The Father Says Today: May 1st, 2015

The Father says today that My decree is active in your life to build afresh and anew. I am building again the walls and restoring the gates of your life says the Father. The enemy shall tread your courts no more. The angel reapers have scythed the tares and are bringing the wheat of My planting into the garners of blessing for your gain and your good. It is a new day. My mercies are renewed. Old things are passed away and the new has come. Enter into the newness of what I am doing says the Father. Yesterday’s manna always breeds worms. Receive fresh manna on your ground and drink the waters of My Spirit from the Rock that follows you through the wilderness experience to a new Canaan.

I am with you says the Father. I will never leave you and I will never forsake you. Drink the sweet and eat the fat for I am strengthening your bones and renewing even your natural vitality. New life, new strength greater energy to hasten to My purposes. You will outstrip the footmen and challenge the horsemen and be a FIRST partaker of the apportionment to those who war and challenge the works of darkness round about them. Go out in your day and overwhelm the enemy by your freshness and your bold, audacious faith. I am disposed says the Father to hear your voice and respond. The precious blood has been applied and new grace is bringing fullness of favor to you in greater measure than you have known in times past says the Father.

The Father Says Today: May 1st, 2015

Morning Light - April 29th, 2015: Speak Lord for Thy Servant Heareth!

Today: [1 Samuel Chapter Three]: Speak Lord for Thy Servant Heareth! In this chapter we find young Samuel sleeping in the Holy Place. The Lampstand of God is his night light and the Ark of the Covenant is just beyond where Samuel lays down. He hears the voice of God calling his name and he answers “Speak Lord for thy Servant Heareth…” Thus is born the ministry of a powerful prophet destined to ordain King David and to be a precursor of John the Baptist himself who was used to inaugurate Jesus into His earthly ministry.

[1Sa 3:1-21 KJV] 1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision. 2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli [was] laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, [that] he could not see; 3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God [was], and Samuel was laid down [to sleep];

The first few chapters in 1 Samuel tell us more about Shiloh than the entire book of Judges. In the book of Judges the place where the tabernacle of Moses was pitches was only mentioned briefly at the beginning of the book of Judges and at the end. The narrative of the first several chapters of 1 Samuel take place entirely at Shiloh. Jacob prophesied about Shiloh centuries before it was even known to exist:

[Gen 49:10 KJV] 10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

In the prophecy of Shiloh it is not a place but a person, specifically the Messiah. Always remember that Jesus as a boy read the scriptures and gained from them an understanding of who He was. Remember His words in the gospel of John:

[Jhn 2:19 KJV] 19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Passages such as Gen. 49:10 were the reference point for Jesus. He know that the temple was not as much a place but a person, specifically Himself. He now dwells in us. Thus we can see all taking place at the location called Shiloh as something represented of the things of God transpiring and processing within ourselves. Shiloh is a word meaning “Tranquility”. When God put Himself in you in the person of Jesus He places His peace and depth and tranquility within you.

In these days when Samuel comes as a young boy to live in Shiloh there was no open vision. God told Aaron and Miriam that there were two ways that He would speak: 1.) Open vision, Face to Face; 2.) In Dark speech through dreams and inward visions. Remember that the time of Samuel is still the time of the judges when every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Yet the word of the Lord was still available. In fact it was a “precious thing”. The 400 years of history represented by the time of the Judges was concluded by God sending a prophet whose words would not fall to the ground. Likewise the 400 silent years between Malachi and Matthew were brought to an end when God sent John the Baptist. Samuel was the herald of the advent of King David. John the Baptist was the herald of King Jesus. The prophetic always precedes a shift in dispensation and a greater establishing of the kingdom of God. The presence of the prophetic as an emphasis in the body Christ should give us great encouragement. A change is upon us. A dispensational shift is about to take place. The kingdom of God in our generation is coming to greater manifestation. We as a prophetic people must adopt the posture of John the Baptist “we must decrease that He might increase…” The prophets are not an end in themselves. The only validity of the prophetic is in heralding a greater dispensation of God in your life personally and in the earth universally.

4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I. 5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. 6 And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. 8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. 9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

At a time when there is no open vision God still speaks. He speaks inwardly in the acoustics of your inner man. Unbelieving Christians despise this. Like Thomas they want something tangible. They only accept the voice of God when it comes in such a way that they are not required to exercise faith to believe it. Prophets have been restored to the church since 1948. It is time for the church to be restored to the prophets and grow up into the Lord Jesus Christ in a greater way. I taught this story to my children and I can remember many times hearing my little children in the night saying “speak Lord for thy servant heareth….” Even corrupt Eli had enough discernment to know the voice of the Lord. We need to teach our children. God speaks through their imagination – that is why He gave the imagination in the first place. We should inspire their imaginations with expectations of hearing from God and not quench them when it happens. God is still speaking today and if we as adults are too much like Eli at least give our children the benefit of responding to God’s speaking voice.

10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. 11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all [things] which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. 14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

The Lord comes and stands by your bed in the night seasons. Satan knows this. This is why many times people wake up attacked by the enemy because Satan wants to rob you of your rest. God comes to you while you are resting and seals His instructions in your heart that you might not sin against Him. It doesn’t matter if you don’t remember because God speaks to the human spirit which doesn’t need memory to benefit from what God has said. God speaks to the spirit and the human spirit communicates to the mind. God called to Samuel teaching him the inward voice so clearly as a child that when he grew older his words never missed and were always accurate. When Jesus said come as a little child surely Samuel was one that He had in mind. Let us adopt the “Speak Lord for thy Servant Heareth” mentality.

15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. 16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here [am] I. 17 And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee. 18 And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

The house of the Lord was a family affair at Shiloh. What a picture of a sleeping family so close to the ark of the Covenant that it was in easy reach to them even in the night seasons. Young Samuel apparently slept on the floor in the Holy Place where the Altar of Incense, the Table of Shewbread and the Lampstand were. Like most children we know why he did this – he wanted to leave a light on so he sleep in the Holy Place. Yet here was where God’s voice came to Him very likely reaching Him and calling to Him from the Holy of Holies above the Mercy seat. It says that God stood before Samuel. How did he know this? Perhaps Samuel saw the toes of the angel of the Lord sticking out from under the veil between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. Nonetheless he hears the voice of God speaking to him things regarding Eli that he no doubt barely understood being a child. God will tell little children adult things and we need to learn to listen to them.

19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel [was] established [to be] a prophet of the LORD. 21 And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

In 1855 in Armenia a boy prophet named Efim Gerasemovitch Klubniken prophesied that an unspeakable tragedy was soon to come upon that country. Most people laughed and disregarded these words coming from a young boy. Others listened and heeded soon leaving the country. Those that laughed died in the gulags under Communism. One of the families that came from Armenia at this time was Demos Shakarian who founded the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association and profoundly influenced Christianity in America. We need to listen to the prophets. God speaks through whom He chooses and those He chooses He will not allow their words to fall to the ground. Let us hear and heed and be benefited by the gift of the prophet in our midst.

Morning Light - April 29th, 2015: Speak Lord for Thy Servant Heareth!

The Father Says Today: April 30th, 2015

The Father says today that I am doing a quick work. I am hastening My work in righteousness to bring to a place of entitlement and manifest authority. I am not a God bringing forth an anemic answer to your need. Religious platitudes do not adequately address your challenge nor do they express My mind. I’m not hesitant take on the hard cases and I do not overlook impossible situations as though they don’t exist. I have NEVER apologized says the Father for I have NEVER failed to come through for those who have set their hopes on Me.

