“God is in This Fight”….are we?

   

  Please read to the end. Don’t turn away. There is hope…maybe even through you…

  When I first began to learn about the horrors and realities of human trafficking, especially those involving helpless children, I wanted to bury my head under a pillow and shout out, “I can’t hear you!” My first visual exposure was years ago through the Rescue Life ministry of James Robison’s Life Today International.** The spotlight was then on countries like Thailand, The horror of it kept me awake at night, and I gave to this ministry which focuses not only on rescuing adults and children, but also on trying to prevent their being trafficked in the first place. They also minister healing to victims, teach vocational skills for a new start, and provide orphanages and schooling for rescued children. 

   Over the past decade, however, I began to learn how widespread this indescribably cruel and life-devaluing practice is in our own country, as well as all those in ‘ other ‘first world’ countries. I discovered also that victims’ own families, including their parents, sell them into trafficking, as do workers in the foster care system where children are especially vulnerable. 

    I didn’t want to know these things. I wanted to run away from having ever heard about them. But I kept seeing in my mind the faces of real children (as young as two years old) staring out from behind padlocked bars, abused 10-12 times a day with no escape. I felt like throwing up. Fear took hold for my own grandchildren and even my adult children. (Adults in their forties are also part of the trafficked population.) 

   I donated money, prayed for the ministry (and others like it). I knew it wasn’t enough. Hebrews declares we should care for those in prison as if we were right there with them.*** Jesus says we are accordingly considered sheep or goats by the way we care for strangers in need****. Prayer is crucial and the most powerful thing you can do, but it must be followed by active obedience. (Take time to reread James 1.)

   After viewing “Sound of Freedom,” which I dragged myself by the collar to go see, I knew I had to do more than donate and pray. I had to take additional action. I searched the net and found a locally-based ministry and offered to volunteer. Since then I have met an amazing man with a ‘do-something’ aviation ministry. Invisible Angels fills the gap between escaping victims and their sources of restoration, hope and healing. Ted flies them; from their escape point where they have no money, no ID, no support, and nothing but the clothes on their backs; to people and organizations dedicated to helping them not only survive, but start life anew.

   The testimony of the innumerable miracles and crazy perseverance it took to create and sustain this life-giving ministry is found in his true story, God is in This Fight.* [Incidentally, if you have a friend or family member into aviation, this book includes eye-opening details about what it takes to operate this ministry from a pilot’s viewpoint.] However, Ted shares not only about the miraculous development of the ministry itself but also provides vital insights into our growth in the Word, in our relationship with the Lord, and in the battles we face to completely trust and follow His direction. He will keep you on the edge of your seat and inspire you wherever you are right now in responding to God’s current call on your life. 

   If your question regarding the fight against human trafficking is “How can I make a difference?” here are some suggestions from Ted. However, he will be the first to tell you that listening to the Holy Spirit for direction is priority one. God may certainly give you other actions to take.

Ted: “ Many people have the same question: How can I help? You can make a significant impact by partnering with dedicated support and rescue organizations through small monthly donations. To illustrate, if one thousand people each contribute just $10 a month, that amounts to $10,000 monthly, which goes a long way in supporting their vital work. Consider partnering with safe homes such as Selah Freedom (www.selahfreedom.org), Life Recaptured (www.liferecaptured.org), Created of Tampa (www.createdwomen.com), Camille Place (www.camilleplace.com), Missing Peace (www.missingpeaceministry.org), and Her Song (www.hersong.org), as well as placement organizations like Free Indeed (www.iamfreeindeed.com). Support organizations such as Invisible Angels (www.invisibleangels.org) and The Freedom Aviation Network (www.freedomaviationnetwork.org). These are all run by highly trained professional staff and volunteers…. Beyond financial support, two key items top the list of what these organizations need: funding and awareness. Have conversations about human trafficking within your community, from youth groups to corporate gatherings. You can contact any human trafficking organization, and they would be more than happy to provide a speaker for an event to raise awareness and educate others.” —Ted Greenfield.

