God hasn’t taken His hand of blessing off this nation, but it can sure feel like it some days.

When we turn on the TV, open our web browser or scan through Facebook, we are confronted with yet another crisis going on in our nation.  Thanks to today’s technology, we have hourly exposure to mass shootings, crime, ungodly laws being put in place, rioting and rumors of war.  In this constant barrage of negative news, it is challenging to remain in peace.  Challenging, but not impossible.

While thinking on this, I remembered a statement I heard recently.  It was, “if you protect your peace, your peace will protect you.”

I pondered this statement for a few days.  While I knew in my heart it was true, I went in search of a scripture to confirm it.  I did not have to look very far.

Philippians 4:7 says; And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I found some interesting things as I studied the word keep.

In the Strong’s Concordance, this word means; to be a watcher in advance, to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); to hem in, protect, keep (with a garrison).

It further means; to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight.

I have known peace is an aggressive weapon for years, today I discovered it is also a guard and a protector.

However, before that peace can be your guard and protector, it must first be cultivated in your life…into your heart and mind.

Peace is not something I sense on most people, even Christians.  I believe this would be different if we realized the true power of peace, His peace.

Jesus said in John 14:27; Peace, I leave with you, MY peace, I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Do you see what He is saying?  He gave us HIS peace.  The same peace that carried and protected Him through crowds who wished to stone Him.  The same peace that carried Him through the Cross.  The same peace that carried Him, that garrisoned about Him, through Hell.  The same peace that led Him out to rise again.  That peace is the peace He has given you and me.  A peace that rules and reigns, if we will allow it to.  A peace that protects and guards.

So, how do we cultivate this peace in our life?  The answer is found in Isaiah 26:3;

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in you.

We can’t keep our mind on the problem, or on the news and walk in peace.  We must keep our mind on God, His word and His promises.  Then and only then will we walk in peace.

Once we have peace, we must protect it.  We can’t allow things or people to come in and steal our peace.  And trust me, the enemy will do everything in his power to steal your peace.  However, he can’t touch it if you don’t allow him too.  Jesus gave it to you, it is yours.  Yours to keep or yours to let slip away.

As you cultivate and protect peace in your life – that same peace will protect you.

While we may not be able to change the facts that invade our daily lives, we can change our reaction to it.  We can change how it affects us and our family.  We can also change the atmosphere that surrounds us.  We do that by cultivating and protecting the peace Jesus gave us.

Just as scripture says, peace will watch out for you and warn you in advance.  It will garrison about you and protect you.  It will help you to stand your ground when things try to invade your atmosphere.

How do we walk this out in our daily lives?  We can when we choose to keep our minds firmly upon God and His word.  When we don’t lend our ears or our eyes to the negativity of the media.  Instead we choose to think on God and think on His Word.  As we do that, we will stay firmly planted in His plan and in His peace.

Meditate on this:
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

One morning as I walked into my back door, I suddenly heard the Lord speak to me.

He simply said, “I am coming.”

My heart leapt at these words! I knew He wasn’t talking about coming back for His church.  I knew instantly, it was something different.  So, I continued to listen for His voice. I was not disappointed.  Suddenly, a scripture come up in my spirit.

Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for him: behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. (Isaiah 40:10)

I felt a wave of excitement flow through me as I understood what He was saying.  It could feel my spirit bearing witness to what I was hearing.

The next couple hours, I could think of nothing else.  I continued to ponder on what I had heard.   Intrigued, I decided to take some time and study the scripture in Isaiah 40. Here is what I found.

The word come means to light upon and to bring to pass.

The word strong means to display strength and prevail.

The word arm means a force of strength.  It also means a sacrifice made. The word arm comes from a root word (zara) which means to sow a seed or scatter.  To become pregnant with. It is the same word used when God talks about sowing in the Bible.

The word rule means to have and exercise dominion and to reign.

The word reward means pay.

The word work means recompense, reward, and wages.

After diligently studying each word, I had a clearer picture of what God was saying to me.

