in his dark, tight cocoon. However, after he endures the process, he soars to new heights: completely free from the old and embracing his new self. Don’t lose heart; even though now you only see the cocoon, you are beginning to break through! Even now in the spirit realm, I see a wing beginning to emerge from the shell of the cocoon. Truly your long, hard process is about ready to give way to an abundance of joy!

Take courage, dear heart! You are about to soar!

He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me (Psalm 18:19).

“I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. | Exodus 17:6

I see the Lord handing out staffs in the spirit realm, saying, “Strike the ground!” In the Bible, a staff represents authority. In this passage, Moses was commanded to strike the rock with his staff. As he did so, water gushed out from the rock.

Do you find yourself in a seemingly barren season today? The Lord is saying, “Pick up your staff; prophesy, and strike the ground! For I have placed a staff in one hand, and a sword in the other. The staff is to exercise the authority that I have given you. For truly, you are seated with Me in heavenly places (Colossians 3:1), and I have given you all authority.

“I am calling you to wield your sword, for it is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Know this: when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of God will raise up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19). Now boldly and fearlessly wield your sword and pick up your staff,” says the Lord.

“Beloved, now is not the time to retreat, rather, it is the time to advance! Gird yourself in My strength, for there are more for you than against you (2 Kings 6:16). Even as you strike the ground and declare My Word over your circumstances, darkness will tremble.

“Truly a mighty breakthrough is taking place. Even as water gushed forth from the rock as Moses struck it, so will My provisions be released unto you as you continue to strike the ground and wield your sword. I am not a man that I should lie; My word will not return void, but it shall accomplish the very purpose for which it was sent (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11). Arise now from that very place of apathy and despair, and strike the ground! As you do, you will see the miraculous released in your life,” declares the Lord!

Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord!
He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked. | Jeremiah 20:13

Will you bring Me the sacrifice of praise, even when your heart is heavy? Will you trust that I am working everything for your good, even though you may not presently see what’s taking place behind the scenes? Even while Joseph was in prison, I was with him; I was accomplishing My purposes in his life (Genesis 39:21). Just as it is written, truly “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

I am calling you to trust, even when you don’t understand, for I am a God who is good. The plans I have for you are only good: not to harm you, but to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

There is an end to these current trials that you are facing. While the enemy may be whispering fear and dread, I am calling you to get your hopes up! Let hope arise, because even as Joseph went from the prison to the palace in a day—experiencing an overnight turnaround—so it shall be with you! Arise from that place of apathy and despair. Again I say, let hope arise!

Though you currently see the path I am laying out, know this: truly, I am making the way! I am making streams flow through the wilderness, and parting your Red Sea. Bring to Me the sacrifice of praise, and worship Me, even amidst the warfare and turmoil. I am a good, good God, and you will see and proclaim My goodness in the land of the living. Let hope arise! Put on a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, and watch those giants fall.

I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).

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,
and your land will be married. | Isaiah 62:4

Many have gone through a season of heartache and seemingly great loss; they have radically stepped out in faith, surrendered and obedient to pursue God’s plan for their lives, only to find themselves thrown into a pit like Joseph. Out of jealousy and offense, many who should have stood beside you have turned their backs, leaving you bewildered. None the less, like a brave soldier, you have continued to march forward into what God has called them to do. Through few have walked with you or stood by you, with tears in your eyes, you have continued to bless those who have cursed you, praying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

I believe the Lord is saying, “Like Abraham, you have laid all that is precious to you down on the alter: your personal possessions, relationships, and even your own reputation. I have seen the cost, and I am well pleased with you, My Beloved. Watch now, as your great Defender restores your honor and your name! I am going to restore. Truly, you will receive ‘double for your trouble,’ with nothing missing and nothing broken.

“I am bringing you full circle. You are entering into a season of divine recovery and restoration, and you will be amazed as I restore the things that you once thought were beyond repair. I will mend what was broken, I will bring healthy relationships, and I will soften the hardest of hearts. I have heard your prayers and cries for help, and I am moving mightily on your behalf. Watch now, as I restore your honor and your name,” says the Lord!

Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them (Psalm 126:6).

During a time of intercession, I heard the Lord say, “I am turning the tide! The turbulence that you have been feeling is a confirmation that things are moving and shifting in the spirit realm. Do not listen to the lies of the enemy or give into the feeling of being overtaken. The truth is that you are moving spiritual mountains, and that your prayers are shifting things, even now.

