Praying the Promise

 

A Voters' Guide, and More

I want to begin today’s post by telling you about an incredible tool to help undecided voters make up their minds, and motivate them to vote. It is the Million Voices Candidate Fact Sheet. John Graves, who leads this effort, tells us:

“Research proves a nonpartisan fact-sheet is the #1 factor to motivate undecided, persuadable, swing voters to go and vote. We have only a few days left for people to share nonpartisan information about candidates. This info is crucial for persuadable voters.”

Their website, MillionVoices.org is easily navigated. Trust me - if I can do it, it’s easy! They have a short video explaining how to use the guides, which can also be downloaded. From the presidential race, to governor races, to congressional races, you can easily learn where candidates stand on important issues without having to read tons of information. You can even find out if candidates have changed their positions in the last few months. In other words, you’ll be able to tell what has been their long-term position.

This is a tremendous tool to use and share with others. Check it out.

* * * * *

From Dutch Sheets:

For today’s post, I feel it would be a great encouragement for all of us to be reminded of the “America shall be saved” dream. I first heard the phrase spoken several years ago by Reinhart Bonnke, who said the Lord spoke this very clearly to him. Then, a few years later, the Lord gave this dream to Gina Gholston. Here are Gina’s comments regarding this word, with a few more thoughts added. Be encouraged, and keep the faith. Our title is:

Ready, Set, Go

The Ekklesia is being called to attention and to their post to release prophetic proclamations that will reconnect this nation with God’s heart and desires. His verdict for America has been determined, and He has remembered His promises. This is not the time for intimidation or retreat. As His governing body, the Ekklesia must stand steadfast with faith and confidence in the Lord, unshaken in our expectation and persuasion that He is faithful to complete the good work that He has begun in this nation.

In 2018, I had a very significant dream, which was an announcement from heaven to reveal God’s verdict and His intentions for America. I had no idea at the time that God would use this dream in the prayer movement and beyond. Its message would give the Ekklesia hope and strategy for the future into which we were being ushered.

Dutch has shared this dream several times, but no time was quite as powerful as its initial release at the end of the Turnaround Conference held at the Trump Hotel in Washington, D.C., in February 2018. This was just two weeks after I had the dream. That conference was actually incorporated into the dream. The gathering consisted of national and international intercessors who had united for the sole purpose of making an appeal to heaven on behalf of the United States of America. As the intercessors ascended in worship, they accessed the presence of God to hear; then they effectively declared His intentions. God’s response to their fervent appeal was to reveal His determined verdict: America shall be saved.

In the dream, a courier angel emerged from that gathering carrying a large scroll, which contained God’s response. The angel proceeded to the U.S. Capitol building and declared those words before a large crowd, releasing the glory of God to impact the nation with transformation and reformation.

“America shall be saved!” It’s not a cute catchphrase; it is a verdict that was determined by God Himself, and it is a promise that will be fulfilled by the God who made it. We must know and be convinced of this as we pray for our nation. We may not know the “hows” and the “whens,” but we must believe this is the will of God for America, which enables us to pray and decree effectively. If we pray from a place of doubt or uncertainty concerning His will, we are not aligning ourselves in agreement with Him, causing us to pray from a wrong perspective and in unbelief. We must pray from the perspective of the determined will of God.

Many prayer assignments have been carried out, and many faith declarations have been made since the Lord revealed His verdict through that dream. Our faith agreement has continued, and we press forward with undaunted conviction that what God has promised, He will do. Much has been accomplished, but we’re not finished. We must not relinquish our persistent push in prayer and our consistency in intercession. Heaven is responding to our obedience. God remembers His promises, and not one word or assignment will return to Him without results. He speaks with the intent to perform!

Another Encouraging Word

Last year, as I was preparing to speak at a conference gathering, I looked up on the wall of my hotel room and noticed a framed black and white photo of a clock tower. The tower resembled the shape of an arrow pointing upward. As I looked at the photo, I was suddenly caught up in the Spirit, and saw a bolt of lightning come out of the sky and strike the clock tower. Immediately, I heard the Lord say to me, “It’s a striking time!”

