Receiving Egypt as a Reward

by Laura Tyree // February 14, 2014 // No Comments

If this is a word/confirmation for anyone else ~

“… the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon drove his army in a hard campaign against Tyre; every head was rubbed bare and every shoulder made raw. Yet he and his army got no reward from the campaign he led against Tyre. Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am going to give Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will carry off its wealth. He will loot and plunder the land as pay for his army. I have given him Egypt as a reward for his efforts because he and his army did it for me, declares the Sovereign Lord. “On that day I will make a horn grow for the Israelites, and I will open your mouth among them. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 29

God is saying that when we carry out instructions in obedience to Him, we may not always see the reward come from that particular assignment or act of obedience, but if we’re following His instructions and “do it for Him,” He will make sure we are rewarded (though this is not our motivation). Some have been going through major battles (as Nebuchadnezzar) as a result of following what the Lord asked. Some are crying out like Isaiah, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing…” But God wants us to confront that apparent reality with the same truth Isaiah realized, “Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God.” Isaiah 49:4

Though there may still seem to be no reward or fruit from putting our whole heart and soul into carrying out an assignment God has given us, He wants us to know that He has not forgotten anything we have done for Him. He doesn’t want us to fix our eyes on anything or anyone else as our source, looking to it (or them) for the desired response, reward, or harvest. He wants us to act in faith in obedience to Him, and look to Him alone as our Source (for our reward/harvest). His reward may come in various forms or from a different avenue than where we invested ourselves in His service, but it will come.

The Lord first gave us this word from Ezekiel 29 in 2005 after something we’d done in obedience to him seemed to end in abysmal failure. In the past month or more, He’s been giving this message again as a recurring theme. He gave Ezekiel 29 several weeks ago, along with numerous confirmations of words from Heb 10:32+

“Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.” Heb 10:35-36

The coupling of these words means that if the assignment from which we have not yet seen reward is still in process, He is encouraging us not to faint, but to endure all the way through to the completion. If the Lord is offering spiritual “Egypt” as a reward for our obedience, that’s of greater worth than any material recompense!

In our case (and I believe for others), He has continued the kinds of words mentioned in last Saturday’s status about the necessity of becoming FEARLESS, now urging us that it is going to take “GUTS,” require us to be spiritually “TOUGH“, and TOTALLY COMMITTED in order to make it all the way to our goal. As in 2012, He has been telling us again to pray for “conviction” to the point of being “FULLY PERSUADED” regarding our calling and His promises. Praying for us all to this end!

“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:10-12

“Fear not…I am your Shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great.” Genesis 15:1

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! YOU ARE EXTRAORDINARILY AND PERFECTLY LOVED! LT

FILL ME UP GOD!

by Laura Tyree // February 12, 2014 // No Comments

(FB post Feb 12)

GLORY TO GOD!!
Strong tangible Presence of the Lord tonight as the worship team sang “Fill Me Up” and Pastor Ken talked about being filled and refilled over and over with the Holy Spirit, hungering and thirsting for more of God, repentance, “yielding” totally to God, and letting Him make every adjustment and correction He needs to make in our lives!! JESUS!!! many confirmations! GOD, HAVE YOUR WAY IN US!!! HAVE YOUR WAY IN YOUR CHURCH! HAVE YOUR WAY IN THE NATION/S! OH GOD, HEAL OUR LAND!

I hear the sound of an abundance of rain coming for those who will hear what the Spirit is saying and respond!!! Lord, we cry out for the Latter Rain to come like a deluge that will cover the earth as the waters the sea! Come Latter Rain!

“Ask the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain.” Zechariah 10:1

“You provide the fire, and I’ll provide the sacrifice. You provide the Spirit, and I will open up inside. Fill me up God; Fill me up God; Fill me up God; Fill me up! Love of God, overflow; permeate all my soul!” (youtube video)

“God is never tired of you pressing in and coming to the throne room and praying and seeking Him. When we get to a point of having our heart open and are totally yielded to God, He is ready continually to pour out into your life and mine; we just need to get ourselves in that position and stay there long enough for God to do in us what’s necessary. And as that happens we rise up changed men and women of God; and we rise up ready to change (the world around us). …We are the entry point for the Kingdom of God to flow into our world.” ~ Pastor Ken

Here are the last two notes from this series if you’d like to read:

Get Your “Super” On

Are You “Full of It?”

Follow up to “Are You Full Of It?”

by Laura Tyree // February 11, 2014 // No Comments

follow up to Note 3 – “Are You Full Of It?”:

After I wrote part 3 – “Are You Full of It,” I thought, “Really God? Did we just go from a message about demon possession, to the church’s need to walk in Your Power, back to the message of repentance?” Before I could post it, I wanted to make sure this was really what HE was asking me to say and not just my own thoughts leading me back here.

I began receiving confirmations of this theme immediately, tying it back to the theme of “binding and loosing” from the first note.
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excerpts from JHM devo – February 5, 2014

“…There is no such thing as absolute freedom. … To most young people, freedom means liberation from the restraints of their parents. … They want the freedom of an adult and the responsibilities of a child. This quest for freedom without responsibility is repeated millions of times every year by people of all ages. … They are free from all discipline, restraint and responsibility—or so they think. … There is no freedom until we are bound to something greater than ourselves. Only when we are willing to say, “Make me Your captive, Lord,” will we know true freedom. …” (Copyright, John Hagee Ministries)
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Though we typically associate the message of “binding and loosing” to refer to “binding” the enemy and “loosing” the power of God (and loosing people from the devil’s works), I was intrigued to see the Lord was continuing this theme by making the application of how His people must be “bound” to Him. When I read this, He brought back to mind things He spoke several years ago about how true freedom can only be found within the boundaries of His Word ~ and that every other illusion of “freedom” outside of His boundaries only leads us back into captivity (spiritually and physically). We must be bound to Him and live within the BOUNDaries of His Word in order to remain free ~ both spiritually and naturally.

