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The Rats Will Be Exposed God used animals many times in Scripture - because of the animal’s distinct characteristics - to picture humans: Jesus was seen as a lamb and a lion; satan was seen as a serpent and a dragon; Herod was called a fox; false believers were called wolves and goats; and so on. I have seen several dreams given to prophets over the past couple of years with rats representing people. Rats typify or picture darkness, disease or plague, garbage and waste, theft, abominations, betrayal, devouring, and more. In all the dreams I’ve seen, rats are used to picture evil taking place through individuals in our government, and God is exposing them. The dream I’m sharing today was given to our friend, Gina Gholston, just a few days ago. Gina is a frequent dreamer, and has a consistent track record of accuracy in her interpretations and her prophetic words. It was Gina who released the “Paint the Borders” dream. The dream I’m sharing today, Gina says: DREAM OF JANUARY 4, 2024 “I dreamed we were at a gala at the White House. Chuck Pierce, Dutch Sheets, and several other members of our prayer team were there, along with 300 or so other people. It was a black-tie event, and everyone was dressed immaculately. Then, a spokesperson came and told us there was maintenance being done in the White House, and we could not go outside of the room we were in. It was almost as if we were being held there - at least, that was the underlying tone of the one speaking. “I told my assistant that something felt ‘off.’ Then Chuck Pierce came over to talk with us; I told him I felt something was amiss. He said, ‘I know. There’s something happening beyond the walls.’ “Suddenly, a lady on the far side of the room screamed that she saw a rat running across the floor. Several of us saw it. Others were saying, ‘There’s no rat in here. You’re just making that up!’ But the rat was right there, visible for everyone to see. And even though everyone saw it, some still denied it was there. They even became angry that some were pointing it out and desperately tried to make those who saw it believe that it wasn’t really there! “The rat moved toward a wall and went through a hole. Through the hole, I could see lights flickering. Chuck also saw it, and he said, ‘Inside that room, an evil is happening.’ “I gathered a few people to go with me into the room next door in order to see what was happening there. We managed to get out of the gala room undetected, and when we opened the door to the next room, found frantic chaos happening there. About a hundred or so people were in the room; each had a very large paper shredder, trying to use it to destroy documents. There were boxes and boxes of files. Though they attempted to shred the files, they wouldn’t shred, regardless of how many times they placed documents in the shredder. The files would go through the shredder but would always come out whole - intact! These people were furious and in complete panic! They were so preoccupied with the files that they hadn’t noticed that we were in the room watching them. “I then saw the rat that had been in the gala room, and it was lying on its back in the corner of this room, kicking its feet up in the air, laughing and laughing. Chuck Pierce was with us, and I asked him what all of this meant. He said, ‘The instigator has deceived the people. They are doing his bidding, but he himself has gone undetected, even by those who have been deceived. Now exposure has come, and they are left to clean up his mess. However, God won’t let it be “cleaned up”; He is guarding the evidence and forbidding its destruction. The rat is giddy, thinking he’s in the clear - unseen, untouchable - but his days are numbered. The impending exposure is causing the people to become careless, and they are losing control of their ability to hide things. They're not even fully aware that they themselves are being revealed!’ “At that moment, a couple of men wearing pest control company uniforms came into the room. The rat saw them and panicked. He tried to run and hide, attempting to go back through the hole in the wall to the other room, but the men trapped him in a cage. “As the rat was being captured, all of the people at the shredders instantly froze in place. I could see their eyes moving, but their bodies had been ‘frozen,’ and they could not move. Their hands were stuck to the files and the shredders. There was no denying what they had been doing. “At that time, many of the other people at the gala entered the room to see what was happening. As they entered, masks began falling off the faces of the people frozen at the shredders, revealing their true identity. They were being completely exposed. “Then the rat morphed into a man. Some of those at the shredders, although still frozen in place, began to speak, alluding to the ‘rat man’ saying, ‘He’s the instigator! Arrest him!’ “Then some of those at the shredders became unfrozen and, while lifting up the files they had been trying to shred, said, ‘Here’s the proof! Here’s the evidence! It’s all here in the files! Thank God He didn’t allow us to shred it!’ “A lady accompanied by two young men entered the room and gathered all the boxes of files. Several more men came into the room with hand trucks and removed all the shredders for evidence. Dutch Sheets asked the lady why they were removing the shredders. She said, ‘It’s part of the evidence. There’s incriminating data saved in them, and we know how to retrieve it.’” End of dream. [In the dream, Gina actually saw the specific crime/s this pertained to. However, we felt it was not wise to release that information at this time.] There is certainly no need for a lengthy explanation of this dream. God has told us He is shaking and exposing. Individuals and some of the departments and agencies in our government pulled off an unprecedented coup, and a shadow government now rules America. Those involved are incredibly evil and giddy with delight. But the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1), and He removes leaders while raising up others (Daniel 2:21). He treads on serpents and scorpions - and rats - and gives us authority to do so, as well (Luke 10:19). Pray with me: Father, we thank You for the exposure taking place in our nation. You have been telling us this would occur, and we have been watching it take place. We pray that You will continue to expose the evil in our government: lies, backroom deals, corruption in our Justice Department, voting irregularities, distortion of America’s history, refusal to control our borders, abuse of children, and so much more. Continue to uncover and expose. Protect the evidence until it is revealed; convict people, motivating them to reveal the truth; give courage to whistleblowers. As You shake down in order to reveal and uncover, we pray for the intercessors and leaders in the church, asking for strength and unwavering faith; remind them that You will only tear down what is necessary, and mercy will triumph. We pray for those who are investigating and exposing, asking You for wisdom, contacts, protection, skill, and supernatural discoveries. We pray for those being attacked by the “rats,” especially President Trump, asking for Your protection over his mind and body. Give him supernatural strength and endurance. Give strength to those in Congress who are unfairly attacked, and likewise to Judges such as Clarence Thomas. Vindicate the righteous as you expose evil. We ask You for these things in Yeshua’s name. Amen. Our decree: We decree that rats in our government are being exposed, evidence is being preserved, and justice will be served. Click on the link below to watch the full video.

