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Mona's Devotional - Seeds of Purpose - 09/17/2023

9/18/2023

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September 17, 2023
What a great summer we have had. The moisture was a wonderful blessing even though our drive keeps washing out and had a couple floods in the house but everything is green, fresh and alive. Now we enter the autumn season and it’s always an amazingly beautiful time. The Lord has been speaking to me about harvest time in the Spiritual realm and I have been meditating on the seeds that we have planted, watered and now ready to harvest. So many areas of our lives take time to mature and change and then it’s harvest time. Glory!
 
There is so much in and on my heart the last few months that I can’t seem to put on paper or explain in words. It’s just issues the Lord and I are working on together and I believe I am hearing His voice, trusting His ways and obeying His guidance. Our lives have been through many seasons the last few years and we’ve had opportunities to grow in Him like never before. Expressing my heart has been more difficult but today I want to share something that I think is so vital.
 
One thing I have learned is that there is no grace where we strive to do things in our own strength. I have tried to figure out a lot of things in the last few years in my own understanding and all that produces is frustration and impatience. It reflects my lack of trust in Him in those areas and mostly it reflects hidden or unhidden fears. Fears creep in so easily at times and I don’t even realize there is a fear until the fruit of that fear starts affecting my attitude and life. Then what happens to me because of my religious background is guilt and condemnation hit me like a Mack truck. I know His grace and mercy but yet deep down inside the enemy still gets away with his lies, at least until I take my thoughts captive. I’ve come to realize that when we are tired and weary our emotions take over so much easier and I MUST be sure I spend plenty of time in His presence daily so that I can get the focus off myself and onto His glorious love for me.
 
1 John 4:18 reads, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” I grew up fearing what God would do if I was wrong and sinned. If things weren’t done right there was punishment. I feared man and not pleasing man or God for fear of punishment. I know the truth of His Word but there are times that junk sneaks back in and I’m so thankful I now know His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. There are times I find myself striving to make Him and those around me happy in my own strength and outside of His grace. My lightening fast mind has figured out this doesn’t work and there is no grace or peace when I am in this place.
 
One of my greatest passions right now in this season is to keep my focus on His love, be in prayer taking the authority over what the Lord says I have authority in and not let the enemy get a foothold in our lives, the ministry, our family, our church family and our country. This world has always been evil every since man gave satan authority in his life. There’s always been an enemy but there are times in history that man gave in to the ways of the enemy, listened to his lies and have been deceived beyond what I can even imagine. Yet, I must realize that if people don’t know the Lord, they only know the ways of the enemy and his crafty, sneaky deceptions. This world needs the love of Jesus in a mighty way and that is our heart to continue to share His love and the good news Gospel around the world. There are so many verses that tell us the importance of prayer and coming together in the last days.
 
“Since we are approaching the end of all things, be intentional, purposeful, and self-controlled so that you can be given to prayer. Above all, constantly echo God's intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7
 
Hebrews 10:25 says, “… not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:25, “do not forsake assembling,” which means we are to assemble, but also, it is a wise word written to protect us from…enemy attacks, hardened hearts, discouragement, doubt, and depression. When we assemble as the Body of Christ, we are to stir each other up in love and encourage one other in our faith. Paul makes it clear we are to do this even more so as Jesus’ return draws closer. So then, how will you start to assemble? Reach out to a friend, gather with others in fellowship and prayer, study the Word in a group. However, the Lord leads you to assemble, know it is for your protection. He tells us to be intentional and purposeful.
 