The next day, I was further intrigued to see that He continued the theme with the KCM devo ~ this one brought additional confirmations through references of being “bound,” “loosed,” and also about “yielding” to God.
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excerpts from February 6, 2014 – Loose Me and Let Me Go! (by Gloria Copeland)

Do you remember the account in John 11 of Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead? … when Jesus stood before the tomb, He called out, “Lazarus, come forth!” Sure enough, Lazarus came forth. But the Bible says he was still bound up. The grave clothes were wrapped around him. So Jesus said, “Loose him, and let him go!” That’s a good illustration of our situation. When we were born again, our spirit man came forth. We were born of God. But the self-centered habits we had acquired while living under the Law of Sin and Death were still in place. They still had us bound.

Well, Jesus wants the same thing for us that He wanted for Lazarus. He not only wants us alive, He wants us free! …When we walk in love, we step out of the natural realm into the supernatural. Nothing can hold us back anymore. But the grave clothes, those deadly habits of unforgiveness, impatience, irritation, selfishness, etc. have to go. Do you want to be free from the habits…that have you bound? Then…get into agreement with (Jesus) and say to each one of those deadly habits, “Loose me and let me go! I will go on with God. I refuse to be held down. … I put ______ behind me. I will go forward in the power and the glory of God..!” …For a born-again follower of Jesus, all it takes is a decision to yield to the force of love. After all, God has already placed it within you. … “Put on the new man created after God,” the Bible says (Ephesians 4:24). …Strip off those grave clothes and live the life He has called you to live. Dare to step into the supernatural. … Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:13-15 (Copyright, Copeland Ministries)
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That same day (2-6), the devo from Ed Traut was about abiding in the Vine from John 15. It emphasized how it takes conscious effort to maintain our relationship with the Lord, continuing in prayer and obedience to Him, and included this prayer ~ “Lord, help me to remain in you today and every day of my life. Help me to constantly put you first in my heart, my life, and decision making; to really, genuinely love you first and foremost. Amen.“

So, I believed the Lord was giving clear confirmations of things I felt He’d led me to write in note 3, but I still desired more. I was asking to be CERTAIN that it was not just ME causing this message to come back full circle to calling the church to repentance from idolatry/sin, as He’s asked us to since 2011. In response to our crying out for understanding about our calling in these past years, asking for crystal clarity about the message (and to help us see what should be cut ~ circumcised), He has clearly and dramatically confirmed numerous times that the message of repentance from sin is vital to our calling (and must not be castrated). In fact, when we have tried to castrate it and only speak other messages (due to confusion from spiritual warfare), we have come under chastisement from the Lord. So though I know He still wants us to speak that message, I needed to be sure that I wasn’t being a broken record, bringing yet another discussion back to replay this same subject again ~ unless the Lord was truly the One initiating it.

The next day He gave me a word based on Galatians 5. It talked in detail about the works of the flesh and about how those who practice these sins as their lifestyle will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Though the entire message was confirmation of things He’s spoken in the past years, I felt the words about “idolatry” in it were being highlighted by Him as the confirmation I needed for note 3. Through this He re-emphasized that idolatry is not just bowing down to images of wood, stone, or metal, but that we practice this sin when we give anything other than Him our first and greatest time, energy, attention, devotion, and love.

After that confirmation, I planned to post this Friday or Saturday, but I’m so thankful I didn’t get to it. Yesterday (Sunday), Jesse and I once again sat in awe as the Lord brought the kind of astounding confirmations that He is always so faithful to give as we continue seeking Him. As part of his new sermon series on the coming blood moon tetrad (mentioned in parts 1 and 2 of Signs of the End), our pastor talked about the church’s sin of “idolatry” and the necessity and urgency of repentance! Among other confirmations, He also talked about our liberty being contingent on living by God’s (eternal) moral law! We were so grateful for God’s goodness to bring such precise, undeniable confirmations again, letting us know that HE is truly still the One initiating that we speak these things, regardless of whether we sound like a broken record.

Though I thought the series would end here, due to some profound confirmations through a film we saw Sunday, I think it’s still to be continued …

Blessings and Prayers! (see note 4 – part 1 – “Destroy the Dragon and Take Back Your Home Land…” here)
© Laura Jewell Tyree

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Note 1 – “As it was in the days of Noah”

Note 2 – “When “Marvel” Meets Real Life ~ Get Your “Super” On”

Note 3 – Are You “Full of It”?

Are You “Full of It”?

by Laura Tyree // February 11, 2014 // No Comments

(To keep this from getting extraordinarily long, I tried to put a lot of the Scriptures in links that can be clicked on to view. I hope they will not be passed over just b/c they’re not written out here. If, for time purposes you have to choose b/t reading my words or the Scripture references – go with the Scriptures! 🙂 )

Note 3 (links to 1 and 2 below):

After the Lord brought to mind the interview with the woman who had come out of the occult (mentioned in part 2), we questioned why so many are more passionate about and dedicated to seeking and serving satan than many Christians have been about seeking and serving the Lord. Jesse felt the Lord showed him that this is often because the path the enemy offers is all about SELF (selfishness). He offers all the temporary pleasures of this life that people desire in exchange for their worship and service (concealing from them their final fate). God’s true path, on the other hand, is all about becoming SELFLESS, laying down our lives and will in order to do HIS.