This past Friday we discussed the concept of repentance, doing so because it is related to the coming revival, which will intensify this year. Today, I am sharing with you an article released by my friends at Intercessors for America, written by Rich Swingle, highlighting the role repentance has played in some of the Asbury outpourings. Seeking God For Revival (by Rich Swingle of Intercessors For America) Because revivals are marked by repentance, one way to highlight the need for repentance is to consult with those who have experienced revival. We are doing that, and the result is a three-part series, the first part of which follows here. The Asbury Revival The seeds of the Asbury Outpouring nearly one year ago were planted during the 50th anniversary of the 1970 Asbury Revival. On Feb. 3, 2020, at 10 a.m. — the very same day, month, and time the revival broke out 50 years earlier — Asbury University dedicated its chapel service to celebrating that 185-hour revival. Before the chapel service began, Charity Johnson, a freshman at Asbury at that time, struck up a conversation with Jeannine Brabon, not knowing Brabon was to be a featured speaker that day. The two had a meal together after chapel, and Brabon encouraged Johnson to pray for revival, as she had done when a freshman at Asbury in 1967. Brabon left campus convinced that revival would come to Asbury again because Johnson and others were praying for it. Johnson, who studied the concept of repentance in a youth ministry class at Asbury, said: “Repentance is not only about asking for forgiveness, but turning away from what you’re doing. Have a change of mind, a change of heart. It’s actually no longer wanting to do the thing that you were doing. You see the thing that was wrong with it.” The Revival of 1970 Brabon recalls that Psalm 66:18 had spoken to her when she was younger: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear. “That whole concept was very key to me in interceding and believing God for revival, not to allow sin in any way to thwart God’s holy purposes from coming to fruition,” she said. On Oct. 3, 1969, four months before the earlier revival, Brabon secured permission to gather students to pray overnight in Hughes Auditorium. “We began by confession of sin,” she said. “All across the auditorium, people began confessing.” They prayed 2 Chronicles 7:14: ". .  if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." By 3 A.M., there were still some 80 students present. “I’d never been in anything like it,” Brabon said. “The Shekinah glory literally had descended.” Then, on February 3, 1970, Asbury Dean Custer Reynolds was scheduled to bring the message, but instead, opened the mic for testimonies, many of which were expressions of repentance. The service ended up lasting for one week and 17 hours, and as it progressed, Brabon witnessed more and more expressions of repentance. She said: “I knew — because I’d been praying — who were in the lost set on campus, and I watched them on Friday night at midnight go to the altar and stay there for two hours and just weep, seeking God. That’s where you’d see the genuine repentance. You cannot be in the holy presence of God and not have sin exposed in your life, and you can’t stand in the presence of God and not confess it. There’s no justification for any action. . .It’s, ‘I’m before God, and I did this.’” Brabon points out that one week before the 2023 Asbury Outpouring began, national leaders, including Rep. Kevin McCarthy, then speaker of the House of Representatives, gathered at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., for the National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance. . .She believes that the event paved the way for Asbury’s 374-hour chapel service. Another speaker at the 50th anniversary of the 1970 Asbury Revival was Judge Tim Philpot, who called it a revival of repentance. He tells people that he was on the “Top 10 Most Wanted List” — meaning that many on campus were praying that he’d get right with the Lord. His father, energized by a previous revival at Asbury when he was a student, was an evangelist. “I was just a fake,” Philpot said. “My parents thought I was somebody I was not, and my friends knew who I really was.” Though he ranks his rebellious streak as pretty tame when compared with what’s going on today, he nonetheless insists: “By Asbury standards, I was considered quite the rebel.” Philpot was nearly killed in a car wreck three weeks before the Asbury Revival. He recalls: “For three to five seconds, as my car was hurtling through the air — I had heard about heaven and hell my whole life and I was pretty sure I was going to hell.” [Three weeks later the revival was taking place and…] …He finally made it over to Hughes Auditorium. “I was as lost as can be, but I didn’t want to leave,” he said. Three nights later, at 1 in the morning, he went to the altar. “I was weeping and wailing,” he said. “I knew I had experienced God. I saw Him. I felt Him. It was dramatic. It was traumatic. It was real.” The 2023 Revival Inspired by what happened in 1970, Johnson was praying for healing, deliverance, and freedom from pain and sin. She watched her prayers being answered, starting on Feb. 8, 2023. There were a lot of non-Christian students who decided to follow Christ during the Outpouring, she says, because: “They felt a tug in their heart - something was telling them to stay, or. . .[if they had left] go back to chapel, even though everything else within them that was flesh wanted them to leave that day. But they turned around, either by just the Holy Spirit or someone being prompted by the Holy Spirit to lead them back into chapel.” After the Outpouring, Johnson says, groups from around the world called for Asbury students to talk about how the Lord had worked in their lives during the Outpouring, even as students had been called 53 years earlier. In talking about how important prayer is to revival, Brabon quotes E.M. Bounds: “You can do more than pray after you’ve prayed, but you can’t do more than pray until you’ve prayed.” ​​Pray with me: Father, thank You for what You did at Asbury in 1970 and 2023 to touch the hearts of young people. Their 1970 revival was during the Jesus People movement, when You saved thousands upon thousands of young people across our nation. The outpouring took the world by surprise and touched every part of America. Some called it a revolution, the Jesus Revolution. We are asking You for another revival to young people, and that this one would be greater than the former. Let it be immeasurably powerful. Thank You for Intercessors For America, and the tremendous role they have played in birthing Your plans over the past 50 years. We bless them today, asking that Your favor, provision, wise and timely strategy, and multiplied fruit be given them. We join with them in emphasizing the theme You put in their hearts for these articles; it is one we also know is critical as we move toward the great worldwide revival in Your heart. We lock arms with them and agree for the spirit of revelation and repentance to be poured out here in America and around the world. Lift the veil of darkness that covers unbelievers, and let the power of this uncovering be so strong that it impacts not just individuals, but entire regions throughout the world. Thank You for those watching and agreeing with us today. May their faith be strong, resolute, unwavering. Bless them with strength, health, provision, peace, and a fresh outpouring of Holy Spirit to them personally. We ask these things in Yeshua’s name. Amen. Our decree: We decree that another wave of revelation, repentance, and revival is coming to the earth. Today’s post was contributed by Intercessors For America (written by Rich Swingle) and used by permission. This series will continue to cover the importance of repentance in the 1904–1905 Welsh Revival and the 2023 Asbury Outpouring. Check www.HeadlinePrayer.org for the next installments, and search for #ImportanceOfRepentanceInRevival to pull up all the articles and interviews. Rich Swingle has taught and performed in 39 nations across six continents, mostly in his own one-man plays, five of which were performed Off-Broadway. He has performed in more than 45 film projects. Rich and his bride, Joyce Swingle, another contributing writer for IFA, now have 41 “screen children.” They have collaborated with Rev. Timothy J. Mercaldo to create a “singing play” titled Songs of Revival: Hungry After God Himself. The Swingles live in New York City. Visit www.RichDrama.com for more information. Click on the link to watch the full video.

An Incredibly Harmful Misunderstanding What I am about to share with you is not related to what is coming in 2024 in a predictive sense. But it is very related in a causative sense. It is extremely important, greatly misunderstood, and terribly under-taught. Please put your student hats on today and THINK. Holy Spirit, open our ears to hear today, and give me the ability to communicate with great clarity. Much is said in revivals and evangelistic meetings about repentance. It is, indeed, involved in the cleansing of sin, whether when one is being born again or when a believer receives cleansing. Unfortunately, many don’t understand the true biblical meaning and process of repentance, which can cause them to miss the transforming power it generates. Believers often struggle with repetitive sin due to this, and unbelievers can think they are born again/saved when they may not be. Statistics reveal that a very small percentage of people who pray what many call “the sinner’s prayer,” actually become true followers of Christ. I’ve heard statistics as low as 3-5%; I’m certain it’s below 10%. You may have picked up on me using the word “process.” Repentance is actually Part 2 of a 3-part process. Part One - Remorse Some think of repentance as remorse. It isn’t. Regret, sorrow, or remorse is a different word in Scripture (metamellomai)(1), and is the first part of the process. It is good to have sorrow or be sorry for our sins, but biblical repentance involves more. Judas had sorrow (metamellomai) but not repentance (Matthew 27:3). Esau wept over selling his birthright  - obviously he felt remorse - but couldn’t find repentance (Hebrews 12:17). I’ve seen people weep at altars or when confessing sin, yet quickly go right back into their life of sin. Finney was said to have had men run to the altar weeping while he preached, only to tell them, “Please go back to your seat; you’re not ready yet.” What a foreign thought to most of us. Why would he do this? He discerned that they had not come to full repentance. Part Three - Turn Yes I did what most people do when “repenting.” I skipped a step. But don’t worry, I’ll come back to it. Most Christians believe that repentance also means “to turn and go another direction.” This is obviously important, but is phase 3, the end result of the process. This phrase comes from the New Testament word epistrepho (2), usually translated “turn” or “be converted.” Acts 3:19 (‭TPT‬‬) tells us, “And now you must repent and turn back [epistepho] to God so that your sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from the Lord’s presence.” The Passion Translation’s explanation of the words “turn back to God” reads, “Peter uses the Greek word epistrepho ("turn back to God," "be converted").(3) We need to not only repent but to return home to God's grace and truth. This is a Hebraic thought of returning to the Lord God (the Hebrew word shuv)(4). Every Jew would know what that means: "Come back to God!" Repentance and return is more than a passive changing of one's mind.” Part Two - Repent Which brings us to Part 2 of the process: the word repentance itself. Without understanding this phase, we either won’t make the turn at all, as in a sinner rejecting Christ, or we will struggle in sustaining the turn, because it is being attempted from our mind and in our strength. First, let’s define the biblical word, then insert it back into the equation. This powerful Greek word, metanoeo,(5) comes from meta(6) meaning “after”; and noieo/noeo(7) meaning “to consider, perceive, think, understand.” These two words are compounded to form metanoeo, which literally means, as Strong’s tells us “to think afterwards; reconsider”(8). In other words, a person formerly thought one way, but a new and different knowledge or understanding has come, causing what Thayer defines as “to change one's mind”(9). Okay, you might be thinking, obviously a person who endeavors to change course and go God’s way has had a change of mind. So why make this definition a big deal? Patience, dear ones, I’m getting there. And be ready to think! This truly is meat from the Word, not milk. We’re headed for deep waters here. And if you understand what I’m about to tell you, it is a game changer! The biblical meaning of repentance from sin, though including a change of mind, is NOT referring to a simple mental exercise, decision, or choice. Biblical repentance - a change of mind - is the result of revelation, which literally means “lift or remove that which hides or covers” (apakalupsis)(10). Second Corinthians 4:3-4 tells us a veil or covering came to the heart of humans at the Fall, “blinding” us to God’s truth and perspective. The Fall and the Veil This occurred when Adam chose his own “knowledge of good and evil.” When he did, his own mind and intellect took over, gaining ascendancy over his fallen spirit, which had lost God’s life and Spirit. He no longer operated according to and under God’s truth and logic, but according to his own fallen, carnal, fleshly thoughts. Adam’s soul, his psuche(11) (Greek: mind, will and emotions) was now in charge. The New Testament actually calls fallen man a psuchikos(12), from psuche, this Greek word for soul. Usually translated “natural man,” it literally means “of the soul,”(13) referring to one who is led by