Loved and Protected

Remember that phrase that so often hung on plaques on our grandmothers’ walls. Prayer Changes Things. I was trying to recall how long it’s been since I’ve seen a plaque like that, and you know, I’ll bet it’s been forty or fifty years. What happened to those little signs?

I believe I know the answer.

I believe that when our grandparents died we let those words die with them, as if it was just some kind of a platitude that had no meaning.

I mean, it’s not exactly a Scripture quote, is it? Well, yes it is. In every way. If we look closely at Scripture we can see how God actually chose to step back and allow Adam and Eve to rule the earth. They and their progeny were told to subdue the earth and make it fruitful. At that point it was no longer up to God to subdue the earth, but for men to pray, asking God for everything they needed, because He said it would happen as a result of prayer.

He gave us all the keys to answered prayer, too. He said to fall in love with Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds, to put Him first in all things, to love our brothers, and to confess our sins.

Then He said to ask what we would and it would be done unto us. That’s exactly what He said; you can find it in the Bible.

So where did we go wrong? Why haven’t we subdued the earth and made it a thing that would glorify God and lift up the name of Jesus?

Because we didn’t get it. We didn’t get it that we had so much power, and in fact, if we didn’t use that power to storm heaven and call down wisdom, discernment, the end to evil, and dispatch the power of God to break strongholds and remove evil from public office. And look at what we ended up with.

It’s up to us. Prayer changes things. The heavens move at our commands, in response to the fervent effective prayers of the righteous. In fact, there’s no issue so vital to our survival as a nation right now as warring in the spirit, demanding that the devil return what he’s stolen from us. Or perhaps it would be more honest to say–what we’ve given away.

Right now, I want to pray, so agree with me. “Lord, we come before You, bowing our hearts, and confessing that we were blind to the power we had. We were so focused on other things and felt so inadequate that we failed to take the torch of heaven and run with it. We failed to build a high tower around righteousness and protect and nurture it. We failed to see that You had commissioned us to subdue the earth, and we failed in our duty to do it.

“Oh, Father, we repent, for apathy, and for being so enamored with things and money and our own pleasures that we failed to see the ground being stolen from under our feet. But because there’s still time, we take back that ground, and say to the devil, ‘I already know the end of this story, and you lose. I choose to stand and take the authority God has given me, and tell you, No more!’

“I praise You, Lord, that You have already fought this battle and won, and because of that, we can rejoice and call into being a new and mighty move of the Spirit, of holiness, and righteousness, as this country and the world have never seen before. We ask that You would open blind eyes of those who have evil intent and hate the truth, that have never had a vision or a dream, and give them a last warning they will never forget, one that will hound them day and night and haunt their dreams until they bow to You, O God. Father, empower us to take back the halls of justice, the legislature, the executive branch as we say, ‘God put into power, and God will take out those who refuse to bow down.’ Oh, Father, we dare not waste another minute, but help us to hate the things You hate, and love righteousness. Help us to love one another as never before, and let our light, once again, so shine that the world may see Jesus in us.

“We are desperate for a move of Your Spirit, Father, so pour out as never before, and let us rise as lights in darkness, but let men who have hated darkness see their end. Let visions of hell be released in their hearts, so that they know and can run, run, run to You, Father. Let every deceptive spirit be shattered and every scale fall from their eyes that men can see their end without You, Lord. Let us be so consumed by Your Spirit, so fired up with love for You, Lord, that men can see we have been with Jesus. Use us, Father, for time is fleeting, and we dare not waste another moment or let another soul go without a fight.

“Pour out Your Spirit, Lord, on us and our children and our grandchildren, that they may fall in love with Jesus and never be the same again. That they may see visions and dream dreams and declare the works and words of the Lord. Shatter the power of our legislators to pass evil laws, and confuse their tongues, and help them vote for righeous laws, in spite of themselves. Win the battle for us, Lord, as we dispatch heaven on our behalf.

