Take Charge of Your Health Video Series by Mark Virkler

     I thought you might be thinking about changing the way you eat, as I am, after eating nonstop for the past week or more.  I really like Mark Virkler's materials so I am eager to be a part of watching the series he is offering starting January 1 on taking charge of your health.  Here is the info he sent in case you want to watch it, too.

Feast Days Are Over—NOW It's Time to Take Charge of Your Health!

Isn't it nice that God ordained feast days in the Bible (Ex. 23:14)? During some of these feast days, the Israelites were encouraged to eat anything their heart desired (Neh. 8:10; Num. 6:20; Deut. 14:26), after which they went back to their normal healthy lifestyle (Lev 3:17, 11:10-12; Gen. 1:29).

For many of us, Thanksgiving and Christmas are two big feast days, which I feel no guilt over. If God has commanded feast days, then they are important to my overall health. Science has confirmed a feast day keeps your metabolism from slowing down and they recommend one every week, and I take full advantage of their recommendation! We just need to be sure we return to living our healthy lifestyle the rest of the time.

Now a new year is beginning, and we need to go back to our regular, healthful routine. The Lord would say,

Behold I have prepared for you times and seasons. There is a season of feasting to be followed by a season of fasting. Intermittent change is necessary for vital life and existence. Have I not woven this pattern into all of life? You observe it in the seasons of the year, the cycles of the month and the winds of each day. Static means no growth, change means growth. Change is to be constantly upon you, for then you are growing and then you are alive. So celebrate change. Look for it, expect it and embrace it. For then, you are fully alive, then you are moving forward, saith the Lord of Hosts.

I ignored this whole area for the first 40 years of my life, until I felt totally miserable and had arthritis. Then at age 40 I took personal responsibility for my health, exploring the topic in-depth and adding to my distinction of being an ordained minister of the Gospel, that of becoming a certified naturopath. Today at age 65 I am healthier than I was at age 30 and I haven't been to visit an MD for 25 years, since I took charge of my own health.

Ready for some good news?

• You can reverse aging with a healthy lifestyle.
• Your body does not need to degenerate as it ages; it can grow stronger.
• God's prescribed diet in Genesis and Daniel has been proven to be the healthiest.
• Healthy food and drinks can taste delicious, if you know where to get them.

Starting January 1st, I am posting a full set of 12 videos (one per day) that will clearly show the way Scripture and science agree on how you can live in vibrant health. We are also going to explore miracles and 30 gifts of healings!

Click here to watch this complete video series for free.

Blessings,
Dr. Mark Virkler
President of Christian Leadership University and founder of CWG Ministries

New Blogger App

     Well, as you can see the app worked but needs a little improvement in my application of it.  The photos posted larger than the width of the text.  Hopefully, I can figure out what to do about that.  I am at least pleased to be able to add photos from my iPad now.
     I guess all the problems advanced technology presents me with is good for my brain!

Christmas 2017

     Did you have a wonderful Christmas?  I pray you did.

     As I was cooking yesterday I continued to meditate on a thought that was triggered by the devotional for the day in Jesus Calling. What a sacrifice it was for Jesus to come to earth!  Of course I had often thought of His sacrifice on the cross but I had never thought much about the sacrifice to come as a helpless baby dependent on others to care for Him. The creator of the universe, King of kings and Lord of Lord’s unable to do anything for himself and trusting himself to human care!  Can you imagine the sacrifice?  That thought kept my mind occupied all day.

    I got a new iPad for Christmas mainly so I could take it when we travel to have a place to store photos. Because I like to post photos to my blog while traveling, but couldn’t figure out how to do it on my old iPad, that has been my goal this morning.  The only way I could find to do it was to download an app specifically for Blogger. This is my first attempt to use it.  I thought I might as well post a photo of our tree before I take it down.  Hopefully this app is the solution I have been looking for.

      This year I decided to forego our usual huge live tree and instead pulled out the artificial one I have used in the basement. I set it on a small table and since it already had white lights I decided to decorate it in silver ornaments with a silver tree skirt (tablecloth) and wrap all gifts in shiny silver paper.  I then followed through with the silver theme on the fireplace. I was pleased with the results.

    And I am eager to see if the app works!

