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6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/june-2-2023 June 2, 2023 Salty and Bright In what we call The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16). My friend, Dwain Miller, said regarding this passage: “We lost our seasoning ability (saltiness) by not embracing our calling and responsibility as the Ekklesia. When we do embrace it, we prevent corruption in society, even as salt prevents corruption when it is used to preserve food. Each of us has a sphere of authority given to us by God, in which we must release our influence as the Ekklesia: our families, cities, and other areas of responsibility. However, the world has come to a place where they expect the church to function only in the realm of empathy and sympathy. They become nervous when we step out into our responsibility as the Ekklesia of God. The devil does not like us moving into the secular realm with Christ’s authority. That’s when things get stirred up, kingdom clashes occur. “If we simply feed the hungry and clothe the poor, we are accepted. The church needs to do those things, yes, but we also need to use our authority against the dark structures holding people in that bondage of poverty. We need to release them spiritually to become everything God created them to be. When we do so, however, we stir up conflict in both the spiritual and earthly realms.” Shockingly, the Pharisees didn’t approve of Jesus healing people and delivering sinners. He healed a blind man in John 9; they didn’t like it. He forgave a lady of adultery in John 8; they didn’t like this either. The apostles healed a lame man in Acts 3, which also drew their ire. Why would kind, compassionate acts so upset the antichrist crowd? Because the authority the Ekklesia moved in verified a message they didn’t like and caused the hearts of people to turn to Christ. The works of the church weakened Christ’s enemies and strengthened the church. It is no different today. As the Ekklesia moves into society saving the lost, healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons, we’ll be persecuted by the religious and political. When we release kingdom strategies for systemic societal problems, we have been and will be attacked. And most assuredly, when we carry our moral convictions into government arenas, those who disagree with us become irate. They think we’re so clueless we can’t see their hypocrisy: they can take their beliefs and moral values - or lack thereof - into government, education, sports, media, etc., but we’re not supposed to. Their decree: “No free speech for Christians and conservatives. No voice. Just go to your churches once a week and be quiet everywhere else.” They accuse us of what they do: forcing their beliefs on others. In reality, we don’t operate in tyranny; they do. Jesus, our Leader, said our method would be to speak truth, be salt and release light. We must be prepared for the confrontations and accusations we will face with the religious and political spirits operating in our time. When the Pharisees and Sadducees had seen to it that Jesus was crucified, they thought they had finally rid themselves of the threat to their power. Many people had been following Jesus and causing them no end of troubles. We can imagine the religious leaders brushing their hands together after Christ was sealed in the tomb, boasting to one another, “Well, we took care of that problem!” Their problems had only just begun! In Acts 2, the outpouring of Holy Spirit occurred. The church had a holy boldness deposited in them by the Spirit of God, and were unstoppable! They realized jail, imprisonment, and beatings would be the result of telling others about Jesus. But they did so anyway, preaching an uncompromising message and refusing to water it down, unafraid of who would be listening. Salt. Light. Miracles began taking place, and they preached boldly. Acts 4:13 says, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” This terrified the religious leaders. They had control over the people, having actually developed an anti-Christ system in order to maintain this control. They operated in tyranny, lies, and wickedness. Now, their problem was exacerbated. There was no longer only one Jesus to deal with. Increasing numbers of people were carrying Christ within, being baptized in the Holy Spirit, speaking a clear, biblical message and performing miracles. And the church was multiplying. In Acts 5:12, it says, “And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.” Salt. Light. The response of the Pharisees and Sadducees to all this was to throw the apostles in prison. But the Lord sent an angel in the night to open the prison doors and deliver them. Nothing could stop the early Ekklesia, for God was with them. The religious, political spirit wanted to silence the Christians. No voice! But the demonically empowered opposition discovered that a greater power was in the Christ-followers, and it could not be stopped! This is where we are today. We have entered an Acts 4 and 5 season; Holy Spirit’s anointing and authority is growing in us, restoring our saltiness, our preserving and seasoning ability. I believe Christ likes the sound of clashing kingdoms; it means we are advancing His kingdom in the earth. A wise Pharisee named Gamaliel said in Acts 5:38-39 (NKJV), “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” There could be no more appropriate verse for those currently leading our nation and those vomiting their filth into our schools and airwaves. Darkness hates light - always has and always will - and spoiling bacteria hates salt. The next time you see these forces manifest, remember, the Pharisees gnashed (ground) their teeth in rage toward Stephen, shouted loudly, and covered their ears before stoning him (Acts 7:54-60). Don’t be surprised when those who hate God’s ways, hate you. Stay salty, and stay bright. Pray with me: Father, You are raising up a salty and shining Ekklesia on the earth. We are grieved by what is happening around us, with America’s spiritual demise, but we are not discouraged. You have increased our revelation and we know Holy Spirit is filling us with the fullness of Your authority, grace, and strength. Lord, we thank You that the rising Ekklesia is maturing into greater and greater authority. We purpose to function with maturity in all You have created us to do and be. We loose this powerful identity shift to all in the church who will receive it. We will not allow Your enemies to define us, or our boundaries. We will do and say all You have called us to manifest. We’ll do so in love for that is Your nature, but we will do it. We pledge to be salt and light, and to make America once again a city on a hill, not darkness in a tomb. We want You to be glorified and made manifest through the activities of Your Ekklesia. We pray that the Ekklesia (the church) will arise and go forth in dunamis power, just as the early Ekklesia did. We have been given the keys to Your Kingdom resources. We will use those keys, and as You instructed us, declare, “Kingdom of God, Come! Will of God, be done - in and through us.” We resist fear and ask for boldness, as the early church also did. And we ask for the great grace, great power, great miracles, and great results they received. We declare this to be so in the name of our King, Jesus! Today’s decree: We declare that God has, and is, gracing the Ekklesia in America to be salt and light, fearless and bold, as we expand His Kingdom into every dark place! *********************** Click on the link below to watch the full video.

5 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/june-1-2023 June 1, 2023 Turning the World Right Side Up If you follow the 15s regularly or read any of my books, you know I love to study the meanings of Hebrew and Greek words in Scripture. Seeing different definitions, nuances, and uses of a word expands my understanding of what is being said. Also, in some instances, there are multiple Greek words for one English word. For example, there are at least three different Greek words for “time.” One word (chronos)(1) means time in a general sense, as in chronology; another word (kairos)(2) means a strategic or opportune time, and still another (horaios)(3) means the right time. When we do not know which of these words is used, we cannot fully understand what is being said. Ephesians 6:18 exemplifies this. The verse tells us to “pray at all times.” The word used, however, is kairos, strategic or opportune times. We aren’t being told to pray “all the time,” though many interpret the verse in this way. The passage begins by describing the spiritual warfare in which we are engaged, then speaks of our armor and weapons. Finally, verse 18 then tells that, like all good soldiers, we must “be on the alert” for one another, watching for satan’s strategically timed attacks against our fellow soldiers. When we discern them, we must pray at that strategic time! The verse speaks of well-timed intercession against satan’s well-timed attacks. This is also the meaning of Hebrews 4:16, which tells us to boldly approach the throne of grace to obtain mercy in times of need. Time is kairos, meaning “well-timed” help. The Amplified Bible says, “Well-timed help, coming just when we need it.” With this explanation, the importance of knowing which word is used for “time” can easily be seen. Another subject in which this differentiation of words is important has to do with our spiritual maturity. There are at least four Greek words for a daughter or son, each depicting a different level of maturity. Nepios(4) means “no speech” and refers to an infant or baby; a paidion(5) is a toddler or young child; and a teknon(6) is a teenager or young adult. Finally, a huios(7) is a fully matured “son.” (Spiritually speaking, huios is not gender-based; just as a male can be part of Christ’s “bride,” females can be a fully matured “son.”) In Christ’s day, when a child matured and had been adequately trained, they were “placed” into “sonship.” For this important transition, a public ceremony called a huiothesia(8) was held. This word literally means “placed as a son.” It was different than a bar mitzvah ceremony and normally occurred at 30 years of age. The father of the child would invite members of the community to this event, for it was a public announcement that the child was now a fully mature son with full authority to represent the family name, business, etc. During the ceremony, the father would announce, “This is my beloved son (huios), in whom I am well pleased.” This is why Father God spoke these words at Christ’s baptism (Mark 1:11); He was declaring that Christ was fully authorized to speak for Him and conduct His business. It was Christ’s huiothesia. Huiothesia is usually translated “adoption as sons” in the New Testament. Technically, however, the word isn’t saying we are being adopted into God’s family. It is saying that as His children, already in the family, we are being positioned or placed into “sonship.” God’s plan is to mature us from spiritual babies to mature sons and daughters, qualified to fully represent Him. This understanding is important in Romans 8. The chapter tells us that as God’s children, we have all the rights, blessings, and privileges of being in His family. “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children (teknon) of God, and if children (teknon), heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him” (Romans 8:16-17; NASB). However, the passage makes an important distinction between children and sons, saying that “sons” (huios) of God are led by His Spirit. “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons (huios) of God” (Romans 8:14; NASB). Many of God’s kids are not yet led by Holy Spirit. Though they have access to His blessings, they are not mature enough to know His voice and ways. Children have rights and benefits; sons possess authority. The passage goes on to say that creation is groaning and travailing, waiting for the revealing of the “sons” of God - NOT His children (verse 19). The children of God cannot bring healing to the earth; only mature sons and daughters, those led by Holy Spirit, can do so. Obviously, a time of complete healing and restoration will one day come to the earth, just as a full manifestation of our sonship will one day occur. But as Christ’s Ekklesia, we are to manifest a level of this sonship now, representing His spiritual authority and releasing His healing to a groaning earth. I am confident that God has matured a company of believers throughout the earth into their “sonship” stage. Like David’s mighty men, whom we spoke of in yesterday’s post, they have grown in wisdom and knowledge. No longer spiritual babies or children, these believers have matured to a point where they can be trusted with Christ’s authority. As mature sons and daughters, they will bring salvation, healing, and restoration to impoverished nations, teaching them to prosper. They’ll transform governments, education, economies, medicine, farming, and more. They will be healers of decimated cities and nations (Isaiah 58:12), deliverers of the oppressed and downtrodden (Luke 4:18-19). This is all part of the discipling of nations we were commissioned to in Matthew 28:18-20. Although we are moving into an era of tremendous warfare on the earth, with evil increasing and manifesting in many ways, God has a people prepared to accomplish His will. We must not fear but stand boldly in his name, releasing His kingdom authority and salvation. We are His healers and deliverers. We must move in humility, but also in power. We must operate in love, but also in authority. We are ambassadors of the King of kings, and this can be our finest hour. Pray with me: Father, we are a people called for such a time as this. You have prepared the Ekklesia to accomplish Your purposes in the earth. Though at times, in our human-ness we feel inadequate as we see the evil abounding in the earth, may we always be reminded that Your grace abounds even more. Keep us reminded that we are equipped for this battle, not from our own strengths and gifts, but because of the Greater One in us and Christ’s authority upon us. We join our hearts as a great prayer army, agreeing in intercession for the church. We ask for a high level of revelation to be released in Your people that will awaken us to our calling and equipping. Make this revelation as powerful for us as it was for Peter, who only weeks after denying Christ, stepped into the fullness of his apostleship and authority. Bring revelation of Holy Spirit’s transforming power, of the incredible reality that He resides within us. Through His holy presence in us, we truly are more than conquerors, and can do all things through Christ. Pour out Your Spirit. Awaken Your spiritual army. Cause us, Your sons and daughters, to realize our authority and position in Christ. Infuse us with new levels of humility, love, faith, boldness, and discernment. Do these things with such strength that we, like the early Ekklesia, turn our world “right side up.” We pray this in Jesus' Name. Our decree: We decree that sons and daughters of the Most High God are stepping into the fullness of their destiny. *************** 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. 5550. Ibid. Ref. no. 2540. Ibid. Ref. no. 5611. Ibid. Ref. no. 3516. Ibid. Ref. no. 3813. Ibid. Ref. no. 5043. Ibid. Ref. no. 5207. Ibid. Ref. no. 5206.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-30-2023 May 30, 2023 The Power of Our Words “Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted to him. Therefore, I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you.” Mark 11:23-24 Today, I would like to discuss the number one way we impact the unseen realm of the spirit. The answer may surprise you: it is with our words. Whether releasing our faith, ministering the power and/or life of Holy Spirit, or warring against satan’s kingdom, the number one way we influence the spiritual realm is with our words. Why is this the case? I don’t pretend to know all of the complexities and ways of God. This much I do know, however: one of the primary ways He releases His power and authority is by speaking. He commands, declares, and decrees. When He does, His words release power, life, blessings, judgments, and of course, they create. With His words, God created all that exists (Genesis 1; John 1), and with the power of His words, he holds the universe together - keeps it working as intended (Hebrews 1:3). Obviously, spiritual power is released and carried by words. It isn’t the words themselves that are powerful; it is the source of the words. Jesus said on one occasion, “The words I speak are spirit and life” (John 6:63). When God made us as spirit beings like Himself, in His image and likeness, He created us with the ability to also release power and authority from our spirits, through our words. Amazing, isn’t it? We believe, we speak - we’re born again (Romans 10:9)! We believe, we speak - mountains of adversity gone (Mark 11:23)! Yes, the words spoken must be consistent with God’s Word and will. But when they are and we speak them, they are infused with His power and life. How forcible are right words! (Job 6:25 KJV). Job’s word for “forcible,” (morat) means “to press.” (1) One of its biblical uses describes a king pressing his seal of authority onto a decree or legal document with his signet ring, making it legally binding, the law of the land. Words seal deals and decree laws. They are powerful, even unto life and death (see Proverbs 18:20-21). The New Testament says we are justified or condemned by them (see Matthew 12:37). Wars are started with words. Love is communicated through words. Instruction and education are shared by words. Deception and confusion are propagated with words. Kingdoms are built with words. People are controlled by words. Lives are shattered and healed through words. The world was created by words…and so is our personal world. Words may very well be the greatest conduit of authority and power in the world. God’s “Let there be” created the world and everything in it. Ecclesiastes 12:11 says, “The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies” (KJV). Nails help us build, construct, assemble, and hold things together. So do words. The Master Craftsman used words to build the earth, the seas, the mountains, and all the other amazing elements and dimensions of creation. And, as we said, His words hold it all together. Luke’s gospel says that even the incarnation - God becoming human - was caused by a combination of God’s words and Spirit. When Mary asked how she, a virgin, could have a child, the angel informed her that the power of Holy Spirit would overshadow her and impregnate her with Jesus (1:35). Then he said, “Nothing will be impossible with God” (1:37). This translation of Luke 1:37 doesn’t do justice to the strength of what the angel actually said. The most literal and accurate rendering is: “No word spoken by God is without power.” (2) What a statement this is, and what ramifications it carries for us. Our all-powerful God infuses transcendent power into His words. They become the carriers of His awesome strength. God also calls His Word a sword with which He rules and judges. His declarations not only create and build, they also judge and destroy; they’re both constructive and destructive. Consider the following: “Out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength” (Revelation 1:16); “Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war...with the sword of My mouth” (Revelation 2:16; see also 19:15, 21). Some of God’s decrees are to create or perform in the present; others are declarations regarding the future. In Isaiah 46:9-10, God says of Himself: “I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’” Our amazing God stands outside of time, looks ahead, declares the future, and eventually, time catches up to His decree. How preposterous the fools who think they will outwit or overpower Him! When time catches up to a decree God makes concerning the future, He often involves us in its fulfillment. We become the voice of God on earth, decreeing His decrees for Him! Job 22:28 says, “You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.” (3) The first part of the verse could be more literally rendered, “You will decree a decree.” We discern God’s will and/or His decree - what He has determined about a given situation - and we decree His decree. Incredible! The verse then states that when we decree His decree, it will be “established.” This is the Hebrew word quwm, which means “to rise.” (4) God’s Word is called a seed (1 Peter 1:23), and when we sow it into a situation, we are sprinkling the seeds through which He causes His will to spring up. Quwm also describes a variety of other activities, including God’s “creative, saving, and judging action” rising up. (5) Our decreeing of the Lord’s Word releases His creativity, His salvation, and yes, even His judgments! I once stood and watched as a minister prayed, then commanded a young boy’s crooked legs to be healed. His lame legs were supported by metal and leather braces. As the minister prayed, the air was filled with the sound of joints popping; muscles and tendons formed, bones became new. The young man, who had never before run, took off his braces and ran around the church. We watched with amazement and awe. The entire congregation celebrated with this young man over his creative miracle... which was released through words! I also watched another miraculous healing take place as the same man ministered to a lady who had stomach cancer. He spoke to the cancer, commanding it to leave her in Jesus’ name. The woman immediately vomited up the cancer, completely healed... again, through the release of Spirit-led words! I know these stories sound like fiction, but in the 1960s, it was not strange to see miracles like these take place in services across America. Thousands were healed supernaturally. I personally witnessed dozens of healings. Both of the above miracles were substantiated by doctors. I know, because the minister was my dad. Pray with me: Father, we release the power of Your words into America. (If you live elsewhere, do this for your nation.) We declare that the earth is the Lord’s - Yours - and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1). All of it is owned by You. You are the King of all the earth (Psalm 47:7). All authority on earth belongs to You (Matthew 28:18-19). Yours is the Kingdom and power and glory forever (Matthew 6:10). We declare that Your authority is now being released over the government of America, and that You are dismantling the arrogant systems and political forces that oppose You. All who have opposed You, along with the strongholds they have built, will be pulled down. Unrighteous laws they have written will be reversed in the coming season of revival and reformation. Their evil ways and activities will be exposed. Your angels are on the move now to expose and dismantle. We declare Your words that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness, and that Your mercy endures forever and triumphs over judgment. Through Christ’s cleansing blood, appropriated through our confession of sin, repentance, and faith we declare that America shall be saved! And we declare that the Ruler over and Lover of the nations will have His great worldwide harvest. Man can’t stop it, and demons can’t stop it. It shall be…in Jesus’ name! Our decree: We obey Christ and command over America: Kingdom of God, come! Will of God, be done in this land! ******************* Portions of today’s devotional were taken from my book Authority in Prayer. (6) Click on the link below to watch the full video. ------------------------------------------- 1. Strong, James. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. 7th ed., Abingdon Press, 1980. 2. Bible Hub, “For no word from God shall be void of power.” https://biblehub.com/multi/luke/1-37.htm. Accessed 28 June 2021. 3. “Strong's Hebrew: 1504. גָּזַר (gazar) -- to cut, divide, decree.” Bible Hub, https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1504.htm. Accessed 28 June 2021. 4. “Strong's Hebrew: 6965. קוּם (qum) -- to arise, stand up, stand.” Bible Hub, https://biblehub.com/hebrew/6965.htm. Accessed 28 June 2021. 5. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer, Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke, Theological Workbook of the Old Testament. Moody, 1980, p. 793. 6. Sheets, Dutch. Authority in Prayer: Praying With Power and Purpose. Baker Publishing Group, 2015, pp. 102-106.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-31-2023 May 31, 2023 David’s Elite Fighting Force “So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam, and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it, they went down there to him. Everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented and bitter gathered to him, and he became captain over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him.” (1Samuel 22:1-2; NASB) Holy Spirit led me to speak from this passage last weekend at Chuck Pierce’s Pentecost gathering. These verses speak of the beginning of David’s preparation to be king over Israel, and of the beginning of his elite fighting force, referred to in Scripture as “David’s mighty men.” Some historians consider this the most skilled group of fighting men in history. This is obviously subjective and in no way intended to be a slight to the great warriors that have existed throughout history. It is simply to point out what an incredible fighting force they were. It is important to know the context of these verses. David had recently been anointed as the next king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-13). At the time, He had no idea of the process that would occur to prepare him, a process that would take 20 years! This is true with most of us when we hear prophetic words. We assume they will happen relatively quickly and, indeed, some do. At times, however, God is announcing His plans for down the road…sometimes many roads. The current king, Saul, had no intention of allowing David to take his position. To stop it, he turned against David, no doubt motivated by demonic spirits that controlled him. Saul was insanely jealous and eventually even became a murderer, killing priests of God (1 Samuel 22:16-19) and attempting to murder David (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:1). Due to these attacks, David had to flee. He landed in a cave named Adullam. God used these years of David’s life to prepare him. In no way am I suggesting God was behind these attacks on David or the evil that overtook Saul. I’m merely pointing out that He used them as part of David’s preparation. David wrote several of the Psalms from this cave, learned to persevere and forgive, developed character and a high level of trust in God, grew in his ability to receive revelation and also in his wisdom. David also became a leader. It is not enough to be a slayer of bears, lions, and giants. Wielding a weapon is not as powerful as wielding wisdom. Fighting skills, though important for David, did not equate to wisdom, hearing from God, and leadership skills. The same is true for us. The ability to war spiritually against Satan’s forces, though very important, does not qualify us for other responsibilities in God’s kingdom. These will require different aspects of maturity. David’s Mighty Men Back to the context of these verses. Other outcasts joined themselves with David at the cave of Adullam. They were described as those in: Distress - the word also means “anguish, stress, disability, even confinement.” Their difficulties were so severe as to be disabling; they were completely trapped and confined by their circumstances. Debt - they had nothing and were poverty ridden. Bitter - this is actually two words in Hebrew, meaning literally, “bitter of soul.” Life had been cruel to them; they were down and out, in great anguish, trapped in poverty, and bitter at their plight. The passage says David became the “captain” of these 400 “losers,” or so they seemed. Here is what I believe Satan was likely saying to David: “You think you are the new king over God’s people? Okay, here is your army. Let’s see how you enjoy leading these hopeless, helpless misfits I have decimated.” Satan excels in his mocking attempts to discourage us and defer our hope, until it becomes debilitating and robs us of faith. God, however, was saying something else to David: “Look through My eyes, David - this IS your army. Do with them what I had to do with you. You were the youngest, the smallest, and the least respected in your family, but I saw what no one else could see and chose you to be king over Israel. You cannot see it with your natural eyes, but I have sent you world-class warriors. Love and lead them, and I will help you train them into the greatest fighting force the earth will ever see. And, by the way, you are not worthy of leading thousands in My Kingdom until you are willing to love and lead the 400 down-and-outers.” David passed the test. And so did the 400! Some of these warriors killed hundreds of enemy soldiers in single battles (2 Samuel 23:8; 1 Chronicles 11:11); one fought until he could no longer control his fingers, so he held on to his sword with his heart and kept fighting (2 Samuel 23:10). When the battle was over, they had to pry his fingers loose from the sword. Another warrior jumped into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion (1 Chronicles 11:22). “They were equipped with bows, using both the right hand and the left to sling stones and to shoot arrows from the bow…mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, and whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains” (1 Chronicles 12:2, 8; NASB). Over time, and as their numbers grew, they also developed spiritual gifts and anointings. It was said of the soldiers from the tribe of Issachar that they had understanding and discernment of the times to know what Israel should do (1 Chronicles 12:32). This was not stated in the context of the priesthood or government, but of David’s army! Talk about “intel”! Holy Spirit has been speaking to me, through “David’s mighty men,” about the prayer army He has created today. Honestly, we were far from impressive 30 years ago when He began. Go back 20 more years, and this army didn’t even exist! Intercessors were VERY “few and far between.” The church looked more like David’s cave-dwellers: poor, distressed, and holding on ‘til the rapture. But God saw something else - warriors at heart! And Jesus, the “Son of David,” went to work by His Spirit. He trained, restored gifts, equipped, seasoned, poured out revelation and increased wisdom. Many in His body have become a true Ekklesia - authorized representatives of His Kingdom authority on earth. No longer cave-dwelling outcasts, they are mighty men and women of faith, equipped for the spiritual battle of our times. These warriors have matured in His Word and ways, been filled with Holy Spirit, honed their gifts and discernment, learned to use their swords, and are ready to win the spiritual war now being waged. I say to this remnant of warriors: “Be strong in this hour! Our King is the true King over all the earth. He is Owner and Ruler of all, presiding over a Kingdom that will never cease, not only in its existence but also in its expansion (Isaiah 9:6-7). And He is coming to reap the harvest of the ages, pouring out the former and latter rains for harvest (Joel 2:23). You are ready for this! You have been trained and equipped! Now…be bold, strong, and fearless. Announce Christ’s victory and declare His harvest over the earth DAILY - over your families, cities, nations, and the earth! “YOU ARE HIS VOICE..!” Pray with me: Father, thank You for showing us through David’s mighty men that our beginning condition does not dictate our end. You take those who are weak, poor, downtrodden, in anguish, disabled, bitter of soul, even steeped in sin and transform them by the power of Your Spirit. We see dry bones, You see an army. Thank You for allowing us to enlist. Thank You for the transforming work You have done in the church over the last 30 years. You have indeed raised up an Ekklesia the gates of hell cannot prevail against. Like David and his mighty men, You have made us ready for the giants. We can run through a troop and leap over a wall. Like Joshua and Caleb, we are well able to take the land. We declare now over the United States of America: Revival is coming to you! Revival is coming to your young people, their schools, their gangs, their hearts. Revival is coming to your streets, neighborhoods, churches, businesses, government, the military, the rich and poor, and every race. The exposing of evil ideologies, plans, and strategies will continue: government, its agencies, education, media - all exposing will continue. Their agendas will be exposed, their dishonesty will be seen for what it is, and a majority of Americans will continue to awaken to what is truly occurring. Holy Spirit will uncover! Angels will war on our behalf! The plans and purposes of Christ for our nation will be fully restored and accomplished! And we declare all this in His name. Amen. Our decree: We decree that the army of God is ready and equipped for spiritual war, and will prevail in this hour. ********************** Click on the link below to watch the full video.