“Change us, Lord, and let us be dynamos, powerhouses of God that cannot be stopped or silenced, no matter what the cost. Let righteousness once again exalt our nation, and the name of Jesus be revered instead of cursed. Let lust and entertainment and every evil thing be exposed for the empty promises they give, and let men everywhere see that they are really blind and poor and naked and wretched, without Jesus Christ. Let everyone who has an ear to hear repent and come to the knowledge of Jesus, and let the heavens dispatch legions of angels toward the North, South, East and West, in our world, but especially in the United States of America, one nation under God, which is not and shall not be called a Muslim nation. We shatter that notion with the words of our lips, and lift up Jesus.

“You say to call into being the things that are not as though they were, so we call into action people of righteousness, who are destined to lead our nation, people who have Your heart, Your vision, and Your Words written on the tablets of their hearts. And let the unrighteous see their end. Let them not sleep or eat or buy or sell or take a bribe any longer. Paralyze them with visions of hell and judgment as never before, and confuse them, Lord. Remove them from office unless the bow to You, Father. Change their hearts, and let repentance fall in every branch of our government, and let men give back the money they’ve stolen from the poor and elderly. Let right be called right once again, Father, and wrong be called wrong, and let the light of heaven shine down on us once again. Let us lift up Jesus, as the Son of God, the only King of Kings, for their is one God, and His name is Jehovah. Break every stronghold, Lord, and let unrighteousness crumble and fall, and we will give You all the praise, in Jesus’ amazing name, amen.” I hope you said amen with me.

The sad truth is, that we have not been trustworthy with the power God entrusted to us. We have not seen or understood the power of prayer and, thus, we have stepped aside let hell have its way. But no longer. Now that we know, we must move in the spirit, and live and pray as if this is our last best chance to change the world. Because it is. This is it. What will we do with Jesus!

Because of His great love,

Nancy

I recently heard an interesting teaching by Prophetic Teacher Perry Stone who said that our enemy, Satan, who hates the church of Jesus Christ, is doing all he can to destroy it. He says that in a last ditch effort the devil has actually orchestrated a plan, assigning individual principalities and powers, specific types of demon spirits, to target Christian marriages and Christian pastors, those who preach the life-changing Word of God.

He said he has never in his life seen so many Christian marriages in shambles, where couples divorce leaving their children especially devastated.

And families aren’t the only victims of this deadly plot. As most of us know when a truly godly pastor falls, his church is torn apart and many people begin to doubt the effectiveness of the gospel. Devisive and painful church splits often begin this way.

The point I’m making here is, it’s not God’s idea or His will for these things to happen. His heart is broken for those He loves who fall victim.

The thing I’ve seen is that you and I are in a position to change these things if we can hear the heart of God on these issues and begin to reach out in love and pray the covering and protection of the blood of Jesus over those in the line of fire.

That means you and me. We are in the line of fire. If we are spreading the gospel in any form we are targets. If we have strong Christian marriages, we are targets. If we are pastors or in any kind of Christian ministries, we are targets. And lest we believe otherwise, this is a bloody, to-the-death battle that we absolutely must win. The problem is that we often think it’s just a normal thing when our marriages have trouble and fall apart, ending in divorce. But believe me when I say that’s a lie of the devil and a very powerful one at that.

Perry Stone went on to explain that the devil loves to magnify and deceive people making them believe their marital problems are much more serious and complex than they really are–that they are truly irreconcilable. His deceiving spirits echo those lies repeatedly trying to convince us we should give up, that we don’t love each other the way we used to. And the sad thing is, his plan is working.

In our own lives, you and I must guard our relationships, love our spouses, even when things aren’t always smooth sailing. We must commit ourselves to living in the center of God’s will, with nothing wavering, so that we may stand when the pressure is on. We must tell ourselves the truth–that those tough, discouraging moments are not just normal struggles, but part of Satan’s strategic plan, and we dare not entertain his ideas even for a moment, but get into prayer (especially praying in the spirit) because once we entertain them, they take root and bear fruit for our enemy, derailing God’s plans entirely and rendering us powerless.

This is where the term ”purpose-driven life” is really appropriate. For if we truly say and believe, “For me to live is Christ,” then we dare not allow ourselves to wallow in self-pity, but pick ourselves up and dump all our heartache at Jesus’ feet, where there is hope to not only survive but to thrive, and not just as believers but as loving couples, (a type of Christ and His bride.)

