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The God of Providence At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, brilliant Founding Father Benjamin Franklin called for prayer to end the contentious impasse being experienced. We quoted from his speech in a recent post  [7/2/2025]. A portion of his appeal stated: “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that ‘except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel.” (1) Without question, Franklin and those gathered with him at the Continental Congress believed that God wanted and needed to be involved in the birthing of America. On that specific occasion, they asked for His help in fashioning the Constitution of the United States of America. Just let that sink in. God was involved in every facet of forming this nation, including our Constitution. In this challenging time when some are trying to remove the influence of America’s Judeo-Christian roots, keep yourself reminded of this.  I am always shocked and bewildered when I hear Christian leaders ignorantly deny that America was God’s idea. In their ignorance, they sometimes sign onto the blatantly obvious attempt to silence patriotic Christians by using the ridiculous phrase “Christian nationalists.” Many of them contend that the only nation God has ever birthed was Israel. However, Job 12:23 tells us, “He makes nations rise and then fall, builds up some and abandons others” (The Message). It is contradictory, at best, to assert that God would form a nation (Israel) in order to birth the Messiah, but wouldn’t do so for the primary purpose of spreading the good news of His redeeming sacrifice. To believe that God formed America for the purpose of propagating the gospel in no way insinuates that other people or nations do not also exist for divine purposes. As believers, we are all called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and extend His Kingdom on earth. The assertion simply means that this was the primary purpose for America’s existence. The Delivering Fog In Franklin’s passionate appeal for prayer, partially quoted above, he also referred to God’s frequent help during the War of Independence, describing it as “frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor.” (2)  Some of the testimonies of God’s intervention in the Revolution involved the weather. Moms For America recounts one such example: “The Battle of Brooklyn found the American forces surrounded by 32,000 British soldiers, trapped near the East River. The British dug trenches around the Americans, planning to finish them off. They awaited British ships to arrive to cut off any possible escape route. “The ships never arrived! Though the plan was set, the wind became still, and they couldn’t sail into place. “It rained all night, and George Washington used all available boats to begin shuttling his troops across the river to safety under cover of darkness. As morning approached, he still had a large percentage of his soldiers awaiting transport. “Their loss could mean disaster for the American Revolution. “Then, a heavy fog settled over the American and British troops. Even after daybreak, the fog lay like a blanket upon both. When it finally lifted, the British were astonished to see every sign of their adversaries gone! The mysterious fog saved the American revolutionaries from capture, or worse.” (3) “The event was documented by Major Benjamin Tallmadge: ‘As the dawn of the next day approached, those of us who remained… became very anxious for our own safety…At this time, a very dense fog began to rise off the river, and it seemed to settle in a peculiar manner over both encampments. I recollect this peculiar providential occurrence perfectly well, and so very dense was the atmosphere that I could scarcely discern a man at six yards distance.’” (4) The God of providence came through! Speaking of providence, Douglas S. Winnail recounts a providential miracle for the United States…before we even existed! When God was still shaping George Washington to be our first commander-in-chief and first president, Winnail said of the young Washington: “…the fact that he lived to lead this young nation was due to Divine Providence—the intervention of God in mankind’s affairs for a purpose. In 1755, during the French and Indian War, 23-year-old Colonel Washington was one of 1,400 British troops under the command of General Braddock. They were marching to capture Fort Duquesne, near Pittsburgh, when they were attacked by a French and Indian force. During the battle, ‘Braddock was killed, and every officer on horseback was shot, except Washington.’  “The young colonel [Washington] later wrote to his brother, ‘But by the All-Powerful Dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation. I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, while death was leveling my companions on every side of me.’  “A Native American who fought in the battle stated later, ‘Washington was never born to be killed by a bullet! I had seventeen fair fires at him with my rifle and yet could not bring him to the ground.’” (5) The God who declares the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) was preserving and shaping the first president of the United States of America…before there even was a United States of America! And this providential God is not finished with our nation. Pray with me: God of Providence, remind us today to keep our focus and gaze on You in this strategic hour of history. May we not be distracted by world events, the clamor of those who don’t like our patriotism, or any other tactic of the enemy. Keep us reminded that You are ruling in the affairs of men, and that we must listen carefully to You for our instructions and guidance. Six times in Daniel 7, You said of Daniel that he “kept looking.” After each time You gave Him a vision and instructions, he “kept looking.” We must do the same.  We ask for Your guidance as we pray for America and her role in the coming worldwide revival. We ask for this guidance for those working to restore our nation. Lead our President and his team, as well as our legislators and leaders at the state and local levels. Give us a strong America so that we might serve Your purposes in our generation (Acts 13:36). Motivate the church to rise up as never before and contend for Your purposes. Fan the flames of intercession where they may have dwindled, and bring Your fire and passion to the church. Give a renewed hunger for Your presence and Your cause on the Earth. AND GIVE US LISTENING AND HEARING HEARTS! All of this, we pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. Our decree: We decree that He who began a good work in America will finish it! Click on the link below to watch the full video. ___________________________ Benjamin Franklin. June 28, 1787. James Madison, Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787  (1787; reprinted NY: W.W. Norton and Co., 1987), pp. 209-210. David Barton, The Myth of Separation  (Aledo, TX: WallBuilder Press, 1991), pp. 108-109. Gallard Hunt and James B. Scott, Ed., The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787, Which Framed the Constitution of the United States of America,  reported by James Madison (New York: Oxford University Press, 1920), pp. 181-182. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers  (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), pp. 122-124. George Bancroft, Bancroft’s History of the Constitution of the United States  Vols I-X (Boston: Charles C. Little & James Brown, 1838), Vol. II. Stephen Abbott Northrop, D.D., A Cloud of Witnesses  (Portland, Oregon: American Heritage Ministries, 19887), pp. 159-160. Ibid. https://momsforamerica.us/blog/5-surprising-miracles-from-god-that-helped-make-america-great/   https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/magazines/2017/july-august/miracles-of-the-american-revolution   https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/magazines/2017/july-august/miracles-of-the-american-revolution

Introduction I love many of the church’s hymns. However, some of my greatest memories from the early days of the Charismatic/Jesus People Movements are singing the praise and worship “choruses,” as we called them. We referred to them as such because they were typically short, like the chorus of a hymn. Some were only one word, like the Hallelujah chorus. They rarely had verses.  The simplicity of these songs was part of Holy Spirit’s brilliant plan. The young generation of that era rebelled against extravagance and form; we wanted things simple and real, sometimes to a fault, like living in communes and wearing few clothes! When we came to Jesus, the Holy Spirit gave us simple songs.  We also had rejected authority, the establishment - including, unfortunately, our parents and their traditions. We didn’t want their hymns. So when we came to Christ He simply said, “Give ‘em some simple choruses for now. They’ll come around.” And His most brilliant aspect of the plan was that He put in the hearts of our generation to use the Bible as our songbook. “We don’t need those fancy hymnals,” we boasted. “We sing the Bible!” Little did we know He was using this singing of His Word to renew our minds, remove our rebellion, and feed us on the bread of life. Holy Spirit is so smart! One of my favorite “choruses” of the day was taken from Psalm 20:6-8: “Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy Heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.”  (AKJV) The primary portion of the song was verse 7, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”  It drove into my heart the revelation that we must look to the Lord first for our provision, protection and strength. We would do well to remember this today.  “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain”  (Psalm 127:1; AKJV). Ben Franklin quoted this verse from Psalm 127 at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 when suggesting more prayer was needed for wisdom and to overcome disagreements and other obstacles. We must remember its message today. My friend, Jay Comiskey, sent me the following information to encourage us as we build a protective prayer “dome” over America. It is entitled: THE IRON DOME SHIELD OF INTERCESSION In 2024, the Israeli Military (IDF) demonstrated a remarkable air defense system to protect their people. Guy Cohen, a Messianic Jewish leader from Israel, described this remarkable system: “Israel now has a multi-layered defense array. Our current system is surprisingly effective against almost all attacks from missiles, rockets, and UAVs. The IDF armor consists of the following defensive weapons: The Iron Dome, David’s Sling and The Arrow defense system. They each cover various distances, from close-range missiles all the way up to threats at the edge of the atmosphere. Currently, yet another level is being developed - laser technology.” (1) As you know, Israel has been attacked by several enemies over the past 16 months. From Hamas in the South, to Hezbollah in the North, including the nation of Iran, multiple thousands of rockets and missiles have been fired at Israel. Miraculously, very few of these weapons have reached their target. Israel has been amazingly spared much death or damage. How? The Jewish people worked relentlessly (with the USA) to develop these Iron Dome Systems to protect their nation from evil missiles and rockets. They have won the defensive battle for their country. This has allowed their military to go on the offensive  and severely cripple Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran! On January 27, 2025, President Trump announced, we “need an Iron Dome for the USA!” He repeated this call in February. (2) Sometimes the Lord uses “signs, wonders and other indicators” in the natural to help us see a parallel truth in the spiritual realm. 