The New Wine Has Already Begun Springing Forth

December 31, 2013

Angela Greenig:

http://elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=12966

As 2013 comes to a close, you can feel the move of His "Quantum" Acceleration, and it has begun. The new wine is waiting to break forth faster than the speed of light. That is why many are feeling as though they are getting ready to go into labor. We are all so excited to see what lies ahead. It is as if we have stretched out the tent stakes as far as they can go, and for many of us, our ears are to the ground listening.

We are in a time of "quantum acceleration." The Lord says that"You will quantum leap into your past and take back the dreams and promises that God the Father has promised you. Then you can leap forward into your present time that will set up your future."

The new wine has already begun springing forth, releasing the anticipation of what God is getting ready to do. The number 20 means "redeem," and 14 means "salvation that brings deliverance." We will see a year of quantum acceleration of souls coming into the Kingdom. I can hear Acts 16:31, saying, "Families will be saved and the prodigals are coming home!"

On Passover, and also the Feast of Tabernacles of 2014 and 2015, there will be blood moons. This has not happened in a long time, or especially back to back, in so many years! These are signs from the throne room of Heaven. We cannot overlook these signs! We must "pass over" into the Promised Land and step into the Holy of Holies with full access and assurance of our role and what is asked of us.

We cannot contain the new wine in these old wine skins. We cannot contain what the Father has for us. This is our time to remember that Jesus came to be born in human form so that He could take us into the fullness of Heaven. Life would be fully in the Holy Spirit. From being a newborn, to the Cross, to Christ (The Anointed One), He came back and told those in the upper room to wait.

You Get the Victory!

I had a vision. In this vision, an angel of the Lord flew from Heaven. He had a horn in his right hand. A shofar horn full of oil. As he got closer, I could smell this aroma, like one I have never smelled before. This fragrance, once released, demolished darkness as pure light was illuminating for what looked like miles and miles. It hit the airwaves like an atomic bomb going off. As he poured out the oil, for what seemed only to be a drop, it released strategic regions here on earth. What once was barren will now bring forth 30-, 60-, and 100-fold back into whatever seed you have sown. You may feel like it's the winter months, but soon it will be springtime.

The Lord is looking for true purebreds, not show-horses!He is looking for men and woman of integrity. Our weapon in this hour is faith. Faith is what it will take in this next, new season. That, my friends, is you and me. Many of you have been hidden, and even felt forgotten. The Father's hand has been on you all this time, but in those times of feeling like He isn't there, that's where the testing and pruning takes place. As winter has just begun, I know it is time to turn over a new leaf. It's an old expression, but it's time to turn over those areas in your life that have been dormant and press through until you get the victory!

The winds and fire are going to expose and then consume your enemies like a fire with a back draft. I see gates being shut every time you step out into your sphere of influence.Whatever you're feeling as to enlarging your territory, now is the time. "Walk on the water and you will not fail," says the Lord.

Seek First His Kingdom and His Righteousness

We leave Haggai 1 behind us and step into this quantum leap of acceleration as we build the Kingdom of God as one. I hear Matthew 6:33: "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."Those of us who follow Jesus are urged to seek above all else God's Kingdom and His righteousness. The verb "seek" implies being continually absorbed in a search for something, or making a strenuous and diligent effort to obtain something.

As we seek Him and His Kingdom that we will be a part of, the greatest revival that we have seen for souls in these next three years will take place. Our key is just this: To allow Him to blow on the embers of our heart. It's our year to come out of exile; a time to possess the Kingdom of God! Signs, wonders and miracles! Apostolic prophetic alignment is a key to unleashing Heaven upon the earth!

Lord, let Your Kingdom reign here on earth as it is in Heaven.

Angela T. Greenig
Angela Greenig Ministries International
Email: angela@angelagreenig.com
Website: angelagreenig.com

Angela Greenig is founder of Angela Greenig Ministries International, is author of three books, has produced two DVDs, and hosts "Justice for All" media channel with XP Media. Angela's teachings and insights come from years of experience on the front lines of spiritual warfare. She is a seasoned seer/warrior for Christ, and is a leading force in deliverance ministry. For the past 27 years she has been a defender of the faith and a voice for those who have no voice, traveling the world, preaching the Gospel and training up the Body of Christ. For the past 21 years she has been blessed to be working on the streets of Seattle, Washington, helping to feed and clothe the homeless and those in need. Angela has built and released ministries in many cities throughout America and in many nations of the world. She has a heart of welfare for the salvation and deliverance of people.

Today in Paradise - A Christmas Story

Intro from Keith Koerner:

I wrote a short story about
Christmas, taking some artistic liberties.
Perhaps it didn't happen exactly like
this, but it may have.

Have a Merry Christmas and
remember the reason for the season.
It isn't about a baby's birthday.
It is about a Savior, a plan set in motion
to save us from our sins and
restore relationship between us and God.

If you enjoyed this story, please share it with others!
________________________________

Today in Paradise - A Christmas Story

Crouching down under the back of a wagon, I peer cautiously into the darkness. I can hear the soldiers shouting and the hoofs of horses in the distance. The whinny from a horse makes me jerk my head to the right. Twenty yards away, a mounted Roman soldier is searching the street. I inch backwards under the wagon, further from his view. I slide out from under the wagon and kneel behind a large box. The soldier's lantern swings by the wagon where I had been hiding under just moments ago. He continues slowly down the street and out of sight. I breathe a sigh of relief, trying to calm the pounding in my chest.

