"You Have a Mountain to Climb – And it is So Worth It!" Debbie Kerekes, California - THE ELIJAH LIST

"You Have a Mountain to Climb – And it is So Worth It!"

Debbie Kerekes, California    THE ELIJAH LIST

Do You Feel Stuck by Death, Crushing Blows, or Disappointment?

I have been seeing a vision of a person standing staring into a huge, dark, mass grave. In this grave is so much death. Disappointments, fears, despair, dead dreams, and broken promises are there; devastated relationships, disastrous set-backs, and worry for the souls of loved ones. There are missed opportunities, betrayals, and the untimely passing-away of significant people.

The eyes of this person are unblinking, riveted, looking into the hole, grieving and paralyzed with loss. They are becoming dark and obsessed, rehearsing in their minds what could have been, and even what SHOULD have been or might still be. They are stuck.(Photo via Pixabay)

They have been staring into the darkness, either hoping to prevent future pain by understanding fully what happened, waiting for closure, or hoping for resurrection.

But the Lord says to STOP. Stop staring into that hole of loss, and ask for a fresh revelation of His love to push out the fear and crushing disappointment. Stop waiting for people, movements, or organizations to repent and come to the Light. Stop trying to figure it all out, losing your peace and joy because someone you love doesn't "get it." Stop staring into the abyss, waiting for something you hoped would come to pass.

When sorrowing over what others did, or failed to do, keeps us from what wecan do, it has gone too far and we cease to be in the "present," living out of our past. When we lose all joy by lingering and hoping that something can be salvaged from the ashes, we have waited too long. If we remain staring into the pit of death, death will start staring into us.

I saw a mountain right next to this pit, and the Lord told me to say, "This mountain is YOURS to climb." Not the culture's mountain, the country's or the Church's, or even you and your best friend's (although those mountains also exist). This one is yours. You can't climb it if you remain by the abyss. (Photo by Jennifer Page "My Firm Foundation" via elijahshopper.com)

The fear that moving up that mountain will leave loved ones or promises behind is a deception of the enemy to keep you (and possibly your loved ones) in bondage.

The mountain is your journey with the Holy Spirit, with Jesus our older brother, and with our Heavenly Father. It may be dry or abundant, public or hidden, challenging or comforting. You will be brought straight up the side of the hill, full of anointing, gifting, and victory, just to be turned around and brought back down in darkness of night to acclimatize. 

At times you will see visions and vistas like never before; other times you will walk by faith, only seeing the next step ahead, with not even a "star" to see by.

We have been defined by performance Christianity, which is fueled by the cruel master, "Fear." God wants to reveal powerful weapons to us, which the enemy has defined as wimpy and irrational. The world longs for the children of God to walk in these things with authority and boldness: Rest that only Jesus gives, peace that cannot be faked, confidence in the friendship of the Holy Spirit, and the knowledge of the fullness of the Father's uncreated grace and favor over us.

Start with Asking the Lord for a Revelation of Himself and Thanksgiving

Ask the Lord for a revelation of Himself. He may show you in a moment what He wants to reveal, or it may take time. Three years ago the Lord told me He wanted to reveal His GRACE to me... What a three-year journey it has been! The answers have come from a hundred different sources, in a million different ways, and there is more to come. Could He have revealed it in a day or a moment? Of course! (Photo by Jennifer Page"Redeemed" via elijahshopper.com)

He transported Philip from one place to another in a flash, but normally He shows us by journey. He may want to reveal His love for you, His Fatherhood, His deliverance, or His divine rest. He may wait to give you a revelation of how He speaks to our hearts in silence, or the power of our words. It will be your journey to embrace.

Start with thanksgiving. Thank Him for even the smallest things, but start thanking Him and make it a conscious habit. Thank Him through tears, thank Him in pain, and thank Him out loud so you can hear your own voice. Thanking God by faith in the face of despair is one of the most precious gifts we can offer, and one of the most life-transforming. It will lead to the dearest and most intimate, childlike praise, and result in a powerful joy of spirit that transcends both mind and emotions.

Thanking Him creates the atmosphere that will sustain you in the high elevations (testing) of your mountain... And for those of you who have stared so long into the abyss that you actually fell in? Start thanking Him and His LOVE will lift you out.