1 Corinthians 15:46: “However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.” Israel has once again become an important SIGN to God’s Ekklesia in America: It is time to build and operate our own Iron Dome Shield of Intercession over our Country! The Holy Spirit is calling us to partner with Him in building a mighty Iron Dome system of prayer and intercession to protect President Trump, his agenda, and our country . I believe God’s Prayer Army is at a unique place of maturity to build this spiritual Iron Dome of protection for America and all the nations. In Dutch’s book, Watchman Prayer , Chapter 7 is entitled “ Armed and Loaded with Prayer .” He shares how our prayers build strategic boundaries. Our job as watchmen and women is to protect and empower God’s purposes on earth. I believe Holy Spirit is giving His people profound wisdom and revelation from the Scriptures to protect America.  Here are some powerful building blocks to operate an effective spiritual  defense system throughout our land: All Authority … Matthew 28:18: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Luke 10:19: “ Behold, I give you the authority …   over all the authority of the enemy , and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” The Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Exceedingly Abundantly Above … Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” No weapon formed against you Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” Angel Armies Psalm 103:20-21 (NLT): “Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! The Lord is teaching us how to build His spiritual “Iron Dome Shield” over America. Ask for wisdom and revelation from Holy Spirit regarding what to PRAY and DECREE into a current reality over President Trump and all those in authority. He will give you insight. There is a clichè in football that says, “Defense wins Championships.”  Let us build a defensive “Iron Dome Shield” over our country that will cause “America to be saved.” Pray with me: Father, as we build the protective prayer dome over America, give us willing hearts and hearing ears. Motivate intercessors and faithful believers throughout our nation to take seriously the warnings about praying for protection over America. Remind us that we can see our “turning point” take place this spring if we use the weapons of prayer mentioned in   yesterday's post . We will not make the mistake of placing our trust only in our government or military. We want and need wise leaders and a strong military, but our first and foremost trust is in You, not “horses and chariots.” We have prayed over America’s borders and waterways; we have obeyed other instructions telling us how and when to pray. We now make bold declarations of faith that we will continue to build and fortify Your protective dome/shield, and we will keep it in place through our prayers and decrees.  We declare that America shall be saved, both physically and spiritually. America shall be revived, restored, and reformed. She will pick up her mantle once again of being an evangelist to the world, funding, resourcing, and taking the gospel of the Kingdom to the ends of the earth. Amen. Our decree:  We decree that though some trust in chariots and some in horses, we will remember the name of the Lord our God!   Click on the link below to watch the full video. https://www.tikkunglobal.org/post/iron-dome-and-the-full-armor-of-god   https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-signs-executive-order-to-develop-american-made-iron-dome-missile-shield/

Giving Thanks for Answered Prayer Today, we give thanks for the breakthroughs we have received. There are varying opinions regarding the Big Beautiful Bill. Some conservatives rejected it, believing that it still spends too much money; many others, however, believe it is a good start in turning around our nation. Without getting into the weeds of the bill, which I would not even be qualified to do, here are some victories we should all celebrate: The bill bans Medicaid payments (yours and my tax dollars) to clinics offering abortions—even for non‑abortion care. There will be no federal funds for abortion. Planned Parenthood took a huge hit.  $350B was allocated for border walls, enforcement, and deportation of illegals. We can take another step toward appropriate immigration, vetting those who come into America (thereby stopping criminals), requiring that they learn our history, agree with our ideals, and ensure that they assimilate into our culture. We want compassionate, but also wise, orderly, and conditional immigration policies (just like heaven).  Medicaid (yours and my tax dollars) is no longer permitted to pay for “gender transitions.” No money for surgeries or blockers.  When able, a person receiving Welfare and Food Stamps (SNAP) must work, as the Bible teaches (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The Child Tax Credit received a slight increase. Up to $25K of tax-free income in tips, and up to $12,500 in tax-free overtime pay (which would be $25,000 when a couple files jointly). This may not sound like much, but to lower-income households, it is huge. The bill also ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits, providing meaningful and immediate relief to seniors who have spent a lifetime contributing to our nation’s economy. The first national school voucher plan was approved, which will help all but the wealthiest families pay for private school and other educational expenses. It is a compromised plan, and states must opt in, which, of course, most liberal blue states will not do, but it is a good beginning. We are making progress.  Thanks For Leadership Changes Passing a comprehensive piece of legislation often resembles a complex political ballet, requiring deft and complicated negotiation, strategic compromise, and relentless persistence. The recent journey of the “Big Beautiful Bill” through Congress exemplifies these challenges, particularly for House Speaker Michael Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who played pivotal roles in shepherding the legislation to passage. From the outset, the “Big Beautiful Bill” faced significant hurdles. The bill’s expansive scope -- aiming to overhaul infrastructure, bolster economic growth, and address pressing social issues -- generated both enthusiasm and opposition across the political spectrum. While many advocates championed its ambitious vision, others raised concerns about its costs and potential unintended consequences.  For Speaker Johnson, the challenge was especially difficult in balancing the diverse priorities within the House, and he demonstrated incredible wisdom and skill. The bill required not only broad support but also careful navigation through a fractious caucus with varying ideological perspectives. Building consensus meant making difficult concessions, trimming certain provisions, and addressing ideological objections. The Speaker’s leadership – and no doubt his stamina — was tested as he worked tirelessly to unify moderates and conservatives, engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations and offering assurances to secure enough votes for passage. Herding cats would be easy compared to herding our Congressional politicians.  Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Thune faced similar complexities. He had to negotiate with moderate as well as ultra-conservative Republicans, often using amendments and procedural tactics to gain consensus. The intricate process was further complicated by the need to reconcile the Senate version with the House’s amendments, requiring delicate negotiations and strategic compromises. Both leaders also had to contend with external pressures, including lobbying efforts from interest groups, public opinion, and media scrutiny. These two men, relatively new in their positions, did exceptional jobs of balancing the legislative priorities with political realities.  Ultimately, the passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill" was a testament to their skill, wisdom, perseverance, leadership, and political acumen. It demanded immense effort, strategic negotiation, and the ability to find common ground amid diverse and often conflicting interests. The successful passage marked a significant legislative achievement, showcasing the leadership of Johnson and Thune in navigating one of the most challenging legislative endeavors in recent history. And, of course, President Trump helped shape the bill and push it through the finish line. Much of it included his “promises made, promises kept.” We are told he made numerous calls, explained his positions effectively, as well as offered assurances regarding future progress in areas of concern. It truly was a team effort. Thank you, President Trump, and thank You, Lord, for placing him in office. We give thanks for all members of Congress who are standing up for righteous and honorable legislation, often having to deal with threats of physical violence, endure false accusations, face political threats, and even persecution to do so. God is answering our prayers and sending righteous leaders to serve in Congress. It is a challenging – and often thankless -- responsibility. We thank them, and we certainly give thanks to the Lord. Our responsibility is to continue doing our part in the spiritual realm. Prayer releases the power of God, and our spiritual warfare binds demonic plans and activities. Divine-human cooperation is always needed to see His plans move forward, including restoration. The necessary involvement on our part has begun, and we will not stop. We will not despise  small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10), nor will we settle  for them. Pray with me: Father, we thank You for President Trump and the team he has around him, Speaker Johnson and righteous House members, Majority Leader Thune, and other godly Senators.  We are grateful for the incredible changes taking place in our government and the turnaround occurring in our nation. Though this has only begun, we give You praise. We ask that You would continue to remove the ungodly from our government, and give us wise, righteous leaders in Washington, D.C. We also ask You to protect these leaders, their families, and staffs from harm. We also pray for the continued transformation of our judicial branch of government. Thank You for the victories we have experienced, but we know much greater transformation is needed. Give us judges who honor You, Your Word, and the Constitution. We ask You to remove those who oppose the principles of Scripture, and who legislate from the bench.  And finally today, Lord, we pray for the leadership in the body of Christ. Give them wisdom to lead with insight and understanding. Open their eyes to receive the revelation of Your will and Word. Renew passion where it has waned, restore any loss of “first love” for You (Revelation 2:4), break off from them any “hope-deferred” (Proverbs 13:12), and heal them from the wounds of betrayal and rejection. Increase the anointing of Holy Spirit on their lives and ministries, strengthen their homes and families.  All of these things we ask in Christ’s name, amen.  Our decree: We declare that we will persevere in our responsibility to partner with God in prayer, and in opposing the plans of satan’s kingdom. Click the link below to watch the full video.

