Fear. Stress. Anger. Hope in One only.

Don't Be So Quick to End Relationships - J. LEE GRADY CHARISMA MAGAZINE

Want to receive Fire in My Bones by email? Sign up here

Don't Be So Quick to End Relationships

 3/13/2019 J. LEE GRADY Charisma Magazine

(iStock/Getty Images Plus/SIphotography)

Anger has reached the boiling point in our country. Passengers are being removed from planes because they started fistfights. Entitled store customers are going berserk in checkout lines. Restaurant patrons are spewing racist rants—and they don't even care if someone records their vile words on camera for the world to hear.

We are not just irritated. We are outraged. It has become fashionable to lace our conversations and social media posts with profanity. Whether it's talk radio, political television shows, Twitter, Instagram, online comment sections or street protests, we've developed the skill of dropping verbal bombs on each other.

We don't care how our words hurt people anymore. We have become a vicious culture. Our love has turned to ice.

And we are naïve if we don't recognize this dangerous level of cold-hearted hatefulness is affecting Christians. I've noticed that people today get offended more easily and are much quicker to storm out of a church when something goes wrong. No wonder we have a huge percentage of Christians who are church dropouts.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

The world tells us that ending a relationship is as easy as hitting the unfriend button. But when I read the Bible I don't see any room for outrage, resentment, intolerance or "unfriending." Jesus calls us to love—and He gives us the supernatural power to do it.

Have you been experiencing some hateful drama in your life? Have you considered ending a relationship? Did you already walk out of a church, or break a close friendship, because of hurt? If so, examine your heart and ask these probing questions first:

1. Am I giving up too soon? The apostle Paul told the Ephesians that they should "always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who try your patience" (Eph. 4:2, Passion Translation). Your love will never grow unless it is stretched—and the best way to stretch your love is to show kindness when you feel like slamming a door in a person's face.

The truth is that we often give up on relationships because we just don't want to exert the energy to improve them. Relationships require a lot of work. When you unfriend someone just because they hurt you, you are missing an opportunity to become more like Christ. Show some patience. Choose to love even when you don't get anything in return.

Ephesians 4:3 says we must "make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace" (New Living Translation). The Greek word for "make every effort" means "to be diligent; to use speed; to be prompt or earnest; to labor." That means you shouldn't let wounds fester. Act quickly to repair the relationship before it gets worse!

2. Would Jesus end this relationship? When you end a friendship because of an offence, you are doing the exact opposite of what Jesus did for you. Ephesians 4:32 says: "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" (NASB). You will never understand God's merciful love if you don't show it to others.

Jesus doesn't flippantly write people off. He loved us even when we were sinners, and He patiently drew us to Himself using "ropes of kindness and love" (Hosea 11:4, NLT). Before you end a friendship, judge a pastor, storm out of a church or give someone a cold shoulder, remember how aggressively Jesus pursued a relationship with you. Let His ropes of kindness pull you out of your bad attitude.

When Peter asked Jesus how many times we are required to forgive a person, Jesus answered "seventy times seven" (see Matthew 18:22). Taken literally, that means 490 times—but Jesus wasn't putting a limit on forgiveness. He was using the number seven to imply infinity. Stop counting how many times you have been offended and instead thank God for all the times He has overlooked your mistakes.

3. Am I nursing a grudge? Today's culture of outrage tells us that it's fashionable to be angry. Our divisive political climate encourages people to get up mad in the morning, fuel their anger with hot political rhetoric throughout the day and then to go to bed after listening to more arguments on news broadcasts. We are literally poisoning ourselves.

Many Christians have allowed similar poison in their lives because of church drama. They are mad that a pastor slighted them. They are jealous of someone who took a position they wanted. They are angry because a Christian did something hypocritical (yet they refuse to admit that their bitterness is the ultimate hypocrisy!)

Resentment is deadly. It actually makes people sick. It also makes us ugly and unpleasant. Unforgiveness puts a frown on your face, wrinkles around your eyes and a sour tone in your voice. On the flip side, showing affection is healthy for you. Doctors have proven that a 20-second hug strengthens your immune system!