Shake Off Your Grave Clothes and Journey Up the Mountain and Inspire Others to Climb Too

When you have been in a dirty-air environment for a long time, you start becoming impervious to the odor. Submerge yourself in air that is polluted, toxic, or smells of death or decay...and your senses begin to dull. And then, when you leave the area, it can stick to your clothes, or seem as though the smells are lodged in your head or on your hair, and follow you everywhere!

Leaving that pit of despair and grieving to move up your mountain of grace and faith, you might not even realize how bad it was down there...until you look back and can't even see the ground or the "city" you were in for the haze of pollutants layered over it. And you may forget how bad it smelled until you get around those still living there, now shocked at what they (and you) had become used to!

Life is very different on the Mountain, and people will respond differently to you. This is a real re-set, a new thing with new challenges. People under demonic influence may now react very strongly to you when you walk by, where before they might have ignored you. 

Some people will want what you have. Your joy, your liberty, and peace will inspire them to shake off their own grave clothes and make the journey up their own mountain! But don't be surprised if others get confused, jealous, or bitter, and feel abandoned by you. 

(Photo by Kevin Moffatt"Come Out!" via elijahshopper.com)

Sitting by a mass grave of dead dreams and lost hopes is not intolerable if you think that by sitting there you will get you some kind of answer. And staring long enough into the abyss to "figure it out" can even be strangely satisfying if others will join you there in your hopeless vigil...at least you have company.

This is a BIG transition, a HUGE seasonal change, not a little one (and life has many of all sizes!). People will come at their own pace and level of revelation. Love fully, have mercy, but keep moving up in response to Christ, cooperating with the Holy Spirit.

What Fragrance are You Giving Off?

My friend, Gloria Dinerman, said, "One of my favorite Scriptures is 2 Corinthians 2:15-16: 'For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?' 

When grace has truly touched our lives, the transformation should be noticeable to all who come in contact with us. I guess a good question to ask would be, are we giving off the fragrance of Heaven?" (Photo by Robert Bartow "Dark Yet Lovely" via elijahshopper.com)

Remember, when the old smells (anger; despair; self-pity; self-loathing; disappointment; fear; prolonged, disabling grief) start to press in on you, start thanking God. Thank Him for the smallest and biggest things, the good and the difficult. Then, let this thanksgiving lead you to high praise, and your atmosphere will change! You will have to fight for this...but it is SO worth it!

Debbie Kerekes
Email: debbiekerekescalcoast@gmail.com
Website: facebook.com/debbie.kerekes

Debbie Kerekes: In 1970, Debbie became a Christian in the Jesus Movement under the ministry of Lonnie Frisbee and Billy Graham. From day one, she loved Jesus and gave her life over to prayer and intercession, while God also lead her in the ways of seeing and prophecy. She and her wonderful husband mostly attended Foursquare and Vineyard churches through their lives and raised three amazing children in California.

Intimacy and partnering with Him in prayer is to Debbie the most rewarding thing. Helping people know Him better, find liberty, freedom, joy, and rest in Him...seeing people come into their true identity in Christ is priceless! Debbie spends most of her days in prayer, prayer with others, and spending time with her family, friends, and grandchildren.

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A Nugget for Living Life by Steve Martin - "Joy"

A Nugget for Living Life

Steve Martin

"The world seeks happiness.

The Lord gives joy.

Which do you want for eternity?”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

Galatians 5:22-23

Love For His People, Inc.

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

loveforhispeople.blogspot.com

loveforhispeople@gmail.com

Foreign Journalist (Italian) Gets Real About Israeli-Palestinian Conflict | Aviel Schneider ISRAEL TODAY.

Foreign Journalist (Italian) Gets Real About Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 |  Aviel Schneider  ISRAEL TODAY.

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“The Palestinians feel the rising threat of ISIS and understand that despite the [negative feelings toward] the Israeli occupation they are more secure under Israeli rule than anywhere else in the region.”

That was one of the conclusions drawn in the new book “Jihad” by Italian journalist Mourizio Molinari, who for the past 15 years served as a Middle East correspondent. Most recently, Molinari was offered the prestigious position of editor-in-chief for one of the largest circulation Italian newspapers, La Stampa.

In an interview with Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot, Molinari explained how Western understanding of the situation in Israel had become increasingly distorted.