I squint through the darkness, trying to assess my surroundings. It appears that I got lucky. The chase has lead me to the edge of the town. Only a few houses separate me from the hills surrounding Bethlehem. Fifty yards and I'll be free. I stealthily move down the darkened street and into the low-lying hills. Using the trees as shelter, I make my way further from town. Once at a safe distance, I drop my bag. By the light of the moon, I peer at the contents. Close to twenty gold coins, a gold cup, and a small dagger. This is my best theft yet in my budding career. Poor tax collector, leaving his home unbarred on a busy night. Perhaps drunk, or perhaps too naive to suspecting that anyone - let alone a wiry twelve year old - would take something from his home.

I smile and put the contents back in the bag. I'll spend the night out here in the hills, away from the town of Bethlehem. Away from the soldiers searching for me. Tomorrow, I'll travel to Bethany. Hopping from town to town, I will prey upon unsuspecting victims.

Nestled amongst the trees, I prepare to sleep. I hear shepherds nearby, laughing and talking around a fire. Sheep bleat occasionally, more for the comfort of each other than for any real need. It is quiet. Stars are attempting to shine their magnificence through the partially cloudy covering.

I take my blanket from the pack and place it at my side. I form the rest of the pack into a pillow and pull the blanket over my body. As I lie back, I see a bright light appear in the sky very close by. I roll over to my side to peer through the trees. A light coming down from the sky. The shepherds laughter and talking immediately stops. They are staring too. I've never seen anything quite like it. I crawl out of my blanket and creep closer, strangely drawn to the unknown. Out of the light a figure appears, suspended in air about thirty feet above the shepherds.

Terrified, the shepherds turn to run towards the trees. Towards me.

"Wait!"

They stop, uncertain if they should run or listen to this figure.

The figure reaches out his arms in a welcoming manner. "Don't be scared. I have some great news for you. Not just you, but all people. Tonight, a mighty king has been born!"

The shepherds turn fully towards the figure. I emerge from the shadows, wanting a closer look.

"Here's how you know who this King is: You'll find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a feeding trough."

I've hit the jackpot! A King. Wealth. Think of the treasures in His home!

Wait. A feeding trough? That doesn't make sense. Perhaps I heard wrong.

Suddenly the sky brightens, and hundreds of these figures are all around us. They sing and declare peace on earth. Frightening yet incredible. My senses are alive.

Then as quickly as they appeared, the figures all disappear. Silence and darkness. The shepherds stare at the sky, still trying to understand what they just saw.

"Let's go find Him," exclaims one of the shepherds.

It breaks the group out of their trance-like state. Quickly they gather their things and start walking towards Bethlehem. I quietly gather my belongings and trail along at the back of the pack. I should be leaving. I shouldn't be risking going back into Bethlehem, but the temptation is too great. I want to see this King. I want to see who He is. But I also know that this is an opportunity to steal more valuables than ever before. Perhaps I'd be able to steal enough to no longer have to steal again.

Walking back into town, one of the shepherds notices me.

"Did you see that?" he asks.

"Yes, I did!" I reply. "That was amazing. I want to see this King too."

"Come up here and join us. We will find this King. This is truly great news," he exclaims as he wraps his arm around my shoulder and gives a rough squeeze. Though a stranger, we have a camaraderie based around the hatred of our nation being subjected to the foreign rule of the Roman Empire. A King gives us hope.

I join the shepherds as they search for the future King. I try to stay in the middle of the group so I wouldn't be spotted easily by any soldiers who may still be searching for me. I think again of the treasures I could take from this King's house.

We arrive at a rundown inn close to the northeast side of the town. Just as one of the shepherds starts to knock on the door, we hear the distinct cry of a newborn baby. Turning, we see the small cave where the animals are kept.

Surely not in there. Surely a baby could not be in such a dirty place.

The shepherd in the lead spins on his heels and we as one enter the cave. Peering over an old donkey, I glimpse a family. Sliding around to the other side of the donkey while staying in the shadows, I am able to take a better look. A man and a woman sit along the back of the cave, huddled together for warmth. A small lantern casts shadows on the cave walls. In the dim light, I see that in the woman's arms is a little baby, crying softly. She wraps the blankets tighter around the baby, gently rocking Him.

Two of the shepherds tentatively step forward. The leader introduces himself and tells the young family what they just experienced in the field. The couple's eyes grow wide in amazement. As the shepherd tells the story, the woman continues to rock the baby and soon he stops crying and falls asleep. She looks down at the baby, her eyes filled with wonderment yet peaceful. It was as if she knew this would happen.

I move further into the cave and feel the squish of fresh manure beneath my sandal and curse under my breath. I smell the stench of the animals. I feel the cold air blowing in the cave.

How can this be? A poor family. A baby born in a cave? Where is the wealth? Where are the treasures? Could we be in the wrong place?

Yet I knew He was The One. There was something about everything that had been going on. This was not common. A future King. Peace on earth. But penniless. Not in a castle, but in a cave.

