Habakkuk 2: 2-3 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (3) For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Every so often, I pick up the phone to call my friend, and with a hint of exasperation in my voice, I ask, “Are you struggling with your Word program too?” We dive into a spirited exchange of our tech mishaps, sharing our frustrations as if we were confiding in each other about a mutual enemy. We both joke about the tempting idea of hammering our stubborn systems, our laughter mingling with the shared sense of defeat from dealing with endlessly glitchy software.
As I sat in quiet prayer this morning, I earnestly sought the Lord for insight into the feelings stirring within me. Over the past few nights, a sense of anticipation has settled over my heart, almost electric in intensity. In that sacred moment, I felt the Lord gently begin to speak to me, whispering the word “reset.” It became clear that this reset is not just a personal journey but a divine alignment among the nations, to conform to His truth. The message resonated deeper, revealing that it also encompasses the church and each of us as individuals, inviting a profound transformation in our lives.
As time passes, many of us as Christians gradually buckle under the hustle and bustle of daily life. We become ensnared by conflicts and adopt distorted beliefs about our identity, allowing these misconceptions to occupy space in our hearts and minds that should be reserved for God alone. In this process, we often develop habits and routines that stray from the teachings of God’s Word, drifting further from the principles that should guide our lives. We must delete corrupt files and comply with God’s words. We have to become like-minded, as it says in Philippians 2:5-8.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 KJV
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. “Isaiah 40:31 KJV
In Hebrew, the term for “wait” is קָוָה (qavah), a word rich in meaning that encompasses much more than the simple act of waiting idly. It conveys a sense of anticipation and hope, symbolizing the idea that waiting is an active process rather than a passive one. The imagery of strands of a rope being twisted together is particularly striking, suggesting that waiting involves weaving together threads of faith and expectation. Waiting is an active process where you connect with God.
As we stand on the brink of a new season, we must equip ourselves adequately for the journey ahead. Embracing God’s guidance is crucial; it prepares our hearts and minds, allowing us to step forward with renewed vigor and purpose. By aligning with His will, we position ourselves to face the challenges and opportunities that await us, ready to embrace the fresh beginnings that this next chapter in our lives God promises.
The title of today’s episode: SMOOTH STONES AND JAGGED ROCKS
Author Angela Dempsey
Imagine walking along a quiet stream, the water calmly flowing over the rocks. There are all types of rocks in the water. Smooth stones, small pebbles, and those with a jagged edge. Each one is in different stages of being in the water. The jagged rocks are normally closer to the edges, where the water is not constant. Because the motion of the water wears down the surface, causing the rocks to become smooth. But the rocks that are in the deeper part of the water are smooth, because they are in the constant flow of the water.
Christians are like those rocks; some are smooth stones. These are the ones who have been in the flow of the Spirit for a long time. They have been changed by the washing of God’s word. They wade out into the deep, desiring the deep things of God.
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
The word cleanse is found in the concordance Greek #2511 word Chalaq (kaylack) means smooth then refers to #2505 to apportion or separate, divide, separate self. The smooth stones are the ones who have been made smooth over time or separated from other stones.
We are set apart for God’s use. We are separate people. He has cleansed us and continues to cleanse us as we spend time with him and in his word. His blood cleanses daily as we ask for him to sanctify us for his use. We are vessels set apart, cleansed for God’s purposes. Just like the vessels in the temple were cleansed and set aside for use in the temple.
In the sixth chapter of Corinthians, Paul is telling them that you cannot mix belief systems. Jesus and Baal do not mix. There are people trying in our time to create Chrislam, a mix of Christianity and Islam. The two don’t mix. They are like oil and water. But the people of Paul’s day were trying to mix the teaching of the Apostles with Baal.
2 Cor 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
We are called to be separate from the trappings and beliefs of the world. We have been cleansed and set apart for God’s use. He tells us to come out from among those who will not accept the love of the truth.
2 Thes 2:10-13 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
So many are turning to strong delusions. But everyone has an opportunity to seek God and ask him to lead them. If they truly want God to show them, he will. But they will have to seek him and desire to be in his presence. There are many that will not endure sound doctrine, but will turn to the fables of man. There is nothing we can do to help those who make choices to believe in fables. We can pray for God to open their eyes and go on. There are too many people out there who need us.
Other people are like the jagged rocks. They will not allow God to smooth over their sharp edges. They want to do things their way. Living like the world and following all the things this world says is the right way. If God’s Spirit is not flowing over us like the water in the stream, we will never be smooth stones.