For example, “in the Arab village of Duma, following the tragedy of the Dawabshe family, cries for revenge [against the Israelis] were widely published. But villagers told me that while the Jews were indeed their enemies, they had only killed on average three Palestinians a day, while 100 a day were dying in Syria,” Molinari recounted.

Molinari further noted that in the de facto Palestinian capital of Ramallah, local Palestinian entrepreneurs are eager to find Israeli partners.

Similarly, “Palestinians in Ramallah are trying to get their family members living in Jordan to come to Israel, because they understand that only Israel can guarantee their safety,” said the Italian.

For years, Molinari worked twice a week in Ramallah, and recalled some of the many conversations he had with Palestinians over a meal. “I’ve listened as Palestinians sitting next to me at the table called their grandparents or other relatives in Amman, urging them to come to Ramallah.”

But Molinari spent most of his time in Jerusalem, and described life in Israel as both fascinating and challenging. “The average Israeli you meet on the street is very intelligent,” he said. “And you can sit on a bus alone and speak to a grandma and hear the most exciting life story.”

According to Molinari, a majority of Palestinians would be willing to lay down their arms and live in peace with Israel, “but, just as in Israel, they don’t currently see a way forward toward that goal.”

He believes the threat posed by ISIS is an opportunity for Israelis and Palestinians. “ISIS is a threat to both peoples,” he pointed out. “Before it struck Israel and the Jews, ISIS would first annihilate the Palestinians.”

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The Light of Israel Will Not Go Out! | Charles Gardner ISRAEL TODAY

The Light of Israel Will Not Go Out!

Sunday, December 13, 2015 |  

Charles Gardner ISRAEL TODAY

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Fond memories of my time in Jerusalem during the Hanukkah festival two years ago have come flooding back this week. I remember well the colourful light displays amidst a carnival atmosphere as the nine-branched menorah was lit at restaurants, malls and other meeting places around the city, though I suspect there is a mood of caution and anxiety this year in view of the spate of terror attacks on individual Jews innocently going about their daily routine.

The festival of course marks God’s intervention during the reign of the ruthless Syrian-Greek emperor Antiochus Epiphanes who desecrated the Jewish Temple by sacrificing a pig there and blasphemously proclaimed himself God. Judah Maccabee led a brave and successful revolt against the tyrant in 139 BC and re-established temple worship (Hanukkah means ‘dedication’) with the aid of the menorah which burned miraculously for eight days despite having only enough oil for a day. The Greeks had polluted the rest.

In an apparent reference to the festival (not a biblical feast as such), Jesus said: “I am the light of the world.” (John 8.12) And in that respect at least, the eight-day festival’s proximity to Christmas is entirely apt.

So how much has changed over the past two thousand-plus years? Not a lot, except that Israel has survived repeated attempts at genocide. But they will _not _be wiped out, as Iran and the various Islamist terror groups have pledged to do. Indeed, the spirit of Antiochus lives on as enemies from the same region are still bent on Israel’s destruction. Politicians need to understand that it isn’t just about ISIS and their evil plans; they are part of a network of terror groups all with the same aim – to wipe out Israel. The Hamas charter states that Israel will only exist “until Islam abolishes it” and that “There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad.”

The current Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, has yet to condemn a single one of the many murders of Israelis during the recent months of terror on the streets of Jerusalem and elsewhere in the Jewish state. He tells the international community he is against terror while describing the multiple stabbings and shootings as a “peaceful uprising”. So when Arab Palestinians kill Israeli parents in front of their children, it is not to be condemned as terror because it is an expression of “peace”. What sort of crazy, upside-down world are we living in? And Abbas has openly admitted calling for this violence that he describes as peaceful. Should he not be arrested for incitement to murder?

The response to all this from the wider world is equally topsy-turvy. Britain has sanctioned air strikes against ISIS in Syria, but has repeatedly condemned Israel for taking forceful military action against terror groups out to destroy them. Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn was against such action (in Syria) and, for once, I agree with him as it will only further stir up a hornet’s nest.

The ultimate hypocrisy comes from the United Nations, originally set up to ensure lasting world peace but effectively making things worse with a never-ending series of condemnatory resolutions against Israel while ignoring the many dictatorial regimes where human rights hardly exist, much less democracy. Following the terror outrage in Mali, the UN offered its “full support”, but in the case of Israel has offered none. This international body is a sick joke.