7 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-29-2023 May 29, 2023 The Gold Star Heroes - Memorial Day It is difficult to introduce a post like today’s. Honoring true heroes with words alone isn’t possible; though heartfelt, they simply aren’t adequate. I encourage you on this Memorial Day, DO something to honor the memory of a hero: give a gift to his/her family (flowers, a gift card, pay for a night out, anything); write a letter or make a call; or visit a grave, as the writer of today’s post did. Few Americans nowadays think of honor as spiritual. But it actually is very spiritual. Whether it be toward God, parents, elders, country (and, yes, its flag), or the memory of those who preceded us, the value of honor has depreciated. We are all poorer because of this sad fact. Please join our contributor today, retired Army Major William J. Ostan, the recipient of two bronze stars, in giving worthy honor where it is due. Will shares: ******* “Have you ever spent a day with one of your heroes? I recently did, and it changed me in ways I did not expect. It reawakened and reanimated the biblical precept of ‘honor’ in my spirit. Before I tell you the name of my hero, I want to talk about my journey in understanding what it means to be heroic. “My childhood and teenage years were spent idolizing Michael Jordan’s exploits on the basketball court and admiring Derek Jeter’s winning ways on the baseball diamond. Jordan and Jeter were my heroes. As a youth, I wore their jerseys with pride, had posters of them in my room, and tried, unsuccessfully of course, to replicate their athletic prowess. “There is nothing wrong with looking up to sports stars, since they often model discipline, fortitude, and grit as they strive to overcome adversity in their pursuit of professional excellence. These are all qualities that we should aspire to incorporate into our daily lives. But it wasn’t until NFL football player Pat Tillman lost his life in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004, while serving with the Army Rangers, that I began to ponder another, deeper meaning of heroism. “Webster’s 1828 Dictionary primarily defines the word ‘hero’ as a person of ‘distinguished valor, intrepidity or enterprise in danger; as a hero in arms.’ The secondary definition is ‘a great, illustrious, or extraordinary person; as a hero in learning.’[i] “Some of these words like ‘valor,’ ‘intrepidity,’ or ‘illustrious’ seem anachronistic, as if they belong in an ancient time with no relevance to our modern lives. But I think these words, just like heroes, are needed now more than ever. In fact, I believe all of these words from antiquity can point us to one word that still holds gravitas in the past and the present – that word is ‘honor.’ “The Bible is full of instructions pertaining to honor, which Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines as ‘to revere; to respect; to manifest the highest veneration for, in words and actions.’[ii] In 1 Timothy 1:17 and Revelation 5:13, we are exhorted to honor God. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:17(NASB) to ‘honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.’ In Romans 12:10(ESV), Paul commands us to ‘love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.’ “On Memorial Day, we adhere to this Biblical principle by honoring the brave men and women of the United States’ Armed Forces who have given their lives willingly in defense of our freedom. As a combat veteran of two foreign wars, I have seen the immediate costs of the Fallen’s sacrifice. Before their flag-draped coffins would depart on their final flight home to America, we would pause all warfighting duties to remember their lives in a formal ceremony. The gravitas and emotional import of those ceremonies are seared into my heart and mind. “What I did not fully realize until several years after my combat deployments were complete, is that the heroes we lost on the battlefield were not the only ones worthy of honor. Their families, left behind to navigate life without their beloved Fallen Servicemember, are also worthy of veneration. According to Arlington National Cemetery’s official website, they became known as ‘Gold Star Families’ because: ‘Following the end of World War II, Congress designated the Gold Star Lapel Pin. The pin was modeled after the banners and features a gold star with a purple background surrounded by laurel leaves. According to law, the United States military must present the lapel pin to the immediate family member of the deceased. If you see someone wearing this pin, know that they lost someone close to them who served the country heroically.’[iii] “This brings us to the moment where I can introduce you to my hero whom I alluded to earlier. “Staff Sergeant (SSG) Michael H. Simpson, an elite U.S. Army ‘Green Beret,’ was assigned to Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) when he departed for his second combat deployment on April 6, 2013. While maneuvering on an ATV in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, SSG Simpson hit a pressure-plate improvised explosive device (IED). On May 1, 2013, he died of wounds sustained in the blast. Mike was only 30 years old.[iv] “Mike’s Gold Star Wife, Krista Simpson Anderson, is my hero. There are many reasons why I have a high regard for her, but one of the most notable is instead of becoming embittered by the tragic loss of her husband, Krista heroically founded The Unquiet Professional. They are a world class charitable organization committed to recognizing and honoring our nation’s Gold Star Families, Veterans, and military families by providing rewarding and purposeful opportunities to heal from the wounds of war.[v] “A few weeks ago, Krista took me to visit Mike’s final place of rest in Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery. I do not cry often, but I was moved to tears. This is because, in the sacred grounds at Arlington, honor is more than a word. It is a tangible presence, a weighty reminder that we live amidst an unseen spiritual realm where the sacrifices paid by the dearly departed saints whisper to us. If we are willing to listen, their memorable lives are always encouraging us to act in an honorable way, worthy of Jesus Christ who is our undisputed ultimate Hero.[vi] “Today, Memorial Day 2023, may we all ask Holy Spirit to empower us to live lives full of honor, as we remember the Fallen heroes like Staff Sergeant Michael Simpson and the heroic Gold Star families like Krista Simpson Anderson and her children. ******* Pray with me: Heavenly Father, Your eyes have seen all the sacrifices paid by the Fallen. Every man. Every woman. Every casualty of war. Every friend, every spouse, every parent, every child and family member, every comrade who has lost a loved one both past and present– you’ve seen their tears and grieved alongside them all. Not one moment in battle or in the Gold Star Families’ homes has escaped Your notice. Father, we honor the men and women who so selflessly gave their lives, and we honor those family members and loved ones who feel the loss most deeply. For those still mourning, would You wrap Your arms of comfort around them and make Yourself known to them. For our own hearts, Lord, we ask that You impart to us a deep gratitude for the great cloud of witnesses who’ve paid a price so we can live in a land of liberty. Empower us to live lives of honor that are worthy of Your Name that is above all names. In the mighty and honor filled name of Jesus, amen. Our decree: We decree that the American Fallen and their Gold Star Families shall be remembered, causing the church to begin to embody biblical honor once again. ************************ Click on the link below to watch the full video. BIO: William J. Ostan is a retired Army Major and the recipient of two bronze stars. He is the Founder and CEO of Arc of Justice, a nonprofit organization that advocates for active-duty wounded warriors. Will is the co-author of the Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights, which is bipartisan legislation currently being considered in Congress. You can find out more about his cause at www.arcofjusticeusa.org ********************* [i] Webster, Noah. Noah Webster's First Edition of an American Dictionary of the English Language. Foundation for American Christian Education, 1989. For clarity, these definitions are from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary that was reprinted in 1989. [ii] Ibid. [iii] The following is a more thorough description of the Gold Star origin from the Arlington National Cemetery website “The origin of what would become Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day started with a simple accessory: a black armband with a gilt star. During World War I, family members would wear these armbands to represent a loved one who had died in the war. The stars would later find their way to being displayed on banners that were hung in windows or front doors. Banners with blue stars were hung to represent immediate family members who were serving. Some would have one star; others would have two or three. The stars symbolized the people who were supposed to be home but were missing from the dinner table. If a family member died during their service, the blue star would be replaced with a gold one.”https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Blog/Post/12728/A-Brief-History-of-Gold-Star-Mothers-and-Family-s-Day#:~:text=The%20stars%20symbolized%20the%20people,gold%20star%20in%20her%20window Last accessed on May 5th, 2023. [iv] Please read more about the remarkable life of SSG Mike Simpson at https://www.herocards.us/hero140. You can also obtain his “Hero Card” from this website. [v] https://www.theunquietprofessional.org [vi] Colossians 1:13-20 (ESV) is one of many Scriptures that describe the greatness of our greatest hero. “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-26-2023 May 26, 2023 The Friendship Satan and his team, with lots of help from religion, have painted God as a very distant, non-relational being. If thought of at all, our Creator is primarily considered the Judge or, in times of crisis, a possible but unlikely means of help. Our adversary is nothing if not a very skilled deceiver. But God’s desire for friendship was the corner of His heart where we were conceived. Our quest and destiny should be to find it again. A few years ago, I was elk hunting in the mountains of Colorado when I came upon a monument to friendship. After hiking several hours up a mountain, near the edge, where one of the most majestic views imaginable could be seen, was a plaque bolted to a rock! I couldn’t believe what I had stumbled upon. Tears came to my eyes as I read the words carved into the plaque. “In memory of my friend and hunting partner, [name], with whom I roamed these mountains from 1963-2003. He loved these mountains, streams, snow-packed peaks, and beautiful valleys. I miss him. [Name of deceased friend] 1930-2003” It may sound overly dramatic, but I was so moved, I removed my hat and stood in silence, honoring the friendship enjoyed by these men. I tried to imagine the joys and memories created, as well as the pain of the surviving warrior’s loss as he climbed this hill, memorial in hand, to honor the memory of a true friend. One can only imagine the hours they shared together. I thought of this as I stood looking over the vastness of the Rocky Mountains. Then I thought how much greater is the awesomeness of sharing moments such as these with the Creator Himself. A friendship implies closeness and takes time to develop. It is comprised of trust, compatibility, affection, and, of course, a high level of interpersonal knowledge. I have many acquaintances, but very few people I call my friends. The few I classify as such are those I enjoy spending time with sharing life’s experiences together. We’re vulnerable with one another, freely communicating our hopes and dreams. I celebrate my victories with them and am comforted by their presence when hurting. We keep it real. My walls are down when we’re together; I am unguarded and transparent, unafraid to let them see the real me – the unpolished version. I know they will always “be there” for me, and I for them. Many more defining characteristics of friendship could be stated, but this much is certain: Friendship defines the highest level of relationship. Even higher than family. Most Christians have no intimacy with God, spend very little time with Him, and have limited knowledge of His heart and ways. “A casual acquaintance” would best define their relationship with Him. We mustn’t cheapen friendship by lowering the standard. I want to quickly point out, however, that friendship with God is possible for every believer and is His desire for us. Abraham’s walk with God was an example of this level of relationship; three times in Scripture, God called him His friend. And He desires this relationship with each of us. This is not only a part of our destiny, it’s part of God’s dream. In bemoaning our shallow understanding of friendship with God and the fact that so few experience it, I don’t mean to impugn our intentions and motives. The fact is, we are much like Abraham at the beginning of his journey with the Lord. We begin our walk with God just as He did - wanting the benefits He offers. We aren’t terribly interested in His dreams; we probably aren’t even consciously aware He has any. But we are aware that He can help us with ours, so we cut deals with Him, talk to Him primarily on the basis of our needs, and remind Him that He is our Father, meaning our source of provision.(1) In a sermon called “The Disciple’s Prayer,“ Haddon Robinson tells the following story, which pictures the unenlightening and inappropriate beginning of our relationship with God. “When our children were small, we played a game. I’d take some coins in my fist. They’d sit on my lap and work to get my fingers open. According to the international rules of finger opening, once the finger was open, it couldn’t be closed again. They would work at it until they got to the pennies in my hand. They would jump down and run away, filled with glee and delight. Just kids. Just a game. “Sometimes when we come to God, we come for the pennies in His hand. “‘Lord, I need a passing grade. Help me remember this material.’ “Lord, I need a job.’ “Lord, I need a car.’ “We reach for the pennies. Then we walk away.” (2) We’re all so human. We see God primarily as our Provider. Do we really know Him as a friend? No, not at the beginning of our journey. God understands this, however, and in His love and humility, is willing to meet us where we are. “He first loved us,” the Scripture tells us (1 John 4:19), not the other way around. His love embraces us and makes us His child. And just as a natural child doesn’t begin its relationship on a friendship level with Mom and Dad, our heavenly Father knows we won’t with Him, either. Initially, it’s all about us. Most of us, when younger and in our parents’ home, trusted them to provide for us. Appropriately so. But, hopefully, the day arrives when we want to be more than just well-cared-for children. I know I did – I wanted to be my parents’ friend. At that point, I cared more about their happiness, well-being, and dreams than I did their provision. I wanted to give more than take from them. We no longer talked only of my happiness; we discussed things that interested them, as well. Over the years, their faith had been transferred to me, and we dreamed together about making a difference for God. Our relationship had matured into a friendship. The same is true of Abraham. He started his journey with God looking for lands, blessings, and greatness. He embraced the promise of a biological son through whom he would produce a great nation. But thankfully, the relationship grew. There were some rough spots along the way; when God didn’t provide the son He promised in the timing he expected. Still, though Abraham demonstrated humanness, in the end, he proved his trust in God had grown to a level few ever attain. He was even willing to sacrifice Isaac, his long-awaited son, believing if he did so, God would raise Isaac from the dead. What trust! Yahweh so cherished his friendship with Abraham that, when Abraham died, He saw to it His friend was buried at Hebron, which actually means “friendship.” I can’t help but believe that, like the hunting friend's mountaintop plaque, this was God’s tribute to their friendship. Upon Abraham’s arrival in heaven, I like to think Yahweh stood, got everyone’s attention, and honored the old patriarch: “This is Abraham, My friend. We dreamed together, and enjoyed the pleasure of one another’s company.” When God is looking for someone He can be vulnerable with, a friend with whom He can share His hopes, dreams, and, yes, even His disappointments, I hope He feels He can look to me. And when my earthly life is over, and my body is laid to rest, if it can be said that He and I were friends, well, I will have been a success. Pray with me: We are grateful, Father, that friendship with You is Your desire for us. Thank You, Jesus, for restoring the potential for friendship with God to every believer, fulfilling our destiny and the dream of God’s heart. Thank You for lovingly receiving our child-like interactions as genuine offerings, though they often come from immature hearts. Your love is so great that You meet us there and woo us tenderly toward the place of deep intimacy and trust. May the quest of our lives be to find this place of true friendship and walk with You. God, when You are looking for someone in Your family You can be vulnerable with, a friend with whom You can share Your hopes, dreams and, yes, even Your disappointments, we want You to feel You can look to us. We want to enjoy the pleasure of Your company, and we want You to enjoy the pleasure of our company. Our decree: We decree that we will relentlessly pursue friendship with God, life’s greatest pleasure. ***************** Click on the link below to watch the full video. --------------------------------------------- Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company and published by Baker Books. -------------------------------------------- 1. Adapted from Dutch Sheets, Dream (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2012), pp 101-106. 2. Haddon Robinson, “The Disciple’s Prayer,” Preaching Today no. 117, quoted in Greg Herrick, “Knowing God and Prayer,” https://bible.org/book/export/html/6336.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-25-2023 May 25, 2023 The Walk I love to walk. I also like to explore. When I hunt, which I also like to do, I mostly walk around and check out the sights. This diminishes my effectiveness since the animals are so adept at seeing movement and hearing noises. I don’t mind, however. For me, the thrill is in the hunt itself - the search, the exploration - not in the harvesting of an animal. The farthest I’ve walked in one day while hunting, that I know for sure, is just over twenty miles. I know this because my nephew measured it using his GPS. On this particular day, such a long walk wasn’t planned. My brother Tim, his son, another friend, and I were scouting, looking for the best way in and out of a specific location. We were confident there was a dirt road at the base of the mountain we were standing on because we could see portions of it. The woods, however, were too thick to see where it led. We debated for a few minutes whether to carefully make the VERY steep descent, which was a LONG way down. If we were wrong about where the road led, the climb all the way back up the steep mountain would be grueling and dangerous, if not impossible. But since we really wanted to check out the road, and were confident it would lead us out, we decided to take the risk. We were wrong. Way wrong. I can’t begin to tell you just how wrong we were! The road was actually on the other side of a broad stream. No way across. And even if we could have gotten across, it was on private land! The area was gorgeous, with lush meadows bordering aspen trees, and the beautiful mountain stream. But there was no access to the road. Thinking perhaps we would find another road if we followed the stream, we walked a mile or so. Eventually, we happened upon another hunter sitting at the edge of the stream. Relieved, we conversed for a while, then asked him where the road out was located. “What road?” he responded. “The road out of here.” “There is no road out of here,” he answered. “There has to be,” we insisted, our concern mounting. “My dad and I have been hunting here for twenty-five years,” he said, “and I guarantee you there is no public road in or out of here. The dirt road across the stream is private, and the owner lets NO ONE use it. You can’t get over there, anyway. “How did you get here?” we asked, still unwilling to believe him. “Horseback. We pack in and camp for the week.” We told him where we had parked on top of the mountain, and asked him how to get to it. With a slight grin and a confident demeanor, he pointed to a trail we could see meandering several thousand feet up the mountain. “Up that trail, boys,” he said. “That’s the only way out of here. That’s why they call it ‘Hell Hole.’” Shocked, and a little panicky, we said, “We have to be out by dark!” It was around noon at the time. He gave us a warning smile and a piece of advice: “Then you’d better get going.” We made it just before dark - with sore feet, tired legs, and bragging rights: We’d been to “hell” and back. Actually, it wasn’t that bad for a true walker. And it was so gorgeous down there I’ve always wanted to go back. Hey, if you wanna make the memory, you gotta take the walk! If a person planned ahead, packed a lunch and plenty of water, it wouldn’t be all that bad. And the peaceful meadow nestled up against the beautiful mountain stream - well, it was, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The higher we climbed on our way out, the more beautiful the view of the stream and meadows below became. To me, Hell Hole had become Heavenly Hole, a view and an experience I’ll never forget. Perspective is everything. Enoch was a walker. You’ve probably heard of him. He was the guy whose company brought Yahweh such pleasure that the Lord decided to go ahead and translate him to heaven: “And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him,” (Genesis 5:24). One day, he was there, the next day he wasn’t. I wonder if anyone saw him vanish, or get in a fiery chariot, if the Lord took him in the manner he took Elijah. How would you like to try explaining that to your friends? I don’t think so. The concept of Enoch “walking” with God is a fascinating one. The word used can mean several things. It describes the flowing of a river, the descending of a flood, the blowing of the wind, the tossing of the sea and, of course, walking. The basic idea is movement. It is used metaphorically to speak of the pathways of one’s life. For example, a son can “walk in” or “follow after” the ways of a father. Enoch followed after God and His ways, walking with Him on the pathway of his life. The meaning is quite simple: He lived life with God. Not satisfied with the mundane existence of life without God, Enoch decided to prioritize and enjoy the pleasure of His company. Somehow he knew walking with God was a decision HE had to make - not God. The Scriptures do not say, “God walked with Enoch,” although that obviously occurred as they spent time together. No, the wording is important and the point is clear: “Enoch walked with God.” The Scriptures do tell us how the Lord felt about this relationship, however. The New Testament says of Enoch: “He obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God” (Hebrews 11:5). “Pleasing” is from the Greek word euarestos. “Well-pleasing” would be a more accurate translation; the prefix eu means “well” or “good,”(1) and arestos means “to please.”(2) Seeing other people gloat over their grandkids has always been pleasing (arestos) to me. Now, having my own grandkids is well-pleasing (euarestos). Enoch was more than pleasing to God, he was well-pleasing. This hyphenated word isn’t used much nowadays. A more contemporary way of describing Enoch’s relationship with God would simply be that he brought Him “great pleasure.” Fascinating, isn’t it? What is for us “the pleasure of His company“ can become for God “the pleasure of our company. “For most, this is an unheard-of concept. It’s one thing to believe God can use us. And believing that our obedience to His laws pleases Him? No problem. But I can’t help but wonder how many people realize their presence can bring pleasure to the Lord. Don’t be deceived into thinking that only a few spiritual elites, such as Enoch, could have such a relationship with the Lord. Paul said to the Corinthians, “We also have as our ambition… to be euarestos to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). A literal rendering of the latter part of Hebrews 12:28 would read, “Let us have gratitude, by which we can offer to God euarestos worship with reverence and awe.” It absolutely is possible to become a pleasure to Father God. This knowledge is transformative, motivating us to begin “the walk.” God created us as His family in His own image and likeness, with the capability of truly knowing and understanding Him. When this is known and embraced, life becomes an exciting and glorious journey. Yes, there will be hills to climb, but they’re part of a wonderful destiny to fulfill, not a journey to endure. And the higher you climb, the more magnificent the view. Whatever else you do today, whether it be making money, enjoying someone else’s company, or simply having a little fun, be sure to also spend some quality time with Abba. You were made for His pleasure. Take the walk! Pray with me: Father, teach us to walk in rhythm with the beat of Your heart. We know it gives rise to great pleasure within You. We want to be found pleasing and delighting You. Help us to prioritize, reroute, and walk tirelessly, following the ways of Your heart. May the cry from within us be as Moses’: “I’ll only move forward if You do.” We choose to be led along on the pathway that brings honor and glory to You. May pleasing You, Father, be our greatest ambition, such that when our lives on this side of eternity end, it will be said of us that we walked faithfully with You, choosing to offer You the pleasure of our company. And Father, though America - and many other nations - are in horrible situations, “hell holes.” You are willing to transform them all into redeemed places of beauty. Reveal Your gracious heart. May many nations taste and see that You are good, Your ways just. We call this forth in the name of our great Redeemer, Christ Jesus. Amen. Our decree: We WILL walk with God, pleasing Him and enjoying the pleasure of His company. ************************* Click on the link below to watch the full video. -------------------------------------------- Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company, published by Baker Books. _________________________________ James Strong The New Strong’s exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 2101. Ibid, ref, no 701