I look around the room one more time, looking for anything of value. A small bag is near the young man, but I don't have the heart to steal from someone who just had a baby.

Scraping the manure off of my sandal, I slowly slip out of the cave and into the cool night air. I hear the shepherd ask what the baby's name is. As I walk away, I hear her reply, "Jesus."

________________________________

For over thirty years since I began a life of crime, I have never been caught. Without a father and with a mother more interested in other men than me, I had turned to stealing in order to provide for myself. Now as I hide in the shadows of a rich young ruler's home, I think back to my humble beginnings. I remember the first loaf of bread I stole from a street vendor. I recollect the first time I snuck into a neighbor's house. I had known where he kept his gold. Quickly and quietly, I had taken several coins but purposefully left most of the coins since I had thought his daughter was beautiful. I remember the night I stole from the tax collector and almost got caught by the Roman soldiers. That reminds me of the puzzling encounter with the shepherds, floating figures in the sky, and a supposed baby King.

I wonder what ever happened to that baby?

My attention returns to the house as I hear the door open. The young ruler locks the door and hurries down the street. Now is the time. I make my way to the back of the house, looking for an opening. The courtyard gate at the stairs leading to his rooftop is not barred. I quietly open the gate and climb the stairs. On the roof, I crouch near an opening in the roof. Slowly I climb down the ladder and into his house. I've become very adept at searching homes in complete darkness. I feel my way around the room looking for a loose rock in the wall, a common hiding place for valuables. Behind that rock I know that there are many gold coins. I need to find those coins. I need to stop being a thief. It is getting harder to steal. The risk is getting greater. People are becoming more wise and hiding things better. The Roman soldiers are looking for thieves with greater persistence.

I find the loose rock! I place it on the ground and reach into the hole. I feel coins. Lots of coins. Jackpot! I begin to load my bag. My heart begins to race with the all too familiar thrill of stealing a large treasure. I'm a little sloppy in my excitement. Quickly. The coins are clinking as they hit the bottom of the bag. A little too quickly. A little too loudly. Loud enough to not hear the door open as the young ruler returned to get something he'd forgotten. Too loud to not hear him come up behind me. Suddenly a sharp pain in the back of my head. Darkness. ________________________________

My head is pounding in pain before I even open my eyes. I reach to feel where it hurts but my arm is stopped short. I open my eyes. My arms and legs are shackled together, allowing for only the smallest of movements. I lift my head and take in the surroundings. Across the room is a man that I recognize. Another thief. We had even planned and committed a few thefts together when the jobs needed more than one man.

I grimace in pain. My head is throbbing. My chest hurts when I breathe. My back feels like someone has made cuts all over it. My vision in my left eye is partially blurry and my face feels swollen.

I lean back against the wall. This is it. This is the end. Caught in the act. I know the punishment. I close my eyes to the physical and emotional pain.

________________________________

I try to sleep off the pain and not think about what is next. The head continues to pound and my body hurts. But I know it is nothing compared to the pain I will feel in a few hours. Sentenced to death just an hour earlier, I feel the weight of the judgment upon me. Terror rises in me. Helpless to do anything about it, I curse the air.

Down the corridor I hear the shouts of an angry mob of people. I look up to see the guards pushing a man down the hall. He is hardly recognizable. Covered in blood, chunks of His beard pulled out, His back ripped open from the whippings of the dreaded cat of nine tails. His face covered in spit mixed with blood.

A guard opens the cell door. He removes the shackles from the other thief and me. "On your feet," he barks.

We follow the crowd out into the open courtyard. For some reason, the mob is furious with this severely beaten man. I see the Roman soldiers and the crowd of mostly Jews begin to mock Him.

They cram a crudely made crown made out of large thorns upon His head. I see blood stream down the back of his neck. They put a robe on Him.

"King of the Jews?" They taunt him.

"You think You are so great. Just look at You now." A burly guard slaps Him across the face.

I am led across the courtyard to stand before Pilate, the ruler of the region. The other thief stands with me. Pilate is distracted by the mob. He wants to let this man go free, but the crowd is shouting, "Crucify Him."

"Jesus, what do You have to say?" Pilate asked Him.

Jesus? I vaguely recall the name. Many years ago. A King. My head is throbbing. I can't think straight.

I think back through the years. All the people I'd encountered. The ones I stole from. The ones I called friends.

A King? The crowd is wanting to crucify a King?

Shaken out of my thoughts by a guard shoving me forward, I wince in pain. The verdict has been passed. Pilate has waved me on. He will not save me. All three of us now must begin the march towards death. Weakened by the beatings, the crossbar they strap to my shoulders is almost too heavy. I have to carry it to the hill. The crowds are now even larger. Hatred spews from their lips. They curse at us, spit on us, yell at us. But I notice most of it is directed at the man they call Jesus.

Why such hatred? What did He do?

I stagger under the weight, nearly falling on my face. I attempt to regain my footing, bumping into someone. Jesus. Just a couple of feet away. He turns His head and I see His face. There is something in His eyes. I can see it. Not the anger of being beaten. Not the terror of being sentenced to death. Not the shame of a life of crime. It is something else. Something good. Beyond the pain being inflicted upon His body, His eyes are shining with... love! With love for the people!

