The Huddle

   

   In the last decade, I have been reading, studying, and listening to teachings about the Lord’s desire to partner with His people to see His plans manifested on the earth. Recently, He gave me an image of a football huddle. His arms were intertwined with the shoulders of His team. Heads were lowered and ears attuned to the Coach. The players were envisioning the play as He spoke. 

   We often think of God as the One Who answers our prayers and ourselves as relatively passive petitioners who then wait for His answer. He is indeed the Source of all power, knowledge, wisdom, efficacy, and fruitfulness. However, He did not create us to be passive servants, but rather born-again, informed, active, and authoritative co-workers and friends. Jesus said, “I do not call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you [My] friends, because I have revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [John 15:15] 

   When we put our whole trust in His grace and love, turning our lives over to Him, Holy Spirit ‘seeds’ us, endowing us with His very own spiritual DNA. We join His team to help see “His will done on earth as it is in Heaven.” 

   “For you have been born again [that is, reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] not of seed which is perishable but [from that which is] imperishable and immortal, that is, through the living and everlasting word of God” [1 Peter 1:23 AMP]

   “So,” He says in the huddle, “here’s the Plan…. John, you will sprint down field, while Larry fakes a pass but then runs down center field, instead of passing the football 🏈. Mary, you will….” Sometimes the Coach’s plays don’t make sense to His players. They don’t understand how His plans will work. If they trust the Coach and follow His directions, however, they will eventually see surprising touchdowns. Success is not accomplished by the quarterback or any star player, but by the whole team’s [Ekklesia’s] movements, orchestrated by the Coach.

   God has given us authority* to change things on the earth and in the heavens under His direction. To speak life into death-bound situations, hope where there is despair, light where there is darkness, turn-arounds to wrong directions, transformation of lives, freedom from deception, truth to those steeped in lies, and all-around failure to the plans of our opponent, the enemy of our souls. Scripture says* angels hearken to the Word of God and work to help see it manifested on the earth. They, too, are part of the team. Yes, our actions, under the Coach’s direction, absolutely have power to effect change, but so do our words in accordance with His Word. Just as He created the cosmos with His Words, so we who contain His seeded DNA can bring life in place of death, when we agree with and say what He says. We declare and decree His Plan. “Yes, Coach, so be it! We’re with You. We trust You! We’re listening! We’re on it! 

   So be it.

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“For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes].” 1Cor 2:16 AMP

“Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word”. —Psalm 103:20

“Nothing activates the Kingdom of God and the angel armies like the Word of God. Holy Spirit hovers until He hears the Word of God. God’s Word activates His power and Kingdom resources.”

Psalms 103:20 says that angels hearken to the voice of God’s Word. The entire universe is made to respond to the voice of God’s Word. The heavens and the earth are made to respond to the powerful voice of His Word. Amazingly, human beings made in His image and in His likeness are carriers of that Word when they are activated at the new birth. They are “lifed” by it when they are born again

—Tim Sheets, Planting the Heavens

“Jesus said, “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” (Matt. 16:19 NKJV). Using the original Greek word meanings, it says this, “Whatever you at any time encounter of hell’s council or authority that I am determined My church will prevail against, you will then face the decision whether you will or will not bind it. What transpires is conditional to your response. If you do purposely and consciously involve yourself in binding the issue on earth, you will find at that future moment when you do that it has been yes’d in Heaven.” If we say yes, it’s been yes’d in Heaven, and if we say no, it’s been no’d in Heaven. In other words, the authority He has delegated to us is backed up in Heaven. —Tim Sheets, Planting the Heavens

“We do not create from nothing like God did, but we take what God has done and steward it in such a way that we can decree a creative force into the heavens and the earth. —ibid

“If we are going to plant the heavens and lay God’s Word into our culture’s foundations, we must learn, practice, and activate authority language. The King’s seed that is sown into us, the King’s DNA that has been transmitted into our spirit at the new birth, needs to manifest inside of us. We need to become who and what we really are. We are under the Lordship of King Jesus, forgiven, re-imaged, and born again into His family. We truly are in the King’s lineage. We are heirs of God and we are joint heirs with Christ. We are a part of the Kingdom of Almighty God and are expected to reign with Him right now.” Ibid