 I (Julie) would add James and Betty Robison’s Rescue Life* ministry to the list of trustworthy organizations.. As another example of what these ministries may need, one in my area told me they could use help putting on fundraisers and manning tables at events. You can search out an organization in your area and put yourself on their volunteer list for whatever is workable for you. Many of us are older and can’t run a marathon, but we can help in many other ways. Start by donating even small (or large!) amounts regularly to one or more groups of your choice. (I highly recommend Invisible Angels, because they work in conjunction with the other groups listed, helping survivors reach them, many times from other states.) Share with friends and get the word out! There are many who care but are either unaware or don’t know what to do to make an impact. Share and give as if someone whose life is a living nightmare depends on it. It might well be a small child.

*Invisible Angels: www.Invisibleangels.org

 Available on Kindle ($5.99) or other ebook, as well as in paperback: https://www.invisibleangels.org/our-story

 *Rescue Life:: https://youtu.be/WEEV2TvD_8c?si=J343tKShHh4Y8y6N 

 **”‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:35-40 NIV)

***Hebrews 13:3  Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering..”

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This is a scary one:

Matthew 25: 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal

The Signet Ring

  

   I was recently reading in Tim Sheet’s book, Planting the Heavens, about the concept of the signet ring:

   Tim: “In those days, the king would wear a very special ring upon his hand—a signet ring. The seal of the king’s kingdom was engraved on the face of the ring. It was a governing ring. When important documents were brought to the king, he would stamp the document with it, leaving behind the seal of his kingdom. He would press his seal on it….”

   Julie: When I read this, I immediately saw a picture of God handing me His ring and saying, “I am giving this to you so that you can represent me on the earth.” I put the huge, heavy ring on my finger, and it spun around, looking as if I was trying to wear my dad’s ring (which indeed I was). I had to hold it on with my other hand. How ridiculous it looked. I was like a kid in a costume. But my Father said, “You’ll grow into it.”

   The complex symbol extending from the top of the ring stood ready for imprinting His authority on any document or impressionable object. Even on an open heart. But I said, “You can’t entrust me with this!,” 

   “Indeed I can,” He countered. “You are to boldly represent Me not only in speaking My Words but with My heart.”

   An image from the movie of Prince Caspian (from The Chronicles of Narnia) suddenly appeared in my mind. Lucy, the youngest of the children, walks out on a bridge, which the huge enemy army is about to storm. She carries only a tiny dagger. The enemy leader stops abruptly in consternation and then in derision, rather like Goliath at the sight of the scrappy, scrawny David. What is this ridiculousness? However, slowly appearing behind Lucy is the great Lion, Aslan. Ahhh….

   Despite how insignificant Lucy first appeared, she stood on that bridge in the authority of the King, the Lion of Judah. As do we when, as ambassadors of the King of Kings, we declare and decree His Will from His Word,  from His true heart. He wants us to represent Him. He has chosen to partner with us. (See The Huddle* post.) He wants us to represent Him sincerely. Represent Him well. Represent Him in truth. 

   More from Tim:

   “The Hebrew idea is that words do the same thing. They leave impressions and they seal God’s words. God’s words are always right words. When we meditate upon God’s Word, when we roll it around and around in our minds until we are renewed by what He said, it begins to penetrate our hearts and our spirits. God’s Word leaves an impression. It leaves its seal in us. Then out of our hearts, Jesus said, our mouths speak and agree with the impression God’s Word has left there. The right words will be forcible and change situations, activating the promises of God and stamping the seal of God’s promise on the problem.”