Did you ever wonder why David chose 5 smooth stones? Remember, smooth means cleansed or set apart. God had those stones at just the right place to destroy the plans of the enemy. If a jagged stone was put into the sling it would not have flown correctly. It would not have accomplished the task that the smooth one can.
We, being smooth stones, can be in the right place to destroy the enemy’s plans. We just have to be willing to follow God’s leading. He will use us to do great things if we can just believe and trust in him. It should be our prayer that he makes us ready to be used for his glory.
Psalm 42:7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
I don’t want to be a jagged stone. I want to always be found in the flow of God’s stream. Wading out into deeper water to find out more about our Lord Jesus Christ. When the deep desires of our heart reach out for the deeper things of God, He will fulfill our desires.
Jonah threw a temper tantrum when Nineveh repented. He tried running from God, getting himself into a huge mess! “They are wicked!” He complained to God. His answer with an attitude says it all. Jonah thought he knew more than God. Something isn’t right if a Christian gets angry over a great revival! There is no compassion.
Let us not forget that we were once standing in judgment until we took that step towards repentance. Jesus said, and still His word stands, …” I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:12 NIV) Since the angels are rejoicing, why shouldn’t we join them?
Throughout my life, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experiences. As a Christian, one of the most valuable lessons I learned was from observing the conduct of my grandmother and other respected elders who were deeply devoted to their faith. Their exemplary behavior served as a profound source of inspiration for me.
I’ve witnessed judgmental viewpoints over clothing, ballgames, and the “Do not hang around others that don’t believe the same way” attitude.” I started to become something that made me uncomfortable. God dealt with me through dreams and the scriptures.
This chapter is crucial as it can destroy our witness. I don’t want someone, especially a sinner, to say, “If that’s what living for God is about, then I don’t want it!” I’ve been there; I get it! Legalism doesn’t belong in the church.
I read a quote that says, “The only One who could throw a stone didn’t.”
The term “hypocrite” originated in ancient Greek theater, where it was used to describe actors. The word is derived from two Greek words, and when translated, it means “an interpreter from underneath.” This indicates a deeper meaning of portraying a character and interpreting their role from within. I’ve encountered Christians who refuse to believe they are wrong. They can’t take correction, but they can give it. Headstrong, they continue on their way.
On numerous occasions, I have encountered individuals in leadership roles who have asserted that God had revealed false things. It was their assumption.
One summer, the Lord blessed me by allowing me to attend a leadership conference. The night we were headed home, God told me I needed to cut this person off. It was the hardest thing! I didn’t have to question that it was from God. He said, “Darlene, you need to obey. Not everything I asked you to do is going to be easy.” That night, I dreamt that when I cut this person off, they were kicking, screaming, and crying because they weren’t getting their way. I wrote the letter as God told me to, made a copy, and sent it. I got a letter of apology in the mail, but then this person changed their mind, saying God told me to cut me off completely. It was mean and nasty. This individual talked more than they listened. Because of this, the conversation was completely twisted! It was nothing like I said! This person has a problem believing they know everything and cannot be taught anything new! Please be cautious! I saw the warning signs but got hurt because of my carelessness in not harming others. Listen to God when He warns you of this type of person!
The Bible teaches us to evaluate people’s actions according to His word. I have encountered leaders who claimed that God had revealed things about me that were not true, but they refused to accept the reality.
One of my intercessors taught me to be aware of anger and judgment by referring to it as righteous anger or judgment. Is it an anger Jesus expressed in the temple where doves, oxen, and sheep were being sold in the house of God?(Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48) Are you judging situations according to the word of God? If God is saying something is not right, then it’s not.
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. (John 4:24) Appearance is not physical alone. We can’t believe everything we see, hear and think. Before my conversion, I appeared happy on the outside, but on the inside, my soul screamed for help. God revealed the truth to my grandmother through visions and dreams. Nothing could be hidden from her, but she prayed. She could have easily said, “I don’t see a change. No, she didn’t rely on the physical things!
Sometimes, people become so enthusiastic about their thoughts and ideas that they mistake them for God’s voice. They make hasty judgments and refuse to reconsider them. I have witnessed them cutting off people simply because their ideas did not coincide. God is kind and merciful, and He does not condemn anyone.
“Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?” Ecclesiastes 7:16 KJV
The word zeal in this verse means, in the Greek translation, zḗlos (an onomatopoeic term that mimics the sound of water bubbling over from the heat and perhaps derived from zéō, “to boi “) – properly, burning emotion (inner feeling boiling over, “boiling from heat,” (figuratively) something very fervent (“red-hot”) as with Spirit-fueled zeal to serve the Lord. We can get ahead of the Holy Ghost. It is possible to be overly confident! Not only that, but the power of God is unlike anything this world has to offer! We are flesh. At the beginning of my baby steps, I had to enquire the Lord about this. He replied, “Darlene, it’s easy to get out of My Spirit and into the flesh.” I understood! We must think before we act or speak and, most of all, use discernment. Jesus says, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29 KJV)
The ES Version of Galatians 5:25 is, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Keep in synchrony with His counsel. If we don’t, we will establish self-righteousness. Isaiah 64:6, But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (KJV)
We also must be careful to fear self-righteousness; then, we don’t do anything!
The Pharisees believed they were privileged since Abraham was their father. Abraham acknowledged God’s righteousness. (Matthew 3:9)
Salvation and righteousness are through one name only: Jesus Christ.
As dusk enveloped the earth in its soft embrace, a symphony of chirping frogs filled the air, their harmonious sounds rising and falling like a well-rehearsed serenade. Faint traces of amber lingered on the horizon, remnants of the sun’s farewell embrace. The night crept in with an almost palpable urgency, veiling the sky’s sparkling stars and shrouding the moon in a cloak of shadows. Within me, silent battles raged, turmoil gnawing at the edges of my rational thought. The familiar comfort of the newness of the spring breeze, warm and fragrant, brushed against my skin, yet it offered little solace.
Paul’s detailed message, recounting his struggles and battles, revealed the depth of his turmoil—his narrative was far from a mystery to me. … “I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” Romans 7:23 KJV
As my thoughts, emotions, and essence floated away, they intertwined with the gentle whispers of the winds and the rhythmic caress of the waves, each moment carrying me further into the currents of existence. Amid this receding tide and flow, the Lord beckoned, “Come back to Me.”
“My spirit hears you, Lord,” I whispered, drawing in a deep breath that felt as heavy as the weight of my uncertainty. Exhaling slowly, I let my shoulders droop in resignation, a physical manifestation of my inner turmoil. “I don’t know how,” I admitted, the words spilling out like a confession in the moment’s stillness.
I closed the door, the soft click echoing in the quiet room. A warm, amber light spilled through the small glass panel into the space, casting a golden hue against the walls. I stood transfixed by the gentle radiance, the familiar strains of “There is room at the Cross for you” whispering in my mind. A profound despair washed over me—I’m shattered into fragments! Scattered remnants of my spirit lay strewn across the landscape of my mind. My gaze drifted aimlessly, landing on a world devoid of hope.
Shaking free from the allure of the amber glow, I made my way to the window. The sun, a magnificent orb, loomed larger than life, its fiery colors blending in a breathtaking display. Reds and oranges merged into deep yellows and rich sienna, painting the horizon with the brushstrokes of twilight. Two solitary tears filled my cheeks as I glistened like falling raindrops. One tear followed the other, creating a small puddle on the sill below.
A desperate longing surged within me for a fresh start—a flicker of determination ignited amid my turmoil. Somehow, I had to summon the strength to fight through this chaos and reclaim the pieces of myself scattered in the dark.
I wrestled with the overwhelming temptation to surrender to the allure of exhaustion, grappling with an inner barrier that urged me to retreat and surrender to my tiredness. Each moment felt like a struggle against a heavy wave of weariness, as I fought to keep my resolve intact.
First things first, I desperately needed a nap. The fatigue weighed heavily on me! I slipped under the soft covers of my bed, grasped a plush pillow to snuggle with, and pressed it tightly against my body, seeking comfort. Yet, my mind raced with thoughts that refused to quiet down. An ache throbbed in my heart, a reminder of the pain I was enduring. How was I going to find a way through this darkness?
Hot tears began to cascade down the bridge of my nose, pooling and soaking into the fabric of my pillow. I felt utterly vulnerable. The warm amber light spilling through the door cast a gentle glow on the wall before me, its soft illumination a comforting reminder of Christ’s redeeming power, whispering hope into my troubled heart.
His deliverance for me, others, and others to come never expires. Mercy can’t be explained; it can only be experienced. He never fails to be merciful.
We all encounter the challenging barrier of weighty emotions and deep-seated discouragement that sometimes overwhelms us.