And I believe the deeper issue is this: if we as the Body of Christ have no more hope for our marriages and our churches than those who don’t know Jesus, what does that say about the gospel message? We make it of no effect if we allow ourselves to be taken in by the enemy’s wiles.  

A few days ago I also heard Wendy Alec (she and her husband, Rory own GodTV), say that in her vision called, Journal of the Unknown Prophet, she saw God desperately weeping over these things, watching as Satan amassed huge numbers of demon spirits, whom he had armed for the final attack against the church of Jesus Christ. And though it’s true that because his time is short Satan is unleashing his most powerful strategies to defeat God’s people, if we are in the Word, falling in love with Jesus, staying in the center of His will, He will help us love each other in spite of our struggles. Our victory is guaranteed if we do not veer from the narrow way.

God has recently shown me something else very powerful. You and I who know and love Jesus aren’t just here to take up space on Planet Earth. In fact, He has equipped us to war in the spirit, to win incredibly fearsome battles fought in the heavenlies for the very hearts of mankind. He sends His angels the instant we pray, but only when we pray. Did you hear that? Let me say it again. 

God only moves according to the effective, fervent prayers of His people. So the question now is: Are we praying? Let us not take lightly the assignment that will determine the eternal destiny for those God loves.

Let’s get on our knees and change the course of history.

Because of His great love,

Nancy

In our day in this country, we have been blessed and have, for the most part, needed little that we couldn’t obtain for ourselves.

But the days are coming when we need things we can’t get the in the old way. So what does that mean?

Because we’ve been so blessed, we’ve gotten comfortable with that and haven’t needed God’s power. In fact, for the most part, people in the US do not see themselves as needing anything.

I’ve noticed that when I try to give away an obvious gospel tract I rarely if ever get anything but a wave of a hand indicating no interest. Sometimes the recipient even acts annoyed or offended.

And many of us Christians have become timid, fearful, and hesitant to stick our necks out because of increasing negative response to all things Christian. But is that any way to respond?

In the first place, few unbelievers have seen real Christianity in action, where believers love each other, loving and serving God with their whole hearts, souls, mind and strength, and loved their neighbors as themselves. If they saw the real thing it would actually make them stop and think about it.

But are we willing to give up our comfort so that God can use us as never before? Are we tired of the status quo? Will we ask God to take us all the way, using us in the power of the spirit along the way?

Will we choose not to be offended or hurt when tough things happen? Will we choose to love the one responsible and ask God to help us love with the supernatural love of God?

I want more than what I’ve had before. What about you?

Let’s see what God will do when we let go of old things and let Him make us new.

Because of His great love,

Nancy

The last time I blogged I mentioned a vision God gave me about a cocoon, and today I want to share a second vision He gave me.

In the second vision He showed me a group of toddler and preschool children, all playing around their mother, and they were squabbling, fighting, hurting one another, fearful and jealous of one another, believing their mother didn’t have enough love to go around. (You know, the way children often do in real life.)

And the Lord said, “My children are like this. They fight and squabble and hurt each other, picking on each other, fretting and jealous believing I haven’t enough love to go around, but it’s only because they don’t understand who I AM.”

Then He showed me a second scenario, where children were playing in a shimmering, crystal river, frolicking, laughing and enjoying each other’s company, because they were secure in their Father’s love.

And He said, “I have more than enough love for my children, and in fact, each one is my personal favorite and I dote on each one as if he were the only one. And the river they are playing in is the River of God, where there is no lack, and where My children are filled to overflowing with My love. And if they will receive the word that perfect love casts out fear, and begin to step into the River of God, I will fill them up and use them in ways they never dreamed. And the world shall truly know them by their love.”

And the Lord showed me that it’s going to take all of us cooperating with the plan of God in unity to function as the well-oiled, Holy Spirit-anointed machine that God needs to use in these end times. He is pouring out His spirit right now on those who are willing to let go of the old things and ask for the new.

On a personal level I’ve never seen so much occurring in the spirit before, and I’m excited, because when we see how big our God is, we will dump fear, knowing He is totally capable of taking care of us. And when we live in that incredible River of God, that love, right smack in the center of His will, we won’t take a single thought for our needs, but will walk in obedience and in awe of that love, realizing He has it all covered. And we will take compassion on our brothers and sisters and feel the  very heartbreak of God over those who are wayward and lost, without Christ. And we will step out in love to minister and win them.

