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).

Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? … | Song of Songs 8:5

In this season, many will be found coming up out of the wilderness, leaning heavily on their Beloved (Song of Songs 8:5). My friends, think it not strange when you encounter many tests and trials of your faith, for you are being refined like the gold. When you partake in Christ’s sufferings, know that His glory is being revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13). Truly, the Lord has not forsaken you. He is closer than the very air you breathe; He is your fire by night and cloud by day. He is leading you out of your long wilderness season, and you shall be found leaning on your Beloved!

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me | Habakkuk 2:1

I’m calling forth My yielded ones. These ones have no agenda other than to know Me and make Me known. They have labored in the secret place through prayer and intercession; they have partnered with Me to see My plans and purposes carried out on the earth.

My yielded ones have not thought to make a name for themselves, nor have they desired popularity with man. They have made Me their number one hearts’ desire. My yielded ones, keep pressing into My heart! For the more you seek Me, the more you will find Me. Continue to call upon Me, and I will show you great and mighty things that you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3) Truly I say to you, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).

I am raising you up for such a time as this! My yielded ones will cry out for justice in the world of perversion, taking a stand for righteousness, even when it is not popular in the eyes of man. Their hearts will break for the things that break My heart. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the former generations (Isaiah 61:4) Rise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you (Isaiah 60:1).

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise;
when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. | Micah 7:8

Recently during our worship service at church, I had a powerful encounter with the Lord. I saw Jesus ever so sweetly in front of me, tending to my wounds and pouring His oil and wine on them (Luke 10:34). Immediately I was reminded of the verse in Psalm 147:3 that says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

For me personally, this past year has felt beyond difficult, seemingly full of tremendous loss and heartache. Even though I have tried to carry on like a brave soldier and “fight the good fight” (2 Timothy 2:3), in reality I have felt like a wounded warrior. In the encounter that I had with the Lord during that worship service, it was as though I was communicating with Jesus without even speaking a word.

Psalm 139:4 tells us that before we speak a word on our tongue, the Lord knows it completely. In that very moment, Jesus was listening to my heart.

As I sang songs of worship to Him in the midst of my deep pain, it was as if He was saying to me, “I know the journey has been long and difficult; I know that things have not turned out as you had hoped or anticipated. I see the hope deferred that has attemped to steal your joy. I understand; I get it, even when others don’t. I know the sacrifices that have been made in secret; I’ve seen the cost. Like Mary, you have poured out what was costly to you at My feet, even when others may have misunderstood and wrongfully judged you (John 12:3). Even so, Beloved, you have chosen the better thing; it will not be taken from you.”

After hearing the Lord communicate to me, He continued to ever so gently peer into my heart and inspect those places that hurt. He was like a good physician, cleaning out the wounds and bandaging them so that they could heal properly.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

Many have felt pruned to the point of having nothing left. In the natural, a tree can be pruned back so extremely that it would appear as though it could never survive without its branches. However, it is often that the harsher prunings yield the greater harvest.

I feel the Lord’s heart of encouragement today towards those who have felt wounded and exhausted by the longevity of the battle. I believe He is calling you today, saying, “Wounded warrior, arise! You have felt as though you have been in the fight of your life, but know this: what has looked like severe loss will be turned into gain! As you allow Me to heal your wounds, I will restore you, and you will dream again. You will see My promises fulfilled in your life. Though you have once felt alone in the dark, My light is now breaking through. The enemy has been working overtime to bring discouragement to your heart, but the truth is that you are closer to reaping your harvest than you can imagine. Lift your eyes, My child, for truly your redemption draws near (Luke 21:28).”

I was reminded of a scene in the movie, Facing the Giants, when the coach was trying to make a powerful statement to his team. There was a key player on the football team whom the rest of the students looked up to, but he had not been using all of his potential. One day during practice, the coach blindfolded the young man and told him to crawl across the football field, carrying one of his teammates on his back.

This instruction from the coach was physically and mentally exhausting for the football player, and as he crawled further and further across the field, he would cry out, “Coach, I’ve got nothing left! I can’t keep going.” The coach would then reply, “Keep going! You’re almost there; you’re going to make it!” Meanwhile, the rest of the team watched in awe, as the young man had crawled blindfolded across the entire field, carrying a teammate on his back. The player had unknowingly crawled farther than the coach had even instructed him to do. When the coach finally took off the blindfold, the young man was able to see the the great lengths that he had traveled. The entire team cheered, watching as their exhausted teammate realized the great task he had just completed.

The point of this grueling exercise was to demonstrate to the team’s key player that he carried more potential and influence that he was even aware of. The Father is saying today, “Keep going! You’re almost there; you’re going to make it!” Like the football player in the movie, you are so much closer to breaking through than you even realize. Now is not the time to quit or back down. Warriors, arise! Your finest hour is upon you, and the Lord will restore the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25).

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

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

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

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

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

How often do we do the same?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That got my attention!

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

Keep Your Hand to the Plow

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

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

Out of Your Comfort Zone

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

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

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

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

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

New Provisions and Opportunities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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