It makes no sense. The crowd is so angry, so full of hate. Yet He is full of love.

We finally make it to the hill. The soldiers lay each of us down upon a large pole. They tie the crossbar onto the pole. I brace for what is next. I see the spikes. I see the hammer. I roll my head to the left. I look into the eyes of the ones they mockingly called the King of the Jews. He looks at me, eyes deeper than the ocean. They seem to look right through me, right to my heart. I look away, feeling strangely ashamed of what I'd done in my life.

The hammer falls. Worse pain than I've ever felt now courses through my body. Right hand. Left hand. I feel weak with pain. I look back at Jesus. His body trembles in agony, but He continues to look into my eyes. Right foot. Left foot. The pain of the stakes is almost too much.

They lift us up. I feel the blood rush to my feet and I feel dizzy. My body sags under the weight of itself. I push myself up on the cross to be able to breath. Unbearable pain. The crowd is screaming.

Jesus. A cave. Figures in the sky. Shepherds. A King. Peace on earth. A Savior.

The disparate thoughts all merge together.

This is Him! This is the One that over thirty years ago amazing supernatural events trumpeted His arrival.

I see the figures. The angels. "Glory to God in the highest. Tonight a Savior is born."

A Savior. Jesus - which means One who saves. One who will save us all from our sins.

I turn my head for another look. I see the eyes. Eyes of love for mankind. I understand who He really is. My vision blurs. I see the baby. The innocent baby is nailed to that cross! One who hasn't harmed anyone. The Savior. The King.

The crowd continues to yell. I know He is innocent, yet I see myself walk over to Him. I spit upon Him. I slap Him. I yell, "Crucify Him!" The baby just looks at me with love.

I put Him there! I was the one.

Jesus. The One who will save people from their sins.

I rejected Him. I had heard of His miracles but I wasn't interested. I was too busy committing crimes, living my own life. My sins are too many. I step away from the cross. I feel the guilt. My mind flashes back across the years. The things I had stolen. The things I said. The selfish life I'd lived. It was me. I understand in a moment that this baby was dying not for the crimes He had committed, but for mine. For everyone standing there. For everyone yet to come.

The innocent One. The pure One. The King of the Jews. The Son of God. For me. A baby. Fully God, yet fully man. A plan. A plan for all mankind.

I push myself up again. I'm so weak. My vision is starting to blur. I see the baby. I see the severely beaten man. I see the King. I see my Savior. I understand that His Kingdom was not of this world. He is opening the door to let us all have access to that Kingdom.

"Remember me when you arrive in Your Kingdom," I say to Him.

Eyes full of love. I feel the guilt wash away. The shame removed. The humiliation gone. I feel clean. My mind is clear.

"Today, you will be with Me in paradise," He says in a soft, kind voice.

Through the excruciating pain, a slight smile crosses His mouth. Without strength to say any more, I smile back. I feel a warmth at the back of my head. My vision blurs. White. Bright. Light. Nothing.

Paradise.

Copyright 2013 - Keith Koerner

Source: http://beingreal4all.blogspot.com/2013/12/today-in-paradise-christmas-story.html

This Christmas Remember Joseph: A Fresh Reminder of An Incredible Man

Al Thomas:

http://elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=12938

Have you ever considered that the man who spent more time with Jesus than any other person, and the man who took Him to the only foreign country He ever entered (see Matthew 2:14), and the one man who raised Him as a child and a young man – was an incredible person by the name of Joseph?

During the Christmas season we almost always hear about the mother of Jesus, Mary. Yes, she played a very important part in the life of Jesus. Although Joseph is mentioned, he is seen as merely a footnote to the story. But actually, Joseph carried a greater responsibility than the Old Testament man bearing the same name. Why?

The great responsibility he carried, along with Mary, was that he daily raised this child and influenced Him more than any other man on earth. Imagine having the Son of God in your house every day. I'm sure Joseph did not realize the burden he was carrying by raising Jesus. If he had, he most likely would have (to say the least) been overwhelmed. Yes, he knew this child was special because of the circumstances of His birth; but the full impact this Child would make in the world surely eluded him.

Sometimes God hides His complete plans to protect us from going forth with them, knowing they could be too much to handle (see John 16:12). Joseph was not the physical father of Jesus, only the step-father. His real Father was God. Although we know Jesus was fully God and fully human, God felt He needed a human father also. Joseph was that man (see Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:27).

Yet, it was an amazing time of personal crisis for Joseph. During the time of their engagement, Joseph learned that his bride-to-be was pregnant and he knew that the child was not his. This came as a staggering blow to him, and observing his reaction is a telling indicator of what kind of man he really was.

Sometimes God's Instructions Are Not Easy To Obey

Joseph had nothing more to go on than Mary's word and the testimony of a dream (see Matthew 1:20). Joseph took a pregnant woman, with a child not his own, to be his wife.

There were several hard adjustments he had to make. When Joseph had to comply with the Roman census, and took Mary and the Child to Jerusalem, he had to put up with gossiping tongues. He had the good sense to know not to expect others to believe the story. This says that Joseph was not just a decisive man, but a very sensitive one too. He had the faith to trust God in an impossible situation that others would have backed away from. He wants you to have that kind of faith too.