The Woman Who Bore 69 Children

       I have been a little obsessed with the woman who gave birth to 69 children!  How could she handle that?  If she was a peasant, surely they had only a small house so how did they house them, feed them. clothe them and generally care for them?
     Country Guy suggested since it was the 1700's probably many didn't survive. I just had to know more about this, so I looked on the Guinness World Record site.  I was astounded at what I found!  Not only did they survive but her husband had a second wife who gave birth to 18 more children in 8 births--6 sets of twins and 2 sets of triplets!  The total is 87 offspring with only 2 dying in infancy!!

Here is the information posted on the website:

Who

MRS. VASSILYEVA

What

69 PEOPLE

Where

RUSSIA (SHUYA)

The greatest officially recorded number of children born to one mother is 69, to the wife of Feodor Vassilyev (b. 1707–c.1782), a peasant from Shuya, Russia. In 27 confinements she gave birth to 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets and four sets of quadruplets.

***

Numerous contemporaneous sources exist, which suggest that this seemingly improbably and statistically unlikely story is true.

The case was reported to Moscow by the Monastery of Nikolsk on 27 Feb 1782, which had recorded every birth. It is noted that, by this time, only two of the children who were born in the period c. 1725–65 failed to survive their infancy.

The Gentleman's Magazine (1783, 53, 753) recounts: "In an original letter now before me, dated St Petersburg, Aug 13, 1782, O. S. Feodor Wassilief [sic], aged 75, a peasant, said to be now alive and in perfect health, in the Government of Moscow, has had–

By his first wife:

4 x 4 = 16
7 x 3 = 21
16 x 2 = 32
----------
27 births 69 children

By his second wife:

6 x 2 = 12
2 x 3 = 6
---------
8 births 18 children

In all, 35 births, 87 children, of which 84 are living and only three buried. . . The above relation, however astonishing, may be depended upon, as it came directly from an English merchant at St Petersburg to his relatives in England, who added that the peasant was to be introduced to the Empress."

In Saint Petersburg Panorama, Bashutski, 1834, the author notes that:

"In the day of 27 February 1782, the list from Nikolskiy monastery came to Moscow containing the information that a peasant of the Shuya district, Feodor Vassilyev, married twice, had 87 children. His first wife in 27 confinements gave birth to 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets and four sets of quadruplets. His second wife in eight confinements gave birth to six pairs of twins and two sets of triplets. F. Vassilyev was 75 at that time with 82 of his children alive."

And the Lancet (1878) refers to a twin study carried out by the French Academy and:

"Apropos of the enquiry, the Committee of the Academy recall an account of a quite extraordinary fecundity that was published by M. Hermann in his "Travaux Statistiques de la Russie," for Fedor Vassilet [sic]. . . who, in 1782, was aged 75 years, had had, by two wives, 87 children."

Aside from this, not much is known about the first Mrs Vassilyev - even her first name (although some sources claim her name was Valentina).

It is thought she lived to the age of 76.

Although this historic record should be taken with a pinch of salt, it is certainly conceivable that Mrs Vassilyev could have had a genetic predisposition to hyper-ovulate (release multiple eggs in one cycle), which significantly increases the chance of having twins or multiple children.

It is also not impossible for a woman to have 27 pregnancies during her fertile years.

"A Vision of the Spirit of Offense" Ryan Johnson,

A very good word posted on The Elijah List today.

"A Vision of the Spirit of Offense"

Ryan Johnson, Fort Payne, Alabama

Offense! It's a word that we have either experienced or seen others walk through. It's a hot topic word as it seems more and more individuals are going through battles of being offended. Whether it is being offended over politics, religion, freedom, protest and choices, etc., the list is long with so many dealing with being offended on some level.

To understand more about how offense works against individuals who have a relationship with Jesus, I began to consider how the mindset of offense works. That's when I saw an octopus. Yep, I know it sounds strange, but it was the image that first came to me. I began to see how offense operates like the arms and the legs of an octopus. Offense has the sole purpose to attach itself to you (to entangle you), and I believe that the Lord is detailing how a spirit of offense will come against you in 8 different ways.

1. Mind

"Guard your heart, your mind, and keep your spirit devoted to The Father."

"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 8:5-8)

When offense takes root, the first place it's coming after is your mind. If offense can attach itself to your thoughts, it owns your ability to process understanding. The moment offense attaches itself to your mind, the ability to have clarity and peace is diminished, as everything now becomes about feeding every thought that is only directed at the hurt through offense.