But have no fear! The Bible makes it clear that the God of Israel will ultimately triumph over his foes. While preparing for my first book on this subject, Israel the Chosen, I was very nearly wiped out too, but God miraculously delivered me! I was still working as a sports editor by day, and under quite some stress at the time, so I spent my lunch-break at the imposing Selby Abbey (nearly a thousand years old) where I prayed and then wandered up the aisle to read the pulpit Bible, which was opened at the Book of Revelation chapter 12 – a passage about ‘the woman and the dragon’. It’s a picture of how the devil tried to kill the baby Jesus, but the infant was snatched from his grasp. It also proved to be a prophecy of what the rest of the day had in store for me as I had a serious car crash on the way home, with the entire driver’s side front wing of the car ripped off. But I escaped without a scratch. The dragon had set a trap for my doom, but the Lord was watching over me. I was working on a book dedicated to the spiritual re-birth of Israel, and the devil was determined to stop me in my tracks.

In the same way, Israel is hemmed in on all sides and under severe pressure, with terror threats on a daily basis, but Elohim has the last word. For there will come a day when he “will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem”. (Zechariah 12.9)

But as always with the Lord, justice is mixed with mercy – as Naaman discovered at another time in Israel’s history. He was commander of the King of Syria’s army – “a mighty man of valour”, but also a leper. A young Jewish girl, who had been taken captive on one of the Syrian raids, took pity on her master, saying that the man of God (Elisha) could heal him of his leprosy. He took up her suggestion and, after he had obeyed Elisha’s instruction to wash himself in the Jordan seven times, “his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy” (2 Kings 5.14), at which point he declared: “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel.”

We too should desire the same mercy for our enemies as God showed to Naaman. And even though modern Israel has not yet fully returned to the Lord as a nation, many are displaying the compassionate attributes of our God – like the Israeli doctors on the Golan Heights who treat wounded Syrian soldiers and those who carry out life-saving surgery on Arab children with heart defects.

So we must pray that both mercy and justice will prevail, and that the mass of humanity that is so utterly confused and perturbed by a world full of violence will call out on Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and declare as Naaman did: “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel.” (2 Kings 5.15)

---

Charles Gardner is author of Israel the Chosen, available from Amazon, and Peace in Jerusalem, available from olivepresspublisher.com

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I Love BOTH Hanukkah AND Christmas - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

I Love BOTH Hanukkah AND Christmas

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Yeshua spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light which gives life.” (John 8:12, Complete Jewish Bible)

I love both Hanukkah AND Christmas!

Only in the past few years have I really understood the Feast of Hanukkah (Chanukah is another spelling in Hebrew), also known as the Festival of Lights, or Feast of Dedication. Having been raised a Christian, I considered it a Jewish celebration, for Jews only. After all, that was in the Old Testament, right? That part of the Bible is only the Jewish part of the Bible, the Old Covenant, isn’t it?

But then I had my eyes opened and my spirit enlightened, through an understanding of our Jewish roots as believers. Now knowing that Jesus was born in a Jewish family (His Hebrew name is Yeshua), the twelve Jewish apostles were Jewish, and the Bible was completely written by Jews (with only one or two Scriptural books the exception, written by Gentiles), I had a change of heart. I could celebrate Hanukkah too, just as my Messiah Yeshua did!

“Then came Hanukkah in Yerushalayim. It was winter, and Yeshua was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomo’s Colonnade.” (John 10:22-23, Complete Jewish Bible)

Or if you prefer the NKJV, “Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch.”

There are several Messianic Jewish books and websites that completely give further understanding to this winter feast, so I won’t be trying to do that here. But just knowing that the Lord miraculously provided 8 days of oil to burn the Hanukkiah (the 9 candle stick menorah), when they only had one day’s supply of oil to begin with, shows us the provision that He gives as we trust in Him. 

We can also visibly see that the main candle, called the server, is the one that each night lights the others. It fully represents the Servant Jesus Himself, Who gives us the light to pass on. I can understand that with my Gentile mind.

We actually have several Hanukkah menorahs in our home. I like our David’s Harp one the best.