Joseph was profoundly aware of what was going on around him, but he had the courage to act on God's word and not to listen to those who did not understand what God was doing. He trusted in Mary, in the angel's word, and in God. Trust in God's promises, no matter how outlandish they may sound.

God Entrusted The Child Jesus Into The Hands of One Man: Joseph

Imagine the responsibility on his shoulders, having to raise the Son of God in his own home. It's amazing to me that God would entrust this Child not to some powerful angel or some mighty prophet, but into the care of an unassuming man. Think of the atmosphere that Jesus experienced while growing up in that household. This was an earthly father who apparently was so full of faith and righteousness (see Matthew 1:19) that God said, "This man can do the job."

God also thinks of you in the same way. He looks at you like He did Joseph and says, "You can do this, you can do what I have called you to do. I have that same kind of confidence in you." Our Father, in His infinite wisdom, looked down on this earth and selected a man named Joseph to be the husband of Mary and the step-father of Jesus. This was no small matter.

And then there was another matter that many overlook. When the angel appeared to Mary, he said, "...you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus"(Luke 1:31). In those days, the mother had no say in the naming of the child. That was the father's call, and Mary knew it. So, when Joseph was having doubts concerning Mary's pregnancy, he also had a dream. After assuring Joseph that this indeed was from the Holy Spirit, the angel instructed him to "call His name Jesus" (Matthew 1:21).

Think about this. First, Joseph was told to go through the embarrassment of having to marry a woman who was already pregnant. Now, he's told to give the child a name not of his own choosing or from his own ancestry, but a name foreign to him. Joseph, having already been told to do a hard thing, could have thought, "You know, I've done more than I can take. I'm at least going to name this child after me...Joseph."

Can you imagine if he actually did that? It might sound comical, but can you imagine the "name above every other name" being Joseph? Or casting out demons in the name of Joseph? Sounds absurd, right? But Joseph was obedient in everything God instructed him to do. Dear one, 99% obedience is disobedience. Joseph was a man of obedience and righteousness (see Matthew 1:19).

Joseph Was Open To The Incredible – You Must Be Also

So first, Joseph wanted to put Mary away privately when he found out she was pregnant. Again, listening to an angel in a dream explain "that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit," he took Mary along his side (Matthew 1:20-21). This was unheard of at that time and culture. Jewish penalty for this was public stoning. Because Joseph was a man of faith, he took the risk of staying with Mary. This was an incredible stance he was taking by believing an incredible promise. This was uncharted territory. In the coming year, God wants to take you into uncharted territory.

But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7

Again, he knew that he would receive criticism and humiliation all of his life. Neighbors would point and talk about him. His entire family would be laughed to scorn because of this child. It had to be extremely hard for Joseph. But because Joseph was open to the incredible, Mary had a help mate while she conceived the Son of God.

This man had great faith. He believed God, and because he did, Mary didn't have to do this alone. He was open to the implausible; the amazing, and even the far-fetched. That's where God wants to take you.

If we really want to participate with God and His purposes in these last days, having faith in uncharted territory is essential. If we do, people observing us will say, "...insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, 'We never saw it on this fashion'" (Mark 2:12b). The problem is this: People have seen the same old thing time and time again. God wants to do incredible things, not for the sake of people immaturely gawking or slobbering after signs, but to demonstrate how incredible God is.

There is a children's movie called "The Incredibles." We need to take the incredible out of the fantasy world and put in back into the Church. Child of God, you are an incredible creation put here to do incredible things. Incredible things are about to happen. Be prepared to enter a new level of faith. The incredible is coming in your life, your family, and your Church. Will you believe for it? Get ready to conceive...

Al Thomas
Celebrating His Life
Email: a.thomas@myactv.net
Website: celebratinghislife.com

Al and Sherry Thomas travel extensively in America and Southeast Asia. Al and Sherry have a prophetic and healing anointing and have seen many miracles. They founded Celebrating His Life Ministries in 1997 and are gifted teachers of the Word. Prior to that date they served at Mount Hope Prison Ministry for three years. Al has pastored in Wisconsin and California and was associated with evangelist Jim Spillman, a great man of God who was known for miracles happening in his meetings. Al has walked in the healing anointing since 1997. They have seen blind eyes healed, deaf ears opened, and many other healings. They minister gently and practically, with no fanfare or dramatics. They currently minister in approximately sixty churches a year.

Don't Forget Easter This Christmas

12/22/2013

Tiffany Ann Lewis:
http://elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=12936

I'm a well-seasoned holiday veteran. I have celebrated enough holidays to know that they are not just filled with love, joy, and peace but also, at times, filled with fear, loneliness, disappointment, anxiety, and regret. I know that I need to fight the good fight of faith so that the "Grinch" can't steal Christmas from my heart. Nevertheless, once again, those negative emotions have crept in and threatened to steal my Christmas joy.

To help me fight these feelings, the Lord gave me a word that I pray will be a blessing to you this holiday, too. He said, to my heart, "Don't forget Easter this Christmas!" Just typing that phrase makes me laugh out loud. Now the Lord wasn't asking me to put some rabbit ears on Santa Claus, but what He was doing was reminding me of the power of the Resurrection.