Taken from the words of a great hymn, today’s title is: “When Darkness Seems to Hide His Face” I would like to take another day to pray for the people in Texas before moving on to other subjects. I have spent the morning (Monday) grieving over the tragic and heart-wrenching stories. I simply cannot imagine the level of emotional pain many people are experiencing. At the time of this writing, 82 people are reported dead, a number that will most certainly rise. Ten children are still missing from the Christian camp, and 41 overall in Texas.  It is impossible for words to eliminate or lessen the grief in situations like this, but it is a balm and a comfort to know others care. Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four-year-old boy whose next-door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, “Nothing, I just helped him cry.” (1) I have always found the words of Jesus in Luke 4:18 comforting during times such as these. As part of His “mission statement,” He declared that He had come to bring “healing for the brokenhearted” (TPT). Jesus understands what it means to have a broken heart. The Message Bible uses the word “battered” to describe the brokenhearted. Indeed. And the Amplified Bible describes it as those “crushed by tragedy.”  The “weeping prophet” Jeremiah, while looking at the smoldering ruins of Jerusalem and grieving the loss of many lives, stated his trust in the God of hope: “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope…Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’” (Lamentations 3.21-24 NKJV) Today, I have been reminded of the words of the great hymn, The Solid Rock:   “When darkness seems to hide His face,  I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale,  My anchor holds within the veil. “His oath, His covenant, His blood,  Support me in the ‘whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way,  He then is all my Hope and Stay.” (2) The Anchor of Hope It is impossible to go through life without tasting the bitterness of tragedy, and the associated darkness does indeed try to hide His face. That’s when we cling to Him – He is our Anchor of Hope. The words of this great hymn are taken from Hebrews 6:18-19. It says:  “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil.” The Old Testament word for “hope,” tiqvah, actually means “a cord used to attach something.” Isn’t that a great picture!? Our hope tethers us to Him similarly, the Hebrew writer was stating that our hope in Christ anchors us. I am praying this for the people of Texas.  The same biblical author stated that our hope in Christ also keeps us moving forward. Hebrews 10:23 tells us to hold fast to the confession of our hope. “Hold fast” comes from a Greek nautical term meaning “to set one’s course.” (3)  In Acts 27, sailors in a fierce storm had to “set their course” for shore. Our faith in Christ keeps us from being blown off course during life’s storms. I’m praying this for them, as well.  The great poet Emily Dickinson captured the sustaining power of hope in one of her beautiful poems: “Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul And sings the tunes without the words  And never stops at all.” (4)  “At the Royal Palace of Tehran in Iran, you can see one of the most beautiful mosaic works in the world. The ceilings and walls flash like diamonds in multifaceted reflections. “Originally, when the palace was designed, the architect specified huge sheets of mirrors on the walls. When the first shipment arrived from Paris, they found, to their horror, that the mirrors were shattered. The contractor threw them in the trash and brought the sad news to the architect. “Amazingly, the architect ordered all of the broken pieces collected, then smashed them into tiny pieces. He glued them to the walls to create the great mosaic of silvery, shimmering, mirrored bits of glass.” (5) God knows how to take broken hearts and transform them into restored mosaics of His grace. I am praying that He does so for those “battered” and “crushed by tragedy” in Texas. I am declaring over them that darkness will not be able to hide His face, and that their anchor indeed, holds fast.  Let’s do so now.  Pray with me:  God of Hope, we thank You for Your desire to fully heal and restore life to broken hearts. We are grateful for each time You entered our hopeless situations and met us in the dark place of despair. Thank You for pursuing us with Your relentless love, restoring our souls. We take hold of the arms of the hurting in Texas and hold them up. We cry tears of love and intercession for them, identifying with them in their pain. Strengthen them, comfort their battered hearts, and remind them that You are the ever-present help in times of trouble. Remind the grieving parents who lost children that they are with You, in the place of eternal joy and life, and they will see them again in heaven. Comfort the hearts of traumatized children, allowing no stronghold of fear to take root in their lives. Give the pastors and counselors words of comfort and wisdom to share with the hurting.  Father, You have promised to cause new life to spring forth, even from the barren recesses of hopeless hearts. Because of Your tender mercies, we declare over our hurting brothers and sisters that their lives will one day flourish again. Even though they may walk through death’s valley, they will remain anchored to the God of Hope, who will sustain them through the pain and restore their hurting hearts. All of this we pray in the name of our Savior and Healer, Jesus. Amen. Our decree:  To the hurting people of Texas: We hold up your arms and declare strength to hold fast and remain anchored. Click on the link below to watch the full video. https://www.midnightangel308.com/most_caring_child.htm   “My Hope Is Built” by Edward Mote, Public domain. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 2722  Emily Dickinson, The Poems of Emily Dickinson , R. W. Franklin, ed (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1999), poem #314. Alice Gray, More Stories for the Heart  (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, Inc., 1997), pp. 220-221.

Tragedy in Texas There are no words to describe the tragedy that took place in Texas due to the unimaginable flooding that occurred on Friday. As of Sunday afternoon [7/6/2025], 59 people had died in the Kerrville, Texas area, 70 statewide; 27 are still missing. Eight hundred fifty (850) were rescued. The Guadalupe River rose an unbelievable 26 feet in 45 minutes. The equivalent of four months’ worth of rain fell in just four hours. It happened in the middle of the night; people in cabins, homes, and RVs woke up with water already swirling around them. Many of them were children attending summer camps.  We must pray for the precious people in this Texas region. Governor Abbott declared Sunday, [7/6/2025] a Day of Prayer in the state of Texas. There have been stories of miraculous survival, some surviving after being swept 15 miles or more downstream. Though the possibilities are slim, there may still be some waiting to be rescued, and we should pray for this. And of course, we pray for the grieving families who have lost loved ones. I am praying for them to find comfort in the loving arms of the Lord, spoken of in Romans 8: “Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not back-stabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture.... None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing - nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable - absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” (Romans 8:35-39 The Message) My father, Dean Sheets, now in heaven, wrote a beautiful devotion several years ago on the importance of helping and serving one another. It was titled, simply, “Others.”  “Years ago, the Salvation Army was holding an international convention, and its founder, General William Booth, could not attend because of a physical weakness. Instead, he cabled his convention message to those in attendance. It was simply one word: “Others.” “The Master has sent you into His vineyard. There is the ministry of intercession for Christian workers. There is the ministry of comfort to sad hearts within your own circle. ‘Bear ye one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). “Lift up the hands which hang down” (Hebrews 12:12). Begin today! Too many are waiting for the ‘big ministry’ to come along, yet someone needs you right now. “Dr. Leonard Cammer, who specialized in treating depressed people, once said, ‘The human being is the only species that cannot survive alone. The human being needs another human being—otherwise he’s dead! A telephone call to a depressed person can save a life. An occasional word, a ten-minute visit, can be more effective than twenty-four hours of nursing care. You can buy nursing care. You cannot buy love.’ “Paul told us to  ‘Bear one another’s burdens’ (Galatians 6:2), not ‘BARE’ them. Never put a finger on someone’s faults unless it’s part of a helping hand. “We need one another so much! The words ‘one accord’ are mentioned eleven times in the Book of Acts. Remember that's the story of how Christians together ‘turned the world upside down’  for Jesus (Acts 17:6). “Together we can do so much. ‘A threefold cord is not quickly broken’ (Ecclesiastes 4:12). One cord, made up of three strands, is a hundred times stronger than just one strand.” (1) Let’s join our hearts and prayers with the people of Texas! Prayer Against Terrorism Attacks On an encouraging note, as of Sunday evening, there were no reports of terrorist attacks in our nation over the holiday weekend. I thank you all for praying. We take the warnings and alerts we receive very seriously, both from authorities and prophetic intercessors.  It seems that violence in general was also down. New York City recorded zero shootings and zero murders across all five boroughs on Independence Day, marking the first time in recorded history this peaceful milestone has been achieved, according to NYPD officials, including Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Who knows if perhaps our prayers were part of the reason for the lack of violence. Again, thank you for praying, thanks to our authorities for working to protect us, and thank the Lord for His protection against terrorism.  Pray with me: Father, we thank You for the lack of violence over the Fourth of July weekend. We also thank You for those tasked with the responsibility of protecting our nation. Please give them supernatural help as they ongoingly endeavor to accomplish that responsibility. Our hearts are hurting with the people of Texas, who have experienced such a devastating catastrophe. We pray for those who have lost family members, asking You to comfort their hearts. Strengthen them, give them grace, and let them feel Your love, even during this time of grief. Help them not to become bitter in their pain. If there are any survivors at this point waiting to be found, please facilitate their rescue. Please bring appropriate help to the children who survived but have experienced such incredible trauma, so that they are not scarred throughout their lives. Help the communities rebuild and recover.  Use this difficult time to bring people together, as we join ourselves to others who are feeling such pain. You are a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). And Father, this is a good time to include our entire nation. Please heal the wounds of division and strife in America. Help us tear down walls of hatred and racism, and heal us from the wounds that our division has caused. All of this, we pray in Jesus’ name, amen. Our decree: We declare the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit over the state of Texas. Click on the link below to watch the full video. Dean Sheets & Dutch Sheets, The Gold That Washed Ashore (Franklin, TN: Scribe Book Company), Day 17. The book is now out of print.