I am doing a quick work says the Father. Listen to My voice and the harmony of My power as it resonates in response to your need. I am with you says the Father. I will never leave you and never forsake you. I am sending confusion upon the ranks of the enemy. He will seek you out and not find you. He will set ambushments for you and be snared in the trap he sets for you. You will move at GOD SPEED because I am setting Myself in you as a vehicle for My greatness and My purposes says the Father. Rejoice! This is the day of your salvation for I am near to deliver and renew and refresh you this day.

The Father Says Today: April 30th, 2015

The Father Says Today: April 29th, 2015

The Father says you are wrapped up in My arms this day. This day I am buffering you round about with My kindness, even My lovingkindness. My lovingkindness is upon you says the Father – My unfathomable mercies are causing you to rise above and be buoyed and buoyant above the raging tide of causality and happenstance. Even as the angels ministered to Jesus went he was wearied and battle worn in the temptation in the wilderness so the angels are standing around you RIGHT NOW to minister to you and to ANCHOR you in My goodness and grace and yes – My KINDNESS.

The sure mercies of David are surrounding you says the Father. You are being CARRIED. There are days that I command you to take your shoes off your feet and walk circumspectly but this is a day that I AM CARRYING YOU. Refuse to heed the voice of alarm and negativity and contention. My voice is not in contention because when I surround and protect you there are no legitimate challengers to take you out of My hand. Come to your place of rest. I am bringing you to rest on the threshing loor as I thresh the nations and yet preserve you alive and blessed and refreshed in My arms and in My favor.

The Father Says Today: April 29th, 2015

Morning Light - April 28th, 2015: Hannah's Choice

Today: [1 Samuel Chapter Two]: Hannah’s Choice. In this chapter Hannah makes good on her promise to give Samuel over to the service of God. In the midst of this situation she finds that the family of Eli is corrupt and evil yet she holds fast to her commitment to leave Samuel in their care. She could have easily objected and changed her mind after seeing the corruption in the house of Eli. Her fidelity to God was so pronounced that her testimony became a part of the sacred narrative. She is a rare example to us of seeking first the kingdom of God even in the fact of great sacrifice and tender sentiments regarding family and personal relationships.

[1Sa 2:1-36 KJV] 1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. 2 [There is] none holy as the LORD: for [there is] none beside thee: neither [is there] any rock like our God. 3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let [not] arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD [is] a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty men [are] broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. 5 [They that were] full have hired out themselves for bread; and [they that were] hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. 6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. 8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them. 9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. 11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.

In this chapter Hannah has travelled to Shiloh to give her weaned child Samuel to the priest Eli. She does so in appreciation to the Lord for giving her a child after being barren many years. When she hands Samuel over instead of mourning she praises the Lord in such a pronounced manner that her words become prophecy and are included in the biblical record. Her song is considered by some as the “Magnificat” of the Old Testament corresponding to the words of Mary in Luke 1:46-55 that she sang upon arrival to visit Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist.

Hannah was apparently an educated woman who was familiar even with the history of recent centuries of the nation of Israel. In promises that no razor shall come upon Samuel’s head she invokes the memory of Samson. In promising in a vow to dedicate her firstborn to God she emulates Jephthah who in returning from successful battle swore to dedicate the first thing he saw at home to the Lord which turned out to be his daughter. His daughter therefore was like Samuel set aside for the service of God at Shiloh and the daughters of Israel would celebrate her each year in a festival. Hannah no doubt was familiar with this festival and participated in it. So in Hannah we see the synthesis of many generations of sacred history coming to a tipping point in this woman’s very personal trial of longing for a son. She leaned on what she understood about God from a contemporary viewpoint and seeing breakthrough come because of her faith.

12 Now the sons of Eli [were] sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. 13 And the priests’ custom with the people [was, that], when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; 14 And he struck [it] into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. 15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw. 16 And [if] any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and [then] take [as much] as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, [Nay]; but thou shalt give [it me] now: and if not, I will take [it] by force. 17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD. 18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, [being] a child, girded with a linen ephod. 19 Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought [it] to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.

From the beginning on the priesthood the Levites struggled to pass their values on to their sons. Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire on the altar and lost their lives as a result. Eli’s sons Hophni and Phineas perverted the offerings by refusing to burn the best parts of the sacrifice rather reserving it raw for their own use. There were complaints about this from the worshippers and they were threatened by force if they resisted. Thus they created a compulsory and objectionable atmosphere for the celebrants who made the effort to stand before God in His chosen place of veneration.

This perverted and corrupt environment is where Hannah brought Samuel to serve as a tender lad. She could have objected and refused to expose her son to such corruption but she did not. She refused to allow her words of devotion regarding Samuel to fall to the ground. Hannah is a rare woman of faith who because of her resolute and determined devotion she stands beside Mary the mother of Jesus, Sarah the wife of Abraham and other unique and godly women. She deserves our respect and we are wise to ponder all the ramifications of the choices she made and the conditions in which she stood firm in her faith regarding her son Samuel. She stood her ground regarding Samuel and although she loved him and he was her much longed for answer to prayer she did not coddle him as many mothers have done regarding lesser sons to their own destruction. Of mothers and sons we see many examples of either extreme devotion or extreme and blinding compromise. In Hannah we see the former and are awed by the quality and integrity of this woman’s walk with God.

21 And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD. 22 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. 24 Nay, my sons; for [it is] no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD’S people to transgress. 25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them. 26 And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

Here we see the Matt. 6:33 dynamic. Hannah sought FIRST the kingdom and ALL things were added. Learn to seek the kingdom FIRST. Many times I’ve seen people say “God give me what I want and I will serve you…” God is does not bargain with those of tepid faith. Seek FIRST the kingdom and the degree to which you seek the kingdom established the character of God’s response in turn. The quantity, quality and haste with which you act in faith toward the promise of God determines the quantity, quality and haste with which God responds. Your response time to God is a measure of His response to you. The quantitative nature of your response to God determines the quality of His response to you. Tepid faith garners only anemic answers. Audacious faith brings breakthrough and blessing on an unprecedented scale. Thus Hannah reproves by her fidelity to God the corruption that she saw at Shiloh yet still maintaining her obedience regarding Samuel.

27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house? 28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel [to be] my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel? 29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded [in my] habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? 30 Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house. 32 And thou shalt see an enemy [in my] habitation, in all [the wealth] which [God] shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. 33 And the man of thine, [whom] I shall not cut off from mine altar, [shall be] to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age. 34 And this [shall be] a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them. 35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, [that] shall do according to [that] which [is] in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever. 36 And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left in thine house shall come [and] crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.

A man of God comes to visit the High Priest with a pronouncement against the abuses committed by his sons. The term “man of God” in the Old Testament is often used for an anonymous prophet who shows up to bring the word of the Lord. Notice that the prophet rebukes Eli for the sins of his sons. He could easily have defended himself as being innocent but no doubt the attitude of his sons arose from his own laxness regarding the things of God. Perhaps Eli was not as flagrant as his sons but what he allowed in moderation his children took to excess. We can bewail the lack of spirituality of our children and the younger generation but remember that their attitudes were developed at a tender age when we may well have set a casual and insincere tone regarding spiritual things. There is always a tipping point past which God’s patience will not extend. Because Eli refused to put honor of God over family considerations there will be an affect not only upon his personal destiny but that of all generations that come after him. Let us take the example of Eli and look at our own lives and the influence we have been on our children regarding the things of God. Have we fostered criticism toward the church or the spiritual leadership? Have our children learned from us to put themselves first and only pay a token fidelity to the Lord? If our children are lax in their faith is it because of manners and customs they learned from us? Before we correct them let us repent for ourselves and endeavor from this time forward no matter how late the day to set a different example.