their soul, not their spirit. In contrast, a “spiritual man” or person in the New Testament is pneumatikos(14),  from pneuma(15), the word for spirit. Humans went from being pneumatikoses led from their spirit, which was filled with Holy Spirit and God’s life, to being psuchikoses, led by their souls and whatever information or emotions were held there. James actually tells us the knowledge that originates in this exalted psuche is “earthly, natural and demonic” (3:15). Unredeemed humans now live by and from this soulish knowledge, and Scripture tells us “A natural person [psuchikos - ‘man of soul’] does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness [moria - ‘moronish’] to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14 NASB). Since the Fall, because of this shift in power from spirit to soul, and the ensuing veil, we humans have needed revelation - “a lifting of the veil” - in order to see and understand truth, God’s logic, at a heart level. When this revelation occurs, THAT IS REPENTANCE! When Holy Spirit has been able to lift the veil of deception, give us a new understanding (His!) of our condition, and the will to recognize Jesus as Lord, we receive faith and Holy Spirit’s empowerment. We see God’s way, we want God’s way, and can go God’s way. We’re changed by the power of Holy Spirit, can now think His thoughts, want what He wants, and believe what He says. The biblical process of change: Remorse, revelation and repentance, turn back to God. This process is what we must ask for and war for when praying for the lost. It is what believers need to seek in order to overcome sin. And please hear this: when the true gospel of the Kingdom is preached, power from Holy Spirit is released (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18) to break the power of and remove this veil. The measure of faith (Romans 12:3) needed to believe is then activated. This power is multiplied in revivals. The power of Holy Spirit becomes so prevalent in the spiritual atmosphere that revelation breaks through the veil of deception more quickly. Revelation, in essence, becomes corporate, the veil being lifted throughout entire regions. When Holy Spirit tells us revival is coming, and He is, He’s telling us revelation is coming. When He tells us revelation is coming, He is telling us repentance is coming. And when He tells us repentance is coming, He is telling us breakthroughs of every kind are coming. Our role is to pray, asking for this; and also to decree its release, along with Calvary’s provision, with Christ’s authority. Holy Spirit and the angels will respond. Pray with me: Father, the prophets and prophetic intercessors are seeing a great thing. You have called them into Your inner council, as You did Isaiah, and allowed them to hear Your plans and timing (Isaiah 6). They have Issachar ears and hearts, understanding the times and knowing what to do (1 Chronicles 12:32). They are telling us revival is here and coming, and will intensify this year. As Your voice in the earth, the Church must release Your will. We do so now, decreeing in Christ’s name, which is all powerful and carries all authority, that revelation and repentance are being released into atmospheres throughout the earth. We decree the release of Calvary’s victory in the Middle East, breaking the stronghold of the prince of Persia over millions of people. They will have revelations of Yeshua, they will experience miracles; they will receive dreams and visions. Revival will explode in that region. We declare this over Asia, as well. The greatest revival in earth’s history is coming to these two parts of the world. America and other regions will experience revival, as well. Powerful, strong, veil-lifting revival! Awakening! Transformation! Deliverance! Captives freed, the oppressed delivered, the broken made whole! We decree that the lid comes off in 2024, and breakouts occur all over the world! In Jesus’ name, amen. Our decree: We decree that revelation and repentance are coming to the harvest fields of the earth, and will release great power. Click on the link below to watch the full video. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 3338. Ibid., ref. no. 1994. Peter uses the Greek word epistrepho (“turn back to God,” “be converted”). We need to not only repent but to return home to God’s grace and truth. This is a Hebraic thought of returning to the Lord God (the Hebrew word shuv). Every Jew would know what that means: “Come back to God!” Repentance and return is more than a passive hanging of one’s mind. Ibid. James Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, ref. no. 3340. Ibid., ref. no. 3326. Ibid., ref. no. 3539. Ibid., ref. no. 3340. F.F. Bruce. The Acts of the Apostles [Greek Text Commentary], London: Tyndale, 1952, p. 97. James Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, ref. no. 602. Ibid., ref. no. 5590. Ibid., ref. no. 5591. Ibid., ref. no. 5590. Ibid., ref. no. 4152. Ibid., ref. no. 4151.

2024: Year of the Open Door I should have said this earlier in the week but neglected to do so. Thank you for making 2023 a strong year for Give Him 15. We had 30 million views/reads of the posts. That equals 30 million prayers of agreement for worldwide revival and harvest, and other important causes. And that is just in America. I have good reason to believe four or five times that number participate around the world. Only heaven knows how much we have accomplished. We are also growing in our understanding of God and His ways, me from having to press in diligently for each day's teaching - I have written over 800 posts in the past three years - and many of you from reading them. I also want to thank you for your gifts - both in monetary support and of items -  and for the many cards, notes, and letters. Some write to ask for prayer; others share insights they’re hearing from the Lord; still others simply offer words of encouragement. It is all appreciated! Here is an excerpt and example from a recent thank you: “…I think the biggest thing that has helped us from allowing 'hope deferred' was keeping ourselves involved in prayer and the Word on a daily basis. Your posts have kept us informed of what God is saying. We made a decision not to listen to everyone out there but only the ones the Lord was directing us to. So we kept praying and decreeing, believing that our great God has a plan and we are part of it. “This is what He has been teaching me: 1. Keep my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith. 2. Cast all my cares on Him, for He cares for me. 3. Lean not on my own understanding, but trust in God. 4. Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee. 5. Rejoice in EVERYTHING, again I say rejoice. “When I continually do these things, then He can help me, protect me, strengthen me, and I am able to receive His joy and peace; and then I am able to hear Him. It is wonderful, and I am hooked!” We are grateful for responses such as these and try to respond with acknowledgements and “Thank You’s” to all of the correspondence and gifts. If by chance you did not receive a response, please forgive us. There are many of them, and unfortunately, at times, I’m sure one or two fall through the cracks. Mostly, thank you so much for your prayers directed our way. We would not be able to do what we do without the prayers for us personally: prayers of protection, health, provision, and insight. The staff, Ceci, and I thank you. More About 2024 I received strong confirmation as I read the release from ACPE (Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders) of what numerous prophetic leaders from several nations and ethnicities are sensing for 2024 (click here to read). I had not read it before I posted yesterday’s GH15. In summary, they state (in my words): shakings will continue tumultuous times will continue internationally, led by Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea watchmen must continue to be raised up to pray against WW3; Asia will have a strong mantle for this; worship will be a key to protecting borders future wars will be very technological, with “war technology,” including “robotic soldiers,” advancing with lightning speed Matthew 24 is a key chapter for this year Psalm 24 is a key chapter, as well lawlessness will continue economic shaking will continue; currencies will one day go digital (not necessarily in 2024); “solutionists” like Joseph will arise to steer people and nations through economic difficulties The 2024 U.S. elections are critical, not only for America, but the entire   world the Kingdom of God, not just the church, will be emphasized more and  more, as will the Ekklesia; discipling nations will also be emphasized revival will increase, revivalists will be raised up; signs and wonders, including creative miracles, will take place spirits of offense and division will diligently seek to sow discord and division the grassroots movement of women arising to protect their families will increase; the family will be a major focus 2024 will be a year of open doors - doors of opportunity, higher authority, influence, and revelation. As I have prayed regarding 2024, I have been sensing most of this, as well. I cannot say I’ve seen all of what was brought forth or even some of the details, but we all see and know in part. Overall, however, it was very confirming. In praying about which, if any, of these insights from ACPE to highlight further in today’s post, I feel to emphasize the warning given against division and discord. I mentioned it in my post yesterday, calling it “a year of coming together, a year of great separation.” Unfortunately, until the Lord’s return, there will always be division on earth, including within the church. Though we cannot stop it all, we can refuse to participate in words and actions that fuel it. Human nature, with its propensity to pick up offenses, creates much strife. The secret to not falling prey to this is walking in forgiveness. I have three chapters on this subject in my recently released devotional, Give Him 15, An Appeal to Heaven, Volume II. Regardless of what was done to us, we can forgive. And when we do, it frees us from the pain and scars. However, things other than offenses are used to divide us; one of them is religion. Sadly, religion is one of the most dividing forces on earth. It crucified Jesus! And I’m not just referring to people being divided over different faiths, as in Christianity and Islam. People within the same faiths argue and oppose brothers and sisters over doctrines and interpretations of Scripture. This is sad but rampant. And the problem is not as bad with believers in general as it is with leaders! Jesus’ prayer in John 17 should have tipped us off that this might be a problem. He said His followers becoming one would be the biggest thing in convincing the world of His message (John 17: 20-23). People in the church fight over eschatology, the structure of worship services, what type of songs to sing, the role of elders and deacons, their interpretations of the five grace gifts/ministries Christ gave the church, the gifts of the Spirit, which Bible translation can be used, what women can and can’t do, numerous doctrines, and how we should pray. You would think all true believers would be excited that 30 to 100 million prayers of agreement are offered on Give Him 15 every year. But some believers, including many leaders, don’t like the way we pray, so they attack instead. They don’t like our interpretation of the Ekklesia. Or they don’t like that we believe in all five ministry gifts of Christ; some who do believe in them don’t like our particular interpretation. Some don’t like that we make decrees. Others don’t like binding and loosing. They don’t like our prayers for government, the seven mountains of society, and influencing them with kingdom principles. They don’t like our teachings on authority. Many don’t like my love for America, some don’t like the Appeal to Heaven flag. If you can believe it, I read an article recently criticizing our belief in a billion-soul harvest. Nor do they like our talk about revival and reformation. I’ve heard those things before, by the way. I’ve asked some of them, “But you do hope I’m right and you’re wrong on this one, don’t you? You’ll rejoice if I’m right, won’t you?” I haven’t received a yes answer yet. The sad truth is that some people are just contentious. Others believe they are called to police, judge, and correct the rest of the body of Christ. And they would rather criticize and tear down than love and build up. Heaven must weep. Don’t participate in this nonsense. If you can’t speak well of true brothers or sisters, the way they pray or worship, some of their beliefs, etc., then don’t say anything about them at all. Better still would be to love and affirm them in any way you can. Pray with me: Father, these are challenging times; yet we were born for such a time as this. We’ve put our hands to the plow and will not turn back. You have called and equipped us to preach the gospel of Your Kingdom to all, be lights in every arena, and speak truth to all of society. You have called us to represent You - not just Your love but also Your authority and victory…Your Kingdom. We will not waver. We pray against division and strife, and bind demons causing this. Thwart their plans. Convict believers who partner with them. Motivate Your people to love one another unconditionally, to disagree with one another in kindness and humility, to stop cursing one another and partnering with satan, the accuser of the brethren. And move us fully into the great harvest You have planned. Surely, this is cause enough to stand together. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Our decree: We declare that the greatest of all spiritual traits is love, and that we will honor Your command to love one another in word and deed. Click on the link below to watch the full video.