I was then reminded of a GH15 from 2021 about a dream I had in which the word “strike” was emphasized. In that post, Dutch stated, “The strike represents successful intercession! The Hebrew word for intercession is paga.(1) Among other things, it means to strike a target. It is used this way in Job 36:32, ‘He covers His hand with the lightning, and commands it to strike the target.’”

After re-reading Dutch’s post, the Lord spoke through the “Ready, Set, Go” command given to runners. He said, “The time has come. I am igniting the torch. My runners who have responded to My leading and positioning are being ‘set’ to run with the fire. Listen for the command of the ‘go,’ and do not hesitate to run.

“My runners will be divinely assisted to run with endurance as they carry and release the flames of revival and glory. I am igniting My saturated bundles that are positioned throughout the land. They will run and not grow weary. I am ready to ignite the nation with the fire of My glory.

“Your labor has not been in vain. You have taken ground! It has been a little at a time, but you have taken ground. In the previous season, I have been uncapping wells and releasing the flammable waters of My Spirit. Those waters have now spread throughout the nation. Now, I have ignited you to ignite the land. Don’t hold back! I have infused you with fire; run with it! I Am releasing you as My fiery arrows, and you are right on point! In the days to come, I will strategically direct and release you into designated targets, and upon impact, the ignition of My glory will be undeniable. These are the days when the fierceness of My might will be revealed.”

Striking time has come! We can’t stop now. We must not succumb to intimidation or weariness in our “well-doing” (Galatians 6:9). We must remember and be fully persuaded of what God has said. We must release our declarations with confidence that they are right on point, and that they will hit the target to release the unveiling of His intended purposes. America shall be saved! This is our promise, and it is our expectation, for the Lord has determined it to be so!

Pray with me:

Father, we know and believe Your verdict for America: She shall be saved. That salvation will come as a result of an awakening bringing an awareness of You. As Your Ekklesia, we rise to attention and release our voice in agreement with You, declaring Your verdict and prophetic proclamations. And we do so with the assurance that our obedient intercession is causing movement, and that Your words will strike the target to accomplish that for which You send them. We will not shrink back in intimidation or fear. We stand securely and confidently, with undaunted faith in You. We are unshaken in our expectation and persuasion that You are faithful to complete the good work You have begun in this nation. We pray this in Jesus’ name and for the greatest harvest in history. Amen!

Our decree:

We decree that the striking time has come! Our prayers are hitting the mark, and America shall be saved! This is our promise and expectation, for the Lord has determined it to be so!

Today’s post was contributed by Gina Gholston. You can find out more about Gina at GinaGholstonMinistries.org.

Copyright © 2024 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.

Watch What God Will Do

From Rachel Sheets:

Recently, I was praying about a particular issue that has been in my prayers for quite some time. While I know that we are to keep praying and believing until we see breakthrough, I also know that we’re not to walk in worry. So, even though I have been praying for a certain thing for years, I can do that filled with faith and expectation. 

But I found myself in a cycle of saying things like, “God, I’m giving this to You. I know it’s in Your hands; You’re working this for good.” But shortly thereafter, I’d find myself dwelling on the issue again. So I asked the Lord, “Why do I keep thinking and worrying about this after I’ve prayed about it?” 

Right away, He said to me, “Because you keep taking it back.” That is not what I was expecting to hear! He continued speaking to me and said, “You need to quit taking back the worry; quit taking back the burden.” I didn’t realize that’s what I had been doing, but it was exactly what I needed to hear. I feel this is a much-needed reminder for all of us, especially as we have been hearing multiple words about heading into a fierce, spiritual warfare season.  

However, we have also heard the [prophetic] words, “But do not fear, do not be afraid; stay focused.” 

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV) says, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter late in his life to encourage those facing persecution for their faith. Following Jesus was becoming increasingly difficult and costly for the early church. 

Peter was no stranger to the trials these Christians were facing. He himself had been flogged, beaten, and thrown in prison multiple times. He wrote from his personal experience to encourage them that God would come through, and that He cared deeply for them.

“Casting” used in 1 Peter 5:7 is the Greek word epiripto, a compound of the words epi and ripto.(1) “Epi” means upon, as on top of something.(2) “Ripto” means to hurl, throw, or cast, and it often means to violently throw or fling something with great force.(3)

The only other place this word “epiripto” is used in the New Testament is in Luke 19:35 (KJV), where the Bible says, “They brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.”