Let's take a look at the fifth "I Am" statement of Jesus recorded in John's Gospel. Five is the number of grace, and O how we need this grace today! The statement comes in the midst of a conversation between Jesus and Martha. Lazarus, Martha's brother, has died and Martha is heartbroken. The situation seemed hopeless. Lazarus hadn't just died; the body wasn't even warm. He had been dead four days and was now buried in a tomb with a stone sealing the deal! O, but God! You see, the situation is NEVER hopeless when you have the Resurrection and Life with you.

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"(John 11:25-26). It's interesting to note that Martha already stated that she did believe in resurrection. "Martha said to Him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.'" (verse 24). She believed that anything was possible with Jesus; "But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." (verse 22).

Do you believe this? Hmm...what was Jesus getting to?

He Will Become For Us What We Need

You see, when Jesus said, "I Am the resurrection and life," He wasn't just stating a fact. He was making a bold declaration of His divinity and His power. The authority of the statement is revealed in Exodus when God had sent Moses to deliver His children. Moses was concerned that they wouldn't believe God Almighty had given him this task and would quiz him on God's name. So he was wondering what calling card God would give him to prove he was on a divine mission. God's answer..."I AM has sent you" (see Exodus 3:14).

The root of this name of God is hayah (Strong's#1961) and has the fundamental meaning of:to exist, become, and to be. Yet it also contains the idea of an abiding presence, to accompany, or to be with. Most commentators understand this to mean that God is capable to responding to us and be whatever is needed. Not only will He be with us in every situation that we face, but He will become for us what He, in His wisdom, knows that we need.

You see, not only is He here with us, He will be what we need at that moment. Nothing is lost, nothing is gone, and nothing is so broken that it cannot be put back together again. Resurrection is about restoration.

The question is, I guess...do we believe this? I'm guessing you answered, "Yes." Therefore, let's allow the hope of the Resurrection to course through our being this Christmas and to fill us up with supernatural joy, supernatural love, and a supernatural peace that passes our understanding.

Because He Lives, We Can Face Tomorrow

There is a popular song today called, "Mary, Did You Know?" written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene. The third verse of the song not only wraps up the song but places a glorious bow on top. We can open this gift this holiday season and receive whatever we need from the Lord as we remember Easter this Christmas.

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy
Is Heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping Child you're holding
Is the "Great I Am"

They didn't know prior to the Resurrection, but this side of the Cross of Christ we do.

We don't know what tomorrow will bring, yet because He lives, we can embrace the past. Because He lives, we can find purpose in today. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow.

Merry Christmas. Amen and Amen.

Tiffany Ann Lewis
Dancing With the Flame of the LORD Ministries
Email: tiffanyann@tiffanyannlewis.com
Website: tiffanyannlewis.com

Tiffany Ann Lewis is a prophetic worship leader and Bible teacher with a unique focus on Biblical Hebrew, and whose heart has been passionately awakened by a God who sees us in our shortcomings, loves us in spite of it all, and calls out to us so we can live (Ezekiel 16). Her vision is to create an atmosphere in worship where we can meet with God face to face, where the Spirit of God moves freely, releasing emotional, spiritual and physical healing, and igniting a passion for our Heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus. Tiffany Ann has been ministering for over 15 years in the Body of Christ through worship and the Word. Her newest opportunity will be to serve as an Adjunct Professor of Biblical Hebrew at the Quest Bible Institute in Georgia where she is also a fully matriculated student enrolled in a graduate level Biblical/theological studies program at Quest Bible Institute and Seminary. Upon completion of her studies she will be awarded a Master's degree in Biblical Studies.

Tiffany and her husband Rodney have been married for more than twenty years and have one darling daughter, Ashley, a glorious granddaughter, Gloriana, and two precious pups that are also a part of their family.

The Overshadowing of Mary: Accepting God's Promises

           John Belt:

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus." Luke 1:26-31

As we are in December, our thoughts turn to the birth of Jesus during the Christmas season. God sent an angel to Mary giving her favor with a promise. The angel told Mary that she had found favor with God. Why Mary? How did she get such favor?

Obviously only one would have such a privileged role in giving birth to the Messiah. I would think we could at the very least say that Mary had lived an exceptional life of purity and devotion in the Presence of God. She was hand-chosen by God for the hour and purpose. She had found favor with God. In this favor she was given the promise that she would be "overshadowed" by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God.

Accepting God's Promises

How did she respond to such an outlandish promise like this? First she said, "How can this be?" This was a normal natural response. It was not the response, "This can't be." There is a big difference between the two.

And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:35

In response she says, "Be it to me according to your word."

Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her..." Luke 1:38

That settled it. Because of her response it was as good as done. 

When you think about the promises that God has given to you, what is your response? God looks for a simple faith that believes what He says is true. It is not about our multitude of sacrifices to move God to do something. When His Word comes to us all He expects is us to respond like Mary did, "Be it according to Your word."

From the point that Mary accepted the promise God took over. The Holy Spirit came, overshadowing Mary for conception. The rest is really natural process in a supernatural paradigm. Mary carries the child in her womb over the nine months to birth the promised Child.

When it is time to give birth it is only natural to do what is necessary to bring the baby into the world. When it is time to push, you push! From what I've been able to tell, being a man, when the woman is ready to give birth there is no stopping it! Then the baby is born.