2024: A Hinge of History History will record 2024 as a year of tremendous import, a defining year, a hinge of history. It will be a wild ride, oxymoronic in its extremes. Charles Dickens wrote regarding the time of the French Revolution, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair."(1) History, as they say, has a way of repeating itself. This year will be highly productive but very tumultuous, incredibly fruitful yet greatly challenging; it will be a year of coming together and of great separation; it will awaken the warrior and expose the fearful. A clear line is being drawn between good and evil, removing what once seemed like safe "middle ground”; indifference and complacency, disguised in the intellectual robes of neutrality, will no longer be possible. Great unrest will continue and increase here in America and throughout the world. The dragon, the bear, and the lion - China, Russia and Iran - will continue their attempts to gain influence, seeing America’s weakness under Biden as their opportunity. They realize this opportunity may not last long and will try to make the most of it. A weakened America means strengthened evil. Knowing that a continuation of Marxism (wokism), open borders, a weak military and economy, great division, the destruction of the family unit, and a decay of morality weakens America, satan and his allies will also attempt to influence America’s 2024 elections. They fear Trump and will work to oppose him. But know that satan’s attacks, violence and the unrest generated throughout the world will be met by Holy Spirit’s greater power and the higher authority of God’s Kingdom on earth. Demonic opposition will transform into God’s opportunities. Though Scripture tells us violence and unrest will not end until Christ returns, nevertheless Yahweh’s wisdom and power will make them serve His purposes. So much so, that I believe this will begin one of satan’s greatest times of frustration in all of history. In 2024, some of God’s judgments against His enemies will occur openly and be recognized as undeniably from Him. Like Pharaoh, who hardened his heart to the point of being irredeemable, many have done so today. God will make examples of some. Government shakeups will also continue throughout the world, as have occurred in Argentina and the Netherlands. OUR PRAYERS ARE PREVAILING The prayers of the church, the Ekklesia, have accomplished much. We have not been attempting to overcome God’s reluctance, but have been laying hold of His willingness. We have engaged with heaven and heaven is now engaged. What He has needed from us He has received, and we will receive from Him what we need. Light will now penetrate and the spirit of wisdom and revelation will be released to entire societies and cultures, resulting in radical change. God has used our prayers and declarations, releasing His voice in the earth, to rend the heavens and come down (Isaiah 64:1). This rending of the heavens allows God’s light and truth to break through producing revelation, the lifting of the veil spoken of in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. This impacts not only individuals, but regions and nations. A fresh hunger and cry for God’s presence will arise, AND HIS PRESENCE WILL COME! This will produce radical passion. Entire streams and movements will be impacted. The worship movement of the last 50 years will be renewed, going even deeper into His presence. Some that have drifted too far toward professionalism will receive a course correction. First-love baptisms will cause them to trade polish and performance for presence. Times of waiting will outweigh time constraints and song lists. A true “presence movement” will begin. Churches and Christian organizations that have rejected elements of Holy Spirit’s activities will receive revelation and understanding of Him. As a result, they will invite Holy Spirit into their midst and He will come! Many who have not been open to the supernatural will welcome it. Many who have not known His voice will cry out to hear it. Presence and power will manifest together, overcoming “forms of godliness without power” (2 Timothy 3:5), absence of first love passion (Revelation 2:4), and lukewarmness (Revelation 3:16). Much of what was seen as “order” will be recognized as man’s control and religious routine. Holy Spirit’s fire will be sought and given; the results will be explosive. Incredible miracles will invade the earth, accompanying the gospel and the preaching of the Word. Amazing signs and wonders will occur in schools, homes, businesses, churches, arenas, bars, hospitals, on campuses and in the streets. It was in Ephesus that “God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul” (Acts 19:11). Yet this was also the church warned later against a form of godliness without power and rebuked for leaving their first love, as mentioned above. Passion, presence and power go hand in hand; passion attracts God’s presence, which releases His power. Holy Spirit was challenging the ekklesia at Ephesus to do what was necessary for restoration. He is offering the same to many believers and churches in 2024. Noted Greek scholar Rick Renner says of Acts 19:11, “‘Wrought’ in this verse is from the Greek word poieo,(2) which denotes creativity. Because the word poieo is used in this context, we know that the miracles taking place in Ephesus were miracles of a creative nature. In fact, this power was so out of the ordinary that the Bible describes it as ‘special,’ which is a translation of the Greek word tugchano.(3) This Greek word means to hit upon, to happen upon, or to fall upon. It implies something unique that overtakes someone or a power that falls on someone as if to take him or her by surprise. “Paul literally hit upon, happened upon, or fell into a level of power that was without equal in his experience. He found himself suddenly operating in a realm of miracles that was extraordinary and powerful beyond his wildest expectations. Of course, all miracles are uncommon, but there was something about these miracles in particular that transcended every miracle that Paul had previously experienced during his ministry. From the usage of this Greek word tugchano, it seems that Paul himself was surprised by the exceptional assortment of miracles that were occurring at his own hands.” This is the level of power and miracles that I believe will begin in 2024. All of this - the light of revelation, passion, presence, and power - will intensify the “here and coming” revival. “Presence evangelism” will occur, along with power evangelism. Unbelievers will be drawn by the magnetism that is Christ and Holy Spirit will demonstrate the truth of the gospel and reality of Christ. Prophetic evangelists will arise, ministering with great power and gifts of the Spirit. The current trickle of souls will become an influx, the beginning of earth’s greatest harvest. As this intensifies, much carnal competition in the church will be replaced by Kingdom cooperation as we struggle to steward the great harvest. The plowman will indeed overtake the reaper (Amos 9:13); the Good News Translation words this verse, “The days are coming when grain will grow faster than it can be harvested.” I believe this increase will begin in 2024. The harvest will come from ALL segments of society, ALL races, ALL ages. I believe Holy Spirit has shown me that incredibly influential individuals will be converted - from the realms of government, entertainment, and even other religions. Some of these converts will be used by Christ in very unconventional ways. Their genuine faith, yet shared in unusual and unreligious ways, will have unique impacts on areas of the culture. I believe this, too, will begin in 2024. Pray with me: Father, You’re all-wise, all-powerful, always good and always right. You, Jesus and Holy Spirit have been planning what is coming for a long time! And as this era grew closer, Holy Spirit worked what was necessary in many members of the church throughout the earth. They are now the willing army of Psalm 110, the ruling Ekklesia of Matthew 16, and the church of Ephesians 3 through which You will make known Your manifold wisdom to rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm. Many more believers will soon enlist. We have been appealing to You, not to overcome Your reluctance, but to lay hold of Your willingness and desires. Our faith has grown, our understanding has expanded, our authority has increased, and we are positioned to receive the answer. Bring the release of revelation, revival, power and triumph over evil You have spoken of in Your Word and through Your prophets. Save millions! Free entire nations! Expose evil! Rout the dark forces! As we move into 2024, we do so without fear. We are ready for anything and equal to anything through You who infuse inner strength into us (Philippians 4:13 AMP), more than conquerors through You (Romans 8:37). Our eyes are fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and we are clothed in His armor (Ephesians 6). Give us Your strategies for the coming season, and we will obey (Isaiah 30:21). In Yeshua’s name we pray! Our decree: We decree that in 2024, the ancient door through which the King of glory enters, will open wide. I will be discussing this new year again on Thursday and Friday. Click on the link below to watch the full video. ____________________________ The word revelation comes from the Greek word opokalupsis (Strong’s 601,602), a compound word meaning undo or remove (apo - Strong’s 575), a covering, veil, or that which hides (kakapo - Strong’s 2572). James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), Ref no 4160. Ibid., Ref. no. 5177.