“You are on the verge of mighty breakthrough, Beloved! I am turning the tide, even on generational issues. Even as you have been the one standing in the gap through your tears and petitions, know that this has not been in vain. A season of reward and answered prayer is upon you! Refuse to get weary in well doing, because your season of reaping is at hand. I am turning the tide,” declares the Lord!

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings (Isaiah 58:12).

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. | John 14:27

We had a powerful worship service at our church today; the weighty glory of the Lord was tangible and thick. As I got home later this afternoon, I continued to feel the peace and presence of God increase. I heard Him say, “I am mantling My people with My peace! My peace will will be like a refreshing rain, propelling My people into their next season. Many have been in such an extended season of wilderness and warfare that they have put themselves into survival mode, but they will now feel My presence in a renewed way! My presence will wash away the sorrow of the former season,” says the Lord. “Truly, you are coming up out of the wilderness, leaning on your Beloved. The winter has past, and the spring has come (Song of Songs 2:11).”

“I’m calling My Bride to step into the refreshing waters. Come all who are thirsty, come and dine with Me. For in My presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

“In My Kingdom, there is only abundance. My storehouse is full, and My resources are unlimited! What do you have need of today? For it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom (Luke 12:32). I am pouring out and lavishing My goodness upon you, even this very day. I am mantling you with My peace,” says our God!

O tase and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).

“As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease.” | Genesis 8:22

Several weeks ago, I released a word entitled, “Partner with Me, and Watch That Extra Weight Fall Off.” I am happy to testify that this word is starting to come to pass. While initially I started running back in March, I have now transitioned into walking daily (on average, I’m walking nearly six miles per day). However, the concept is the same; I am diligently working out daily and partnering with the Lord.

This morning, I was contemplating skipping my walk due to the rain. Shortly afterwards, it occurred to me that if I skipped today, it would be so easy to skip tomorrow, as well. Before I’d know it, I would be falling back into the routine of not walking at all. After some thought—although the circumstances weren’t ideal—I decided to press through and continue on with my morning walk.

While I was walking, I realized something. As much as I prefer walking in nice weather, the rain makes me appreciate the bright and sunny days all the more! I began to cultivate a heart of gratitude, walking in the rain, when I felt the Lord’s presence come upon me in a powerful way. I then heard Him say to me, “Many of my children have been encountering turbulence and a real feeling of heaviness. Tell them that I am with them, even through the rainy and seemingly dreary seasons. Truly I am with My people through every season of the soul!

“My very Presence is hovering over My children. The enemy would love to tempt you to quit, to stop praying because you haven’t seen the answers that you’ve been hoping for. However, the difficult situations that many of you are facing will come to an end, and there will be a good outcome! Even as in the weather patterns in the natural can change very abruptly, so it will be with the spiritual seasons many have been walking through. The storm clouds will soon dissipate, and the sun will rise with healing in its wings (Malachi 4:2).”

The Lord is saying, “Many of you have been faithfully plowing the ground, diligently interceding on behalf of people and situations that may seem beyond repair. Know this,” says the Lord, “there is nothing too difficult for Me! Your prayers and petitions have not gone by unnoticed; indeed, the prayer bowls are tipping! I am moving, I am working, and I am shifting even the most stubborn obstacles. I am working in your favor!”

In the Bible, we read about the woman who wanted justice; day and night, she continually went before the judge with her case. Though this judge neither feared God nor man, he eventually gave into her because she wore him out with her constant petitions. How much more will our Heavenly Father bring justice to those who keep asking and praying? Beloved, God is saying today, “I am with you through every season of the soul!” Be encouraged, because truly your situations are shifting for the better. Keep persevering; do not give up nor lose hope, for you are on the verge of mighty breakthrough!

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens … (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. | Isaiah 40:11

As I was praying for my own children this morning (as I do most days), I heard the Lord say, “My hand is upon your children!”

As the Lord continued to speak to me, I sensed that this was a word of encouragement for others, as well. Any good parent truly wants nothing but the best for their child. We try to do our best to protect them from as much pain as humanly possible, and guide them along the right path. However, as much as we love our kids, God in His perfection loves them even more (Matthew 7:11). He is able to see things that we, in our limited humanness, can’t always see. As we commit our children to Him—even on a daily basis—He is able to perfect all that concerns us, because of His perfect and flawless love.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands (Psalm 138:8).