He was declaring, “Behold! I am coming, I am about to light upon you and bring to pass what I have said! Behold! My strength will be displayed and will cause you to prevail! Behold! My strength lies in the sacrifice made for you by the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  That seed sown, along with all the other seeds you have sown are about to produce something wonderful in your life.  I am coming to bring it to pass! Behold! My dominion and your dominion are about to be displayed!  Every enemy will know that we reign over every situation in your life!  Your payday is here, you are about to receive recompense, reward and wages! Because I am coming and My reward, your reward is with me.”

In the Amplified Bible it says, Behold, the Lord will come with might and His arm shall rule for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him and His recompense before Him.

The New Living says it like this; Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power! He will rule with a powerful arm, see He brings His reward with Him as He comes.

This one thing I know.  God declared to me, “I AM COMING.”

He is coming, and His reward is with Him.  Are you ready? Are you watching?

Every seed you have sown is about to produce a harvest because HE IS COMING to enforce His word concerning your giving.

Perhaps your reward is healing…He is coming to fulfill that word to you.

Maybe, your reward is salvation for your family…He is coming to bring it to pass.

What an awesome time we are living in.  This time has not caught God off guard, quite the contrary.  He knew what was coming this year and it didn’t change His word or His promises one bit.  This is still a time when our God, is coming, to fulfill His word and manifest His reward…our reward!  Can we still believe it?  May we receive it!  To God, be all the glory!

Meditate on this:

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God  who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.  Deuteronomy 7:9

On Friday, the 18th at sundown, Rosh Hashanah begins. It is the Jewish New Year, more than that, it is the New Year on God’s calendar.

With everything happening in our world today, I believe this particular New Year is more important than ever.

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with candle lighting, festival meals, the sounding of the ram’s horn and setting aside time for the word of God. Scriptures are read during Rosh Hashanah. You can find about more about this by searching online.

Jewish custom is that a spiritual declaration is made over people during this time. That declaration is, “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.” I love that!

As I was studying this holiday, I discovered it is a set aside time in God. One we need to acknowledge and participate in. Additionally, it is called the “Head of the year.”

Just as the head controls the body, our actions on Rosh Hashanah, God’s holy days, do have an impact on the rest of the year.

My plan during Rosh Hashanah is to set aside time, as much as possible, to spend with God and to spend in His word. Intimate time in the presence of the Lord. Beyond that, my plan is to sow my first-fruit offering for the New Year. Before learning about God’s calendar, I always sowed my first fruit offering on January 1st of each year. Sowing in the year to come has always been something in my heart.

All throughout the bible we read that there were holy times in God, times GOD declared were set-apart days unto Him. Those were times to come before Him, hear His word spoken, bring an offering and listen to what God had to say to His people…this is one of those times.

So, I am going to light my candles, seek my God, read His word, listen for His voice, sow my seed and declare that I am inscribed and sealed for a good year from my God.

Although this year has certainly had new challenges, I know we are coming out of this year strong and entering into the New Year in God even stronger. I can feel it!

Blessings lie ahead for those who are following Him and obeying His voice. I press forward to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. I am declaring and expecting a glorious New Year.

Today, I want to encourage you to make some time to spend with God during this wonderful holiday. Sit at the feet of Jesus for a while and worship Him. This is His time. Let’s make sure we remember that and honor our God.

My prayer for you today is; may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year in God. May your reverence of this holy day unto God impact your new year in a tremendous way and may you never be the same, in Jesus name. May all God has promised you come to fruition during this time and this season. And may you have the happiest and blessed year you have ever had, may joy literally overtake you as you walk daily in the blessings of Almighty God.

Meditate on this:
The Lord spoke to Moses: Speak to the Israelites and tell them: These are My appointed times, the times of the Lord that you will proclaim as sacred assemblies. Lev. 23:1-2

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you, who are willing to learn, with My eye upon you.  Psalm 32:8 AMP

I love this scripture in Psalms.  I believe God desires to instruct us in daily life.  I also believe if we are willing to hear and obey His instruction, things will go well with us.

I remember a time, not too long ago, when God spoke to me to prepare.  I believed within this instruction, He was teaching me the way I should go.

He gently spoke to my heart, saying, “I want you to prepare your heart for some things.  I want you to dig in the word daily and prepare to walk in immovable faith in three areas.  I want you to study and build up your faith in health, prosperity and protection.”

The first thing I noted was that He said health and not healing.  God wants His people to walk in divine health.  He does not want us continually needing a healing or miracle in our body.

