Word for 2018

ADVANCE!

“…You give me the strides of a giant, give me ankles that never weaken.” (Psalm 118:36). (NJB).

As I asked the Lord for a “word” for the New Year, 2018, He guided me to Psalm 18. Verse 36 stood out like never before!

“…You give me the strides of a giant, give me ankles that never weaken.”

The Holy Spirit enables us to take huge strides in our destiny walk with strong, stable ankles that never weaken; ankles that hold us and keep us steady as we move forward. The number 8 in the Bible is the number for new beginnings; there will be new victories, new breakthroughs, new open doors so that we can ADVANCE and establish His Kingdom in our ever-expanding spheres of influence. Let’s think big like God, and as we seek his kingdom first, everything we need will be supplied to fulfill His will. There are no limitations in the Kingdom!

“Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on God’s saving justice, and all these other things will be given you as well.” (Matthew 6:33).

After David was made king of Israel, in order to advance his kingdom he had to kick out the Jebusites out of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:6-10). The name Jebusite means “tresher.” The Jebusites stand for the evil spirits that makes you feel like a doormat, of being stepped upon and treated like dirt. It’s the spirit that operates through others when they make you feel small; when they put you down and humiliate you. This spirit causes depression, self-pity and discouragement. This Jebusite spirit is also a lying and mocking spirit (2 Samuel 5:6). It’s the enemy’s voice telling you that you can’t make it and that you can’t move forward. The Jebusites told David, referring to Jerusalem,

“You will not get in here. The blind and the lame will hold you off.” (v. 6).

Imagine! Telling the greatest warrior of the day that he would not be able to take on Jerusalem; that even the blind and the lame would stop him! The devil is a liar! Of course David kicked them out and after he did,

“David grew stronger and stronger, and Yahweh, God of Sabaoth, was with him.” (v.10).

Brothers and sisters, if you want to advance in your calling and destiny, you need to defeat the Jebusites by enforcing the victory of Calvary over them! The battle is in your mind. You need to silence the voice of the enemy with your God given authority and the high praises of God. The blood of Jesus is our victory! (Revelation 12:11). Don’t listen to the lies and the mockery of the enemy! You were created for greatness! You have God’s DNA and resurrection power in your belly! (Romans 8:14).

“Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7).

In 1988, the first time the Holy Spirit asked me to speak in the prayer group, I said “no.” I believed the lies of the devil that I was not a good speaker and that I couldn’t do it. The lies kept me paralyzed. However, the second time He asked me to speak, in faith and trusting that my Helper would give me the power to do it, I said “yes.” I haven’t stopped since!

“…Not by might and not by power, but by my spirit, says Yahweh Sabaoth.”

Are you proclaiming the gospel to others? Are you healing the sick? Are you setting the captives free? Are you casting out evil spirits? If you are not, then you are stuck! This is normal Christian life! (Matthew 10:7-8).

If you are stuck in a pit of misery, paralyzed and not walking in your prophetic destiny; if you are discouraged and bound by self pity, recognize you are under attack! It’s time to enforce the victory of Calvary over the Jebusites! Rise up, decree and declare the truth of your redemption as you step over the enemy (Luke 10:19). Only when you keep the Jebusites under your feet will you be able to grow stronger and stronger! This is God’s plan for us! That we go from strength to strength, glory to glory! There are no limitations in the Spirit!

“…but you will receive the power of the Holy Spirit which will come on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judea and Samaria, and indeed to earth’s remotest end.” (Acts 1:8).

Today rise up and start taking the faith strides of a giant! You have strong ankles that never weaken! It’s time to ADVANCE!