In 1 Peter 5:7, we see the idea of the word “epiripto” which pictures the flinging of a garment, bag, or excess weight off the shoulders of a traveler and onto the back of some other beast, such as a donkey, camel, or horse.

We are not designed to carry the burden of worry, fretting, and anxiety. This verse says to take that load and heave it with all your might. Fling it over onto the back of Jesus and let Him carry it for you! Just as Luke 19:35 says - they cast their garments upon the back of the donkey - now you need to cast your burdens over onto the Lord and let Him carry them for you.

So how do we truly cast our cares and leave them there?

Prayer is one way we can give our worries to God. Each time a concern comes up, give it straight to the One who is greater. Another way to cast your cares is to remind yourself of God's promises. Replace your worry with His Word. A third way is to take every thought captive. The mind is where the battle between fear and faith takes place. When doubt begins to creep in, refute it with the Word of God. 

I went through a time several years ago when I had to daily, sometimes even hourly, put this in practice. My youngest son had a severe stroke when he was six years old, and it was very touch and go for many weeks. We prayed day in and day out as he was lying in the hospital bed. One morning, the doctor came to us and said, “Your son is losing the fight, and we need him to win it.”

I needed to refute those words with the Word of God. Holy Spirit led me to Psalm 31:24 (MSG), which says, “Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” We decreed that verse multiple times a day until it happened. The King, our Healer, walked into the room, breathed life, and my son didn’t die.

The Holy Spirit recently told me, “Watch and see what I will do. I am walking into the room.”

The “room” does not necessarily mean a literal room with four walls, like my son’s hospital room. It could mean that, but I believe in this instance, He is saying, “I’m stepping into your situation; I’m walking with you and what is happening in your life.”

He is walking into the room we have prepared for Him, filling the space you have created through your worship, prayers, and decrees. He’s saying, “Keep your eyes on me. Get my perspective. Keep your hopes up. Keep your faith up. Stand strong and believe.”

I’m sensing we are stepping into this season where the door is open, and the King is coming through. He’s coming through for you and for your family. He’s coming through for the Ekklesia and for the sake of our nation and world.  

As I was praying about this, the Lord gave me a word to release:

The Lord says:

“While you have been waiting on things for months, years, even decades, I have been positioning you to see My glory. I have been positioning you for  breakthrough and for the miraculous. Where the enemy has been creating chaos, distraction, and setback, I am restoring and providing a supernatural takeback. A takeback of joy, peace, hope, and faith. Dreams, sickness in bodies, sickness in souls, broken marriages, and relationships are going to be restored, healed, and made whole. I am giving life, and life abundant. Things you thought would never change will change in this season. Mountains you thought would never move will be moved. Sickness and disease you thought impossible to heal will be healed by the power of My blood. My glory will be revealed in situations. It is manifesting even now. The weight of my glory is binding, breaking, shaking, revealing, and making things new.  

“I am stepping in to rearrange, recover, and restore. Just as the shout knocked down the walls at Jericho, your shout will cause the enemy to scatter and shatter. Watch and see. The mighty roar of the Lord is Your war cry. The sound of My roar sends the enemy running. The sound of My roar also calls prodigals home. It is the roaring sound of the Lion of Judah that breaks strongholds.” The King says, “You are stepping into a new day I have ordained, and there will be shouts of praise as miracles and victory begin to break out one after the other. Prepare the way for My glory,” says the Lord. “You have cried out, and I am stepping in. Watch and see what I will do. Stand and keep standing. For my glory has risen, and a new day has come.”

Pray with me: 

Father, we thank You for this awesome reminder that the King of Kings is with us. Your presence surrounds us, and You make a way for us. We cast our cares and worries on You, God, knowing that You hold the power to work it for good. We decree the power of the living God is breaking into situations, circumstances, and lives. Transform and restore broken hearts, souls, and minds. Be exalted over us, this nation, and our land. Have Your way, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

Our decree: 

We decree that the King of Glory is walking into the room, and when the King comes in, everything changes!

1. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 1977.

2. Ibid., ref. no. 1909.

3. Ibid., ref. no. 4496.

Copyright © 2024 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.