I sense that there are those who have prayed countless prayers and cried many tears of intercession concerning their children. The Lord wants you to know today that His hand is upon them! He has neither been blind to your tears, nor deaf to your cries. As it says in the book of Ecclesiastes, “He makes all things beautiful in his time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Often times, the enemy seeks to get us to fall into discouragement when outwardly, we may not be seeing many changes. However, the Lord is working His good in all situations. A powerful illustration a dear friend of mine recently shared with me is this: even as water in a river works overtime and begins to erode pebbles—making them round and smooth—that is how the Lord is working to soften even the hardest of hearts. He is, once again, turning the hearts of the father towards the children, and the children’s hearts to the father (Malachi 4:6). Be encouraged today, and know that God has His hand upon your children! Indeed, He knows the plans He has for them: plans to prosper them and never to harm them, plans to give them a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

I also sense the Lord saying that He is restoring family units, and even generational blessings that the enemy has sought to keep buried. There are many who have been diligently contending for their bloodlines. Know this: the Lord is restoring the ancient ruins and bringing beauty out of the ashes! He wants you to know that your prayers have not been in vain, for the powerful effective prayer of a righteous person avails much (James 5:16).

Lastly, I hear the Lord saying, “Expect a different and positive outcome this time. Do not continue to look to the former, or rehash hurts of the past.” Truly in this hour, He is doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19). The door is closing on past disappointments; the sun is rising, and a new day is dawning! Expects nothing but the very best, for our God is a good, good Father!

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them (Psalm 126:5).

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. | Romans 8:11

As I was on my morning walk today, I heard the Lord say to me, “My resurrection power is hovering over your life!” Immediately, I was reminded of Elevation Worship’s song, “Resurrecting”:

By Your spirit I will rise
From the ashes of defeat
The resurrected King, is resurrecting me
In Your name I come alive
To declare Your victory
The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

— Elevation Worship, “Resurrecting”

I was so moved as I heard the Lord speak this. I sense that many—myself included—have been contending for victory and breakthrough for so long, but have not seen much movement. However, I believe that the Lord’s heart of encouragement is so strong for the Body in this hour. He is saying to us, “I am rewarding your faith!” This is a holy and significant time, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Lord wants us to know that He is truly resurrecting what has appeared to be dead and beyond hope. His resurrection power is hovering over our lives, even now!

The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic (Psalm 29:4).

The Lord is declaring victory! Even now, you are rising from the very ashes of defeat that have sought to keep you in despair. You will see the promises that God has spoken over your life be fulfilled, even as it was with Abraham (Hebrews 11:18). Beloved, be encouraged! No matter how bleak and hopeless your circumstances may appear in the natural, God is moving mightily on your behalf. You will be astounded by how He comes through for you!

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).

Let faith and hope arise! Your God is for you, not against you (Romans 8:31). Your best days are rapidly approaching, and you will see and declare the goodness of God in the Land of the Living (Psalm 27:13). Truly the Lord’s resurrection power is hovering over your life!

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. | Ephesians 1:6 (KJV)

I hear the Lord saying, “My Bride, you are accepted and highly favored by Me! I don’t merely tolerate you, rather I celebrate you. I rejoice in your uniqueness; I love the things that others may consider to be quirky or strange. My child, do not try to change who I have created you to be. Others may not fully understand you, but know this: you are accepted in the beloved! Before a thought is on your tongue, I know it completely (Psalm 139:4). Truly My thoughts of you outnumber the sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:18).

You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God (Isaiah 62:3).

“Let not your heart be troubled, My love, even when those closest to you have seemingly rejected or forsaken you. Truly I am a Friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). Do not ever try to dim your light in order to make others feel more comfortable. Keep shining! I have created you for more! Indeed, the very light inside of you penetrates the darkness. You may feel like you don’t fit in with certain people, but I see you as a rare flower in a field, and your color stands out brightly. I am causing your light to break forth, even in the midst of heartache and despair. Rejoice, My precious one, and know that you are fully accepted and fully loved by Me!

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you (Isaiah 60:1).

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. | Revelation 3:8

Many have felt increasingly battle weary, and it’s all they can do to just continue to keep moving forward. Beloved, if this is you: take heart! The Lord is saying, “I know that you are tired, but do not grow weary in well doing. You are about to reap where you have faithfully sown. You have continued to be obedient, even through the excruciatingly hard circumstances. You have maintained your integrity, even through the difficulties. Know this: My very breath is now propelling you forward! I am giving you your second wind.