2. Sight/Vision

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he" (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed." (Proverbs 29:18 MSG)

The problem now becomes about what you are seeing verses what isn't actually there. Once offense attaches itself to your vision, you now become bombarded by everything that you see. You begin to see things as though they are something that they are not. Every post, every picture, every action is something that you see as a direct attack against you. What is a general or a normal statement now looks as a direct shot against you. Offense shifts your vision from fulfilling your purpose into a place of opposition—from everyone/everything. You're now unable to recognize what God is doing as you're devoted to see what is being done to you. (Photo via Flickr)

3. Heart

"There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers." (Proverbs 6:16-19)

This is a very dangerous place to find yourself. The moment that offense attaches itself to your heart, many things you do becomes toxic and dangerous. It's out of the abundance of your heart that everything about your true intentions are revealed. It's the moment that your heart becomes so infected that your actions become destructive to those that are around you.

4. Relationships

"Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends." (Proverbs 17:9) 

This has to be one of the saddest things to witness as offense attaches itself to your relationships. Offense will eventually put a wedge between you and your family or friends. Your relationships will change over time as you search out certain people to tell your side to who will be on your side or who is now your enemy. Offense will divide your most devoted friends to now become an enemy because they didn't see it your way.

5. Hearing

"This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." (James 1:19-20) 

Offense will attack your ear gate! A spirit of offense will attach itself to your hearing in such a way that not only will your natural hearing be affected, but also the ability to hear spiritually will be tainted. Naturally, we will begin to hear what others are saying and process those things to be slanderous towards us. More dangerously is when that affects your ability to hear what the Lord is saying. Your spiritual ear will become more tuned to the lies, manipulation and deception of the enemy.

6. Body/Health

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."(Proverbs 16:24) 

Many don't like to talk about it, but the truth is, offense will begin to become a natural issue in your body. The negative thoughts, bitterness, unforgiveness, rage, frustration, unwarranted worries, strife, etc., eventually take a toll on your physical health.

7. Time

"Offense shifts your vision from fulfilling your purpose into a place of opposition—from everyone/everything."

"Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:2-3) 

If honor produces life, what will offense take from life? Time! When offense attaches itself to you, your time becomes consumed with proving others wrong and you right. You become consumed with payback or restitution to what was done to you. Instead of being about the Father's business, your number one priority is you. Therefore your time is now robbed from your own offense.

8. Finances

"God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please Him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind." (Ecclesiastes 2:26) 

I know that it's a touchy subject these days, but money is still a relevant issue that must be acknowledged in the Kingdom. Part of the lack you will experience when it comes to finances can be rooted to a spirit of offense.

When offense attaches itself to you, you soon welcome bitterness toward others in ministry, pastors, apostles, prophets, networks, churches, organizations, etc. When that offense digs deep, you will begin to withhold your finances from what you once supported. Offense will convince you to do so as a plan of strategy. Offense will convince you that they will come crawling back to you because they need your money. Truth is, offense attacks your finances and not the finances of those who are pleasing God.

Don't Let the Spirit of Offense Destroy You

A spirit of offense has but one purpose: to DESTROY YOU! Offense is straight from the enemy and if you allow an open door, it will not be long until you see how it affects one of the 8 (or more) ways mentioned above. Guard your heart, your mind and keep your spirit devoted to The Father. When offense comes knocking, and it will, please walk out what the Bible declares. Don't be the type of person who calls everyone without going to the one with whom the offense first began. (Photo via Wikipedia)

"If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." (Matthew 18:15-17) (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

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

Remarkable!!

Today I was reading an article in The Times of Israel  which was recounting the birth of the 20th child of a 42 year old Israeli woman.  Amazing, isn't it?  She only had one set of twins, so she had given birth 19 times.

The article ended with this even more astonishing information:

"While it is not clear what the Israeli birth record is, the most prolific mother according to the Guinness World Record website was Mrs. Vassilyeva, an 18th-century Russian peasant woman who produced 69 children. During 27 labors the Vassilyeva gave birth to a remarkable 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets and four sets of quadruplets."

I can't even imagine this, can you?  Where would they sleep?  How could you feed that many?  Or even remember their names!

I have a remarkable friend who had 8 children of her own (one died in infancy) and then she adopted 11 more from other countries.  I was always in awe of how she took care of so many children!  Every time I prepare a dinner for a large gathering, I think of Lori and that she cooks for that many three times a day, every day!  No more quick trips to McDonald's if you don't feel like cooking.  They wouldn't all fit in one car and can you imagine the price tag?  Think of the laundry!!  