   Julie: To the world, we may appear to be too young, too old, too simple-minded, too insignificant. We certainly don't feel dressed for the task. But Elohim begs to differ. We are just the kind through whom He loves to work. (I seem to remember a young girl, a poor carpenter, and an animal feeding trough…as well as some uneducated fishermen.) Yet we need to do what He asks of us with the confidence and authority only He can give. No wimpy, half-hearted prayers and declarations allowed. No qualified, uncertain, pathetic whimperings and whinings. Rather, bold declarations of our King’s will and intentions. We say what He says. We decree what He commands. We speak what He desires done, as an accomplished fact, as any great ambassador would. We’ve known Him well and long. We know His will.  We are growing in the knowledge of His heart. We double-check our understanding of these things against His Word, both Logos and Rhema. Then we speak it with the authority He has given us.****

Our qualifications are these:

• a belief and trust in His power and saving grace, 
• a willingness to partner with Elohim, the Creator and Sustainer of the Cosmos,
• a sincere desire to see His Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, 
• a will to serve Him, 
• a continuing deep-dive knowledge of His Word
• a sincere love for Him, in all three of His Persons:  Elohim, Yeshua, and Ruah Hakodesh….Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit

   It is not arrogance in which we represent Him, but humility. We represent Him In the desire to please Him, to respond to and obey Him. To commit to taking whatever time is required to speak forth, to decree, to bring life out of dead bones, light from darkness, truth instead of deception. 

   The church on the whole has abnegated its responsibility to preach and teach a huge portion of these truths from the Bible, from testaments both new and old, for fear of stirring up controversy and in trying to keep people comfortable and happy. However, Jesus didn’t say we are meant to be comfortable, did He? He does want us to have ‘life abundant,’ but He also said He didn’t come to bring peace, but rather a sword.****

  Are we adrift** in comfort without facing challenges to grow in wisdom, word, and action? Are we ignoring Holy Spirit’s proddings to MOVE? Yes, let’s enjoy the life abundant He desires for us, but let us also examine what our Father would have us be up and doing, believing and SPEAKING in His Name.

   If any of you are gardeners, you will especially love this book, which is full of analogies on the theme of planting and growing things. In this case, for our families, for our nation, and for the Kingdom of God. Let’s plunge our hands in the earth, wearing God’s signet ring, and become the Master Gardener’s ambassadors.

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*The Huddle: https://tennyandi.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-huddle.html

**Adrift: https://tennyandi.blogspot.com/2025/08/adrift.html

***Luke 12:51

“You will also decide and decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And the light [of God’s favor] will shine upon your ways. —Job 22:28.  AMP

“Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” —Proverbs 18:21

“For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. —1Corinthians 2:16

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth [a]must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth [b]must be what is already loosed in heaven.” —Matthew 16:19

****Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly]. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea!’ and does not doubt in his heart [in God’s unlimited power], but believes that what he says is going to take place, it will be done for him [in accordance with God’s will]. Mark 11:22-

   Tim: “If you are born again, this statement [above] is about you. It is also a timeless word because it is an eternal word—-it will always be true. So this verse is for you right now. Do not dispensationalize this. You are one of the “whosoevers” who can command mountains to be moved. You may not feel like it, you may not think so, you may not believe this, you may never put this promise into practice, but it is a word for all heirs and it is potential Christian living for everyone who believes it.”……. 

Later he says, “I began to see faith as a seed that could grow and meet the challenge of a mountain.”  “You move mountains by faith that is maintained, nurtured, and guarded. Faith grows to maturity and produces what is decreed. You change circumstances and situations, not by a faith that is moved by what it sees or how it feels, but by a faith that is moved by the Word of the Living God.” 

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More from Tim on Mark 11: “Jesus said it, so God definitely meant for you to know this. This was not a slip of the tongue or a divine oops. He wants you to rule and reign with Him (see Rom. 5:17). He wants you releasing authority language, you exercising your dominion as an heir, and understanding that in His name you can summon to you what does not exist yet. You can also command things to go from you that do exist. You are authorized to use authority language. Mountain, go there and go there now. Hindrance, get away from me.”