Due to the influence of the enemy, believers often fail to wholeheartedly seek God and do His will as we should. When this is not corrected, it can quickly result in us no longer truly remaining on God’s narrow path, but unwittingly ending up on that same broad road of “self” as those who have purposefully pledged their allegiance to the enemy. Though satan doesn’t plainly reveal it to us in the same way that he does to his openly-professing followers, he uses many of the same enticements to subtly and gradually lure us from God’s path to his. Since most would never intentionally accept a blatant offer to worship and follow him, he provides us with “idols” that are more socially acceptable and are not readily recognized as such. Yet our time, energy, attention, and finances given to pursuing them (to ultimately satisfy self) instead of God, still leads us on the wrong path away from Him. Though our intentions aren’t the same as those who openly follow and serve the enemy, placing any “other” on the throne of our hearts/lives is just as destructive ~ an abomination that will eventually cause desolation (as mentioned in parts 1-3 of “Preparations for the Promised Land”).

As the Lord brought these things to our hearts, He brought back to mind the eye-opening and disturbing message He gave us a few years ago about the first law of satanism. So… these increased supernatural manifestations of satan’s power which necessitate that the church arise in HIS SUPERIOR supernatural power, once again brings us back to the same message the Lord’s been emphasizing for the past several years ~ that it’s time for His people to repent of all that’s not of Him, to make sure that HE’s truly the One occupying the throne of our hearts/lives, and that we’re wholeheartedly seeking and following Him. We don’t want any to be like the sons of Sceva, attempting to charge into this battle with the forces of darkness when the enemy knows they have no legitimate authority over him (because they aren’t truly under the authority of Jesus and have no legitimate relationship with Him; Acts 19:13-20). To be able to effectively fight in this battle, we must make sure that we’re truly in the Lord’s army ~ genuinely walking in the Light with Him, abiding in Him and His Word, and remaining under His authority. Even for those who truly are in relationship with Him, as He’s continued to stress, He’s calling for a deep accounting in which we must clean out our “house” (the temple), reaching even places that have remained hidden from our view to make sure that we’re not giving the enemy even ONE ROOM in which to remain (as discussed in FB post Aug 20, 12). We must evict him, throw out all his “junk,” and refill “the house” COMPLETELY with the Lord and His Word so that there’s no vacancy when the enemy tries to return with his friends (Nehemiah 13:7-8, Matthew 12:43-45, and “Preparations…” notes).

For those who already know they need deliverance in an area and/or are frightened by the prospect of “possession” (fearing the devil could seize control of them against their will), we can hopefully remove some of the mystery and fear surrounding this subject by understanding that people get full of whatever spirit they yield to. This is why the Lord tells us to SUBMIT to Him (yield to Him/obey Him) and RESIST the devil (do not yield to him and his temptations) (James 4:7), and commands us to be ever continually filled with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18 – present imperative Greek verb form, meaning this is a continual, ongoing command).

We make multitudes of decisions each day that give us the opportunity to put this into practice. We must choose to yield to the Lord in our decisions, to follow His way/will (as revealed through His Word and Spirit, which will not contradict one another). The more we yield to Him, the more ground He gains in us and the stronger we become in Him. Likewise, the more we resist the enemy, the more ground he loses in us and the weaker his influence (and that of our flesh) becomes. But unfortunately the opposite is also true. We do not want to diminish in strength in the Spirit by habitually resisting God (disobeying, ignoring, quenching, or grieving Him) and give strength and place to the enemy by habitually yielding to him. There are many other analogies we could use to describe this same concept ~ such as sowing and reaping. We must begin to look at each choice as either sowing to the Spirit ~planting seeds for God in our lives ~ or sowing to the flesh ~ planting seeds for the enemy in our lives ~ and understand that we can change our harvest by changing the seeds we’re planting (Galatians 6:7-9).

We could also refer to this principle in terms of recognizing whether each decision is feeding our spirit or feeding our flesh ~ understanding that the one we feed is the one which will grow stronger and dominate in our lives. We must make decisions that will feed our spirit and starve/crucify/kill our flesh (Acts 24:15-16 below, Romans 8:1-14, Colossians 3:1-14).

Having [the same] hope in God which these themselves hold and look for, that there is to be a resurrection both of the righteous and the unrighteous (the just and the unjust). Therefore I always exercise and discipline myself [mortifying my body, deadening my carnal affections, bodily appetites, and worldly desires, endeavoring in all respects] to have a clear (unshaken, blameless) conscience, void of offense toward God and toward men. Acts 24:15-16

The Lord also reminded me about the word He gave from Gideon’s story about tearing down the “altars” to the false gods/idols in the land and rebuilding the altar of the Lord, and the answer He brought us from a pastor in Uganda when we asked, “HOW do we do this?!” (Forgive me if I’m not quoting this exactly right, but) Pastor Joshua talked about how the strength of the “throne” (and, therefore, the one sitting on it), is determined by the strength of the “altar.” This similar analogy can help us begin to see choices in our lives as either being worship at the “altar” of the enemy or at the “altar” of the Lord. Each time we participate in things that would spiritually qualify as either bowing at the “altar” of satan/demons or at the “altar” of God, we strengthen and empower that “altar” and “throne” in our lives (and, therefore, the one/One on it). Clearly we do not merely want to “worship” (through the choice to participate in sin) less at any altar to the enemy (“idols/false gods”); God wants us to completely tear those altars down, rebuild His altar, and worship and serve Him alone. He’s not asking to occupy one of many thrones in the “pantheon” of our lives; He’s not even content to share His temple with one other; He must be our One and Only.