In fact, I’m really pumped to realize that our needs are just a small thing compared to the bigger picture. Once we get it into our hearts that He delights to give us our desires when we put Him first, we’ll turn our world upside down, not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.

Are you with me on this? Let’s dare to get out of our ruts and step into that River of God, and see what He will do.

Come along with me, the best is yet to come.

Because of His great love,

Nancy

(I couldn’t post because I’ve had no Internet service for the past few days– sorry.)

Something amazing is happening inside me.

Remember where Scripture says, “I will pour out my spirit on all men in the last days…” Well, I’m under the spout where He’s pouring out.

He’s showing me things I’ve never seen before, in Scripture and visions and dreams. He’s letting me pray in the spirit and in English all night long, seeing revelations and getting breakthroughs I’ve never received before.

The first vision I saw was of a cocoon, where, like a butterfly, we went in as worms, but are to be released as butterflies, able to freely worship and accomplish all kinds of supernatural things in the spirit to glorify God. But there’s a problem. We have been in that cocoon too long, refusing to come out, because it’s so comfortable. A butterfly who refuses to come out will die of suffocation, and in the same way we too are at risk.

If we fail to come forth as God ordained, we fail to live out our destiny, and that, my friends, is the scale according to which God will judge us. We dare not stay in our comfort zones any longer.

A Christian sister confirmed this vision and added that God is taking a knife and slicing open that cocoon, reaching out his hand to help us out of that tight space to where we can live out our destiny.

Let’s ask God what He wants us to do and trust Him to make it happen, because our God never fails, and the best is yet to come!

Because of His great love,

Nancy

I have once again heard from Gideon (Kenya national pastor/evangelist) and he had an incredible report. If you’ve been following the story, there is a terrible drought and resulting water shortage that have closed three hydroelectric plants and made women and children walk miles for small amounts of questionable drinking water.

 A week ago Thursday I asked the Lord for an answer to the water problem, and He showed me that just as He gave water to Moses when he spoke to the rock, He would do the same for Gideon.

So Friday and Saturday he and his congregation (taking their vessels and pots for water) went to a rock God showed him and began to praise and worship God. They continued this process for hours but saw no results either Friday or Saturday, but Sunday when they went the rock became wet, and they got very excited.

His next message came Tuesday, and he said they saw even more water on the rock, though not enough to capture to drink. But their faith was growing with each visit.

Thursday he wrote that when they arrived at the rock, the rock was already wet, and villagers were standing there in awe, wanting to know how there could be water on the rock when the sun was so hot and unrelenting. This presented an opportunity to explain how God was coming to their rescue because of His great love.

As you can imagine the believers’ faith skyrocketed when this occurred, realizing that water from the rock would open doors to share the gospel as never before. Just imagine what would have happened if they had given up because they saw nothing on Friday or Saturday. They would’ve given up right before getting their miracle.

My own faith is growing by leaps and bounds as well, because I have been asking God for miracles, visible miracles that will demonstrate in a clear and obvious way, God’s incredible love for mankind.

I can’t wait to see what happens next. God is going to give us water from that rock. I say “we” because it’s just as much my miracle as Gideon’s. I am expecting many other great things from God, and will be growing more and more “demanding,” as I see how delighted He is to meet our needs. I am taking literally the verse that says “We have not because we ask not.” Well, I’m asking, brother, and not taking no for an answer.

Expect great things with me!

Because of His great love,

Nancy

I heard some very profound teaching from Perry Stone yesterday. He said there are 3 reasons why God doesn’t pour out His financial blessing on believers.

We’ve all heard the Scriptures that say to ask, and it shall be given. Well, apparently there are exceptions, when people don’t live according to biblical principles.

Reason #1: We don’t have our ducks in order financially. We spend on junk, on frivolous things, spending on our flesh. We spend foolishly, and expect God to bless it. Well, He won’t and He doesn’t. He ordained an order to spending just as with everything else, and when it isn’t done decently and in order, God cannot put His stamp of approval on it. If we ask He will give wisdom regarding money and turn this situation around if we are willing to repent and go another way.