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“Tim: “In Romans 5:17, the Apostle Paul said that we are to reign in life through Jesus Christ. Clearly, God wanted the earth filled with those made in His image who would bring the earth under the influence of His Kingdom. He wanted His sons and His daughters ruling with Him, walking in right relationship with Him and exercising their delegated authority on the earth.. Earth, not some spiritual dimension only. Not something in the heavens only. It’s vital that we understand what is being said here because we are losing the soul of a nation due to lack of understanding” — Tim Sheets, Planting the Heavens

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Interested in more? 

““We can plant words filled with life—-words that when believed, decreed, and acted upon become the very thing they describe. Word seeds have the innate ability to become what they are describing. They are seeds releasing their inner codes to reproduce in the soil in which they are planted.”  “What possibilities has God given to man? What opportunities has He given us when we understand the principle that words are seeds? Plant words of life. Plant them in the heavens. Plant them on the earth. Plant them in your life, business, and children. Plant purpose-filled seeds.” —Tim Sheets

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I also found this research very interesting: 

“ Dr. Cho spoke to us on a fascinating topic. He had recently met with a neurosurgeon who was explaining to him new breakthroughs they had discovered concerning the mind and the power of words. The neurosurgeon told him that they had discovered that the speech center of the brain affects all the other parts of the body. It even helps control the nervous system of an individual. Words affect you. The doctor said that human beings can manipulate their entire bodies by simply speaking and declaring words. He gave some examples and said that if someone keeps saying, “I’m weak and insignificant,” every cell in the body receives the message, “It’s time to be weak.” The entire nervous system and all of the cells begin to prepare themselves to become weak because that is what was communicated from central control and that’s what happens. They begin to adjust their attitude for weakness and weakness actually begins to flow throughout the body. If someone says, “I’m a nobody. I just don’t have any abilities,” their entire being receives the message that they are a nobody and have no ability. So they don’t act properly; they don’t respond to situations like they could because they think they’re a nobody. When things happen in their life they say, “I can’t handle this. I’m a nobody.” Their entire being begins to submit to the words they have declared and live out wrong words.” —-Tim, ibid

Woooooh, that’s life-changing ‘scientific’ knowledge.’ 

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Are you wearing your combat boots?

    

   One day when I was “putting on the whole armor of God” (as instructed in Ephesians 6:10-18), God stopped me at my 👞 shoes. (“your feet shod with the gospel of peace”). “You know, He said, “these aren’t lightweight footgear for the world’s idea of peace. This is not ‘Tiny Tim dancing through the tulips.’ [You have to be old enough to get this reference] These are combat boots you put on to fight for others to receive My Shalom.. I responded as I often do:  Huh?

   He proceeded to further confuse me: “You are a minister of reconciliation.” Wait, combat boots and reconciliation? Oh, is that like warring for peace? Hmmm. 

   2 Corinthians 5:18* declares that we as believers are ministers of reconciliation.. What does that mean? I know that Jesus was and is the Great Reconciler, reuniting us with Yahweh through His sacrificial death in our place. Holy Spirit is continually drawing all of Creation back to the Father. Separation from the Holy One Who made us brings eternal death…All life is in God. Without Him we are but dust. Yeshua laid Himself down as a Bridge across the gap so we could return to The Great and Holy I Am, of which He Himself is a part, (‘begotten not created’). I get that, but I still needed help with our role…..with the combat boots we are supposed to put on. Thankfully, He is always patient to explain:

   When we put our whole trust in the grace and love of our Lord and Savior, the Father seeds and anoints us to become more and more like Himself. Like the Holy Trinity, we are Reconcilers. We are assigned this occupation for the rest of our lives. We become more like Him, ministers of reconciliation.

   “What does this really mean?” I asked Him. “And why, again, is it that I am donning much too big combat boots instead of loafers or ballet slippers?”  