Morning Light - April 28th, 2015: Hannah's Choice

The Father Says Today: April 28th, 2015

The Father says today that I am singing My song over you. I am singing My song and it is reverberating through every vein of fracture and wounding that has ever marked your life. I am singing My song and as My song sinks to deep into your human spirit I am mending and molding a re-fashioning you. I am re-fashioning you into the image that you saw in the mirror of Myself when I brought you forth from the substance of Myself. I have longed for your companionship says the Father. I not only call you son and daughter I call you Bride. The Bride and the Bridegroom are becoming one and the end result of that will be a peace and a joy that you have never known in its depths.

There is therefore NO crisis because if crisis was allowed it would distract from My purpose. I will not be distracted says the Father therefore you will not be distracted. The prattling and threats of the enemy are just the small dust of the balance on the scale of majesty that I am bringing to bear upon you and in you and around you. Be at rest Beloved and find your peace in My majesty. There is no trial or trouble or challenge that can deter what I am doing or what I am about to do. You will not be left out. I would no more leave you out than I would leave My bride at the altar. You are My bride. I call you espoused. I call you My espoused and I will defend you. I will defend you and surround you and cause you to know in this time the fullness of joy that I have in store for them that love My appearing in them.

The Father Says Today: April 28th, 2015

Morning Light - April 27th, 2015: God ALWAYS Answers

Today: [1 Samuel Chapter One]: God Always Answers Prayer. In this chapter we see the events leading up to Samuel’s birth. Samuel was a prophet that God would not allow his words to fall to the ground. Why did God deal with Samuel in this way? Because before Samuel was born his mother made a promise and would not allow her words to fall to the ground. Samuel, Saul and Solomon’s names all mean “Asked for”. Many think God says no when we ask Him but the sobering thought is rather that He always says yes even when the answer has implications for our lives that are unanticipated.

[1Sa 1:1-28 KJV] 1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name [was] Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: 2 And he had two wives; the name of the one [was] Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, [were] there. 4 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: 5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. 6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. 7 And [as] he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. 8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? [am] not I better to thee than ten sons?

In this chapter we see the events leading up to the birth of Samuel. Samuel, Saul and Solomon’s names all contain a similar meaning of being “asked for”. Samuel’s mother cried out for a son. Saul was asked for by the people. Solomon was asked for after the death of David and Bathsheba’s first son. They illustrate the response of God to the cry of the heart. Even when God did not desire the people to be ruled by a king He nonetheless gave the people king Saul. This is a deep truth that many do not understand. Many say that “God always answers prayer but sometimes He says no…” This is often a religious platitude to mask unbelief. The question is not whether or not God will answer prayer but whether or not we have faith to believe. This is a controversial thought that deeply provokes those who feel more of an affinity with unanswered prayer than they do with the promise of God.

Hannah cries out to God and God will answer her. The people cry out for a king and God will answer. David and Bathsheba even in the situation that brought them together nevertheless were blessed with Solomon. Never assume that you know that someone is excluded or that there is a prayer that God will not answer. Rather remember that God will always answer and think before we ask.

9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. 10 And she [was] in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. 11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. 12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. 13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. 14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. 15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I [am] a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. 17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant [thee] thy petition that thou hast asked of him. 18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more [sad].

Hannah goes to pray before the temple in Shiloh. The temple is not a building it is the tent with its religious artifacts that had been constructed in the wilderness. Eli the High Priest is standing by watching her pray and thinks she has been drinking. Notice that Hannah vows a vow. God would have answered her any way. We often make vows and oaths to God. Many people in the biblical narrative we see taking oaths and vows but I don’t see one instance where God initiated the request for such a commitment. A vow many times is motivated by the thought that God is reluctant to answer so we have to offer Him something. You do not have to overcome God’s reluctance to answer your prayer. He doesn’t have any. Remember the words of Paul:

[2Co 1:20 KJV] 20 For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Notice the response of the High Priest to Hannah: “The Lord grant you petition…” There is a presumptive authority in Eli because of his position. He stands in the stead of God. We are also kings and priests of God. We can be confident not only that God will grant our prayers but also the prayers of others. We are ambassadors of the kingdom of God and have far more authority than we know. What was Hannah’s response to Eli? She wasn’t pregnant yet but she had an ironclad faith that God would answer her prayer – she goes on her way no more sad.

19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. 20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD.

How did God answer Hannah’s prayer? Through natural conception. There are many prayers that we pray and then in the course of time through natural process the prayer is answered. Those looking on would say that this is no answer to prayer at all but always remember that God is a God of PROCESS as well as OUTCOME. He answers prayer in the manner and means of His own choosing. If others don’t see the miraculous in what takes place that is not our concern. God does not answer prayer to prove something to those looking on. He is not insecure. He does not have anything to prove. He does not have a performing spirit that needs an audience before He will act. God’s concern was for Hannah and Elkanah alone. It mattered not whether others appreciated what was happening.

Elkanah and Hannah lived in Ramah which means high place. This is also one of the three places in the year where Samuel sat and judged Israel. Throughout his life Samuel would travel from place to place in three different locations and receive the people who lined up to ask him questions and for counsel. This is how he met Saul. The people would come and line up to gain an audience with the prophet. They would not come empty handed. God literally ruled Israel in Samuel’s lifetime by this method. This is how Moses also as a prophet ruled the people in the wilderness. He eventually appointed 70 men that he imparted prophetic spirit to assist him to minister to the thousands that lined up from morning till evening to receive his prophetic counsel. We are much more benefited today. We don’t have to stand in the hot sun all day or travel to some far corner of Israel to hear the prophet. We have the internet. We can come before the prophets and here the counsel of God over our lives. Samuel ruled from the high place. The prophetic is a high place. The prophet over your life is a living portal to the mind of God and the heart of God. He is placed there for your good and to further God’s purposes in your life. Lives were transformed when they came to Samuel. Remember Saul who came to Samuel as a mere herdsmen and left an anointed king. Don’t ever take for granted the place of the prophetic in your life and what happens when you come before the prophet.

21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow. 22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, [I will not go up] until the child be weaned, and [then] I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever. 23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him. 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child [was] young. 25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, Oh my lord, [as] thy soul liveth, my lord, I [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: 28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

Hannah made a vow concerning Samuel’s birth. She said she would commit the child to the Lord like Samson was devoted to the Lord. We don’t see that God asked her to make the oath but she is making good on her promise nonetheless. When you make a vow you should be very cautious about deciding you didn’t mean it and going on your way without fulfilling your obligation. Remember the words of Solomon:

[Ecc 5:4-6 KJV] 4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. 5 Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. 6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it [was] an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

Angels are creatures of absolute obedience. 1 Peter 1:12 says that angels desire to look into the concept of forgiveness and redemption but cannot. They know nothing of changing your mind or deciding you didn’t mean what you said. The angel told Daniel “I am come for your words…” What if Daniel had said “I was just kidding?” Better not to vow. Vows are rooted in a stronghold of thought that God is not inclined to answer your prayer. Jesus speaking on the subject of vows said not to make such oaths but to let you “yes be yes and your no be no…”

Nevertheless Hannah returns to the priest Eli and leaves the child Samuel with him. Can you imagine a woman doing this today? Can you see an infertile woman asking for a child and then returning the child to the minister who prays for her as a gift to God? We don’t know of such devotion and integrity today. It doesn’t exist in our culture. Samuel grows into a man whose words God would not allow to fall to the ground. But before God stood by His word we see Samuel’s mother standing by her word. In everything that God does He very often first requires a man or woman to commit in faith before He does it. Consider the example of Abraham – he offered up Isaac, his only begotten son to God before God offered His only begotten son of the line of Isaac. This is what it means to seek the kingdom. We must be as faithful to God in anticipation of answered prayer as we expect Him to be in answering our prayer.