Bob Jones: Question the Lord Will Ask

Bob Jones had a death to life experience in 1975 where he was caught up to heaven.  When he returned, he said the Lord will only ask one question of us when we stand before him in death:

             "Did you learn to love?"

It sounds as if this is a pretty important assignment, doesn't it?

Thank Trump Campaign

      Joseph Farah of World Net Daily has launched a "Thank Trump" Campaign.  I think it is a great idea--especially since there is so much determination to sabotage what he is doing. I have sent one of the cards they provide and added a note of encouragement.  Hopefully, you will want to, also.
      Here is an excerpt from his article (you can read it in it's entirety here) that asks us to help "Thank Trump:"

SHOW TRUMP HOW MANY SUPPORT HIM

Exclusive: Joseph Farah asks readers to thank the man 'fighting for America's heart and soul'

... in the meantime, I want to enlist you and all your friends and every supporter of President Trump’s agenda for America to let him know you are with him.

I believe this is so important, I launched the ThankTrump.us campaign as an easy way to allow your voice to be heard with a personalized message or blessing.

Specifically, I was thinking about that verse in 2 Kings when Elisha said: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”

Do you believe that?

Then let President Trump and his White House team know we’ve got their backs – with our votes, with our energy, with our feet, with our voices and with our prayers."

A Travesty of Justice in the Case of Judge Roy Moore

      I wish I was a better communicator because I feel deeply about what happened to Roy Moore! Doesn't the Bible say, "Those without sin can cast the first stone?"  I guess that would exclude all of us, wouldn't it?  We are all sinners.  It seems to me those who have been shouting the loudest agaisnt Roy Moore have a lot in their lives they wouldn't like to see exposed.  But there is much more that causes me to be incensed!
     One: Aren't we supposed to be deemed innocent until proven guilty?  Roy Moore's reputation has been tarnished, if not altogether ruined, because of allegations that have yet been proven. Why did these surface only 30 days before the election when he has been in public office for 34 years.  One would think it had something to do with the election, wouldn't one?  Thirty days is not long enough to prove innocence so there would always be the lingering doubt that the allegations could be true. How cruel!!  I do not believe Roy Moore is a pedophile in any sense of the word, but that is what the news media is calling him.  I have seen headline today that read "Jones defeats Pedophile Roy Moore!"  When was his trial!!
    Two: Those things he has been accused of happened 34 years ago!  Even if they were true, is there no room for change?  Do we blackball a person for something he did a long time ago but has never attempted to do it since.  There is no hope for any of us if this is true!  What is the point of living if we cannot grow and learn from mistakes?  The whole point of recognizing sin is so that we can repent.  There is no sin that God does not forgive, but we must know that it is sin so we can ask Him.  If Roy Moore treated teens inappropriately, he obviously has repented and been forgiven because there is no trace of the behavior in his life in the past 34 years!
     Three: Mainstream Republicans did everything in their power to see him defeated. They voted against him, spoke openly and often against him, disparaging his reputation, planned meetings to figure out how to keep him from participating in the Senate if elected.  How embarrassing!  They would rather a Democrat win the seat than have someone who will stand for his convictions no matter what the consequences be in their midst.  This says much about their character, I think.  Whatever happened to loyalty?  How about acceptance of those who have different opinions?  I have been a fan of Judge Roy Moore for many years.  He has been persecuted for his beliefs throughout his career but has stuck to his convictions.  He refused to remove the Ten Commandments monument. He had the commandments posted in his courtroom.  He has called homosexuality a sin.  He actually believes the Bible!!  Amazing isn't, it to find someone in public office who is willing to say the Bible is true and is the moral compass we should base our laws upon.
     Four:  I am disappointed in President Trump (I am a strong supporter of him).  He didn't endorse Roy Moore in the beginning, only coming in at the end and then blaming Steve Bannon( who in my opionion is one of the few who acted rightly in the whole situation) for his loss. He is now saying he didn't endorse him in the beginning because he knew he couldn't win.  I believe we should endorse those who stand for righteousness whether we believe they can win or not, so I am doubly disappointed in him for this admission.
    It is my hope and prayer that those who were so quick to judge will have the same judgment turned upon them.  I pray Roy Moore's reputation will be restored and that good things will come to him and his family because of what they endured.  And I pray that President Trump will endorse only those who have the best interests of our country in mind.  I pray that those who lead by deception and lies will be exposed and removed from office and that our country will return to the laws of God--that integrity, honesty and loyalty will be the new norm.
    I hope you will pray with me.
 