   Here’s the gist of what He expressed to me:  Encouraging, fostering, and nurturing reconciliation between humans and, more importantly, between people and Himself, is not an easy assignment. It is not for the faint of heart, so to speak. It requires courage and tough warfare in the spirit realm, as well as in the natural. Fear of man will try to outweigh our desire to fulfill our calling. For someone to experience God’s full Shalom of body, soul, and spirit, a battle usually must take place. It isn’t all sweetness and light, an absence of conflict, or “let’s all agree to make up and play fair.”

   Unforgiveness, deep-seated resentments, bitterness, trauma, abuse or neglect as children, the lies of the enemy, our own sins and selfishness, a sense of unworthiness, and all sorts of injustice, real or perceived, including anger at God Himself, can serve to block true reconciliation between people and between ourselves and our Heavenly Father. 

   We are also prone to try to take God’s place on the throne and judge others as deserving or undeserving of forgiveness. Mature Christians know this is totally irrelevant to the forgiveness to which God both calls and commands us. Are we worthy of God’s forgiveness? Yet we still find ourselves hopping up onto His cosmic judgment seat.

   “Be reconciled to one another.” Ok, we get it. We can visualize our roles as both forgivers and mediators for others. But what about serving as ministers of reconciliation between someone and God? Jesus already accomplished it, right? He suffered so much physically that he was unrecognizable as a man.****. Not to mention spiritually bearing the sins of every single human being past, present, and future on His own shoulders, in order to reconcile us to Yahweh and grant us His true Shalom of body, soul and spirit.

   The problem is: 

1) Many people have never even heard the the gospel, the Good News of His Shalom

2) Many people don’t believe it when they do..

3) Many people believed it at one point in their lives and then began believing lies.

4) Many people believe Jesus suffered and died for them to live in Heaven one day, but they are angry at God because of circumstances on earth they think He didn’t care enough to prevent. (If they were to really think this through and weren’t being deceived by the enemy of their souls, they would realize how ridiculous and illogical this is. So God would suffer excruciatingly in body and soul, take the weight of the world on His own shoulders out of His unfathomable love for us, but He can’t be bothered to help us out here on earth? Or He will help our neighbor but we’re chopped liver? Hmmmm.)

   Some people even believe God gave them an illness so He could make a good out of it. (See my post linked below, “Everything…) Because God makes good out of evil doesn’t mean He creates evil situations. He is absolutely and totally Good. There is no mixture of good and evil in Him, as some religions and philosophies teach. No ying yang  balancing to = good. (See my post on “Avoiding Modern Idolatry” linked below.)

   If we are going to fight for reconciliation, we must be prepared to do battle in the spiritual realm (through  praying, listening to Holy Spirit, decreeing, praising, etc., especially with other believers. We must be prepared to face rejection and ridicule and persecution. Not every minister of reconciliation will be received with joy and gladness***. Despite our best intentions, we may find ourselves the brunt of anger, judgment, criticism, and other forms of rejection. However, God calls all believers to this ministry, not just pastors, apostles, prophets, and teachers. 

   I am one of those ‘avoid conflict whenever possible’ people. I hate confrontation. I would rather be comfortable in my own little world. However, watching someone else drown because I don’t feel like swimming is not an acceptable excuse for a bond servant of the High. King. Part of my donning of combat boots 🥾 is simply to get myself to move and obey in response to His direction. To listen and be willing to be deployed to battle. To enter the huddle (see previous post) and be ready to follow the Coach’s brilliant Plan. He wants none lost, none alone, none unhealed, none unloved, none deceived, none wandering off in left field….none unreconciled to others and, most of all, none separated from Him.

   Colossians 1:27 declares we are “carriers of the King of Glory.” Let’s don those combat boots and get about His business, work the Plan, love the unloveable, draw people back together and back to Him.

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17 Therefore, if anyone is united with the Messiah, he is a new creation — the old has passed; look, what has come is fresh and new! 18 And it is all from God, who through the Messiah has reconciled us to himself and has given us the work of that reconciliation, 19 which is that God in the Messiah was reconciling mankind to himself, not counting their sins against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation —2:Corinthians 5:17-19

*** Caveat: If we don’t follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, this may be our own error rather than our being persecuted for righteousness sake.