Morning Light - April 27th, 2015: God ALWAYS Answers

The Father Says Today: April 27th, 2015

The Father says today set your sights higher. Raise your expectations. Know that the limits of My favor in your life have not been reached or even faintly fathomed. My people are too soon satisfied says the Father. I pour out a drop of blessing and they think I have sent the latter rain! Not so! Cry out to Me. Cry out even as I said in My word – cry out UNTIL! Cry out to Me until the nations tremble. Cry out to Me until the mountains and the hills do melt and come down. Cry out to Me for I am disposed to hear you and respond. The cry and expectation of your heart sets the preamble for what I am about to do in the earth hand what I am about to do in your life even on an individual level.

I never asked you to settle for second best. The voice of “less than” is NOT My voice says the Father. Go first class all the way. Expect total and complete victory. Say to your heart each and every day “you get to have it all!” Did I not say if you seek the kingdom that ALL things would be added? Reject the voice of unbelief that says I am God who delights in impoverishment! All means all. I have given you all things that pertain to godliness AND all things that pertain to life. I purpose to give you ALL things because I do not want you distracted from seeking the kingdom. Because you are a kingdom seeker I will sweep away lack, want, strife, contention and every challenge because I want your full and complete attention. So set your mind to the tasks ahead and know that I am coordinating and working in every situation of your life. I am with you says the Father. I am working in you and through you. It is a NEW day – a day of highest heart’s desire and greatest dream fulfilled. Are you ready? Let’s get started then…

The Father Says Today: April 27th, 2015

The Father Says Today: April 26th, 2015

The Father says today that I am raising up a relevant prophetic generation. You are a part of this and you have your place in My kingdom as a prophetic person. You are drawn to the prophetic because you ARE prophetic. My gospel is a gospel that must arise from that which you have seen and heard. You have seen the prophetic. You have heard the prophetic. The prophetic has molded and shaped your life. Your gifting and My anointing in your life flows in the release of My voice in you and through you. Your commissioning is to set others free and to walk in freedom yourself. This is a question that should be put to rest in your life says the Father. From out of My mercy I am releasing a word through you that will redefine what it means to hear My voice and to share what I hear for your benefit and the benefit of others.

So look to see this day says the Father. Listen to hear. Sense to feel. I will cause you to experience the seer anointing and to hear the very subtle nuance of what I am saying and doing. Remember that being prophetic is not about seeing through the eyes of the accuser but through the filter of the cross and My unconditional love. Your dreams are going to transition from personal direction to night visions revealing the principalities and powers operating around you. Your priorities will shift according to the deeper reality being made known to you even in the night seasons. Say to your ears “hear” and to your eyes “be opened”. Take what you receive and make it life and breath and encouragement to others. This is your assignment and your ministry portion says the Father.

The Father Says Today: April 26th, 2015

The Father Says Today: April 25th, 2015

The Father says today turn a deaf ear to the accuser. Your affirmation comes from Me and not from what others think or what they do. My favor is upon you says the Father. My favor is a shield that protects and safeguards you in every area of your life. Your blessing and promotion is not based on your intelligence or doing everything right. I am the God who makes you prosper even in the midst of mistakes and errors and miscalculations. If others look down on you or don’t take you seriously they are not discounting you they are discounting themselves from the things I have purposed to do in your life.

Take the accusations against you and make them a point of ascension in your life. Refuse to be distracted by your critics. Instead of responding to what they are saying respond to what I am saying. See yourself as I see you. Believe what I say about you and not what others or what circumstances says about you. You will either believe and respond to what I say of you or what others say but you can’t do both. You cannot honor God and fear man. Turn to me and I will turn to you with an avalanche of blessing. Be bold enough and determined enough to take a risk and move forward believing that I am with you and will not leave you or forsake you. I will bring you to promotion and My plan for you will come to fruition and fulfillment even as you have asked.

The Father Says Today: April 25th, 2015

Morning Light - April 24th, 2015: Redeemed at the Gate!

Morning Light – April 24th, 2015

Today: [Ruth Chapter Four]: Redeemed at the Gate! In this chapter Boaz convenes a court at the gates of the city to arrange for his marriage to Ruth. There is another person who has a closer claim upon Ruth. However this person who was willing to increase himself by her inheritance was not willing to mar his legacy with her Moabite blood. Boaz however publically accepts Ruth and bears the reproach of her birth to win her as a bride to himself just as Jesus accepts our reproach for the joy of sharing a bridegroom/bride relationship with us.

Morning Light - April 24th, 2015: Redeemed at the Gate!

The Father Says Today: April 24th, 2015

The Father says today that there are things being poured out upon you now to establish and strengthen you in My personal purposes for your life. I am changing your perspective and giving you a view of the spiritual geography of the coming months. It is an important time for Me and therefore important time for you. It is a new season for Me and therefore a new season for you. The song of the redeemed is about to be released in a new way. It is a song with a message. I am setting the table – even an apostolic table of authority in the earth. The baton must be passed and you must come up higher. You must come along side those I have called you to come along side with. I will cause what is upon them to be upon you and you will walk in a new flow and anointing.

I am bringing forth a blending of the streams. There will be a joy once again in the House of the Lord – even My body where all men are received and loved and forever changed. Teaching and equipping will take place. Training will be needed and training will be provided. Set aside time and make the sacrifice to get it done. Do not allow yourself to be distracted. There is a new stirring and a new awakening. A new call has been issued and here they come – some are coming one by one others are coming in whole groups all choosing to migrate where ground zero of My glory can be found. Now it is time for the planting to become reaping and reaping to become ruling and reigning even in the mountain of media and the modern marketplace that the enemy has tried to shut My people out of. They will be taught and equipped and find out what true family means for they will be received. You will never be pushed away – you will be forever changed.

The Father Says Today: April 24th, 2015

Morning Light - April 23rd, 2015: Jesus is Your Boaz

Morning Light – April 23rd, 2015

Today: [Ruth Chapter Three]: Jesus is Your Boaz! In this chapter Naomi instructs Ruth how to approach Boaz in the hopes that Boaz will accept responsibility for her as a near kinsman. Ruth finds him at the threshingfloor and lies down next to him as a symbolic act of inviting him to exercise the right of kinsman redeemer. It was a bold thing for Ruth to do because Boaz could have rejected her – even had her punished for being so brazen. She was after all a Moabite – an enemy of God’s people. This interaction is a type of the presumptive intimacy that God wants us to initiate with Him. We are not to be timid in our approach to God but very bold for in so doing we secure for ourselves the betrothal of the bride!

[Rth 3:1-18 KJV] 1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? 2 And now [is] not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor. 3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: [but] make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking. 4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do. 5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.