Christmas is such a joyous part of the season. Though I believe Yeshua (Jesus) was actually born during the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall, I really enjoy the Christmas songs on the radio, the Christmas tree in our house, the welcoming wreath on the front door, and the fun and love shared in the giving of presents to each other. In our home, Christmas above all represents the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, who lives each day of the year as our Savior and Lord.

If the world chooses to celebrate along with us, let it be so! Let them sing “O Come O Come Emmanuel” on the secular radio station, along with “O Holy Night”. May they greet one another joyfully with “Merry Christmas”, being Christ (Christos, or Messiah) is the most joyous (merriest) one of all!

I love it when our small town of Pineville, North Carolina decorates the city streets with heavenly angels on the light poles, proclaiming the Good News with trumpets (shofars!); the silver bells hanging down, swinging in the breeze while ringing out His birth; the large Scotch pine Christmas tree, lighting up the town square, evergreen with His life and the colorful lights testifying of His love for diversity. After all, He has created so many of us, with such creativity and our different nationalities - the most multi-color that these lights represent well!

  

Christmas at the Martins

And of course there are the beautifully wrapped presents, delighting our grandkids, being taught how the Wise Men blessed their Savior too with good gifts, signifying their adoration and worship.

In both Hanukkah AND Christmas, Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, is revealed as the Light of the World in both!

Celebrate this exciting season of love! May both Jew and Gentile understand that Hanukkah AND Christmas can be shared in our One New Man love. I for one certainly have no problem with that, and give thanks to my Lord for both.

Happy Hanukkah AND Merry Christmas, from our house to yours.

“And God bless us, everyone!”

 May your days be filled with peace, joy and love.

Happy Hanukkah AND Merry Christmas!

Our ministry Christmas card - 2015

The Martin Hanukkiah fully lit in past celebration.

We love you,

Steve & Laurie Martin

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 sure could use your help to bless the families we do in Israel, India, Pakistan, Vietnam and the hurting ones here in the USA. Please give out of the abundance you have been given.

In May, 2016, my wife Laurie and I will be traveling to Israel to spend time with our friends. We support them in word and deed. We have our plane tickets in hand. We love Israel.

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.

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

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Now Think On This (In the year of our Lord 11.29.15 ) #215 - “I Love Hanukkah AND Christmas” – Sunday at 4:30 pm in Charlotte, NC.

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

"Peace or Panic - The Choice is Yours!" Bobby Conner - The Elijah List

"Peace or Panic - The Choice is Yours!"

Bobby Conner, Bullard, TX

The Elijah List

How to Maintain a Tranquil Soul

We must discover the pathway to abiding peace and true tranquility! If we look out at the chaos and confusion, the death and destruction, we can be overwhelmed. However, if we will lift our vision higher and look up to focus our attention on Christ the King, our outlook will vastly change (see Isaiah 26:3).

Christ Jesus warns us that a time is coming when many will fall prey to fear and panic because of the things they see coming upon the earth.

And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity [without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn] at the roaring (the echo) of the tossing of the sea, men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter. 

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great (transcendent and overwhelming) power and [all His kingly] glory (majesty and splendor). Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near. Luke 21:25-28 (AMP)

Living in Perfect Peace

Nirvana will not be generated by people or prescription pills. It is not obtained through yoga or occult meditation or any other occult practice. True tranquility of soul, genuine godly peace, is only found in the person of Christ, not in some ritual or pagan practice. He alone is the Prince of Peace. (Photo via Pixabay)

The antidote for negative thoughts or emotions is simple: We must obey the Word of God. The only cure for fear and anxiety is abiding in the Word, the person of Christ Jesus. Paul declares in Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP):

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

The answer to stress and anxiety is not medication but a living relationship with the Master! This is the pattern we need to learn: As we turn our inner focus, our will, to Christ and place our affections on Him, adjusting our thoughts to the Word, we will discover abiding peace. This is the Enoch walk of the overcomer!

Christ's presence within us is our assurance that we can live in peace, even in times of pressure and turmoil. The promise is much more than just merely getting through the tough times – He promises us perfect peace and constant contentment.

Does this sound too good to be true? Hardly! This is the abundant life purchased for us by the broken body and spilled Blood of the Lamb of God at Calvary. He died and rose again to birth the Kingdom of God within us when we are born again.