Whew! What a busy week/weekend!

      Saturday was the day of Our Hometown Christmas in Martinsville.  It turned out to be the coldest day we have had so far this year with twenty-five mile an hour winds!  The windchill hovered around 18 degrees all day and night!  Certainly not an ideal day to be outside!  To top it off I was attempting to fight off a cold (without success, I might add.)
     We grilled hot dogs for all who attended and provided free hot chocolate and cookies, too.  We had planned a bonfire but because of the wind we ended up burning wood in a 55 gallon drum to provide a little heat for those who needed to warm up.
    About 25 hearty souls showed up for the Jingle Bell Run.
     So despite the cold those of us who endure the cold had a fun time!

     Three of us spent 2 days last week decorating the Martinsville on the Move float.  We were pleased with the results.  It looked so pretty in the Parade, we thought.

We also added lights to John's wagon so he could not only give free rides but enter it in the Parade.  This was a challenge since the wagon was aluminum.  Finally, we discovered duct tape was the only alternative.  It worked like a charm!


The Live Nativity Reenactment was inspiring!  It was the last year for the camel.  Too bad we didn't know that beforehand.  We could have advertised to make sure noone missed it.  I doubt it would have made much difference though, because of the cold.  We rented the camel from a wild animal park about 50 miles away.  The Park intends to do some Christmas reenactments next year so he will no longer be available.







Here are a few more of the beautiful floats in the Light Parade:

"2018: The Year of Family, Fruitfulness and the Fear of the Lord" Lana Vawser

Here is a wonderful word of encouragement for families from Lana Vawser!   It was posted on The Elijah List today.  I plan to read it several times as I claim it for my family.  I'm sure you will want to, also.  How exciting!!

"2018: The Year of Family, Fruitfulness and the Fear of the Lord"

Lana Vawser, Brisbane, Australia

About 4 months ago, the Lord began to speak to me about 2018. The Lord highlighted to me that, "2018 will be the year of family, fruitfulness and the fear of the Lord."

What the Lord is going to do in 2018, is going to leave God's people and the world in awe and wonder of who He is. 2018 is going to be a year of the unexpected in many ways and will leave people and nations in awe of the King of kings and Lord of lords.

As we move into 2018, I believe that the Lord is asking for a deeper level of yieldedness. A deeper level of trust that says, "Lord, whatever Your way, I am ALL in. Even if it looks like I didn't expect, I am ALL IN!"

Family and Fire: Dreams Do Come True!

The Lord spoke to me many months ago concerning this new year, and firstly about 2018 being the year of FAMILY. I have sat on this word since then, just waiting on Him and seeking His heart. What the Lord showed me was that in 2018, FIRE is going to come upon FAMILY in a way we have never seen before.

He showed me His fire falling on individual family units and the family of God. The fire of God is coming to PURGE and IGNITE. These were the two themes that I saw happening in individual family units and in the family of God. I felt the Spirit of God whisper to me that: "2018 is going to be a year of INCREASE IN FAMILY." The increase may not look "how" you expect, but God is building withinfamily—both individual family units and the family of God.

Some of the increase is going to come through shaking. Some of the increase is going to come through restoration. Some of the increase is going to come through promises fulfilled. Some of the increase is going to come through purging; but these processes will accomplish—in the family units and family of God in 2018—increase, intimacy and maturity.

I had a vision where I saw Jesus unraveling a banner over family units in 2018. The words written on the banner were, "Dreams Really Do Come True!"

"The fire of God's love through this revelation is going to unite, transform, mature and birth a greater LOVE and DEMONSTRATION of honor for one another in the family of God."

Many long-awaited promises and healing of family units are going to manifest in 2018. I saw many families that have been attacked, many families that have been in the valley and many families that have been broken—and they've been believing for the promises of God without any fruit of those promises manifesting. I saw many families that have faced cycles of brokenness and pain, heartache, disappointment and lack of breakthrough or change, but then SUDDENLY meeting their tipping point moment in 2018.