Don't let today's culture of outrage infect you. Go against the flow of toxic hate. Make a decision today to work harder at relationships. Show some love. Forgive those who hurt you. Be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit.

J. Lee Grady was editor of Charisma for 11 years before he launched into full-time ministry in 2010. Today he directs The Mordecai Project, a Christian charitable organization that is taking the healing of Jesus to women and girls who suffer abuse and cultural oppression. Author of several books including 10 Lies the Church Tells Women, he has just released his newest book, Set My Heart on Fire, from Charisma House. You can follow him on Twitter at @LeeGrady or go to his website, themordecaiproject.org.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Great Resources to help you excel in 2019! #1 John Eckhardt's "Prayers That..." 6-Book Bundle. Prayer helps you overcome anything life throws at you. Get a FREE Bonus with this bundle. #2 Learn to walk in the fullness of your purpose and destiny by living each day with Holy Spirit. Buy a set of Life in the Spirit, get a second set FREE.

Ryan Johnson: "Sons and Daughters: The Emerging Glory is Moving Upon the Earth!" THE ELIJAH LIST

         

Ryan Johnson: "Sons and Daughters: The Emerging Glory is Moving Upon the Earth!"

THE ELIJAH LIST

Aug 3, 2017

From the desk of Steve Shultz:

This is a sobering word by Ryan Johnson from Alabama and the state of where we are individually and in the Church. It will really get you thinking and offers an honest perspective.

As I read through Ryan's article, the word "Healing" came to me. That is what the whole of this article is about...receiving healing in areas you may need.

Ryan shares:

The Father is looking for sons who are ready to come back so that they may be able to be adorned in the attire of the Father. He is looking for sons, not servants. Those who can take on the identity of the Father that they may reveal the glory. The Emerging Glory is moving about the earth and those who will be obedient will release the goodness of God with fresh oil.

I encourage you to read this word, receive your healing...as God is going to pour out His glory mightily upon His sons and daughters. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

Enjoy! And thanks for forwarding this to your friends! They can subscribe here.

Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News 
http://www.elijahlist.com

P.S. – Oh, and a Quick Note to our readers: To EXPLORE our more than 2,500 Christian Prophetic books, CDs, and gifts go to: elijahshopper.com.

"Sons and Daughters: The Emerging Glory is Moving Upon the Earth!"

Ryan Johnson, Fort Payne, Alabama

The evidence of glory is being established throughout many different regions and it will not come as a surprise to a lot of God's people. We will begin hearing the testimonies of healings and miracles and powerful stories of deliverances, restoration, and salvations. There's an Emerging Glory throughout our days ahead.

While many will linger in despair or doomsday words, there will be those who see the demonstration of the goodness of God. As God pours out of His abundance, the question becomes whether or not you will be added to or subtracted from. In the structure of God's glory you will see that in order to multiply, God often takes away.

"Why smell like smoke when you can glow in stature?"

He will pluck up those who refuse to replant – those who will receive but don't bear fruit. He will cut down an unfruitful tree in order to make room for a fruit-bearing tree. He will also prune the fruit-bearing tree (Ekklesia) in order to bring new growth. As this is the question: Will God have to remove you to move with His glory or will He be able to use you in the Emerging of Glory?

The Vision and Word

While spending time with the Lord, I was shown a vision of many individuals who at first seemed to be lost. They were almost in a state of wander. These individuals were in the woods walking and functioning as though everything around them was happening, and yet nothing was actually happening.

They were talking, walking, and moving about, but they were in a daze as if they were there in their body but not in their mind. As the vision was unfolding, I began to realize that although there were so many people, no one recognized that there were others. It was as if each person was in their own world functioning, but they were in the woods wandering through the territory. This went on for awhile until the moment that I asked the Lord to explain to me what I was seeing.

The LORD said, "Many have been enamored with the flame of My presence, but not engulfed within the pursuit of My glory. There are those who have become satisfied in the wilderness as they wander from place to place, looking to be captivated with the flame of My presence, but not willing to be obedient in My glory.

