“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” | Revelation 22:17

The Lord continues to woo His bride into a place of deeper intimacy and encounters with Himself. Oh, how He longs to be with us! We are the apple of His eye, just as it is written in Song of Solomon:

“You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes” (Song of Solomon 4:9).

Even in the midst of the distractions, transitions, and shaking that are taking place, I believe the Lord is calling us to come away with Him. Truly, better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere (Psalm 84:10).

I believe the Lord would encourage you today, saying, “Continue to press into Me above the noise, and you will hear My still small voice. I will make your crooked places straight and your rough places smooth (Isaiah 45:2). I will speak peace to your raging storms. My peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you (John 14:27). Truly, all you have need of is found solely in Me. As you continue to linger and abide in My presence, those burdens and cares will melt away. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Come to Me and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30). By Me and through Me, all things are being held together.”

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).

“Your very life is in My hands, and you are safe with Me,” says the Lord. “Fear not and fret not, My love. I’m calling you to come away with Me.”

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23).

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. | Luke 8:17

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

The Lord continues to speak to me on the season of harvest that we are entering into. Many of you have sown with your tears through prayer and intercession. I believe that the Lord wants to encourage you today, saying, “Your season of reaping is at hand! For as it is written, ‘Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them’” (Psalm 126:6).

Beloved, weeping may endure for a night, but truly joy will come in the morning (Psalm 30:5). I see a new day dawning for the Bride of Christ, as the Lord is redeeming the heartache and trauma of your former season. You will be found coming up out of the wilderness, leaning heavily on your Beloved (Song of Songs 8:5).

The Lord is making all things new (Isaiah 43:19). He is making beauty for ashes and giving you garments of praise for a spirit of heaviness. Now watch, as the Lord redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with loving kindness (Psalm 103:4). Truly your best days are at hand!

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. | Song of Songs 8:6

“Continue to let me defend you, My Beloved! For you are My treasure, and I take great delight in you. Even now, I am working on your behalf; My justice will soon burst forth in radical and unseen ways. I will silence the voice of the naysayers, the critics, and those who have falsely accused you (even as you’ve made Me your highest heart’s delight and have set your face like flint amidst the onslaught).

“I honor you, My Bride. You have not looked to the right nor to the left; you have kept your heart pure, even saying through the tears, ‘Father forgive them, they know not what they do.’ Now watch, as I Myself defend you, restoring your honor and your name! I am bringing about my swift vindication and recompense in your life. I am preparing a table for you even in the very presence of your enemies. You are marked, you are chosen, and you are highly favored and esteemed of Me,” declares the Lord of hosts!

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” | John 15:5

“My child, I am calling you to cease your striving and to begin abiding. Apart from Me you can do nothing, but through Me you can do all things (John 15:5).

“In this season of rapid acceleration, change, and increase, it is vital that you continue to remain and abide in Me. There will continue to be many things (some of which are even good) clamoring for your attention and affection. Refuse to let the urgent take priority over the important. Make Me your number one priority, and all of the other things will fall into place.”

Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

“The enemy would seek to overwhelm you and distract you with all that is at hand, but be encouraged: with My blessing, there will be no added sorrow (Proverbs 10:22). This is truly a “walking on water” season for you, My Beloved! Prepare to ride the wave of increase and elevation, for I am taking you to a higher place.

“In the book of Daniel it is written, “the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32). By Me and through Me you shall do exploits! Fear not, for I have given you everything that you need. You are equipped to navigate the waters of this new season. Surely no good thing will I withhold from those who are called according to My purposes (Psalm 84:11). You are called, appointed, and chosen for such a time as this,” says the Lord!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. | Isaiah 43:19

There is much transition and shift taking place right now. The Lord is bringing His divine order and alignment to longstanding issues and strongholds that have been in need of change. Do not fear the shaking, for the old must die so that the new can come forth. This is now a time to move forward boldly and courageously. The Lord is with you, even as He is leading you into the unknown. Be assured, for truly He is your fire by night and your cloud by day.

I see the Lion of Judah roaring with fierce vengeance over the injustices that His people have experienced. He is moving on the scene, and He is setting the wrongs right. Your Vindicator is working in radical ways in your defense, even as you’ve stayed humble and allowed Him to fight your battles. For truly He gives grace to the humble, but resists the proud (James 4:6).

Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours (Isaiah 61:7).

God is promoting many in this season. He’s giving them double honor where they have experienced shame (Isaiah 61:7). Rapid change and acceleration are upon us, as there will be many ‘suddenlies,’ promotions, and open doors of favor that spring forth in this new season. Keep your eyes on Him, and follow the Lord’s leading. He is with you in the great unknown, and He is preparing a table of blessings and feasting before you in the very presence of your enemies (Psalm 23:5).

The Lord is bringing joy where there has been mourning, giving you beauty for your ashes (Isaiah 61:3). As it is written in the Psalms, He will make you strong, anointing you with the finest oil (Psalm 92:10). Watch now, as your Vindicator does a new thing in your life!

