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One morning, I awoke with some concerns on my mind. I had been in prayer and believed I had received an answer of the Lord. However, I still arose in fear because of the things that were before me. It was at this instant that the Holy Spirit spoke these words to me, “Do not be moved by what you see, but by what I said.” As these words came to me, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me concerning many in the Body of Christ.

He said, “Many of my people no longer trust in what I have said whether through scriptures or by spiritual inspiration. Many have allowed what they see to determine their faith and hope. But, I have said in the scriptures that man should live by every word that proceeds from my mouth. I am not man, so I cannot lie or fail. If my people will only believe in me, trusting in my unchanging character, they will see my glory revealed in their lives.”

So, I want to encourage everyone to return to trusting in the Lord.

Though situations and circumstances arise which sometimes test our faith and patience, the Lord can be trusted to see us through. Remember, there is more for us than against us. And again, do not cast away your confidence in Him, for your faith shall be rewarded.

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On one occasion, I was not feeling well and went and laid down. While resting, the Holy Spirit began to impress some things upon my heart. My thoughts began to think of how the Lord calls the Church; that is, the Body of Christ, His bride. It is then that He began to say to me,

“Many within the Body do not relate to me as a bride, but as a mistress. A bride is a man’s wife who will be committed to her husband. She will stand with Him in good and bad times. Even when a wife does not understand or agree with all that her husband does, she will still be committed to him and their marriage.

However, a mistress, is someone who only shows up for times of pleasure. A mistress will be committed as long as gifts are being bestowed upon her. If her partner angers or upsets her, she can easily exit from the relationship and seek out another.

Many in the Body are committed to Me as long as things are going their way. They only show devotion as long as there are times of blessings. However, when difficulties arise and I operate in a manner that is not favorable in their eyes, many are ready to break the relationship.”

On this day, consider your relationship with the Lord, are you operating as a bride or as a mistress?

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While my wife related to me a story, the Holy Spirit impressed these words in my heart, “This Is Not An Exit.” The Holy Spirit began to speak that there are many believers who are trying to get out of; that is, avoid trials, tests, and troubles. Though many sermons and teachings are coming to convince people that they do not have to deal with difficulties. this is in direct opposition to what the scriptures teach.

The Holy Spirit brought to mind the scriptures that speaks of the trying of our faith being more precious than gold. Thus, a believer’s perfected faith in valuable in the sight of God. So, He will allow us to experience difficulties and hard times to develop strong faith. This shows us that we can’t try to use scriptures and other religious activities as an exit from the perfecting and maturing of our faith.

Those who may be experiencing difficulties at this moment, continue to trust in the Lord and do good. Though it does not seem right or seem fair, if you endure hardness, it will produce in you the peaceable fruits of righteous. Be encouraged knowing that other believers are experiencing what you are experiencing. Remember, there is a reward, for after you have suffered awhile, God will strengthen you, settle you, stablish you, and make you perfect in Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Thus, believers have to learn to seal the records on events and occurrences in their lives. It is not denial, but it is an affirmation of God’s power and of one’s faith in Him to go forward in spite of what has happened. Believers are not to allow internal struggles and past failures to govern them in the present. God is one who forgives, heals, and sets free.

He, then said, remind the people that whom I have set free, they are free. This includes the bondages of the past and things that currently try them. My people can rise up and go forward knowing that I have sealed the record, now they must seal the record in their own minds and walk in purpose, says the Lord.

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God holds the course of this world in the palms of His hands. While in prayer, the words of this scripture came into my heart and mind,

Behold, I am the Lord, the god of all Flesh: is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27

It was at this instant that the Holy Spirit began to say, “Many understand that nothing is too hard for God. However, they limit this to external circumstances and situations. yet, there is absolutely NOTHING too hard for God. Not only is it not hard for God to send provisions, open doors, and heal the physical body, but also it is not hard for God to forgive, heal hurts, and uplift the hearts and minds of men.

Some find it hard to believe that God can forgive them, but there is nothing too hard for Him to do. God does not struggle with forgiveness. Also, God knows how to deliver man from past hurts, emotional scars, and harmful mindsets and behavior patterns. If man will only believe, nothing is impossible; including healing and deliverance from internal struggles and fears.”

I, personally, want to encourage those who have come to know Him to understand that nothing is too hard for God. Only trust Him. Doubt can no longer be an option. He is faithful, who can bring all things to pass.

And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! Gen 17:18 (KJV)

The Lord said that in the last ten years, He has sent His word to His Church by the mouth of His prophets and intercessors. In these times, He has spoken concerning paradigm shifts and changing of the guards in Kingdom affairs. However, like Abraham, many leaders are not willing to let go of the “Ishmaels” in ministry to accomodate and make room for His promise. Many are trying to keep Ishmael and Isaac together causing unnecessary spiritual warfare and conflicts within ministries. It is time for My leaders to hear what the Holy Spirit said by Sarah,

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. Gen 21:9-10 (KJV)

The Lord said many are holding on to past successes, ministry endeavors, and unfruitful relationships because they prospered even as the biblical Ishmael grew. However, if the leaders are not willing to let go of the “Ishmaels” of ministry success, it will mock what the Lord has promised. He then said remind them again of the words of Jesus where He stated,

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. Luke 5:36 (KJV)

The Lord said to remind the leaders that old and new cannot mix, but will only end in spiritual complacency. My leaders must put new wine in new wineskins. For of a truth, My word has gone forth and is coming during this hour and will not return unto me. I have called you heirs of Abraham, therefore do as he did, and let go of Ishmael. In doing so, you will see My promises fulfilled and My glory revealed in the earth.

And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. (1 Kings 18:44 KJV)

The Holy Spirit began to say, “Many in the Church are looking for the “rain” of God to pour down, and it will according to God’s plan and timing. However, many do not understand the fulness of God’s word to the Church.” The words of Elijah to Ahab reveal what constitutes the rain that will come from God’s presence.

Elijah instructed Ahab to prepare. In many areas, the Church has not fully prepared herself for the rain of God through fasting, prayer, forgiveness, and sanctification. The rain of God not only will bring forth the works of God, but reveal His very nature, which is Holy.  He is holy and commands that His people be holy. If not, the rain that is to bring refreshing, renewal, and revival will bring forth His discipline instead, when it appears. Elijah said to Ahab, “that the rain stop thee not.” The rain that comes to bless  could turn into a “wake up” call for many who have become sidetracked with life and themselves.

In the scriptures, when we read of rain, it was not always associated with blessings. Remember, the rain of man’s judgement in the days of Noah. Though God has sworn saying, He will not destroy humankind again with rain, He made no promises not to send spiritual rain that will drown out ungodliness and irreverence from among His people while preserving that which is good (as demonstrated by Noah, his family, and the animals) that Christians will be productive in their service.

Thus the Holy Spirit challenges us on this day to prepare for His rain, expect His rain, and appreciate His rain. But we must be prepared through prayer, fasting, forgiveness, and sanctification. In doing so, He will rain down righteousness upon us, as He promised Israel through Hosea. Along with righteousness, the Church will be renewed, revived, restored, and refreshed as His works are demonstrated among us and through us.