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-24-2023 May 24, 2023 The Place I love the mountains. Doesn't matter if it’s to hunt, fish, walk, or sit - I just love hanging out in mountainous terrain. I’ve spent hundreds of hours climbing hills, hiking majestic peaks, and sitting in lush valleys, reflecting, relaxing, and rejuvenating my inner person. If you’ve never sat at the edge of a 13,000 feet mountain peak on a clear, sunny day, looking over forests, rivers, lakes, and valleys - well, let’s just say your bucket list is unfinished. I remember the day several years ago while hunting elk in Colorado. Actually, I wasn’t elk hunting; I was “place hunting.” I had walked an hour or so from the truck when I rounded a turn, crested a hill, and...there it was. Several hundred yards below me was a gorgeous stream. Across the stream was a beautiful green meadow, covered with flowers, leading up into a golden aspen forest. Indescribable beauty! Almost surreal. Well, this is it, I thought. The hunt is over. I couldn’t find a better place to sit and talk to God. “How’s it going today, Abba?” I asked. “It sure is great to be together here in this amazing, majestic setting.” I sat there for a while thinking and conversing with Dad, just enjoying the pleasure of His company. After an hour or so, I heard the unmistakable screech of a Golden Eagle. Sure enough, there it was, soaring right in front of me - gliding, dipping, flying over the river, then back above the trees - just showing off. “How do you like that, son?” Papa God asked. “Amazing, Dad. Incredible performance,” I said, thanking Him. If any of you have biblical proof that God would not have caused this eagle airshow and then spoken to me in this way, please keep it to yourself. Leave me in my blissful ignorance. What a day! As much as I love mountains, I don’t like being alone on one in the dark. Things get a little scary in the mountains when the sun goes down. The absence of light awakens fright, and thrills give way to chills. There are wolves, grizzlies, black bears, and mountain lions behind every bush, just waiting to eat people! And one can get lost, really lost, on a mountain in the dark. So I always made sure I was back to the truck by nightfall. Having experienced the intimidation of a mountain alone at night causes me to be even more impressed with Joshua and his thirty-four days alone on Mount Sinai. Many people know Moses spent forty days and nights with God on this mountain, receiving the Ten Commandments and other laws, precepts, and religious rites God intended Israel to live by. Almost no one, however, thinks about Joshua. But he was there, also. God instructed Moses to join Him on this fiery mountain and take Joshua, his servant, with him. Now the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and remain there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commandments which I have written for their instruction. So Moses arose with Joshua his servant, and Moses went up the mountain of God. But to the elders, he said, ‘Wait here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a legal matter, let him approach them” (Exodus 24:12-14). Moses obeyed, and up they went. Then things get somewhat puzzling. God actually made the two of them wait six full days before He said anything. “And on the seventh day, He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud” (v. 16). Can you imagine? What would you do for six days sitting just outside a cloud generated by the glory of God, with thunder crashing and lightning flashing inside of it? The mountain actually shook, at times. I wonder if Joshua ever nervously asked, “Uh, Moses, are you sure we’re supposed to be here?” We’re not told what they did for six days, or why God made them wait. Perhaps He was teaching them patience. Finally, however, He spoke from within the glory cloud and invited Moses in. Notice, I said “Moses” was invited. The part of this story that intrigues me most is that on the seventh day, when Moses disappeared into the glory cloud, Joshua was left alone for thirty-four more days! He wasn’t invited to the party. One can only imagine what it was like to be there, alone, for more than a month. Was he horrified when Moses walked into the cloud? It was more than just a cloud, after all; it was a fiery cloud: “To the eyes of the sons of Israel [from the base of the mountain], the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top” (v. 17). One has to wonder: Did Joshua wonder for thirty-four days if Moses survived? Was he hearing God and Moses talk? Did he flinch every time the mountain shook? Could he hear the finger of God chipping the Ten Commandments into the tablets? Did he get hungry? If so, what did he eat? Was he tempted to leave? (We know he didn’t. Exodus 32:17 tells us the two of them came off the mountain together.) Did Joshua sit for hours just staring at the glory? Did he receive angelic visitations? While Yahweh was with Moses, were Jesus or Holy Spirit visiting Joshua? What was his reaction when Moses finally emerged with his face glowing from glory exposure? Although God didn’t reveal these things, He did give us a hint of the effect this experience had on Joshua. In Exodus 32, he and Moses came off the mountain. In chapter 33, Moses erected a tent, sometimes called the Tabernacle of Moses, where the ark of the covenant resided. It was also called “the tent of meeting,” for “everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting” (Exodus 33:7). When Moses would go into the tent to meet with Yahweh, the people were so captivated and spellbound they would stand and watch, for “the pillar of the cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent” (v. 9). The sight was so spellbinding and awe-inspiring that people would “arise and worship, each at the entrance of his tent” (v. 10). Everyone but Joshua, that is. It would seem that on these occasions, Joshua was allowed to go into the tent with Moses. What an honor. And when it was time for Moses to leave, an interesting and revealing development occurred. “Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, WOULD NOT DEPART FROM THE TENT” (v. 11, emphasis mine). There you go. Joshua had been infected by an insatiable hunger for the God of glory. Forever ruined on the mountain, he became addicted to the presence of God, hopelessly enamored with the pleasure of His company. One can almost hear Joshua asking his mentor and boss, Moses, as the old leader was leaving, “Hey Moses, you think it is alright if I stayed for a little while and hung out in the presence?” I can imagine the other “addict” answering with a knowing smile, “Sure, son, take your time.” Yep, it takes one to know one. Moses knew, and understood. This type of addiction to God’s presence doesn’t occur overnight. When we begin our journey with Yahweh, it takes a while to work through the restlessness of our flesh and emotions as we wait on Him. The “unusualness” of relating to an invisible person must be overcome. Our hearts must learn to connect with His intangible presence, and our minds be quiet enough to hear. One of the things that will help in this process is to find or create a place where you meet with God regularly. Moses had one, as did Joshua, David, and Christ. Experiment with various translations of Scripture until you find the one you enjoy most. Buy a journal and, as you spend time with Him, write down your thoughts. He will speak to you in your heart and through your mind. Some people also like to create a personal list of their favorite worship songs to listen to as they spend time with God. Create a routine that works best for you and get started. If you choose to set aside times to visit with God and train your heart and mind to listen, you’ll begin to hear His voice. As happened with Joshua, an addiction will soon develop, and your encounters with Him will become the highlight of every day. In fact, you’ll find them so fulfilling that, like Joshua, you won’t want to leave. Pray with me: Father, bring us into the school of Holy Spirit where we’ll learn to overcome the restlessness of the flesh, quiet our minds and listen until our hearts become fully aware of Your presence. And as we spend time with You, let us be infected with an insatiable attraction to Your presence. Let us become hopelessly enamored with the pleasure of Your company. And we pray for America, a confused people wandering in the wilderness of lost identity and misplaced affections. Looking for Your love in all the wrong places, Americans are burnt out on unsatisfying religious activities and sterile Sunday social clubs. America is disoriented, dissatisfied, and deceived. We ask You to rock the boat, buck the system, and annihilate status quo! Show up, Jesus, and infect our nation once again with Your overwhelming presence. In Your wonderful name, we pray, Amen. Our Decree: We decree that a powerful presence movement is coming to America, a love affair with Yahweh that can’t be stopped. ************************* Click on the link below to watch the full video. ---------------------------------------------- Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company, published by Baker Books.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-23-2023 May 23, 2023 The Spoiler One of the greatest offers in the history of the world was made centuries ago to a man named Obed-edom. At the instruction of David, king of Israel, he was asked if his living room could be the Holy of Holies for a while. And David was unwilling to move the ark of the Lord into the city of David with him; but David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. Thus the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household. (2 Samuel 6:10-11) Can you imagine being asked - in Obed-edom’s day, by the way, when the very presence and glory of God hovered over the ark, “Would you mind if we placed the ark of the covenant in your home for a few months?” If you were a lover of God, this honor would have been unimaginable. How would you respond? “Uh, I don't know, King. I’ll have to think about whether or not I want the shekinah glory of God hovering in my living room for the next three months.” I don’t think I’d have had to pray about it. Obviously, Obed-edom didn’t. Can you imagine running to your wife and blurting out, “You’ll never guess what is in our living room!” And what about the conversation with your kids: “Now, guys, you can look but DON’T TOUCH!” And don’t you just imagine that Obed’s house became the first choice for the neighborhood home group! One can only guess what it was like at Obed-edom's home for the three months the ark was there. Did they sit for hours and stare at it? Did it ever get dark in the house? (Think about it.) Was the whole house permeated by the presence of Yahweh? Was there a constant haze? Did people fall down when they walked by it? We don’t know these answers, but we do know “the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household” during this unprecedented season (v. 11). We also know that when David finally moved the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, Obed-edom packed up and moved his entire household with it, becoming a gatekeeper in the tent that housed it, the Tabernacle of David (1 Chronicles 26:1-4). One can almost hear his conversation with David: “If you think, Your Highness, that after having the presence and glory of God in my living room for the last three months that I’m going to live without it, you’re badly mistaken. You’re taking me with you!” David understood. It had been David, a lover of God, who decided to find the ark and bring it back to Jerusalem. “Then David consulted with...every leader. And David said to all the assembly of Israel…’Let us bring back the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul’” (1 Chronicles 13:1-3). What a sad epitaph for a leader: “The presence of God was not sought after during his reign.” And what sad days those must have been for the Lord. I’m certain Yahweh was pleased when David, a man after His heart, wanted His presence to be the focal point of the nation once again. Yet the process turned out to be difficult. Due to the inappropriate way David’s team transported the ark, a man felt compelled to touch it in an attempt to steady it, an act that should have been avoided. The consequences of touching the ark had been clearly explained by Yahweh. The offender was killed by the glory of the Lord, which resulted in great fear and a three-month delay. This is why the ark made its way to Obed-edom’s house. David researched the correct way to transport the ark, and it was relocated to Jerusalem. Obed-edom, however, was not about to buy into the separation. “Pack up, guys,” he told the family. “We’re moving.” I’ve done the Obed-edom thing - sort of. Obviously, it wasn’t exactly the same but was about as close as you could get to it nowadays. Fifteen years ago (in 2008), in the Colorado Springs church I pastored, we had a special series of services. On Sunday morning, a prophetic guest dropped a bombshell: “Put everything else on hold for ninety days, and do nothing but 24/7 worship. Just as Obed-edom hosted the ark of His presence for three months, God is asking you to do the same,” he declared. My mind began racing: Was this really a word from Holy Spirit? Should we try it? Could we pull it off? What about our other programs? How would this affect the church? These and other questions flooded my mind. But…we did it! We did the Obed-edom thing. The next three months became the best of my life. Like Obed-edom, I was ruined. The logistics were challenging, of course, but the worship never stopped, not even for services. And the presence of God in our sanctuary for the next ninety days, well, it was thick and weighty. I canceled all but a couple of my speaking engagements during the three months and spent several hours every day just hanging out with God. Not only did it change my life, it also changed the lives of hundreds of others. People sacrificed their vacation days and spent them with God. Occasionally, entire families brought sleeping bags and spent the night “camping out” in His presence. Many came on their lunch breaks. A few people came and spent time with Him every day; one lady actually spent all night, every night, there. An Air Force colonel came every morning on his way to work and stopped in every night after work. In the end, all who participated were ruined. Normal, for us, had become radical. Thirty or forty minutes, a few worship songs on Sunday morning would never again satisfy. The Obed-edom thing causes BIG problems. It’s now easy to see why he didn’t even try to fight it. “I’m addicted,” he said through his actions. “Where the ark goes, I go.” David seemed to understand: “No sense in arguing with him; he’s ruined. He’ll never outgrow it or outlive it. Make him a doorkeeper at the tent.” David, too, became “addicted.” I finally understood why he would say, “A day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside” (Psalm 84:10). David also said, “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple” (Psalm 27:4). Understood. You, too, can do the Obed-edom thing. No, not 24/7. But the Lord wants to hang out in your house. His presence is no longer limited to an ark in a Holy of Holies. Pursue Him. If you do, like the bride looking for her groom in the Song of Solomon, He’ll let you find Him. Oh, how He wants to be found. Until you experience this pleasure, you’ll never really understand it. Once you have, you’ll refuse to ever again be without it. Pray with me: Father, we’ve tasted of and seen Your goodness, and we hunger and thirst for more. We desire to host You, Your presence, and we want this for others. Let us encounter Your presence to such an extent that we are ruined for anything less. Come, show us Your glory; reveal Yourself to us. Thank You for letting Yourself be found by those who seek You wholeheartedly. One day with You, Jesus, is so much better than a thousand spent anywhere else. May dwelling in Your presence be our highest aspiration, our greatest fascination, and the deepest longing of our hearts. Let all things pale in comparison to time spent in the pleasure of Your company. Yahweh, humankind’s fallen nature, aided by satan and religion, has distorted the perception of Your true nature. No longer seen as a loving Father, You are perceived as distant, uncaring, impossible to please, and a harsh Judge. May the coming “presence movement” shatter these misperceptions, just as surely as Christ did when He revealed Your nature 2000 years ago. And may Your Abba-heart be seen by a lost, hungry world. Do the Obed-edom thing around the world! Send revival! In Christ’s name, we pray...Amen. Our decree: We decree that we are hungry for the presence of our Father, of Christ, and of Holy Spirit. We will never be satisfied without it. *********************** Click on the link below to watch the full video. --------------------------------------------------- Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company, published by Baker Books.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-22-2023 May 22, 2023 The Union Unlike most of you impatient sinners, I love to wait. NOT! After 60-plus years, I think I’m making progress - slowly. I mean, really, who enjoys waiting? There are several things I would fix immediately if I was placed in charge of the world. Driving in the passing lane of an interstate highway when not passing another vehicle would result in a $500 fine for first-time offenses and automatic loss of driver’s license for the second offense. Retaking driver’s education would be required in order to get it back. Actually, I might just make EVERYONE take (or retake) driver’s education, even without this offense, then they all would know how to use BLINKERS!!! Families or friends whose group stretches ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE TERMINAL CORRIDOR in airports, walking slowly, chit-chatting, and blocking those of us who have places to go and things to do, would lose all flying privileges. (Unless they took an Airport Walker’s Education class.) Ladies who stand in check-out lines digging for pennies in the bottom of their purses would be charged an additional $100 for the purchase. Cashiers who visit with them while this is happening, distracting them, would be fired. It’s easy to see that, given the right opportunity, I could correct many of the problems in the world and eliminate the stress caused by unnecessary waiting. The delays caused by these inconsiderate, dimwitted, thickheaded boneheads aren’t really a big deal to me, by the way. For the most part, I’m a pretty well-adjusted, mild-mannered, cool, calm, collected - and very patient guy. Okay, so I don’t like waiting. Most of us don’t. But there is one type of waiting I’ve learned to enjoy: waiting on God. Before you question my honesty, let me point out that I’m not talking about waiting for God to answer my prayers. Like you, I’m not into that. The waiting I enjoy is waiting in His presence. The biblical concept of waiting on the Lord is understood by few people these days. Like many biblical words, much is lost in the translation and cultural differences that exist between nations and eras. Carefully defining three Old Testament words translated as “waiting” will give us much clearer insight. The first is duwmiyah, which means “silently waiting with quiet trust.” The thought conveyed is a strong, calm, quiet trust in the Lord. David said, “My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken” (Psalm 62:1-2). The second word, chakah, means “adhere to” or “long for.” The psalmist said, “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield” (Psalm 33:20). The writer was clinging to the Lord, knowing that He would come through as a help in time of trouble. When David said, “My soul thirsts for God” (Psalm 42:2; 63:1), he was chakah - longing for God’s company. The third word, qavah, has two important meanings. The first is to “wait for with eager expectation.” Notice the combination of excitement and faith in this definition. Those who qavah for the Lord are doing more than passively waiting; they’re anticipating and expecting. Psalm 27:14 tells us, “Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Another extremely important meaning of qavah exists, however: “to bind together by twisting,” as in a braid or a rope. As we spend time with the Lord, an intertwining occurs. Our hearts connect, creating oneness of desires, thoughts and actions. Passions are communicated and shared, creating energy and action. Another result of braiding is increased strength. Isaiah said, “Yet those who wait (qavah) for the Lord will renew their strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary” (Isaiah 40:31). The renewing of strength this verse promises is not your typical rejuvenation. It is a transfer of strength from God to you, the result of this braiding together. When three strands are braided into a rope, the strength of each strand is synergistically transferred to the others. Likewise, when we wait on God, His strength is transferred to us, and vice versa. Guess who gets the better deal? It’s like the mouse and elephant who became best friends. They hung out together all the time, the mouse riding on the elephant’s back. One day they crossed a wooden bridge, causing it to bow, creak and sway under their combined weight. The mouse, impressed with their ability to make such an impact, said to the elephant, “We sure moved that bridge, didn’t we?” In our connection with God, guess who the mouse is? Let’s summarize the meanings of these three words for biblical waiting, combining them into one definition of waiting on the Lord: Quietly waiting with a strong, calm trust; longing for His presence and eagerly expecting Him, for you know He’ll come; and knowing that as He does, you and He will experience an increased oneness, a braiding together, as your hearts and lives become more entwined. That’s what I’m talking about! If that doesn’t float your boat, you need a new boat. Practically speaking, how do we wait? Do we sit quietly, trying to enter a trance-like state wherein we can more easily connect with the spirit realm? No; we’re not Buddhists or transcendentalists. The meditation process taught in Scripture - which certainly is an aspect of waiting on God - is not an altered state of consciousness. It is quietly musing, thinking and reflecting on God or a passage of Scripture. It also includes speaking Scriptures to yourself. “Waiting” can be done while sitting, kneeling, walking, or lying down - it isn’t the position of the body, but the posture of the heart. There is nothing complicated about it. A quality “quiet time” is one way of waiting on the Lord. Make the time enjoyable - sit with a cup of coffee and visit with Him. I’ve sat in front of a fire for hours, enjoying the pleasure of His company. For me, it doesn’t get any better than that. Quality, however, is more important than quantity. I’ve received great revelation and insight from Holy Spirit from just a few minutes of visiting with Him. It is also important to wait with regularity. All of us should have regular quiet times of waiting on the Lord that are shorter - fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, an hour - and all of us should occasionally spend longer times with Him. I’ve spent entire weeks alone, waiting on the Lord. Learn to wait. In this hectic world of microwaves, bullet trains, and air travel, some things still take time. Slow down. If only for a few minutes a day - slow down and find Him. I promise that if you will, you’ll not only live longer...you’ll live better. Pray with me: Father, help us to learn the art of peacefully waiting on You with strong, calm, quiet trust. Bind our hearts tenaciously to Yours as we abide in Your presence. We want to be one with You in thought and desire, reflecting the glory of Your Son. We choose to slow down and position our hearts to wait. Echoing the prayer of the psalmist, this one thing will we seek: to dwell in Your house all the days of our lives, meditating, gazing, beholding facets of Your beauty...enjoying the pleasure of Your company. We ask for oneness with Your heart, a braiding together with You. May we think Your thoughts, desire Your desires, love what You love, and hate what You hate. We know You love the entire world and desire to save all people. We ask for laborers, as You instructed us. Raise up anointed evangelists, ministries, and movements to reap this harvest. Release a great distribution of the gifts of Holy Spirit, bringing powerful and abundant signs and wonders. Release dreams and visions of Messiah. Do all that is necessary to produce this, we pray. Fill us afresh and anew as we wait on You! In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. Our decree: We declare that we are like eagles, mounting up into God’s presence, renewing strength, and soaring effortlessly. *********************** Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company, published by Baker Books. 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. 1747. Ibid, ref no 2242. Ibid, ref no 6960.