Independence Forever One can only imagine the range of emotions present in Independence Hall when the Declaration of Independence was signed. In the classic book, The Light and the Glory , Peter Marshall and David Manuel offer the following account: “The magnitude of what they had done began to weigh upon them, and they realized that they and their countrymen were no longer Englishmen, but citizens of a fledgling nation barely a few minutes old. Many stared out the window. Some wept openly. Some, like Witherspoon, bowed their heads and closed their eyes in prayer. John Hancock broke the silence: ‘Gentlemen, the price on my head has just been doubled!’ “A wry chuckle followed, and then Samuel Adams rose: ‘We have this day restored the Sovereign, to Whom alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and … from the rising to the setting sun, may His Kingdom come.’” (1)   It is ridiculous to suggest that these Founders did not believe God was involved in this endeavor. John Quincy Adams, son of John and Abigail Adams and sixth president of the United States, made the profound statement on the 45th anniversary of the signing, “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity” (July 4, 1821). (2) Adams’ belief in this indissoluble bond and God’s destiny for America - taking the gospel of the Kingdom to the ends of the earth - never waned. On America’s 61st birthday, July 4, 1837, he made the following staggering declaration, connecting the birth of our nation to the birth of Jesus Christ: “Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day? [July 4th]. Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth?” (7/4/1837). (3) Adams wasn’t equating America’s birth with Christ’s birth; he was saying that America’s birth was for the purpose of announcing Christ’s birth as the Redeemer of humankind. This patriot knew why God raised up America! The Price of Freedom The signers of the Declaration of Independence understood the potential cost of their actions. This is why they ended the document with the words: “For the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” (4)   John Quincy’s dad, John Adams, one of the signers and our second President, spoke of the probable cost to his wife, Abigail: “I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means.” (5) Signer Lewis Morris’ half-brother tried to dissuade him from signing the Declaration, warning him of the potential cost. Morris’s eloquent response? “Damn the consequences. Give me the pen!” (6)  I’ve often wondered if General George Patton was one of his descendants!  Signer Sam Adams, mentioned above, was a second cousin to John Adams, a distant uncle to John Quincy, and a key voice of liberty. Thomas Jefferson referred to him as “the patriarch of liberty;” Boston newspapers eulogized him as “the Father of the American Revolution.” (The Adam‘s clan was certainly a bunch of freedom-loving warriors!) Speaking of the possible cost of freedom and declaring where he had placed his trust Sam Adams said: “We have proclaimed to the world our determination ‘to die freemen, rather than to live slaves.’ We have appealed to heaven for the justice of our cause, and in Heaven, we have placed our trust.” (7) Cousin John was such a passionate pioneer of liberty that Jefferson referred to him as a “colossus of independence.” Though John Adams and Jefferson didn't always see eye-to-eye, their passion for America enabled them to put aside their differences, and they died as close friends—on the same day! (8)   Most people are unaware that Adams and Jefferson, in an incredible phenomenon that could have only been caused by Providence, both died on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1826. Incredibly, God honored their love for America by allowing them to live until that landmark day. Their passion to see the survival of this “holy experiment,” as many described America at that time, and God‘s divine favor kept them alive until this milestone was reached. Adams, too weak to attend the national Fourth of July celebration, asked to be seated in a chair by his window in order to watch the festivities. While there, while watching the celebration, he drifted into unconsciousness and died later that night. Two of his last words before he graduated to Heaven were, “Independence forever.” (9)  Passionate in life; passionate in death. When the Declaration of Independence was signed, Adams said it “will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever.” (10) And so it is. As we celebrate this monumental day, the 249th birthday of America, I leave you with the words of Founding Father Joseph Warren, quoted by Ronald Reagan in his First Inaugural Address. Reagan shared: “On the eve of our struggle for independence, a man who might have been one of the greatest among the Founding Fathers, Dr. Joseph Warren, President of the Massachusetts Congress, said to his fellow Americans, ‘Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of.... On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important questions upon which rest the happiness and the liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves.’” (11)  Reagan continued, “Well, I believe we, the Americans of today, are ready to act worthy of ourselves, ready to do what must be done to ensure happiness and liberty for ourselves, our children, and our children’s children. “And as we renew ourselves here in our own land, we will be seen as having greater strength throughout the world. We will again be the exemplar of freedom and a beacon of hope for those who do not now have freedom…” (12)  Happy Independence Day! Pray with me:  Father, we Americans give thanks for our freedom. We are an immeasurably blessed people. Thousands of our brothers and sisters around the world who read these posts understand how blessed we are, perhaps better than most Americans. We pray today for the courage to “act worthy of” this blessing and of our holy calling (Ephesians 4:1).  Give us hearts of iron, nerves of steel, and holy zeal. Fill us with fresh resolve to make our heavenward appeals, to answer destiny’s call. Give us hearts that bow low, but dream high. Make us the Joshuas and Calebs, the Adams and Reagans of our time, fearless in the face of demons and of those who war against Your planned harvest.  May this be Your Ekklesia’s finest hour, Your Kingdom’s greatest advance on planet earth. We will represent our great Redeemer until we can say with our brother, Paul,  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith”  (2 Timothy 4:7 NASB). And in our great Redeemer’s name, Jesus, we pray, amen. Our decree: We decree that the purpose of God for America will not be lost – not on our watch. Click on the link below to watch the full video. Peter Marshall and David Manuel, The Light and the Glory  (Tarrytown, NY: Fleming H. Revell Company), p. 309. William Federer, America’s God and Country , FAME Publishing Inc., 1994, p. 18. Ibid. https://docs.house.gov/meetings/GO/GO00/20220929/115171/HHRG-117-GO00-20220929-SD010.pdf Bennett, William J. Our sacred honor: Words of advice from the Founders in stories, letters,   poems, and speeches. (New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1997), p. 40.   https://yalealumnimagazine.org/blog_posts/1831-damn-the-consequences-give-me-the-pen   http://www.samuel-adams-heritage.com/documents/speech-about-declaration-of-independence.html   William Federer, America’s God and Country , p. 14. Ibid., pp. 8-9. Ibid., p. 9. https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/reagan1.asp Ibid.