Unfulfilled Promises

"Some promises made by God to people are multi-generational and not intended to be fully accomplished in their lifetimes. Those to whom the promise was made are sometimes only the “womb” in which the “seed” is planted. The following generation/s furthers the growth, brings it to birth, and stewards that which is born. Jesus said, “For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have come into their labor” (John 4:37-38, NASV)."

 

Fully Assured!

"DO NOT ALLOW AMERICA’S HOPELESS CONDITION TO ERODE YOUR FAITH! INSTEAD, GROW STRONGER IN FAITH! WE ARE WARRIORS, MORE THAN CONQUERORS, AND AMBASSADORS OF THE MOST HIGH GOD! STAND!"

You Have Your Choice

"That, my friend, is how much He wanted me—and wants you—to know He is going to send this great awakening beginning with the young ones. It has begun; it will intensify. Yes, it’s been a long wait. And just as with Joseph, David, and many others, He has used the wait to refine. But it will be worth the wait..."

Arise and Preside

“Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light.”

Don't Fear the Storm

I am simply pointing out the lesson Jesus was giving them: “When you have My promise or direction, believe it and act boldly on it!”

Victory Over Chaos

The world today is full of predictions of disaster ... of evil running wild ... of lawlessness ... of lawfare in the courts ... of chaos.

The coming year will be awful, the left proclaims. Buckle down, hide, and give yourself to the government. They can protect you, so they say.

NO.

What does the Lord God Almighty, creator of the universe and all that's in it, have to say about the times we live in? I'm glad you asked.

From Dutch Sheets Ministries comes this word from Jane Hamon.

Iditarod Day 5

Current Standings

Iditarod Live Blog

Dallas Seavey handed 2-hour penalty - he's still in first place

Dutch Sheets Ministries: "Restoring the Dream"

Free To Run!

 

Rock of Ages

 

New Beginnings

“When hope’s dream seems to drag on and on, the delay can be depressing. But when at last your dream comes true, life’s sweetness will satisfy your soul.”  (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬ TPT‬‬)

"No Trespassing"

When you need Him, He is there!

Modern-Day Heroes Needed

From Dutch Sheets:

This month of July is incredibly significant. God is doing much. I have heard of at least four major prayer journeys to DC and elsewhere over the weekend, which Holy Spirit led others to do independently from one another. Some have sent us pictures from their prayer assignments. This is all so obviously orchestrated by Holy Spirit, which makes it incredibly encouraging. We must continue to persevere.

After my assignment in Washington, DC, on Thursday of last week, I went to Boston to be with my friends, Jon and Jolene Hamil, at Faneuil Hall. This gathering, like DC, was very powerful and timely. Faneuil Hall is referred to as the “Cradle of Liberty.” It was there where founder Samuel Adams and others met to give impassioned speeches, appealing to New Englanders to fight for liberty. The building reeks of history; when there, I can feel it oozing from the floors and walls. Without question, in the 1700s, the world was changed from Faneuil Hall. In our era, God has led many back to this important place in order to tap into the synergy of the ages and re-stake claim to our nation. I have spoken there four times in the last dozen or so years. Preaching with pictures and busts of Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, George Washington, and other patriots staring at you is daunting and humbling, to say the least.

Last night for a couple of hours, I watched a TV series regarding the American Revolution. It was very moving. Thousands of patriots paid a horrible price for the freedom we enjoy and to further the God-given destiny of our nation. We must never let this be stolen. I cried as I heard a phrase from Emerson’s poem, Concord Hymn. The poem is considered a classic, but the phrase that overwhelmed me speaks of the “Spirit, that made those heroes dare to die, and leave their children free.” (1)

Those heroes indeed possessed incredible hearts and spirits, and they gave everything - including their very lives - to purchase the freedoms we enjoy. Yet, the price they paid forever changed the world. Their ranks consisted not only of fully grown men, but also young teenage boys and girls, women, and, yes, freed slaves.

Whether it be teenager Sybil Ludington’s 40-mile midnight ride to help gather militiamen for a battle in Danbury, Connecticut, or Betty Zane’s heroic dash to retrieve gunpowder for the fighting men around her, there were many heroes.