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-19-2023 May 19, 2023 The Priority “Firsts” can be good or bad. First place is usually good, as are first class and first rate. First-degree is usually bad, as is the need for first aid, and the first half and first baseman can be either. While thinking about this chapter, I recalled several of my firsts and a one-or two-word thought concerning them. Here are ten: First major-league baseball game attended (awe) First day of school (intimidated) First bike (fast) First car (junk) First time seeing color TV (mesmerized) First date with Ceci (priceless) First time seeing both daughters (love) First dirty diaper change (nausea) First cell phone (heavy) First sermon (nice try) Compiling a few of my “firsts” was fun. Some were extremely important, others only memorable. The same would be true with yours. There is one first, however, that is essential and that all of us must keep number one. Jesus referred to it as our “first love.” When writing to the Ephesian church, He said, “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4). The Greek word translated “first” in this passage is protos, meaning “foremost in time, place, order, or importance.”(1) Since it would be illogical to assume Christ had been the first person each of them loved, it seems reasonable to conclude He was using the word in the sense of importance. “You have abandoned the love that should be your number one priority,” was His obvious meaning. The root word for protos is pro, meaning “superior to” or “in front of”; and yes, protos is where we get our word professional, or its shortened form, pro. A professional is one who is superior to others in a particular field. I’m a golfer; Phil Mickelson is, as well. But there’s a big difference between us: He’s a pro, I’m an amateur. Watching each of us swing a golf club once would leave no doubt as to the difference. Shopping is another activity performed by both pros and amateurs. I shop once in a while - when God is punishing me for speeding or some other serious sin. I’m an amateur shopper, and have no desire to ever be anything but an amateur. Ceci, on the other hand, is a pro. And as is fitting, she enjoys it. We have reached the glorious state in our marriage wherein she no longer prefers me shopping for her birthday or Christmas presents. Oh, I grab a few stocking stuffers and surprise her once in a while with a really cool present like a toaster or lamp, but for the most part, she does all the shopping. The reason? She’d rather have what she likes most and fits her best. So I buy her gift cards - really neat ones with cool pictures - purchased from the appropriate stores. Then we both do what we enjoy: I fish, she shops. Life is good. Placing the literal definitions of pro and protos into the context of Revelation 2:4 makes clear what Jesus was saying: Relationship with Him should be “in front of” or “superior to” all others. He wants to be our “priority” love. Christ told us elsewhere that loving God is the first of all the other commandments (Matthew 22:37-38). This begs the question of why - why does God demand to be first? Is He narcissistic or egocentric, demanding that we make Him the center of attention? Or, is God insecure, in need of our affirmation? The obvious answer to both of these questions is a resounding “NO!” The Lord is self-confident and self-assured, and yet this confidence is filtered through the utmost humility. He has neither pride nor insecurity issues. Why then, does He demand to be number one? Because He wants us to be fulfilled. Complete. Satisfied. This reason God must be first in our lives is profound in both its simplicity and importance: The very purpose for the creation of humans was relationship with God. We were made to be one in spirit with Him, joined together spiritually like a husband and wife. First Corinthians 6:17 says, “But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” Our union with Him completes us. There is a place in the heart of every human God made only for Himself. Period. If we don’t get this right, the pieces won’t fit. Nothing else can fill this void, including other people, money, pleasure, or accomplishments. And certainly not religion; we weren’t created to connect with a system but a person. God understands this, of course, and for our benefit, reminds us of His love for us and our need for Him. Jesus said to the church at Ephesus: “I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false: and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary” (Revelation 2:2-3). What believer wouldn't be excited to hear such praise? Most of us couldn't score high in all of these areas. Yet Christ makes it clear that these accomplishments are not the heart of the matter. A good performance can't take the place of intimacy with Him. If this misconception is allowed to control us, our good works will devolve into meaningless religion - every time - satisfying neither God nor us. Our “performance” must flow out from relationship with Him; never replace or be equated to it. It is also important to understand that our first (or priority, as the word means) love is not based on emotions or feelings. It would be unrealistic to think we can maintain the same level of emotional excitement that typically occurs when we first meet Christ. Such a sustained emotional high is not a reasonable expectation in any relationship, whether it be with your spouse, a friend, or the Lord. Marriages built on feelings become divorces; parenting based on emotions results in fatherless and motherless children; and Christians who base their pursuit of God on feelings and emotions become inconsistent, lukewarm, passionless, and indifferent. They may not walk away from their faith, but they will always leave their first love. How sad this is, and so avoidable. David, the great psalmist and king of Israel, demonstrated the danger of losing first love. Known as being one of the most passionate God-seekers ever, David loved being with Him. There came a time, however, when compromise entered David’s life, and other passions began to outweigh his passion for God. Success can be a thief, robbing us of the zeal that produced it, and this happened with David, The pleasures of the palace replaced the pleasure of God’s company. His life was out of rhythm. That’s when Bathsheba entered his life. David eventually made it back, but it was a long and painful process involving great heartache and loss. If Christ is currently number one in your life and you are enjoying the pleasure of His company, treasure it. Let nothing come between the two of you. But if you, like David, or the church of Ephesus, have allowed other things to take priority over your relationship with Him, reprioritize. Make Him protos again - superior to all else. And if you have never yet discovered Christ as your first-love soul mate - well, get ready to find out why you exist. Amazing joys await you. Pray with me: Holy Spirit, search our hearts and show us where we’ve failed to ascribe to our Father, to Jesus, and to You the highest place. Reveal to us the ways in which we have compromised our commitment to You, forsaking our first love. Thank You for tenderly drawing our wayward hearts back to the priority of loving You and receiving Your love. Without Your loving leadership, we are incomplete. May nothing else replace the pleasure of Your company. Father, our nation once honored You first. But like David, success, wealth, and pleasure crowded You out. For most Americans, You’re not even a distant second We know, however, from Your Word and from history, this can change. Smoldering embers can blaze again, cold hearts can burn with passion, and prodigals can run into the arms of love-sick fathers. With Your power and love, even dry, dead bones can live again. Breathe once again on this apostate nation. Soon. In Christ, the great Lover of Sinners’ name, we pray, Amen. Our Decree: We declare that the church is returning to first love, a harvest of lovers is coming, and Jesus will be prioritized above all! ************************* Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company and published by Baker Books. 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. 4413.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-17-2023 May 17, 2023 The Dance I’m not a great dancer. Okay, I’m not even an average dancer. Fine, I can’t dance at all. When I was a teenager, there was a popular dance called the Funky Chicken. I think my version of this “controlled flopping” was probably the closest I’ve ever come to performing a dance properly. I actually thought I was pretty good at it until my friends tagged my version the Flopping Chicken. Mom saw me practicing once and freaked out. “Are you okay?” she screamed, thinking I was having a seizure. “Yeah, I’m good,” I assured her. “Just doing the Funky Chicken.” “Get him off sugar,” Dad murmured from across the room, “before he breaks something.” “Looks like he’s being stung by a swarm of bees,” joked my brother. Tim has always been mercy-motivated. A few years back, my wife, Ceci, talked me into taking some private ballroom dancing lessons. I resisted at first, knowing this wouldn’t end well, but it became clear it was important to her. So against all wisdom, I succumbed. You’ve probably heard the expression, but have you ever really seen a drunken sailor? My dogs actually ran outside - wouldn’t come near me for days. “Maybe we should just take walks together,” Ceci suggested. “Yeah,” I said, “unless they bring back the Funky Chicken.” Dancing, for those who are fortunate enough to have the right genes, is considered great fun. It is, in fact, associated with joy. Who hasn’t heard the phrase “dancing for joy?” When we are sad, we tend to become more inactive, but when we’re joyful or celebrating, we jump, dance, and twirl around. So does God. No, I’m not kidding. He dances. There is a little-known verse in the Old Testament that gives a wonderful description of God’s dancing heart toward His kids: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy” (Zephaniah 3:17). In Hebrew, the word translated “rejoice” is the Hebrew word guwl, which literally means “to spin around under the influence of any violent emotion”. (1)That’s what I said - He dances! Hebrew is a pictorial language; a word paints a picture or creates an image. Through the word picture guwl presents - spinning around emotionally - it’s easy to see why it is translated into English words like joy, rejoice, glad, and delight. But really, do these translations do justice to this awesome little word? No way. I experienced “joy” last weekend when through my status as an Executive Platinum flyer with American Airlines, I was upgraded to first class. I actually “rejoiced,” sending a text to Ceci that read, “Awesome! Upgraded!” But I didn’t jump up in the terminal and dance around. I experience joy when my team wins a football game, but I don’t typically guwl over it. However, when the Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl a few years back, I guwl-ed. Losing all dignity, I jumped, screamed, and spun around, shaking my fists in the air. I high-fived everyone around me, whether I knew them or not. Guwl-ing brings people together! The day I’m writing this chapter happens to be New Year’s Eve. People will be guwl-ing all over the world tonight with individuals they don’t even know! But really, Dutch, are you saying God acts this way over His kids? No, Zephaniah did. In the great story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), the prodigal’s father depicted our heavenly Father. When the wayward son returned home, his father was so excited he threw a party accompanied by music, dancing, and great rejoicing. I can’t prove it, but I know who was leading the dance. Dad! The guy who ran to meet his returning son, butchered the fattened calf and threw the party. One of my favorite lexicons says the word “rejoice” (v. 32) in this passage may be related to a Hebrew word that describes a young sheep or lamb skipping and frisking for joy. The same word is used to describe how angels in heaven act when a person comes to Christ (Luke 15:10). There’s a new description of heaven for most of us - a happy, playful, skipping God with His happy, frolicking angels! Some will think I’m insulting God’s dignity by ascribing to Him human emotion and celebrative actions. Let me assure you that this is not my intention. I don’t for a moment believe God acts like us - I believe we act like Him! We were created in God’s image and likeness. That means we have emotions because He has emotions: We love because He loves, laugh because He laughs, cry because He cries, and dance because He dances. If your concept of Him is a distant, stoic, and boring entity, think again. You’ve probably read the popular “Footprints” poem, which depicts the Lord carrying us through difficult situations in life. I like the following version better. A woman had a dream in which her life with Jesus was pictured by footprints in the sand. For much of the way, the Lord’s footprints went along steadily. Her prints, however, began in a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns. But gradually, her footprints were in line with the Lord’s, eventually paralleling His consistently. She and Jesus were walking as true friends. Then an interesting thing happened; her footprints began walking precisely in His steps. Inside His large footprints were her smaller prints. She and Jesus were becoming one. Then gradually, the footprints inside the larger footprints seemed to grow bigger, eventually, disappearing altogether. There was only one set of footprints; they had become one. Then something awful happened. The second set of footprints was back! Zigzags all over the place...stop, start...deep gashes in the sand...a veritable mess of prints. She was saddened and shocked. This was the end of her dream. The lady went to the Lord in prayer, seeking to understand: “Lord, I understand the first scene with the zigzags and so on. I was a new Christian, just learning. But You helped me learn to walk with You.” “That is correct,” replied the Lord. “Then, when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You closely. “Yes, very good.” “Then the smaller footprints grew and eventually filled in Yours. I was growing so much that I was becoming more like You in every way.” “Precisely.” “But Lord, they went back again to two sets of footprints, this time more chaotic than at the first. Was there a regression in my life?” The Lord smiles, then laughs. “You didn’t know?” He says, “That was when we danced.” (2) I’m fully aware that some in the super-religious crowd won’t approve of my fun-loving God. This depiction of Him will be considered irreverent by them, perhaps even heretical. If you really want to know what they believe about God’s personality, go to one of their worship services. But - and forgive me for being so blunt - you might want to drink an espresso on the way. Frankly, I think even God gets bored with many church services. Trust me, the God of Scripture isn’t starchy and religious. Our worship gatherings should be celebrations where we join hands with Papa God and have a little fun frisking, leaping, and dancing. Shabath, the Hebrew word for sabbath, means not only “to stop or cease from work” but also “to celebrate.” (3) In much the same way we celebrate certain days - holidays, for example - by resting from work, this is the concept of Shabath. On the seventh day, God stopped working and celebrated! He was so excited about having a family He decided it would be commemorated with a “rest and celebration day.” That puts a new twist on taking a sabbath. Every seventh day we should all rest and celebrate our membership in God’s family with joy and great rejoicing. If we would do so, the gospel we preach would be a lot more appealing. Abandon your concept of a passionless, boring God. Reject all religious stereotyping of Him. Let your heavenly Father be real, relevant, relational and fun. Only then will you truly experience the pleasure of His company. Look up . . . I think He’s asking for this dance. Pray with me: Father, we are amazed at Your passionate love toward us, leaping and rejoicing over us, just as we do our kids. We have allowed religion to tell us satan is fun, You’re boring; He laughs, You’re always somber. Forgive us! You CREATED fun and laughter! We are thrilled to think our heavenly Father is fun-loving, real, relevant, and relational. May our heart’s response to Your passionate love be increasingly undignified. Like David, may we dance unashamedly over our relationship with You. Teach us that holy doesn’t mean somber, omnipotence isn’t stoicism, and “above all others” doesn’t equate to unreachable. Bring a presence movement to the church that reveals Your true nature and shows the world how irresistible You truly are. Our decree: We believe and declare that the coming great awakening will result in the greatest celebrations of worship in Earth’s history! **************** Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company and published by Baker Books. 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. H1523. Adapted from Mark Littleton, escaping the Time Crunch (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1990), Used by permission. James Strong The New Strong’s exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. H7676.

7 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-18-2023 May 18, 2023 The Search I have many great memories of times with the three ladies in my life: Ceci, my wife; my oldest daughter, Sarah; and Hannah, my youngest. The pleasure of their company has always been special to me. Of the thousands of memorable days I’ve spent with Ceci, one exciting excursion on a beautiful Saturday in the spring of ‘77 stands out. We had gone to picturesque White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas, where we enjoyed a wonderful picnic. Ceci cooked some of her great fried chicken and prepared potato salad for the occasion. After eating, we sat on a blanket not far from the lake - the setting was absolutely perfect - and enjoyed some pleasant conversation. She had brought along her guitar, and we enjoyed singing a few worship songs; the presence of Holy Spirit was sweet. In this beautiful setting, on this beautiful day, totally mesmerized by this beautiful lady, I asked her to marry me. Finding me irresistible, she said yes. Of the memories made with Sarah, her wedding is certainly one of the preeminent. I recall the pride and satisfaction I felt when she and I danced at her reception. Actually, as you might have guessed from yesterday’s post, shifting my weight from one foot to the other while holding her hand and shoulder was about as creative as the dancing got. But that didn’t matter. The important part was looking into her eyes, telling her how beautiful she was and how proud her mother and I were. I spent a fortune that day. “Thank you, Daddy,” was all the return I needed. In regards to Hannah, I love to recall the camping trip she and I embarked on in Colorado several years ago. We found a beautiful spot on a stream and spent the weekend enjoying nature and nature’s God. As we drove through Rocky Mountain National Park one morning, a park with views that rival any in the world, we were also listening to anointed worship songs she and I love. I’ll never forget the tears that flowed down Hannah’s cheeks at one point as she marveled at God’s majesty and reveled in His love. Happy tears. Peaceful tears. “I’m in love with God, and He’s in love with me” tears. What was it that made those days so memorable for me? With Ceci, was it a lake, a guitar, a blanket, and some good food? Of course not; those were simply adornments that created a helpful ambiance. With Sarah, was it the uniqueness and joy of a celebrative wedding atmosphere? Not really. I’ve been to many weddings that hold no such memories for me. With Hannah, was it the beauty and majesty of the Colorado Rockies? As amazing as they are, and as much as they “garnished” the day, it wasn’t the mountains. It was the company. Sparkling eyes, smiles, embraces, laughter, happy tears, and hearts I connected with at a deep level - these made the memories special. It was the lady, not the lake; the girl I was dancing with, not the dance; the passenger, not the drive. Whom you’re with matters most in life. I’ve made some great memories with God, just as I have with my three ladies. He and I have laughed and cried together; and yes, we’ve danced a time or two. We have sat, walked, ridden, and bicycled in each other’s company. I’ve crawled up in His lap and napped, sang Him songs, and watched a few movies with Him. He is more than a “being” to me. He’s a companion and friend. Not making His acquaintance would have been life’s greatest injustice. Does He feel the same way about us? Of course, He does. God loves being with us. Consider the following invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:10 KJV). The Almighty, the Creator, the Everlasting God of heaven and earth requests the pleasure of your company tonight for dinner. What an invitation! Do you, like me, find it interesting that He knocks on the door? I suppose God could simply knock it down. Or just walk through it! But that would be an intrusion, and God doesn’t intrude into our space; He waits to be invited in. Like anyone, He wants to be celebrated, not tolerated. The word sup in this verse is not a generic word for eating. This is the word in biblical times for the main evening meal. The Jewish new day began in the evening, at sunset. At this evening meal, the family would discuss the day’s events, and the new day would begin and be planned. Jesus is saying to us in this verse, “Let me into your world. Let’s dine, fellowship, and plan the day.” We must learn to commune with the Lord as a real person and on a personal level. Hearing and discerning God’s voice is not a gift, but rather a learned art. When you take the time to wait and listen, you learn to allow God into your thinking. His thoughts become yours. In this verse, the Lord said, “If any man hears my voice . . .” The obvious insinuation is that our actions, not His, will determine whether or not we hear Him. Again, sensitivity is learned and developed. Like the frequencies on a radio, our minds and hearts must tune in. One of my employees a few years back related the following humorous episode about listening. “While my sister-in-law was busy in the kitchen preparing dinner and planning for various family and church activities, her young daughter continued to talk to her about several different and important things in her life, to which her mother would periodically mumble, ‘Uh-huh.’ Finally, wanting to do something to make this more of a two-sided conversation, the little girl tugged on her mother’s arm to get her full attention. Once she knew her mother was really listening, she said, ‘Mom, why don’t you talk for a while now, and I’ll say Uh-huh.’” (1) I can’t help but wonder how often God is knocking and calling, only to find us so busy we really aren’t listening. He will never treat us this way. You’ll never find Him so busy with others or so distracted running the universe that He feigns attentiveness to you, mumbling “uh-huh” while actually thinking about something else. He has plenty of undistracted time for you, and He’d like some in return. The Scriptures tell us God is “searching” for this kind of relationship. From the moment we were separated from Him by Adam’s sin, He began the search. “Where are you?” He called to Adam and Eve as they hid from Him (Genesis 3:9). We’re told that His eyes “move to and fro” throughout the earth looking for those whose hearts are fully His (2 Chronicles 16:9). One of my favorite Bible stories as a young kid was of a man named Zaccheus. He was a hated tax collector and had become wealthy, most likely by defrauding people, charging them more than they actually owed. Somehow this man had become enamored with Jesus, so much so that he climbed a tree to get a good look at Him as He passed through his village. Jesus wanted Zaccheus to get more than a look, however; He invited Himself over for dinner! “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house” (Luke 19:5). Jesus knocked and Zaccheus opened. The visit was obviously impactful - it always is when Jesus comes over for dinner. “Lord, half of my possessions I’ll give to the poor,” he promised before the meeting ended, “and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much” (Luke 19:8). When challenged as to why He would be the guest of this thieving “sinner,” Jesus merely referenced His searching heart. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost,” (v. 10, italics mine). Christ simply has an insatiable desire to eat and fellowship with friends, family, and seekers. Jesus was on a mission then; He’s on the same mission now. He wants some time and conversation with you. The next time He knocks, open the door. Make your house one of the regular stops for His searching eyes. Let no distraction, interfere. May your heart always remain an open door to Jesus, as you seek to mature in the art of discerning His knock and voice. As His eyes search this world for a surrendered heart with which to commune, may His gaze stop with you. Welcome Him to sit at the supper table of your soul to dine and dialogue with you. He would love to receive the pleasure of your company today. Pray with me: Father, it’s time we made some memories with You. Your thoughts toward us are many. We want to be able to say the same about You. Forgive us for making You an impersonal God, an unloving Father. Adam hid from You, fearing Your heart toward his weaknesses. Yet, You pursued him. And You pursue us. Thank You! We cast aside the lies telling us You are distant, cruel, judgmental, impossible to please. We accept You as Abba, Papa, and we want to make some memories, walking, talking, and dreaming with You. Today we dream with You of the billion future kids of Yours, our soon-to-be brothers and sisters. We partner with You, calling them home. We break off of them the bondages of idolatry, addiction, pride, rebellion, and pain - in the name of Jesus! We release angel armies to gather them in. We declare that the gospel of the kingdom has in it Your power, and that this glorious gospel will go forth in tidal waves around the world. Millions will know Your love! They will kiss the Son and find the missing piece of their heart. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen. Our decree: We decree that this harvest will not be stopped! Abba is coming for His family! *********************** Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company and is published by Baker Books. Click on the link below to watch the full video. ----------------------------------------------------- Dutch Sheets, Watchman Prayer (Ventura, CA: Regal, 2000), 47.