"They are functioning in everyday life, being everyday sons and daughters, but unwilling to do what is necessary for the revelation of My glory. They call unto the Body for unity, but wander aimlessly among the wilderness never to recognize that they themselves refuse to become one. Rather they stand alone, calling for the others to get in line, while they are refusing to come into order. (Photo via Pexels)

"They will continue to wander among the wilderness until they surrender their motives of rebellion. They proclaim to be lovers of My presence, but always unwilling to be submissive to those whom I have sent to be a help. They proclaim to be hungry for righteousness, but they have determined to walk as orphans among the trees.

"I am calling the sons and daughters out of the wandering and into My righteousness. I am calling upon those who will fight through the rebellion and yearn for My glory to be revealed. For now there is an emerging of glory rising among the Ekklesia in the nations of the earth. You will see coming to you what is owed to you."

The Brokenness

After seeing this and hearing the Lord speak concerning the state of many sons and daughters, my heart was immediately broken. From the words that He spoke to me, I sensed a sincere compassion for restoration. I know that it sounds strange, but those words caused my heart to grieve over those individuals. Even though the word from the Lord seems a bit harsh, there is a pure heart of restoration from the Father attached to each word.

The vision and the declaration are not to condemn these individuals. Rather, it is a call to recognize where you, me, or others could potentially be and make a choice to change. The word of the Lord is for the sons and daughters to be obedient in every way that we shall see the glory of the Lord in a way that has not yet been poured out upon the nations.

Broken But Not Destroyed

"Will God have to remove you to move with His glory or will He be able to use you in the Emerging of Glory?"

I see many of you have fought tooth and nail to get to the place where you are. Yet, you have found yourself a part of something that was birthed due to being forced into a situation. Meaning, you are doing what you're doing because someone did something to you that caused you to be exactly where you are. For example, I have noticed that there are many ministries which are the result of "church hurt".

Somewhere along the way you were in leadership, doing what God called you to do and a person (leader/member) did something that created a deep wound in your spirit. You left what you were doing and now you are leading the charge, making sure that no one ever hurts you ever again. You work hard to make sure that you don't structure things like the previous ministry and you always watch your back. Granted, not all ministries started out this way, but reality is some have. I believe it's something that we have to address as we look back at the above vision/word.

I hear it often, "We don't need a covering, God is our covering," or, "We don't have to be in alignment with anyone, as God is our alignment," and "Our accountability is one another, that's why we don't have any voices outside of this house."

I get it! Trust me, I get it. I have been lied about, manipulated by leaders, and the list could go on. In each case, I had to make the decision to walk through deliverance from unforgiveness, anger, bitterness, etc. It's so easy to allow the pain/hurt to now direct our motives before we ever recognize how far we have gone. That's why I believe this vision/word means so much to those who are leading ministries. It's critical that you recognize that an orphan spirit deceives you into believing that you don't need a covering over your personal life and ministry. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of slavery again to fear. But you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, 'Abba, Father!' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified with Him." (Romans 8:14-17)

From Wander to Wonder

An orphan spirit will convince you that you don't need anyone, because everyone is out to hurt you. You need to know that this spirit is lying to you! Throughout the Bible, accountability is a constant principle. God established order from the very beginning and still expects you and I to follow order.

Although you will encounter a season of wilderness, it is never the intent of the Father to abandon you there as you wander from place to place. God is calling you out of the wander and into His wonder. There is an order in the Kingdom of God and the Father requires us to be obedient. When we reject the covering that He has placed within us, we choose to be disobedient. Thus, setting ourselves up to be satisfied by the glimpse of fire, but not willing to pursue glory that comes beyond fire. I want to encourage you to seek the glory of God. As great as His fire is (and it is great), it is the glory that carries the abundance. 

Why smell like smoke when you can glow in stature?

Listen, only you know whether or not you have embraced an orphan spirit that has developed a lone-ranger mindset. If you have, be encouraged that the Father is calling upon you to repent and position yourself in the order of His purpose that ultimately produces all of His goodness to go before you (Exodus 33:18-23).