Stand still and see My salvation (Exodus 14:13). Even as you’ve continued to faithfully put one foot in front of the other, and when you’ve done all you’ve known to do, you’ve continued to stand ( Ephesians 6:13). Beloved, I am now stepping in! Like a mighty warrior, I am rushing on the scene, and My very breath is propelling you forward; let Me take it from here. Though in the natural you cannot see just how far you’ve come, you will soon see how I’ve been faithfully at work all along. My Spirit is brooding, My Spirit is hovering. Even in the silence, I have been at work. Truly not one thing will be wasted! Watch now, as My very breath propels you forward!

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life (Job 33:4).

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy Name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. | Psalm 103:1-5

Many of you are facing battles right now and feel overwhelmed on every front; discouragement and a spirit of heaviness have sought to keep you weighed down. However, the Lord is placing a victor’s crown on your head, even now. Truly, Beloved, He is crowning you with victory! You are arising from the very ashes of defeat that the enemy has sought to keep you bound in. The light is breaking through the darkness, and you are overcoming! Indeed, The Lord is crowning you with victory! The battle has already been won. Sing your song! Raise your hallelujah, and watch those prison doors swing open, even as they did for Paul and Silas:

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose (Acts 16:25-26).

In that passage, a praise broke open the way; so it shall be with you! Remember: it’s always darkest before the dawn. Your new day is quickly approaching. I prophesy new hope, joy, and life to the dead and dry places. Watch now, as your God crowns you with victory!

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).

Hi, friends! This is a word my husband recently received from the Lord, as we felt led to share it with you all here on my blog. I hope it encourages you today! -Angie

The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. | Deuteronomy 28:7

Today while I was at work, I heard the Lord say, “Advance now while the enemy is down!” As I pondered this phrase, I knew that this was a word for the Body of Christ in this hour! Let’s dive into it:

Military Tactics

In the strategies of war and warfare—both in recent and ancient times—it has always been a great military tactic to advance onward during the times when the enemy is confused or withdraws. When the enemy experiences unexpected or immeasurable blows from the battle, there is a brief window of opportunity that opens for the opposing side. The enemy has to regroup, refocus, rebalance, and reevaluate the situation at hand. It is during this time that the Army of God needs to advance the most! Advancing at this moment causes the enemy to make quick (and ultimately, wrong) decisions. This is because the pressure of the advancing Army forces him to do so.

This past week, we have seen an unmeasurable blow to the enemy with the release of the new movie, Unplanned. This movie exposes the raw and real truth about the dehumanization of the unborn by abortion. The film ratings are high, and word is spreading, but now is not the time to celebrate. Instead, this is a kairos moment for the Body of Christ to advance the Kingdom of God all the more.

The kingdom of darkness is being exposed now more than ever, so this is the time for prayer warriors to pray.

This is the time for the Watchmen to stand on the wall at their posts.

This is the time to pray for our president and elected officials.

This is the time to sow your seed into fruitful ministries.

This is the time to let your voice be heard in the courts of Heaven and in the houses of government in this land.

This is the time for intercessors to intercede for the changing of the tide for this nation.

Let it be known that the enemy is afraid of you now more than ever, because Light always exposes the things hidden in darkness. Write a letter, tell a friend, sow a seed, visit your elected officials, see this movie, and pray for our land. Truly this is our time to advance the Kingdom of God!

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. | Isaiah 54:17

I recently did a Facebook live on the Lord’s vindication. This morning, however, I felt led to release a written word about this topic, as well. I believe that vindication is really on God’s heart right now. Here is the definition of the verb, vindicate:

VINDICATE: to free from allegation or blame, to provide justification or defense; to protect from attack or encroachment; defend; deliver.

Many who have continued to maintain their integrity and walk up rightly before the Lord have encountered false accusations and slander. Yet know this: God is just, and as written in Deuteronomy 32:35, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay!”

Many have grown weary after seemingly facing one attack after another, but the Lord is saying, “Stand still and see my salvation! (Exodus 14:13). I am working and I am shifting things. What has been whispered in secret will soon be shouted from the rooftops (Luke 12:3). The enemy has tried to assassinate your character, and you’ve experienced unjust treatment and even false accusations. However, you will see My hand and My power vindicate you! Truth will be exposed in this hour, and I will bring many things to light. For I am a just God, and I use honest scales and weights (Proverbs 16:11). I am restoring your honor, and even your name, because you have stayed humble and allowed Me to be your defense, even in the midst of extreme testing. Now watch what I will do!