IMPORTANT PRAYER ALERT for this Holiday Weekend Credible alerts are being shared from anonymous government sources regarding possible terrorist attacks planned in America this holiday weekend. Several intercessors have been sensing strong warnings regarding this, as well. It should come as no surprise to hear that violence has been planned against us – we know terrorists have come into our nation over the last four years. Evil leaders in Iran have hated America for decades, and they now hate us even more after we took out their nuclear program. They and the terrorists on our soil would find tremendous joy in harming Americans on the July 4th holiday weekend as we celebrate America’s birth. Please Join Me in Praying:   That the plans to harm us would be discovered beforehand and stopped by Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies; That terrorists would make mistakes, experience confusion and miscalculations, and even suffer equipment failures;  For the protection of America’s cities and our citizens. Scriptures You Can Use in Your Prayers:   Deuteronomy 28:7: “ The Lord shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways.”  (ESV) Psalm 10:2:   “ In pride the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted; let them be caught in the plots which they have devised. ”  (NASB) Psalm 20:6-9:   “ Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to His anointed. He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!” (TPT) Psalm 27:   “ The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war breaks out against me, even then I will be confident. “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His sacred tent, I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek. “Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; You have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. Teach me your way, Lord; lead me on a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (TPT) Psalm 31:20: “ In the cover of Your presence, You hide them from the plots of men; You store them in Your shelter from the strife of tongues.”  (ESV) Psalm 32:7: “ You are a hiding place for me; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah”  (ESV) Psalm 33:10-11: “ The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation.”  (NASB) Matthew 16:18-19:   “...on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”   (TPT) Hebrews 4:16:  “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (ESV) Psalm 91: “ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. “ A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. “ For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life, I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”’ (TPT) Through prophetic words, we have been told several times that America will experience some significant “shakings.” We have also been told that we cannot completely stop all of them, but that we can lessen the damage/destruction with our prayers, and that America is “anchored” and “secure.” We can unquestionably protect our families and possessions with our prayers. So do not fear; pray confidently, and walk in peace.  Thank you for joining me as we pray for our nation. And be alert as you celebrate America’s 249th birthday. Click on the link below to watch the full video.

We Have Answered the Call As we celebrate our nation’s birthday tomorrow (July 4), it is good to be reminded that God created America for His purposes. It is clear that the motivation of the early settlers included the furthering of the gospel of Jesus Christ. John Winthrop, an English lawyer and leading figure in the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, led the first large wave of colonists from England in 1630, and served as governor for twelve of the colony’s first 20 years. On the voyage to America aboard the Arbella, Winthrop composed a lay sermon, “A Model of Christian Charity,” in which he pictured the Massachusetts colonists in covenant with God and each other, divinely ordained to build “a City upon a Hill” in New England. He took this phrase from Christ’s message in Matthew 5:14. (1) “On May 19, 1643, Winthrop organized the New England Confederation among the Colonists of New Plymouth, New Haven, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. They covenanted together under the Constitution of the New England Confederation. Here is a portion of the covenant: ‘Whereas we all came to these parts of America with the same end and aim, namely to advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the liberties of the Gospel thereof with purities and peace, and for preserving and propagating the truth and liberties of the gospel.’” (2) Just over 130 years later, following the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a committee was appointed to draft a seal for the newly formed United States, which would express the spirit of the new nation. Thomas Jefferson, who penned the Declaration, suggested that it be “the children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.” (3)   Wouldn’t that have given today’s secularists indigestion?! Facts such as these torment the progressives and revisionists on the left, who want to distort America’s heritage and destiny. But the facts clearly reveal that our Founders knew the birth of America was orchestrated by God – not just for their benefit, but for His as well. Satan certainly knows this, which is why he motivates individuals to try to transform us into a godless, secularist nation. They were making great progress in their diabolical plans until true patriots and the Ekklesia began to awaken. The word “patriot” originates from the Greek word for father,  pater . True patriots, as I have said in the past, are those who respect and embrace the ideals and vision of the fathers. Those who refuse to do so are not true patriots.  Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense , which inspired the colonists during the early days of our War of Independence, made this profound statement: “The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind.” (4) Though he was speaking of natural liberty, not the preaching of the gospel, his words were nevertheless true in the spiritual sense, as well. Paine was far more prophetic than he knew. The cause of America is the cause of all mankind because it is the cause of Christ and His redeeming gospel. Yes, we Americans have defiled God’s plan at times throughout our history, polluting it with selfish ambition and greed. That, however, does not change His plan. It simply means we must be revived in heart and mind, reconstituted in purpose, and restored to this destiny. And this is occurring. The praying church is rising to the occasion in this season, just as Esther, Deborah, David, Joshua, Caleb, Nehemiah, Haggai, and many others did in Israel’s history. They served God’s purpose in their generation (Acts 13:36). It is our turn. And we will do so, as did our Founders, the spiritual warriors of the First and Second Great Awakenings, Lincoln and his generation, and the selfless heroes of two World Wars. We have answered the call, and now we will persevere. Because we are partnering with the Supreme Owner and Ruler of the Earth, we will not fail. America shall be saved because this is God’s will, and He has found a willing people through whom to work. The harvest of the ages will be reaped because the Father promised it to His Son, and His Son has raised up a church over which the gates of hell cannot prevail. This is all guaranteed through the victory of the Cross, the covenant established through the shedding of Christ’s blood, and His overseeing of it (Hebrews 7:22). We, the church, are now spiritual enforcers of this victory, and we will do so. We will not be intimidated by any shaking, nor any uprising of demonic forces here and around the world. We can endure the present course correction because we, like Christ, are looking at the joy set before us (Hebrews 12:2). We will not be intimidated by unprincipled and corrupt politicians, judges, dictators, or armies. We are more than conquerors and know that we cannot be separated from the love of Christ (Romans 8:37-39). We do not fear any evil, including death (Psalm 23:4). I am reminded often in this season of another Common Sense statement from Paine. He began the writing with this: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.”(5) Yes, these are trying times, but we are not “summer soldiers” or “sunshine patriots,” as Paine referenced those who shrink from duty in times of crisis. We are sons and daughters of the Most High God, constrained by His heart and committed to His cause. America plays a significant role in this cause; therefore, just as our Founders, we are committed to her destiny and have pledged everything to the cause. We have knelt with Hunt at Cape Henry’s cross, embracing the covenant he declared and committing our lives to its fulfillment. In our hearts, we have signed the Declaration, and pledged our allegiance. Fly the flag tomorrow . Make no apologies for your patriotism; keep it rooted in the cause of Christ. Grab the baton of the Founding Fathers and press on. Make no apologies for passionate prayer regarding America’s restoration. It is a divine cause that motivates us, not selfish desires. Continue to pray fervently and faithfully. Everyday! Align with those who do; ignore the naysayers. Pray for leaders who are laboring to see America recover. Pray for those in Congress who fight corruption and war for truth. Pray that all evil is exposed. Pray for President Trump - NEVER have I seen such hatred and evil attacks against an American leader. These attacks are demonically inspired due to his determination to end the control of globalists, leftists, and corrupt politicians. Pray for the continued exposure of corruption in our government, including our judicial system.  And continue praying for a GREAT spiritual awakening - in the church and among the unsaved! And DO NOT fear any shaking. We are anchored!!! Pray with me: Father, we thank You for America. We are jealous for Your Kingdom purposes here and around the world - we’re all in. Make this nation the trumpet You intended her to be, blasting the Jubilee message of the Cross to all the world. Change all that is needed to fully restore this destiny, then take it to the next level. Awaken and reform. We pray for President Trump. Keep him strong. Encourage him. Do not let evil wear him down. We pray for our leaders in Congress as they legislate, and also in their efforts to investigate and uncover corruption. Lead them, give them wisdom, and protect them, their families, and staff. Give them boldness and tenacity, meekness and humility. May they have the anointing of Jeremiah to  “root out, pull down, destroy, throw down, build and plant” (Jeremiah 1:10).  And we continue to pray for a spiritual harvest of millions in the Middle East. We ask You to continue the process of dethroning “the prince of Persia” (Daniel 10) and all of his allies, ending violence, destruction, and spiritual blindless. Turn the tables on them, ending their terror. End the plans of other evil leaders around the world to steal, kill, destroy, rule unrighteously, and hinder Your great harvest. Show Yourself strong against them! We stand for these things, asking and believing for them in the name of Jesus. Amen. Our decree: We decree that God is delivering us from evil and that His Kingdom will advance! Click on the link below to watch the full video. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Winthrop   Leo Godzich, Faith of Our Fathers  (Phoenix, AZ: NAME Publishers), p. 33. William J. Federer, America’s God and Country  (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc.) p. 322. https://oll.libertyfund.org/page/1776-paine-common-sense-pamphlet   https://www.ushistory.org/paine/crisis/c-01.htm