Reason #2: We don’t tithe. We’ve all heard the passage in Malachai 3:8-11 that says, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse.” Well, that passage plainly states that if we don’t give back to God, our purses will have holes where money falls through and disappears. He will halt the devourer on our behalf when we are obedient in giving back to God. He says to prove Him and see if He doesn’t keep His Word.

Reason #3: We make foolish business decisions that consume our blessings because we haven’t consulted God on the matter before moving ahead in our folly.  

II Corinthians 9:6-11 says Now I say he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, “He scattered abroad, He gave to the poor. His righeousness abides forever. Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for seed, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.

If you and I want to bless others and have our personal needs met, we must put God first and open our hands to Him. Once we get on track with biblical principles, we will see ourselves transformed from the inside out, not just in finances, but in every area of our lives.

To him who has an ear, let him hear.

Because of His great love,

Nancy

I said I’d keep you posted on Gideon’s assignment to speak to the rock, believing God for water to address the terrible drought and famine in Kenya.

He wrote me Saturday, as I mentioned, and said they had spoken to the rock, praising the Lord, both on Friday and Saturday without apparent results. 

As you can imagine I was on pins and needles waiting to hear what happened. Well, Sunday he reported that they once again went and repeated the exercise, and commanded the rock to give water in Jesus’ name. And he said that in spite of the blazing sun and very hot temperatures the rock was wet. I was so excited. I believe this miracle is on the way, that God does not start something He doesn’t intend to finish. So I’m asking readers to join us in praying that the rock gushes with water that will fill every vessel every day until the famine and drought are over.

You know, God didn’t need to involve me in this process. He could’ve spoken to Gideon and personally told him to speak to the rock. But He included me because He wants to demonstrate His power and delight in meeting the needs of His kids.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is my miracle. I need to see it as much as they do in Kenya, because not only will it save their physical lives in a life and death situation, but I believe the people will see that Jesus is alive and well and cares deeply about their practical needs when they hear that water is coming from a rock in answer to prayer. Their faith will explode and so will mine, knowing that we were a part of such an incredible show of God’s power.

I’m blessing God with every breath, believing Him for everything, and I want to shout to the world that He is able! Nothing is impossible with God. We have not because we ask not.

Join me in ushering in the miracle that will change lives forever, will you?

Because of His great love,

Nancy

As Americans we’ve been so blessed we’ve scarcely had a need for miracles. But because I believe we will desperately need them before this is over, I’ve asked the Lord for miracles simply to build my faith. I need to see Him work in ways I’ve never seen before so I can believe for anything–for anyone–at any time.

And that, I believe, is one of the reasons He let me meet my Kenyan friend, Pastor/Evangelist Gideon Mudenyo. He has no idea how important he is in my life right now, but his story is an essential building block in increasing my faith right now.

In fact, as I mentioned before how he shares via email what is happening in his war-torn, famine and drought-ridden country, and I pray asking God for wisdom. Now I’m sure I need not be part of this equation, for God could certainly speak directly to Gideon and I’m sure He does. But He has included me for the building up of my faith, and because the miracles and moves of the spirit in Kenya are my miracles and my moves of the spirit, proving the goodness of God.

Friday I emailed Gideon after praying and told him I believed that rather than having women and children walk miles in the terribly hot sun for a small amount of questionable drinking water, God wanted him to remember how Moses dealt with a water shortage in the wilderness. God told Moses to speak to the rock and the rock gave water. Well, have you seen anyone get water from a rock lately? I haven’t either, but that’s what God said so that’s what I told Gideon.

And he wrote back that they went expectantly to the rock and prayed and praised the Lord and he spoke to that rock. Now he didn’t say they received water, which leads me to believe nothing happened. So why did that happen? The enemy as we know, walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. And he sends hindering spirits to steal the blessing and shatter the hope of those who pray.

But what does God say about that? He says the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous avails much. So what does that mean?

That we pray and keep on praying until we see water coming from that rock. When I wrote back, I told Gideon not to leave that rock until God gave him a release. That he was to stay there and press through until he got his answer or the Lord said to stop.