The Father is looking for sons who are ready to come back so that they may be able to be adorned in the attire of the Father. He is looking for sons, not servants. Those who can take on the identity of the Father that they may reveal the glory. The Emerging Glory is moving about the earth and those who will be obedient will release the goodness of God with fresh oil. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

Ryan Johnson
Ryan Johnson Ministries
Email: servant4yahweh@gmail.com
Website: www.ryanjohnson.us

Ryan Johnson is mantled in equipping the Body of Christ to Awaken the Nations with a Prophetic call of a rising Ekklesia. As a Revivalist, and Apostolic Minister, Ryan ministers with a prophetic voice of Revival and Awakening, with the demonstration of God's purpose in regions, individuals, and The Church. Ryan is a Spiritual Son to Prophet Ron Teal. 

Ryan is a member of New Breed Revival Network, and Impact International Apostolic Fellowship with Apostle Ryan LeStrange. Ryan and his wife Kristi live near Fort Payne with their four beautiful children.

To receive more words like this in YOUR inbox, subscribe FREE to the Elijah List at this link http://elijahlist.com/subscribe.

Why Many Christians Unwittingly Poison Their Hearts - JONO HALL CHARISMA NEWS

Venting and throwing tantrums online is opening a deadly door to darkness. (Noah Hinton)

Why Many Christians Unwittingly Poison Their Hearts

 2/25/2017 JONO HALL  CHARISMA NEWS

"Do not be quick in your spirit to be angry, for irritation settles in the bosom of fools" (Eccl. 7:9).

There are only a few rules in our house that every one of our kids should be able to repeat. One of them is written as part of a kids' version of 1 Corinthians 13 on a chalkboard in our kitchen. It states "Love ...does not have tantrums." The rule is "No tantrums."

I guess it makes sense when you have four kids under the age of 10.

The challenge of tantrums, however, is not restricted to those under 10 years of age. I am an Englishman and a naturalized American, and last year in both my native land and my adopted land, we experienced some of the most polarizing political votes I have ever endured.

The polarization of ideologies and beliefs is growing.

It is dividing communities and even families. The anger is growing and spilling out onto social media channels, onto our streets and university campuses. Many joked last year that they were dreading the communal Thanksgiving or Christmas meals because they wanted to avoid the possibility of angry exchanges. I have heard numerous accounts of people quitting social media because they couldn't emotionally handle the blood-boiling conversations taking place on that platform.

I want to suggest the problem is deeper than large political ideologies, a family dinner or a social media platform (although I do believe that sometimes the structure of social media platforms exacerbates the issues).

When "Venting" Doesn't Work

The challenge of frustration, anger and offense (and ensuing bitterness) is found between co-workers in the office place.

It is found on the university campus when another student or a faculty member says something insulting or which we think is outrageous.

It is found in church communities when a pastor or a leader offends us with words (whether intentional or not) that are hurtful, controlling or just plain unfair.

It is found even in our deepest relationships; we find ourselves getting deeply frustrated and even bitter at the irritations of our spouse's behavior.

So many of these situations are nuanced and need wise responses, but I want to suggest that in all these situations as followers of Jesus we do not have the "right" to be angry. We may not melt down in the middle of Trader Joe's, but when we are faced with seeming outrages, the "No Tantrum" rule is just as applicable to a 25-year-old and a 65-year-old as to a 5-year-old.

We may be opposed to the idea of children having tantrums but be perfectly OK with venting ourselves. After all, surely it's better to get it off your chest than to bottle it up? While I agree that we need to process our emotions in a right way, venting and "getting it off your chest" usually ends up with you embedding poison in your own heart that can last for years as a bitter residue.

What about "Righteous" Anger and Jesus in the Temple?

I believe there is a common misconception about anger. Most people think it is generally a bad thing, but if it is "righteous" anger, i.e. against sin, then that anger can be channeled and used for great effect to bring about good. The challenge is that anger against sin is invariably against somebody else's sin. Equating Jesus' righteous outburst in the temple against money traders in the outer court with our anger against other injustices is usually not helpful. First, we are not without sin (Jesus was), and second, we are typically not angry about Israel forsaking one of her primary mandates in the Jerusalem temple. Simply put, God does have righteous anger; we do not. I believe that is why James reminds his readers that "the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God" (James 1:20).