You were born anew of incorruptible seed through the Word of God. The Greek word for “seed” is spora, and it’s filled with new identity, new purpose, and new destiny (Strong, G4701). It also reveals the love of God for a son or a daughter, and it explains His combined affection and care for His new “born-gain” ones. It’s a love that is real, pure, and constant. A love that caused the apostle John to exclaim in First John 3:1 (MSG), Tim Sheets, Planting the Heavens

“Never speak negative words or unbelief. They are contrary to the seed of God that is in you.” —Tim Sheets

“The Power of life and death is in the tongue.” —

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. —Proverbs 18:21

“God’s Words are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” —Proverbs 4:22

When it’s ok to be gluttonous

      

   Recently a friend recommended a devotional entitled The Names of God, a rich, slow dive into Who He is.* This week’s Name was Artos Zoes, The Bread of Life. As I read through the various familiar passages in which Jesus refers to Himself in this way, I was suddenly struck by the thought that this is the one time that gluttony is not only recommended, but encouraged! It also symbolizes a paradoxical situation in which the more you eat, the hungrier you become. 

   I am greatlY blessed to be retired now, having an abundance of time to truly settle in to soak both in the Scriptures and in the Holy Spirit. Abba referred to it the other day as soul and spirit hydration. However, I also remember working full time while trying to be a wife and good parent to three wonderful children. It was a lot more difficult then to carve out time to ‘soak in Holy Spirit’s tub’. Yet the Lord honored my desire with His grace, even though the time was certainly shorter.

   In the Temple, the Bread of the Presence served to remind the Israelites of ADONAI’s provision for them, that He was ADONAI Shemah/Shammah….the God Who is Here…much like His name Immanu-El, God-With-us. We can feast on His Presence with is, experience His Holy Spirit near, around, and within us. In our typical 2025 existence, however, we have to be intentional in seeking after this sustenance. 

   Many of us (especially in my age bracket) struggle with our weight. It seems we are constantly battling the desire to eat things (and amounts) we shouldn’t…or sometimes even eating modestly yet still seeing fat seemingly glued onto our bodies. When I was young and small for my age, my parents and grandmother would encourage me to ‘eat….eat!’. I didn’t have much interest in food and would just wait to survive and escape meal times. Now I say to myself, “Oh for the days!”  Now I struggle to disassociate myself from the lure of (unhealthy) food. I never met a donut I didn’t like. I can pass up many forms of candy**, but don’t set down a box of Dunkin’s (or a freshly made loaf of bread) in front of me. 

   This morning, as I was reading about Yeshua as Artos Zoes, I saw a vivid image of The Feast our Abba has set before us, which He encourages us, like an Italian grandmother, to “Eat! Eat! Put some flesh, I mean Spirit, on those bones! Eat and enjoy and grow! But always remain hungry for more….never be fully satisfied. ‘Further up and further in!’ as My son Clive once penned. Feast on Me and be greatly blessed, yet always desire more. Here, gluttony is good!” 

   As we steward our bodies with healthy foods, let’s steward our souls and spirits by running joyfully to the Father’s Feast of His true Bread from Heaven. Let’s soak up His Presence and devour the nutrients with which He enriches those willing to search deeper. Those hungry for more satisfying understanding, insight, and knowledge of His character and His truth…those who will take the time, over other activities, to pursue His scavenger hunts and discover the treats He has hidden for us. Treasure awaits If we ‘choose to accept this mission (not) impossible,’ As does our delight in seeing the gleam in our Abba’s eye as He says’ “Well done! On to the next! Farther up and further in! More feasts await! Eat! Eat!”

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*The Names of God, written by Ann Spangler (May 2023)

**except maybe caramel M&Ms Jelly Bellies, and Molasses Mint Chews

***So many Scriptures of note, but begin with John 6

“Teach me more about you, how you work and how you move, so that I can walk onward in your truth until everything within me brings honor to your name. 12With all my heart and passion I will thank you, my God! I will give glory to your name, always and forever!  —Psalm 86: 11-12

“He humbled you, allowing you to become hungry, and then fed you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had ever known, to make you understand that a person does not live on food alone but on everything that comes from the mouth of ADONAI.” —Deuteronomy 8:3

Fireworks with two-fold significance

I saw fireworks before my eyes and believe I heard:

1) revelations, confessions, and exposures will come so fast that one will still be happening as the next begins. They will be seen far and wide. 