Secondly, He instructed me to build my faith concerning prosperity.   He didn’t say finances…He said prosperity.  God wants His people to prosper.  To thrive, not just survive.

Finally, He said build your faith in protection.  Although I pray over me and my family and our partners on a regular basis, I haven’t always thought about protection.  However, I can see, in our world today, this is an area I need to become proactive in.

I only must read through the pages of my Bible to know that Gods people were always warned to prepare when something was coming their way.  God often told His people not just once, but many times, to prepare for what was coming.

Why did He do this?  To empower His people to walk through that day or that season, unharmed and with ultimate victory.

I believe His intent is the same for us today.  He is showing us what is to come.  He is instructing us to prepare.  As we prepare, we are protected.  It is not to cause fear.  God doesn’t use fear tactics.

The most vital thing God’s people need to know is how to hear the voice of God clearly.  If we are listening for His voice and hearing God, He will tell us where to go and when.  He will tell us what to avoid.  He will lead us and guide us in the way we should go, every single day.  But we must have a heart to listen.  And we must have ears to hear.

Times like these calls for deep roots. 

Colossians 2:7 in the Amplified Bible says; Have the roots, of your being, firmly and deeply planted, in Him, fixed and founded in Him, being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.

I just love this scripture!  We must become a people with deep roots!  A people who resist anxiousness and fear, regardless of what we see or hear.  A people who continue to walk in peace, knowing we are rooted and grounded in God and His word.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says; Most blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is.   For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit. (Amplified)

This is OUR promise from God.  When we trust in and rely on God, our roots grow deep into Him and His word.  We will not be anxious or fearful when we see lack all around.  We know we will continue increasing through it all.

Remember Joseph?  God showed Joseph how to have enough provision to get them through the time of drought.  Not only that, but God continued to increase Joseph through the time of famine. He will do the same for you and me.

The Bible says Isaac sowed in the land of famine and reaped a hundred-fold, in the same year! Nothing is impossible for our God.  Nothing is impossible for those whose roots are deep in God!

Luke 6:46-48; Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and do not practice what I tell you?   For everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words in order to heed their teaching and does them, I will show you what he is like:  He is like a man building a house, who dug and went down deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood arose, the torrent broke against that house and could not shake or move it, because it had been securely built or founded on a rock. (Amplified)

Again, we are instructed to go deep into Him.  Into the foundation of the solid ROCK which is Jesus Christ.  Go deep into His word.  The storm may come but it won’t move or shake you.  Why?  Because you secure on the Rock, down deep into the foundation of Jesus Christ.

This same chapter warns us of what will happen if our foundation is not in Him.

Verse 49; But he who merely hears and does not practice doing My words is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation, against which the torrent burst, and immediately it collapsed and fell, and the breaking and ruin of that house was great.

When God spoke to me prepare, that literally put the ball in my court.  I can choose to prepare for health, prosperity and protection or I can choose to ignore this instruction.  Either way, I will eat the fruit of my choice.  I will live the fruit of my choice.  It’s entirely up to me.

He is so faithful.  He will show us the way to go.  There is no need to fear, He is with us.  When our roots are deep in Him, we can confidently declare, “it is well with my soul, it is well with me and my house.”

QUOTE:

“God will go to any lengths to minister to those who are trusting in him. “

Over the years I have shared stories with you about my grandchildren, Bryson and Brailee. Often God speaks to me through these two. I am so thankful when God does this. Many times, like the instance I am sharing with you, it catches me off guard.

Bryson is a gentle, kind boy. He thinks deeply. He feels deeply. God uses his wonderful personality to teach me a great deal.

Brailee is different from Bryson. She is strong, fierce and bold. She doesn’t have many deep things to say. She is a fly by the seat of her pants kind of girl. She is not concerned about when, how or why. She just wants to have fun and enjoy life.

Yet, I have learned one truth about this little girl – she is prophetic. Today, God reminded me of something she had once said to me, a couple years ago, when she was seven.

At seven years old she still had that sweet little girl voice that I love to hear. She never talks harsh or hard, therefore, when I heard the words that began to come out of her mouth, I was stunned. Not only the words, but the force behind the words.