I am not saying that annoying or frustrating circumstances, people or social media posts will not come your way; they will certainly come. I am saying that as believers, we need to learn to let go of our anger and quickly. Paul's treatment of this subject is instructive. In his letter to the Ephesians, he recognizes that anger will come, but sees it as it is—a harmful, radioactive emotion. "'Be angry but do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger" (Eph. 4:26). As humans, we simply cannot manage anger. Get rid of it as soon as you can. Just a few verses later, he makes it crystal-clear—"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outbursts, and blasphemies, with all malice, be taken away from you" (Eph. 4:31).

I want to encourage us to act as prophetic ministers of another kingdom. I don't believe we, as followers of Christ, have a right to get angry. Yet in an age of increasing anger, is it possible that a community of believers can refuse to conform to the spirit of the age and minister the peace of that kingdom to all around? I certainly hope so. 

Originally from the United Kingdom, Jono Hall has served on the IHOPKC senior leadership team since 2003. Prior to moving to Kansas City, Jono worked with GOD TV for four years. At IHOPKC, Jono has served in many areas, but has principally been responsible for the media reach of IHOPKC, launching the broadcasting and creative media areas at IHOPKC. Jono has also been an instructor at IHOPU in subjects such as church history, basic Christian beliefs and media production. Jono is married to Shari, who also serves in leadership as the Director of Forerunner Media Institute at IHOPU, and they have four children.

If He Had Not… - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

If He Had Not…

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23, NASU)

One of my recent Now Think On This messages was entitled The What Ifs. It has been one of my most read and shared ones. It is because we often find ourselves thinking about the “what ifs” in life, don’t we? But then, on the other hand, how often do we consider the “if He had nots” that I believe are just as important, if not more so.

As you look back on the road you have taken in life thus far, where would you be if the Lord Himself had not intervened in your life? What would have happened if His Almighty hand had not guided you to take that one specific step, or prevent you from taking one that would have had serious consequences?

During my first and only year of college (no degree here), I had become engaged to a sophomore who wanted to be an English teacher in Iowa. I wanted to be a missionary in Africa. As you guessed, the engagement did not last long. She wasn’t going the way I felt led to go. But two years later, I met the one who would be my life mate, and take the road the Lord had planned for the two of us, and yes, the kids and grandkids that followed. If He had not intervened…

I think back on that decision He led us to make when I left a well-paying, next rung-on-the-ladder VP job in Michigan in 1987. Moving our family then to the southern end of Florida, accepting a financial position with an international Christian ministry, was not the typical way to go for a 33 year-old with wife and four kids. Following that path had me help lead three ministries over the next 24 years with the administration and financial skills He has gifted me with. If He had not directed…

Where would you be today if you had married that one whom you knew deep down was not His choice? What would have happened if He had not sent you the wisdom of another, to give you scriptural advice in your decision?

If He had not closed that door to the one job you thought you desperately needed, because He knew you were to be at another, to bring His light into a dark place? Where would you be now?

If the Lord had not enabled you to escape that addiction gripping your life, whether it be drugs, alcohol, pornography, anger? What sorry state would you still be in?

If Jesus had not saved you from hell, your eternal life would end up there.

There are many situations that the Lord has not only protected us from, but even more so are the several times He has led us down the path of the narrow one. Those paths we have taken, knowingly and unknowingly.

For all those times when He intervened, He is worthy of our thankfulness and eternal love.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. They might need it. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

We are blessed when the ministry receives gifts to support the families that we do, primarily in Israel, Hungary, India, Pakistan and the hurting ones here in the USA. You also can share out of the abundance you have been given.

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.

If these messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families we know in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Click here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People. If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available). 