**** Just as there were many who were appalled at him his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being  and his form marred beyond human likeness—Isaiah 52:14 

I have an unction from the Holy one, and I know all things, — 1 John 2:20. 

I have the mind of Christ, —1 Corinthians 2:16,

I am anointed by God, —1 John 2:27, 

I was created by Him for good works, —Ephesians 2:10 

• Everything happens for a reason, but not always a good one” December 7, 2024:  https://tennyandi.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-huddle.html 
• The Huddle, July 7, 2025 https://tennyandi.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-huddle.html
• “Avoiding Modern Idolatry, January 8, 2025: https://tennyandi.blogspot.com/2025/01/avoiding-idolatry-in-current-times.html

Insights on staffs and stones

   

  Some of us are blessed to have a spiritual inheritance of faithful ancestors, even if this only applies to one generation before us. Others of us are the first to begin anew... Many of us also have powerful testimonies of God’s Goodness in our lives.. (Everyone has received from His Goodness, although they may not be aware.) Certainly, we all have a history of God’s blessings on our nation, through our covenant roots with Him. Although our nation has wandered far from Him, we have seen a turning back to those roots by hundreds of thousands, along with those of us who never left them. Our efforts have produced much fruit!

   This morning I was rereading a post from Dutch Sheets’ first Give Him 15 devotional (Day 24). He delved into the original meanings behind words used detailing David’s experience fighting Goliath. We have certainly been fighting Goliaths in our time. Many of us, though greatly distressed, have felt insignificant and powerless against them. However, it has been modern day apostles and prophets who have helped many of us to rise up believing, and take a stand against them, both in our outward actions and, most importantly, through spiritual warfare, We have repented of our inaction and also rehearsed God’s past and present faithfulness, declaring and decreeing His will for us and for our nation. We have repented of modern idolatries and poured ourselves into rededicating ourselves and our country to Him, praying that His ‘Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven’, with very specific petitions and decrees concerning what we are facing.

   I found Dutch’s unpacking of particular words in this account very eye opening and encouraging. You’ll remember that  David gave his testimony of faithfulness before he took action against Goliath. According to the Hebrew meaning of testimony, it is more than just remembering. It literally means to repeat an action or do it again, releasing the same power into the present. [I will add that the same idea is communicated by Jesus when He said of what we now call Communion:  Do this in remembrance of Me.]  Neither involve simply ‘remembering’ that something happened, as we use it today.. It means to ‘re-member or put back together in the present. Our testimonies are full of power, affecting the present, building faith and effecting change. 

   Another insight from Dutch was the fact that David’s use of a stone to kill Goliath was symbolically tied to his tribe of Judah, as were both his drawing those from a brook and carrying his staff as he approached him.. In that time, staffs were often carved with symbols of personal history (a sort of testimony, like the killing of a lion and a bear). David also declared the testimony of God’s faithfulness, prior to his attack. Additionally, for the Hebrews a brook symbolized inheritance.. David drew the stones from his inheritance. 

   Finally, Dutch unwraps even more related to David’s tribe of Judah::

     And yet, there is still one more connection to David’s history which played a part in this battle with the giant: his Judah nature, his DNA. Most Christians believe Judah means “praise.” That, however, is a derived meaning. In this pictorial language, the Hebrew word pictures the extending of the hand. It is because of this that it is a word used for “praise,” since raising the hands is a form of praise. However, because Judah means to extend the hand, it also means “one who throws a stone.” In his history, David was from “the tribe that throws stones!”*

   So many nuggets to discover when we dig deeper into God’s unending wealth and layers of understanding. Understanding which informs our prayers, decrees, and declarations for our own families and for our nation. God is speaking through His modern-day prophets that He has more than we can imagine in store for us in 2025 and beyond.. However, He wants to partner with us to see it manifested. Let’s grab our staffs and our stones, drawing from the brook of our spiritual inheritance**, and courageously fight the giants of today, knowing that God wants us free to experience the abundant life*** he has for us, for our nation and for the world.. 