Prayer and America’s Constitution Many Americans are unaware of God’s intervention in saving our Republic through Roger Sherman and Benjamin Franklin. I am going to venture a guess that most of you know little, if anything, about Founding Father, Roger Sherman. His contribution to America’s beginning was extremely important. Sherman was distinguished as the only founding father to sign all four of America’s major founding documents: the Articles of Association (1774), the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Articles of Confederation (1781), and the United States Constitution (1787). What an honor! “Sherman was a shoe cobbler, surveyor, and merchant prior to his political career. He was a self-taught lawyer, a state senator, a superior court judge, and a judge in Connecticut for fourteen years. Later, he was a member of the Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Independence. He was also a member of the Constitutional Convention, where he made 138 speeches. He then became a U.S. representative from 1789-91, and at the age of 70, was elected a U.S. Senator, serving from 1791-93.” (1) Many Americans, like me, for the first 45 years of my life, did not know much about the Constitutional Convention and other founding events. Here is a very brief overview of significant events leading up to and including the Constitutional Convention:  In 1776, the thirteen American colonies declared their independence from Britain. (The Declaration of Independence) The Revolutionary War took place from 1776 to 1783. During this time, the thirteen United States functioned under the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution had not yet been written, and we had no President. Washington, our first President, wasn’t elected until 1789. The central government had limited power and income (which, generally speaking, is appropriate) and therefore, could not effectively support an army and provide for other needs. James Madison and George Washington were among those who feared the young country was on the brink of collapse. In 1787, in an attempt to remedy this, a Federal Convention of the states was planned in Philadelphia. This was eleven years after the Declaration of Independence had been written. (It was not called the Constitutional Convention until later.) The delegates assumed they were meeting only to make improvements to the Articles of Confederation. While there, however, most of the delegates decided that a completely new system of government was needed, not just a revision of the old. The convention lasted from May 24 to September 17; it was VERY contentious. For a while, it seemed they would fail in their efforts. (2)   “On Thursday, June 28, 1787, the delegates were embroiled in a bitter debate over how each state was to be represented in the new government. The hostile feelings created by the smaller states being pitted against the larger states were so bitter that some delegates actually left the Convention. “Benjamin Franklin, being the President (Governor) of Pennsylvania, was hosting the rest of the 55 delegates attending the Convention. Being the senior member of the convention at 81 years of age, he commanded the respect of all present, and, as recorded in James Madison’s detailed records, he rose to speak in this moment of crisis:  “‘The small progress we have made after four or five weeks of close attendance and continual reasonings with each other - our different sentiments on almost every question…producing as many noes as ayes, is, methinks, a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. “‘We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which, having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution, now no longer exist. And we have viewed the Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.  “‘In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly appealing to the Father of lights to illuminate our understanding? “‘In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. “‘To that kind Providence, we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?  “‘I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth–that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? “‘We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without this concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. “‘And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, and conquest. “‘I, therefore, beg leave to move - that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.’” (3) Roger Sherman was the person who seconded Franklin’s motion to begin each daily session with prayer. (4)  This was approved, and the practice has continued since, although poorly attended and supported. Can you imagine the breakthroughs and recoveries that would occur in our nation if today’s Congress took Franklin and Sherman’s advice seriously?! It would produce results now, just as it did then. “Shortly after this, Sherman made the suggestion that state representation in the Senate be equal and that state representation in the House be based on population. This historic proposal, which came to be called the ‘Connecticut Compromise,’ was adopted, and the system has been in use since. Sherman was also on the committee which decided the wording of the First Amendment. (5) ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.’ “Roger Sherman once described the necessity of ‘Admiring and thankfully acknowledging the riches of redeeming love, and earnestly imploring that divine assistance which may enable us to live no more to ourselves, but to Him who loved us and gave Himself to die for us.’ (6) “Why is it that such a giant of a man is so little covered by the textbooks of today? To think that the only man to sign all four of our major founding documents, establish prayer in Congress, develop the compromise for just representation between House and Senate is unknown to most Americans baffles the mind.” (7) Today, we honor him along with Franklin and our other Founding Fathers. But while doing so, we honor the One who gave them wisdom and understanding to accomplish the establishment of America. Pray with me: Father, it is an indescribable privilege to be part of a nation created by You to propagate the gospel of Your Kingdom. You birthed America, and You have prospered and blessed us beyond measure. Our Founders knew You were involved in our formation; they knew and honored You as the only King. They worshiped You, honored Your Word, and believed in Your Son, Jesus Christ. And they led with “servant hearts” and unselfish motivations. Over the many decades since then, America drifted far from You. We have dishonored and disrespected You, Your Son, and Your holy Word. Many of our leaders have been educated fools, leading America down a path of rebellion and wickedness. Like the prodigal in Scripture, we squandered our inheritance and wasted it on sin and selfish desires. But also like the prodigal, we believe in Your mercy. We believe in the power of the blood of Jesus. We believe it cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness. And we believe in restoration. We believe that You are restoring America to You and to our calling. We place our faith in Christ’s blood and boldly declare, “America shall be - and is being - saved!” Our decree: We decree that America is returning to the ancient path of honoring God and walking in His ways. (Jeremiah 6:16) Click on the link below to watch the full video. Sherman, Roger. Lewis Henry Bouotell,  The Life of Roger Sherman  (Chicago: A.C. McClure & Co., 1896), 213. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1986), p. 137. Edwin Gaustad, Faith of Our Fathers (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1987), p. 158.  Leo Godzich,  Faith of Our Founding Fathers  (Phoenix, AZ: NAME Publishers), pp. 63-64. William J. Federer, America’s God and Country  (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc., 1994), p. 558. Benjamin Franklin. June 28, 1787. James Madison, Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787  (1787; reprinted NY: W.W. Norton and Co., 1987), pp. 209-210. David Barton, The Myth of Separation  (Aledo, TX: WallBuilder Press, 1991), pp. 108-109. Gallard Hunt and James B. Scott, Ed., The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787, Which Framed the Constitution of the United States of America,  reported by James Madison (New York: Oxford University Press, 1920), pp. 181-182. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers  (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1987), pp. 122-124. George Bancroft, Bancroft’s History of the Constitution of the United States  Vols I-X (Boston: Charles C. Little & James Brown, 1838), Vol. II. Stephen Abbott Northrop, D.D., A Cloud of Witnesses  (Portland, Oregon: American Heritage Ministries, 19887), pp. 159-160. Sherman, Robert. June 28, 1787. James Madison, Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787  (1787; reprinted NY: W.W. Norton and Company, 1987), p. 210. Sherman, Roger. Lewis Henry Bouotell, The Life of Roger Sherman (Chicago: A.C. McClure & Co., 1896),  213. Tim LaHaye, Faith of Our Founding Fathers (Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, Publishers, Inc., 1986), p. 137. Edwin Gaustad, Faith of Our Fathers (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1987), p. 158.  Sherman, Roger. John Eidsmoe, Constitution, p. 321. Peter Marshall and David Manuel, The Glory of America (Bloomington, MN: Garborg’s Heart N Home, Inc., 1991), 8.23. Leo Godzich,  Faith of Our Founding Fathers  (Phoenix, AZ: NAME Publishers), p. 65.