Noami is a widow whose husband Elimelech dies in Moab after sojourning there from Israel. Consequently her two sons die there as well leaving both of her daughters-in-law widows as well. She prevails on her Moabite daughters-in-law to return to their people but Ruth refuses. When Ruth returns to Bethlehemjudah with Naomi they are impoverished. She goes out to glean in the fields to forage for food. She just so happens to choose the fields of Boaz who unknown to her is her near kinsman by marriage through her deceased husband. Boaz notices her and instructs his workmen to be kind to her. She is allowed also to eat and drink with the workers whereupon Boaz explains to her that he has heard of her kindness and devotion to Naomi and he wants to recompense her for choosing to remain supportive of her mother-in-law.

Here we see the type and shadow of the church’s relationship to Israel. Naomi is a type of the nation of Israel and the Jewish people as a whole. Without Naomi, Ruth would have no hope of finding a man like Boaz to take the place of her deceased husband. Boaz is a type of Christ to the lost soul. Through the Jewish nation God brought Jesus to us just as He used Naomi to bring Boaz to Ruth. Boaz favors Ruth because she is devoted and supportive of Naomi. He chooses us because we remember the nation of Israel and love and support them. Though the nation of Israel rejects Christ and consequently colluded in His crucifixion there were among them a remnant who waited on the consolation of Israel and believed that He was the Messiah. Israel is our Naomi. We are blessed as faithful Abraham through Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:29). In the Psalms we are exhorted regarding Israel and the city of Jerusalem itself:

[Psa 122:6] Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

In praying for the peace of Jerusalem and being supportive of the Jewish people that is not to say we agree with everything Israel does. Religious intolerance in Israel runs as strong against Christians as it does against Islamic people. We personally know of Christian missionaries who have been expelled from Israel. The Jewish people as a whole largely reject Christ altogether. Just because someone is Jewish does not mean they get a pass on whether or not they must accept Jesus as their savior. I have heard prominent and well known ministers claim that being Jewish is equivalent to being born again. This is absolutely untrue. Sooner or later the Jewish people either as individuals or as a nation must come to grips with the claims of Christ and face the consequences of their decision. In the meantime we love them and honor them and advocate for them as the means by which God chose in a natural bloodline to bring Jesus into the world. Judaism is to Christianity what Naomi was to Ruth. As Naomi brought Boaz into Ruth’s life so Judaism brought Jesus into the world and we bless them for it.

When Ruth returns from gleaning in the fields of Boaz she doesn’t realize yet that Boaz is her near kinsman. She tells Naomi and instantly Naomi knows that God is at work. In the law when a kinsman dies without children the near kinsmen was obligated to marry the widow as a second wife and raise up children to his brother. Now by this time in Israel is not so much a command as it was a suggestion or an option. However Naomi see the possibility that God is working to save the family from the ruin they had come to after loosing everything in Moab. God will not leave you where you are. If you are in a hopeless position the most important thing you can do is listen to God and do what He says. Naomi was somewhat fatalistic in the beginning but Ruth is not a person to sit idly by waiting on something to change. She is a woman of action. She goes out and does back breaking work, setting aside her pride and even her grief as a widow to glean in the fields.

The harvest here is the early or barley harvest. It is associated with the first fruits. When Jesus died and rose again it was also the time of the Barley harvest. When Jesus came out of the tomb and stood talking with Mary the High Priest at that very moment was waving two Barley sheaves as a celebration of the feast of first fruits. This also corresponded to the season that God brought Boaz and Ruth together. It tells us that in the heart of God He is bringing together a bride and a bridegroom. It is not late harvest. There are not other priority. God wants intimacy with us and with His people as a whole and is working to make it happen both individually and corporately to bring about the consummation of the plan of salvation in Christ.

Naomi gives instructions to Ruth that apply to us as well. Our bridegroom awaits at the threshing floor. Ruth is to:

1. Wash herself: (Eph. 5:26 … by the washing of the word).
   


2. 
   

   Anoint herself: (1 John 2:27 … the anointing of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit)

   
   


3. 
   

   Go to the Threshingfloor: (John 4:35 … go into the harvest).

   
   

Notice that Naomi didn’t tell Ruth to go the synagogue. He told her to go into the harvest. If you are looking for Jesus in your life and your community go find the threshingfloor. Go out into the harvest. You will find Him in the harvest. This is the Matt. 6:33 dynamic. If you seek first the kingdom all these things will be added. She went out to the harvest and found the man who eventually became all that she ever longed for. We tend to see intimacy with God as arising from a sequestered, mystical and solitary experience. The exact opposite is true. Go and find Him in the harvest. We are all market place ministers. We are all called to go into the harvest fields of public life and listen to the Holy Spirit as he makes us laborers in the harvest.

6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her. 7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down. 8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. 9 And he said, Who [art] thou? And she answered, I [am] Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou [art] a near kinsman. 10 And he said, Blessed [be] thou of the LORD, my daughter: [for] thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou [art] a virtuous woman.

Let us see here the boldness of Ruth. She could have been rejected by Boaz. She was a widow and a foreigner. He could have rejected her and publicly shamed her. He could have accused her and brought about her death. She is a type of the believer who is not timid or hesitant in their relationship with God. The writer of Hebrews says:

[Heb 4:16 KJV] 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The boldness was not in openly demanding Boaz to meet her need but rather Ruth’s boldness was an act of presumptive intimacy. The wording here is quite delicate. She uncovered his feet and lay down. She asks him to further cover her with his skirt. This was a symbolic act of betrothal in a public place where the eyes of others were watching. Boaz was apparently a much older man for he remarks that she shows him favor in not choosing one of the young men resting nearby. Let us take our example from Ruth and come toward our Lord and Master Jesus Christ in a presumptive overture of intimacy and personal relationship. God would rather you presume upon His goodness than assume His austerity and aloofness. If you are presumptuous let it be in intimacy and relationship with the Lord.

12 And now it is true that I [am thy] near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. 13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, [that] if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, [as] the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning. 14 And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor. 15 Also he said, Bring the vail that [thou hast] upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six [measures] of barley, and laid [it] on her: and she went into the city. 16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who [art] thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her. 17 And she said, These six [measures] of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law. 18 Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

The intentions now between Boaz and Ruth are established. They intend to become man and wife but there is another claim to her. Another man is closer to her than Boaz. What about us? When we come to Jesus and desire to be close to Him and enter into relationship to Him we find that there is another legal claim. When Adam and Eve yielded to Satan they entered into a familial covenant with the serpent. That is why Jesus referred to others four times in the gospels as a generation of vipers. When we come to Christ we are closer in kinship to Satan himself than we are to God. We must be born again. There is a teaching going around today that everyone will be saved whether they accept Jesus as savior or not. This teaching (called Universalism, Ultimate Reconciliation, etc.) has many accompanying themes such as hell doesn’t really exist other than as a metaphor, or the teaching that you may go to hell if you don’t accept Jesus but He won’t allow you to stay there. If any such teachings are true then they negate the need of a savior. There is an accusation against the character of God is such teachings suggesting that the cross, hell and the need of salvation arises from some nuance of character in God not in any true and broken condition that can only be resolved by the shed blood of Calvary.

There is another that has legitimate claim to Ruth. This is a type of Satan himself. He had a claim to the lost that was established in the covenantal transaction between Satan and Adam and Eve. We are born enemies of God. We are aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel. We are a generation of vipers. We need a Savior. But Jesus like Boaz is willing to bear our reproach. Boaz could have easily said “no – you belong to another…” In choosing to get involved Boaz brings reproach on himself just as Jesus chose to bear our reproaches and bring us to Himself as a spotless bride.