As we move forward into this epochal year, it is vital that we hear and respond appropriately to Holy Spirit’s voice. My brother, Tim, received a strong word from Him about what we will see released in 2024. It will instruct and encourage you. The Reset Season by Tim Sheets Worldview is so important right now. Challenges to our Christian faith are rising, and our view needs to be set in alignment with God’s Word and His perspective. Psalm 31:15 reminds us that our times are in God’s hands. A few weeks ago during our Sunday service, Holy Spirit began to move in a different way, and prophetic words, declarations, and songs were released. The following is a word from that morning (December 3, 2023): “Holy Spirit says to the church of the King, look into the spirit realm, and you will now see the bringing forth of the reset you have asked for. For as the world declares and celebrates the birth of the King, I tell you this day, the birth of His Kingdom will rise in waves of glory. History was changed in Bethlehem during the times of the King’s birth. Those were desperate times, but heaven moved. Lucifer, though he tried, could not stop it. Governments also tried, but they could not stop it. The coming of the Deliverer could not be stopped. “The reset you have called for is being birthed in this season. You will hear the shout of the King rising from the land. It is the cry of the mighty Deliverer as He births the greatest move of His Kingdom. For as He came in infancy to birth a Kingdom, He now comes as the resurrected King of glory to activate another release of His Kingdom throughout the earth. “At the time of His birth, years of silence were broken by a prophetic unction that came forth, and joy came into the world, announced by angels. The Lord says, in this day also, the angels are announcing a new joy into the earth. Glory will begin to roll as billowing clouds, one after the other, to bring the reset you have called for. “And even as dreams came and instructed in the ancient times of the King’s birth, the atmosphere of the Kingdom will again spawn dreams throughout the land. Strategy dreams will now be downloaded as the reset begins to roll. Strategies from dreams will be activated and begin to reset, to change things supernaturally, and break the oppression of governments. “Holy Spirit says, just as the shepherds, Joseph, and those in the narrative of the King’s birth were anointed to dream, I will do so again. I will begin to release millions of dreams to prodigals. They will dream of destiny and purpose, dreaming the King’s dream. Your prodigals are going to dream dreams, and in those dreams, they will rise up and say, ‘This is what I must do, and this is where I must go.’ Dreams that unlock destinies, and change lives. Dreams that end addictions, and cancel demonic assignments on their lives, for I will activate within them dreams of their God. And as prodigals rise to take their place, you will see the birthing of that wave of the reset begin to roll through the land. “Evangelists are arising on college campuses. They will preach and declare the Word of Almighty God. The passionate ones will be powerfully anointed. I will confirm My Word with signs, wonders, and miracles. For I have a harvest that I will reach. I will put the ‘breaker anointing’ upon young men and women, and they will walk the campuses declaring, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ With the drawing power, the conviction of My presence and Kingdom, that will invade campuses, I will reach into the hearts of those who are bound, lost, and drifting with aimless mindsets. I will draw them to their purpose. “For I say to you deep will call to deep within them. I will call to the deepest parts of their inner nature. I will call to the dreams and purpose I have put into them, which have been buried by lies and deception. Now, says the Lord, the anointing that breaks those yokes is being released. Revival will roll throughout college campuses. Great prophets will arise. You will begin to hear prophetic words coming from college campuses. You will understand that this is a day like no other. I said My young men would see visions, and I meant it. I said My handmaids will receive the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit to declare what I say, and I meant it. I said your old men would dream dreams and that I would fill all flesh with My Spirit. I meant it. “I am moving, says the Lord, in ways I have declared to you by prophetic utterance. My Word will not return to Me empty; the assignments in those words will activate. Even at this moment and throughout this season, beginning now and into 2024, says the Lord, those prophetic words and assignments will activate, creating their fullness. “I will supernaturally shift things in the earthly realm. Shifts I create in governments will cause the world to wonder and say, ‘I never saw this coming.’ You will see a great revival in Muslim communities. They too, will begin to dream from My Spirit. Sauls will become Pauls. You are moving into a new time, says the Lord, that I have ordained. “I call to My Ekklesia to rise in faith and begin to walk with Me at a new level, declaring what I say and moving into the new. For the shaking I promised has come. The fierce war season I promised has come. And now, the birthing of the reset will roll throughout your nation and the nations, for I am working to change and reset. “You will begin to see visible signs and workings of this, as I release a strategy within the Ekklesia. For the church will shift from declarations of ‘this will be,’ to declarations of ‘this is that.’ You will declare, ‘This is that which was spoken by Holy Spirit. This is that which was spoken by the King. This is that which was spoken by the Father.’ You WILL move into the ‘this is that’ moment, says the Lord. I am the God of eternity, and I am the God of now. My Word will not return void.” The Lord will be seen as the God of NOW! This is the time when the King rises in His rule, in His Kingdom’s jurisdiction, in all the world. His Kingdom has no end, and it will not be limited. The reset has begun. Pray with me: Lord, we align our faith with what You have said, with the shift You have announced. We ask You to move as You desire and in the ways You have ordained. Move at levels that amaze us. We will walk and work with You, in faith and confidence, and You will do exactly as You have said. We declare: “No limitations to this move of the King! Neither nations, governments, rulers, false religions, nor demonic principalities will stop it. The ideologies propagated on college campuses will not stop this move. Miracles, healings, and deliverances will occur throughout the land; the hand of God will be seen. Prodigals will receive dreams, hear Holy Spirit, return to God, and be transformed. They will be passionate lovers of God and His Word, filled with Holy Spirit, powerful evangelists, and prophetic voices. Deception, confusion, addictions, perversions, and disillusion will be broken off of them through powerful God-encounters. The glory of the Lord will roll in wave after wave. Revival, reset, freedom, signs, wonders, and great harvest will now come!” in Jesus’ Name, Amen. Our decree: We decree that the reset of Kingdom authority in our land now begins, and we are moving into an era of great harvest. Click on the link below to watch the full video. Today’s post was contributed by my brother, Tim. You can learn more about him at TimSheets.org.