It was a Saturday morning. The kids had spent the night with me. Brailee and I decided to run to Lowe’s and get some flowers to plant. She wanted daisies. We got ready and off we went.

Her excitement was evident by her constant jabbering as we headed to Lowe’s. She was talking ninety miles a minute about daisies. I just drove and smiled. I couldn’t get a word in at all.

Suddenly her tone changed. She said to me, “Nana, do you want to have more money?” I laughed out loud. She did not like my response.

“Nana, I AM ASKING YOU, ANSWER ME, do you want to have more money?” Brailee demanded.

I felt the atmosphere change and I knew God was speaking to me. I answered this little child and said, “yes, I do.”

With a forceful voice she began to give me instruction. She said, “well, then you have to get seeds and lots of seeds, do you hear me, you have to plant seeds everywhere and keep planting them, do you hear me?” I responded, “yes, I hear you.” Again, she questioned me. “Nana, do you want to have more money?” I again answered, “yes, I do.” She continued, “NANA, do you want so much money that you have enough to take a bath in?” To this I laughed out loud.

She, however, did not find it funny.

She went on to say, “NANA, I am serious, DO YOU? YOU MUST ANSWER ME, DO YOU?” I said, “yes, Brailee.” She again said, “then you must listen to me and do what I say. Get seeds, lots of seeds, seven dollars’ worth, do you hear me? Seven dollars’ worth and plant them everywhere, keep on planting them. You must plant them. Plant lots and lots of seeds, do you understand?”

She continued talking to me in a firm voice. She said, “Nana, you are going to have seven dollars come to you; SEVEN DOLLARS and you have to plant lots and lots of seeds, okay?” I said, “okay Brailee, I will do it.”

As quickly as it began, her voice softened and she began talking about daisies again.

While she moved on, I could not stop thinking about what she had said. I began to ask God to explain to me what He wanted me to do with seven dollars. I thought about how she said the seven dollars would come to me. How she instructed me to sow seeds and keep sowing seeds.

Later, I shared with Breanne what Brailee had said. Breanne asked Brailee about it, to which she shrugged and said, “I told her what she had to do if she wants more money.”

A few days went by. One morning I walked to my mailbox. I had an envelope from a friend. I opened it up and laughed out loud as I counted seven dollars. She had sent me seven dollars!

That very night, I was checking my email. I had a receipt from PayPal. Someone had sent me a personal offering. The offering amount was $7. The attached note said, “do with this whatever you want, buy seeds if you want.” I could have fell out of my chair when I read that.

All this simply confirmed that God was speaking to me through my little Brailee. By the mouth of two or three witnesses, it is established.
(2 Cor. 13:1)

God wants us to prosper. Just as He wants us to be whole in our bodies. It is part of our covenant with God, through Jesus. I intend to lay hold of all God has for me. ALL HE HAS FOR ME. That includes prosperity. I believe as I have diligently sought Him for answers concerning prosperity, He is giving them to me. Even through a seven-year-old. I am listening. I am obeying.

Remembering this time, I believe the seven dollars wasn’t necessarily about an amount of money as much as it was about continuing to sow my seed until I came to a place of completion – a tipping point, so to speak. (Seven means completion) Today, I believe God is saying, “Continue to sow seed until it is complete.”

We are in a place of harvest. Oh, I know it doesn’t look like it or feel like it…but we are. What God is about to pour out on His people cannot be stopped. I desire to be one of those – who reap the fullness of His promises. How about you?

Just as God reminded me today, if I want harvest, I must keep sowing seed. Sow until I reach my tipping point. What did I do? I prayed and I sowed where He led me to. And I thanked Him for reminding me. If we want harvest, sow. It’s God’s way of increase and it has not changed.

Meditate on this:
Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. And the Lord blessed him. Genesis 26:12

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day. Genesis 50:20

This scripture has come to mind several times in the past couple weeks. As well as this one; 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)

You see, I had made a much-needed decision to change some things in our online donations for the ministry. I had put this decision off for months because it involved every aspect of our ministry and I knew there would be a great deal of labor in it. I was not looking forward to it – but I knew it was time to make the transition.