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**Give Him 15; an Appeal to Heaven Devotional, VOLUME 1 by Dutch Sheets

Other guidance in petitions, declarations, and decrees can be found through people like Tim Sheets (Oasis Church), Andrew Whalen, and many others (eg see ElijahStreams.com)

** Ephesians 1: 5: 1 John 2: 27; Romans 8: 17; Ephesians 2: 10; Isaiah 54: 17 (and so many more!) 

***John 10: 10

Ready to Jump On?

Remember those career days at school, where you could bring your parent in to share what he or she did for a living?  (In my school days in the 50’s and early 60’s,  it was pretty much just the dads.). This morning I was envisioning what it would be like to take my ABBA to school for career day.

Can’t you just picture holding his hand and introducing Him:  Hi everybody...this is my dad! He created the whole world and all the universes,  just by speaking! He keeps everything going, too! He is so good and kind and wise.  He’s the perfect dad. It might take Him quite awhile to tell you His job description, so maybe we should eat our lunches here in the classroom.  I’d like to say He’s just mine, but I know He wants to adopt all of you, too. So pay attention, everybody. He has the best job ever!

Are you proud of your Heavenly Father? Do you guard His reputation when people try to slander Him? Do you stand up for Him when His character is maligned? Are you more afraid of what others think of you than you are how God is regarded? I’ve had to ask myself these questions.

When people attribute illness and death to my Heavenly Father, do I speak up? When someone asks why He took a child or gave someone cancer as a teaching opportunity, am I quick to jump up and say, “Hey, that’s not my dad! He’s not like that! Don’t you say that about my daddy! He’s a good dad, a great dad. He would never do that!  [Obviously, He gives us mature ways of communicating that truth, but that attitude should be what rises up in us.]

As children, many of us were quick to praise and defend our earthly fathers, who were so very imperfect. Why do we not declare how good our perfect, Heavenly Father is, who gave everything for us so we could be with Him both in this life and forever? Why do we timidly stand back while even Christians slander him?  Is it because we’re uncertain about Who He really is and what He’s really like? Have we let doctrines and philosophies and circumstances dictate our understanding and replace our delving first-hand into His Word?  I know I have.

No more. I am seeking the truth about His nature as never before, and He, who always answers prayers for wisdom, has given me a seat in His Healing Academy of the Holy Spirit. I can’t get enough of these new understandings of His Word. Finally, after decades of setting certain Scriptures aside because I didn’t know what to do with them (“You shall do greater works than these....If you say to this mountain...”) my eyes are being opened to the hows and whys of what Jesus said.

Jesus didn’t say “...gotcha...just joking!” when He spoke those words. Neither does He toy with us and tell us to do things that are ridiculously impossible, although that’s what it had seemed like to me. There are people and ministries right now living out His statements with signs and wonders...massive numbers of healings, deliverances, resurrections from the dead...blind eyes opened, deaf ears hearing, the depressed freed, the addicted delivered, the paralyzed walking.  Greater works indeed! Yeshua doesn’t lie.

The proof is in the pudding, and you and I can enter in, if we’re willing to let go of our pride and be humble enough to learn.  To be more concerned about fulfilling God’s purposes in our lives than we are in our own comfort, or in leaning on our own understanding. To repent of being modern day Pharisees and, instead, say, “teach me, Lord!”  “I believe; help my unbelief!” “Show me my error. Let me see you as You really are. Forgive me for maligning Your character in my mind and heart and speech...and for being silent as others have done the same.  You are so Good. You want us well and provided for in body, soul, and spirit. You suffered and died not only for our sins to be forgiven, but for us to have everything we need for abundant lives here and now. We place ourselves in Your life-giving School of the Holy Spirit and say, ‘Lead us on!’”