7 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-16-2023 May 16, 2023 As I mentioned yesterday, in 2014, I wrote the book The Pleasure of His Company, which was easily my best. It is a devotional on connecting with God’s heart. I shared several posts from the book a couple of years back. We received our best responses from you regarding this short series. So, for a few days, I’m sharing from that book. Then, as always, we will pray. Today’s post is entitled: The Discovery Yesterday we saw God as a seeker, always searching for those who have hearts that want to know Him. The reciprocal must be true, as well. In any true relationship, there can only be fulfillment if the pursuit is both ways. When it is, the seeking becomes an exciting adventure and leads to the joy of discovery. Judging by kids, there’s something born into our hearts that makes us enjoy the pursuit. Whether it’s a treasure hunt, an Easter egg hunt, or hide-and-seek, the buildup of anticipation and expectation adds a sense of mystique to the process, and the search becomes an adventure. I started playing hide-and-seek indoors with my daughters, Sarah and Hannah, when they were young. Early on, they weren’t good at it. I could always find places to hide where they couldn’t find me - under a blanket, in a closet, under a table. Wanting them to enjoy the game, however, I would make small noises to reveal my hiding place. They would fling open the door or jerk back the blanket and shriek for joy as I acted bummed out because they’d found me. They knew, of course, I wasn’t really upset, just having fun. I actually loved it when they found me. God plays hide-and-seek with His kids, as well. And He, too, loves it when we find Him. “If you seek Him, He will let you find Him,” said Azariah, an Old Testament prophet, to Israel (2 Chronicles 15:2). The people listened to Azariah and sought the Lord, and, just as God promised, He allowed them to find Him: “All Judah rejoiced concerning the oath, for they had sworn with their whole heart and had sought Him earnestly, and He let them find Him. So the Lord gave them rest on every side” (2 Chronicles 15:15). When we “discover” God, as He allowed Israel to do, we find far more than just the pleasure of His company, as wonderful as that is. We also find our purpose. Jeremiah spoke of finding both God and purpose in the following verses: “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13). The Hebrew word translated “future” in this passage is achariyth. It also means “destiny”(1). “When you search for Me with all your heart,” the Lord was assuring them, “not only will I let you find Me, I’ll also allow you to discover My plans and purposes for you. Pleasure and purpose are both found in My company.” As with any created thing, our purpose can only be found in the heart and mind of our Creator. When we seek Him, we are actually pursuing destiny; find one, you’ve found the other. William Wilberforce, the great English statesman who was used by God to end slavery in the British Empire, is a great example. Wilberforce sought God, found Him, and in so doing, also discovered his destiny as a reformer. In the movie chronicling his life, Amazing Grace, there is a scene in which Wilberforce’s butler stumbles upon him praying and meditating. This was unusual, so the butler asks Wilberforce if he has found God. “I think He found me,” was the poignant response. When the seeking starts, sometimes it’s hard to know who finds whom! Did we find God, or did He find us? Actually, it’s both. He initiates the process by pursuing us; we respond by returning His love. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). This pattern occurred several years ago in my life in a most dramatic way. It was 1973, and I was attending college, traveling fast but going nowhere. I had been running from God for two years, serving the god of alcohol, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. Though I had been raised in church (Dad was an evangelist and then a pastor) and had surrendered my life to Christ at a young age, at seventeen, I turned away from God. My rebellion started when my dad had a moral failure, divorced mom, and married someone else. As you can imagine, our lives were shattered. Mom found a job in a meat market, my brother and I found part-time jobs, and somehow we survived. At least physically. We didn’t fare so well emotionally and spiritually. My brother, Tim, and I rebelled, turning away from God and everything associated with Him. My younger sister, Deana, was also emotionally devastated; obviously, so was Mom. Deep within my heart, I knew this wasn’t God’s fault, but nonetheless, I was angry and bitter. The pain was so strong and my confusion so great that I simply couldn’t cope with it. And I certainly couldn’t understand it. Perhaps the lowest point in my life was the day when, as a seventeen-year-old, I held my mother in my arms and listened to her sob and tell me she no longer wanted to live. At that moment, I became a very bitter and hate-filled young man. God was very patient with me. He knew my rebellion was caused by my pain. He allowed me to run, loved me through my pain-filled responses, and didn’t take them personally. Two years later, at a bar named The Boar’s Head - aptly so, since I was a prodigal and this was one of my pigpens - while I was listening to a rock band and stoned out of my mind, He “found” me. “What are you doing here?” He asked. The Lord’s voice was so clear it may as well have been audible. The question wasn’t a rebuke but rather a tender prompting of my heart. “You know this is not who you are,” He continued, “and you’ll never find the fulfillment and peace you’re looking for through this lifestyle.” Shocked and amazing that God would pursue me into this place, my first response was, “What are YOU doing here?!” Instantly sober, I went outside to walk and think for a while. The Lord and I had several more conversations over the next couple of months, until I was finally healed enough to respond to His seeking. I sought Him back . . . and He let me find Him. Like the prodigal returning to his father’s embrace, I walked back into the loving embrace of Papa God. When I did, I found more than pleasure; I discovered purpose. Realizing that the field of study I was pursuing was not what I was created to do, I withdrew from college, leaving behind a nice scholarship. As He had Wilberforce, the Lord had found me and was now awakening passions and desires from deep within. Just as I had done with my girls, He started making small “noises,” and I experienced the excitement of discovery. I entered into a passionate pursuit of God, became active in a good local church, and connected with other hungry seekers. I also began going on short-term mission trips, serving missionaries and the poor in Guatemala. Eventually, realizing I wanted to serve God in full-time ministry, I decided to attend Christ For The Nations Institute (a Bible college), in Dallas, Texas. There I discovered God over and over - and eventually, I discovered my wife, to whom I’ve been married for over forty wonderful years. It has been a great journey. When the Lord pursued me and helped me find Him, my destiny truly was launched. Finding Him is finding the source of everything good. Out of the deep resources of His nature, all good things flow. He and I have been pursuing each other now for fifty years. I have found Him in forests, on mountains, at the edge of streams, riding in my truck, in front of fireplaces, and yes, in worship services. The discoveries require time and effort, of course - any worthwhile relationship does - but each time I rediscover Him, I realize again that He is life’s treasure. I’ll bet if you listen closely right now, you’ll find that He’s making some noises. Why don’t you go find Him? Pray with me: Father, thank You for pursuing us with Your unconditional love. Thank You for understanding us when we’re hurting and, yes, when we’re running from You. And thank You for being willing to visit us in our pigpens. Like the father of the prodigal in Scripture who hugged his son while he was still dressed in slop-covered clothes, You embrace us first, then clean us up. Thank You. You are the source of pleasure and purpose, dreams and destiny. We determine to pursue You, seeking Your face all the days of our lives. We know, Father, that there are billions of people whom You love that do not yet realize who You are. We are asking for the greatest of all revivals through which You can reveal Yourself to them. They will taste, and they will see…Do this, please. Pour Holy Spirit life into regions until a flood of people find You. Crush all opposition, remove every obstacle. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen. Our decree: The “pig pens” of this world will soon become birthing rooms..! ******************* Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company and published by Baker Books. 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. 320.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-15-2023 May 15, 2023 Back around 2000, Ceci told me, “One day, you’re going to write a book entitled The Pleasure of His Company, teaching people how to connect with God at a deeper level.” I wrote the book in 2014. It is easily my best book. A couple of years back, I shared several posts from this book. They garnered our best responses from you - by far. So, for the next few days, I’m going to share a few more posts from the book. Then, as usual, we will pray. I’m confident you will be enriched. The title of today’s post is: The Seeker Elevators are convenient. . . and sometimes awkward. Who in their right mind likes being in an elevator with people they don’t know? The longer the ride, the louder the silence. A few months ago, I was trapped in the back of one of those torture chambers in the airport of one of the vacation capitals of the world - Orlando, Florida. There were only about a HUNDRED people on this elevator! Who hasn’t heard of Disney World, Epcot, and other hot spots there? And based on the lines at these tourist attractions, every person in the world has been there! Consequently, the airport is crowded and hectic. When the elevator stopped at my floor and the door opened, no one moved. After a couple of seconds, thinking no one else was getting off at this level, I spoke up rather urgently from the back, “Excuse me, I need to get off here.” You’d have thought I asked for everyone’s phone number! Backs stiffened, eyes glared, and the man closest to the door turned and - in a most condescending tone - scolded me. “Be patient,” he snarled. “I’m just trying to be a gentleman and let the ladies off first.” After we all exited, one of the ladies with him turned to me and, rather snootily, decided to become my counselor: “You need a vacation, sir. We are in Orlando; why don’t you take a few days off and chill.” I was tired, and perhaps this had caused me to unintentionally speak louder than I realized. Or maybe my urgency sounded like impatience. What did I do? Being the gentleman that I am, I took it on the chin and calmly moved on - WITH MY BLOOD PRESSURE ELEVATED AND MY INNER THOUGHTS EXPLAINING TO THEM WHAT IDIOTS THEY WERE! And being the spiritual giant I am, within a few short weeks, I had forgiven them and moved on! Doesn’t take me long! Most of us dislike being misunderstood and misjudged - especially in an elevator! I don’t think God likes it either, and He is, without doubt, the most misunderstood person in existence. Perceived as distant, He is often ignored. Considered judgmental and legalistic, He is thought by some to be intimidating and one to steer clear of. And mistakenly thought of by His children as one who likes hearing how great He is, He is praised. LOL - I had you, then I lost you. Before you throw away this book, hear me out. Obviously, praising and worshiping God is good and appropriate. It’s our reason for doing so that needs some tweaking. Yahweh isn’t narcissistic, needing to be told how wonderful He is in order to satisfy an inflated ego. Nor is He insecure, needing to be reassured that He really is awesome. He doesn’t show off - praise doesn’t stimulate some macho corner of His heart, motivating Him to action in order to demonstrate His power. And He can’t be bought - our worship doesn’t cause Him to “reward” us with His presence simply because we made Him feel good. We, in the body of Christ, have some wrong ideas about praise and worship. Frankly, God neither needs nor desires to be told how great, unique, powerful, or loving He is. He does, however, seek worshipers. The difference is huge - immeasurably so. We ARE the worship. God longs for the singer, not the song. Our hearts are what transforms singing into worship, not the words and music. God would rather have a love-filled glance from our eyes than a song parroted from our lips. We can, in fact, worship without even opening our mouths. I’m not downplaying the incredible power or importance of music and singing. I’m simply pointing out what makes them worship. When my kids were young and anxiously waited for Daddy to come home from work, they didn’t meet me at the door with a song. They jumped into my arms and gave me a big hug. When God created us, He made kids, not a choir; family members, not church members; He’s into love, not liturgy. Too often, we make worship simply a segment of a service, rather than a time to connect with God. Sadly, I doubt if most church attendees understand, or have even heard, that He is a lover as well as the Lord. And it wasn’t His lording nature that prompted Him to create us - He could have made a few billion more angels had that been His desire. It was His loving nature. God is a father at heart. Jesus, who came to earth to show us what God is truly like (John 1:18), gave a great glimpse of Abba’s loving and relational heart through an encounter with a rather loose-living woman. Looking for love in all the wrong places, this five-time divorced, currently shacked-up societal outcast was about to meet a man who wanted her heart, not her body. Christ told her He knew her lifestyle, yet His actions proved He wasn’t condemning her. He had assured her He could satisfy her thirsty heart by placing a well of salvation in her. Then He went to the heart of the matter: relationship. He shifted the concept of worship from the place to the person, which was a radical paradigm shift in her day. I’m sure she had never thought about this, and certainly not that God was actually seeking worshipers. “He’d like you to be one” was the obvious invitation. She was hooked. That God might actually be seeking her companionship, not her body, was beyond this woman’s wildest dreams. How could He possibly want her? But He did. In one moment, her shame was broken, and joy filled her heart. It feels good to be wanted for the right reasons. This new worshiper was so excited, she ran and told her village about Jesus, and ultimately, the entire community believed in Him. Jesus was too excited to eat! When the disciples returned, they were amazed that He was speaking to this immoral woman. Jesus was impervious to their shock, however, and completely unconcerned about His reputation. His excitement about transforming lives and reestablishing heart connections with His lost family was far greater than any concern over His reputation. On one occasion, Christ actually allowed a prostitute to enter a person’s home and, during the meal, bathe His feet with her tears. Awkward! But not to Him; He was on a search for hungry hearts with which to connect, and their pasts weren’t an issue with Him. Christ is still seeking heart connections today. If the God you’ve been introduced to is distant, uncaring, stoic, or enamored with Himself, you’ve been duped by religion. The real God is passionate, caring, a lover of people, and a seeker of companionship - yours. While others seek His help, why don’t you seek His heart? Make His day...by giving Him the pleasure of some company. Pray with me: Father, thank You for sending Jesus, who shattered false ideologies regarding Your nature. We are grateful that You, the God of the universe - lovingly long for our companionship. You desire our hearts, not religious activities. We're sorry we have, at times, replaced You with religion. What an amazing Father and Friend You are. We desire intimacy with You. We want to see Your face and connect Your heart. Jesus, You’re always going out of Your way to love the lonely, the hurting, the confused. You truly are The Seeker. You love all people and nations. We ask that You and Your love would sweep across our land, drawing people to Yourself. We pray for a worldwide move of Your Spirit to be released, supernaturally drawing people to Yourself. Give them dreams, angelic visitations, and divine appointments. Let this outpouring be profound! And today, I pray for all who read and/or listen to this post. May they seek You, and in the quiet place, find You and the pleasure of Your company. Give them a big drink from the river of life flowing from the well within. We ask for these things in the name of Christ Jesus, our access to You. Amen. Our decree: The coming move of God will be marked by passion - God’s passion for us and ours for Him. The mask of religion will be pulled off, unveiling Him to humankind. ******************** Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company and published by Baker Books. Click on the link below to watch the full video.