“I am lifting you out of the ash heap and giving you a place of honor (Psalm 113:7). Continue to keep your heart right before Me. Continue to allow Me to be your defense, for I resist the proud but exalt the humble (James 4:6). Even now, I am preparing a table of blessing and feasting for you in the very presence of your enemies (Psalm 23:5). Fear not, My Bride! You are highly favored and protected of Me. I am righting all wrongs, and I am vindicating you,” says the Lord!

Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all (Isaiah 41:12).

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. | Proverbs 31:8

Recently I had a very short, but somber, dream. As I finished jogging today, the Lord brought that dream back to my mind, and I felt led to share it. In the dream, I was observing a shocking and disturbing scene. In front of me was a group of men and women dressed in business attire. It seemed to be an overcast day, and they were standing on what looked to be a wasteland. As I looked closer, however, I noticed that the land they were standing on was covered with aborted babies of all sizes, left abandoned to die. Almost all of the babies were already deceased, but shockingly a few seemed to be moving. Amazingly, the men and women in my dream just stood there and continued to talk amongst themselves, all the while surrounded by such a horrifying scene.

As I waited on the Lord for the interpretation of this dream, I believe this is the message He gave me:

There is a spirit of deception that has blinded the eyes of many in this hour. What is taking place, this move of abortion, is unjust and a great catastrophe. Even some in the church have been lulled to sleep, even in the midst of this horrible thing taking place.

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 Corinthians 4:4).

I believe that the Lord is saying, “I am sounding My alarm, My Bride; this is a wake up call! I admonish you to speak up on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8). Speak up for the unborn! This is not about politics, although the enemy has attempted to cause many to believe that it is. No, this is about life being sacred and precious. My people cannot afford to be silent for the sake of offending others.

“In this hour, I am separating the goats from the sheep (Matthew 25:31). Many things are going to be exposed, as I shake all that can be shaken (Hebrews 12:27). Yet those who are rooted and grounded in Me shall remain. Through this shaking, it is not a time to be fearful. Even as I have said in My Word, there is a light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5).

“In this hour, you will see Me raise up many of My nameless ones, and I will bring them to the forefront for such a time as this. They will not bow to a political spirit, nor to the fear of man, rather they will unashamedly speak My words and truth with authority, humility, and boldness. Indeed, I use the things the world deems foolish to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27).

“My Bride, hear My call! Rise up! Awake, O sleeper, that I may shine on you (Ephesians 5:14). Defend the weak, use your voice. Allow your heart to break for what breaks Mine. Life is precious; all life has value. I am calling you to arise and be a voice for the voiceless!”

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. | Hebrews 12:1 NLT

Recently, I felt the Lord download this word to me; it is a very personal word with both practical and spiritual applications. I sense that many in the Body of Christ, myself included, have been in a very long and extended winter season. Some may even call this season, ‘a dark night of the soul.’ You, like myself, may have wondered, “Will this season ever end?” I want to encourage you that though weeping may last through the night, the joy of the Lord comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5).

Through your seemingly dark and excruciating season, God has been at work. He has been skillfully working behind the scenes of your life in ways that will soon burst forth! Even though you can’t yet see the results, know that the process is necessary for the massive promotion that you are getting ready to step into.

Friend, even as the Lord was with Joseph while he was in prison, the Lord has been with you too. Nothing—absolutely nothing—that you’ve gone through will be wasted. I’m sure that Joseph could not imagine the greatness that God was preparing for him while he was in that prison. Nevertheless, Joseph remained faithful; as painful as it was, he allowed the Lord to further develop his character during that time. However, in just one day, Joseph literally went from the prison to the palace!

I sense the Lord’s heart of encouragement to those who have been in a fiery season of refinement and purification. The Lord is saying today that you are coming out refined and fortified like the gold! As it says in The Message’s version of 1 Peter 1:7-9,

“Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of His victory. You never saw Him, yet you love Him. You still don’t see Him, yet you trust Him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to: total salvation.” 

The enemy would love nothing more than for you to give up right before you reap your harvest. Friend, God is getting ready to reward your faithfulness. Now is the time to push past the pain and continue to run the race that has been set before you (Hebrews 12:1).

We are told in Proverbs that “a joyful heart is like good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). The Lord is calling us to arise from our place of apathy and discouragement, and to partner with Him in this exciting new season we are entering into! I sense that the Lord is releasing many from a spirit of heaviness that has sought to steal joy and peace from His people. I believe that this pertains to both the physical, as well as in the spirit.