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If you want to join the class in which I'm currently a student, try listening to any of these people (searchable on YouTube), who are living out Jesus' first century call:  Andrew Wommack, Audrey Mack, Barry Bennett, Bill Johnson, Randy Clark, Todd White.  The eyes of your heart will be enlightened, as mine have been, and you'll never be the same, as you follow where Yeshua will take you.  Remember, humble yourself...and He will lift you up....  If you think you already know it all (you've read it, studied it, taught it, heard it all before)...you won't be able to receive the truth of it, by seeing new insights into His Word.

• Barry Bennett:   https://youtu.be/zhaRZMM7YA8   [and dozens of other teachings]

• Panel at Healing is Here Conference 2018:  https://youtu.be/VJ-K6XlaHnc 

• Todd White, Heaing is Here 2018:  https://youtu.be/-6Aak2mT-lU   [fast forward in about 7 minutes]

• Audrey Mack, Healing is Here 2018:  https://youtu.be/7NjpqTOmUr8    (part 1); https://youtu.be/eTvAF57o_hc  (part 2)
• [see also Healing is Here Conference 2019, sessions 10 and 11 (fast forward in 1 hr, 15 minutes! for session 11)]
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• Andrew Wommack:  https://www.awmi.net/healing/ 

Distillation

So many of you, my readers, minister to others in a variety of ways.  Some of you are in a position of direct teaching or preaching; some lead Bible studies, counsel, mentor, disciple, pray for inner and outer healing, or even take people into their homes.  Whatever ministry(ies) God has called you to, there is an instructive word He spoke out to me this morning:  distillation.

When God shows us something, it’s often over the course of time or experience...or in the context of other thoughts or messages.  When He calls us to share the heart of the message with others, the heart of it sometimes gets lost in our own convoluted thoughts. We want to tell the whole detailed story of the trails we followed and our stops along the way.  We want to share the whole, big picture, but instead, the burning truth of it gets buried, or even diluted in the extraneous.

This morning I was given a picture of both dilution (a watering down) and distillation, which produces the dripping concentrate. Despite all the thoughts and progressions which eventually produced the rich liquid we are to share, let’s not feel the need to take other people through the rabbit holes and circuitous travels of our minds which landed us there.  A friend once called it a ‘tightly wound’ message which people will remember and take to heart.  To switch analogies, one golden nugget to hold and turn over in one’s hand can be worth a wheelbarrow of unmined rock.

The Holy Spirit will take others on their own, mindful  journeys. Let’s joyfully share our most recent God-given teaching or insight via only its critical milestones, extending in our hands the nutrient-rich distillation for others to drink.

"All Praise to Thee My God This Night"

I first created the post below in 2015,* after several younger friends said they would like to learn about worship music from the past. Instead of searching Youtube for the song, as I do now, I recorded my own little video with one of the sweet pictures I own. It’s obviously unprofessionally done, but it’s a little offering to the Lord. 

“All praise to Thee My God this night for all the blessings of the light.
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, beneath Thine own almighty wings.

Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son, the ill that I this day have done;
That with the world, myself, and Thee, I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.

O may my soul on Thee repose, and with sweet sleep mine eyelids close,
Sleep that shall me more vigorous make to serve my God when I awake.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.   Amen.”

--Thomas Ken* 1709
[tune: Thomas Tallis, 1567 (the Tallis Canon)

*Thomas Ken , the writer of what we commonly refer to as The Doxology, wrote these lines in 1674, as the last verse for another hymn ("Awake, my soul, and with the sun") and later used them in this hymn, also.  Sung to the Tallis Canon (which can be sung in a round), it's not only lovely, but evokes the sweet peace of God. I have loved it since I was a child.

*To see posts from years past (2015 to the present), open my blog at TennyandI.blogspot.com [ Morning Manna ]on a computer or tablet, with a larger screen than your phone,, and you will see the listings by year on the right. As you choose a year, the names of the various posts will appear underneath.  In His Love, Julie