Therefore, my dearly beloved, shun (keep clear away from, avoid by flight if need be) any sort of idolatry (of loving or venerating anything more than God). I Corinthians 10:14

Attempting to do any of this in the power of the flesh is futile. The power to do this successfully can only come through abiding in the Vine (Jesus; John 14-15). When we abide in Him and His Word, and He and His Word abide in us, it’s His Power, Might, Strength, and Life that flows in and through us, supplying us with more than enough ability to overcome. In connection with this, He brought back to mind the word He gave us about the power of bringing “the ark” of His true Presence back into the temple of our lives; when we do this, the idols will fall and be broken (I Samuel 5:2-4).

Explaining this process does not negate the fact that people can still be instantly delivered. Through the total victory Jesus won over the enemy, no one has gone too far into darkness for God’s arm to be too short to deliver and set them free in one moment of repentance by the power of Jesus’ Name, His blood, and His Word. We would always advise people to employ these spiritual weapons of deliverance FIRST and continually. As mentioned in the first note, we need to be able to walk in this authority over the enemy to help others be set free. But even those who experience an instant deliverance must still know how to maintain their freedom and deliverance through the means described above. None of us gets an exemption from God’s call to crucify the flesh. It’s imperative that we learn to submit to Him, resist the devil, and stay full of God’s Spirit so when the enemy returns with the hordes of hell, he finds no room for even a foothold, much less a stronghold in our lives (Ephesians 4:17-5:18, II Corinthians 10:3-5). And those who do not experience an instant deliverance from any struggle need to know that God has still given us EVERYTHING WE NEED to overcome through Him, His power, and His promises (II Peter 1:2-12). He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. He will always provide the way of escape and give us the strength to overcome if we will come to His throne of grace for help and submit/yield to Him (I Corinthians 9:24-10:14). By continuing to abide in Him and His Word, and putting it into practice, He promises that even those who do not experience instant deliverance will still be set free (John 8:31-36, Romans 6:11-23).

Though it has often seemed that much of the church has followed the world, about an arm’s length behind, in their descent into darkness, we pray that these “new” depths the world is reaching (or rather “renewed” depths ~ back to what it was before the first destruction of the earth), where the enemy can no longer remain hidden, will jolt believers back to reality with such force that it sends every idol crashing to the ground and each one wholeheartedly running back to an all-consuming pursuit of and passion for the Lord, His Kingdom, and His will. We pray that through seeking Him wholeheartedly, abiding in the Vine, submitting to/yielding to Him and resisting the enemy in all of our ways, that the only spirit each one of us will be getting full of and staying full of is His Holy Spirit ~ that we are so filled with Him that when the enemy returns to test us, he will find nothing in us (nothing in common with us) ~ and that through this we all get our “Super” on, rise up in the fullness of the Spirit (both His fruit/character and gifts/power), bring in the final harvest, and transform the world.

Blessings and Prayers! (follow-up to this note here)
© Laura Jewell Tyree

Note 1 – “As it was in the days of Noah”

Note 2 – “When “Marvel” Meets Real Life ~ Get Your “Super” On”

Something’s Afoot

by Laura Tyree // February 8, 2014 // No Comments

(posted on FB Feb 8)

Something’s afoot…
The Lord’s given at least 3 more confirmations of the LIGHT vs. DARKNESS theme (that He began last weekend before the Superbowl w/ football terminology – link below) ~ each confirmation based on the same Scripture about Light/darkness.

He’s also given additional confirmations of all the notes this week:

I noticed last night that He had given me the word “INDOMITABLE” 3 times this week, meaning ~ “incapable of being defeated, overcome, or subdued; unconquerable: an indomitable warrior” ~ emphasizing that we must have this kind of indomitable spirit and courage to overcome what faces us now and what may come.

In addition, last year we requested a number of movies from the library and were put on the wait list for them (in varying places in the queue for each). For at least the past 3 wks we’ve been entertainment free, but this week 3 movies arrived for us at the library. I already knew the theme of one of them and expected it to be a prophetic message for us/God’s people, so I believed the timing of receiving this film was significant. But as we’ve watched them, it became clear beyond the shadow of a doubt that God had orchestrated for us to see all 3 of them together. We just finished watching the 3rd, and to our surprise all 3 of them had the same theme ~ the necessity of overcoming FEAR, to the point of becoming “FEARLESS,” in order to fulfill our destinies/do God’s will.
(Yes, I’m noticing that everything is occurring in 3s – the # of divine perfection in Scripture, signifying what is solid, substantial, real, essential, complete, and divine)

He also blessed us with additional confirmations of the “… the days of Noah” note that fit perfectly with the theme of the 3rd note (hopefully to be posted soon) and precise confirmations of the “Get Your “Super’ On” note.

So, praying that we are all getting prepared for whatever may come and that we will walk in His divine protection (as stressed in the Shield notes) where we are “UNREACHABLE” to the enemy (another word He gave multiple times a few weeks ago) . And that we will stretch forward, be strengthened, and stirred up in our faith to walk in His SUPERNATURAL, SUPERHUMAN, FEARLESS, INDOMITABLE, UNCONQUERABLE, UNSURPASSABLE, IMMOVABLE, UNSHAKEABLE, UNBREAKABLE, UNSTOPPABLE, BIONIC STRENGTH, POWER, and MIGHT to overcome EVERY word, work, weapon, obstacle, and attack of the kingdom of darkness in order to fulfill our destinies for His Kingdom and Glory!

Spiritual Superbowl Championship ~ Light vs. darkness

Days of Noah

Get Your “Super” On

Get Your “Super” On‏ – HFJ24

by Laura Tyree // February 7, 2014 // No Comments

Hope you’re still meditating on God sending His WORD to heal us (and sending Jesus – the WORD made flesh to heal us). I pray that He is confirming this personally to each one and making this word experiential revelation in our lives!