Happy New Year! People always want to know what spiritual leaders are sensing and seeing at the beginning of a new year. Due to the fact that today is a holiday, fewer people than normal will see the post. Therefore, I will begin addressing this topic tomorrow. Today, I’ll read one more devotional of Dad’s and share some thoughts from my book The Pleasure of His Company. Then, we’ll pray a strong New Year's Day prayer. Words Fail “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17 KJV) From Dad’s Devotional “Gifts that flow to us through nature and providence are ‘good,’ but those that come through the atoning work of Jesus are ‘perfect.’ Ever since you were born, God has touched you in His providence. Even the hairs on your head are numbered. “God is forever the same in His goodness, love, and care toward us. With Him is no ‘variableness.’ What a great word the Holy Spirit uses here. It is the Greek word parallage,(1) an astronomical term describing the different positions of the heavenly bodies that cause changes in the seasons of the year. This is where our word ‘parallax’ comes from. It is by the parallax that astronomers get the measure of heavenly bodies. “God has no parallax! You cannot measure how large He is or how far away He is. You can't find Him with telescopes. ‘He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him’ (Hebrews 11:6). “With Him, there is no shadow of turning. He's always right overhead. He doesn't change like the shadow on the sundial. “All He has committed Himself to in His Word, He will do - infallibly. He will bring us into full enjoyment of our promised inheritance. “From “A Mighty Fortress” by Martin Luther: ‘And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God has willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, for, lo! His doom is sure. One little word shall fell him.”’(2) Dutch Shares from The Pleasure of His Company “Words certainly are inadequate to describe Christ’s attributes, abilities, intellect, and accomplishments. He is breathtaking, yet calming. All-powerful but gentle, unsearchably wise though humble, and awe-inspiring while completely approachable. Perfection defines Him, intrigue surrounds Him, and eternity is in Him. He is boundless love, everlasting joy, and the Prince of Peace. Oxymorons are necessary to describe Jesus since He is the God-man, both human and divine. Incredibly, He’s the Ancient of Days, yet forever new, existing in a perpetual now. His nature contradicts every natural law of time, space, and physics. When Moses asked Him His name, He simply said, ‘I AM.’ Words fail. “Young and old, male and female, rich and poor, moral and immoral - they all found Jesus interesting. He was so magnetic and gentle in His personality that children loved and trusted Him, and sinners confessed to Him their sordid and painful pasts. But He was so overpowering in His masculinity and multifaceted in His gifts that both intellectual businessmen and coarse, tough fishermen left their careers at His simple invitation to ‘follow Me.’ “Grown men fell before Jesus in worship, and anointing oil worth thousands of dollars was poured upon His feet. A multitude of men, women, and children - yes, children - sat for days at a time listening to Him teach. Families loved having Him in their homes, men liked hiking and camping with Him, and scholars enjoyed picking His brain - when he was only twelve years old! Many more books have been written concerning Him than about any other person, and people sit for hours writing songs about Him. “My meager list barely scratches the surface. Consider the following: A fish brought Him a mouthful of money. Storms obeyed His commands. His spit healed blind eyes, and His touch cured leprosy. He walked on water…and through walls! He turned water into wine and multiplied by thousands a few fish and loaves of bread. He raised the dead. Insanity fled from Him; demons did, as well. Fire goes before Him and consumes His enemies. When He died, willingly, the sun refused to shine, and the earth shook. Death, however, couldn’t hold Him, and His resurrection was so powerful it spilled over onto other dead people, raising them from the dead! His eyes are like fire; His voice is like a waterfall. Angels worship Him; rulers cast their crowns at His feet. He created everything…with just His words. He keeps the universe operating in perfect order…yep, with just His words.”(3) Pray with me: Father, we approach You today in the name of Jesus. As we begin a new year, what a perfect time to consider Your greatness. You have no equal. You’re all powerful, all wise, always present - everywhere, always good. Sinless, flawless, changeless, and matchless. To know You is to love You. To think that You pursue a relationship with finite humans is beyond comprehension. Yet You stand at the door of our hearts and knock, wanting to dine with us. You found the despised tax collector Zacchaeus in a tree and interrupted Your trip to save him; You detoured to Samaria to interrupt the dead-end journey of an adulteress woman; You touched lepers, accepted a foot bath from a prostitute, and showed mercy to a depraved, naked man living in a cemetery. Yes, You are good. In this new year, we intend to partake of Your goodness and partner with Your goodness. We will feed on Christ’s salvation, and we will serve it to others. We will persevere in our intercession for people and nations, and we will see breakthrough after breakthrough. Our paths will grow brighter, our faith stronger, and our lives more productive. We are Yours, You are ours, and this will forever be. Amen. Our decree: We decree that 2024 will be our greatest year ever! Click on the link below to watch the full video. _______________________________ James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 3883. https://hymnary.org/text/a_mighty_fortress_is_our_god_a_bulwark Dutch Sheets, The Pleasure of His Company (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2014), pp. 11-13.

We will be taking Communion at the end of today’s post. The Nails of Calvary “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His Cross” (Colossians 2:14). From Dad’s Devotional “Calvary’s nails are God’s way of uniting suffering with love. Oh how He loves you and me! His love for us was shouted out with every hammer blow that drove the nails through His hands and feet. Those same blows swung open the gates of glory, and now we have an entrance. When we get to heaven, we will likely stand in awe for a long time, gazing at the nail scars of Jesus. “There was another nailing at Calvary that I want you to rejoice in today. Jesus blotted out all the grievances filed against us, ‘nailing it to His Cross.’ “Oh, the price that was on our heads. The law screamed its curses at us as, one by one, our sins were listed. But Jesus took them all, and with His mighty hammer - the Word of His grace - He nailed them to His Cross. Glory to God! “I love to go back to Calvary often, not to see the Savior mangled and mutilated, but to see all my sins fastened to the Cross with His own nail-scarred hand. And that makes it a secure fastening! All the blasts of hell can never shake my sins loose. Hallelujah! “Praise God for Calvary’s nails - they are holding the old ship of Zion together. Look forward with me to the time when we will hang our old garments of the flesh on Calvary’s spikes and, as the old gospel song says, drop this robe of flesh ‘and rise to seize the everlasting prize.’” Dutch Shares from The Pleasure of His Company “At the end of Christ’s ministry, two of His followers had a revelatory encounter with Him. The meeting occurred just after the Cross and Resurrection; to say their world had turned topsy-turvy would be a gross understatement. To have discovered, lived with, and traveled with Jesus for three years, only to lose Him, would be life's cruelest injustice. “These two men had heard earlier in the day that Christ had risen from the dead. But, really, who would believe two grief-stricken ladies claiming to have been visited by angels? That’s quite a stretch. And these supposed angels informed the women that Christ rose from the dead? As they walked the seven-mile journey to Emmaus, they were discussing this too-good-to-be-true report and all that had transpired over the past few days. To say that they were discouraged, confused, and disillusioned would be an understatement. “That’s when He arrived. ‘And it came about that while they were conversing and discussing, Jesus Himself approached, and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him’ (Luke 24: 15-16). “‘What are you discussing?’ He wanted to know. “They gave Jesus a brief summary, expressing their surprise that He would even have to ask. ‘What else would we be discussing?’ was their inference. It seems everyone in Jerusalem could think of little else than what had transpired with Christ the last few days since so many of them had thought He might be the long-awaited Messiah. They spoke to Him of their devastation and also of the rumor that He had risen from the dead. “Jesus, His identity still hidden from them, ‘explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures’ (v. 27), including the fact that He needed to suffer and die. “Wouldn’t you like to hear that recording! “Though they still didn’t know it was Jesus, His words began impacting their hearts. ‘Were not our hearts burning within us as He was explaining the Scriptures to us?’ they stated (v. 32). “‘When they reached their destination, they pleaded with Jesus to spend the night. The Lord agreed to do so, and during dinner, ‘He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, he began giving it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him’ (v. 30-32). He disappeared from their sight at that moment, and they hurried back the seven miles to Jerusalem with the good news: Christ was indeed risen.! “I find it more than a coincidence that after initially hiding from these men who He was, Jesus chose to release the revelation of Himself ‘in the breaking of the bread’ (v. 35). After all, He was the ‘bread of life’ that had been ‘broken’ for them (John 6:33, 35, 48-51), and they could now receive the revelation of His redemption. The timing was His way of saying to them, ‘The life you need is now available. Sup with me, and revelation will come; I will reveal to you the fullness of who I am and what I have done for you. I also believe it is saying the same to us. We can partake of the bread of life. One of the ways we do so is by hearing His words, just as these two men did (Matthew 4:4). Eat them. As you do, revelation will flow to you, as well. Christ will unveil Himself, just as He did for these two men. “Spend some time with Jesus.”(1) Pray with me: Lord Jesus, You revealed Yourself to the two disciples in the breaking of the bread. As we break the bread of communion together today, sup with us. We want to know You more intimately. Reveal Yourself afresh and anew; let us see You more clearly and more completely. And we also ask You for a greater revelation of all that was provided for us through Your broken body. May we not waste anything You purchased for us. Open our eyes, just as You did for our two fellow believers that day long ago. (Eat the bread.) And Lord, as we drink this that represents Your cleansing blood, we take into our very body, our cells, our blood, Your life and nature. We declare that our faith is sustained because of the blood, we have no condemnation because of the blood, we are made righteous because of the blood, we are in covenant with You because of the blood, and we are now part of Your family because of the blood. We are staking our claim to these things today by this sacred act of covenant. (Drink the cup.) Click on the link below to watch the full video. _____________________________ Dutch Sheets, The Pleasure of His Company, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group), pp. 178-180.

