Be still my heart, for I am falling
Deep into a place, I know so well
A well, so deep and I’m drowning
Help me to swim, arouse my heart
The icy water pierces my bones
My heart, my spirit
I beg you, please, love, I beseech
I’m part of you, you spoke so sweetly
Part of your heart, you said to me.
Don’t let me go, my darling
For if you do, I’ll drown beneath
My heart will sink on deeper waters
Be still my heart, come rescue me
Perception may not be everything, but impressions create an expanded version of the way something seems, making it seem real, making it seem true. A wrong impression, even with no basis in fact, grows to take on a life and spirit of its own. Try finding the end of that rope!
It is the same with the human perception of God. We perceive Him on a level we can relate to, that we can mentally comprehend. For example, the Bible contains accounts of numerous divine visitations, instances when the Lord or an angel or angels appeared to men and women. Those at the center of these experiences usually could not fully grasp them.
That is because the human experience demands explanation. So how do you explain the Lord appearing to you? When a man in his humanity interprets the divine, both the explanation and perception are likely something inferior.
Similarly, people judge others according to what they personally would do under the same circumstances, or what they think they know about the facts in the situation, even taking liberties to change or add to those facts. It’s their perception.
And they judge spiritual matters, even God, in the same way—on their level, within their experience, limited by mindset and lifestyle, filtered by the mind; they interpret by their intellect, despite being factually limited about the heart of the matter or the heart issues involved.
Since mankind is like this, the Lord tells us to abstain from every form of evil, even the appearance of evil. While it is true that God knows the heart, and a relationship with Him is totally a heart matter, on the outside, among those around you, the human condition trusts in and takes its cue from appearances rather than the true heart of the issues involved.
Abstain from every form of evil—even the appearance of evil.
Amen.
Matthew 28:1-7 | Ezekiel 40:1-4 | Verses@Once
Humanly speaking we have a certain capacity to prefer other’s needs over our own. Doing so brings out the best in us – humility, nobility, dedication, selfless discipline. Some people obviously have more of this capacity than others and some, seemingly, have none at all.
As Christians interacting with those around us, empowerment by the Holy Spirit adds supernatural possibilities. We live and treat others nobly because we have the Holy Spirit directing us and therefore the same leading Jesus had when He was on earth.
Jesus is our example. He chose the Spirit’s leading and therefore, ultimately, the Father’s will. Jesus came for that very purpose, to do the Father’s will, “laying down His life” for mankind so they could choose. As a result, choosing brings the same Spirit and leading and the same supernatural way of life He demonstrated.
Every day you and I lay down our lives in service to others, preferring their needs over personal preferences or convenience, happy to do so and hopeful we have made life better and the load lighter. Many times, just being there, our presence makes all the difference. For those surrounded by enemy activity that’s “too strong” for them, we lay down our lives to change theirs, helping and ministering to them.
Like the parting of the sea that allowed Israel to cross safely to the other side, your kindness to another person is a sovereign, supernatural rescue. Never stop laying down your life this way. You lay it down and the Lord raises you up again.
Whatever a man sows, that is what he will reap.
Amen.
God Give us Victory
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. For I wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. You are my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold, and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge. I will sing a new song to You, O God; I will make music to You, to the One who gives victory…who delivers His servant. My sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and my daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Amen
Scripture Reading
Psalm 144:1-12 (NIV)
Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
Should Christians wear masks? Or would that be an indicator of a lack of faith?
My most recent article titled “How the Pandemic Has Exposed an Unbelieving Church” has created quite a stir among the pro and anti-maskers. Interestingly, the article really wasn’t about masks at all. It was about faith.
In fact, I made it quite clear that we should use both wisdom and faith in these treacherous times.
It never ceases to amaze me how triggered people zero in on the narrative they want to attack, all while blowing past qualifiers and clarifies that would address their concerns if they only took time to read them.
I can’t tell you how often people become unglued just by the title of one of my articles. They arrive at conclusions that are unfounded because they didn’t read past the first sentence.
Spoiler alert: I wear a mask if the situation demands it. I’m not a card-carrying anti-masker. I’m definitely not a pro-masker either.
I’m watching the carnage pile up all over social media as a result of verbal assaults, judgments on morality and ethics, crazy conspiracy theories (and some possible true ones), and accusations that pro-maskers are killing America and anti-maskers are killing Grandma.
It’s ridiculous to point nasty, crooked fingers at the uncovered calling them selfish, unloving, and reckless. Not only is that statement generally untrue and the motive fairly disingenuous, but the logic behind it simply doesn’t work. It’s equally ridiculous to presume those who wear masks are fearful by default and surrendering to the Antichrist. No, these aren’t masks of the beast, and no, America isn’t going to become communist because we wear them.
I would encourage you to read an article I wrote on the spiritual reality surrounding the 2020 crisis. Yes, I do believe witchcraft is behind it, but wearing a mask doesn’t mean we are surrendering to that spirit.
This bizarre conversation between pro and anti-maskers that has overtaken our culture must be refocused onto what is most important.
Unbelief Has Been Exposed
I don’t think anybody can deny that the entire world has been shaken by the virus. The purpose of my recent articles on the subject is to awaken the shaken to the supreme opportunity to shine our lights into a desperate and dark situation.
Be honest. Christians are worrying, nervous, fearful, and scrambling to do whatever they can to be safe from this invisible threat. This isn’t true of all believers, of course. It’s true of a whole lot of them though. I don’t know how often I hear blood-bought believers urgently warning people to wear masks, to social distance, and to lock down while rarely hearing them proclaim the power of the blood that bought them. I’m dumbfounded.
The lack of a faith-driven spiritual response is a problem. If our joy, peace, and confidence in Jesus has been impacted, we must respond in repentance. In the midst of a threat, abundant life is still ours. Joy unspeakable and full of glory. A peace that passes all understanding. We are more than conquerors, the head and not the tail, above and not beneath. We trample on serpents and scorpions. We have authority over all the power of the enemy. That will preach.
The sad reality is that a lot of Christians simply don’t believe that Jesus heals or protects today. Some believe that He can, but they doubt that He will. Miracles are rare. Wonders of old can be taught in Sunday school but they really don’t occur today. They boldly defend the power of the enemy by confessing that nobody is safe, Christian, or non-Christian.
What many Christians call faith is little more than hope. Hope is posturing ourselves by sitting back and waiting for God to do something we’d like Him to do. Faith is altogether different. It’s active. There’s an attitude driving it. It’s demanding. It’s expectant. It’s militant.
Vibrant faith results in people speaking to mountains, shouting from rooftops, casting out demons, decreeing the Word of God, and refusing to allow common sense, human wisdom, or anything else to stop them.
Faith crushes fear. Faith destroys worry. Faith demands results. Faith pleases God.
Instead, too many defaults to hope (or hopelessness) and live pretty much the same way as the unredeemed do. Truths of Scripture are somehow dismissed as unreliable:
“‘These signs will accompany those who believe: In My name, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover'” (Mark 16:17-18).
The “sick may recover” would be a better translation according to the belief system of many Christians.
In fact, they tend to get quite mad at those who stand in faith in the Word of God, especially regarding healing. Accusations of “holier than thou” and “spiritual pride” are hurled at those who simply state they believe Jesus paid the price for sickness.
here are many reasons people are not healed. This article isn’t the place to dive into a deep discussion on the topic. Suffice to say the reasons include one or more of the following: unbelief, fear, sin, lukewarmness, receiving communion in an unworthy manner, not understanding our authority, curses, lies we’ve adopted, ignorance of the Word, misunderstanding timing, lack of fervency and trusting in doctors more than God, among others.
Another reason is what I call the treasure map. Healing is a hidden treasure that often must be sought after. The Holy Spirit will lead us as we discover truths, repent of wrong thinking, and work to grow in faith. The treasure map is the unknown. It’s the journey. There may be no sin, no doubt, and no clear reason why sickness remains. So, we seek, pray, and stand as God progressively brings revelation to our situation. Those who are sick should not live in condemnation, but they should be earnestly seeking the treasure of healing with joy and great expectation.
If someone is not healed, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are less spiritual. It simply means they are somewhere in the middle of their journey on their personal treasure map.
That being said, please hear me. Faith demands that we stare sickness in the eye and fight. We can’t allow the “chances” of healing or our own failed experiences with sickness to cause us to doubt, to stand down, or to divert to other more natural remedies. No! We decree truth! We stand as warriors! We declare that Jesus took all of our sicknesses on the cross. We proclaim that healing is ours! It’s this type of boldness the world needs to see.