Nancy Hart is another example. “Standing six feet tall, the red-headed and muscular Hart made an imposing figure for those who dared to cross her. Her fearlessness prompted Cherokee neighbors to call her ‘Wahatche,’ which meant ‘war woman.’ This nickname would prove appropriate as the Revolution moved into the Georgia backcountry, and Hart became a staunch defender of the Patriot cause…

“As the Revolution moved into the Southern colonies, Nancy played an important role fighting against Tories in the Georgia backcountry. Hart succeeded in outsmarting British opponents on multiple occasions, frequently disguising herself as a ‘crazy man’ and wandering through British camps to procure information for the Patriots. When one of Hart’s children discovered a British soldier spying on the Hart home, Nancy doused the man with boiling water that she was using to make soap before tying him up and turning him over to Patriot forces…

“Though Hart gained recognition after the war for a variety of exploits, one of the most popular stories involved her capture of several British soldiers. According to local legend, six British soldiers entered the Hart home to question Nancy about assisting a Patriot in escaping from the Redcoats. The soldiers then demanded that Nancy feed them, and displaying unusual hospitality, Nancy agreed to host them, providing a fair share of food and drink. With help from her 12-year-old daughter, Sukey, Hart succeeded in discreetly removing several of the soldiers’ muskets from the stack they had formed in the corner of the room. Hart had passed two of the firearms to Sukey through a gap in the wall before the soldiers noticed. Hart instructed the soldiers to remain where they were, and when one of them rose to approach her, she shot him dead and wounded one of the others before taking the remaining four men hostage. Sukey ran to inform Benjamin [her husband], who returned to the cabin. After debating whether to shoot the remaining men or hang them, the Harts and their neighbors decided to hang the soldiers from a nearby tree. The story became a local legend after the war, and variations of the tale have continued to circulate since then. In 1912, a railroad company’s archaeological excavation of the land near Hart’s cabin unearthed six skeletons, suggesting that some version of [the story] was true.” (2)

I encourage you to pick up freedom’s baton; it has been handed to our generation, but we must each do our part. Though our weapons are spiritual, not physical - and the battle is, as well - it is no less real and important. If you see the spiritual war for America’s future as only about money, possessions, and physical well-being, you are missing heaven’s point of view. This spiritual battle is regarding the eternities of hundreds of millions of people around the world. America was raised up to take the gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. That…is what we must contend for.

I encourage you again, as I did in Monday’s post, to move out from the prayer closet occasionally, and do some onsite praying. Ask Holy Spirit to show you, your prayer group, or even your congregation where He needs you to pray. It may be your neighborhood, a school (after hours), your city or state government headquarters, a historic site, or perhaps a trip to DC. Be wise, obey laws and respect other people, but consider doing this. I’ve been on some prayer journeys that have changed my life!

And one other thing: Pastors, I urge you never to let a service take place where prayer for government, your city, and the coming revival does not take place. Real prayer! - not just a perfunctory mention. Take some time and pray! Ask a trusted leader or two, or perhaps some kids to lead in prayer for a couple of minutes. Doing this regularly will help you build your church into a house of prayer, as Jesus declared it to be (Matthew 21:13).

I also challenge pastors and leaders to pray over the children before this new school year begins. It’s important that we are diligent in keeping them covered with prayer, and also teach them about the armor of God, placing it around them each day (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Let’s all do our part to continue the prayer siege in America. We are winning…because appealing to heaven still works!

Pray with me:

Father, thank You for the awakening that has occurred in the Ekklesia. Incredible amounts of revelation have been poured out on us over the past 40-50 years. “Yet, still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate” [taken from A Mighty Fortress (3)]. He works consistently to counteract us. But we declare that he will lose.

We ask You for a heightened level of alertness and discernment for Your church. We are grateful for increases of prophetic revelation - dreams, visions, prophecies, and Spirit-led direction for our prayers. But we ask for more…from glory to glory, faith to faith, and strength to strength. You overcame satan; as Your body, we will enforce Your victory. Send Your people out into their world to release Your Kingdom authority.