This week God’s had me writing on some things He started speaking to us early last week after showing us some mainstream news coverage of cases of demon possession.
I’ve posted 2 of them so far on FB, and have at least one more to post. Here are the links to the first two if you haven’t seen them yet:

part 1~ As it was in the Days of Noah
part 2~ When “Marvel” Meets Real Life ~ Get Your “Super” On

The Lord blessed me so much Wednesday and Thursday with confirmations of one of the themes of the first note that fit perfectly into the message of the 3rd note (which I hope to post today or tomorrow – was trying to give people time to catch up). In addition, four or five hours after I posted the 2nd note, I received an email from James Goll (a prophet from our former church in Nashville). The email was a link to his message for what He’s hearing from the Lord for 2014 and beyond. I listened to it yesterday and was overwhelmed by some exact confirmations of things from the 2nd note (and many other confirmations of things God’s been speaking to us). James is one of those who has a special place in our hearts because of how God has used him to bring such precise and astounding confirmations in previous years. Let me know if you’re interested in hearing James’ sermon.

Blessings and Prayers!

Laura

When “Marvel” Meets Real Life ~ Get Your “Super” on

by Laura Tyree // February 5, 2014 // No Comments

Note 2

(Note 1 – “As it was in the days of Noah…”)

The next thing that’s been coming to my heart in connection with this, which I believe the Lord brought confirmations for, is exciting.

If you watched the link in the previous note from Fox news, you heard that this case which was properly identified as demon possession involved supernatural and superhuman behaviors. In the other news reports of different cases, though what was happening was not identified as demonic, the police still testified to witnessing more than just grotesque and bizarre behaviors; they reported that the people involved at times displayed superhuman strength.

Apart from exposing to many who may not have believed that the dark side of the supernatural realm is real, what does this mean for us?

God is not going to be outdone by the enemy!

Ever since the Lord called us to help bring the supernatural gifts of the Spirit to those in the body of Christ who have not yet believed they are still for today, we believe that He showed us that the rise in the supernatural manifestations of the dark side of the spiritual realm would both parallel and precipitate the rise in the supernatural power of God being received and operated in by the church. Therefore, these more overt demonstrations of satan tell me that he is threatened by the spreading revelation of the genuine gifts of the Spirit that has already been recovered by many in the body of Christ and is ramping up his counterfeits in response (as a counter attack). But it also tells me that his desperate strategic move to come out of hiding and expose himself openly in this way is going to backfire by awakening even more people in the church and world to the reality of his existence and his supernatural power that’s still at work today. As a result, many more will realize that God’s SUPERIOR supernatural power is also still at work today and will turn to Him to receive His empowerment and authority that’s necessary to confront and overcome the progressing darkness.

After some of the things the Lord showed us last week, He reminded me about an interview from years ago of a woman who had been delivered out of the occult/witchcraft and had given her life to Him. In the interview, she lamented that the people from her background were much more serious about and committed to fasting and wholeheartedly seeking and serving the devil (and demon spirits/”spirit guides”) than most Christians she’d met since her conversion were to wholeheartedly seeking and serving the Lord. … You may need to read that again … What a tragic observation!

When we see the dedication of those serving the devil and the supernatural power they’re operating in as a result, if we weren’t already motivated, this should convict, provoke, and compel us to get focused, committed, and determined to seek the Lord wholeheartedly, to do His will, and to fully walk in all He has provided. God forbid that those who follow satan, whose ultimate design is to eternally destroy them, should be more dedicated to seeking him and carrying out his will than we are to seeking our Lord and doing the will of the One who paid the ultimate price to save us! We owe him EVERYTHING!

When we see the enemy’s counterfeits, it should point us back to the genuine that God created. When we see those in the enemy’s camp displaying supernatural strength, it should provoke us all the more to receive and operate in the SUPERIOR Supernatural Strength that God has made available to us. When we see those serving the enemy operating in supernatural knowledge and doing supernatural feats, it should inspire and compel us all the more to believe, receive, and activate all the SUPERIOR Supernatural Empowerments that God has made available to us so we can do the things Jesus did and even greater things through the power of His Spirit in us, as He promised (John 14).

The original Greek in the New Testament reveals that God used some very strong language when He told us to eagerly desire to operate in these supernatural empowerments that He has supplied. The Greek word zēloō, often translated “eagerly desire,” (I Corinthians 12:31; 14:1) is so strong that it means “to burn with zeal,” is sometimes translated as “covet” or “envy,” and is even used to describe the intense jealousy that God has for our devotion. So, though having such a strong “lust” for something is usually considered negative, God actually encourages us several times in Scripture to have this kind of intense burning passion to operate in the supernatural gifts of His Spirit. This shows that we can and should earnestly seek Him to work through us in these different manifestations of His power.

While we should never get it twisted by seeking and desiring solely His POWER rather than seeking and desiring HIM, His Presence, His Person ~ to KNOW HIM ~ I believe if we are truly seeking HIM as we should, then we will also have a burning desire to operate in the gifts of His Spirit that is fueled by our love for Him and for others (once we realize these gifts are still for us today). As long as our compelling motivation is springing forth from His love, He wants us to deeply long for the Spirit to work through us in these ways that bless and build up the body of Christ and reveal Him to the lost world. I believe He is urging many who seek and pursue HIM to continue stirring ourselves up in this regard. Without a doubt, He wants us to continue to eagerly pursue knowing Him ~ hungering and thirsting for intimacy with Him first and foremost. But in addition, rather than becoming comfortable and complacent with His power we have already experienced, or discouraged and inactive due to our failures to experience, He also wants us to continue to eagerly desire, hunger, thirst, and yearn to operate in more of His power than ever before. When we see the desperate needs of the world around us, this is easy to do. He wants us to have a divine discontent that refuses to live beneath the fullness of what He has provided. In His Kingdom economy, hunger is typically a prerequisite for being filled.