One thing it disrupted was our recurring donations – those had to be redone, one at a time. And this didn’t only involve me – it involved my partners. The last thing I wanted to do was cause them any inconvenience. In the end, I had no choice.

When I realized that was the way it was going, I began to pray this scripture.

“Father, I am asking You to somehow turn these next few weeks for my good and for the good of the partners involved, it is Your promise to me and I receive it as done.”

This was my continual prayer and God answered it.

With each call made it was not a task, but a chance to reconnect with that partner. More often than not, God came into the conversations and they ended up being a blessing for both of us.

In my most recently conversation, God came in and began to speak until she finally said to me, “Kim, I have to hang up and go shout awhile.” I knew what she meant, our conversation was so encouraging. So GOD.

I have been reminded. It doesn’t matter what the task ahead is, if we keep our eyes on God, praying and declaring His word, He WILL, without fail, cause it to work for our good.

I have seen this wonderful promise once again in my life. For that I am thankful.

Last week I spoke with one of our partners, I believe from Texas. When she called, I was trying to do several things at once and to be honest, I was overwhelmed. Then the phone rang, and I heard this sweet, quiet voice. It wasn’t the voice that changed the atmosphere, it was the anointing that rested upon her. The peace of God that came through the telephone lines. It encouraged me, refreshed me and caused me to enter back into peace. It was wonderful. It was all God. I could talk to this wonderful lady every single day of my life.

In the end, what I thought was going to be a tedious task, has been a blessing. Yes, it is work. It’s not fun – but oh, how God has made His presence known in it and through it. It has been a joy! I am thankful.

God, working things for our God. How faithful is He! He will do the same for you.

I don’t know what task lies ahead of you – or what project you are not looking forward to. But this I do know, if you keep your eyes on God, He will cause it to work for your good. His presence will be in it and on you. We can’t ask for more than that.

Meditate on this:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

On Friday, September 11th, these words were seen around the world. Never forget.

I agree, we need to always remember what happened on September 11, how it affected thousands of people and our nation.

Yet, it was those two simple words that would not leave my mind; never forget.

I knew God was speaking to me, therefore I quietly prayed into those words.

Psalm 77:11-12 says, I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.

I don’t know about you, but for me, when chaos seems prevalent, I tend to forget the mighty acts of God in my personal life. I am simply trying to get through.

Recently I read an article about a miracle of God. For days this article remained in my thoughts. As I meditated on it – it caused me to remember miracles God had done in my own life and in the lives of my family members.

Friday, I was speaking with my friend, Karen, when we began to talk about different miracles we had seen take place. It was a good conversation, filled with hope. Not only hope, but a reminder of the awesomeness of our God. We were recounting His marvelous acts.

Esther 9:28; So these days were to be remembered and celebrated throughout every generation, every family, every province and every city.

Exodus 12:14; Now this day will be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations you are to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance.

God tells us in His word to remember and never forget His mighty acts. I don’t believe He is only speaking about the ones we read in the Bible, although they are certainly important. I believe He is also talking about the miracles we have seen in our own life.

Even as Karen and I talked, our faith grew. Hope arose as we discussed the mighty acts of God.

Today, I want to remind you to never forget.

Always remember what God has done for you and your family. I know you, like me, have seen the mighty hand of God at work in your family. I know you have seen His goodness poured out in your life at one time or another.

We need to remember those times. Write them down. Talk about them to family and friends. It is a faith building conversation.

We see this in church services. Someone gets up and tells the testimony of their healing – others with the same issues often receive their healing as they listen to the testimony. Why? Because the story increased their faith to believe they could receive the same miracle and they did.

Make a book of remembrance. Keep it before your eyes. Never forget. Always remember the goodness of your God.

Meditate on this:
The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. Psalm 145:9

Something about Dave Kubal’s article regarding his eye-witness account of the protests in Washington, DC following the final night of the RNC drew me even before I read the first word.

I quickly completed answering emails, pushed some other work to the side and began to read. Almost immediately, the Lord began to speak to me as I read these riveting words.

I am 6’2”, 230 pounds, and an avid cross fitter. I am not easily intimidated. For the first time in my life, in America, I feared for my physical safety. And where? One block from the White House in our Nation’s Capital.