We are to gather on purpose for His purpose! Gathering together is important but when we do gather together there needs to with intention and with a purpose. What is the purpose? Right now, in this season I believe the purpose is to gather to encourage, pray and to let His Spirit work in our lives and togetherness in relevant ways. We want to hear from Him, His wisdom, direction, following His path paved with grace. To pray effective prayers. “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9
These verses in Philippians are so powerful. Reading these daily would do more for our hearts and souls than hours of counseling. We can intentionally and purposefully meditate on and live out these verses day and night and see changes in our lives and those around us. As the body of Christ, the Church, we need to wake up, come together to pray and encourage each other. Our oneness will then bring others in that are desiring what we have and need healing in their lives.
Seeds of purpose have been planted in us. It is time to harvest them. Don’t let the shadow of emotions and fear overshadow the seeds that are growing. It is time for the seeds to mature and produce fruit of His intended purpose. His anointing will unlock these seeds empowering us to run with the purpose that is being set before us.
Now is the time and season. As a church family we have planted many seeds and it is time for harvest! What an exciting time to be alive and watch the love and glory of the Lord change lives, change our country and the world. We can be a part. I am a part of making a difference and I want to be a part of the story that generations from now will be talking about! Let’s do it together on purpose😊
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Mona's Devotional - Tim Sheets - 09/10/2023

9/10/2023

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​September 10, 2023
This week is another article from Dutch Sheets at Give Him 15. It’s so important to read.
We Are the Cavalry
I first want to thank you for your incredible response of prayer the past three months. I have never seen anything like it. I’ll soon be sharing some of the many great reports that have flooded into our office regarding this effort. They are incredibly inspiring. As we move into September, I am confident we have obeyed the instructions of Holy Spirit.
Just over a week ago my brother, Tim, preached a powerful word regarding the season we are entering. He has sent a summary of this message for us to share with you today. Tim writes:
“We are in a very strategic moment in history. I heard very clearly from the Lord regarding three months of preparation, from June through August, leading into September. On June 4, 2023, He said,
 
“‘I will now deal with the oppressors of My people. I will move swiftly and with jealous aggression. For I have heard their cries and will break the hold of the taskmaster’s rule over them. Though these oppressors bow their necks in stubborn resistance, I will lead them with nose rings to their place of destruction. Like oxen to the slaughter I will pull them into stalls of disgrace. The influence of their curse will break from the hearts of My people. The disheartening crack of the taskmaster’s whip will no longer be heard by My sons and daughters. They will not carry the burdens of their oppressors. They will not toil for their enemy’s gain. They will not work as slaves of cultural brutality. They will not be forced to glean from empty fields simply because they worship Me. No, they will own the fields where once they gleaned.
 
“‘The breaking sound heard by My triumphant remnant will now be the cracking sound of the oppressor’s authority shattering off of their lives. The words of their “pharaoh” will be like chaff in the winds as My angels scatter their defiance. Michael and his chariots of fire have received their orders. Gabriel has communicated strategies through all angel armies. Breakthrough angels are now activated. Pharaoh will not have the final word; I will have the final word.
“‘Ekklesia, contend in faith as I harden the hearts of your enemies to bring devastating defeat to them. Set your heart on what I say. Set your minds with “now faith,” expecting to live in “promise places.” Move forward into new times and seasons I have prepared for you. Move forward into the reformation I have planned for you. Move forward into positions of authority I have ordained for you.
 
“‘For know, says the Lord, the next three months [June, July and August] will lead to a great shaking, and a reset of the nation back to its covenant roots. These will be months of great reformation and will surge rapidly, says the Lord. Know that the seeds of faith planted by My people with their decrees of faith will accelerate to fullness, producing the fruit of the seed sown. The faith decrees they’ve sown will accelerate to fullness and My people will enter new times. Embrace and move into the reset I have planned; it will now unfold. Decree your faith and activate My Kingdom’s power. Decree your faith and activate angel armies that will assist you in the supernatural reset.’
 
Tim Speaking
“The Lord has emphasized Hebrews 12:25-28 to me, which tells us not to turn our back on heavenly warnings. The Lord is going to rock the heavens - thrones, principalities and powers of hell. There will be a shaking, a thorough house cleaning, to get rid of sin and religious compromise. The unshakeable essentials will stand, clear and uncluttered. We have been told repeatedly not to fear, for we are part of an unshakeable Kingdom and our God is not an indifferent bystander. The world is banking on His indifference, but they are about to be greatly disappointed.
 
“Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV) says, ‘Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God.’ We must be prepared in this season. A battle will rage for the soul of this nation and we must engage and win it. Prepare yourself for this fierce war season. Prepare to battle spiritual thrones of iniquity that influence government. Understand that you must fight with prayers, faith decrees, and worship warfare.
 
“Use the weapons of your warfare; they are not carnal, but mighty through your God to the pulling down of strongholds. Prepare yourself to go into battle alongside angels by proclaiming His Word (Psalm 103:20). It is time to engage in this breakthrough battle that will lead us toward a billion-soul harvest. It is time to engage principalities and powers of darkness, and confront those they use in the natural realm. It’s time to confront the prophets of Baal in media, the education system, and government.
 
“The hour has come to report to the battle lines. It is time to march, advance and possess the land. Though there be giants in the land, do not fear. Like David, gather stones and prepare your sling. Sharpen your spiritual swords for they will be needed to cut off the heads of spiritual giants. The Lord will go before you and empower you.
“It’s time to listen and hear the pre-battle proclamations, the sounding forth of battle cries, the beating of drums. There is a call for bold passion, much like warriors have heard throughout the ages. We are not here to hold the fort until the cavalry gets here, Ekklesia. We are the cavalry!
“We must advance with Holy Spirit and the angel armies. We are to follow the Breaker, King Jesus. It’s our time to awaken and arise, take the land and reset history with determined, unflinching faith.
 
“One of the prayers of the early church has captured my attention. Acts 4:29 (NLT) ‘And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching Your Word.’
“The early church was part of a movement possessing unrestrained boldness; they said what God said. I am hearing that call to us now. Holy Spirit is pouring out an anointing of boldness on His Ekklesia. Power to prevail is soaking His remnant. Rise and roar with King Jesus! March into battle with confident peace, knowing He is with you!”
 
Pray with me:
Lord, we ask for an increase of the boldness You’re pouring into Your Ekklesia. Pour the powerful oil of Holy Spirit upon us, enabling us to arise and make the boldest stand earth has ever seen. Light the fire of courage in our hearts. Awaken love for truth so strongly in us that regardless of what hell throws our way, we won’t speak unbelief. Instead, we will shout the promises of God - in the faces of darkness, spiritual enemies, and a rebel government. Awaken hearts, infusing them with confidence.
As we are moving into the time of the reset battle for the soul of our nation, we will run into the battle with King Jesus and His angel armies. We will take back all that hell has stolen. We ask for Holy Spirit’s aggression against hell’s iniquity and thrones of darkness. We will not share habitation with them.
And once again, we pray for those fighting evil in America on legal and governmental fronts. We ask for the exposure and removal of evil prosecutors and corrupt government agencies. We ask for exposure of their dishonesty. End government “lawfare” and oppression. Shake it down, bringing defeat and disgrace to those who pervert justice. Defund them and their sources. Give brilliant strategies, perfect timing, and abundant resources - millions of dollars - to those fighting for righteousness. Declare victory FROM HEAVEN for those being falsely accused. Restore justice and a pure, constitutional government to America; shake down all else.
And it is in the authority of Christ we pray and declare these things. Amen.
Our decree:
We declare that a supernatural reset has begun, and that the Ekklesia will now rise with unflinching boldness, advancing and taking back the land.
 
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Mona's Devotional - Encouragement - 09/03/2023

9/3/2023

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September 3, 2023
It’s September and we are about to watch His creation change! Just watching His creation day after day causes me to rejoice, be thankful and praise His Name. Fall brings such a magnificent beauty. So many people say fall is their favorite season. It is mine. I enjoy the crisp air, the leaves rustling, the sunsets and the rising moons even have a different beauty. Fall brings some structure when you have children as school starts. The busy days of summer are behind us and now is the time to prepare for what winter weather will bring. Not quite ready to say that word😊. Fall is a season you must enjoy day by day. You close your eyes for a second and it changes. I cherish each day. We take extra rides through the mountains in the fall just to soak in the beauty that only is here for a couple months. Worshipping him daily is so important and He tells us that His mercy is new every morning so we know He is doing something different day by day. Don’t let His changing creation pass you by. My Mom says that each day the Master Painter has painted another breath-taking picture. Enjoy His canvas each day.
 