I believe He is coaching and training many in this season to get back to His gym to “Exercise,” “Exercise,” “Exercise” our faith in these areas, challenging ourselves in spiritual disciplines and building up our spiritual muscles to greater dimensions beyond where we’ve ever been. He brought confirmations of these things He was stirring in our hearts last week, speaking to us about the necessity of DESIRE ~ in terms of reaching toward, craving, longing, having a burning desire, yearning, or ambition to achieve or become something; stretching forward with your whole being to take hold of your goal. He’s encouraging us to continue stirring ourselves up and exercising in these ways until we’re strong enough to overcome every obstacle and force of hell arrayed against us. He also began reminding us of things He spoke to us last Spring (in the midst of life-threatening attack) about the SUPERNATURAL, “SUPERHUMAN” Strength and Ability we have because He is IN US. Last year, He had even given me the word “BIONIC” ~ using the definition of “having superhuman strength and capacity; supernatural; divine; godlike; herculean” strength. He showed me that if HE HIMSELF is our Strength (Exodus 15:2, Psalm 18:2; 28:7, etc.), then by force it is Supernatural, Superhuman, Bionic, Divine, Godlike Strength. He has been giving us additional confirmations of these things again now, calling us to fully renew our minds to these truths so that we will walk in His Superhuman, Divine Power and Authority over ALL the works of the enemy. He recently gave us multiple words again emphasizing the Unconquerable, Unsurpassable POWER OF HIS MIGHT that is at work IN US (through Him) ~ His explosive, tangibly demonstrated power, energized and executed through His muscular Might ~ to infuse us with His Supernatural, Superhuman abilities. This same power that raised Him from the dead is in us to enable us to confront and overcome demonic forces that come to wage war against us and to do the same supernatural works He did (and more). We must know through every fiber of our being that He is IN US with this Power when we face any work or weapon of the enemy (including the kinds of supernatural demonic manifestations discussed in these notes) and be fully persuaded that GREATER is He who is IN US than He who is in the world.

Epic battles between supernatural and superhuman foes are not merely make-believe tales from the pages of Marvel and D.C. comics, science-fiction books, or the special effects studios of Hollywood. They’re real life, from the pages of the Bible, the pages of history, and the pages of our lives. Our archenemy is still working in the same ways today as we read about in the New Testament. But the good news is – so is our God. It’s time for His people to once again get HIS “Super” on and rise up to confront the challenges before us.

Praying to this end!
© Laura Jewell Tyree

To be continued, again… (see note 3 here; link for note 1 at top of this page)

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Matthew 3:11 (Mark 1:1-8, Luke 3:1-18, John 1:19-34, Acts 1-2)

“Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 11:16

“Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. … Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. … What I am telling you I do not say on My own authority and of My own accord; but the Father Who lives continually in Me does the (His) works (His own miracles, deeds of power). Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me; or else believe Me for the sake of the [very] works themselves. [If you cannot trust Me, at least let these works that I do in My Father’s name convince you.] I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am], so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son. [Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]. If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever—The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you. … At that time [when that day comes] you will know [for yourselves] that I am in My Father, and you [are] in Me, and I [am] in you. The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I [too] will love him and will show (reveal, manifest) Myself to him. [I will let Myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him.]…Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him. Anyone who does not [really] love Me does not observe and obey My teaching. And the teaching which you hear and heed is not Mine, but [comes] from the Father Who sent Me. I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. … ” parts of John 14 (entire chapter)

“In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:20-25“Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. … Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. … Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. … But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. [LOVE – see ch.13] … Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.” portions of I Corinthians 12-14:1 (see entire chapters ~ I Corinthians 12-14)

“[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places], Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come. And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church], Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].” Ephesians 1:17-23

“May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).” Ephesians 3:16-21“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].” Philippians 4:13

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—” Ephesians 6:10-18

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5

“Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world. They proceed from the world and are of the world; therefore it is out of the world [its whole economy morally considered] that they speak, and the world listens (pays attention) to them.We are [children] of God. Whoever is learning to know God [progressively to perceive, recognize, and understand God by observation and experience, and to get an ever-clearer knowledge of Him] listens to us; and he who is not of God does not listen or pay attention to us. By this we know (recognize) the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.” I John 4:4-6

Note 3 in this series – Are You Full Of It

As it was in the days of Noah…

by Laura Tyree // February 4, 2014 // No Comments

Note 1 of series

Last week the Lord led us to see more than one news story of demonic “possession” being covered in the news here in the US by mainstream media (one recent, others older; the most recent one included in a link below). Some of the reporters did not know to refer to what they were witnessing by that name, and without that diagnosis their reports had actually sparked chatter and concerns about real-life scenarios where people could display “zombie-like behaviors” and about the possibility of a coming “zombie-apocalypse.” As Christians we should understand that there will be no “zombie”-apocalypse, but is it possible that we could end up witnessing what will be just as otherworldly and evil?

As we see society degenerate in lawlessness and paganism in its spiral toward the end, we’re reminded that the Lord warned us that before His return, not only would there be a mass falling away (apostasy) from the Truth, but also that things would be as they were in the days of Noah before He destroyed the earth the first time (Matthew 24). Is it possible that He was not just referring to the fact that there would once again be sudden, unexpected destruction, but that He was also giving us a clue about what society would be like before this destruction occurs? From what we find in other passages, I believe it could be. We should remember that mankind had become so evil in Noah’s time that God was grieved He had even created them; it’s becoming less and less difficult to imagine.