Yesterday, I experienced a profound moment of clarity in which God gently reminded me that every effort we make in His name holds significance and purpose. It was as if a warm light illuminated my understanding, reinforcing the truth that our actions dedicated to Him are never without meaning or reward.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 KJV
Each challenge we encounter serves as valuable preparation for the trials. Reflecting on my past experiences, I’ve realized that these moments were not just random obstacles but divine lessons intended to shape my character and guide my journey. They have improved my understanding and offered me opportunities to support and uplift others during their struggles.
“God’s ways and thoughts are past finding out” is a sentence we hear often, but do we let it sink into our spirit? I can say for myself, no, I haven’t.
I often find myself lost in thought, reflecting on the unexpected twists that life has taken—circumstances I never imagined would unfold this way. Take, for example, the journey to Canaan. Instead of guiding the people along a straight and direct path, God led them through a longer, meandering route, intentionally steering them away from the easier detour. It’s astonishing that what could have been a swift passage to their promised land transformed into a daunting 38-year odyssey. Yet, within this unanticipated delay lies a more profound significance; God was pursuing a greater purpose that transcended immediate understanding. (Exodus 13:17)
I can sense the weariness in your heart from the prayers that seem to echo back unanswered, and your patience may be dwindling as each day stretches on. But I implore you to hold fast to hope—there is a glimmer of light on the horizon, and the help you seek is indeed on its way!
Psalm 121:1-8 KJV
“ I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 KJV
The adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” greatly simplifies a profound truth about the human experience.
In Matthew 12:37, Jesus delivers a profound and emotionally compelling message concerning the power of our speech. He states, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” This striking statement is a significant reminder of the tremendous influence that our words wield, not only over our own lives and destinies but also over those around us.
Every word we speak carries weight and can profoundly shape our reality. Our speech can inspire and uplift, nurturing joy and encouragement in others, or cause harm and division, leading to conflict and despair. This dual potential of language underscores our responsibility in our everyday conversations.
As we interact with family, friends, and even strangers, we can create either a nurturing environment or a destructive one based on our choices of words. Thus, it becomes crucial to reflect on our expressions’ impact, reminding us that our verbal expressions are not merely spontaneous reactions but have the power to define our character and influence our relationships. In essence, how we communicate can either lead to our justification in the eyes of others and ourselves or result in condemnation, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful and intentional speech.
This concept is deeply intertwined with the rich symbolism of the breath we use to articulate our thoughts. This breath echoes the divine breath of life bestowed upon humanity, as depicted in Genesis 2:7. By recognizing this connection, we come to appreciate the weighty responsibility that accompanies our speech. Our words can shape interactions, forge relationships, and have a lasting impact on our communities.
Imagine the transformative power of speaking life into situations through positivity and declaring God’s promises. Such declarations can catalyze profound change, sparking healing within ourselves and those we influence, while altering the course of our circumstances for the better.
In our quest for agreement and restoration, we are encouraged to seek God’s guidance, allowing Him to fill our hearts with peace. This divine influence empowers us to master our words, directing them toward constructive and nurturing ends.
Proverbs 13:3 (KJV) reminds us of the importance of our speech: “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” This Scripture emphasizes the critical nature of controlling our words for a well-lived life, reinforcing that what we say can safeguard our existence or lead us into turmoil.”
As I gradually stirred from my slumber this morning, a powerful thought came to me about Peter, as described in the Book of Acts, specifically chapter 10:11-13. In that moment, I envisioned Peter going about his daily routine, engrossed in the ordinary rhythm of life. However, just as he was settling down for lunch, a single man’s prayer pierced through the mundane, disrupting his meal. It was a divine moment that shifted the course of his day.
A sheet descended unrolling before him with pictures of various animals on it. According to Jewish law, certain animals were considered forbidden, and as he processed this startling sight, he heard the voice of God commanding, “Arise, kill and eat.” Peter was firm in his convictions and responded, “Not so, Lord, for I have never partaken of anything common or unclean.” Undeterred, God spoke to him again, urging him to take action and consume what had been cleansed by his divine decree. “Do not call it common or unclean,” the Lord insisted, repeating this declaration three times. As the vision faded, the sheet rose toward heaven, a profound reminder that God often disrupts our daily routines to impart greater revelations and insights.
One evening, as the stars twinkled in the deep indigo sky, my sister turned to me with a thoughtful expression and said, “Darlene, I heard you singing softly, and in my dream, you were singing in front of a large crowd.” I felt a surge of anxiety wash over me, reminiscent of Peter’s denial. “Oh no, not me, Lord,” I thought, my heart pounding at the mere idea of standing before an audience. A profound fear gripped me, stemming from the depths of my soul.