Contribution checks can be sent to: 

Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box414   Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)

Please share Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  

martinlighthouse@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin and  Love For His People  

Twitter: martinlighthous, LovingHisPeople 

Blogs: Love For His People,   Now Think On This

Full website: Love For His People

YouTube: Love For His People Inc.

Now Think On This - In the Year of our Lord 02.20.17 - #276 – “If He Had Not…” – Monday 9:30 am

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This

Again, I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

This Fruit of the Spirit Equips You to Shine in a Mean-Spirited World - ADAM WITTENBERG CHARISMA NEWS

Start by doing this one thing to follow God's word in our social media and texting culture of quickly expressing our opinions. (Guillaume Bolduc)

This Fruit of the Spirit Equips You to Shine in a Mean-Spirited World

 1/28/2017 ADAM WITTENBERG  CHARISMA NEWS

Listening is tough. So is holding our tongue. Maybe that's why the Bible instructs us to do both.

The writer of James tells us, "But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger" (James 1:19, NASB).

It may seem simple. As Christians, we are to listen readily, hold our words closely and not get angry fast. But this is often easier said than done.

In our social media and texting culture, where people express their thoughts (and anger) quickly, how do we follow God's Word? Can we learn to control ourselves—and our words—and really listen to each other?

Scripture offers much advice on this (see the book of Proverbs). The Holy Spirit also helps in our weakness (Rom. 8:26).

Perhaps the best place to start is by agreeing with God's Word. We must include ourselves in the "everyone" of James 1:19. It doesn't matter what your personality is or what other people do, the Lord says "everyone" for a reason.

The truth is, we all need grace to walk this out—and our God is more than willing to help in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

The Bible urges us to watch our words (Prov. 29:11) and to tame our tongues (James 3:2–12). This applies both to our spoken words and our words on social media. God's Word is especially relevant today when people express their thoughts freely online, where tempers flare quickly.

Instead of jumping to conclusions, getting angry or airing all of our thoughts and arguments in public, as Christians, we are held to a higher standard. The Lord will judge us—and the world—by our words. "But I say to you that for every idle word that men speak, they will give an account on the Day of Judgment," Jesus says in Matt. 12:36).

But the good news is, "if any man does not err in word, he is a perfect man and able also to control the whole body" (James 3:2–4), because the tongue is a very small rudder that turns a large ship.

There is great reward in watching our words. As we learn to really listen—to God and to others—and not let ourselves be easily angered, we become people of peace (Matt. 5:9). And while we may utter careless words at times, we can repent and ask God and others for forgiveness. We'll still feel angry at times—Jesus certainly did—and yet, the Bible tells us "be angry but do not sin" (Eph. 4:26). This can mean restraining our desire to lash out and refusing to vent all our frustration, in person or online.

The Christian walk isn't easy. Jesus said anyone wanting to follow Him would have to "count the cost," "deny themselves" and "take up his cross" (Luke 14:28 and 9:23), but the Holy Spirit is our promised helper (John 14:16). The Lord wants His people to resemble Him—"meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29), not crying out in the streets or quarreling (Matt. 12:19) but quick to forgive (Luke 23:34).

The desire to listen and watch our words is a great way to do this.

You may want to pray a daily prayer like this:

"Father, I want to be like Jesus: quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. Please help me do this in every area of my life—at school, work, home, with friends and online. Wherever I go and whatever I say, give me Your words and peace. Help me, Holy Spirit, to tame my tongue. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Blessings to you as you walk toward the Lord, "who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine" (Eph. 3:20). 

Question: What is one way you can start watching your words? Tell us on Facebook.

A Detroit native who was raised in Vermont and Connecticut, Adam Wittenbergworked as a newspaper journalist until 2012, when he moved to Kansas City to complete the Intro to IHOPKC internship. Afterwards, he earned a four-year certificate in House of Prayer Leadership from IHOPU and is now on full-time staff in the Marketing department at IHOPKC. Adam is also active in evangelism and has a vision to reach people everywhere with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Leaders are readers! Subscribe now and get 3 magazines for the price of 1. Get Ministry Today, Charisma and SpiritLed Woman all for $24. YES - Sign me up!