7 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-12-2023 May 12, 2023 Answers to Prayer For the past three days, I have been sharing with you about the power of prayer, and learning about paga, the Hebrew word for intercession. Today, I’m going to share four stories with you about answered prayer. First John 5:14-15 tells us: “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” Let these stories boost your faith and confidence. In her book, Miracles Happen When You Pray, Quin Sherrer shares the following testimony: “Prakash, a crusade worker in India, looked at the lifeless body of his son and felt his heart collapse with grief. “Prakash had been out in the field, sharing the gospel, when he received an urgent telegram from his wife. He rushed home and discovered that his son was nearly dead. They couldn’t afford an ambulance, so Prakash and his wife boarded a crowded bus and began the long journey to a hospital in a neighboring city. On the way, their son’s heart stopped beating. All the passengers on the bus gave him up for lost. “‘I felt as if a big bolt of lightning had struck my heart,’ Prakash said. ‘My sorrow knew no bounds, and my wife was fully immersed in tears.’ “But in the midst of the tragedy, faith filled his heart with renewed confidence and power. ‘The child is not dead, just sleeping,’ Prakash announced with boldness that made the passengers on the bus laugh as if he were insane. “Prakash immediately knelt down in the aisle of the bus and prayed over the body of his son. Ten minutes into his prayer, a pulse returned to the child’s body, and he opened his eyes. “The passengers were stunned. ‘Your God is truly great!’ they said in amazement. ‘Tell us about Him.’ “Rejoicing in God’s miraculous answer to his prayers, Prakash shared the Gospel with a captive audience.” (1) What a great story! I believe God will give us more signs and wonders that will, just as in this story, cause unbelievers to come to Christ. In their book Praying Prodigals Home, authors Quin Sherrer and Ruthanne Garlock share the following two stories: “At age 14, Dawn began showing signs of hostility toward my husband, her stepfather. Up until this time, she had called him Daddy and insisted on having her last name changed to his. But when she rebelled, she contacted the authorities at her school and told them she was going to run away if we didn’t allow her to live with her girlfriend and her family. “The court got involved, and I lost custody of her. She became a ward of the court, then was placed in a succession of foster homes. When we would see her in court, she would swear at us and make obscene gestures. It broke my heart to see her like this. “Because of her extreme hostility, the Child Protective Services suspected she’d been molested, and they thought my husband may have been the one who did it. Later we learned it was a friend’s 41-year-old father. “The eight months that Dawn was out of our home were nearly unbearable for me. I became desperate before God. On Mother’s Day Sunday in church, our pastor spoke of the woman with the issue of blood and how she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed. That morning, in prayer, I pressed in and touched the hem of His garment - somehow, I knew God had heard my cry. Don’t ask me how; I just knew! I placed my daughter completely in God’s hands and trusted Him to bring about a miracle. “Shortly after that experience, God began turning the situation around through some amazing events. My husband chose to forgive Dawn for her rebellion, and our relationship with her was healed. Then the court returned custody to us. Considering all the circumstances, it had seemed impossible that our prodigal would ever return home. But God is faithful, and He restored our family. “Today Dawn is my best friend. When she was 24, my husband even got to adopt her. Only God could have put these broken pieces together again.” (2) And also, from Praying Prodigals Home: “For years, Evelyn had prayed Scripture prayers for her children. After Ken left home and moved back East, Evelyn went to visit him. He had backslidden. She was deeply grieved by his attitude and lifestyle, and boarded the plane with a heavy heart for her return flight home. ‘“Sitting on the plane, I talked to the Lord about Ken. She said, ‘I prayed, “God, I know all the Scriptures that are there to stand on for my family, but I need something new and fresh so I can fight the good fight for my son to return to You.” “‘I opened up to Proverbs and began to read. Suddenly a verse seemed to leap off the page, and faith was born in my heart: “You can also be very sure that God will rescue the children of the godly” (Proverbs 11:21, TLB). I had never noticed that Scripture, but this was a Bible version I wasn’t accustomed to.”’ “She clung to God’s promise for 13 years that He would rescue her child. “‘God kept telling us we should talk to Him more about Ken and less to Ken about Him! Ken’s life was becoming deplorable, but we kept loving and praying. Eventually, he began to trust us not to preach to him or condemn him, and he would turn to us when he was hurting. Once, he called and was hinting for us to pray for him. Then one day, we had the courage to ask if we could pray for him, and he allowed us to. That was a real breakthrough.‘ “Evelyn and her husband prayed that God would send people into Ken’s life who would have a positive influence on him, and it happened. Ken met up with a former friend who was a Christian and eventually agreed to go to church with him. When he called home to tell his mom, she just listened, not wanting to overreact or offend him. A few days later, he called again and told her he’d attended another church service. He said he felt the Lord told him this was his last chance. At that point, he repented and returned to the Lord. “‘Finally, the day came when we were able to see our son,’ Evenlyn shared. ‘I’ll never forget the moment he rang the doorbell and I opened the door. There he stood, so visibly changed! Ken’s countenance, dark for so many years, now was lit up with that inward glow that only Jesus can give. Yes, our prodigal son had returned!” (3) And lastly, our dear friend, Beth Alves, who is now in Heaven, shared the following testimony of creating a boundary (paga) of protection with her prayers. And what a story it is! “An example of intercession in my own life involves a cousin I hadn’t seen in about ten years. I crawled out of bed in the middle of the night for a glass of water when a picture of my cousin canvassed my mind. Suddenly I dropped to my knees and began to cry out, ‘God, don’t let Mike move! Keep him still, Lord! Keep him still! Oh God, please don’t let him move! Hold him, Lord! Hold him!’ “Even though I was pleading on Mike’s behalf with my words, I remember thinking, This is really ridiculous. Why am I praying this? Then the words ceased. So I got up, drank a glass of water, and started back toward the bedroom. Again I fell to the floor and began to cry out with a grave sense of urgency. ‘Don’t let him move, God! Don’t let Mike move! Stay still! Stay still!’ The words came to an abrupt end. This time I thought, This must be a nightmare! “I had no feeling inside of me other than the feeling to pray. I got up and began to pace the floor, wondering what in the world that was all about. One more time, I took a few steps toward the bedroom when again I dropped to the floor. Only this time, I was yelling, ‘Get him up, Lord! Get him to run! Run, Mike! Lord, help him to run…run…run! Let him run, God! Run, run, run!’ After several minutes, a calm came over me, and I returned to bed for the night. “The following day, I called my aunt to see if she could help me put the pieces together about my puzzling outcries the night before. She informed me only that Mike was in Vietnam. The experience still made very little sense. “Finally, a month later, my aunt called to read a letter she had received. The letter told how Mike, who was a pilot, had been shot down; he and his parachute landed in a tree. He had been trained to get out of the area as quickly as possible, but explained that just a few hundred yards from the crash site, he fell into a bush. ‘Mom,’ he wrote, ‘it was like I was pinned down. I felt like somebody was sitting on me. The Vietcong came and were unknowingly standing on my pant leg while looking up at my parachute in the tree. They turned around and began to slash the bushes with their bayonets. It looked safe, so I started to get up and run when once again, I fell into the bush as though someone was pushing me. I lay there for a couple of minutes when suddenly I had the impulse to get up and run. I heard a helicopter, so I sprinted through the wooded area, following the direction of the noise, to an open space where I was whisked off to safety. The helicopter crew said they came in response to my beeper. And yet, it was damaged when I was shot down and wasn’t working!’” (4) Incredible..! Prayer: Today for our prayer and decree, I want to do something different. YOU pray your own prayer and release a decree for someone - a prodigal, or one who is struggling in life, or perhaps someone who needs a miracle. Call them by name, ask Holy Spirit to lead you, and trust Him to do so. I am going to turn off the camera and do the same. ******************* See you on Monday. Click on the link below to watch the full video. ___________________________________ Every Home for Christ Newsletter, **** Eastman, president (Colorado Spring, Colorado, January 1995). Quin Sherrer and Ruthanne Garlock, Praying Prodigals Home (Ventura, California: Regal Books, 2000), pp 63-64. Ibid. pp 47-49. Elizabeth Alves, Becoming A Prayer Warrior (Minneapolis, MN: Chosen Books, 1998, 2003) pp 29-30.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-11-2023 May 11, 2023 Connecting Heaven and Earth We’ve been talking about the Hebrew word for intercession, paga. Let’s review. Like most Hebrew words, paga represents more of a general concept, which can be applied to various scenarios. The concept of paga is of two or more people, places, or things meeting, coming together, for pretty much any reason. (1) Therefore, it is used in the context of: encounter, meet (in order to visit, request, attack, and more), land or light upon, boundaries (land joining or meeting), burdens being placed or laid upon someone,” and more. These meetings can even be by chance - “happening upon.” Paga is translated as “intercession,” not because it means asking or petitioning - it doesn’t - but because intercession is meeting with God, creates meetings between God and others, meets and attacks spiritual enemies, builds protective boundaries, etc. Looking at references where paga is used to describe various activities, regardless of the English word used to translate it, gives us different pictures of what intercession (paga) can accomplish. In the account of Jacob’s God encounter in Genesis 28:10-19, paga was used to describe Jacob “happening upon” Bethel. Yet, what was “by chance” to Jacob was not actually happenstance; God was directing him. A similar thing occurs when we intercede. God directs us and causes our intercession to “land upon” the right place or person, releasing blessings from heaven. If you did not see/hear the last two posts, consider checking them out. Several other significant truths can be seen through Jacob’s meeting (paga) at Bethel, valid pictures of what paga produces. I want to briefly mention four more of them today. The first is that through intercession, heaven and earth connect. In his dream at Bethel, Jacob saw a ladder extending from earth up to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. The activity of heaven was being released to earth. Jesus told us to pray for this very thing when He taught us to ask for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven (see Matthew 6:10). Jacob said Bethel was “a gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:17). He realized it had become an entry point for God’s will to penetrate earth. Paga creates gates to heaven through which God’s will can be released onto the earth. Secondly, through intercession, divine-human partnerships are formed. Not only did heaven and earth connect at Bethel, but God entered into the same partnership with Jacob that he had with Abraham: “I will bless you, and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 28:14). A part of our destiny as Christians is the privilege of partnering with God in helping others find their destinies. Intercession releases this. “When George McCluskey married and started a family, he decided to invest one hour a day in prayer, because he wanted his kids to follow Christ. After a time, he expanded his prayers to include his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every day between 11:00 a.m. and noon, he prayed for the next three generations. “As the years went by, his two daughters committed their lives to Christ and married men who went into full-time ministry. The two couples produced four girls and one boy. Each of the girls married a minister, and the boy became a pastor. “The first two children born to this generation were both boys. Upon graduation from high school, the two cousins chose the same college and became roommates. During their sophomore year, one boy decided to go into the ministry. The other didn’t. He undoubtedly felt some pressure to continue the family legacy, but chose instead to pursue his interest in psychology. “He earned his doctorate and eventually wrote books for parents that became bestsellers. He also started a radio program heard on more than a thousand stations each day. The man’s name - James Dobson.” (2) That is the power of intercession, meeting with God on behalf of others. George McCluskey partnered with God in the place of intercession, and God’s destiny for James Dobson was realized. His ministry has indeed blessed millions of families on the earth. Thank God for the intercession of George McCluskey. Still, another important truth about paga is that it releases angelic activity. “And behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” (Genesis 28:12). Thetus Tenney, in her book Prayer Takes Wings, relates a story about two men who were protected from harm through intercession and the intervention of angels: “Dave Wright and Eddy Wiese had attended a church service in Oklahoma and were flying home to Fort Worth, Texas, in a Beechcraft Bonanza plane. Alerted to the possibility of threatening weather, the believers in Oklahoma were covering them in prayer. As the men prepared to land, a strong downdraft caused the plane to collide with a power line and crash. The men ran to safety - amazingly, the only injury to them was a minor cut. When they looked back, expecting to see the plane explode, they saw two extremely large men dressed in grayish-white robes, hovering over the plane.” (3) Angels had been summoned through paga, intercession. Although the intercessors did not know the exact details of how to pray, Holy Spirit caused their prayers to hit the mark. The final picture of what occurred during Jacob’s paga encounter is the building of altars. “So Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on its top” (Genesis 28:18). The word “pillar” could be translated as a memorial stone or a monument. In Old Testament times, altars were built not only as places of sacrifice, but also as memorials to mark and remember significant events. We do much the same today in building memorials at great battle sites or remembering great leaders. Joshua erected two memorials where he and Israel crossed the Jordan River into Canaan (see Joshua 4:8-9). Abraham built an altar to the Lord at Shechem, where God appeared to Him and promised him the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7). The prophet Samuel built a memorial near the town of Mizpah to mark a victory the Lord gave Israel over the Philistines (see 1 Samuel 7:12). He named the memorial Ebenezer, meaning “the stone of help,” and declared, “thus far the Lord has helped us.” How does this relate to us today? Are we supposed to build literal altars or memorials? That, of course, isn’t necessary. Yet we should build them in our hearts. I have many. When nagging doubts attack my mind, trying to convince me God will not come through in a particular situation, I revisit my Ebenezers. Quickly I declare as Samuel did, “Thus far, He has helped me.” Build some Ebenezers. As you live a life of intercession, meeting with God, creating meetings between Him and others, lighting on Bethels where destinies are shaped as heaven meets earth, or simply receiving personal help from your faithful Father, you’ll find appropriate places to erect Ebenezers. Build them strong enough to stand the test of time and tall enough to be seen from far away. Pray with me: Father, so few understand that we can be used to connect Heaven and Earth. And yet, how else could we possibly steward or manage the Earth for You, if not by releasing Heaven’s will and ways into it. Our King told us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come! Thy will be done, on Earth as in Heaven!” If we could see the unseen spiritual realm, we would see that our prayers, worship, and decrees create gates and position “ladders” - entry points - for angels to enter earth’s realm. We determine to partner with You at a higher level. You want this and need it. You actually entrusted Christ, Your Son, and Earth’s redeemer, to the care of humans! You want and need partners here. We volunteer! Change Earth through us! We decree Your Kingdom power and will into the churches of America. We declare Your Kingdom authority over the ungodly government of America. Their rule cannot stand. They have built on sand and have no firm foundation. Now, send the winds and rain to tear down their evil strongholds. And we declare Your Kingdom rule over the children, youth, and young adults in America. They will be rescued by Holy Spirit and Heaven’s host. The Captain, the Head, the Owner of Earth has declared it, and we agree. We do and say all this in His name, for He is Yeshua. Our decree: We decree that our appeals are hitting the mark, creating meetings between God and Earth, opening heaven’s gates, and activating angels. ********************* Today’s post came from my book, The Essential Guide to Prayer, published by Baker Books. 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. Edward K. Rowell, Fresh Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker,, 1997), 165. Thetus Tenney, Praying Takes Wings (Ventura, CA: Regal, 2000), 92.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-10-2023 May 10, 2023 Bullseye Yesterday, we discussed the Hebrew word for intercession, which is paga. Let’s review. Like many Hebrew words, paga represents more of a general concept that can be applied to various scenarios. The concept of paga is of two or more people, places or things meeting, coming together, for pretty much any reason. Therefore, it is used in the context of: encounter, meet (in order to visit, request, attack, and more), land or light upon, boundaries (land joining or meeting), burdens being placed or laid upon someone” (1) and more. These meetings can even occur by chance - “to happen upon.” Paga is translated as intercession, not because it means asking or petitioning - it doesn’t - but because intercession is meeting with God, creates meetings between God and others, meeting and attacking spiritual enemies, building boundaries of protection, etc. Looking at references where paga is used to describe various activities, regardless of the English word used to translate it, gives us different pictures of what intercession (paga) can accomplish. In the account of Jacob’s God-encounter in Genesis 28:10-19, paga was used to describe Jacob “happening upon” Bethel. Yet, what was “by chance” to Jacob was not actually happenstance; God was directing him. And there at Bethel, Yahweh's covenant with his grandfather, Abraham, was extended to Jacob. A similar thing happens when we intercede. God directs us and causes our intercession to “land upon” the right place or person, releasing the covenant of the Lord into the earth. Yesterday’s post contains much more; if you did not see/hear it, consider checking it out. Several other significant things can be seen in Jacob’s “meeting” at Bethel, which are valid pictures of what paga (intercession) produces. One of these is that God’s presence intensifies, and comes in greater strength. “Jacob declared in amazement, ‘The Lord is in this place…How awesome is this place’” (Genesis 28:16-17). In intercession (paga), an atmosphere is produced that is conducive for the presence of God. And, as Jacob said, God’s dwelling places are “awesome.” Several years back, I knew a pastor in Walla Walla, Washington. When preaching a powerful message in one of his services, a young, new Christian became so overwhelmed with the revelation he could no longer contain himself. Leaping to his feet, he began loudly exclaiming, “Awesome, dude! Awesome!” I’ve had a few “Amens!” and “Hallelujahs!” during my messages, but I’ve yet to receive an ‘Awesome, dude!’ I’m working on it. I’ve experienced many life-changing encounters with God during times of intercession. I recall a time years ago when I was with an unsaved friend who had done a lot of LSD, a hallucinogenic recreational drug used in the 70s. He began having a terrible flashback - a recurring effect of this dangerous drug, causing strange and sometimes terrifying hallucinations. As this occurred, he writhed uncontrollably, screaming and moaning in terror. Suddenly, faith and righteous indignation rose up in me, and I began to intercede for him. After only a few seconds of prayer, the flashback stopped suddenly, and great peace came over him. He described the hideous images He had been seeing, and how the sudden change came when I prayed. Then something unexpected occurred. God began ministering to me. His presence was thick and awesome as He spoke to me about the future ministry He was calling me to. This was in 1973, and the things He said to me have come to pass over the years. My “visit” with God took place, not in a church service or devotional time, but in a short session of intercession. When we involve ourselves in the unselfish ministry of interceding (paga) for someone, God rewards us with His presence, He meets (paga) with us. He always loves our company, but when we begin to represent His beloved Son, His Father-heart is stirred beyond His ability to resist. He responds, and ordinary places become awesome places. Many things can be said about the presence of God. In it, there is fullness of joy (see Psalm 16:11), safety (see Psalm 91:1-2), light (see 1 Timothy 6:16), and pleasures forevermore (see Psalm 16:11). Actually, all that can be said about God can be said about His presence, and intercession - meeting with God - creates it. One of the fruits of His presence is what we discussed yesterday: precision and accuracy come to our prayers. Remember that paga can mean “landing upon or meeting by chance.” At times, we do not have enough wisdom, understanding, or insight to know exactly how to pray. Like Jacob here at Bethel, it’s almost as though we must “chance or happen upon” the right prayer. On these occasions, listen for Holy Spirit’s direction. He will help us, causing us to hit the mark. A few years ago, while teaching an Old Testament course at a Bible College in Dallas, Texas, a student from Israel raised his hand and, when called upon, gave me great encouragement. I had mentioned paga - intercession - and the fact that Holy Spirit helps us hit the mark in our prayers. Using Hebrew words can be somewhat intimidating when doing so in the presence of someone who speaks it as their first language. My initial thought was that Avi might correct me. I was pleasantly relieved when, instead, he informed me that still today, while target practicing in Israel, one of the words for “bull’s-eye” is paga! Imagine that! The biblical word for “intercession” actually means bulls-eye. God will do for us what He did for Jacob. When we “don’t know how to pray as we should” (Romans 8:26), He will help us hit the mark - the place - just as He did Jacob. I recall the story of Steve (not his real name), who was extremely ill with many different issues. Doctors could not solve the problems, and much prayer had been offered for Steve’s healing, also with no results. One day Holy Spirit quietly spoke to an intercessor praying for him: “The problem isn’t physical; it is spiritual. Steve has unforgiveness and bitterness toward an individual who wronged him. Encourage him to forgive and release that person.” Steve was able to do so, forgiving the person who had hurt him. The results were amazing! A process of healing began that didn’t stop until he was completely well. Paga…bull’s-eye…Holy Spirit accuracy. The intercessor had “chanced” upon the problem. What she didn’t know, Holy Spirit did know; and He caused her to “land upon” (paga) the solution. That is paga, Spirit-led intercession. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us to end our prayers with “For Thine is the kingdom, power, and glory forever” (Matthew 6:13). The word “power” in this phrase also means “ability.” We have neither the inherent power nor the ability to accomplish what is needed in prayer. But our God does. Lean on Him for the ability to hit the mark. Pray with me: Father, just as You led Jacob to the right place, You sent Holy Spirit to lead us on our journey. Though we don’t always know what is needed in situations, He does, and has promised to help us. It is encouraging, Father, that the very word for intercession means “bullseye.” As we listen to Him, and also allow Him to pray through us, we will hit the mark. Today, I ask You that for those participating with me, intensify Your presence, Your glory, with them even now. Meet with them, minister to them. Heal their bodies, encourage their hearts, minds and emotions. Let assurance flood over them as they meet with You for others. And lastly, Father, we ask You to meet with our families; pour out Your Spirit on them. Meet with congregations, sending fire and power. Meet with our nation, cleansing and restoring it. And meet with other nations, sending awakening and transformation to them. We ask all of this in Christ’s powerful name and declare that Yours is the Kingdom, power and glory FOREVER! Amen. Our decree: We declare that we have ears to hear what Holy Spirit says to us. Therefore, we will hit the mark. *********************** Portions of today’s post were taken from my book, The Essential Guide to Prayer, published by Baker Books. 