The Lord highlighted a verse in Hebrews that talks about something else we are to do every day.  Hebrews 3:13:
 
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,”
so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
 
He has spoken to me a lot in the last couple years about the importance of encouraging others but this said DAILY. Our summer was full with projects, events, family and just summer itself and I got distracted from encouraging DAILY. I’m so thankful for His Word and how He guides me to the verses I need. Encouragement is important. I was so busy and distracted at times that I was discouraged. I knew better but now I see that discouragement can come when we are not encouraging someone else daily! That’s a powerful truth. I am now asking Him daily to show me who and how to encourage. I do pray for others always, but this is to be tangible. It could be a written word in a card or on a piece of paper, a spoken word, a gift, a meal, a hug, a smile, a pat on the back.
 
I looked up other verses that talk about encouragement and I will share a few of them.
 
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Encourage one another with the Truth of the Word! Let others know that He is Enough. His love is enough. His grace is sufficient for each of us.
 
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
Encourage each other that they are valuable and that coming to together in fellowship is so powerful and we are each needed in the Body of Christ.
 
“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
No one likes going through hard times, especially alone. Come alongside someone and encourage their hearts that they are loved and valuable. That they are never failures in the eyes of Jesus.
 
“And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.” Ephesians 4:29
Our words are powerful and they hold the power of life and death. Words are memorable, so intentionally speak words of life!
 
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
Sometimes what we have to give may seem so small, but when others need encouraged, nothing is too small or insignificant.
 
“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Romans 15:2
Do something good or helpful to encourage those around you.
 
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Encourage, comfort and love others in the same way you were comforted and encouraged in a difficult or uncertain time of your life.
 
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:”
1 Peter 4:7-10 
 
“Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25
 
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24
 
These are some simple yet profound verses of truth that all of us can do. Pray and ask the Lord each day who needs encouraged by you😊. We can all give encouraging words and there’s no better way to stay out of discouragement when we do this.
 
I encourage you with these words from the Lord that you are loved, precious, worthy and treasures in Him. You are blessed and loved!
 
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Mona's Devotional - The Approaching Storm - 08/27/2023

8/29/2023

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August 27, 2023
First, I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, to my wonderful husband and our awesome Pastor. Ed, thank you for all you do, all you believe, all you stand firm on. You’ve had the word many times, and for many, many years, “DON’T HOLD BACK”. I believe that we are in the season that this is so vital and a life or death word. People are looking and searching for real truth, His Truth. Thank you for being the man God created you to be 69 years ago. We love you😊  I did not have time to write anything this week so I am sharing this article from Dutch Sheets, whom we listen to and read often. We feel he is a prophetic voice for this season and appreciate his wisdom and teachings. This is an article he wrote Thursday. To us, it is an understandable explanation of some of the situations we are facing at this time. He has a message 5 days a week called Give Him 15. It is always encouraging to listen to his thoughts of where the church is today and the situations of the world. I hope it blesses you like it does us.