Morning Light - April 23rd, 2015: Jesus is Your Boaz

The Father Says Today: April 23rd, 2015

The Father says today I choose you. Because I have time you have time. Look not at the days, weeks, months or years. Look at eternity. I am stepping back through time even the days of your past to shorten the time between your struggle and your breakthrough. You will say “that isn’t how I remember it…” For in fact I am God of eternity and I can do anything I want any time I want and I don’t have to check with anyone. No longer listen to the illegitimate authority of dead religion. Come out to Me. Suffer with Me outside the camp. Come OUT – come ALL THE WAY OUT for I am about to be avenged upon all that which exists outside of My grace and mercy and blessing. I will wait no longer. I will hesitate no longer. Come under the shadow of My wings and be shelter till the scourge on the enemy’s ranks is overpast.

You are among those that will be left standing says the Father. You will be of the herald company, those that are crying “the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ…” I choose you. I choose you because I choose the foolish things of the world to confound those things that are mighty. No longer any need to curry the favor of those who fancy themselves wise and strong and capable. Their wisdom and their strength excludes them. Your vulnerability and humility includes you. I will not leave you out. Align yourself with Me. Refuse to listen to your critics. They don’t GET IT … they never have and they never will. Enter into My purposes and know that your portion awaits you. Your provision and your miracle and your promise is emerging and manifesting now. This is your now time!

The Father Says Today: April 23rd, 2015

Morning Light - April 22nd, 2015: Gleaning in the Fields of Boaz (Audio)

Today: [Ruth Chapter Two]: Gleaning in the Fields of Boaz. In this chapter Ruth meets Boaz. She goes out to glean a few grains of wheat for herself and her mother-in-law Naomi. They are hungry and in need. Ruth was not a person to sit back and wait for the answer to come to her. She took action even though she didn’t have all the answers for her life. Many times we are in need and cry out to God. We also must be willing to step out with incomplete answers in the absence of full instruction from God. Ruth didn’t know the field she gleaned in was that of her future spouse. She was just doing what she could to address the needs in her life and the lives of those she cared about. If she had waited nothing would have happened. You have to take action. What God has already said to you is much greater than what you are waiting for Him to say and do further in your life. We must learn as Ruth did to take action and trust God for breakthrough in the midst of our efforts.

[Rth 2:1-23 KJV] 1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name [was] Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after [him] in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. 3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field [belonging] unto Boaz, who [was] of the kindred of Elimelech. 4 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD [be] with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. 5 Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel [is] this? 6 And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It [is] the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: 7 And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

Who was Boaz, other than a kinsman to Naomi? Jewish source say that Boaz was the man identified as Izban who judged Israel seven years after Jephthah. We know he was significant because he is described as a mighty man of great wealth. The book of Ruth is often read during Shavuot because it is a harvest festival and the events of Ruth take place during the time of harvest. The harvest for us is a metaphor of the “kairos” timing of God. There are two understandings of time in the things of God. There is “chronos” time which is linear time on the clock. Then there is kairos time which is described in the bible as the fullness of time. This is when God brings one season to a close and begins another. There is always a reaping of that which is sown during this time. Things which you have waited upon God for are brought to fruition and harvest in God’s fullness or kairos timing.

Ruth meets Boaz during the barley or early harvest. When the bible speaks of early and latter rain it refers as well to barley (early) or wheat (later) harvest. Who is Jesus to you in all of this? You will know you are in the kairos timing of God when He becomes a Boaz to you. During the harvest Boaz pays more attention to Ruth than he does the business of harvest. He instructs his workers to leave extra handfuls of grain for her. He gives her permission to drink from the vessels of water for the workers. He admonishes the workers not to harass her in any way. There are times that God deals with you as a Father. Other times He will deal with you as your kinsman redeemer showing you unusual favor for the purpose of blessing what you put your hand to.

In the parable of the sower (Matt. 13:39) Jesus identifies the reapers as angels gathering in the harvest. The interaction of Boaz as Lord of the Harvest with the works is a figure of the relationship of the Lord with the angels assigned to our life. Boaz doesn’t at first talk to Ruth directly. First he gets a report from the angels that are working in proximity to Ruth. He wants to know what they say of her and what their opinion is of her. All of us are surrounded by angels. Angels are there as a ministers of God for our good (Heb. 1:7; Psa. 104:4). What is your angel saying about you? Matt. 18:10 tells us that the angels assigned to you always behold the face of the Father. What are they doing? They are talking about you. They are giving a report that God responds to.

8 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: 9 [Let] thine eyes [be] on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of [that] which the young men have drawn. 10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I [am] a stranger? 11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and [how] thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. 12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

What was Ruth supposed to hear? Boaz didn’t want Ruth gleaning in fields other than his. He wanted Ruth to know that the workers had a good report concerning her. He wants us to know that the angels are there working for our good – to give the good report concerning us.

Why was Ruth allowed to glean in Boaz’ fields in the first place? In Moses’ law in the time of harvest they were not allowed to cut the corners of the field or to gather every single grain. This was for the sake of the poor. Care and generosity toward the needy is a strong theme of the book of Ruth. If Boaz didn’t care for the poor he wouldn’t have met Ruth. Remember that when you give to the poor you are making a loan to the Lord (Prov. 19:17). In Boaz’ life the repayment came in bringing his future wife into his life. Many people come to us for prayer desiring a spouse, or some other great need of their lives to be met. If Boaz asked for prayer or consulted a prophet he would have been instructed that what he made happen for others God would make happen for you. What are you doing for others? Are you absorbed only with yourself? What you are crying out to God for will be arranged for in your life as you become OTHER’S ORIENTED and pour out your resources to meet their need.

13 Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens. 14 And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched [corn], and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left. 15 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: 16 And let fall also [some] of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave [them], that she may glean [them], and rebuke her not.

Boaz instructs the workers to be kind to Ruth. He invites her to drink from their vessels of water. He allows her to eat the food prepared for the workers. Do you see what this suggests? If as Jesus said the angels are the reapers – it is an invitation to us to be sustained and maintained in our strength with the same resources that God makes available to angels. In 1 Kings 14:4-9 Elijah literally ate angel’s food and went for 40 days without eating. What was the condition Boaz put upon Ruth for this blessing? She was not to glean in someone else’s field but only in his fields. In your needs are you looking only to the Lord and what he leaves for you in the corner of His fields? Or are you resorting to other resources that don’t arise from what God has chosen for you? Boaz was calling upon Ruth for a commitment. Be satisfied with what he had for her. To willingly restrict herself to only the things that Boaz a type of Christ had for her in life. If she had chosen otherwise Boaz may not have chosen her to be his future spouse.

When Ruth agrees to this commitment the reapers (angels) receive a further instruction – leave more for Ruth to gather. How many of us cry out to God for more? We want more of Him, more blessing, more breakthrough. It will come by the hand of the angels assigned to us. It will come as we make a commitment to restrict our pursuits and our fidelities to God alone and not to stray into the temptations of what the enemy entices us with. What does this mean for you? You will know in the moment you are tempted. Make a choice to stay faithful to God in the time of your need and your hunger. Notice also that there was work involved. Ruth was doing what no doubt was backbreaking work at the end of the day. She was not laying up in the shade a Naomi’s house waiting for the workers to bring the grain to her. The angels of God work in our behalf – but we are to work alongside them. How can you do that? By applying yourself to tasks that would be unfruitful unless God sends the angels to assist. The kingdom doesn’t come with observation. If Ruth just stayed behind without a mind to work and put forth effort she would never have met Boaz.