You, O God, sent the reviving rain upon your weary inheritance, showers of blessing to refresh it. | Psalm 68:9 (TPT)

Upon waking up this morning, I felt the sweet and tangible presence of the Lord so strongly that all I could do was weep and worship Him. I was immediately reminded of the Psalms, where it is written, “I long to drink of you, O God, drinking deeply from the streams of pleasure flowing from your presence. My longings overwhelm me for more of you” (Psalm 42:1). I then felt the Lord’s heart of encouragement for His Bride:

I sense Him saying today, “I am sending the rain! The rain of My presence will refresh and revive you. The fire has burned so hot that many of My children have felt little to no strength to move forward; the adversity and seemingly constant onslaught has been intense and pressing. They have felt as though they’ve taken steps forward only to be pushed back again. However, know that it is I who changes the times and seasons. This day I have opened the gates in the spirit realm, and you are passing through!

I will go before you
and will level the mountains;
I will break down gates of bronze
and cut through bars of iron (Isaiah 45:2).

“The prison bars that the enemy has sought to confine you in are swinging wide open, and you are coming out! As it is written in the Book of Isaiah, ‘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’” (Isaiah 61:1).

“My Beloved, today I place My signet ring and robe of authority upon you. I say to you well done, My good and faithful servant. You have endured much testing and have come forth pure, even as gold is tried by fire (Job 23:10). You shall now burst forth as a light in the darkness, and you will be one to offer hope to the hopeless.”

In the spirit I saw a battle field with many wounded saints who were laying down their swords. They were bleeding and bruised from all that the enemy had brought against them. Then I saw these burning ones—the ones filled with light—come and release life and hope to the ones who had fallen. Suddenly, the wounded’s strength and vigor were renewed, and they picked upon their swords once again—arising with a fierce fire of determination in their eyes.

I believe that the Lord is saying, “I am calling you to offer My hope to the hopeless ones. For freely you have received, now freely give (Matthew 10:8). You have entered into a kairos season, where you will see prophetic words come to pass that you have been contending for over the years. It’s your time and it’s your season,” declares the Lord!

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

I stand silently to listen for the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me. For God alone has become my Savior. He alone is my safe place; his wrap-around presence always protects me. For he is my champion defender; there’s no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? | Psalm 62:1-2 (TPT).

I sense that the Lord is sending out an invitation for His Bride to linger in His presence. There are many distractions and worries attempting to hinder your time with Him—keeping you from the secret place—but it is here in that quiet place when you linger with Him that your joy and strength will be renewed.

In Song of Songs, Solomon writes about catching the foxes that spoil the blooming vineyards (Song of Songs 2:15). Do not allow the little foxes to spoil or hinder your time with your Bridegroom. Even as Mary chose the better thing and spent time at the feet of Jesus, you will find that as you spend time with your Savior, the pressure of the ‘urgent’ will fade away and soon become very insignificant.

Many are feeling the intense swirling of distractions and opposition, however, the Lord is working mightily behind the scenes in your life. There are surprises and ‘suddenlies’ in store for those who have remained faithful, even during the extreme times of adversity and drought. In the spirit, I see a cloud the size of a man’s hand (1 Kings 18:44). Where you have seen little to no movement, now things will begin to shift rapidly. The rain of the Lord’s blessings are getting ready to be poured out among His people!

Beloved, cast not away your confidence, nor get weary in well doing. Truly your season of reaping is closer than you realize; it’s right there at the door. Continue to linger in the Savior’s presence and be at peace. He is working all things together for your good. Rejoice, for the best is yet to come!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength …” | Isaiah 30:15

Many may be feeling somewhat restless and discouraged, as they have found themselves in a quiet and still season. However, I believe that the Lord’s heart of encouragement would say to you, “Do not fear the stillness, for I am here.” There is an invitation from the Lord to go deeper in your walk with Him during this time. Press into Him as you wait in the secret place. The Lord is wooing His Bride to a place of intimacy as they sit still before Him. Be encouraged, for there are greater measures of His glory and presence to be encountered as you linger with the Bridegroom.

Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterfalls.
All your waves and your billows have swept over me (Psalm 42:7).

God wants to encourage you today, saying, “Do not fear the silence, Beloved. I have not left you. I am here, as it is written in My Word, ‘You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart’ (Jeremiah 29:13).”

Do not confuse your quiet season as a time of discipline; the opposite is true! Truly the Lord is working mightily beneath the surface and behind the scenes of your life. He is recalibrating many and changing the landscaping of your life. The clouds are clearing, and I see a beautiful new scenery emerging. New life is blooming from what had seemingly been a desert place. You will be found coming up our of the wilderness, leaning heavily on your Beloved (Song of Songs 8:5).

The Lord is jealous for His Bride, and He is relentless in His pursuit of her. In His goodness, He is stirring a holy hunger within you, using this quiet season to draw you nearer to Him. Greater revelation will be released upon you, as you spend time with the Lover of your soul. The Lord desires to share with you the secrets of His heart, for He calls you friend.