The Prince of Peace abides within us! We have a Blood-bought right to walk in uninterrupted shalom, free from all anxiety and fear, because of the living, breathing presence of Christ in our temple. 

(Photo by Jennifer Page "The Way, The Truth, The Life" via elijahshopper.com)

This is not too good to be true. Despite the arguments of your mind and heart, the Scriptures are always true – and they are filled with examples of people who lived in peace in overwhelming situations.

Abraham believed God, even as he raised the knife over Isaac (see Genesis 22). Caleb and Joshua believed God's promises after 40 years in the desert (see Numbers 14:38).

Mary believed God's Word, having never known a man – and her soul rejoiced (see Luke 1:26-38). Christ Himself believed His Father even as He was crucified. When He overcame sin, fear, and death at Calvary, we overcame them in Him. We were united with Him in death, and we are united with Him in His resurrection. The Cross stripped all power from fear and anxiety; they no longer have legal mastery over our souls – unless we let them rule.

We must not allow fear and anxiety to rule in our lives. We must first recognize the voices of the enemy – spirits of fear, rejection, accusation, and more. We must then repent from coming into agreement with these evil spirits and begin to hate evil with a perfect hatred. 

Then we must renounce the presence of these demonic beings in our lives and cast them away in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Ask for and receive forgiveness from your heavenly Father for having come into agreement with the lies of the devil.

As we submit to God and resist the devil, we will experience the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding. In our union with His resurrection, we have been given open access to perfect peace. How do we abide in this peace as a daily, lived experience? We do it by keeping our minds, wills, and emotions fixed on Christ and living lives of repentance from sin. 

Whenever your thoughts or emotions stray from the Prince of Peace, recognize the temptation of the evil one. If your heart has already come into agreement with his evil suggestions, simply receive forgiveness and return to the heart of your Beloved, which is found in His Word.

Despite the Storms...

Ponder the promise in Isaiah 26:3-4, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength."

We must never doubt that God is good and that He does good. Instead, we must be confident that "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7).

This is the Rock on which we can stand when the storms come our way – and they will indeed come (see Matthew 7:24-27). (Photo by Adbar via Wikipedia)

Despite the storms, however, God's plans and purposes for you are wonderful. 

Jeremiah 29:11 says: "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' says the Lord, 'thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.'"

You must distinguish between the truths of God and the facts of your existence – and choose to trust the Lord, no matter what you perceive or feel. Look not at the facts of your life, and do not place your emotions upon the facts of your life but upon the truths of these marvelous Scriptures. 

Then you will abide in peace. Instead of worry and anxiety, recall this to mind: "The Lord's compassion and mercies are overwhelming. When I recall this, I have hope. I am not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness!"(Lamentations 3:20-24, paraphrased).

Your battleground is not the circumstances of your life. The true battleground of the enemy is in your mind, will, and emotions. Keeping your thoughts and heart focused on good things will prevent darkness from overtaking your soul:"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:8-9).

Paul wrote, "Be anxious for nothing..." (Philippians 4:6).

We must stay focused on Christ and His unchangeable Kingdom if we are to have abiding peace during these days of chaos: "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:33-34).

There is no greater warfare than our abiding with the Prince of Peace. The God of peace will crush our foe under our feet (see Romans 16:20). The moment you feel the loss of peace, repent and ask for the Forgiver Himself to flood you with His peace. Have no doubt – He will bring peace because He always keeps His promises.

Stay in HIM – stay at peace!

Bobby Conner
Eagles View Ministries
Email: manager@bobbyconner.org
Website: bobbyconner.org

Bobby Conner: This "Gentle Giant" is uniquely anointed with refreshing humor and razor-sharp prophetic accuracy, which has been documented around the world. Bobby's dynamic capacity to release outstanding demonstrations of the miraculous – healings, signs and wonders – reveals the very heart of the Father toward us! 

Surviving a dramatic abortion attempt by his mother, being rescued again by the hand of God from drug dealing and suicide, the story of Bobby Conner is a display of a man who now walks in his God-ordained destiny to set others free! Highly esteemed as an internationally acclaimed conference speaker, Bobby has ministered effectively to over 45 foreign countries as well as here in the States for many years.

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