Though myriads of people in our society (and the church) have already opened themselves up to demonic influences in certain areas of their lives and need deliverance from demonic oppression and demonization, satan has still most often been able to covertly masquerade under the names of “addictions,” “disorders,” “compulsions,” and sin without being overtly recognized for who he truly is by those who do not believe. But as society plunges further and further into darkness and increasingly gives itself over to satan, his lies, and works, I believe we will also see more and more demonic manifestations, where the supernatural realm of darkness is exposed in such blatant ways that not even unbelievers can ignore it (as in the recent news stories we saw). If our nation continues its popularization of the occult and witchcraft, such as what we heard was displayed at the Grammy’s last week, it would open the floodgates to this phenomenon in our society (even as Africa and other nations have dealt with on a more widespread basis due to more prevalent pagan and occult practices).

As I’ve thought and prayed about the things He showed us last week, several things have come to mind:

As Christians we need to understand what’s truly going on. We are called to have the answers for the horrors society is going to unleash through their increased rebellion toward God and we need to know how to help as many people as possible be delivered and set free. This is going to require us to be firmly established in the Word and in the full revelation of who we are in Christ, to remain full of His Spirit, to know how to put on our spiritual armor and operate in the power and authority the Lord has given us in Him, AND to be free from fear no matter what may come.

I know there is a great amount of ignorance about this subject in our nation, even in the body of Christ due to teachings that these kinds of things ceased after the first century (or that they only occur now in Africa). But I suspect that in the next several years many are about to have their theologies wrecked and their paradigms shifted.

Last week (1/31), in the status I posted about fighting sex-trafficking, I made some specific prayer requests – including the request for people to “bind” demons that were operating in these situations. I realized that many are not used to or comfortable with this kind of talk, so I began to question the Lord if I should not have spoken in those terms. The next day (2/1) I noticed the JHM devo was about that very topic:
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February 1, 2013

“Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 18:18

“When a strong man armed keeps his palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he takes from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divides his spoils.” Luke 11:20-22

There are two applications to this scripture. First, Satan is the strong man who kept the palace. He had everything his way until Jesus defeated him at Calvary. … To share in the victory of Christ at Calvary, we must first bind the strong man. Who is the strong man in this text? He is Satan’s representative over a nation, over a people, over a state, over a city, over a family or over a person. The powers and principalities are that well organized. Your problems are not with people. Your problems are with supernatural powers that control people.

Is your husband a drinker? Say, “Lord Jesus, in the authority of Your name, I bind that alcoholic spirit that drives my husband. …” That’s an illustration of binding.

Here’s an illustration of loosing. In Luke 13 there was a woman who had been bent double for 18 years. Jesus said, “Ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed form this bond?” (Luke 13:18). So you can attack sickness like this. “Lord Jesus, in the power of your name, by the shed blood of your cross, I loose _______ from this infirmity. Be healed in Jesus’ name.” …

If your relatives are bound by alcoholism…by drug addiction…by adultery…by fornication…by bitterness…by resentment…by prejudice…by idolatry…by Satanism…by witchcraft…by the occult…by Eastern philosophies…by mind control…loose them in Jesus’ name. Agree with another believer. Put on the whole armor of God and pierce the darkness through prayer. (Copyright, John Hagee Ministries)
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Through this, I believe the Lord was confirming that I truly should have posted this very real strategy for our spiritual warfare, even if it is not yet understood or accepted by many. I believe the whole body of Christ must learn how to walk in these principles and in our authority in Him in order to survive the darkness that’s coming.

But we not only need the whole body of Christ to come to know these truths and learn how to operate in them; we need to get so established in them that we will not fear. After we watched the Fox news video posted below, I tried to imagine if I had been one of the witnesses in the room when the demons in the child began to manifest in supernatural ways. I questioned, would I have been able to react in faith, remain calm and stable, take authority over those demons and cast them out, or would I have responded in fear? I hoped I would have been able to respond in faith. Later in the week, another video the Lord led us to actually showed the person who was demonized. Though their behavior wasn’t identified as a demonic manifestation in the video, it was easy for us to recognize that’s what was going on. It was so disturbing that I turned the volume down because it was starting to freak me out and I didn’t want to give way to a spirit of fear. I realized, if I was starting to feel freaked out just watching this on a video, how would I have handled it if I had been there?

We have dealt with cases where people were being oppressed or tormented by demons and seen some visible manifestations, but we have been able to bind and command them to leave in the Name of Jesus without seeing the kinds of supernatural behaviors typically associated with demonic deliverance in the movies. Both I and the people we were ministering to have tangibly FELT demons leave on occasion, but thus far (thankfully) we have not had to SEE things (while praying for someone) that could potentially incite fear. After my reaction to what we saw this past week, I realized this is an area I need to get built up in so that, just like Jesus, regardless of what I’m confronted with, I will not respond in fear. I suspect I’m not the only one in the body of Christ who needs to develop to this degree. We need to renew our minds fully to the authority we have in Christ (as we remain under His Lordship) and mentally and spiritually prepare ourselves not to yield to fear. (video link at bottom of page)

And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8

“…on this rock (the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God) I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18-19

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:18-20

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:16-18

Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. II Timothy 1:7

Here’s the video from Fox news.

To be continued in a separate note…

Note 2 in this series – When “Marvel” Meets Real Life ~ Get Your “Super” On

Confession #5‏ – HFJ23

by Laura Tyree // February 3, 2014 // No Comments

Confession #5:

“God sent His Word to Heal me! (both His written Word, and Jesus ~ the Word made flesh)” (Psalm 107 ~ whole chapter, particularly v. 19-22, John 1:1-5, 10-17)

Also, John 1 is one of the references for this week – and the Lord gave us a devo based on John 1:5 this weekend that goes along with our past theme of overcoming. You can see it here:

Spiritual Superbowl Championship ~ Light vs Darkness

Blessings and Prayers! Laura

Spiritual Superbowl Championship ~ Light vs. darkness

by Laura Tyree // February 3, 2014 // No Comments

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend[a] it. John 1:5 NKJV

The little [a] in this verse, refers us to a footnote where we see that the word “comprehend” could also have been translated, “overcome.”