On a personal and somewhat vulnerable note, I have put on some extra weight recently, and discouragement has really attempted to set in my life. However, as I sought the Lord, I believe that He has revealed that this is twofold: yes, I have gained some weight in the natural, but I have also been carrying the heavy weight of burdens and unresolved issues that He had never assigned for me to carry. Jesus, Himself, is our burden bearer; we are called to cast our cares—all of them—upon Him, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

I heard the Lord say, “Partner with Me, and watch that extra weight fall off!” Now, I have heard of ‘supernatural weight loss,’ which is awesome, and God can (and sometimes does) move in this way. But oftentimes, He is inviting us to put ‘shoe leather’ to what He’s calling us to do. I’m not sure what that may look like for you, but for me personally I’ve been jogging daily. Is it easy? Not necessarily. Is there reward in it? Absolutely! Naturally, there are physical benefits of getting into shape. I have found that though I don’t enjoy running, it has also been spiritually beneficial for me, allowing me focused time to listen to worship and seek the Lord. Often now I hear God speak to me even as I’m running!

I once saw a powerful statement painted on the wall of a local business; it simply said: “Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from what you can.” I may not be able to commit to a gym membership in this season, but I can jog around my neighborhood—or even up and down the stairs in my own home—free of charge. It’s so tempting to talk ourselves out of things because we may not be able to everything we desire for. However (when we start where we can), I believe that God will put His super on our natural, making our results supernatural.

You may feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit to sow into a certain ministry, but second guess yourself because the amount you can currently give seems so small. I’d encourage you to remember the story in John 6 of the boy who gave his lunch to Jesus, and God multiplied it to feed a crowd of over 5,000 people. The boy’s obedience in a seemingly small act made a huge difference that day. Or what about the widow who gave her last jar of oil to the prophet Elijah? Her act of radical obedience was able to sustain her and her son, for the oil did not run out (1 Kings 17:7-16).

I truly believe that as we step out in radical faith and obedience in this season. We are going to see some incredible and supernatural results! Those heavy chains of discouragement and despair are even now breaking. The Lord is saying, “Partner with Me, and watch that extra weight fall off!” I know it’s been an unusually long and harsh Winter season, but Beloved, take heart! God is even now rewarding your faithfulness, and Spring is finally here!

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.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land” (Song of Songs 2:10-12).

A Note from Angie:

Hi friends!

I pray that you are all doing well and that you are being blessed and encouraged by the words from the Lord. I wanted to give those who may feel led to give an opportunity to sow into LWC Ministries. Your support is greatly appreciated. Love gifts may be sent to:

Living With Confidence Ministries
P.O. Box 546
Washington, IL
61571-0546

OR you may click the “Donate” button on the side menu of my blog. We pray God’s richest blessings on each of you today!

lib·er·ate /ˈlibəˌrāt/  verb  —  “to set someone free from a situation, especially imprisonment or slavery, in which their liberty is severely restricted.”

Many have been wrapped in invisible chains, and the enemy has fought relentlessly to keep them bound. However, the Lord is saying, “I am liberating you, even in this very hour!” The Lion of Judah is roaring fiercely over you; like a mighty warrior, He is rushing in on the scene to liberate you and bring recompense for all that you have suffered.

I hear the sound of chains breaking! Truly, many who were once held in captivity are now being set free.

But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior;
so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.
They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced;
their dishonor will never be forgotten (Jeremiah 20:11).

There are those, especially these last few days, who have felt severely restricted and assulted. Even like Elijah, they have secretly wanted to die because of the intensity of the battle (1 Kings 19:4-14). Yet know this: the very Zoe breath of God is blowing new life upon you. I see a mighty army of those who had once been wounded in the battle, now rising up! I prophesy that those dead bones are coming together now, even as it was in Ezekiel 37:1-10:

The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.  I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone.  I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

People of God, take heart! Those who have experienced an uncommon amount of warfare are now going to reap an uncommon amount of favor and blessing! Your faithfulness is being rewarded. Praise the Lord for what He is about to do, for your prayers have reached His throne and justice is being served. He is liberating you, for it was for freedom that He has set you free!

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor (Isaiah 61:1-3).

Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” | Ephesians 5:14

I am fanning the flames; I’m blowing a fresh wind on the embers of your heart. Arise from a place of apathy. Truly I tell you, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Mathew 5:6). As it says in My Word, a bruised reed I will not crush (Isaiah 42:3). Allow Me to fan that flame, for even now My breath is blowing on you. I’m bringing the dead things back to life. Again I say, awake, awake!

But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings (Malachi 4:2).