We continue to ask for the release of Your battering rams into the spirit of Baal’s defenses in Washington, DC, especially at the White House. We ask for warring angels to implement these battering rams. You have exposed Baal, now you are expelling him. We declare by faith that we will have a Spirit-filled, Spirit-led person in the Oval Office, one who openly welcomes You in on a daily basis. Give us anointed worship and 24-hour prayer in the White House. Take over, Lord! We boldly ask for these things in Christ’s name.

Our decree:

We decree that when we die, we will leave our children free, and America will continue exporting the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

1. https://www.preaching.com/articles/preacher-get-it-right/
2. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/301222-you-and-i-have-a-rendezvous-with-destiny-we-will
3. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/63389/roosevelts-man-arena

God's Verdict Over America

From Dutch Sheets:

God’s Verdict Over America

I want to prepare you now for Monday’s post (12/12/21). I have been asked to teach some and lead in communion as we join the ministries of Lou Engle (TheBriefing.us) and Matt Lockett (JHOPDC.com) in prayer and communion regarding the current Supreme Court case. So, on Monday, have your bread and wine (or juice) ready when you read (or listen to) that day’s post.

________________________

Our friend Gina Gholston has felt the need to re-release a prophetic word she gave in 2018. I, too, feel it is a timely word for NOW. Gina shares:

“Looking at the happenings in our world through the lens of natural understanding, we would undoubtedly conclude that a spiritual awakening is impossible. However, as the body of Christ, our worldview is not obstructed by the delusion, chaos, fog of fear and confusion hell has initiated. We see through the lens of God’s Word and His prophetic promises.

“In 2018, I had a very significant dream that revealed God’s heart and intentions for the United States. Its message gave the Ekklesia hope and strategy for the future into which we were being ushered. I know that Dutch has shared this dream a few times, but with the events that have been unfolding in our nation, I felt the unction of Holy Spirit to revisit this revelation.

“In the dream, I, along with two fellow intercessors and my mom and dad, was walking down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. I knew the Turnaround Conference at the Trump Hotel was just ending at that very moment. (This was an actual conference held at the Trump Hotel a couple of weeks after I had this dream. It was a gathering of national and international intercessors who had come to Washington, D.C. for the sole purpose of meeting with God and making an appeal to Him on behalf of the United States of America.)

“In the dream, as we were on Pennsylvania Avenue, we turned and saw a courier angel coming outside through the doors of the Trump Hotel where the conference was just ending. This angel was carrying a fairly large scroll. His face was set toward the United States Capitol Building, and he was heading immediately in that direction. We decided to follow him and continued, even as he went into the Capitol. We then entered into the House Chamber, and the scene was exactly as it had been at the State of the Union address given by President Donald Trump just a few nights prior to this dream. All of the lawmakers were there in their seats, and there were many people in the gallery. It was a packed house.

“The courier angel with the scroll was standing at double doors leading into the House Chamber, and he loudly announced with authority and confidence, ‘ALL RISE!’ And just as had happened at the previous State of the Union Address, some people stood, while others disrespectfully and very snidely stayed seated.

“The angel then opened the scroll and said very loudly and adamantly, ‘The verdict has been determined: AMERICA SHALL BE SAVED!’

“Immediately a cloud, the glory of God, came from behind the angel and began filling the room. Those who had stood at his entrance were now crumpled to their knees, wailing, overcome by the reality of God’s presence. Two or three who had been seated before, were now on their knees, screaming out very loudly, ‘I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!’ while others remained seated.

“I knew in that moment, judgment was beginning and God’s ruling authority was being set in place. Transformation and reformation to accomplish America’s new reality was set in motion: She shall be saved!

“That was the end of the dream.

“Though sometimes, of course, we pray during emergencies and crises, effectual, fervent prayer is not just a last-minute attempt to get God involved in our situations. It is prayer that flows from a heart of unwavering faith established by abiding in the Lord’s presence. As we draw near to Him in the place of His presence, we hear His Word, His will, and are provoked to speak and align ourselves in agreement with Him for that will to take place.

“I think of Moses, as he was leading the people of Israel to possess the land God had promised. The promise was real and certain, yet obedience in following and trusting God was demanded as He led them into its fulfillment. While they journeyed, at times Moses would pitch a tent outside the camp. He called it ‘the tent of meeting.’ He would go there to seek the Lord, and God would meet with Him in the tent.