17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley. 18 And she took [it] up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed. 19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s name with whom I wrought to day [is] Boaz. 20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed [be] he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man [is] near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. 21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest. 22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, [It is] good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field. 23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

Ruth did not initially go out to find the field of a near kinsman. Naomi sees this as the sovereignty of God. Ruth did not have full information. When we are in need we tend to require full information and instruction before we will put forth effort. We ask the question “what does God want me to do” or “what is God’s will for our lives”. It is fine to ask the question but waiting on an answer is not a substitute for going out and getting to work applying yourself in the direction that meets your need. Act now. Take action. Go do something and trust that in the end God will be made known in the process. If Ruth refused to go until she had more information she would have never met Boaz. Boaz is a type of Christ and a relationship to God where deep favor and blessing are found. We cry out for this all the time. It will not come until we become people of action even at those times that we don’t have all the answers.

Morning Light - April 22nd, 2015: Gleaning in the Fields of Boaz (Audio)

The Father Says Today: April 22nd, 2015

The Father says today there are no bargain moves of the Spirit. They will cost you everything. Come to Me holding nothing back. Pour all out on the table restraining nothing. I will see to it that the FULL DIVIDENDS of the cross are paid into your life in resurrection power. Those that hold back and hesitate will have no part in what I am doing for this is a new day – this is a new day of no longer waiting and no longer wondering or wandering. You will KNOW and I will BE KNOWN in your midst. The mocker and the scoffer is excluded. I SAID the MOCKER and the SCOFFER is excluded. Leave them to Me. Press in to My glory.

Love without limits this day. You have asked for the limits to be taken off of what I am doing in your life. I say to you take the limits off of My love. No longer qualifying the release of your love to only those you find attractive and acceptable. No longer filtering My glory through the lens of limited thinking and judgmental attitudes. This is My NOW season. Can you take NOW for an answer? Now is your portion when you allow who I AM to be made evident in you. When you allow who I am to eclipse who you are and nothing is left to do but experience My glory. Enter in. Come out of the leeks and garlics of dead religious experience. Abandon the catharsis of empty emotionalism. Come into the authenticity of My glory. It is available to those who are yielded, surrendered and abandoned to My heart and My purposes.

The Father Says Today: April 22nd, 2015

Morning Light - April 21st, 2015: Ruth – the Story of a Redeemed Life

Today: [Ruth Chapter One]: Ruth – the Story of a Redeemed Life. In this chapter we see the beginning of the story of Ruth. Ruth was a foreigner born an enemy of God’s people. She suffers loss and chooses to remain loyal to Naomi her mother-in-law even though it means sojourning as a foreigner is Israel. As a result she becomes an ancestor of Jesus himself and great-grandmother of king David. For us looking back she is a type and shadow of our own soul coming to Christ and for the bride of Christ that Jesus takes to Himself.

Morning Light - April 21st, 2015: Ruth – the Story of a Redeemed Life

Morning Light - April 20th, 2015: Is God to Blame?

Today: [Judges Chapter Twenty-One]: Is God to Blame? The conclusion of the book of Judges.  In this chapter we find the tribe of Benjamin wiped out down to 600 remaining men. Unless wives are provided Benjamin will become extinct. The nation of Israel laments “Why did God let this happen” when in fact it was their own doing. There are times we will look to God and question why circumstances are as they are in our lives. In truth if we listened with greater care and humility we will find perhaps we as the people of Israel created our own problem. A sobering and thoughtful study as we conclude our inquiry into the book of Judges.

Morning Light - April 20th, 2015: Is God to Blame?

The Father Says Today: April 21st, 2015

The Father says today the catching up into My Spirit is a NOW as well as a FUTURE event. Be caught up into My mind and My Spirit and all those things that confuse and confound you will be made clear. I will strongly send My word into your heart and your mind. There will be confirmations in the heavens. There will be confirmations in the earth. There will be confirmations through the mouths of My prophets. The powerful release of My Spirit is unleashed TO you and IN you this day. Things are about to shift and change. It has begun already. It is different from what you have been doing and what you have been thinking and planning for. There are different people on their way into your life. Make room for them. Let go of unfruitful relationships so you can move forward.

There are documents about to be delivered upon you from the courts of heaven. They are signed. My seal is upon them. It is finished even though from your perspective it hasn’t begun. The decree of heaven has been issued. Your Lord and Master has spoken. The dunamis energy of My Spirit will now propel you forward. You will feel it physically and you will feel it in your inner man. You will see the impact of what I am doing in your life. Do not get distracted. Do not look to the right hand or to the left. I am using you where you are. There are others on their way to you. I am marrying the work of God in North America and the work of God in Western Europe. The mouths of My prophets and My apostles are being opened. They will be challenged to accept what they hear coming out of their own mouths. It’s a new day says the Father and I say unto you HASTEN INTO IT!

The Father Says Today: April 21st, 2015

The Father Says Today: April 20th, 2015

The Father says today I am bringing you to a new level of surrender. I am calling for a new level of surrender in My five-fold ministers and in My body. This is a work of deep calling to deep in this season. You will speak and things will shift. Continents will shift and MOVE at the words of My surrendered ones. Say what I say and do what I do. Always be found walking in love. Allow love to do it’s purifying work in you for in the absence of purity power is negated. There is no power outside of My love. Outside of love there is emptiness, frustration and fear. In My love you will say and do a thing and it will be as if I said it and I did it. In love all of heaven will UNDERWRITE the works of your hands.

I am prepared to walk with you according to My plan and My purpose. There will be a change and a shift in people’s hearts. The outcome will be people walking in unity whether they are in agreement or not. Focus on relationship and hearing Me and you will be on time and in season. You are ordained – I HAVE ORDAINED that you be one that is IN SEASON. Surely the promise is not to all but IT IS TO ALL who will come to a new place of surrender in Me says the Father. There will be those who will be left out for all they know is gnashing of teeth and railing and accusation. They are excluded. Do not meddle with them says the Father for the spirit of accusation will get on you and then you will not enjoy the fullness of that which I have set aside for you. Run to Me. Run to My purposes. Surrender afresh and anew. Now is the time. Now is the hour all the world has waited for.

The Father Says Today: April 20th, 2015

New Online Prophetic Classes Begin 4/29

NEW ONLINE PROPHETIC INTERNSHIP
CLASSES Begin 4/29!

Online Enrollment Now Open
New Course 1 Classes Begin APRIL 29TH

Note: You will be prophesied to by the whole class with your enrollment!

We want to invite you to activate the voice of God in your life. For those who have never taken a prophetic course before, or if you took a course but aren’t satisfied you learned everything you could then this prophetic activation course is for you! (This is the introductory course – there are advanced courses available to you later.)

This 12 week prophetic course begins April 29th and this is your invitation to learn the voice of God in a safe, hands on learning environment. The course is online therefore it comes to you in the convenience of your own home and you can work at your own pace.

Prophets Russ and Kitty Walden conduct this 12 week hands on prophetic internship with lessons, videos and activations to teach and train you how to hear from God for yourself and for others.

When you join the prophetic internship activation course you will be prophesied over by the entire class.

For 12 weeks you will receive powerful mentoring that will activate the voice of God in your own life. We work with you at your own pace and you will be able to move at your own pace as you learn “hands on” in a safe encouraging environment.