2) We, His faithful remnant, will be celebrating the manifestation of His Victory for us, using them to rejoice around the world.

Two pictures to warm your soul (to be remembered in the days ahead)

It is often when we are just drifting off to sleep or just waking up that we are especially open to Holy Spirit’s messages for us.  Last night as I lay under the covers, He gave me these comforting images, especially delightful to me in the midst of America’s evilly-engendered turmoil:

The Father tucks us (His believing, beloved children) into bed, pulling the covers up to our chins. We turn to the side, snuggling in. He brushes His hand tenderly over our hair, full of love for us, and tells us to sleep well. We hear noises outside the window, but He says not to be afraid...it is just the wind. There is a scratching at the front door, but He tells us again not to be fearful because He is our Protector and Guard, and His arm is strong. “Rest well, My precious ones. ABBA is near.”

We are surrounded by a circle of vicious enemies who are agitated and threatening us in various ways, but the Father is just chuckling. He even has His back to them as He goes about preparing a magnificent table for us, with an array of luscious-looking foods. The wine stands ready at each end, and the bread is fresh from the oven. “Eat! Enjoy!” He says. “Don’t be concerned about them. They cannot touch you.” As I pull the 🥖 apart, steam rises from it, and I lather yellow Irish butter across the end. A soft light is shining on our table, creating a lovely ambience for our celebratory feast...the Feast He has personally and lavishly laid for us, under His Tabernacle Tent.

Stay, stand, fight and take a seat

In the early morning I hungrily seek out God’s encouragement, including through His prophets, to persevere in prayer, believing...wearing my combat boots over my ‘feet shod with the gospel of Shalom.’ During the night, when I am more vulnerable, the fear and unbelief try to supersede that firm stand. I know it is crucial to stay in the fight believing, praying, affirming, and decreeing God’s will be manifested in this land.  When we believe and declare what is  naturally impossible, yet already shown accomplished in God’s Reality, He is delighted with is. He applauds us, and the crinkles of His eyes spread wide on His face. 

The believing Church is finally coming together and being the true Ecclesia.  It wouldn’t have come forth without the spiritual battle, I realize. Now, when every conceivable human option is totally exhausted, God says, “Ok, now is when I love baring my arm and putting on a show for You!  Ha ha! Make your popcorn with lots of butter and salt [Himalayan, of course] and take a seat, while continuing to stand. The curtains are opening. Enjoy the show

Isaiah 52:10

Isaiah 40:26-31

Ha ha...God had me add this today (1/11): https://youtu.be/F-t8PngHgWY

The Candle and the flame

 I spent a long, hot, sweaty weekend sharing a booth at an outdoor market, trying to sell my books*, cards, and paintings. I sold no art and only two books over two very long days, with the second being a mercy purchase by one of the event planners.  There was a carnival incorporated at the Octoberfest, and it unexpectedly sucked the people to the rides and away from the vendors, much to the vendors’ (and organizers’) dismay.

I WAS able to hand out cards and flyers for my two books(online), which I pray will bear fruit.  It’s not just the loss of the money invested, but the desire to share God’s heart with people through these books (and art). I feel strongly that He inspired me to create them, so it was discouraging to spend all that time and effort and appear to get nowhere.  

Thankfully, God had warned me before the event not to be become discouraged but to simply be faithful and persistent, and that His economy was not the same as the world's.  I have to confess to still waking up discouraged.  He knew I needed a ‘nugget’ from Him, and as usual He was faithful to encourage me... with this: 

Hmmm...a candle, ok.  Significance? It's not lit.

Somehow the light in the room is making the candle appear to be alight.  As I write this, it still 'burns'. "Ok, God.  Tell me what this means."

"The candle is a reminder of what I can do supernaturally, far above what you can do in the natural. You didn't light that candle but yet it appears to be lit, and is, indeed, shining forth. Don't rely on what you see and experience with your senses. Visualize...SEE in your mind's eye, your imagination, what I Am doing--what I SEE in the spiritual realm.  Believe it. Have faith to see it come to pass."

"Cool. Thank you. You are so kind and gracious. Help me SEE what You SEE.

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*Who You Are and Let All Creation Rejoice! [Bearfoot Books for the Shepherd @JEddyWales]

Fear and two lions

   Did you watch the newer Jumanji movie? That’s not usually my genre of choice, but I enjoyed not only its humor, but some Biblical analogies I found there.  1Peter 5:8 warns us that our Enemy prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone he may devour. That image seems even more vivid in current times, doesn’t it?