“The Bible says God spoke to Moses ‘face to face, as one speaks to a friend’ (Exodus 33:11 NIV). Moses sought the Lord, and by doing so heard the strategies of Heaven, enabling him to lead the people. It was in one of those ‘meetings’ that God assured Moses His presence would go with them and He would give them rest. God sealed this assurance with a promise, saying: ‘I will do this thing . . . for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name’ (Exodus 33:17 NKJV).

“For those few days in February of 2018 in Washington, D.C., the Trump Hotel served as a “tent of meeting,” as thousands of people, both in person and via the Internet, encountered God as they made fervent appeals to Heaven on behalf of the United States of America. The dream given to me revealed that those prayers set things into motion. God heard the faith-filled agreement that flowed from the sincere hearts of those intercessors, and His response to their appeal was a verdict that still rings true for our nation today: “America shall be saved!” This is not a cute catchphrase; this is a verdict rendered by God Himself, and it is a promise that will be fulfilled by the God Who made it! God has spoken, and He has sealed it with the promise, ‘I will do this thing!’

“History provides multiple examples of God shaking nations that seemed unshakable and changed world events that seemed unchangeable. God has always had a people who believe Him. And as they humbled themselves and walked with Him in cooperation with His Spirit, God has time and again shown Himself strong through them, in spite of hell’s attempts to stop or hinder His plan. The Lord recently said to me, ‘I have remembered My promises, and that which I have spoken will now begin to bring forth the harvest of My intentions.’

“God has not forgotten His verdict! He speaks with intent to perform. Regardless of how things appear, the truth remains: ‘America will be saved!’ Do not doubt it! Keep standing with unshaken confidence. God is with us, His Spirit will lead us triumphantly, and through us, He will fulfill His determined intentions.”

Pray with me:

Father, we set ourselves in agreement with Your determined verdict. We rise with an unshaken resolve to move with You and for You to see Your will happen in our nation! We declare the downfall and annihilation of every scheme and plot of hell to change laws and times throwing this nation off its God-ordained course and destiny! (see Daniel 4:25) You have determined and declared that America shall be saved, and we declare that verdict with undaunted faith and expectation. You will watch over Your Word to perform the doing of it! (Jeremiah 1:12)

And as we pray in agreement with Your word, Lord, regarding the saving of America, we remember to pray for the babies. We stand in agreement that Roe will be overturned and that satan will not steal this decision. We ask You, Holy Spirit, to continually hover over the Supreme Court, guarding the hearts and minds of the conservative Justices. And we ask that Justice Roberts either be pulled toward reversing Roe v. Wade or that his counsel to sustain it will be unsuccessful. We ask these things in Christ’s name. Amen.

Our decree:

God’s verdict has been determined and set into motion; hell cannot stop what He has started! America shall be saved!

Copyright © 2021 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.

What If?

“Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is giving you rest, and will give you this land.’ Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you shall cross ahead of your brothers in battle formation, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them, until the Lord gives your brothers rest, as He is giving you, and they also possess the land which the Lord your God is giving them. Then you may return to your own land, and take possession of that which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.

“They answered Joshua, saying, ‘All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you; only may the Lord your God be with you as He was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.’” (Joshua 1:13-18 NASB)

In this first chapter of Joshua, God is giving incredibly important instructions to Joshua regarding the fulfillment of His covenantal promise to Abraham. This agreement with Abraham was not about a favored people whom God loved more than other humans. It was a covenant He initiated in order to use Abraham and his offspring to help Him save the world. The Messiah would come through them.

The book of Joshua is another step in that process. It is not just about a special people receiving their extraordinary inheritance; it’s about a calling, an assignment, an inheritance needed to help save the world. That’s big stuff! And it makes the instructions God gave Joshua regarding this important next step very significant. As He lays out the important commands and encouragements, God mentions one that may seem a bit unusual.

In the above verses, He reminds 3 of Israel’s 12 tribes of a promise they made Moses 40 years ago. Shortly after leaving Egypt, they came to a land that suited their ranching lifestyle, whereupon they asked Moses if that could be their inheritance, rather than a portion of land in Canaan, on the other side of the Jordan. It was agreed to, as long as the men promised to temporarily leave their homes and ranches to assist the remaining tribes possess their inheritance, when the time came. They wouldn’t be allowed to sit comfortably and enjoy their inheritance while their brothers and sisters warred for theirs. Though the promise had been made 40 years earlier, reminding them of it and insisting it be honored ranked toward the top of Joshua’s instructions.