"But Lord, Your endless love stretches from one eternity to the other, unbroken and unrelenting towards those who fear You and those who bow facedown in awe before You! Your faithfulness to keep every gracious promise You have made passes from parents, to children, to grandchildren and beyond." (Psalm 103:17The Passion Translation)

Harvest and fruitfulness is coming to the family unit in 2018 unlike anything seen before. The power of God that is going to be demonstrated in the family unit in 2018 is going to leave many in awe and wonder of God and His goodness. That is why the enemy has been so relentless in going after the seeds of promise in the family unit. The seeds in family are about to spring forth and they will bear long-lasting fruit. For many, by the end of 2018, their families will be unrecognizable in the most glorious ways because of the work of His hand.

Many families have lost hope because of the onslaught in 2017 and have felt like nothing is ever going to shift. In 2018, God is going to show Himself strong in the restoration, increase and fruitfulness that will manifest. No longer will many family units feel like a dry wasteland; but by the power of His Spirit bringing transformation and healing, dry wastelands are turning to fruitful vineyards.

I prophesy over the dry wastelands in the family unit. That in 2018 those wastelands will turn to fruitful vineyards. Where there has been dryness, I prophesy a great outpouring of His Spirit—rivers in the wasteland in Jesus' name. God is doing something completely new in the family unit (Isaiah 43:19).

Running Together – United in the Vision

The Lord showed me such UNITY coming to many family units in 2018, and I heard Him whisper, "2018, family units are united in the vision."

I saw a "getting on board" with the vision from Heaven happening as a TEAM. Where the enemy has come and attempted to separate and only one or two have been standing with the vision and carrying the vision (praying and believing for the other family members to come on board) I saw the Holy Spirit doing a swift, deep work within the family unit. Suddenly, the entire family unit will be running with the vision from the Lord.

I then saw the Holy Spirit beginning to release new vision and blueprints to ENTIRE family units. I saw the Holy Spirit whispering to family members, individually, the same vision—the same blueprint. Family members were having the "same dream" and "same encounter" with the Lord that was confirming the vision. I heard the Holy Spirit decreeing: "You shall RUN AS A FAMILY."

I saw a great awakening coming upon individuals in the family unit to know their giftings and their role in the vision and to run in what God has called them to. As they did, each part was working beautifully, displaying the beautiful masterpiece He was painting. I saw such a pioneering spirit falling upon family units in 2018. This fresh vision and blueprint being released is going to be the vehicle for a great outpouring of God's Spirit in the areas where He is targeting this vision. (Photo via Unsplash)

"No longer will many feel like they are running alone, but the power of My Spirit's work within their family unit will see a miracle of unity and healing take place, and families will RUN TOGETHER with the vision I release." 

Incredible amounts of provision will be released to FAMILIES in the RUNNING TOGETHER. The "running together" of these families will also become a testimony and model for other families. Many of these family units will teach and equip other families in pioneering what the Lord is speaking and running with His vision.

"Then the LORD replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.'" (Habakkuk 2:2)

Children of Promise

The Lord spoke to me many months ago that at the end of 2017 and into 2018, that many families were going to receive their "child of promise".

Many who have been believing and holding onto the promise of God for the children that He has promised them, are going to see their promise received.

"Children are God's love gift..." (Psalm 127:3 The Passion Translation)

I felt the Lord show me that many who have been waiting for their child/children of promise, have been on the verge of giving up and losing hope and despair in the promise. But I want to encourage you: HOLD ON, for the faithfulness of God is going to be seen. Miraculous turnarounds, conceptions and increase will take place in 2017 and into 2018.

Shaking in 2018

"It was a fire of furious love; unquenchable intimacy with Him unlike anything known before. This fire was exploding His Word within them."

There is a shaking happening in the earth right now and there is a shaking that has begun in the Body of Christ. This shaking is going to continue into 2018. I want to encourage you that the shaking is not something to fear. The shaking is not to harm you; the shaking is to increase, unite, awaken and mature the family of God.

The Lord is shaking everything that can be shaken. He is rearranging, He is shifting and He is rebuilding. The shaking is going to bring increase. The shaking is bringing a maturity and a strengthening to the Body of Christ that is needed to carry the harvest that is coming. 