With the promises God has given us there is a time for conception, a time to carry the promise and a time to birth the promise. Birthing would be the most intense time and most obvious transitional time moving the child into a completely different world outside the womb. Understanding these different points of the process we can only expect to do what is natural to do. We are not going to try to push out a baby prematurely. There is a time for promises to come forth. As we abide in the Presence of God we can expect that God will give us the nudge to "push" these promises forth at the perfect time.

Some promises are quickly apprehended and taken, while others take longer. I believe this is not an "either or" but a "both and" reality. Some promises can come the day you receive the word and others will mature to fullness over time. Whatever the case, God has loads of promises for us so that we may partake in His divine nature! He has varied time lines for these. Some take more patience than others.

Practical Steps!

1. Hear His Word.

2. Believe and Receive His Word.

3. Let the Holy Spirit Overshadow You. Conceive the promise. Allow God to embed it in your spirit.

4. Carry the promise through abiding in His Presence with meditation upon it – whether it be a day, a year or longer.

5. You will know the time for it to come forth. Engage in some prayer pushes and see the manifestation!

Walking in simple faith in God's 

Presence is the key to know where you are in the process. There is no need to be anxious about anything, but give thanks to God in all things knowing that He is faithful to bring these things forth in their due time. Therefore we do not "let go" of any promises, but carry them in our hearts to fulfillment.

Can you imagine Mary carrying that promise of the Messiah in her womb? Could it be that during that promise at some point she thought, "This is too lofty to be true...who am I?" But she held on to what God had said and believed. God gives us big promises that are far beyond ourselves. They are "God-sized", because if we can do it ourselves it probably is not Him.

Just as Mary embraced the "rest of faith", so we too must embrace that same rest knowing that God will guide us each step of the way to see all of His promises fulfilled in our lives.

May the blessing of God's good favor be poured out upon your life today!

John & Brandi Belt
Overflow Global Ministries
Email: office@overflowglobal.com
Website: overflowglobal.com

Overflow Global Ministries is the ministry of John & Brandi Belt. The heart of their message is that God's greatest desire is to indwell His people with His presence. They believe that man was created to be inhabited by God through His Spirit. With a sincere devotion to God through the Holy Spirit, people can live in a place of overflow in His presence. This overflow translates into touching the lives of others through living encounters with God. When John and Brandi minister, the intimate presence of God is manifest – being accompanied with demonstrations of God's power to heal, revive, and restore.

"I Want You to Write a Large Future"

12/3/2013

Garris Elkins:

http://elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=12853

A Clean Sheet

Recently I was teaching in a training school for emerging leaders in California. During a question and answer session someone asked me, "What are you seeing for the year 2014?"

I responded to the question by saying that at the end of each year, I would normally ask and wait concerning a word from the Lord for the upcoming year. I did not, however, have a specific word at that time. As I was responding to the question, the Lord gave me a picture.

I saw an immense sheet of paper that covered a huge tabletop. The sheet was so large it extended out to the edge of the visible horizon line where it disappeared. The paper was brilliant white. Nothing was written on the paper – it was a clean sheet.

The next day, after returning home from the ministry trip, the image came to me once again. This time I saw a large pen – one of those antique, feathered writing pens – it descended down into the image and rested just above the surface of the unmarked sheet of paper. As the pen was suspended over the paper the Lord began to speak to me.

"I Want You to Write a Large Future"

"I want you to write something new. I did not just erase words from the past. Rather, I have provided a new place for you to write a fresh script for your life. This is something new I am inviting you to write.

"This is your assignment. I want you to write a large future – a future that may seem presumptive at first. I give you permission to presume on My goodness.

"Write like a person who has discovered My love for the first time. I want you to write in excitement without punctuation. I want your writing to be breathless with anticipation and expectation – a writing that flows from an increasing excitement at what might be.

"I promised in My Word to give you the desires of your heart. I instructed David to write the words, 'Delight yourself in Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.' I am telling you to delight yourself in Me as you write and I will give you the desires of your heart.

"As you write, your inspiration will come from the increasing level of your delight in Me. Write as a lover would write from the depths of a shared passion. Write from your delight in Me and let your passion for Me fuel your text."

When the Lord finished speaking, the pen was still suspended above the sheet of paper. I sensed the pen was waiting for a hand to reach out and take it and begin writing.

Our Heart's Desire is Purified When We First Delight in Him

God has provided us with prophetic paper, pen and ink. He wants us to believe He is comfortable with His children writing out a new future as He watches. Our delighting in the Lord protects what will be written. Our heart's desire is purified when we first delight in Him. Our delighting in God must precede our desire for a new future if our desire is to remain pure. 

Pick up the pen and begin to write:

• Write a new future for your family.
• Write a new future for your health.
• Write a new future for your church.
• Write a new future for your finances.
• Write a new future for your nation.
• Write a new future for your dream.
• Write a new future for your ministry.
• Write a new future for your city.

Write! Write! Write with a delight in God's goodness. The words you write will invite the promises of God to come and join the text of your future. This new script will become the story of a new chapter in your life that is about to unfold in 2014.