I sensed a palpable, supernatural, unified spirit of anger. Ephesians 2:2 describes “. . . the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience . . . ” It is one thing to experience the riots and protests from a safe distance on the internet or television. It is another to walk in the midst of what is clearly a spiritual battle.

Fear, as we all know, has invaded our nation. Everywhere we look these days we face fear in one form or another.

People, like Dave, who are not easily intimated, find themselves in situations where they must stand against this evil spirit of fear that has been unleashed.

Yet, God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.

Fear is not from God, we must resist it and refuse to give it place in our life.

Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

Freedom from fear is not the only promise God has given us for times like these.

Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways (Psalm 91:9-11).

These are great promises, but the one that gripped my heart as I read Dave’s article is found in Psalm 23:5.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

I have always found this scripture intriguing. The last place I would want to sit down and enjoy a meal is in the midst of my enemy. Yet, God says that is the very place He is setting the table for us. Not only setting a table, but causing us to abound to the point our cup runs over.

Perusing this article, I felt this scripture was beginning to play out before our eyes.

There are three things God showed me from Dave’s experience.

1. In this season, even the most confident Christian may find themselves standing against fear. And stand we must.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:4-5).

One thing I have learned in life is this; fear doesn’t always immediately go away, sometimes you have to do it afraid, knowing God is with you.

2. Many intercessors will find themselves walking in the very midst of the chaos and darkness.

There was a little song we used to sing when I was in elementary school. It went something like this… “going on a bear hunt, all right, lets go…can’t go under it, can’t go around it, gotta go through it.”

I believe we are going to find ourselves in situations we can’t walk around or avoid, but must walk through. We may only walk through it spiritually, but walk through it we will.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me (Ps 23:4).

3. We will walk through the darkness without harm.

I recently heard a minister say God told him, “not one thing you care about will be harmed.” He went on to say that word was for all of us who would grab hold of it and believe it. I am one of those, I pray this over my family each day.

It’s not the first time we see this supernatural protection with God. Daniel went into the lion’s den and came out without harm. Shadrach, Meshach, Abed Nego went into the fiery furnace and came out, without the smell of smoke. And remember Lot. He wasn’t even the one in covenant with God, however, because Abraham, his uncle was, God delivered Him. His faithfulness is unending.

I am more convinced than ever that God is preparing a table for His children in the very presence of the enemy. A table of provision, healing, peace, the fullness that was purchased at the cross through the blood of Jesus. It is the King’s table. Will we be bold enough to sit at this table in the center of our enemy to eat of all the Lord has prepared for us?

I believe we will! I also believe Dave Kubal’s experience was a prophetic act. I believe it is God showing us where we will tread. Where we MUST tread—in the very midst of our enemies As the leader of IFApray.org, Dave has walked through that place of fear and intimidation, in the very midst of an enemy who desired to harm him. He gave that enemy no place. He continued to press forward. As will we.

(Originally published at IFApray.org)

Meditate on this:
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with torment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

It was Friday evening; I was sitting on my back porch in the quiet.

It had been a rough week. One of those weeks that seemed like no matter what came your way, it did not work the way you planned. It felt as if I had been trudging through quicksand all week long. I was exhausted.

Even though it was evening I had just received two emails informing me of a couple more things that did not work out the way I was told they would. I guess those two emails were the final straw for me. These were supposed to be completed by Friday afternoon and I was just now being informed it was not going to happen – hours after the time I was given.

I needed a few moments of silence.

As I sat on my porch swing alone, God began to speak to me. He showed me that I needed rest. Not physical rest – soul rest.

When work and ministry become busy and challenging, it is not unusual for me to work long hours, including Saturdays. With some ministry changes we have been making, it seemed as if I was working 24/7. At least that is how it felt – now I had a week of putting out one fire after another and frankly, I was feeling burned out myself.

Sitting there in the quiet, I knew God was telling me to push pause – and really push pause. He informed me to refuse to check emails, messages or anything else for the weekend. My only job was to spend time with Him and in the word of God.

I don’t think I have ever gone three days without checking email or phone messages – this would be a challenge for me. Yet, I knew He was right – He always is.

I moved my email folder off my phone and locked the office. I put my phone on silent and made a firm decision to find rest.

Psalm 62:5 says, “For in God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him.”