A Phenomenal Week Last week, June 22-28, President Donald Trump experienced one of the most phenomenal weeks of notable successes in presidential history, spanning the realms of national security, legal rulings, diplomatic negotiations, and international peace efforts. These developments advanced his administration’s priorities, reinforced American strength globally, and secured domestic legal and social victories. 1. Military Strike in Iran and Disruption of Nuclear Capabilities One of the most significant actions was the targeted military operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities. This strike was meticulously planned and executed with the aim of deterring Iran’s nuclear ambitions and preventing the development of nuclear weapons, thereby enhancing regional and global security. It has been called by many the greatest single military strike in history. Sources indicate that the operation successfully destroyed Iran’s key nuclear infrastructure, including underground centrifuge facilities and research centers. The strike was carried out with precision, minimizing civilian casualties and avoiding escalation into broader conflict. The strategic timing and execution underscore the Trump administration’s commitment to a firm posture against Iran’s nuclear program, consistent with longstanding policies to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This action has sent a clear message to Iran and the international community about the United States’ and Israel’s resolve to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions. It also signals a shift from diplomatic negotiations only to a more assertive military stance when necessary, emphasizing deterrence and the protection of American interests and allies in the Middle East. The Middle East is very different and the world is now a safer place because of the President’s actions. 2. NATO Commitments and Reinforced Alliances Another key development is the renewed commitment from NATO allies to support and strengthen collective defense and security measures. During recent diplomatic engagements, several NATO member countries reaffirmed their commitments to meet or exceed the alliance’s defense spending targets, reflecting a more united front in facing global threats. For decades, America has carried the lion’s share of the load, but President Trump’s leadership has been instrumental in pressing NATO allies to increase their contributions. These commitments include increased troop deployments, enhanced military cooperation, and shared intelligence initiatives. The strengthening of NATO’s operational readiness and strategic coordination is, without question, a result of Trump‘s leadership.  These renewed commitments are seen as vital to counterbalance adversarial nations, including Russia and China, and to maintain stability in Europe and beyond. The alliance’s increased cohesion is viewed as a diplomatic success for the Trump administration’s foreign policy approach. 3. Supreme Court Victories on Judicial Limitation and Parental Rights We have been praying for a shift in the judicial system of America and it seems our prayers are being answered. President Trump’s administration has secured significant victories at the Supreme Court, particularly in cases involving limits on district judges’ powers. One absolutely crucial case bolstered the administration’s efforts to limit the authority of district judges in certain federal cases, reinforcing the executive branch’s capacity to implement policies without unconstitutional judicial interference. This decision is seen as a crucial step in restoring balance among the branches of government, ensuring that executive actions are not unduly impeded by lower court rulings. And the dissent from the liberals on the court was a stark demonstration of their disregard for the Constitution in order to promote their own ideologies. Justice Barrett’s refutation of Justice Jackson’s rambling dissent has been described as eviscerating. Barrett said, “She offers a vision of the judicial role that would make even the most ardent defender of judicial supremacy blush.” Indeed.  Additionally, the Court issued a landmark ruling affirming parental rights in Maryland, strengthening protections for parents in educational and family law matters. The decision affirms parental authority in making educational choices for their children and limits ridiculous, and I might add very evil, overreach by local government authorities. This out of control school district’s contention that they can teach grade school children perverted sexual actions and ideologies, and that parents can do nothing to stop this evil activity, is abhorrent. The ruling was a tremendous victory for family sovereignty and individual rights. (Although the fact that it actually had to be brought before the Supreme Court is astounding.) 4. Peace Deal in Africa and Regional Stability On the international front, President Trump’s diplomatic efforts have yielded a significant breakthrough in Africa—a comprehensive peace deal signed between the Congo and Rwanda, conflicting parties in a major regional conflict. This peace agreement aims to end years of violence, foster stability, and promote economic development. The deal involves ceasefire provisions, power-sharing arrangements, and commitments to disarmament. It is supported by the U.S. and regional leaders, with the goal of establishing a sustainable peace process. This success, which has gone unnoticed by many, underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering stability in Africa through diplomatic engagement and strategic partnerships. The peace deal is also expected to facilitate humanitarian aid, infrastructure development, and anti-terrorism cooperation, contributing to regional prosperity and security. 5. Progress Toward the “Big Beautiful Bill” Finally, President Trump and Republican congressional leaders continue to make strides toward what is being called the “Big Beautiful Bill” – a comprehensive agreement encompassing multiple facets of domestic and international policy, including trade, security, and diplomatic relations. While the Dems are fighting it tooth and nail, and a handful of Republicans are resisting portions of it, negotiations seem to be progressing well, with key legislators moving closer to consensus. The bill aims to enhance American economic strength, secure favorable trade terms, and solidify alliances globally. It is viewed as a critical piece of the administration’s efforts to restore America.  Conclusion In summary, the week ending June 29, 2025, was marked by a series of very impressive achievements for President Trump and his administration. From decisive military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities to reinforced alliances with NATO, significant judicial victories, and regional peace agreements, these developments demonstrate remarkable accomplishments.  The successes are shaping policy, asserting American interests, and fostering stability across multiple fronts. The momentum generated in these recent weeks suggests that the administration’s strategic objectives are gaining ground. And the accomplishments underscore Trump’s assertive leadership, diplomatic abilities, and the strength of his team. Let’s continue to pray for significant breakthroughs and for the turnaround to continue. Pray with me: Father, we thank You for the progress being made to defeat evil here in America and around the world. You are using many people to accomplish these things, including President Trump, but we give You the glory. You are empowering their efforts. We ask for continued favor upon the efforts of the righteous, and failure to those who promote evil and violence. Although we know there is much more change needed, thank You for answering prayers regarding the judicial system of America. We ask for these breakthroughs to continue.  We thank You also for victory in the Middle East, although we know this progress also must continue. We ask for the total destruction of “the prince of Persia’s” control over the region (Daniel 10), and the greatest revival in the region’s history. Bring freedom to the people of Iran and release great revival there, but also use them to facilitate revival throughout the entire Middle East. And we continue to ask for revival in America. Give great strategy and favor especially to those working to produce revival among the youth and young adults of our nation. Cause the revival that has begun among this age group to continue and multiply exponentially. Raise them up as the greatest army of reformers the world has ever seen. Once again, we thank You for all of the breakthroughs we are seeing and ask for this to continue. And we ask all of this in Yeshua’s name, amen. Our decree:  We declare our faith that Holy Spirit is orchestrating a great season of revival and breakthrough here in America and around the world. Click on the link below to watch the full video.