Gifts of the Spirit Test

      I enjoy taking spiritual gifts tests so when a friend sent me a link to this test, of course I took it.  If you, too, are interested in these kinds of things, here is the link:  http://giftstest.com/test.  It is free and only takes about 5 minutes to complete with the results appearing instantaneously.
     It is difficult for me to recognize giftings in my life.  This test at least pinpointed the things I am most interested in.  Whether I am gifted in them, or not, remains to be seen, but I appreciate the confirmation.
     Take it and see what you think.  You can also see how your gifts compare to everyone else who has taken the test by clicking the link under your results.

"To Infinity and Beyond!" Joni Ames,

     Maybe we should call this "prophetic word Friday" since I haven't posted since last Friday and it, too, was a prophetic word. (I have been busy this week!)
      Country Guy and I met Joni Ames a few years ago when she called us out in an audience to give us a word.  It was an accurate assessment of who we are and where our interests lie.  We were impressed.  I have since read several words of hers posted on The Elijah List and have been encouraged and inspired.  This one also fits that category.

"To Infinity and Beyond!"

Joni Ames, Rock Hill, SC

We are in a time of awakening, even on the Jewish Calendar. We're in the 5770s, which are called Ayin. It means eyes opened (awake), and seeing more clearly than before. In order to be able to handle it all, we must understand some things so we can properly posture ourselves. As ministers of the Gospel, not only do we have to make it through, but we must be equipped and able to help the rest of the Body to do so without giving up.

We are experiencing what Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24. Jesus warned us within those verses that because of lawlessness the hearts of many would grow cold (see Matthew 24:12). Webster's dictionary describes cold-hearted as marked by lack of sympathy or sensitivity, and some synonyms are: callous and heartless, as opposed to: being charitable, compassionate, merciful and warmhearted.

It's easy for those who deal with the public every day to become cold. We need to face the day and people with the love of God, looking for ways to spread His encouragement and hope. On Veterans Day, I went to the post office to get my mail, and of course the business side where they sell stamps was closed. A lady was coming in with two envelopes in hand and was very disappointed that it wasn't open. As I went to my car the Lord said, "You have stamps in your wallet. Make her day. Go give her what she needs." 

As I did, she lit up and even said, "You've made my day!" That may seem small, but our random acts of kindness become ripples on the pond. God is love. The Word says that they'll know we are Christians by our love (see John 13:35). Also it's His kindness that leads to repentance (see Romans 2:4). Simply holding a door for someone, smiling and speaking kind words, or doing some random act of kindness, can help rebuke and destroy that opposite spirit trying to raise its ugly self in someone's life.

Defining the Battle

"Those who have been passed over in times past shall now see a table set before them in the presence of their enemies."

What we are witnessing in the world is the spirit of antichrist beginning to appear more blatantly than ever before. It is not only anti-Christian, it is "anti-all" that Christ or the term Christian stands for. So there is great warning to us here that we, as Christians, not get caught up in its web.

"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, and able to remove the enemy's strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). It's war. It's what they call a Cold War. The major weapons being used aren't bullets and bombs (although those are strategically being used as well). But some of the main weapons being used are discouragement, division, hopelessness, fear, distrust and discord.

Going back to Webster's dictionary, a Cold War is defined as: a conflict over ideological differences carried on by methods short of sustained overt military action, and usually without breaking off diplomatic relations; a condition of rivalry, mistrust, and often open hostility short of violence especially between power groups.

Let's war by teaching the truth in love to our congregations. Knowledge is power. We can't effectively battle against an unknown enemy. That's boxing with the air. Let's attain wisdom and understanding about the enemy in order to become a united front against it. God does not want us to be ignorant of the enemy's devices (see 2 Corinthians 2:11). The Church needs to quit being so silent in speaking about government issues from the pulpit. It is from the churches in America that men gathered together to put together our Declaration of Independence. 

New Reformation 

This year, we celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation of the Church through Martin Luther's 95 thesis. Prior to that, the Church simply believed what they were told by the church leaders and did not read the Word of God for themselves. That is what has happened with people regarding government. (Photo via Flickr)

But in this time of awakening, we need to call for a true Reformation and Declaration of Independence to occur within our minds, hearts, and mouths regarding government. Just as back then, it is time to quit simply believing what we are told and to get the truth for ourselves.

Let's declare ourselves independent of the oppressive antichrist spirit of government and political correctness that has arisen throughout our nation and the world. Let's not simply stand by and let the Church and our nation be taken captive. We must do what we were born for and speak God's truth that sets captives free. 

Let's unashamedly and without fear declare God's Declaration of Independence – the Word of God – over our families and this nation.Let's teach our congregations about what is really going on. Stand for the truth and inform our people! If you lose an expensive building because you stand for righteousness, so what. We are in this to save souls, not buildings.

The Church in America is to take a stand against the tyranny of the worldwide antichrist system!

Praying Women

Praying women: you in particular have been called from the beginning of time to crush the enemy (see Genesis 3:15). "Rise! Shine! For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you" (Isaiah 60:1-2).

Recent Dream of Turtles

I had a dream recently about turtles. They were slow, but all of a sudden, they all gathered together and began emerging out of their shells. They came forth in the shape of people, and then suddenly became dressed as warrior ninja turtles, like in the cartoon.

I felt that the Lord interpreted this as: there have been many who have been slow to come to the forefront, who are now going to break out of their shells and become very powerful in the Kingdom. They will become God's ninja warriors. They may be late bloomers, but they are right on time for God's Kingdom purposes to come forth through them.

The 8s Will Be Great and to Infinity and Beyond!

As we are now in 5778 on the Jewish calendar and going into 2018 on the Gregorian calendar, I heard, "The 8s will be great." Eight is the number of new beginnings. In a vision, I saw the 8 flop on its side, becoming a pair of glasses that the Lord handed to me to put on. As I did, I had a amazingly exceptional sight of both natural and spiritual activity. I heard, "Heightened 20/20 vision and power to see, declare, and release now that which will flow forth into 2020 and beyond." 

The 8 then became the infinity symbol and I heard, "To infinity and beyond!" I had a knowing that things of eternal significance are occurring right before our eyes in the White House and throughout America.

Increased Healing Power

"Let's war by teaching truth in love to our congregations. "

Several years ago, I had a dream about huge "circus tents" being used for healing revivals that would rival what occurred in the days of the great healing evangelists.

Earlier this year the Ringling Brothers Circus shut down. As soon as that came on the news, I knew the Lord was speaking what I saw with "those tents" was about to occur. The time has come. I don't know what they want to do with those tents, but I do know what God wants to do. It will truly be the greatest show on earth, as we see people's legs grow out where there weren't any, wheelchairs disposed of, crutches hung on walls, as well as blind eyes opened and deaf ears unstopped.

Hamans Will Be Hung 

The more the enemy tries to stomp on President Trump, the stronger he gets. The Lord told me back in the spring that we would see the Hamans get hung on their own gallows! The same thing will happen with other leaders whom God has designated to come forth for such a time to lead our nation. The more that comes against these leaders God has designated, the stronger they will get too. 

Hollywood

The revival that has begun in Hollywood is only going to get stronger. Because there are those who are praying and seeking God's face there, things are being exposed and captives are being released. God is taking captivity captive there!

The Best IS Yet to Come

In this year of Chet on the Jewish calendar, the swords have formed a doorway that is covered with the Blood of the Lamb. The Chet is yoking them together for safe passage for God's people to move forward in victory, which is protected by Him and His heavenly angelic team. Those who have been passed over in times past shall now see a table set before them in the presence of their enemies. 

Although gross darkness will continue to try to cover the earth, God's light and glory will continue to shine upon His people. There will be a holy fear that comes upon those who try to get in their way. You will even hear the media say something like, "It is uncanny how the more that comes against this president and these people, the stronger they seem to get." (Photo via Pixabay)

Unity

We will continue to see greater unity come forth among the people of our nation as tragedies unfold. We are a family and when families fight, they put down their swords and help one another.

Weather

Strange weather patterns and systems will continue to be seen. The greatest threat being earthquakes. The reason being is that everything that can be shaken is being shaken. Therefore, there will be visible manifestations of that.

The Trumpet Call

God has set His plumbline in our nation once again. The Church must arise and speak with clarity the uncompromised Word of God now. There needs to be a clarion call to return to the basics of the Word of God and holiness.

The Church needs to speak up and call an end to the bitterness, strife, hatred and division that the enemy has stirred up in our country. We must not relax because a battle has been won in the presidency, as we are still very much at war. We must keep and even increase our momentum into the next election.

Be aware that much new information and distractions will occur almost daily. Let's keep our focus on the Lord and the fact that He is love, and thus love one another as He has loved us. Love is our ultimate weapon. Love wins. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

Joni Ames
The Ministry of Joni Faith Ames 
Email: joniames@aol.com
Website: www.joniames.org