Though the book of Joshua can be read in a couple of hours, the conquest of Canaan took 7 years. The commitment these tribes had to keep was no simple task; it wasn’t just a couple of months or a few weekends here and there. It was 7 years! I’m not sure how they did this while protecting their families and possessions back home. Perhaps they alternated - a month on, a month off. Certainly, the women and kids had to pick up the slack and take over some of the responsibilities of caring for the livestock and land - for 7 years! Whatever the plan, it was a significant commitment.

This was very important to God. Failing to fulfill the commitment was punishable by death. Since what occurred with Israel was written for our instruction (1 Corinthians 10:11), we can assume it is important for us, also. What if, rather than the demonic and disgusting competitive spirit existing in today’s American church, we took seriously the command to help one another? What if, rather than making great efforts to transfer sheep from another pasture (local church) to ours, we worked together to grow everyone’s congregation? What if, instead of attending Church Growth conferences (Sheep Transferring conferences), we attended “How Can I Help My Fellow Believer Take His/Her Inheritance” conferences?

What if pastors and ministry leaders who have successful ministries, large facilities, good salaries, etc., decided to help their fellow “countrymen” possess their inheritance? I’m not talking about a pat on the back, or a hundred bucks once in a while. I’m talking about commitment, Joshua 1 stuff - fighting for them, sharing resources, building buildings, etc. What would it look like if every larger church in America paid the salary of a pastor pioneering a church - a church that isn’t in their network or carrying their name, by the way? What if they supplied them with a worship team? A children’s pastor? What would happen?

Well fortunately, we don’t have to wonder. Jesus told us in John 17:21: “That they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

He also told us in Psalm 133: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, as on Aaron’s beard, the oil which ran down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion; for the Lord commanded the blessing there— life forever.”

Interestingly, the word “good,” describing unity, is the exact same Hebrew word as the “precious” anointing oil of Aaron’s priesthood. God places unity on the same level as His anointing. And this unity included working together, by the way, not just well-wishing. The passage makes it clear that blessings were being exchanged - Mt Herman was watering Mt Zion. Maybe if we did more helping one another we’d see more anointing. Holy Spirit said in this passage He would be able to command more eternal life to be released. And according to Christ, the world would believe.

Satan is not our biggest problem. We are.

Pray with me:

Father, please forgive us for our arrogance in thinking that what You want to do through us is more important than what You do through others. Forgive us for our divisive activities and ways of thinking. Forgive us for the place in our hearts that allows competition with our brothers and sisters to occur.

We ask You to replace these attitudes, this sin, with hearts that are willing to prefer one another in love (Romans 12:10). Give us hearts that are willing to serve our brothers and sisters and war for their inheritance. Tear down every wall that has been built by religion and pride. Give us the heart of Jesus, who made of Himself no reputation, laying everything down for others.

Bring the greatest revival of unity and love the church has ever experienced. May we take joy and rain down blessings on mountains/ministries which belong to others. Please tear down every man-made kingdom, until only Yours stands.

As we move forward into this great awakening, may it be marked by a generation of believers that gloried in warring for others’ success and inheritance. We ask this in Christ’s name. Amen.

Our decree:

We decree that we will allow the unselfish heart of Jesus to rule and reign in ours!

Copyright © 2021 Dutch Sheets Ministries, All rights reserved.

God's Word: the Recompense

(Note: if this passage seems strange or without context, just keep an eye on the news. ~ Paul)

And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 49:26 KJV

And your enemies, crazed and desperate, will turn on themselves,
    killing each other in a frenzy of self-destruction.
Then everyone will know that I, God,
    have saved you—I, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 49:26 MSG

Sunday's Word - 11 APR 21

 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

1 Peter 2:24 (King James Version)

He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.

1 Peter 2:24 (The Message)

Thursday, 12 NOV 2020

 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Romans 12:19 KJV

Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”

Romans 12:19 MSG