The Turnaround Must Continue  First let me say, the Healing Summit Friday night was outstanding. Many were touched and healed by the power of God. If you did not join us through livestream, you can find the link to do so at Oasiswired.org . Thank you for your prayers regarding this summit; they were greatly appreciated. Although America experienced tremendous victory in Iran and the Middle East, Trump saw great breakthrough with NATO, and continues to have success in various other situations, the battle still rages, especially here on the homefront. Leftists, Marxists, Communists, and globalists are intent on stopping Trump’s agenda; they want America weaker and more immoral. Case in point: Attorney General Pam Bondi and Kash Patel with the FBI have launched criminal probes into three hospitals – and are still investigating others — that have refused to stop sex-change treatments and surgeries on minors. (You can read about it here ). Thousands of innocent children have been mutilated and permanently sterilized by money-hungry and soulless reprobates. Thank God the turnaround has begun! On July 18 of last year (2024) my friend, Steven Springer, received a strong word from the Lord regarding Trump and America. Though this was almost a year ago it is just as relevant today. Steven said: “We are in a tremendous turnaround season. There is grace in the atmosphere for the Ekklesia to contend in prayer all the way until the promises we have heard from Holy Spirit manifest!” I took this to heart and have been doing so, as have many of you. Steven continued: “I see God’s hand on Donald Trump to be our 47th president. Nehemiah will be a roadmap for this to occur, and for the rebuilding of the United States of America. Nehemiah had to overcome mockery, conspiracies, the complacency of the people, and physical threats.  “Trump’s plan to make America great again – and to overcome these obstacles – will be accomplished through wisdom from the Lord. He must choose to lean into the Ekklesia (Church) for support and intercession, as Nehemiah did with Ezra. As he does, there will be a spiritual awakening, a releasing of wisdom from on high, and a rebuilding of this land that will be recognized by the nations of the earth! We must agree in prayer for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, through the fear of the Lord, to rest on Trump.  “In this time of great discord and division in our nation, we need the unifying power of the Holy Spirit to heal the divide. It is a time for rebuilding the walls and fortifying the breaches, restoring unity in the United States. This will come through a holy revival, a spiritual revolution, and reformation! Jesus is the remedy. As with Nehemiah, there will be an empowerment of each citizen to work together – in their families, neighborhoods, cities, and states – to rebuild the nation, undistracted by the noise and clamor of the enemy.  “There is a sound of hope arising from the Ekklesia, breaking the chains of oppression! Let’s agree with and declare Proverbs 24:3-6 in the Passion Translation, making it our motto:  ‘Wise people are builders — they build families, businesses, communities. And through intelligence and insight their enterprises are established and endure. Because of their skilled leadership, the hearts of people are filled with the treasures of wisdom and the pleasures of spiritual wealth. Wisdom can make anyone into a mighty spiritual warrior, and revelation-knowledge increases strength. Wise strategy is necessary to wage spiritual war, and with many astute advisers, you’ll see the path to victory more clearly.’ “There will be a tremendous generosity seen through President Trump that will become contagious throughout the land. Conspiracies, including the deep state’s demonic plans, will be unmasked and brought into the light! Just as demonic strategies didn’t work against Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, they will not work against Trump. Their accusations will not stop the rebuilding of America in the unity of the Spirit, and the restoring of the United States to again be ‘one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all!’ “The chains and bondage of the marxist/socialist spirit that has entered this nation over the last forty years and now holds people captive, will be abolished. They will no longer have a place of influence.  “There will be a tremendous outpouring of Holy Spirit, a latter rain of glory that will fall in America – including upon the White House. Again, we will once again be one nation, under the one true God.  “There will be a celebration as dreaming is restored – with God in the center.  “God’s glory is sure to shine as we hold fast to His Word, are careful to follow Him, and walk in obedience! Let the words of the great song, America the Beautiful, be a declaration for our nation again! ‘America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! ‘America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law.’ “Let the powerful insights and words of King Solomon in Proverbs 3:5-7 (TPT) resound in our hearts: ‘Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on Him to guide you, and He will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with Him in whatever you do, and He will lead you wherever you go. Don’t think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore Him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that’s wrong.’ “Through God’s love, grace, and power the turnaround has begun!” I remain confident that this was a word from the Lord. I also know it has been and will continue to be contested as satan tries to alter God’s timing and decrees (Daniel 7:25). Trump won the election, as Steven accurately predicted, but we know the battle isn’t over. We will continue to persevere in prayer to overcome satan’s strategies. And we will not waver.  Pray with me: Father, when the great apostle, Paul, encountered numerous difficulties and great opposition, his declaration was: “None of these things move me” (Acts 20:24). As we observe the plans and attacks against You and Your cause today, we say the same: we are unmoved. Just as Nehemiah remained focused when attacked and warred against, we too shall remain steadfast, our eyes fixed on You.  We pray that President Trump and his team, righteous leaders in Congress, and righteous judges throughout our nation will remain steadfast and immovable in their determination to see America turn around. We also pray that every attempt to terrorize our nation and harm innocent people would be exposed and stopped. Give those assigned with this task supernatural help to do so. We pray that every attempt to make America weak, to turn us toward communism and Marxism, and to produce greater evil would fail.  And we ask You to bring the release of the revival Steven spoke of. Use this outpouring of Your Spirit to heal our land of hatred and division, and to deliver us from antichrist mindsets, antisemitism, and all forms of racism. Pour out Holy Spirit, the only One with the ability to restore us. Our faith rests in no man or system – only in You, our God.  We ask all of this in Jesus’ name.  Our decree: We declare that the turnaround in America has begun, and will NOT be stopped! You can find out more about Steven Springer at GlobalPresence.com . Click on the link below to watch the full video.

The Gate of Miracles Is Open My brother, Tim, and several other leaders (myself included) are conducting another Healing Summit tonight in Middletown, Ohio, at the Oasis Church. There are still a few seats available if you would like to join us live, (you can register at OasisWired.org ) and thousands will join us via livestream . Also, many churches are planning to join us via livestream and will pray for individuals themselves as we do so in Middletown. We believe many healings will occur throughout the nation tonight, and gifts of the Spirit will be imparted to individuals for their ongoing representation of Christ. Miracles can be ministered and received in several ways. The anointing of the Holy Spirit in us can be transferred to others through touching them (referred to in the King James translation as “laying on hands;” Mark 16:18). James 5:14 tells believers to call for elders to pray for them: “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”  (James 5:14-15; KJV) Miracles are sometimes ministered through the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. Verses 9 and 10 specifically speak of “gifts of healing” and “the working of miracles.” Another method is seen in the book of Acts where Paul prayed over handkerchiefs that were given to sick people. When applied to their bodies, the anointing that had gone into the handkerchief went into them and they were healed. “And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.” (Acts 19:11-12; KJV) Miracles can also be received directly from Holy Spirit, with no one involved other than the recipient. “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”  (Mark 11:23-24; KJV) Miracles can be released simply through speaking God’s word in faith. “He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions,”  (Psalm 107:20; KJV). “The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.’ And Jesus said unto the centurion, ‘Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.’ And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”  (Matthew 8:8, 13) I encourage all believers to begin stepping out in faith and asking for healings and miracles. Pray for family members, coworkers (with their permission, of course, and at an appropriate place and time), friends, and others. People need not be believers in order to receive a miracle. One of the stated purposes for miracles in Mark 16 and throughout the book of Acts is to provide “signs and wonders.” Let’s not allow the reason for failing to receive a miracle be that we did not ask for it:  “…ye have not, because ye ask not,”  (James 4:2; KJV). Although we will not see or experience a miracle every time we pray for someone, I assure you that healings and miracles are beginning to multiply. Allow your faith to be stretched – ask. It Is Time In Acts chapter 3, Peter prayed for a man who had been born lame. He was over 40 years old. It was a horrible and sad condition. As a young boy, his family placed him at one of the temple gates named “Beautiful,” where he daily begged for alms (Acts 3:2). Because of the gate’s location, Jesus had to have passed by this man dozens – if not hundreds – of times without healing him. Yet on this day, Peter was led by Holy Spirit to do so. Interestingly, the Greek word translated “beautiful” in this verse does not mean beauty in the sense of attractiveness. It means “right time” ( horaios ). The concept of beauty in the word stems from events coming together in the right way, at the right time, and thereby creating something beautiful. It was “The Right Time” gate. Think about the “beauty” of this. Holy Spirit orchestrated the naming of this gate – “The Right Time;” He made certain that the lame man’s family chose this as his place to daily sit and beg; and He led Jesus not to perform the miracle, saving it for just “the right time.” The early church needed a miracle, a sign and wonder of incredible proportions to verify throughout Jerusalem and all of Israel that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah, and that He rose from the dead. All of Israel knew of this man, and they knew that the astounding miracle had taken place in the name of Jesus. He was the Messiah, and He was alive! Many believe we have entered a “right time” season of the miraculous. I am one of them. I encourage you to believe for your healing, and for the healing of others. And please join your faith with us that people will be healed tonight, and that gifts of healing will be released throughout the Earth for ongoing healing and miracles.  Pray with me: Father, You are omnipotent, all-powerful. Jesus is the Lord, our Healer. He bore our punishment for the curse of sin and sickness. We thank You, Father, for sending Him to do so; and Jesus, we thank You for paying this price. We ask You now for great manifestations of this redemption to be released into the earth. We ask for signs, wonders, and miracles to occur in the name of Jesus. We also ask for deliverances to take place, that those who are bound by drugs, habits, confusion, and other types of strongholds would be delivered by Your mighty power. Awaken in the church the spirit of revelation to produce greater faith in Your redeeming work. Bring a fresh revelation of the power of the blood of Jesus to forgive, heal and deliver. As a fresh wave of evangelism moves across our nation and the nations of the world, give to many believers gifts of healing and the working of miracles. Give them the gift of faith and words of knowledge to accompany these healing gifts. May thousands of “right time” miracles take place around the world. We agree with Your prophets and we state our faith, “It is time for miracles!” We pray these things in the name of Yeshua, our healer. Our decree: We declare that the “right time” gate of miracles is open! Click on the link below to watch the full video.