In His infinite wisdom, God knows the hidden capabilities and talents that lie dormant within us. Yet, how can we be so audacious as to claim that He doesn’t know? After all, He created us in His image and spoke the universe into existence. He is the eternal being, the one who exists beyond time, who crafted the very laws of nature to fulfill His divine purpose.
God sees us not as we are, but as who we will become. The essence of the story is that when God declares we will accomplish something, we should not label ourselves as common or unsuitable. God perceives us not just in our current state, but rather as the individuals we have the potential to become. The heart of this message is that when God proclaims our capabilities and the greatness we are destined to achieve, we should resist the temptation to view ourselves as ordinary or inadequate. Instead, we should embrace the divine vision for our lives and recognize our inherent worth and potential.
“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16 KJV
Prayer is our connection to God. Many do not believe that fasting is for the church of today. Many do not believe that having an active prayer life is necessary. Both are necessary. Fasting is not just a process of doing without food. There is a movement in our society that fasting is healthy for our bodies. I do not deny that going without food will have certain health benefits in natural. But that is not the only thing fasting is when we think about it in the biblical sense. Jesus did not fast for forth days and nights while doing other things. It wasn’t to prove how long he could go without food. It wasn’t so he could go to the synagogue and brag about how many days he had fasted. He was alone with God in prayer, praying for strength to do what he had to do for mankind. He was praying for all of his followers, even us. When we fast and pray, we are telling God, drawing closer to you Lord is more important than even the food I eat. Matt 17:15-21 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.Little prayer equals little power. Many think that spiritual warfare is having to walk through a rough spot when the enemy is oppressing us. Sometimes circumstances in life can be difficult, simply because it is difficult. Other times it is an attack of the enemy. Only those on fire for God can discern the difference.I understand why it is not taught from the pulpit as much as it should be, people are afraid. People want the feel-good messages about being overcomers and how we will have a home in heaven.It is time for the church to wake up. It is not about what color the choir robes should be and if there is carpet or hardwood floors in the sanctuary. It is not about someone else getting to sing the opening hymn instead of you. It is not about someone looking at you disapprovingly when they don’t like something you did or said. We are at war. Our enemy is on his game. He has divided the body of Christ too long over ridiculous things. While we are being distracted, the enemy is plotting to destroy us.The enemy is plotting with his minions to take us out. The church world is oblivious to the fact that we are at war. A large portion are asleep. It is time we wake up and get serious about our faith walk. God doesn’t want us to be lukewarm. It is time to catch on fire with the power and anointing of the Holy Ghost.When we get our hearts in a position of desiring God’s will in our lives more than anything else. We will come through it stronger in the spirit. The enemy is a liar and tries to cause fear. We cannot allow his lies to cause us to fear.Acts 19:13-17 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.Stories like this are why people are afraid of the spirit realm. Because the spirits know if you have been on the mountain with Jesus, praying. Prayer equals power and anointing in the Holy Ghost.17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.They tried to cast out devils, which was demons, but the demons said, Jesus we know and Paul we know, but who are you?Why did this happen, it caused fear among the people? Because the name of the Lord was magnified. This was a healthy fear, a reverence of the Lord. The person oppressed by these spirits has been set free. The enemy has power. The same power that the early church had lives within us, if we are born of the Spirit. Why do we walk around defeated? Because we have not connected to the power source in prayer.It is time for us to decide how serious we are about our faith walk. Are we going to be on fire for God? Are we going to continue to be lukewarm? I am going to tell you that being lukewarm is not a state we want to find ourselves in right now.Rev 3:14-17 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:We do not want God to find us in the state of being lukewarm. The lukewarm damage the body of Chirst. They are the bertha better than you’s that hurt those who are starting out and make them feel like giving up. The lukewarm are those that the world looks at and says, “I am as good as they are, if they are a Christian then I will make it to heaven too.” Being lukewarm shows the world weakness. We do not want God to spew us out of his mouth.2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.We cannot be lukewarm and have a form of godliness, but deny the power of God. We cannot be caught unaware of what is going on around us. So get on your knees and pray, not just say word, but pour all you have out to God. Ask for his help to walk out your faith.Again, I encourage you to be vigilant and watch for the enemy’s attacks. Ask God for his direction, and he will direct you on how to fast and pray. We have to use common sense. I have heard of people who have never fasted even a day, taking on the task of fasting forty days and nights like Jesus did. God doesn’t require us to take on a task we are not ready for, that is why we have to hear his voice and be lead by his spirit. Maybe start with a meal or a day. Work, up to two or three days.As we walk with the Lord and pray more, we will have more revelation about what God want’s us to do. Just don’t be caught in a state of being lukewarm. Now is the time to prayUntil next time,BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUSLIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT
Surfed and conflicted, Pilate struggled to find a reason to punish Jesus for wrongdoing. He felt the weight of the people’s expectations, yet he grappled with a profound sense of hesitation within himself. His mind buzzed with questions about what to do in this challenging situation.