Let It Pass Through the Fire “His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.” (Daniel 10:6 KJV) "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." (Matthew 3:11 KJV) From Dad’s Devotional “Fire is a purifying element. The chosen sign of God’s approval is the sacred flame. Spiritual baptism kindles the fires of Christ in the souls of men; they receive, realize, and reproduce His mind and His heart. The fire kindles a fervent devotion to God, a passion for righteousness, and a consuming desire for soul-winning. Let the chosen symbol of Christianity be a tongue of fire. The heavenly current is brought down, making you a living witness for the living Christ. “Fire is also a purifier, the best defense against corruption. Whatever you place between yourself and God, whatever you rest on apart from God, or what you make the aim and center of your life apart from Him, is harmful and must pass through the fire. Count all things lost to know Him (Philippians 3:8). Until those toys of the senses are consumed, everything you do will be a mixture of good and bad. Your ‘humility’ will actually strengthen your pride. Your charity to others will give nourishment to your own self-love. ‘Our God is a consuming fire’ (Hebrews 12:29). Go on through the fire of God, permit Him to consume all the dross, and discover the purity that sees God. “Revelation 8:3-5 tells us, ‘Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth, and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.’ “The fire that cleanses our hearts also empowers our prayers. Angels mix them with fire from the golden altar before making them heaven’s missiles. The purity and power of God go forth like lightning, shaking and quaking until earth’s strongholds fall. “A newspaper story out of Iowa a few years ago told of an amazing occurrence in a storm. An awful bolt of lightning produced a loud rumble that activated the chimes in a church steeple. For the next several minutes, while the lightning flashed and the thunder rolled, the chimes rang out the majestic song, ‘How Great Thou Art.’ “Indeed!” Dutch Shares from Intercessory Prayer “This was the coolest thing I had discovered since baseball. I was in the fourth grade, in that ornery but not mean, can’t stand baths, all girls have cooties stage of life. And I had recently procured my first magnifying glass. “I'm not sure how I discovered I could hold it at just the right angle to the sun and light something on fire. Tim probably taught me. I had just burned a piece of paper on the playground. Then, a brilliant idea leaped up from my fallen Adamic psyche. I called my friends over, assuring them I had something really cool to show them. “Looking at Duncan, the class bully, I said to him,  ‘You're the lucky guy, Duncan. Hold out your hand, I want to show you something.’ Duncan loved being the center of attention, so he obliged. But he didn't leave his hand there very long! He chased me all around that playground - feet, don’t fail me now. Some guys just can't take a joke. “Is there a picture of intercession hidden somewhere in this? Yes! Paga, the Hebrew word for intercession, means ‘to strike the mark.’ (1) The reference is Job 36:32: ‘He covers His hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark.’ Intercession releases God’s glory, His light. We’re not the light. We, like the magnifying glass, allow it to flow through us. It flashes forth from God’s presence like lightning, flows through us, is magnified by Holy Spirit, and strikes the desired target.”(2) Pray with me: Father, thank You for the fire of Holy Spirit that reproduces Your passion in us. We don’t want to be lukewarm; we want to burn with passion for You and to see Christ’s redemption ministered to others. Bring to the church today the fire and passion demonstrated by the church in Acts. We also ask to be touched by the fire from Your altar, the same fire that cleansed Isaiah, preparing him to partner with You. And what a partner he was; His prophecies still inflame our hearts! Do this for us. And as we offer up intercession, partnering with You to pluck up and tear down, plant and build, save and deliver, we ask for the fire of Heaven to empower our prayers. Let the lightnings of Your glory be released, bringing revelation throughout the earth of just “How Great Thou Art.” We ask for this in Yeshua’s name. Amen. Our decree: We decree that the greatness of God is being released through the prayers of the saints, to deliver, save and heal. At the end of tomorrow’s post, we will be taking Communion together. Click on the link below to watch the full video. _________________________________ James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 6293. Dutch Sheets, Intercessory Prayer, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group), pp. 201-202.

Persistent Faith "For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed." (Mark 7:25-30 KJV) From Dad’s Devotional “Nowhere in the gospels do we have a grander example of persistent, yet humble, faith which secures God's blessings. This woman had naked faith—faith stripped of all emotion. She persisted, even though there was no inrush of excitement, having come to Christ on behalf of a demon-possessed daughter. And she turned four obstacles into stepping stones. “Silence: What a paradox. Jesus stated that the woman had great faith, yet according to Matthew’s account of this story, He initially answered her with not a word. It is so important that we keep believing, that we persevere with patience. God has heard, and faith forces are at work. Too often, His answer comes but finds us gone. Our ship comes in, but there is no one to unload it! “Lack of Sympathy: Also in Matthew's account, we’re told the Lord's disciples came to Him, saying, ‘Send her away’ (Matthew 15:23). This calloused response would be enough to discourage most. “Race: This woman was a Gentile and, at this time, had no claim on Jesus. She met this obstacle with the cry, ‘Lord, help me’ (Matthew 15:25). What faith! She worshipped Jesus and called Him Lord. Thus, we are given proof that neither race nor nationality can keep a person from God. Her appeal became one for mercy and grace. “Open Rebuff: Jesus essentially said to her, ‘It wouldn't be right to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs.’ Again, she had the right answer: ‘Just give me some crumbs.’ That was enough for Jesus. The whole encounter suddenly exploded into her miracle! “Please see that the prayer of faith is not compelling a reluctant Lord but laying hold of His willingness. Great faith sees a light at the end of the tunnel yet to be built. It is also the impetus for our miracle - not the reverse. ‘By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down’ (Hebrews 11:30). Not by the shout - the shout was the result of the faith.” Dutch Shares from How to Pray For Lost Loved Ones "If there is not a deep, settled faith in you for the salvation of the one for whom you are praying - or anything else for that matter - please don't be intimidated. Your faith simply needs to grow. The Bible compares faith to a mustard seed. However, Jesus did not tell us we need faith the size of a mustard seed, though some translations mistakenly do so, but like a mustard seed. The point of Jesus' mustard seed parable is that faith begins as a tiny seed but grows into a tree."(1) Pray with me: Father, thank You for including this story of the Syrophenician woman in Your great Book. Her persistent faith and ability to see through the tests thrown her way are beyond inspiring; they are instructing. Somehow, she knew. She knew this Man was not a racist or mean-spirited. She understood that she was not compelling a reluctant Lord, but laying hold of His willingness. Teach us not to be moved when You have not yet spoken. Your Word speaks loudly, and we will wait for further instruction from Holy Spirit, as long as it takes. We know that through faith and patience, we inherit the promises. We will not be deterred by callous words, religious actions, or unbiblical attitudes of others. We will persevere, knowing that You are not ruled by such carnal mindsets. We will never bow to racism, for we are lovers of all people everywhere. Our faith is growing from the size you measured to each of us, into a strong and fruit-bearing tree. We are feeding it daily on Your Word, and our faith is continuously growing. We will not waiver; we will never give up. Our nation will be saved, earthshaking revival has already begun, and its full manifestation is imminent. Earth’s greatest harvest will not be stopped. Our decree: We decree that just like this faith-filled lady in Scripture, we will persevere and receive our promised breakthrough. Click on the link below to watch the full video. _______________________________ Dutch Sheets, How to Pray for Lost Loved Ones, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group), p. 20.