 
The Approaching Storm
    The arrowheads are arriving throughout the nation today. We are rejoicing over what God has done and encouraged by what this will produce. We’re praying for the representatives and their teams in each state as they finish the assignment. Thank you so much for your part in what God has been doing. Today, I want to address a different subject.
     Late last night, I listened to and/or reread 5 different messages from trusted leaders regarding a coming shaking. They were from my brother, Tim Sheets, Randy Lopshire, Clay Nash (these 3 men called it a tsunami or a giant wave), John Kilpatrick (from a year ago; he called it a storm), and Gina Gholston (who referred to it as a shaking). I know others have also released words regarding this, as have I. You can hear what Tim had to say about it, as well as the dreams from Clay Nash and Randy Lopshire, in his message from this past Sunday entitled ,Holy Spirit’s Tsunami. John Kilpatrick’s message is entitled ,Four Anchors - Warning, Storm Ahead.
    I have intentionally not spoken much about this up to now, in order to stay focused on the instructions given in the “commanding the foreword” dream. However, I have been giving much thought to the subject, knowing that at some point, I would need to address it. Things of this nature are not something I enjoy talking about - most spiritual leaders are reticent to speak of warnings such as this, and appropriately so. We don’t want to be alarmists or create fear in people. But today, I want to address this approaching storm.
    No one in my circle of prophetic friends knows exactly what the shaking will be. All of them have stated that while they believe this significant wave is coming, they also acknowledge that Holy Spirit has not revealed exactly what it is. Political? War? Terrorism? Civil unrest/violence? Financial? God seems to have determined not to reveal this, at least not yet. So, how do we prepare?
    First of all, when God has chosen not to be specific, don’t speculate and/or make predictions. This only creates confusion. Holy Spirit tells us only what we need to know; we must accept this as wisdom on His part - He has His reasons.
Secondly, focus on what He HAS said. Everyone I am hearing from is stating emphatically that this is to deal with the evil and corruption in America, not destroy us. They are using words like reset, restore, rebuild, and reconnect (to God, purpose, destiny, our roots, etc.). No one whom I know is saying God is finished with America and that this will be our destruction. On the contrary, they are saying this is for America’s salvation. Focus on that, and the goodness of God.
    At the same time, these leaders are also saying the upcoming shaking will be challenging and difficult. It is not a ripple we will move on from in a day or two, but a very significant storm. God has given America opportunities to turn back to Him for 30-plus years, which have been rejected. Evil has become very entrenched in our land. Many in our government are corrupt and serve only themselves and their plans, not the American people. We are very far off track in this regard. Some government agencies are corrupt, many government officials are corrupt, and many who control our nation from other positions (business, media, education, finance, etc.) are corrupt - and this corruption runs very deep.
    Also, our nation has, in a general sense, rebelled from the ways and biblical principles upon which we were founded. For many, this has become more than ignorance and deception; it is now arrogant rebellion against God and His rule. They shake their fist in His face, mock Him and His Word, and openly defy Him. These rebels brag about their shedding of innocent blood, sell aborted babies’ body parts, traffic in children, divide people to hold onto power, allow suffering and destruction in order to further their purposes, celebrate violence, and war against truth. They now serve the father of lies, he who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (see John 10:10). The shaking must and will be intense.
    Thirdly, do not allow yourself to be controlled or motivated by fear. Holy Spirit has said over and over regarding this, “Do not be afraid.” As we follow Him, He will take care of us. In the “commanding the foreword” dream, Jesus said to those gathered, “There is a shaking that is coming, but you must not fear! You must know and be convinced that this nation is anchored and surrounded. KNOW that! Be convinced of that!”
    Pastor Randy Lopshire, without minimizing the size of the wave, encouraged us in his dream that, “As the water of this massive wave began to catch up with us, the effort of running (in front of it) became easier, and a sense of peace began to come into my heart. The more the water level of the wave caught up to us, and my body was in the depths of the water, the more I had the peace and assurance that ‘all was well.’ A certainty that this wave was FOR US and NOT for our destruction began to cause great faith to rise in my heart…In the end, we all rejoiced because what had first been seen as destruction, was actually restoration and reformation. There was no sense of ‘doom and gloom’ at all.”
    Clay Nash shared from his tsunami dream, “Those that stood steadfast, seeing with eyes of faith and hearing with fine-tuned ears, used the tsunami to lift them to a higher platform of authority and purpose. They were released into a new flow of purpose that was secured by their willingness to trust God at this new level.
    “The (spiritual) Generals began to give prophetic directives - prayer initiatives - that would secure inheritances and establish God’s original design for the nation.
“At the end of the dream, a plane flew over, pulling behind it a banner that read, ‘Look vertical, not horizontal, as answers are on the way.’ “The Generals began a time of praise for God’s faithfulness and goodness.”
    Fourthly, you may want to consider some practical preparations. I am not speaking of selling your house and buying a ranch in the desert, or hoarding up food and supplies for the next year or two. But I think it is prudent - even apart from this warning - to have some supplies on hand to get through a few weeks of difficulty. A couple of months' worth of canned food, water (or the ability to purify a natural source), cash on hand, medical supplies, etc. - these are all wise plans. I think of them as I do an insurance policy. We don’t intend to have a car accident, but we have insurance, as instructed, and as is wise. We have other forms of insurance, as well. This is not fear or unbelief; it is doing as Joseph did in Egypt: preparing for a future season of potential difficulty. Biblical wisdom teaches us to prepare for the future. If it turns out that these supplies are not needed, they can be used later.
   M In conclusion, I want to emphasize that I am well aware of our humanness; we all know in part, and prophesy in part. None of us are infallible. But I would rather warn people of what I believe is coming - endeavoring to do so with wisdom and faith - and it turn out to be wrong, than not warn them and it turn out to be true.
Pray with me:   Father, we trust You and Your heart toward us. We have been admonished to be confident of Your protective hand and love for us. You have told us over and over that America will be saved and restored. We believe this, and our faith will not be shaken. Our hearts are fixed, trusting in You (Psalm 112:7). We have asked for a cleansing and restoring of our nation, and You are answering our prayers. The destinies of millions of people around the world are far more important than our temporary pleasures and comforts.
    So we pray, as the psalmist did, “Arise, and scatter Your enemies. Let those who hate You flee before you” (Psalm 68:1). We also ask for the salvation of all who have not hardened their hearts to the point of no return. Convict them of sin, humble their hearts, and reveal Christ to them. Save and deliver multiplied millions. Bring home the prodigals. Prepare the Ekklesia to reap the harvest this will ripen. Release a spirit of wisdom and revelation to Your people, causing a spirit of faith
to arise in them at this time. Keep the praying remnant strong, full of faith and courage; where necessary, teach them how to stir up their spiritual gifts and most holy faith (1 Timothy 1:6-7; Jude 20). Give wise strategies and instructions to believers, just as You promised You would (James 1:5).
Our decree:  We decree that just as Joshua was commanded, we too will be strong and of good courage; we will not be afraid or dismayed, for our God is with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9).
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
https://youtu.be/mO9l7MnbUNk
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Mona's Devotional - Keep Focused - 08/20/2023

8/20/2023

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August 20, 2023
The word the Lord has given me continuously this week is “Stay focused on Me”. Right now, in the world there are so many unanswered questions and situations that seem beyond what we can imagine. We hear the good, the bad and the really ugly. All eyes are on the news and we are waiting for a ticking bomb to explode. The enemy lost in a couple of areas and he is upset. Everything seems turned upside down in the world but we live in His Kingdom. Since we asked Him to be the Lord of our lives, we aren’t of the world. We live in the world but the world isn’t to live in us. Jesus, came to earth as a man to live for 33 years. He was fully man, tempted in every way and He lived in the world but the world did not affect His relationship with His Father. The world did not live in Him. That is how it is to be with us. We are staying focused on our Father continuously and not on the things of the world.
 
When there wasn’t enough food to feed the people, Jesus looked up and focused on His Father and the food was multiplied. We can do that too and may get the opportunity when food becomes scarce. We must be alert, on guard, paying attention! We can’t be focused on fear, discouragement, hopelessness. Have you ever seen a person in depression, anguish, fear, stand straight and tall with their head up high?
 
There are some things that touch our lives as much as anyone since we are in the world.
We are in the world but instead of complaining about the gas and fuel prices, thank Him that He is supplying all your needs. Instead of getting in fear that there won’t be enough food, ask Him to show you what to store up and expect it to multiply! We are to be the shining Light when we are in the store or at the gas pumps! See yourself so healthy you don’t need a go to doctors. See your car in perfect working order so it doesn’t need repair but if it does, see that money supplied by your Father. He promises to supply our needs, take care of us, give us our heart’s desires. Does it say He will do these things except when there is a world crisis, then you are on your own? Of course not, but that’s how we talk.
 
We can so easily get caught up in the complaint department. I have said several times in the last couple months, “That caught me off guard”. Something happens in our lives that I never saw or expected to happen and I’m in shock. My focus must have been blinded by the stuff. He promises to warn us but it is up to us to listen. He gives us ALL the answers and guides us in ALL things. The answer to the issues today is to see things from His perspective and not the worlds. You don’t have to go to Bible school to know the Word of God. It is alive to all of us who know Him. One verse that you meditate on hourly, daily can bring His perspective alive in your heart. We have to expect His power to work in our lives. He’s not holding back anything from us. We are not focusing on what He has given us and receiving it. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
 
“Everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by his divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing him who has called us by name and invited us to come to him through a glorious manifestation of his goodness.  As a result of this, he has given you  magnificent promises  that are beyond all price, so that through the power of these tremendous promises  we can experience partnership  with the divine nature, by which you have escaped  the corrupt desires that are of the world.” 2 Peter 1:3-4
 
We hear the warnings that things will get worse, more chaos, more fear, more confusion. I do think that we will see the reaping of the seeds that have been sown in the last couple decades by our country’s controllers. I can’t call them leaders as they are not leading – they are controlling because we let them. The Lord showed me the other day that we are already walking above those things. Yes, there will be many MORE hard things touch lives and that the world will wallow in, but we have just gone through years of confusion and we are still smiling, still full of peace, joy and hope. We are still going forward in His love. The world is hurting so much and people feel hopeless but we aren’t in the same anguish as they are. We are already experiencing living above the circumstances and we will continue to. We need to be a light to others.
 
“God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge! You’re a proven help in time of trouble— more than enough and always available whenever I need you. So we will never fear even if every structure of support were to crumble away. We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes, moving mountains and casting them into the sea. For the raging roar of stormy winds and crashing waves cannot erode our faith in you. Pause in his presence” Psalm 46:1-3
 
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

 
Weapons are formed against us, against the world. This isn’t just a people game we are caught up in but we are wrestling against the wiles of the devil, against powers and rulers of darkness. The enemy knows he has lost but he wants to take as many souls with him as he can. He is evil beyond our greatest imagination. He is real but he has no control over us unless we give it to him. We give him authority in our lives when we don’t believe the love and power of Jesus. When we doubt the Word of God, compromise the Word of God, or get into fear, we are believing a lie from the enemy.
 
This verse says EVERY tongue or word, that rises against us, that comes against what the Word of God says about us, WE are to condemn. We are to take authority over everything contrary to our life in Jesus Christ. This is our heritage. This is our inheritance to be able to rise against the lies of the enemy or our birthright now that we are born again into the family of Jesus. We have a choice to make – through His power in us – to condemn the tongue that rises against us or let the weapon formed against us succeed. There is an action that goes with our inheritance, it’s not works but an action of going forward in His power to live in the Kingdom of God not the world’s kingdom.
 
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12
 
The most powerful action you can take at this time is to live in His Word. Read Psalm 23 or Psalm 91 daily. Those 2 chapters are so powerful. Let’s continue to come together and encourage one another in the Word in these last days. See yourself healed, prospering when there is no money, feeding your neighbors when food is scarce. As you see yourself in your mind is how your life will be. See yourself condemning the weapons formed against you. See yourself alive in Him and victorious no matter what is happening around you. That is who we are in Him and how exciting to see His power work through us in these trying times!!  Continue to stay focused and you will see Him!
 
Here's another promise from Him, “But in the depths of my heart I truly know that you, Yahweh, have become my Shield; You take me and surround me with yourself. Your glory covers me continually. You lift high my head.” Psalm 3:3
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    ​Mona Shirley

    Mona has been in ministry since 1982 and her and her husband, Ed Shirley have been the Senior Pastors of Mountain High Chapel since 1994.

    Their heart is to share the Good News of God’s unconditional love all over the world. They have traveled to much of the USA, Russia, Ukraine, Europe, India, Nepal, Venezuela, England, Canada, Peru, Africa and Portugal. They have sponsored and helped to build an orphanage in Kenya.

    ​Ed and Mona have raised 5 children who all have a heart to serve the Lord. They have been blessed with 22 grandchildren.

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