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.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-8-2023 May 8, 2023 What is this Phenomenon? We are in extraordinary times: great evil, great grace. We must always keep in mind that our God - THE True and Living God - is never outmanuevered or outsmarted. He is never caught off-guard. He always has wise plans and strategies. Our responsibility as His Ekklesia on earth is to hear Him and follow His instructions. My brother, Tim Sheets, is always listening for this. In today’s post, he releases another timely and encouraging word from Holy Spirit. Tim shares: ********* “Acts 2:1-12 gives the account of Holy Spirit’s descent upon the apostles and others gathered in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost. In verse 12, Holy Spirit’s entrance into that upper room is described as a ‘phenomenon’ (TPT), which is defined as something impressive or extraordinary; something not fully explainable or understood. (1) “A phenomenon began in Acts 2 when an equal member of the Godhead entered the earth realm to be with the born-again heirs and fill them with His omnipresence. He came to be our paraclete (Greek), meaning the One who comes alongside to aid, support, guide and strengthen us. (2) The greatest news of this New Testament event is that while the phenomenon began in the Upper Room, it didn’t end there. His extraordinary activity continues, and an even bigger phenomenon is planned in this era. The Godhead has planned another phenomenal outpouring of power coming upon the church. “Hell cannot stop what God promises when we, His heirs, believe and say what He says. There IS a righteous remnant decreeing what God says and this is preparing the way for a mighty move of Holy Spirit. I know of no better word to describe what God is doing in our day than phenomenal. “I recently had a vision regarding this outpouring. I had gone to sleep meditating on Jesus being King of Kings and Lord of Lords, picturing Him seated at the right hand of the Father on His beautiful, sapphire blue, throne. All around Him was the transparent floor, like a crystal sea. I was envisioning Him seated in glory, regal splendor, reigning over the universe. “When I awakened the next morning the picture in my mind had changed; I had a different vision of Jesus. He was now glowing, standing in power and magnificent strength. His might and power could literally be seen. Everything about Him portrayed strength, power and might. He was also radiant, the aura of His might emanating from and surrounding Him. “This vision of Jesus standing in glowing, magnificent strength began speaking deeply to me concerning the era we are now in. There was a strong witness in my heart and my spirit leapt. I knew a word Holy Spirit had given me years ago was being remembered by the Father. In the remembering, He was releasing power, bringing the word to its fullness of time. “In this word years ago, Holy Spirit began teaching me concerning angel armies and how they assist the Ekklesia. Angels are ministering spirits sent to minister to the heirs of salvation. Holy Spirit spoke several things to me during this time that I believe are now being activated: The first thing Holy Spirit said was, ‘I am coming to lead another campaign for King Jesus, similar to Acts 2; this time I will be bringing far more of the angel armies.’ Since then, I have had visions of 10 or more divisions of angel armies being activated. Holy Spirit spoke of a Kingdom revival that would go worldwide. He talked about the Ekklesia, the ruling and reigning church that represents Christ’s Kingdom government on earth. This Ekklesia influences natural governments, societies and cultures for Him. In a vision, He showed me the Ekklesia as a wagon wheel, with spokes extending from the hub, reinforcing its movement into regions. I began seeing Ekklesias raised up as hubs from which Christ’s influence would reach into regions, territories and nations. Holy Spirit branded a phrase in my consciousness which I have declared many times, ‘The greatest days in church history are not in your past; they are in your present and your future.’ Finally, He spoke to me about an era in which King Jesus would make a stand with His Ekklesia in unprecedented measures, affecting nations. I began prophesying and declaring the era of the standing King. “As I said, Holy Spirit spoke these things to me years ago, but just recently I had the aforementioned vision of King Jesus standing in power. Holy Spirit then whispered to me, ‘This has reached its moment.’ “Allow me to define the standing King anointing. The day of Pentecost in Acts 2 was Coronation Day for King Jesus. On this day, Jesus sat down on His throne at the right hand of God. At that precise moment, Holy Spirit was dispatched to the earth. Simultaneously, Father God took a ram’s horn filled with holy anointing oil, and poured it over the head of Jesus, officially declaring Him ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords.’ “We know from descriptions of anointing ceremonies in the Old Testament that the oil flowed from the head to all the body (Psalm 133:2). When this was fulfilled in Christ, His anointing oil dripped from His head onto His beard and flowed down to His body, soaking even the edges of His garments and sandals. ‘Ephesians 1:23 (NLT) says, “The church is His body.” The oil flowed down, through Holy Spirit, onto Christ’s body in the Upper Room. “The same anointing on the Head of the church was now upon His body, the Ekklesia. Why? So that we, Christ’s body, could do the same works He did on earth (John 14:12 NLT). We have His anointing and minister in His Name. This was, indeed, phenomenal! “Holy Spirit said to me, ‘A fresh pentecost will now be poured upon you. The anointing of Heaven’s King, seated at Father’s right hand, is now flowing in fresh ways off His head, His body. It will drip from His chin to the outer most parts of His garment. Soaking for ministry is now being poured forth. The anointing upon the Head of the church will be upon His body, enabling them to do the same works He has done. “‘You are also entering the season of Acts 7, where the seated King became the standing King. Heaven’s King will rise to stand with His bride, with His royal priesthood. He will stand as Messiah the Breaker, breaking open pathways to victory. There shall be great deliverance for His people as He breaks down barrier walls of hell with His awesome power, ensuring their overcoming victory. And through difficult times you, too, will proclaim, I see heaven opened, glory everywhere, and the King coming to stand by me!’ “The Bible speaks of the ‘former’ (early) and ‘latter’ rains, which were used to symbolize Holy Spirit outpourings. The phenomenal outpouring of Holy Spirit at Pentecost was the ‘former’ rain. But His outpouring in the ‘latter’ rain will be even greater (see Joel 2:23).The heaviest concentration of anointing occurs at the end of the church age. I believe it is now time for this. “The posture of our King is changing. This word from Holy Spirit said, ‘We are now entering into a season in which we will shift from Acts 2 to Acts 7. We’re moving from the seated King to the standing King.’ One of the purposes of standing is to move. King Jesus still has the seat of power, but He is moving in great might. The posture of the Ekklesia is also changing, in order to move in greater power and authority with Him. “Let’s agree with what heaven is saying.” ********* Pray with me: Lord, release Your anointing upon this word. We pray that the season for which we have been contending would now unfold. We declare that this is the season in which You stand and Your anointing flowing to us will increase. Pour out Your Spirit, Lord; let Your anointing rain onto us. Make it phenomenal! Bring deliverance, breakthroughs, healings and victories. Manifest Your presence and let revival spread across the earth, reaping the greatest of all harvests. Demonstrate Your splendor and might. As was prophesied in Psalm 2, earthly kings and leaders have made a stand against You, declaring You will NOT reign over the earth. Though this rebellion has occurred throughout the ages, it is certainly taking place now, including with many U.S. leaders. They not only oppose You, they mock You. Your Father and ours - the Supreme Judge, Almighty God, the Ancient of Days - warned them in this Psalm after a laugh of derision, to worship You, or receive Your rod of iron. Lord, draw a line in the sand. Force them now to choose submission and honor toward You, or the shattering rod of Your authority. Arise and scatter Your enemies. We ask for these things in Your great name. Amen. Our decree: A phenomenal outpouring of power is being poured upon the Ekklesia, which will result in a phenomenal harvest. ******************* Today’s post was contributed by my brother, Tim Sheets. You can learn more about him at TimSheets.org Click on the link below to watch the full video. ________________________________________________ 1. https://shorturl.at/EHV06 2. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, T: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 3875.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-5-2023 May 5, 2023 We Can Get There From Here I have stated several times on the Give Him 15 posts that prayer is saving America. I mean, of course, God is using prayer to do so. I’ve also said there is no other hope for America; no human, natural effort or plan can save us - we have fallen too far. Thankfully, many see this and are answering the call, both here and around the world. (WE THANK YOU FOR HELPING US!) Numerous prayer networks exist, such as RPN (Reformation Prayer Network), Lou Engle’s Pray! Ekkballo, End-Time Handmaidens and Servants, and more. Millions of individuals are praying, and outstanding resources exist, such as our friends at Intercessors for America (IFApray.org). Prayer is working. Another person God is using for prayer is my friend, Clay Nash. Clay leads a national prayer call, Victory from God’s Promises, five days a week, to pray for America. He calls it Victory From God’s Promises because Holy Spirit spoke prophetically and said, “Don’t war FOR the promises; war FROM My promises.” Thousands join him. He recently hosted the first Josiah Company gathering. It was outstanding. Josiah was a righteous King and reformer in Judah, who began his reign at only eight years of age. Obviously, he had wise advisors helping him as he matured. Second Kings 23:25 says of Josiah, “Before him, there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.” I’ll let Clay tell you other reasons he called this gathering “The Josiah Company,” and why he believes Josiah is a picture of what God is doing through prayer. Clay shares: **************** “The prayer movement is growing across the nations as watchmen in the Ekklesia mature and accept responsibility. I have watched those on the national prayer call I host grow tremendously over the last five years. The faithfulness of thousands of participants on these calls - five days a week - is truly amazing. We just finished 50 days of praying for all fifty states; the calls were strong, Spirit-led, and amazing. Within days after we focused on them, state after state experienced breakthroughs in abortion decisions, evil agendas against children, and promoting Godly Kingdom values. Prayer still works! “The prayer call goes back to August 25, 2019, in Brandon, Mississippi. As I was listening to Dutch Sheets speak on how the Ephesians 4:11 five-fold anointings (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher) work in a territorial Ekklesia, I heard the Spirit of the Lord whisper to me: ‘The days of the 31-year reign of the Josiah Company are upon the Ekklesia.’ Josiah’s reign is described in 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35. As I sought the Lord on this word from Holy Spirit, I have gained insight over the last four years. “Here are just 3 of the many strengths the “Josiah movement” will demonstrate to turn our nation: Josiah honored the ways of his spiritual father, King David (2 Kings 22:2). This current day Josiah company will honor the biblical Kingdom ways of our Founding Fathers. Josiah became aware of and honestly acknowledged Judah’s present-day spiritual problems. As we seek to repair broken-down Kingdom values in our nation we, too, will discover sins and injustices needing to be dealt with. This will allow Holy Spirit to also release present-day truth - coming through revelation and wisdom - producing a righteousness that will exalt our nation. This Josiah company will value, honor, and appreciate the prophetic word of the Lord, making Amos 3:7 a lifestyle, a standard, not just an event or trend. They will reactivate and adapt prophetic words of previous ages by prophesying present-day truth into them. “Many more principles can be seen in Josiah’s reformation, and I strongly encourage you to read the chapters regarding him. “On April 20-22, 2023, we hosted our first Josiah Company Convocation. It was truly amazing! Words alone cannot adequately state what we experienced. It certainly was the birth of something far greater than what I had expected. People attended from 33 states! Those that came were focused, prepared, and ready to attain another level of momentum. “Here is a brief summary of the gathering: Those present came hungry, passionate, and ready to fulfill 2 Corinthians 10:5-6: “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.” “The focus was acute, the prayer intense. Through each session, we sensed an increasing weightiness. Each person who helps me host the daily calls contributed, releasing fresh hope and expectation for the healing of our land. When Dutch Sheets spoke, there was a building of faith as we heard God’s voice through him. He spoke of a fresh prayer mantle coming on the church, enabling us to war spiritually through wisdom and revelation. There truly is a fresh mantle of war for those who desire it. The words released by all were both inspirational and full of impartation, bringing maturity and advancing the Ekklesia. “As we warred with declarations and decrees, we felt the assurance that situations were turning, doors were opening and closing, and companies of people were connecting. On Saturday evening, we assembled for our last session, where we prayed over ALL fifty states. Seven hundred people - present and via conference call - joined us for 4.5 hours! In 40 years of full-time ministry, I have never experienced anything like this. “While there, the Lord instructed me to host more Josiah Company Convocations and move them around the United States. We are fasting and praying for His strategy. “As Dutch finished his last session, I was reminded of something my dad would say when we had worked hard and accomplished a significant task: ‘Son, we can get there from here.’ I say that to the praying church now, confidently adding to it the true word of the Lord: ‘America is being saved.’” ************** I (Dutch) share this, not to single out what Clay is doing, but to encourage you that you are not alone in your praying. Individuals, groups, churches, and networks are praying in every state. Our understanding - and consequently our authority - is increasing, making us more effective. Though much work done by intercessors is hidden, the fruit will be seen by all. We must persevere! One of satan’s strategies is to “wear down the saints” (Daniel 7:25). Refuse to grow weary in your “well doing” (Galatians 6:9)...we will reap! And I say for the Lord - I know He feels this way - “Thank you..!” Pray with me: Father God, one way we recognize Your greatness is through the greatness of Your people. We thank You, Father, for the hunger and passion growing in the body of Christ. We sense that You are intent on raising up thousands of “Josiah intercessors” across this nation and the earth. We thank You, Father, that in spite of our failures and weaknesses, You are willing to work with and through us to heal nations. Father, may we, as Your people, become even more pliable as we posture ourselves to execute Your will in our nation. Let change begin with us, change that will leaven America and see our land healed. Father, we call forth the necessary connections to produce Josiah companies, throughout the land. Cause connections to occur in churches, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, cities, and states. Prosper prayer ministries; give them keen ears to hear Your strategies and wise methods of implementation. Encourage them, and also encourage the intercessors. For most of them, they will “plow” and “plant,” while others experience the excitement of reaping the results. Let them sense and feel Your pleasure and appreciation. And we all come into agreement today, asking for revival, restoration, bumper-crop-harvest, and Your glory covering the earth as the waters cover the sea. This will occur because You said it, and because we ask in Yeshua’s name. Amen. Our decree: We decree that the synergy being produced by Josiah-like hearts will increase. We decree an increase of wisdom and revelation to the body of Christ, that we are becoming His boots on the ground, a well-trained and finely tuned army. We decree that we are being fitly joined together by what each joint supplies, releasing new levels of synergistic power in all fifty states. ******************* Portions of today’s post were contributed by Pastor Clay Nash. You can find out more about Clay as well as the weekly prayer call information, at ClayNash.org. Click on the link below to watch the full video.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-4-2023 May 4, 2023 Why Do We Need to Pray? “Because I said so!” Don’t you just hate it when that’s the reason given for being made to do something? Not only is it frustrating, but it’s also a motivation killer. It’s one thing when the question “Why?” stems from a rebellion-rooted resistance, but when one sincerely doesn’t understand why, this answer can be a real bummer. I remember having my knuckles rapped with a ruler for asking the simple question, “Why?” Whack! “Because I said so! Now be quiet and do it.” I still wish I could rap that teacher’s knuckles with a yardstick and not tell her why! (We’ll deal with forgiveness and inner healing another day.) None of us want to do something just because someone else said so. Oh, I know God requires things of us at times without the full knowledge of why, but they are usually faith and timing issues - not the way He expects us to live life on a regular basis. He doesn’t program us like robots, or require an ostrich mentality of us: head in the sand, blind to the truth, the issues, and facts. I Wonder Why God has given us a Bible full of answers to the whys of life. The one I’m interested in is: Why pray? I’m not speaking of why in the sense of needing this or that. Obviously, we ask because we want or need something. I’m speaking of why in the context of God’s sovereignty. Do my prayers really matter all that much? Isn’t God going to do what He wants anyway? Most people, even if only subconsciously, believe just that. The proof is in their prayer life, or lack thereof. Can my prayers actually change things? Does God need me to pray, or does He just want me to pray? Some would argue an omnipotent God doesn’t “need” anything, including our prayers. Can God’s will on Earth be frustrated or not accomplished if I don’t pray? Many would brand me a heretic for even raising the question. But these and other questions deserve answers. I’ve discovered that understanding the why of doing something can be a great motivating force. Not knowing why robs us of motivation. As a kid, I wondered why the sign said “No Diving” in the shallow end of the pool. Then one day, I hit my head on the bottom. I don’t do that anymore! I wondered why I couldn’t touch the pretty red glow on the stove. I found out! I wondered why the guy in front of me in the woods said, “Duck.” I thought, I don’t want to duck. I don’t have to duck. Then the branch whopped me upside the head. Now I duck. I Need to Know Someone said, “To err is human; to repeat it is stupid.” I’m sure I’ve qualified for the latter once or twice, but not with these three issues because where they are concerned, I know why! However, we’re not talking about bumps, burns, and bruises when we speak of prayer; we’re speaking of eternal destinies. We’re talking about homes, marriages, the welfare of people we love, revival in our cities - the list continues. When God says, “Pray,” I want to know it will make a difference. I’m not into religious exercises, and my time is valuable - so is yours. Was S. D. Gordon right or wrong when he said, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed… Prayer is striking the winning blow… service is gathering up the results”? (1) If God is going to do something regardless of whether or not we pray, then He doesn’t need us to ask, and we don’t need another waste of time. If it’s all que sera, sera, then let’s take a siesta and let it all just happen. If, on the other hand, John Wesley was correct when he said, “God does nothing on the earth save in answer to believing prayer,” I’ll lose a little sleep for that. I’ll change my lifestyle, turn the TV off, even miss a meal or two. Is Prayer Really Necessary? The real question is: Does a sovereign, all-powerful God need our involvement or not? Is prayer really necessary? I believe it is. Our prayers CAN bring revival. They CAN bring healing. We CAN change a nation. Strongholds CAN come down when and because we pray. I agree with E. M. Bounds, who said: “God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world, the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil… The prayers of God’s saints are the capital stock of heaven by which God carries on His great work upon earth. God conditions the very life and prosperity of His cause on prayer.” (2) Quite a statement, and I couldn’t agree more. Think about it: Is this not the reason the earth is in such a mess? Not because God wills it so, but because of His sovereign decision to work and carry out His will through people. Is this not the story woven throughout the Scriptures: God and humans, for better or worse, working together? God needing faithful men and women? God needing prophets? Judges? Preachers? God needing a human Messiah? God needing human hands to heal, human voices to speak and human feet to go? Yes, this “need” was created by His decision - God has no inherent limitations - but Scripture is clear: God works on Earth through humans. Doesn’t He need us to ask for His kingdom to come, His will to be done (see Matthew 6:10)? Surely He wouldn’t want us to waste our time asking for something that was going to happen anyway, would He? Didn’t He tell us to ask for our daily bread (Matthew 6:11)? And yet, He knows our needs before we even ask ( Matthew 6:8). Didn’t Jesus tell us to ask that laborers be sent into the spiritual harvest (see Matthew 9:38)? Yet, doesn’t the Lord of the harvest want that more than we do? Didn’t Paul say, “Pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified” (2 Thessalonians 3:1)? Wasn’t God already planning to do this? Are not all of these things God’s will? Why, then, are we supposed to ask Him for something He already wants to do - if it isn’t that our asking somehow “releases” Him to do it? Either God wants the earth in its horrible condition, or He doesn’t. If He doesn’t, which is certainly the case, we must assume one of the two things. Either He is powerless to do anything about it, or He needs and is waiting on something from us humans to bring about change. Dr. Peter Wagner stated it this way: “We must understand that our sovereign God has, for His own reasons, so designed this world that much of what is truly His will He makes contingent on the attitudes and actions of human beings. He allows humans to make decisions that can influence history… Human inaction does not nullify the atonement, but human inaction can make the atonement ineffective for lost people.” (3) This is why the great spiritual statesman Jack Hayford said: “Prayer is essentially a partnership of the redeemed child of God working hand in hand with God toward the realization of His redemptive purposes on earth” (4) On this National Day of Prayer - and every day - let’s rise to the occasion and embrace the incredible invitation to be co-laborers with God…representatives of Christ, carriers of His awesome Holy Spirit, and ambassadors for God’s great Kingdom. It matters. Pray with me: Daniel, Nehemiah, and others in Scripture began their prayers for restoration with identificational repentance. Father, following their examples, we do so now. Our nation has turned from You and served the baals. This has produced violence, murder, broken homes, abandoned children, unsecured borders, evil and godless government, loss of our national destiny, addiction, homelessness, identity-less children, child mutilation, abortion, a weak economy, great division and hatred, lukewarmness in the church, and much more. We repent on behalf of our nation. Many have done so in the past, yet the sins continue; therefore, we do also. We cannot earn forgiveness or salvation; this comes only through faith in the sacrifice of Christ. Through this sacrifice, which releases mercy, we appeal for national cleansing and restoration. Deliver us from evil. Give us honest, humble, wise, sane, servant leaders in government. Give us an honest media, true educators, a strong military, secure borders, and an on-fire church. Give us revival - a great awakening and a reformation. And give us a worldwide harvest. We pray these things, now and always, in the name of Yeshua, the Hope of the world. Amen. Our decree: We decree that the God who birthed America CAN and WILL save America! **************************** Today’s post was taken from my book Intercessory Prayer, and published by Baker Books. Click on the link below to watch the full video. --------------------------------------------------- Paul E. Billheimer, Destined for the Throne (Fort Washington, PA: Christian Literature Crusade, 1975), p 51. Ibid. C. Peter Wagner, Confronting the Powers (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1996), p. 242. Jack W. Hayford, Prayer Is Invading the Impossible (South Plainfield, NJ: Logos International, 1977; revised edition, Bridge Publishing, 1995), p. 92, 1977 edition.