How often do we press in and pray for great lengths of time, especially in public where our reputations are on the line? Well, the time is coming when we’re not going to give much thought to whether we look foolish; rather we’re going to be so desperate for answers that we seek God, pressing in until we get answers.

Sure, the devil is pouring out his last greatest effort to hinder and wreck God’s plan, but God will turn it all around for good, according to Scripture, if we just hold on and don’t give up when it may be only another minute before finally we get our answer.

I’m learning incredible lessons through this experience. I’m learning that I need the prayers of the saints to keep my faith strong for Gideon. His needs are enormous and I am only a human with very little ability, except in the Lord. But God is in this situation, and His Spirit dwells in me, so I can stand confident that God will come through for His beloved as we press in.

What about you? Is God trying to show you something earth-shaking today? Are you listening? Will you be part of the revolution against the status quo, ushering in that last, huge revival that will turn the world upside down? I’m in this because I want desperately to see God’s hand move, and I’m not letting go until He blesses me, coming through with answers. To God be the glory!

Because of His great love,

Nancy 

I’m really excited about what transpires while praying during the night, just as I mentioned yesterday.

To recap just a bit, the night hours from 3 AM to 6 AM are the most powerful in the Spirit, because God restricts the power of hindering evil spirits during those hours. That means that whatever you and I pray during those hours has much more effect and can break down strongholds and set the captives free without hindrance.

Remember when Daniel prayed and Scripture says it took 21 days for his answer to arrive because of hindering spirits? Well, if we pray in the night hours, according to Perry Stone, those hindrances are all but eliminated, making our prayers much more powerful.

And just as I was trying my wings in this area, I got an email from a dear Christian sister who has much heartache and heavy needs of all kinds. She said she had prayed and danced and sung her petitions to the Lord at three in the morning–asking for mighty moves of the spirit on many fronts, and invariably she had most of her answers by morning. God had moved that quickly on her behalf. I’ll tell you that built my faith like nothing else could. Isn’t God good to confirm what He shows us by the testimony of witnesses? I’m preaching now!

With that in mind I got up at 3 AM to pray, and covered the gamut in prayer, but I was especially asking for my husband’s knee to be healed after an injury seven weeks ago. In the natural we’ve done everything we know to do for it, but because he’s doing construction it’s easily reinjured. And because he’s in the middle of a huge job God gave us, he doesn’t want to sit out and merely supervise, because that would hinder the project so we’ve been standing in faith believing God would heal it.

Two nights ago I prayed during the night, and when we talked at our first opportunity, which was at supper last night, he said it was fine all day. (Usually it becomes more painful after he’s up and around on it for very many hours.) Then I prayed again last night, (please know I’m not taking any credit for answered prayer, just relating the facts of how this works.) And this morning he said he turned over on his stomach for the first time in a long time, and had absolutely no knee pain.

I’ll tell you I’m excited, shouting with praise to God for He is good and His mercy endures forever. My husband probably needs surgery in the natural, but I’m believing God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus if we can only use the nuggets, the secrets of the power of prayer God shows us.

I mentioned it in earlier blogs, but I’m expecting miracles from God. Not for my benefit, but for others. Just think what it would mean if someone who had died and gone to hell, was resurrected from the grave and had a chance to change his mind and be saved from eternal damnation. I don’t think someone like that would need much convincing about the reality of hell. And they could shout to the world that Jesus is Lord, because they’ve seen it’s all true.

I won’t be raising any Christians because few would want to return after tasting the glory of heaven, but I want to heal the sick and feed the hungry so they can see the power of our living God in action. Can you tell I’m fired up? I’m blessed all the way down to my toes, and I’m going to sing His praise as never before, for revealing Himself in such powerful ways.

Join me, won’t you in praying for our world? What about during the night hours? Pray that sin-sick souls would have ears to hear that Jesus loves them and is coming soon–that time is limited and today is the day is salvation! Agree with God who said in Scripture that He would pour out His Spirit in the last days so that our children would prophecy and young men would dream dreams and old men would see visions, changing the world for the glory of God! Let’s do it together!

Because of His great love,

Nancy