   The thing is, we can’t be devoured unless we agree to to it. We can never be his tasty meal unless we don’t know who we are as believers in Yeshua. In Jumanji, the ‘weakling’ character in real life becomes the super strong hero within the app. When he is about to be attacked, he freezes in fear and at first fails to fight back. He doesn’t remember  who he is. Suddenly he remembers that the man whose identity he has assumed has all kinds of strength and skill to defeat his attacker. It is only then he is successful in defeating his enemy. 

 

   I believe that happens with us. We allow fear to paralyze us. Fear of present times. Fear of future times.. Fear of speaking out. Fear of man’s opinion. Fear of illness. Fear of what will happen if certain groups take control of our country. Fear for our children and grandchildren. Fear of what kind of death we might die. Fear of that roaring lion. 

   However, it is the great Lion of Judah in whom our trust is securely placed. The other lion’s image is but an illusion, a hologram projected to frighten us into the kind of fear that causes us to leave our weapons lying useless at our sides. The kind of fear that can make us forget who we are. Like the character in Jumanji, we need to wake up to our true identity in Christ and stand up with confidence,  putting on the armor of Christ which He has given us. They are not just defensive weapons but offensive ones. Attired in our identifying  uniform, we find the hologram has as its source only a sickly cat, artificially magnifying its voice like the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain. 

   Another point of note in the movie as well as in Scripture, is that humility comes before success. Knowing who we are, in and of ourselves, places us in a position to stand up tall in the power coming only

from the Great Lion, the King of Kings.

   Yank that curtain back and unmask the imposter.  He does everything he can to keep us from knowing who he really is, because then we will know that we hold all the power.  Believe it, use it, and speak it forth, mighty ones!

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Matthew 8:26-27

FYI...I recently re-read The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis, the final book in The Chronicles of Narnia series. I highly recommend a current reading, in light of current revelatory events. For example, note that there is not only an imitation Aslan, but also another creature, thinking he has the real power, manipulating behind the scenes. Ultimately, that creature himself is swallowed whole by an evil greater than he. However, as you well know, that is not the end of the story. Further up and further in, everyone!

Sanctuary light

If you grew up in (or still worship in) a sacramental church, you may remember the sanctuary light, a candle lit to represent God’s Presence in the church. This morning I was reading from my Tozer devotional a reminder that we are God’s sanctuary,  and as such our hearts should be a pure and holy place for Him to dwell:   Build that invisible altar from within. Let the spirit of God produce the living, cleansing flame that marks your devotion to Christ, our Lord.

A wisp of a prayer from the recesses of my memory surfaced from the evening service called Vespers,  a sunset service of evening prayer. In fact, long ago bells in towns used to ring six times per day to call people to pray throughout the day. (You can read more about the Book of Hours or Prayers of the Hours, if you’re interested.  Or you might enjoy Davis Bunn’s fiction book, The Book of Hours, which includes some of this history.) Perhaps we might all benefit from reminders throughout the day to stop for a few moments and connect with our Heavenly Father. To put our current activities, responsibilities, and concerns into perspective. To stop, look up from our work, give Him a smile and let Him know how grateful we are. To affirm that our hearts are still devoted to Him.

Vespers is still practiced by many throughout the world. O Gracious Light is an ancient prayer from that service: O Gracious Light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in Heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Now, as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing Your praises, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds.


Remember the phrase, she’s carrying a torch for him (or vice versa)? The image evoked a flame in one’s heart which has continued to burn, despite the circumstances which might have easily snuffed it out. ADONAI’s flame of love for us never goes out, and neither should ours for Him. Is our heart cleansed so that His Presence can burn a sanctuary light within us? Do we carry His torch, which burns faithfully and ceaselessly throughout our days on this earth?

Some of us are in our sunset years. Do we carry the Vesper light? Or have we allowed it to dim through the challenges, disappointments, or weariness of life?  Have we become weary of fighting the good fight of the faith? If so, we need to devote more time to the One Who first lit that flame and can cause it to burn brightly. It should emit such a deep glow from within that it warms the cold hearts of others around us.  They should be drawn to its warmth and light. And we, ourselves, should be acolytes dedicated to its tending.