This course is not just for those who may be called to prophetic gifting or prophetic office. 1 Corinthians 14:32 says you may ALL prophesy! Therefore this course is for everyone who wants to become better acquainted with the Father’s voice. We have trained hundreds of men and women in the prophetic. Launching you in the gifts of God is central to our vision and purpose.

Remember:

When you join the internship your name will be submitted
to the entire group for prophetic ministry over your life.

You will receive many prophetic words and have the opportunity to give your feedback over each one.

The course is $150.00 and there are convenient payment options available here at the following links:

Sign-up with a one time donation of $150.00

Sign-Up with a 12 week $12.50 a week subscription

You will receive a welcome e-mail, access to an exclusive prophetic forum and a weekly e-mail, downloadable PDF’s and 12 videos in return for your sign-up.

Note:If you would like to mail in your donation for the course you may do so at:

Father’s Heart Ministry
P.O. Box 14103
Springfield, MO 65814

God bless you! It is our privilege to train you to hear the Fathers voice!

New Online Prophetic Classes Begin 4/29

The Father Says Today: April 19th, 2015

The Father says today you are seated in the heavenlies with Me. When you pray “Hear O Heavens and Hear O Earth” you are equally addressing that which I have placed WITHIN you – in your inner man. By My heavens WITHIN YOU I sustain and maintain your earth, your heart and your life. You are My handiwork. You are the work of God. My work does not judge or criticize. You will not be governed by outward judgments from this time forward. You will now be led by My Spirit like never before. You are being led by My Spirit into the indescribable fullness of who I AM and what I AM on the inside of you. Fear not says the Father – IT IS I!

Open your mouth by the Spirit and say to your soul “believest thou this?” Behold the covenant with death is disannulled and the Spirit of Life has come. Receive that life as the bubbling spring of who I AM on the inside of you. As the new heavens to come even so on the inside of you the environment of heaven is flowing and coming forth. This is the resurrection NOW that will be in fullness THEN. This is the beauty of holiness says the Father. Tell your mind to accept the recovery of that MIND that was in the beginning with God to cause you to know and remember that before you were born you were in fact without blame before Me in love. So Beloved – be loved. Be accepted. Embrace My approval and live in pursuit of My perfection in your life for that is My purpose and My plan and your destiny.

The Father Says Today: April 19th, 2015

The Father Says Today: April 18th, 2015

The Father says today make a choice to walk in audacious and bold faith. Go out in your day and overcome the enemy with your freshness. Make a determination to walk on the water knowing that you will not falter or fail. I do not delight in timidity or small vision. There is nothing spiritual about burying your talent that I have given you in the sand. I delight when you push past the boundaries that men would set for you. I delight when you PRESUME ahead of time that I will be found faithful in your behalf. I know you can err Beloved, but if you have to choose between unbelief and presumption choose presumption. I would rather you make a presumption of My goodness than to assume that I am not with you in the fight.

Overcome negativity with My joy. Do not relinquish the joy that I have given you – for it will sustain and maintain you till Shiloh come. Terminate the lines of communication with the negative. Open up wide your heart to receive the full bandwidth of My goodness and favor. My favor in you will vouch safe your vision and your expectations before Me. You ARE the object of My favor. My goodness DOES rest upon you this day. I will NEVER change My mind about you Beloved for upon you I have fixed My purposes and because I will not be denied even so YOU will not be denied says your Father.

The Father Says Today: April 18th, 2015

Morning Light - April 17th, 2015: Be Careful What You Ask God For (Audio)

Today: [Judges Chapter Twenty]: Be Careful What You Ask God For. In this chapter the tribes of Israel ask God for permission to go to war. He gives them leave to do so yet they are defeated just the same. Jesus said “ask what ye will…” Because most Christians presume God is reluctant to answer they pepper him with constant requests in the hopes that one will stick and they will get something they might want or think they need. The truth of the matter is that God is a covenant keeping God. He will give you EXACTLY what you ask for because He MADE A COVENANT to do so. In the end things may not work out as planned. We will see in this chapter that we should approach God will yieldedness and humility to find the plan that is pleasing to Him for our next step in the midst of a crisis.

The Father Says Today: April 17th, 2015

The Father says today put your trust in Me and not in your own natural abilities. It is not possible to do the work of My Spirit in the power of the flesh. If you try to use your natural talents, skills and ability to influence the circumstance, you WILL get in over your head. Go low and worship. Let the law of kindness be in your mouth. Let the wisdom that is in you be peaceable and easy to be entreated. Do not return accusation against those who have disparaged and maligned you. Be still and know. Stand not in your own confidence. Your confidence will fail and be shattered but My love never fails. Stand in My love. Put your expectations upon Me and not upon man.

Put your hand to the plow of My purposes and don’t look back. The only life that past hurts and offences have is the life you give them. Refuse to live in the past. Refuse to see others through the perspective past failures. People change. You have changed. You are not the same person you were neither are your enemies. Some have gotten worse – others have repented. Don’t require your pound of flesh by saying “I will believe it when I see it…” Leave them to Me. Keep walking in love. This is where it gets personal. Will you follow Me through this territory? Or will you react and lose your way in the wilderness of offense and wounding? Take My hand. Allow Me to be the voice over your shoulder that says “this is the way walk ye in it…” You will come out of this season into a place of promotion without even the stink of the sewage of the past upon your person!

The Father Says Today: April 17th, 2015

Morning Light - April 16th, 2015: When Insensitivity Leads to Travesty (Audio)

Today: [Judges Chapter Nineteen]: When Insensitivity Leads to Travesty. In going through the bible chapter by chapter you don’t have the luxury of bypassing uncomfortable passages as is so common in our pulpits today. In this passage a Levite, a man of God purchases to himself a sexual slave who is later gang raped in the city of Gibeah. As a result the man dismembers her unconscious body and sends the pieces to the tribes of Israel to provoke a civil war. In all of this the social commentary is that “every man did what was right in his own eyes…” This is much the character of the world today. Is there a higher ethic than personal choice or individual liberty. In this chapter we will consider these thoughts as we study the very uncomfortable narrative of the Levite and his concubine.

The Father Says Today: April 16th, 2015

The Father says today this is a time to praise and not to panic. Examine your responses to life’s challenges today. Know that whatever is going on in your life it didn’t catch Me by surprise. Beloved, I am not pacing before the throne wringing My hands wondering how I am going to get you out of the mess you are in. If I am for you then WHO can be against you? What makes others this tremble in fear should cause you to simply shrug your shoulders and remark glibly “if God is for me who can be against me?” I am for you says the Father. There are those with religious mentalities who are so clueless that they rather suggest that I am actually the one “doing it” to you. Makes you wonder what bible they have been reading does it not?

I am for you says the Father. Know that I am for you. I am with you says the Father. Know that I am with you. You will come out of this and every other challenge in life just as the Israelites did – laden down with the spoils of the enemy. I don’t do things in small ways – I am a big God and I work BIG miracles in CONSPICOUS WAYS that make it abundantly clear that YOU are the object of My favor and the recipient of My affection. So sit down, take a breath and just know how much I love you. There are days that you will feel overwhelmed this is true. When you feel that coming on you just kneel down and kiss the hand of the One who loves you. I am working behind the scenes even if it doesn’t look like it. When you feel like you are falling short know this that the enemy is way more depressed, weary, tired and frustrated than you are. He just doesn’t get why I don’t let him loose on you – but the enemy just like those with religious mentality don’t understand that I love you, I favor you and guess what beloved? You win!

The Father Says Today: April 16th, 2015