3 Reasons Why you should read Life in the Spirit. 1) Get to know the Holy Spirit. 2) Learn to enter God's presence 3) Hear God's voice clearly! Click Here to draw closer to God!

"Who Rules? A Vision Concerning Washington D.C."- Mark Virkler, Cheektowaga, NY - The Elijah List

"Who Rules? A Vision Concerning Washington D.C."

Mark Virkler, Cheektowaga, NY

The Elijah List

The vision God gave me concerning Washington D.C. which healed anger and fear:

It occurred during my morning journaling time as I asked God to show me His heavenly perspective and how HE saw Washington D.C. It was a life-changing experience!

Seeing evil: I looked in my mind's eye at Washington D.C. and all I wascorruption, lack of integrity and ineptness. It made me angry and it made me fearful: Angry because no one would stand up and do the right thing, and fearful because their terrible spending habits could destroy the entire economy.

Feeling evil: I realized that anger and fear were not proper fruit in my life, so I decided to journal about this in my morning devotions. I asked Jesus to show up in the picture of Washington in my mind. What I was viewing did not have Jesus in it, so it obviously was a lie since Jesus is everywhere, and because it was a lie, it was producing some pretty ugly emotions.

Seeing Jesus: I put a smile on my face, relaxed, and asked Jesus to show me where He was in the scene. 

Into my mind flowed a picture of Jesus enthroned on a throne above Congress and the White House. His long flowing robes were flowing down over Congress and the White House, and His glory was streaming down over the buildings and those who lived and worked in them. 

(Photo: One Nation Under God by Mike De Lorenzo via Elijah List Shopper)

Hearing Jesus: He spoke, "I rule in Washington D.C."

Reflection: Well, of course He does. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. And yes, I sure don't know why He puts certain people over us, but the Roman government was far worse than our government, and yet Jesus was clear that they had no power other than what God granted them.

So Pilate said to Him, "Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?" Jesus answered, "You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above." John 19:10-11

I said, "Yes, but God, they are removing You from all institutions in America!"

God reminds me of His reaction in Scripture to the identical situation...

Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!" Psalm 2:1-3

Will God ever be removed? The nations in David's day were also attempting to remove God from their lives – throw off His moral restraints so they would have no cords to bind them, and they could do anything they pleased.

Well, God wasn't too concerned about their puny efforts...

He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; Jehovah shall mock at them. Then He shall speak to them in His anger, and trouble them in His wrath.Psalm 2:4-5

You know, if God can laugh, then I can, too. Laughter is so much better than getting all down in the dumps and getting fearful, angry and depressed. So guess what? 

I have decided to laugh and set aside my fear, anger and depression, and I highly recommend you do so, too. It is healing to your whole body, and a testimony to your belief that the Lord is still on His throne. 

(Photo by Lillis Boyer "Throne Room Glory: Golden Splendor" via elijahshopper.com)

Taking authority: I can also ask for the nations to become the Lord's, which I do!

Ask of Me, and I shall give the nations for Your inheritance; and the uttermost parts of the earth for Your possession. Psalm 2:8

Church, let's rise up with a victory shout and declare the truth: The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1). and the Most High is Ruler over the realm of mankind (Daniel 4:17)!

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace! Isaiah 9:7

Dr. Mark Virkler
President, Christian Leadership University (CLU)
Communion With God Ministries

Email: cwg@cwgministries.org
Website: cwgministries.org | cluonline.com

Mark and Patti Virkler are the founders of Communion With God Ministries. They have co-authored 50+ books. Their writings are unique in that they are designed to draw the learner into revelation-based learning. Mark has received a Master of Theology from Miami Christian University and a Ph.D. from Carolina Christian University. 

Patti has received a Master of Ministry and Doctorate of Ministry from Vision International University. Their focus has never been on degrees, but simply growing to maturity in the Lord. Degrees are viewed as incidental accomplishments and signposts along the road of life which can sometimes open up people's hearts and minds to hear, listen, and learn what they have to share. They have two children, Charity and Joshua.

To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe