August 11, 2026

God’s Ordained Partnership

I am spending much time this week praying, fasting, and preparing for Friday night’s upcoming prayer gathering. As I do so, I’m looking back at some of what the Holy Spirit has spoken to me about it, as well as what I’m currently hearing. Today, I want to reiterate how important and powerful it is when the church prays for governments and nations.

The fruit of wrongly separating the different roles of government and the church has created many problems in America. As well as resulting in unrighteous laws and moral decay, including the killing of babies in the womb and mutilating children’s bodies, it has also subconsciously created a lack of prayer for our government leaders. For example, it is unlikely that even one out of 1000 professing Christians prays consistently for our President and his team as they navigate the situation in the Middle East. The typical American feels that the church’s only role in government is electing leaders; it is then their responsibility alone to manage the economy, legislation, wars, and other civil matters.

However, 1 Timothy 2:2 tells us just how wrong this is: if we want to live tranquil and peaceful lives, as mentioned in the verses, it will require us to pray faithfully for governmental leaders. Obviously, then, if we DON’T pray for them, this will NOT happen. Good intentions and human wisdom, even by godly individuals, are not adequate when it comes to leading a nation. This is why Solomon voiced his appropriate concern to God, “Who is able to judge Your great people?” (1 Kings 3:9). This is also why He prefaced this by asking God for wisdom and understanding when beginning his kingly rule.

Solomon’s father, the great King David, a man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22), also needed spiritual help in order to govern effectively. He sought direction from prophets and priests, and specifically relied on the tribe of Issachar’s discernment during times of war (1 Chronicles 12:1, 32, 38). David knew Israel’s wars were spiritual as well as physical, and that he needed supernatural assistance.

Leaders in government need the help of the church, and the church needs a wise, godly government. Prayer generates both. Failing to pray faithfully for our government is one of the greatest sins of the American church.

Israel’s biblical history is filled with accounts of her kings, generals, priests, and prophets working together. Whether it be Moses (government leader), Joshua (general), and Aaron (high priest); or David (king), Samuel (prophet), Nathan (prophet), Abiathar and Zadok (high priests); or Uzziah (king) and Isaiah (prophet), civil and spiritual leaders worked together in Israel and they prospered as they did so. Not understanding this and implementing it in our nation has caused immeasurable harm.

The books of Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah all speak of the time in Israel’s history when the Temple was being rebuilt. Tremendous opposition was occurring, eliciting poor responses by Israel, which worked together to cause a 16-year delay. What finally ended the standstill was a God-ordained partnership between civil and spiritual leaders, including two prophets. It is an example of the fruit produced when civic and spiritual leadership work together, especially during a time of reformation.

The key figures used by the Lord to cause the successful rebuilding were Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah; Joshua, the high priest [obviously, not the same leader of Israel during the conquering of the promised land]; Haggai and Zechariah, who were prophets. Rather than competing, they all worked in harmony, fulfilling their God-given roles.

“Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.” (Ezra 5:2)

“And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.” (Ezra 6:14)

Zerubbabel and Joshua could not have rebuilt the Temple without the prophets, the words from the Lord. And the prophets certainly could not have rebuilt it without the civil leaders. All were needed.

Summary

Governmental authority without moral foundations and clarity can lead to deception, corruption, and failure; yet spiritual actions without the peace and order generated by righteous governmental authority also are greatly hindered. Both are critical. Lasting cultural transformation occurs, and God’s blessings are released, when those who lead in the public square and the spiritual arena work side by side in mutual honor and respect.

Pray with me: 

Father, we acknowledge the role You have given the church in influencing earth’s affairs, as well as the role of righteous government. We also acknowledge the partnership You intended between the two. As they work together, the synergy produces order and justice on the earth, allowing for peace and security.

When You taught us to pray in Matthew 6, You told us to ask for deliverance from “the evil one.” We do so, asking for deliverance from satan and his actions throughout Iran. Deliver the people of the Middle East from the principalities and powers operating there; break their diabolical hold. Remove evil leaders. Cause them to make mistakes in their planning. Expose their hiding places, dry up their finances, and create great confusion and division among them. End their reign of terror.

Give our government leaders, especially President Trump, great wisdom as they make decisions. Give our military supernatural help and brilliant strategies. Protect our troops, our military bases, the innocent people of Iran, and the nations surrounding them. Protect Israel from every plan to harm them. We declare the release of Your Kingdom authority in that region and in this war, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Our decree:

God’s power will be released in the Middle East as the church fulfills her role in intercession, releasing her Kingdom authority there.

Join us Friday night [August 14] at 7PM ET. You can find more information HERE.

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

https://youtu.be/wHCBlYlqfMs

August 10, 2026

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

1 Kings 17–18 are two very significant chapters in Scripture. They speak of spiritual alignment, the results of spiritual compromise, the path to covenant restoration, and important insights regarding prayer.

In these chapters, Israel was experiencing a severe drought due to breaking covenant with God and worshipping Baal. However, the drought was not only a judgment for breaking their covenant with Yahweh, but also intended to expose the false god of Baal.

Under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, Israel had abandoned God’s laws and established the national worship of this false god. Their betrayal of the Lord was extreme. God had explicitly warned them that if they turned to other gods, “The Lord’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain” (Deuteronomy 11:16-17). They were now experiencing this reaping.

Baal was a Canaanite god worshipped as the god of storms, rain, fertility, and agriculture. By withholding rain - at the decree of Elijah - God was directly challenging Baal’s reality and power: “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word” (I Kings 17:1). The ensuing drought proved that Baal had no power over nature, as was claimed; Yahweh was the true and living God.

After three years and by the time the events of chapter 18 rolled around, Israel was nearing repentance. They had been clearly shown that the physical drought was a symptom of their spiritual drought. At this point, Elijah stood in front of them and said, “‘How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!’” (verse 21 NLT). The needed rain could not return until they repented, acknowledged God, and returned to Him. Yet these Israelites were still not totally convinced; the last part of verse 21 says, “But the people were completely silent.” 

Why Mount Carmel

So Elijah staged his famous public showdown on Baal’s home turf, Mt Carmel: two altars, no fire, and prayer to each perceived deity. The god who answered by fire would be proven as the true and living God. Why this mountain? At the time, Mount Carmel was considered a sacred “high place” dedicated to Baal worship! By choosing Carmel, Elijah was giving the false prophets every advantage. If Baal could manifest power anywhere, surely it would be on “his own” holy mountain.

Also, the ridge of Mount Carmel stands roughly 1700 feet above sea level and looks directly over the vast Jezreel Valley, the homeland of Queen Jezebel! Talk about a word picture! The ridge formed a large natural amphitheater, providing maximum visibility for the large crowd of Israelites King Ahab had summoned. The entire crowd could see the altars clearly, leaving no room for trickery or excuses when the true God answered by fire.

And finally, on Mount Carmel was a second altar originally dedicated to Yahweh, which had been torn down and abandoned during Ahab’s and Jezebel’s reign. By choosing this site, Elijah intended to rebuild the broken altar of the Lord, using 12 stones to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. The symbolism and meanings are unmistakable.

Baal’s 450 prophets failed, of course, despite self-mutilation and hours of impassioned pleas and rituals.

It was Elijah’s turn. He first rebuilt the broken-down altar to the Lord (verse 31) - there’s a sermon! Then he prepared the sacrifice. But before praying, he decided to leave no doubt as to God’s power, and had individuals pour water on his offering - three times! (Verses 32-35)

Then he prayed:

“And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, ‘LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again,’” (1 Kings 18:36-37).

God answered by fire from heaven and consumed not only Elijah’s sacrifice, but the wood, stones, dust, and water! (Verse 38) The incredible miracle caused the crowd of Israelites to fall on their faces and declare, “The Lord, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39).

Well, I guess so!

Sending the Rain

And once the spiritual idolatry was confronted, repentance occurred, and the false prophets were removed, the barrier withholding rain was gone. However, even though God had promised Elijah, “I will send rain on the earth” (1 Kings 18:1), there was one significant act required from Elijah. He climbed to the very top of Mount Carmel, bowed to the earth, and prayed to the true and living God seven times, sending his servant out after each prayer to look toward the sea. Finally, a cloud appeared, and a deluge was released.

This part of the story has always amazed me. God’s promise was not a substitute for prayer; it was the foundation for it. Elijah agreed with and stood on God’s stated purpose, then birthed it through prayer. Could there be a greater picture of Yahweh’s plan of partnering with us? We birth on earth through prayer what He determines from heaven.

Elijah prayed seven times, demonstrating his persistent faith. In Biblical symbolism, the number 7 signifies completeness and covenant. His sevenfold prayer marks the complete end of the judgment period, and the full restoration of covenant and blessing.

And just to make sure we understand that it truly was Elijah’s prayers God used to bring rain, in the New Testament, James uses his prayers as an example of effectual prayer:

“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”(James 5:15-18)

James highlights Elijah’s humanness by using a word meaning he was “subject to the same feelings, weaknesses, and frailties” (James 5:17) as all of us (homoiopathes, in Greek).(1) Don’t deify Elijah; He was human like the rest of us. And the true and living God that used him can, and will, use us.

Pray with me:

Father, You did not give up on the human race after Adam’s fall. Nor did You give up on Israel when she rejected You and turned to false gods. You worked to bring them back into covenant with You, breaking off deception and restoring them. Thank You for Your mercy and kindness.

You are now doing the same for America and other nations. Your heart is to redeem, and we believe the greatest wave of redemptive power in history is about to flow throughout the earth. You have planned a great harvest in the Middle East, one that will bring millions into Your family. The powers of darkness there will not stop You.

We do not look toward this Friday night of prayer with pride and lightheartedness. We approach it in humility; and yet we also do so in confidence, believing in Your great mercy, love, power, and authority. The principalities and powers behind false gods are not a threat to You. You are answering our prayers for their overthrow, just as You did Elijah’s, and will continue to do so. We are expecting You to show Yourself strong around the world on that night. Break the back of evil forces blinding people to the truth of Jesus Christ and His redeeming work. Cause multitudes to see Your glory. Do so through miracles, dreams and visions, and the power of the gospel. And lead us as we prepare for this night.

And, of course, we pray for our government leaders. Please give them wisdom, accuracy, great discernment, and success. Lead them as they make decisions that shape the world.

All of this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our decree:

We decree that the God of Elijah is still alive and well, extending His ever-increasing Kingdom throughout the world.

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

https://youtu.be/YhAR0DrOO2o

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1. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 3663.

August 7, 2026

Introduction

Today’s post is an encouraging word regarding what God is doing here in America and throughout the world. You may have noticed that He is reemphasizing the powerful river of Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 47; John 7:37-39). My brother Tim and his daughter Rachel have just released a book entitled Glory River. Gene and Terri Bailey of Flashpoint were led by Holy Spirit to make the river of God the theme of their major gathering in Texas on October 22-24, calling it River at the Ranch. Other prophetic leaders are also talking about the river of God. These are all indications that another outpouring of Holy Spirit is on the horizon.

Today’s post comes from Tim and Rachel’s new book, Glory River, which is the title of today’s post.

Glory River

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” — Habakkuk 2:14

We are living in the fulfillment of this promise. The river of God is rising, His glory is increasing, and His presence is flowing throughout the earth to accomplish His purposes. Recently, after several weeks of profound encounters with Holy Spirit, I was caught up in a prophetic vision during worship. Though spiritual experiences often stretch beyond natural understanding, they remain firmly rooted in biblical truth. This vision was one of those moments.

As I worshiped, I felt water rising around my feet. It was so vivid it seemed tangible. The water climbed from my ankles to my knees, then to my waist, then to my chest, until I was completely immersed in water to swim in.

Immediately, Ezekiel 47 came alive before me. The river flowing from God’s throne had reached its fullest measure. I knew Holy Spirit was revealing that His river is increasing in depth, power, and influence in this hour.

Suddenly, I was lifted above the scene. Below me, I saw the river winding through cities, regions, and Ekklesia hubs across the nations. Hovering over each gathering of believers stood an angel holding a golden trumpet. Though no musical sound was heard, a decree filled the atmosphere: “Everything lives where the river flows.”

As the vision expanded, I noticed bridges crossing the river. Each carried a familiar roadside sign, but instead of naming a natural river, every sign read: Glory River. The message was unmistakable. God’s glory is flowing through His Church and out into the nations.

Then I noticed gift-wrapped packages floating downstream. Some drifted to the shoreline where people eagerly reached out with long poles and drew them in. I asked Holy Spirit what they contained. He answered, “In the boxes are miracles."

People opened the packages to discover healings, breakthroughs, and supernatural provision. Others carried their boxes away, seemingly taking miracles to family members and loved ones.

Next came a massive barge loaded with enormous crates. Waiting on the shore stood crowds clothed in black garments. Holy Spirit said, “These are people who have experienced great trauma, and a spirit of heaviness is upon them. They are dressed in grave clothes of grief and sorrow. But new garments are coming down the river in the crates, and they’re trading their grave clothes of sorrow for garments of joy, praise, and festive liberation.” The river wasn’t simply bringing miracles. It was restoring hearts.

Then I watched countless old-fashioned log rafts floating downstream. They carried broken, weary, and lost people toward a great harbor where thousands waited to welcome them.

Again I asked what I was seeing. Holy Spirit replied, “The old story still rescues,” and I knew that was a reference to the gospel of Christ. The old rugged Cross was symbolized by these old wooden log rafts. Then He said to me, “Their loved ones are gathering to welcome them home. The Ekklesias are ports of recovery and restoration.”

Glory River was accelerating in flows and depths to bring the lost and the prodigals home. Families and loved ones were gathered at the riverbanks, reuniting in joy, as they returned. Ekklesia hubs appeared as ports of redemption and recovery, places where the lost found refuge and the broken found restoration. The scale of this was massive and global.

I also saw areas along Glory River where people were coming to simply enjoy themselves. Laughter filled the air as songs and dancing broke out. Families and friends were having picnics and parties along the river, and the whole scene radiated life, joy, and freedom.

Then another remarkable scene unfolded. Hundreds of wicker baskets carrying infants floated down Glory River into the Ekklesias. I immediately remembered Moses. Hidden in a basket upon the Nile, what appeared vulnerable was actually being carried by God’s sovereign hand toward divine destiny.

Holy Spirit said, “These are My leaders—evangelists, pastors, teachers, prophets, and apostles whom I am raising for the great reformation.”

I knew these baskets represented a new generation being supernaturally prepared. The current of God's Spirit is accelerating their development. Reformers are already on the way.

Finally, the river carried me to what I knew was the Dead Sea Reclamation Region. The scenery along it was spectacular, with some of the most beautiful vistas I have ever seen. It didn’t look dead and barren; it was alive, lush, and beautiful. The river’s flow at this point was extremely gentle. This reminded me of the description in Psalm 23: “He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” Across the river stretched a large banner that read: “Post-Traumatic Stress: Gentle Flows.”

People of every age approached the shoreline carrying deep emotional wounds. Some had survived warfare, devastating loss, broken relationships, betrayal, or crushing disappointments. Others simply carried years of hidden pain. One by one, they climbed into small rafts and quietly floated into the Father's presence. There was no striving.

As they rested in His presence, His love surrounded them. Heavy burdens lifted. Wounded hearts were restored. Troubled minds became clear. Joy replaced despair, and peace quieted every storm within.

Again I asked Holy Spirit what I was witnessing. He answered, “These are those who have been in spiritual battles and in life battles. They are wounded, hurting, and their hearts are heavy laden. Their emotions aren’t functioning properly, and they’ve come to the Glory River on these rafts to experience the one-on-one presence of Father God. Here, His presence overwhelms despair. Here, Father’s love heals the wounds.”

I watched as person after person emerged transformed, not because someone preached to them, but because they encountered the Father's love. His presence restored their souls.

Father is inviting His sons and daughters into His presence. You can go as deep into Glory River as you desire. There is always more. And if all you can do today is rest, then rest. His presence heals what has been broken. His presence restores what has been lost. His presence breaks the power of trauma and fills weary hearts with life again.

I have often pictured myself climbing into one of those small rafts, just the Father and me, floating together in His presence. Every time I have done so, He has met me there. His love has changed me, strengthened me, and restored me.

The invitation is still open. Step into the river. Receive what He is carrying. Ride the Glory River with Him.

Pray with me:

Father, Your Glory River is rising in this hour. We believe You have brought us to a time of acceleration and increasing degrees of Your glory. Let Your presence impact regions, cities, and nations. Let Your glory leave its mark on cultures, governments, families, and hearts. Make Your presence visible, tangible, and undeniable in the earth.

We ask this especially today for Iran and all of the Middle East. We are confident that a mighty outpouring of Holy Spirit is coming to the entire Muslim world. While we love people of all faiths, Father, just as You do, we also believe Your Word that tells us Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). We ask for revelation and understanding of this truth to all the Muslim world, with a special emphasis at this time on Iran. You have shown us that Your River is flowing in this nation, but will greatly increase. We ask for the complete overthrow of the Prince of Persia and that Iran become a hub of revival to the entire Middle East. Use the gathering in Ohio on August 14th to break this loose, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Our decree:

We decree that heaven’s Glory River is rising and filling homes, cities, and regions. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea!

Today’s post was taken from Tim and Rachel’s book Glory River. You can find this book on their website and on Amazon.

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

https://youtu.be/OidEIGU8p9I