The Call to All
If you don’t remember anything else in this article, please remember the following. This is what is burning in my spirit. This is the real purpose of my writing.
Declare the goodness and power of God! Stop declaring the deadly power of a virus!
The church should be commandeering the media, social and otherwise, with faith-filled messages to those who are haunted by fears of sickness and death.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).
We are anointed to proclaim Good News, liberty, and healing! Are you doing that every day on Facebook and Twitter? You must! Especially during this opportunistic season!
The world should be witnessing a supernatural explosion as we radiate the power of the Holy Spirit and decree with the passion that peace, freedom, and healing can be theirs.
Christians, stop with the faithless drivel about the power of masks or the threat of COVID-19. Sure, make your point and be safe, but please stop giving the enemy more powerful than he already has. Speak life!
If the people of the world want scientific data on whether masks are beneficial or not, they can do their own research. What they need from you and me, however, is powerfully anointed, deeply profound, and supernaturally charged revelation! Preach, preacher!
The call to all is to rise up in fearless faith, with smiles on our faces and fire in our eyes as we proclaim to a worried and dying world that Jesus has conquered death, hell, and the grave! There is a love that eliminates all fear.
This is the message. This is the cry of my heart. We should be preaching Jesus.
Where are the social warriors who will share verses that ignite faith? Where are the believers who truly embrace the healing power of Jesus? Where are those who refuse to be shaken by the enemy? Where are the firebrands who will push back the darkness and laugh at the threats?
This is your mandate, Christian. This is your call. It’s time you stop repeating all of the news stories and reports that spread fear. It’s time to burn hot with the truth of the Word and show the world just what it is to be a sign and a wonder in the earth! 
For the first time in Disney’s history, an LGBTQ character is playing a lead role in an animated series appearing on the Disney Channel.
The Owl House features a bisexual teenager who is exploring her sexuality while dabbling in witchcraft.
From enemies to frenemies to enchanted dance partners, who else loves seeing Luz & Amity’s relationship grow stronger? #TheOwlHouse
https://twitter.com/i/status/1292913701431971842
The 14-year-old character, Luz Noceda, has shown affection for male characters in previous episodes, but begins to explore the idea of a relationship with a female, NBC News reports.
The announcement comes after the two episodes, “Enchanting Grom Fright” and “Wing It Like Witches” aired that revealed a blossoming relationship between Noceda and the female character, Amity Blight.
Series creator, Dana Terrace, identifies as bisexual and admits that she was intrigued by the idea of creating “queer kids” in the story.
“I was very open about my intention to put queer kids in the main cast. I’m a horrible liar so sneaking it in would’ve been hard,” she said. “I was told by certain Disney leadership that I could not represent any form of bi or gay relationship on the channel.”
“Luckily my stubbornness paid off, and now I am very supported by current Disney leadership,” Terrace added.
Click here to read the rest of this story from our content partners at CBN News.
Israel’s future was secure in its soon-to-be-king. Faced with threats he was calculating. In contests confident. Intimation did not bend him and Saul’s offer of armor to wear confronting Goliath… refused by the boy warrior.
That fateful day came, and the decision was made. For David the battle was over before it began, affirming words predicting the outcome. Authority spoke, destiny slipped into gear and God’s man David advanced.
His life on the line and isolated in the struggle David reached within for strength stored in those earlier days of preparation, then took aim on victory as protector of his charge. Human skill cannot explain David’s win that day. It was the Lord who battled and won.
Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1Samuel 17:45)
Amen.
Confident in the Lord
O God, my heart is quiet and confident, and I can sing Your praises. When I’m in trouble I call on You, confident that You will answer. Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. Lord, You are my confidence, and You will keep my foot from being snared. I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, I am blessed because I trust in You; my confidence is in you. Hallelujah! Amen
Scripture Reading
Psalm 27:3, 13 (NIV)
Psalm 57:7 (Living)
Psalm 86:7 (The Message)
Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)
Proverbs 3:26
OUT WITH THE OLD | IN WITH THE NEW
Greetings!
“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).
Aren’t you glad that God plans ahead? Before the problem occurred, the solution was in place. God immediately set the plan in motion that would reverse the first Adam’s actions and restore the original design. The eternal Son wrapped Himself in flesh and Mary’s womb became the portal by which heaven entered earth. The Last Adam — Jesus — was born into the chaos and rubble death’s reign had produced and began the walk that would win back what Adam lost.
In Romans 5:14, Adam is called “a pattern of the one to come.” In 1 Corinthians 15:45, Jesus is called “the last Adam.” For the first time since the first Adam, there stood a man as God intended humans to be: in a body suited for earth, but filled and animated by the life of heaven. Like the first Adam, He would reproduce after His kind, opening the way to Spirit birth. People born in the line of the first Adam could be born again in the line of Jesus.
The last Adam would retrace the steps of the original Adam and, at each step, win the battle Adam lost. He would regain the ground Adam forfeited.
Let’s look at the temptation accounts of the original Adam and the last Adam. The first Adam was tempted at each level of his humanity — body, soul, and spirit.
From Genesis 3:1–6. What three things did Eve, the female human, see about the fruit of the forbidden tree? “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took and ate it” (Genesis 3:6).
I believe she saw that it was good for food: an appeal to her body. She saw that it was pleasing to the eye: an appeal to her soul or personality. She saw that it was desirable for gaining wisdom: an appeal to her spirit. The tempter had said that if she were wise she would be “like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). This was the same desire that had been Lucifer’s downfall: “I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14). This third attraction, then, was an appeal to her spiritual nature, by which she knew to worship and obey only God. She could be her own source — her own life force.
The forbidden tree was the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. You might think, “Wouldn’t it make more sense to say that the fruit of the tree would cause them to know evil? After all, they already knew good.” Did they know good? Some things you can only know by their opposites. You can only know light if you know dark. You can only know up if you know down. Unless they knew evil, they would not know good. They just knew what was. They did not recognize it as “good” until they came to know evil. So even though the fruit of the only tree forbidden her appealed to perfectly legitimate desires — the desire for food and the delight in beauty — it ultimately led to spiritual downfall. Her good desires were the openings through which temptation entered and brought sin. Ultimately the temptation to which the first Adam fell was this: You can be your own source. You can be like God.
The last Adam was tempted at each level of his humanity — body, soul, and spirit.
Matthew 4:3–11 records three temptations. The last Adam, Jesus, in His earth body, had the same openings the first Adam had. He had a human soul or personality (mind, will, and emotions). He had a human body. Satan’s most direct assault on Him, in the desert following His baptism, took the same path as the tempter’s assault on the first Adam. I would argue each level of His humanity was tested — body, soul, and spirit. Satan was looking for an opening.
Tell these stones to become bread — an appeal to His body.
Throw Yourself off the highest point of the temple and let the angels rescue you in the sight of everyone. Prove Yourself to them the easy way — an appeal to His soul. It made a certain kind of sense and was an appeal to His mind. “What a good way to gather the people to Myself!” It was an appeal to His emotions. He could save both Himself and the people He loved great pain by short-circuiting the process. It appealed to His will. He desired for the people He came to save to see the truth and turn to Him.
I will give you all the kingdoms of the world if you will just bow down and worship me — an appeal to His spirit. It is His destiny that He will possess all the kingdoms of the world. All He had to do was worship one other than the Father and that which was rightfully His would be in His possession now.
In each case, the tempter appealed to Jesus’ legitimate and right desires and needs. Each thing that the enemy dangled before Jesus was in line with God’s desires for Him. God desired to meet Jesus’ physical needs. He lived in a body that required food and it was God’s desire that Jesus’ body would be nourished. God desired that people would recognize Jesus as the Messiah and would come to Him. It was God’s desire — had always been the plan — that Jesus would rule over the kingdoms of the world. The tempter wanted to convince Jesus to use His own independent resources to get His needs met . He wanted Jesus to take over and “do God’s will” in His own power. He wanted Jesus to be His own source.
Jesus kept His flesh uncorrupted and won the victory. He overcame the enemy. When He comes to take up residence in us, He brings the victory with Him. His overcoming life flows through us like the vine’s life flows through the branch. Everything about the DNA of the vine is communicated into, then through, the branch.
Question.
Can you identify the arena of your person where the tempter is enticing you to step out into flesh and be your own self-dependent source?
Be present to the Presence and let His overcoming life flow there. Lean into the Overcomer – for He has power over your flesh.
Jennifer Kennedy Dean
propheticendtimes 