I hope you had a nice Christmas yesterday. When I was 17 years old, my father, who was a pastor, fell into adultery, left our home and his ministry, and remarried. It was very painful for my entire family. Though I have spoken of this a few times in GH15 posts, I didn’t say much about it publicly until he went to heaven; I didn’t want to embarrass or uncover him. Dad repented a few years after his fall, and was wonderfully restored to the Lord. We had a great relationship for the final 30 years of his life. Several years ago, he wrote a wonderful devotional entitled The Gold That Washed Ashore (now out of print). In the book, I contributed a short quote from one of my books for each day. Dad was old school in his sermonizing, building masterpieces of homiletic eloquence. Each day this week, I’ll read one of his great devotionals, and then augment it with something from my writings. After Friday’s reading entitled The Nails of Calvary, we’ll take communion together. These devotionals are more traditional in size, a little shorter than our normal Give Him 15 posts - this week, you may be Giving Him 10 - but they’re incredibly poignant, and our prayers of agreement will release great power. The title of today’s devotional is: What Does He Look Like? “And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle, His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars; and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength" (Revelation 1:13-16 KJV). Dad Shares “It is not the valley of sorrows that pictures the Lord; it is the eternal mountains that rise on either side. Preexistent before creation and coexistent with the Father, when the dateless ages were but a drift of foam on the mighty sea of time, Jesus Christ was royal and reigning Lord. “We read Revelation 1:13-16 for a scriptural and spiritual description of Christ. It is deeply significant that there is not a sentence in the Gospels or Epistles describing the physical appearance of Jesus. The writers' thoughts were not centered on His human stature but on the mission, authority, accomplishments, and words of the eternal King. “When John, the writer of Revelation, saw Jesus, he fell at His feet as if dead. This glorious Redeemer responded by laying His right hand on him saying, ‘Fear not; I am the first and the last’ (v. 17). “Banished to the Isle of Patmos, John needed this heavenly disclosure. The razor fangs of persecution had stolen earthly support, and the tight fingers of despair were crushing his heart. In the midst of his pain, this dazzling sight broke upon him, and he entered the glimmering halls of revelation. “It was John who earlier recorded Christ's words, ‘Before Abraham was, I Am’ (John 8:58). The sun over Patmos dimmed in the splendors of that great I Am, whose brightness like a thousand suns rolled into one. No wonder John fell like a dead man. “So, Christian friend, do not permit the trials of life to overcome you and drain you of your spiritual joy. Rather, let the misfortunes of time accentuate the fortunes of the forevers. Let these words change your heart as they did the grand old warrior on the barren Isle of Patmos: ‘Fear not; I am the first and the last."’(1) Dutch Shares from The Power of Hope: “Hope deferred. . .produces fear and makes us uncertain of ourselves, our faith, and yes, sometimes our God.... At times, we find ourselves operating in fear and timidity, fleeing from the obstacles, adversities, and giants in our lives... as confidence erodes, often we magnify our enemies’ power above our strengths and abilities, and, though we wouldn’t want to admit it, even above that of God’s. “Hope deferred distorts our vision. Looking at our enemies through hope deferred is like looking at them through a magnifying glass. ‘We became like grasshoppers in our own sight,’ the Israeli spies said (Numbers 13:33). “Overreaction is usually next. Mark Twain once said, ‘I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them have never happened.’” Pray with me: Father, this Christmas season is a great time to refocus and remind ourselves of Your greatness. “Son of Man,” Christ was still being called in John’s Revelation. But He who became and remains one of us is now, once again, also clothed in His undimmed glory, shining like the sun in its strength. His flaming eyes blaze with love for us, His voice like many waters calls our names, each one of us. Our majestic King, white horse Rider, and Lion King, is also our Redeemer, Husband, and Protector. We are confident under His shadow, secure in His everlasting arms. We know, Lord Jesus, You have also called us to reign with You, giving us Your scepter, Your keys of authority, Your name. In Your name, Yeshua, we call for the revival You so desire. This is why You came - to seek and save. You’re not a detached bystander; You involved Yourself! You showed up! And we know You’re going to do so again. Now, great King of all the earth: demonstrate it! Show Your power, Your love, Your kindness. And show Your hatred of that which oppresses and wounds. Annihilate evil strongholds and free millions. We release this in Your name, from Your provision, and with Your authority. So be it! Our decree: We decree that the redeeming power of the great I Am is filling earth’s atmosphere, and freeing earth’s lost ones! Click on the link below to watch the full video. __________________________________ https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/78239-i-am-an-old-man-and-have-known-a-great

Merry Christmas! When I was 17 years old, my father, who was a pastor, fell into adultery, left our home and his ministry, and remarried. It was very painful for my entire family. Though I have spoken of this a few times in GH15 posts, I didn’t say much about it publicly until he went to heaven; I didn’t want to embarrass or uncover him. Dad repented a few years after his fall, and was wonderfully restored to the Lord. We had a great relationship for the final 30 years of his life. Several years ago, he wrote a wonderful devotional entitled The Gold That Washed Ashore (now out of print). In the book, I contributed a short quote from one of my books for each day. Dad was old school in his sermonizing, building masterpieces of homiletic eloquence. Each day this week, I’ll read one of his great devotionals, and then augment it with something from my writings. After Friday’s reading entitled The Nails of Calvary, we’ll take communion together. These devotionals are more traditional in size, and a little shorter than our normal Give Him 15 posts. This week, you may be Giving Him 10 - but they’re incredibly poignant, and our prayers of agreement will release great power. The title of today’s devotional is: He Came “For today in the city of David, there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11 NASB) “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10 NASB) Dad Shares “From Genesis to Revelation, there is a great scarlet thread of truth calling our attention to a coming Redeemer. This hope of a coming Redeemer was the secret of Abel offering a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. It was the only light that gleamed in the ark as it rolled over the waves of an ocean world. This hope guided the patriarchs and gladdened the prophets.” Dutch Shares And yet, when Christ came to earth, it was not as most expected. The religious world had overlooked the prophecy regarding a virgin conceiving (Isaiah 7:14); perhaps they simply had a different interpretation of the verse, since what it said was a total impossibility. At any rate, the birth of Christ through a poor, teenage virgin - from the other side of the tracks, Nazareth, of all places - wasn’t on the list of Messianic expectations. Nor was a manger (a feeding trough) for a crib, in a smelly, dung-filled stable. The scribes, Pharisees, and religious elite were confident the Messiah would be regal, wealthy, and come from their ranks, of course. Something about God becoming a microscopic seed placed in the womb of a teenage girl, fed by a cord from her placenta, and entering the world through a narrow birth canal is a bit unsettling, if not unbelievable. We prefer sterile surroundings, and heavenly, serene depictions of baby Jesus. It seems almost sacrilegious to mention dirty diapers, burps and cries for Mama. The One who walked on water could never have fallen when learning to walk; He who fed the 5000 would not have smeared food all over His face when learning to feed Himself. He was, after all, God. But to keep Christ from being truly human is to miss God’s heart and message. Our Lord’s most common name for Himself was Son of Man. He chose to experience our humanness, feel our pain and hunger, wrestle with the wound of rejection, and know the disappointment of loss. His calloused hands knew hard work, His feet walked hundreds of miles, and He slept many nights on the ground. Jesus had to be human in order to bleed, die, and redeem us, and He became such in every sense of the word. Let Him into the muck and mire of our world. The Savior But He didn’t remain a baby in Bethlehem’s manger. He was born to be the Savior. In his devotional, Dad masterfully describes Christ’s ministry: From Dad “He came - and was a great preacher. All the preachers of the centuries look small when we line them alongside the Man whose hands were calloused by a carpenter's plane and who wore the peasant smock of Galilee. He came - and was the greatest physician the world has ever seen. He was the world's sympathetic friend in a world of pain. He came - and was the perfect example. “Yet, He came to be more than a great preacher, physician, or pattern. He came to be our Savior. He came to deal with the thing that drenched the world with blood, that bleached it with bones, and that filled the air with moans and groans. He came to put a bridge over the gulf that separates humanity from God. He came to shut the very jaws of damnation and throw open the gates of gold. He came to fix us so we could appear as if the archer of hell never shot us through. “All the sins of all His people were gathered upon His shoulders. The heart of Christ became like a reservoir in the mountains, and all the tributary streams of iniquity ran down and gathered into that vast lake. Sin wrote its vicious history with the scourge, thorns, nails, spear, and throbbing agony - our sins, yours and mine. At Calvary, we see the wrath of God against sin inscribed in characters of blood, and we see sin's absolution: ‘Father, forgive them’ (Luke 23:34). Oh, Now I See the Crimson Wave “‘Oh, now I see the crimson wave, the fountain deep and wide; Jesus, my Lord, mighty to save, points to His wounded side. ‘I see the new creation rise, I hear the speaking blood; It speaks! Polluted nature dies! Sinks 'neath the cleansing flood. ‘The cleansing stream I see, I see! I plunge and, oh, it cleanseth me! Oh, praise the Lord, it cleanseth me! It cleanseth me, yes, cleanseth me!’ (1) “Thank You, Jesus, for coming, seeking, and saving.” Pray with me: Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, as Heaven’s great gift. Thank You for the incarnation, Christ’s humble birth, and His substitutionary death. Thank You for the cleansing stream that flows from Him still. Jesus, You came. As we celebrate Your birth, we thank You for the humbling journey You made…for the sacrifices, the miles, the sleepless nights, and the tears. Thank You for the blood You shed, the stripes You bore, the crown, the nails, and the spear. Holy Spirit, as many gather today with family and friends, remind all to celebrate the Prince of Peace as He should be celebrated, and love Him as He should be loved. Amen. Our decree: We decree that He came, and the cleansing stream of Christ still flows today. Again, have a great Christmas celebrating Him! Click on the link below to watch the full video. ____________________________ https://hymnary.org/text/o_now_i_see_the_crimson_wave