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

I knew it was in this place of submission to Him that I would find rest. Rest is defined as, resting, dwelling, habitation. I would have to make my habitation in Him alone.

Once we find rest, our strength returns as well as our focus.

Rest allows our mind, body and soul to be refreshed. Refreshed is defined as; to give new strength to, to invigorate, to relieve after fatigue, and to refresh the body. To revive.

Revive! Yes, that was what I needed.

Exodus 33:14 says, “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” And Acts 3:19 says, “times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord.” It’s all about His presence.

It is vital that we find rest, the God kind of rest. Especially during challenging times. If we fail to enter His rest, our strength will fail, and we will give in to the fatigue. However, as we take time to rest in God, His joy will be our strength, for in His presence is fullness of joy. In that joy, is our strength.

If you are wondering…yes, I made it all weekend without checking emails or phone messages. I returned to work with a renewed strength and peace. It all came from time in the presence of God and in His word.

Friends, when things get hard, or busy, make sure you rest. Not just physically – rest your soul as well. That kind of rest is found in God alone. No other place will revive you like His presence does.

Jesus often got alone for times of rest. He knew well the value of the presence of God. He knew the importance of resting in God. May we know this truth as well. Rest brings forth refreshing and revival – may you be refreshed and revived this week, spirit, soul and body.

Meditate on this:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Beginning strong is easy. It is one reason we all look forward to a new year on the calendar. It is a fresh start, a new beginning. A do-over, so to speak. But what about finishing strong? It can prove to be more of a challenge.

I sat on my back porch over the weekend, basking in the brisk, fall breeze. As I sneezed, which is always a reminder of seasons changing, I realized this year is quickly coming to a close. Fall is upon us and then we will be ushered into winter.

Lately, I hear many talking about the things they didn’t see happen this year. It seems many had perceived promises that they expected to see.

However, the year didn’t bring everything they hoped it would. That can be disappointing.

However, as we know, God doesn’t work on our calendar. He is faithful and true. His promises are faithful and true. Everything He has vowed and promised us will come to pass, as we remain in faith.

Hebrews 3:14 says it this way; For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.

Hold our confidence…steadfast to the end.

How do we do that? How do we remain steadfast in our faith?

In the Christian life, we are not sprinters…but marathoners. Although both require hard work, there are vast differences in what it takes to excel. Sprinters train for a short, quick, burst of energy. This reminds me of a shooting star.

We have seen some of these in the Body of Christ. A new minister will come on the scene and shine brightly for a moment and then you don’t hear of them any longer. Why? They did not train as a marathoner, but a sprinter. They had a short, quick burst of anointing and then they were gone.

Therefore, to hold our confidence steadfast to the end, first, our foundation must be strong. For a strong foundation, we must train differently.
Long distance runners train differently.

They learn how to conserve energy. They learn to deal with the highs and lows of the race. They train themselves to keep their eyes on the finish line. They do not allow themselves to be distracted by anything or anyone around them.

Philippians 3:13-14 says; Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

Preparing for a marathon is like preparing to finish the year strong in God. Longevity takes a strong foundation. It takes flexibility. It takes a willingness to adapt. Life seldom goes according to plan; therefore, we must learn to adjust and move on.

What then is the key to finishing strong? Endurance.

The apostle Paul wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7, NKJV). He wasn’t boasting. He was merely saying he had run the race with endurance and remained steadfast to the end.

Every Christian has a destiny, a course God has for them. It may be full-time ministry, accounting, farming, or it may be to be the best Mom you can be. Whatever your course, we are all called to begin and finish well.

Paul knew what it took to finish well. He wrote, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27).

This means we walk the walk. We do not just talk the talk. Paul lived what he preached, as should we.

1 John 2:6-7 says; But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him: Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.

In life, we will cross many finish lines, but we never really finish the race until we stand before Jesus, our Lord. Until then, we must continue to fight the good fight. To keep the faith. To hold our confidence steadfast to the end.

We must run our race daily, with endurance, steadfast to the end. In doing that, we will finish this year and every other year, strong in God.
As the crisp fall air reminds us seasons are changing, let’s remember to run our race daily with endurance. Remain steadfast. In doing so we will finish this year – and every year, strong in God.

Meditate on this:
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24