Jesse and I were delighted that the Lord gave us a devotional centered around this Scripture this past weekend when we realized He was capitalizing on this time which the world focuses on the Superbowl to speak to us through some football terminology in order to make a powerful point!!

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Darkness Cannot Overcome the Light!

I know of no great Christian leader who hasn’t faced some kind of opposition as he or she sought to do God’s will. But the truth is that darkness does not have the power to overcome light! Every believer can overcome ANY attack if he or she won’t quit first!

John 1:5 says, “And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehends it not.” The word “comprehends” is the Greek word katalambano. It is a compound of the words kata and lambano. … When the two words are compounded, they mean to seize, to pull down, to TACKLE, to conquer, or to hold under one’s power. Therefore, this verse could be translated, “Darkness does not have the ability to suppress or to hold the light under its domain.”

This doesn’t mean that darkness won’t attempt to overcome the light. However, its efforts will be frustrated and unsuccessful because the light of God always prevails, even in what seems to be the darkest hour or the bleakest situation. Darkness simply doesn’t have the power or ability to put out God’s light. Since you are child of the light (Ephesians 5:8), this means darkness doesn’t have the ability to put out your light either!

First John 5:4 says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.” The word “overcomes” is the Greek word nikos. It means to conquer. It was used to portray athletes who had gained the mastery of the competition and ultimately reigned supreme as champions over the games. The Holy Spirit was careful in His selection of this word nikos. This word communicates vivid images that pertain to our walk of faith and victory.

First, it tells us that when we begin the walk of faith, we enter into a real-life competition. The decision to walk by faith puts us right smack dab in the center of the ring where the contest immediately begins. This is so important to understand, because too often we wrongly presume that if we walk by faith, we will be removed from all problems. But our faith pits us directly opposite the devils’ powers. He hates our faith because he knows what it can do! For this reason, Satan may try to go for a knock-out punch. But even if he knocks us flat, he can’t keep us down on the ground! The apostle Paul testified to this when he said that he was “…cast down, but not destroyed“ (II Cor 4:9). … Those who are born of God have the supernatural ability to keep getting up again…. Remember, John wrote, “For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world….”

Because the word “overcomes” is the Greek word nikos, it tells us that we are the ultimate champions and describes our superior position as children of God over the world. We are fully armed with everything we need to be super-conquerors in this life! … Regardless of what weapon Satan uses or how he attempts to combat you and me, I John 5:4 declares that we have a faith that overcomes the world! This means we have a faith that overrides and supercedes any organization, any event, any circumstance, or any difficult dilemma Satan would try to employ against us. He may be the “god of this world” (II Cor 4:4), but we have a weapon so powerful that we can shoot him down every time he shows up uninvited.

John 1:5 makes it absolutely clear that darkness does not have the ability to suppress or to hold the light under its domain. Darkness may try to prevent the light from shining, but it never holds back the light permanently. Eventually it always comes shining through. This is true of you and your dream, vision, or calling as well. You may feel hindered from time to time in your attempts to fulfill the call God has given you, but don’t despair. Those hindrances won’t last long. The only way the devil can steal your dream, vision, or calling is if you surrender to him first! If you hold on and refuse to give up, your faith will overcome every encumbrance the devil tries to set in your path!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, I thank You that darkness doesn’t have the power to overcome me! It may try, but Your Word guarantees that darkness doesn’t have the ability to overcome the light! I am so thankful that I am Your child and that I LIVE ON THE WINNING SIDE! When the devil tries to discourage me, help me remember that in the end, WE WIN! I pray this in Jesus’ name!

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I boldly confess that even if I occasionally get knocked down, I never get knocked out! I possess the supernatural ability to keep getting up again because I AM BORN OF GOD AND I OVERCOME THE WORLD. Regardless of what weapon Satan uses or how he attempts to combat me, MY FAITH OVERRIDES AND SUPERSEDES EVERY event, circumstance, and difficult dilemma Satan would try to employ against me.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

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So regardless of whether your team won or lost in yesterday’s Superbowl, remember that in God’s Superbowl Championship, we who are in Christ are on the winning team! The darkness does not have the power to TACKLE us and hold us down if we are walking in the Light with the Lord and remaining full of Him. Through the power of Christ in us, we who are born of God are destined to gain mastery over whatever comes against us and reign supreme as conquerors and champions!

Praying for us all to this end!

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Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:1-3

For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness. For by You I can run through a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him. Psalm 18:28-30 (see whole Psalm)

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation—whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, [even then] in this will I be confident. Psalm 27:1-3 (see whole Psalm)

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your Light do we see light. (Psalm 36:9)

Your testimonies are wonderful [far exceeding anything conceived by man]; therefore my [penitent] self keeps them [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them]. The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple. I opened my mouth and panted [with eager desire], for I longed for Your commandments. Psalm 119:129-131

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16

But as for me, I will look to the Lord and confident in Him I will keep watch; I will wait with hope and expectancy for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O my enemy! When I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light to me. Micah 7:7-8

Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life. John 8:12

And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [no, not in any way]. [So] if we say we are partakers together and enjoy fellowship with Him when we live and move and are walking about in darkness, we are [both] speaking falsely and do not live and practice the Truth [which the Gospel presents]. But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. I John 1:5-7

For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light]. For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life. And try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him]. Ephesians 5:8-10

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. I Peter 2:9