Garris Elkins, Senior Leader
Living Waters Church – Medford, Oregon
Email: info@prophetichorizons.com
Website: garriselkins.com

Garris Elkins' ministry, Prophetic Horizons, is a ministry of teaching, writing and prophecy committed to raising up a prophetic generation to speak to the cultures of our world with the empowered voice of Heaven. Garris and his wife, Jan, are the Senior Leaders of Living Waters Church in Medford, Oregon, and have two grown children, Anna and David.

Two of the Most Beautiful Words Spoken

November 26, 2013

Kathi Pelton:

http://elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=12837

Are You Hiding?

Lately I have sensed a deep longing in the heart of the Father for His children who feel far away from Him. Feelings of shame, fear and regret have always caused men and women to hide from God, but our Father always waits with arms open to restore any of us to intimacy with Him. Mankind has been dealing with this issue since creation, beginning with Adam and Eve:

"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, 'Where are you?'"(Genesis 3:6-9).

God made garments for Adam and Eve, to cover their nakedness. Although a high price was paid and continues to be paid for the choice of sin, in mercy God met with His first children and covered them. He is still doing the same for us today. He has provided for us a Garment of Righteousness to cover our sin and shame in the form of His precious Son, Jesus Christ. The enemy has been deceiving men and women since the very beginning of our creation. He continually places temptation before mankind and then tries to entice them with convincing words that will create an atmosphere of compromise. That is what he did with Eve, and he still does it today.

So...what do you do when you have given into temptation, deception, and compromise?

Do you run to the One who is there to forgive you and wash you from your sin, or have you run away and hidden from Him? If you have run away, trying in vain to hide from the Father, He wants you to know that He loves you, awaits your return, and has provided a covering for you.

God's Thoughts Toward Peter

Peter was a friend and disciple of Jesus. He had seen miracles, he had looked into the Messiah's eyes and felt His embrace, and he had walked with Him, learning from Him firsthand. Peter loved Jesus and Jesus loved Peter! Jesus knew Peter intimately and knew that he had a weakness in the area of fear. He also knew that Peter would deny Him three times on the night of His arrest and betrayal. He knew that Peter would not be with Him as He hung upon the Cross with the sins of the world pressing upon Him. He knew that Peter would run and hide. But in the midst of this story of denial, we often miss two of the most important words in the New Testament.

When they [Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome] entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, "Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid His body. Now go and tell His disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there, just as He told you before He died. Mark 16:5-7

"Including Peter..." 

What powerful words! God wanted the women and all of the disciples to know that Peter had not been excluded from His family. Peter is the only one exclusively mentioned. This was the beginning of Peter's restoration, yet Peter was not even there. Jesus was about to appear in His resurrected body before His closest friends, and even though Peter had denied Him three times and abandoned Him as He suffered upon the Cross, the first thing Jesus did was make sure that the angel included Peter in the announcement of His resurrection. He wanted everyone to know Peter was still a part of the family!

I honestly cannot imagine the pain of knowing that you denied your dearest friend and your Messiah. The shame and regret that would ensue would overwhelm even the strongest man. But Jesus' first communication (through the angel) after His resurrection has a wondrous, often-overlooked message of reconciliation within it: "Including Peter." I find these to be two of the most beautiful and powerful words that have been spoken.

Including YOU!

Can you hear the Spirit of the Lord speaking to you? Perhaps He is speaking to you through this article, because you cannot hear Him through your own shame, fear, and regret. He has an appointment to meet with you and restore you to His family. He is saying:"...including _____" (insert your name). His garment of righteousness is available to cover your shame, His love is present to heal your heart, and His embrace is waiting for you to melt away all your fears. Regret is not your friend; it is a set of handcuffs that keep you bound from embracing Him in return. I don't know what you have done (or are presently doing) but Jesus has not excluded you, and moreover, He is including you and mentioning you by name.

We have ALL sinned and fallen short of His glory, but that is why He came. He came to pay the price that we could not pay, to live the life that we could not live, and die the death that would provide everything that we need to free us from eternal separation from God.

Wherever You Go...

You cannot hide from Him – and He does not want you to try! He is with you right now. His thoughts toward you outnumber the grains of sand upon this earth and outnumber the stars in the sky. His thoughts toward you are for good and not evil, just as they were for Peter. (Photo courtesy: Ben Birchall/PA)

As I write this, it occurs to me how often each day I think about every one of my children, and how all of my thoughts toward them are loving and kind. I want them to be blessed, happy, loved; I desire them to experience deep relationship with Jesus. I think of them when I wake up each morning; I think of them as I cook, clean, shop; I pray for them continually. If I, being human, think of my children that often, then how much more does your Heavenly Father think about you?

I want to leave you with Psalm 139 (ESV):

"O LORD, You have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to Heaven, You are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night," even the darkness is not dark to You; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with You.

For you formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with You.

Oh that You would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! They speak against You with malicious intent; Your enemies take Your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Search us, O God! Lead us and restore us...and thank You for including us!

Kathi Pelton
Compassion Arise
Email: jkpelton@sbcglobal.net
Website: compassionarise.org

Kathi Pelton has a passion to encourage, uplift, and serve. As well as being a published writer, she has traveled extensively with Watchmen for the Nations, spoken at conferences, been a member of a national prophetic round-table and co-directed a house of prayer. Her favorite pastime is to spend time with her husband and children.