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-3-2023 May 3, 2023 The National Day of Prayer Tomorrow, the first Thursday of May, is the National Day of Prayer. Many will be gathering in groups around the nation, praying together for God’s hand to lead America. Today’s post is written by our good friend, Timmerle Kelly. She is the Executive Director of the Reformation Prayer Network, reaching all 50 states. Timmerle shares: “Observing a day of prayer for our nation, the National Day of Prayer can be traced back to the founding of the United States. Throughout history, our nation's leaders have called for prayer during times of crisis, challenge, or thanksgiving. As early as 1775, the Continental Congress declared a day of prayer to seek God's guidance and protection as they sought independence from Britain.1 Their motivation may have been Proverbs 3:5-6. The New King James Version says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.’ “Throughout the years, presidents, including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, proclaimed days of fasting and prayer. These leaders understood their need for God’s intervention as they led America. They believed His Word and set aside time to seek His face. “After a joint resolution by Congress in 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Day of Prayer into law, making it an annual observance. President Ronald Reagan determined it should be observed annually on the first Thursday of May.2 Every president since Truman has issued a proclamation recognizing the National Day of Prayer, affirming the importance of prayer in the life of our nation.3 The Theme for 2023 “This year, the theme of the National Day of Prayer is ‘Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much’; it is taken from James 5:16 (NKJV), ‘The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.’4 This is a timely reminder that as we join together in prayer, we are partnering with God and engaging in powerful spiritual warfare. “As we walk in righteousness, our prayers have the potential to produce dramatic change, not only in our lives, but also in the world around us. To pray fervently means to be persistent and passionate in our prayers, refusing to give up or be discouraged until we see answers to our intercession. In this, we find our strength and our hope. “Kathy Branzell, President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, shared her thoughts regarding this year's theme, stating, ‘God’s Word is clear, “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” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV). This is a time for us to come together, united in prayer, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways.’ 5 “Tomorrow, may we join others in praying fervently and passionately for our nation. Righteousness is not something we can achieve on our own, but rather, is a gift from God through the blood of Jesus as we repent and believe on Him. Ask for this on behalf of our nation. As we submit ourselves to Him and walk in His ways, we can be confident that our prayers will avail much, impacting our nation for the glory of God. The Power of Unity in Prayer “Unity is a vital force within the body of Christ and is essential as we remember the National Day of Prayer. In John 17:21 (NKJV), Jesus prayed that ‘...they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You.’ When we unite in prayer, we fulfill the heart of Jesus' prayer, demonstrating to the world the love and unity that can be found in Him. “Kathy Branzell emphasized the importance of unity in prayer, saying in her article regarding this year’s NDP, that this is a time ‘for us to come together, united in prayer, to seek His face and turn from our wicked ways.’ 6 This unity in prayer sends a clear message to the enemy that we are standing strong, united under the banner of Christ. As we pray and agree together, we can shift the spiritual atmosphere and bring about change in our nation (see Matthew 18:19-20). “Dave Kubal, president of Intercessors for America, urges believers to pray for our leaders, emphasizing this as a Biblical mandate. 7 We elect our leaders, but we must ask God to lead them. We often focus on our denominational and political differences and quarrels, but it is a significant statement to the nations that American Christians can put aside their differences and pray together for our country and its leaders. As we come together, we are declaring that we trust in God's mercy and power, knowing He is the only One who can bring healing and restoration to our land. Taking Action on the National Day of Prayer “Let’s pray tomorrow, especially for those who lead us governmentally, doing so in accordance with 1 Timothy 2:2, ‘Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.’ Pray for national leaders as well as your state and local leaders - governors, mayors, city council members, etc. Intercessors for America (IFApray.org) lists the leaders of each state on their website. If you do not already know yours, you can find them there. “God established the family as the core institution for humans on earth. Our families are meant to be places of security, where we form our sense of self and identity, and where we should learn to worship God. We are all aware the enemy hates family. It is a primary focus of Satan’s attacks and is a subject worthy of our fervent intercession. Praying for those that govern us and for families are just two of many areas we can focus on tomorrow. “There are local National Day of Prayer gatherings where you can pray with other Christians in your community. Many sites are listed on the National Day of Prayer.org website. If there isn’t one near you, consider taking the initiative to gather your family, friends, and co-workers together to pray for our nation. “We are grateful that our Presidents saw fit to set aside a day each year so we could join together to pray for America. It has never been more important that we do so. Take some time tomorrow to pause and pray for our great nation. “May our hearts be filled with hope and expectation as we join together on this year’s National Day of Prayer.” Pray with me: Father, tomorrow is a significant day in America, a set-apart day when Your Church crosses denominational, cultural, and political lines, humbles herself, and prays together for our nation. We are told to approach You daily, asking for heaven’s bread and provision. Many do so. And yet, it is good and important that we set apart a national, government-honored day to seek You. America is in desperate need of Your guidance and direction. Forgive us for our national sin of rejecting You and neglecting to seek Your plans and Your ways. We have wandered far from You, yet You are merciful. You multiply power when we pray in unity; we do so now. We pray that the spiritual atmosphere over our nation shifts, that the united prayers of Your people would be used to usher in transformation, justice, and Your intervention in every sphere of society. As people participate, move upon their hearts, especially those who don’t know You or are lukewarm in their walk with You. Awaken desire in them! And also, as some who are complacent participate, we ask You to alert many of them to America’s desperate need of You. And lastly, we ask for an awakening, a stirring, in the hearts of pastors and leaders toward prayer. So few churches pray. Please change this somehow. In Jesus’ healing name, we pray. Amen. Our decree: We decree that as we agree in fervent prayer on the National Day of Prayer, power will be released to accomplish a mighty move of God's Spirit, bringing healing and restoration to America. *********************** Click on the link below to watch full video. ------------------------------------------------------- 1 https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day-of-prayer-first-thursday-in-may/#:~:text=President%20Harry%20S.,been%20proclaimed%20each%20year%20 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/2023_theme 5 https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/spring_2023_ministry_update 6 Ibid. 7 https://ifapray.org/pray-for-america/

6 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-2-2023 May 2, 2023 Back around 2000, Ceci told me, “One day you’re going to write a book entitled The Pleasure of His Company, teaching people how to connect with God’s heart at a deeper level.” I wrote the book in 2014. It is easily my best book. A few years back, I shared several posts from this book. They garnered our best responses from you - by far. So, starting on Monday, May 15, I’ll be sharing a few more posts from this book. In today’s crazy world, God’s presence must be our anchor. And as always, we will pray. I’m confident you will be enriched. I am letting you know in advance because when I shared from the book a few years ago, several people said they wished they had the book when I did so – to make notes, etc. If you would like to do this, you have time to order it at our website, or where books are sold. Today I’ll be sharing a sampling, taken from 2 of its chapters. The Pleasure of His Company From Chapter 1: The Person Words are certainly inadequate to describe God’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. His intricacies are so complex it requires oxymoronic words and phrases to describe Him: He’s the Ancient of Days, yet is forever new, existing in a perpetual now; His omnipresent existence contradicts every natural law of time, space, and physics. When Moses asked Him His name, He simply said, “I AM.” Words fail. Consider the following facts about Jesus: A fish supplied Him with 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. He reversed insanity. Demons fled from Him. His eyes are like fire, His voice 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. What if I told you this Person requests the pleasure of your company; that the true and living God not only loves you, He likes you. Yahweh created us humans because He wanted family and friends, not distant servants. When Jesus was asked by His disciples to teach them how to pray, His response introduced them to a completely new and radical way of thinking. “Start your prayer by addressing God as Father,” He answered (Matthew 6:7). Other references encourage us to call Him “Abba - Papa” (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6). When Jesus said this, He forever changed the playing field. He rewrote the rules. Religious leaders were offended, philosophers found it ridiculous, but hungry hearts like yours and mine, looking for our roots, found it incredibly hope-inspiring. “You mean God wants us to call Him Dad, not Your Highness or Most Holy One?” “Yep,” Jesus said. “God would prefer that you call Him Dad.” May that forever shape your approach to Yahweh. Father God wants YOU, not some shallow religious loyalty. The affirmation of your praise and admiration of your worship blesses Him, not because He needs affirmation or likes to hear how great He is, but because He wants to connect with you. The Scriptures tell us He is seeking “worshipers,” not worship. (John 4:23) From Chapter 20: The Lingerers One definition of linger is "to leave slowly and hesitantly." If you don't find yourself leaving God's presence slowly and hesitantly, there's a short somewhere in the connection. When you truly connect with Him, it's like a warm bed on a wintery morning - you don't want to leave it. Regular visitors to the throne of grace become lingerers, pure and simple. Charles Swindoll shares this story: “I vividly remember sometime back being caught in the undertow of too many commitments in too few days. It wasn't long before I was snapping at my wife and our children, choking down my food at meal times, and feeling irritated at those unexpected interruptions through the day. Before long, things around our home started reflecting the pattern of my hurry-up style. It was becoming unbearable. I distinctly recall after supper one evening, the words of our younger daughter, Colleen. She wanted to tell me something important that had happened to her at school that day. She hurriedly began, ‘Daddy, I wanna tell you somethin' and I will tell your really fast.’ “Suddenly realizing her frustration, I answered, ‘Honey, you can tell me... And you don't have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly.’ I'll never forget her answer: ‘Then listen slowly.’”1 You'll never find yourself having to say to your heavenly Father, "Then listen slowly." He has plenty of time for you and loves it when you linger in His presence. In fact, His biggest problem is our limited time with Him, not our lingering. We are often in such a hurry we actually want Him to listen really fast. But He isn't our spiritual Santa Claus, wanting us to take our two minutes in His lap, give Him our wish list, and be on our way. He is Abba...Papa. David, the shepherd and psalmist who became king over Israel, was a lingerer; he loved being in God's presence, and he left slowly and hesitantly. David once said, "One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple" (Psalm 27:4). Notice the words dwell, behold, and meditate. Those are lingering terms. David also said, "O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells" (Psalm 26:8). You don't make statements like that unless you've learned to linger. First, we learn to linger, but then Yahweh becomes addictive, and we love to linger. Listen to David's language: "I love the habitation of Your house." I enjoy reading about David and his walk with God. It has been revealing and enriching to observe their relationship in the Scriptures - the good, the bad, and the ugly. One thing I especially like is that David kept it real, sharing with God his most intimate thoughts. Whether he was joyful, discouraged, lonely, or on top of the world, David talked to Abba about it. He knew God wanted to be involved in his world, and he wanted to be in God's. Eventually, a change came in their relationship, a change so subtle most people never think about it. Many people love God's presence. Thankfully, the worship movement of the last thirty to forty years has taught many of us the difference between singing and worshiping. And as we have learned to truly worship, we've discovered the wonderful truth that it attracts His very presence (Psalm 22:3). Through this, we've come to expect and enjoy the presence of the Lord. David understood this and was a passionate lover of God's presence. As much as he loved the Lord's presence, however, David was never called "a man after God's presence." He had the awe-inspiring honor of being referred to by the Lord as "a man after My heart" (see Acts 13:22, italics mine). There can be a huge difference between pursuing God's heart and experiencing His presence. It is possible to be in a person's presence and never make it into their heart. There are plenty of people I'm willing to hang out with, but very few I’ll allow into my heart. That part of me is reserved for the people I've spent enough time with to know I can trust their motives and intentions. I need to be confident my heart has value to them. It is breakable; I want it handled with care. God is no different. His heart can be broken, His emotions wounded. He allows many into His presence but is much more selective with His heart. His presence is free, but His heart will cost you time and effort. But oh, how worth the effort He is. Don't settle for a cursory look; be a lingerer. Pay the price to reach His heart, no matter what it costs you! Talk to Him slowly, listen to Him slowly, and leave Him slowly. Pray with me: Father, thank You for wanting us in Your world. Thank You for sending Your Son to redeem us back to You when we rebelled from the plan. We marvel at Your grace and love. Jesus, we are grateful beyond words for Your willingness to come into our world, amazed that You were willing to become one of us, a flesh and blood human being, in order to redeem us. We want to get to know You better. As we embark on this journey, drawing closer to You, may enjoying the pleasure of Your company become our reward. And we thank You for sharing Your authority with us, for giving us Your name. Teach us how to more skillfully and wisely partner with You in stewarding and managing the Earth. May we represent and reveal You more effectively, doing so out of relationship, not just responsibility. In Your name, we pray, Amen. Our decree: We confess and boldly declare that we are accepting Abba’s invitation to draw near. We will find and enjoy the pleasure of His company. *************************** Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company, published by Baker Books. Click on the link below to watch the full video. _____________________________________________________ Charles R. Swindoll, Man to Man (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), p 272.

7 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/may-1-2023 May 1, 2023 America’s Christian Heritage After sharing several posts last week on the importance of history, the synergy of the ages, placing ourselves in the storyline, and the Appeal To Heaven flag, it seems appropriate to quote from some of America’s history. Sometimes we “move on” too quickly. The following prayers and quotes are from some of America’s Founders and Presidents. The following prayer was “adapted from Washington’s Circular Letter to the States, which he wrote on June 8, 1783, as the commander in chief, at his headquarters in Newburgh, New York. This circular was directed to the governors and states of the new nation. His reference to them has been replaced by the words ‘the United States.’ Otherwise, the words and the spellings are those of General George Washington of the Continental Army.” “I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristics of the Devine Author of our blessed Religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation. Amen.”(1) On June 28, 1787, when our framers were struggling to agree on a suitable Constitution, Benjamin Franklin - considered one of the least spiritual of the Founders - made the following statement. His appeal began the practice of opening sessions of Congress with prayer: (I have included the entire Proclamation for you, although I won’t read it all today.) “The small progress we have made after four or five weeks of close attendance & continual reasonings with each other -- our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ays, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those Republics, which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist. And we have viewed the Modern States all around Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances. “In this situation of this Assembly groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine Protection. -- Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence, we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance? “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without [H]is notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without [H]is aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that "except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without [H]is concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a bye word down to future age. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human Wisdom, and leave it to chance, war, and conquest. “I, therefore, beg leave to move -- that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that service.” (2) Abraham Lincoln wrote the following proclamation to Americans on March 30, 1863: (I have included the entire speech for you, although I won’t read it all today.) “Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation: “And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord: “And, insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness. “Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th. day of April 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer. And I do hereby request all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion. “All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace. “In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.” (3) In 1911, the year before he was elected president, Woodrow Wilson assured the listeners that he was right with the Lord, and said: "America was born a Christian nation. America was born to exemplify that devotion to the elements of righteousness, which are derived from the revelations of Holy Scripture. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have a very simple thing to ask of you. I ask of every man and woman in this audience that from this night on they will realize that part of the destiny of America lies in their daily perusal of this great book of revelations -- that if they would see America free and pure they will make their own spirits free and pure by this baptism of the Holy Scripture." (4) On one of his famous radio addresses, FDR said the following: "No greater thing could come to our land today than a revival of the spirit of religion -- a revival that would sweep through the homes of the nation and stir the hearts of men and women of all faiths to a reassertion of their belief in God and their dedication to His will for themselves and for their world. I doubt if there is any problem -- social, political, or economic -- that would not melt away before the fire of such a spiritual awakening." (5) And finally, President Harry Truman, in a 1950 speech before a conference on law enforcement, said: "THE FUNDAMENTAL basis of this nation's law was given to Moses on the Mount. The fundamental basis of our Bill of Rights comes from the teachings which we get from Exodus and St. Matthew, Isaiah, and St. Paul. I don't think we emphasize that enough these days. "If we don't have the proper fundamental moral background, we will finally wind up with a totalitarian government which does not believe in rights for anybody except the state." (6) Selah - pause and think about that one! So much for the revisionist attempts to steal our Christian heritage. It is there, and it will remain. Put yourself in the storyline, agree with these leaders - help create the synergy of the ages, and appeal to heaven. It still works. Pray with me: Father, this week during which America will honor a National Day of Prayer, we look back at our beginning and thank You. Thank You for righteous women and men who believed Your Word, honored the gospel of Christ, and realized that unless You built America, they - and we - labored in vain. Though their words have been dishonestly and shamefully hidden, they are on record and alive in Heaven. We honor these words, agree with them, and declare them over America today. You told Jeremiah his words, given to him by You, would “pluck up…break down…destroy…overthrow…build and plant” (Jeremiah 1:10). Surely our Spirit-led words, authorized by Jesus, can do the same. You said Your Words are Spirit and life (John 6:63), a spiritual sword (Ephesians 6:17), and seeds that birth and bear fruit (Mark 4:14; 1 Peter 1:23). Therefore… Our decree: We boldly decree today: America was birthed by God for His purposes, those purposes are alive and well, and America shall be saved! *********************** Click on the link below to watch the full video. ________________________________ https://www.mountvernon.org/the-estate-gardens/the-tombs/george-washingtons-prayer-for-his-country/ Franklin, Benjamin. “Constitutional Convention Address on Prayer.” June 28, 1787. Philadelphia, PA. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=lincoln;rgn=div1;view=text;idno=lincoln6;node=lincoln6:336 https://www.pureflix.com/insider/5-founding-fathers-and-presidents-powerful-quotes-about-god-prayer?hs_amp=true https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1986/09/21/fdr-invoked-god-too/741f9d68-057c-4bf3-b0be-6faca4c8e2ef/ https://www.pureflix.com/insider/5-founding-fathers-and-presidents-powerful-quotes-about-god-prayer?hs_amp=true

7 min read https://www.givehim15.com/post/april-28-2023 April 28, 2023 Are You Ready to Take Your Place? A couple of weeks after I was introduced to the Appeal to Heaven flag, Holy Spirit gave a profound dream to my friend, Rick Curry. The dream seemed to encapsulate the synergy of the ages; putting ourselves into the storyline; the fact that God was involved in the birth of America; and the significance of the Appeal to Heaven flag. In the dream, Rick found himself in an old wooden tabernacle. An elderly man approached, whom Rick and I believe represented the Ancient of Days. This man turned on all the lights and opened all the windows, which were large pieces of hinged plywood, held open by poles. As the tabernacle filled with light, Rick could see that it was huge, seating twenty-five to thirty thousand people. The gentleman then escorted him to the platform and instructed him to sit on a stool. “Look out those windows,” he said, pointing to the east. As Rick looked, he saw ships approaching in the distance. Those look like pilgrim ships, he thought. Sure enough, they were. Three or four thousand people from that generation of Americans disembarked, made a processional into the tabernacle, took their seats, and began worshipping God. “Now, look out those windows,” the man instructed, pointing in a different direction. As Rick looked, he saw pioneers coming in the distance - women in long skirts and bonnets, covered wagons pulled by oxen, and other items depicting the era. Just as the pilgrims, several thousand pioneers made a procession into the tabernacle while the previous generation stood and cheered: “Well done! Thank you for your hard work. Thanks for keeping the dream alive…” When all the pioneers were inside, both generations began worshipping. After a few moments, the host approached again, “Look out these windows.” Sure enough, another generation of Americans was approaching. “Those are the planters,” he said. “They built roads, railroads, towns, and cities.” Just as the other generations had done, they filed into the tabernacle to loud cheers from the previous groups. When they were inside, all three generations stood, and fervent worship ascended. This scene repeated itself with three more generations of Americans approaching and entering the tabernacle. Representatives from six generations were now present, twenty thousand or more, all worshipping. “The praise was so loud,” Rick said, “the building was shaking.” At this point, the host approached yet again, pointing to a seventh set of windows. As Rick watched, people from our era drove toward the building in cars and trucks. Like the others, they made their entrance into the gathering - to great cheers, followed by passionate worship. The Delegates Seven generations of Americans now stood, passionately worshipping, literally causing the building to vibrate from the sound of their praise. After a few moments, the older man approached Rick yet again. “Watch these double doors,” he instructed. A representative from the pilgrims entered, walked up to the center of a bridge arching over the platform, and began prophesying God’s plans and purposes for America. The people listened quietly for several minutes as he declared her corporate destiny, after which the worship ensued again. Five more times, this was repeated - delegates from six generations decreeing and prophesying over America, each one followed by more worship. Finally, when the time came for our generation to decree, the pattern changed. Approaching Rick with a very serious demeanor, the old man asked him a penetrating question, “Are you ready to take your place in the synergy of the ages?” As you can imagine, hearing this phrase, first spoken to me in 2001, astonished me. Interrupting his account, I inquired, “Before the dream, Rick, had you ever heard this phrase? Have you heard me or anyone else ever mention the phrase ‘synergy of the ages?’ “Never,” he assured me, as I stared in stunned silence. This phrase, along with the fact that each generation of Americans was present, clearly pointed to the synergy created through multi-generational agreement. Seven eras, one nation. The fact that the phrase came in the context of a question was also significant: “Are you ready to take your place…?” To me, it seemed God was asking our generation of American believers the question. In the dream, Rick answered the man’s question, “Yes, I’m ready to take my place.” “Go through that door and join other leaders from your generation,” he was told. Unlike the previous generations, ours had numerous representatives, many of whom he recognized. Together, they marched into the room and took seats. All of them, that is, except the last one in line. He headed toward the bridge. “You were the last one, Dutch,” he told me. “You were the delegate from this generation. As you walked up the bridge, I noticed that, unlike the previous delegates, you were carrying something. When you reached the center, you began unfolding it - a white flag.” I was almost afraid to believe what might be coming. My mind was racing. Is he about to describe the flag just given to me - the Appeal to Heaven flag? Before he could continue, I blurted, “Did it by any chance have the words ‘Appeal to Heaven’ on it?” It was now Rick’s turn to be surprised. Having never seen or heard of the flag before his dream, he naturally assumed I hadn’t either. “Yes! How could you possibly know?” he asked. Still not quite believing what I was hearing, I continued, “Did it have an evergreen tree on it?” Again, Rick was shocked. “How did you know that? I’ve not shared the dream with anyone!” he exclaimed, pulling an Appeal to Heaven flag from a backpack. “I found the flag online and bought you one, planning to introduce you to it.” “Too late,” I said with a smile, “I already have one.” After giving him a quick explanation, I urged my surprised friend to finish his account of the dream. “Upon reaching the center of the bridge, Dutch, you didn’t immediately begin prophesying and decreeing America’s destiny, as the others had. Instead, you began waving the flag over the crowd in a figure eight, doing so for ten minutes or so. As you did, the people were once again passionately worshipping.” This figure eight pattern is significant. The number eight represents new beginnings in Scripture. On its side, eight is the symbol of infinity or eternity. In ancient times, when a covenant was ratified by a blood sacrifice, the individuals entering into covenant would often walk in a figure eight among the pieces of the sacrifice. Why? They were swearing eternal allegiance to the covenant. I believe that by waving the flag in this configuration, I was declaring two things. Firstly, appealing to Heaven can give us a “new beginning.” Also, it was emphasizing America’s covenant with God. By waving this flag, under which America was born, I was pointing us back to our roots as a nation - our birth, purpose, and calling. “The dream is still alive, the flag was stating. Find it. Revisit the stormy seas of the pilgrims, the dusty trails of the pioneers, or the bloody battlefields of Lexington and Concord. Read the sermons of Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, or John Wesley until the flame of the First Great Awakening burns in you. Read of Cane Ridge, the Second Great Awakening, and Charles Finney until you burn with passion to see America become ‘the shining city on a hill’ once again. Tell the old stories! And find the dream.” As I waved this ancient flag with its timeless message, I was declaring that we as a nation must once again “appeal to heaven.” If we are to recapture our God-given destiny, we must pray now, just as we did then. The Harvest of the Ages Rick then finished his account of the dream with one last, powerful statement. “After several minutes, you stopped waving the flag and began prophesying over America, just as the previous six representatives had done.” He couldn’t recall what I had said, except for the last sentence, which I’m certain was all he was intended to remember. “With great conviction and authority, you declared, ‘America is returning to the ancient path, in order to reap the harvest of the ages!’” End of dream. To say I was impacted by this dream would be the understatement of the year. Its message touched a deep place in my soul, confirming what I had believed for many years: the greatest harvest in history is ahead of us. And America, though we may not look like it at the moment, has an important part to play in this great harvest. The Lord still has need of us. Rally to the flag. God has resurrected it for such a time as this. Wave it outwardly; carry it inwardly. Appeal to heaven daily for a spiritual revolution that will knock out the Goliaths of our day. Put yourself in the storyline, because the stories ARE your stories. Let your heart revive as you think about the great God of yesterday, today, and forever. You’re on His team, part of His plan, in the dream. By faith, call America back to the ancient path, to reap the harvest of the ages. Believe He can; believe He will. Are you ready to take your place in the synergy of the ages? Pray with me: Father, we are more than Your servants; we are family. We are also Your representatives on Earth. Thank You for the privilege of partnering with You to save the world. As a nation, we also enjoy the incredible honor of taking the gospel of the Kingdom to all the world. All believers have this assignment and privilege, yet You birthed America as a nation specifically for this purpose. We have turned Your dream for America into a materialistic dream, but a Third Great Awakening will correct this. The lies of progressives, secularists, humanists, and revisionists will be dispelled by truth. We appeal for this now. We are ready to take our place in the storyline and experience the synergy of the ages. We appeal to the Lord of the harvest for laborers to be sent into the harvest of the ages. We bind the powers of darkness, the schemes of hell, that war against this. We declare that the authority delegated to the Ekklesia is greater than their authority. We release power into the spiritual realm over America to destroy strongholds of darkness and release the spirit of revival. We do so, especially for the youth and young adults of America. We decree revival to the campuses of America. Our decree: We acknowledge that appealing to heaven birthed America, and decree that appealing to heaven will rebirth America. ************************* Today’s post was taken from my book An Appeal to Heaven. Click on the link below to watch the full video.