As a leader, Pilate found himself facing a multitude of weighty considerations. The bold and unwavering truth stood as a challenge before him, while his wife’s dream of the dangers of contending with the truth lingered in his thoughts. Pilate was in a fierce battle, wrestling with conflicting emotions, his principles, and the mounting accusations against a figure revered as the prophet of all time. The internal struggle was unrestrained, as Pilate, unable to find fault, was met with a kingdom in uproar. The people insisted that Jesus claimed to be God, directly challenging Pilate’s deeply held convictions.
He was confronted with a difficult decision, as his mind was filled with conflicting voices. He didn’t want to bear responsibility for innocent blood. Pilate expressed his uncertainty to Jesus by asking, “What is truth?” He struggled hand-to-hand with the concept.
Take a deep dive into the Gospels. Consider Pilate’s position as he faced God’s challenge to his authority and power.
Who among them would sit on the seat of injustice, condemning this man to death? No one was willing to bear the responsibility for shedding His blood, as they were all fully aware of the situation’s truth.
Jesus was the incarnation of the Word, and he did not need a lawyer. He is the beacon of hope, the warrior for those seeking redemption, and a central, pivotal figure in the grand narrative.
This story concludes that we must realize we are in an unseen war, a war against truths, lies, and ourselves, dealing with the condemnation of others
We’ve contemplated the philosophical question, “What is truth?” Shortly, we will realize that everything we perceived as the truth was, in fact, a crafty deception.
Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”
The world is in chaos due to contention over the truth. Society’s voices are dominant, pulling us in every direction. Embracing the truth will transform us forever.
I encourage you to seek God for truth; when you receive it, don’t let go of it!
“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23 KJV
(Chapter 23 of Luke /Pilate before Christ read the book of John Chapter 18)
In the renowned musical My Fair Lady, playwright George Bernard Shaw masterfully captures the essence of character transformation. The story revolves around a humble flower girl from the gritty streets of London, who seems an unlikely candidate for a dramatic change in fortune. The man’s refusal to accept a mere facade of refinement proves his beliefs about social class and genuineness. Determined to find a suitable subject for his experiment, he ventures into the bustling streets, patiently observing the flower girl’s struggles and missteps. He selects her as the subject of his social experiment, determined to challenge and ultimately disprove the professor’s theories.
As time unfolds, he watches in awe as she undergoes a remarkable transformation, shedding her past like a snake sheds its skin. Once a downtrodden figure attired in tattered, worn garments that clung to her frame, she blossoms into grace and elegance. Her posture straightens, and her once dull eyes sparkle with newborn confidence.
The storyline elegantly encapsulates the core of personal development, exploring the subtle intricacies of social systems and the diverse aspects of identity. It presents a vibrant tapestry of resilience, highlighting people’s challenges and victories, ultimately creating a striking illustration of hope that motivates and elevates.
This movie deeply connected with my spiritual path, weaving together themes that mirror my connection with God. I recall feeling wrapped in spiritual tatters, unnoticed and adrift. However, amid that darkness, Jesus saw past the exterior and acknowledged my genuine value, something I was blind to and that others had ignored. I had a praying grandmother, and my friend Bonnie, who refused to give up praying for me. Others said, “No, it’s not possible, she’s far gone.” Grandma said, “No, I’m not giving up on Darlene. God is going to use her in a mighty way. The devil wants my Darlene, but he can’t have her.”
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
I want to encourage you to pray for your loved ones, as your prayers hold great power and can bring about positive changes. In moments of doubt and challenge, let your faith shine through and remind yourself that you have the strength to prove the enemy wrong. Stand firm on God’s promises and trust that your love and dedication can overcome any obstacles that come your way. Keep nurturing those connections with hope and positivity.
By Angied on May 7, 2025
WRITING GOD'S VISION----AUTHOR DARLENE JUANITA CONARD 
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