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15).

God is leading you beside the still waters. Truly He is with you, and He will never leave your side.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake (Psalm 23:2).

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. | Isaiah 9:7

I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying today, “There is an increase in governmental authority that I am releasing in this hour. I am bestowing mantles of great influence upon My sons and daughters who have been found faithful; I am releasing keys that will unlock and solve complex problems of this season in which you are currently in,” declares the Lord. “As it is recorded in Isaiah 22:22, ‘I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.’

“I am raising up My fearless ones in this hour; they are change agents and forerunners. Like David, these ones have been trained and prepared during their seasons of hardness and wilderness. Yet all the while, I have been grooming and equipping them to carry the ‘more.’ I am bringing them to the forefront for such a time as this. Truly their seasons of testing and adversity have not been in vain, for now they are now being restored to double!

“I will place a mantle of leadership on the forerunners. They will have an anointing even in the secular world and media, as they will arise and have great influence. They will be a shining light in the darkness, even in area of governmental authority,” says the Lord.

See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant (Jeremiah 1:10).

“I, the Lord, build up and tear down. I am tearing down some ungodly foundations and structures—rebuilding and reestablishing My Kingdom. I will use some of the most unlikely people; the nameless and faceless ones—even those whom the world has rejected and despised—will be the ones I bring to the forefront. For indeed, I use the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27).

“Fear not the shaking and transition,” says the Lord, “though times of great change and reformation are upon us. Be rest assured in the Lord of Hosts, for it is written, ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’ (John 1:5). I am on My throne, and I am sovereign,” declares the Lord. “I am in control!”

“Why do the nations conspire and the people plot in vain? Surely My purposes will come to pass. My Spirit is hovering, even now. Watch, as I am bringing revival! I am bringing a refreshing and an outpouring of My Spirit to a dry and weary land. I am fanning the flame, and I am bringing new life to the desert places,” says the Great I AM.

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19).

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).

The Lord is calling His Bride into a deeper level of trust and surrender in this hour. Many are in that uncomfortable place of transition and the unfamiliar. However, be encouraged: the Lord is with you, and He is mighty in your midst!

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

 It is imperative to apply Proverbs 3:5 to our lives during this season. We must trust in the Lord with all of our heart, leaning not on our own understanding. As we do, He will be faithful to direct our paths.

There is rapid movement and advancement taking place right now. Many will suddenly be launched, as doors simultaneously begin to open. All the while, I sense the Lord saying, “Stay in an attitude and posture of humility. Guard your heart, for out of it flows the issues of life.” Guard your time in the secret place, and continue to make the Lord your number one priority. As you continue to seek Him first, all of these other things will fall into place (Matthew 6:33).

His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. People will dwell again in his shade; they will flourish like the grain, they will blossom like the vine—Israel’s fame will be like the wine of Lebanon. | Hosea 14:6-7

There is a sweet fragrance that is being released from the fully surrendered lovers of God who have lingered in His presence. These ones have been like Mary: content to sit at the feet of Jesus and have chosen the better thing, which will not be taken away from them (Luke 10:42). Like grapes, these people have endured much crushing and pruning, yet there is now a sweet fragrance that’s being released from their lives. Just as when a grape is being put in the wine press, the sweet juice is released after the crushing.

Be encouraged, for harvest time has come! The pain and crushing that you have endured has not been in vain. Truly your time of harvest is at hand. I see a massive tree that is heavy laden with fruit. Others will come and partake of the ripe and luscious fruit, reaping where you have faithfully sown.

All that you have endured is now being rewarded. The many tears you have cried are producing a great harvest of joy (Psalm 126:5). The long winter season is finally over, and spring has come!

 See! The winter is past;
    the rains are over and gone (Song of Songs 2:11).

The sweet fragrance that is now being released from you is precious and costly. Others will catch the scent and know that you’ve been in the presence of the King; they will know that you have been brought to the forefront for such a time as this. Steward well all that God is releasing through you and stay humble, for your time of promotion is at hand.

They will be like a tree planted by the water
    that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:8).

The Lord is putting many on the fast track during the month of May, accelerating them at a supernatural pace! What has taken some years to attain will seem like only moments to you, as God launches you forward. Like Joseph—when he went from the jail cell to the palace—there will be some who experience an overnight turnaround. Things will happen fast, as it is written in scripture:

“‘Yes indeed, it won’t be long now’ . . . ‘Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills. I’ll make everything right again for my people’” (Amos 9:13-15 MSG).

Stay at peace during this time of rapid acceleration and advancement, and know that the Lord is already going ahead of you and preparing a way (Deuteronomy 31:8). You will be amazed at the places that He takes you, as you will testify that promotion doesn’t come from the east or west, but only from the Lord of Hosts (Psalm 75:6).

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

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

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

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

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:31:39).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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