Ephesians

Seated in the Heavenlies

The-throne-of-graceImage credit testimoniesofhisgoodness.wordpress.com

Jeanne here.  Last June (2021) I had a strong leading from Holy Spirit to learn what it means to be seated with Christ in the heavenly places.  Over the course of the next 7 months, the topic was brought to my mind many, many times.  But I never sat down and studied it out.

God (in his mercy) did not wait until I got around to studying it.  After work last night, I was making supper (tater tot hotdish – shout-out to my Minnesota readers!) Pandora was playing a contemporary Christian song that I’ve heard dozens of times before.  Suddenly I was struck with powerful revelation… it’s hard to put the experience into words. I stood in my kitchen weeping, and when I had pulled myself together, I grabbed the nearest piece of paper – a grocery list – and wrote down what I suddenly knew:

We are seated on the mercy seat with Jesus.  We can extend his mercy, grace, and forgiveness to our fellow humans.  We can exercise his authority over the demonic.  We can calm the storm and move the mountain.  We can heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons.  IT IS FINISHED.

Yesterday morning I believed all these things were true because God’s word says so. But now I know they are true in every cell of my body.  There’s nothing left to wait for.  It’s time for us, if we call ourselves followers of Jesus, do what he told us to do.  He gave us everything we need.  We are seated in the heavenly realms with Christ Jesus. As the Father sent Jesus, now Jesus sends us.  We are sent to preach the kingdom of God and to take back all the ground that the enemy has stolen. 

We are simultaneously seated in the heavenly realm with Jesus and walking this earth in physical bodies.  We must do the work of Jesus, to carry out his will and enforce his decrees, because we – believers -- are the only body he has on earth now.  We must preach the gospel.  We must comfort the brokenhearted. We must declare freedom from darkness for those bound by the chains of deception. We must bind every lying spirit of suicide, depression, anxiety, lost identity, and fear.  We must loose the Spirit of love, mercy, and forgiveness.  We have been given the ministry of reconciliation, not just a cessation of hostility, but rather bringing people back into an intimate relationship with the God who created them and has loved them from the beginning of time.

There is much talk these days of the end times.  In Matthew chapters 24 and 25 Jesus talks about the signs of his return, and also what he expects of us in the meantime.  He repeatedly warns us to be ready.  If you knew Jesus was coming next week, what would you do?  If you knew Jesus was coming in a year, what would you do?  It seems many of us, including myself, have been concerned with all sorts of things that won’t matter a bit when Jesus returns.  I am haunted by Luke 18:8: Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?

The conflict between the kingdom of God and the powers of darkness is not some spectator sport.  There is no point in sitting on the sidelines, cheering for good and decrying evil. That’s not what Jesus meant when he told us to announce the kingdom, heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons.  We aren’t seated in the heavenlies with him so we can have a better view of the game!

There is a fire in me that wasn’t there yesterday, and I pray it lights you up too.  One of my former instructors says, “Don’t worry about what people will think if you don’t get it exactly right. If you’re on fire for Jesus, they’ll come watch you burn.”  I pray Holy Spirit fire falls on everyone who reads this.  I pray that wisdom, discernment, and above all the incomprehensible love of God fills your hearts and minds.

I’d love you to share in the comments what you would do differently if you knew Jesus was coming on a particular day in the near future, or what it means to you to be seated in the heavenly realms with him. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.


The Spirit of Suicide

Ephesians 6 12This past week I felt so honored to be a guest on a number of radio shows that aired across the world. Humbled and truly honored and so thankful.

What was interesting to me is how diverse the interviews turned out to be. Although we were discussing virtually the same topic, wow, did the questions and content change from one interview to the next.

By the way, I’m always nervous.

Anyhoo, I recall thinking to myself during a few of these interviews and sharing with the host that one of the biggest areas of growth for me in my faith walk was discovering who my enemy is and how he operates. Up until my March Around Jericho, I was clueless about the demonic realm and therefore completely vulnerable to a significant amount of activity the devil meant to destroy me, my marriage and all that I love.

Today, let’s have a look at the demonic realm and shed some light, light that will devastate that realm. What’s interesting to me is that 1/3 of the ministry of Jesus was in this area. He continually delivered people from evil spirits. Just read through the Gospels and grasp how Jesus demonstrated deliverance and remember His words to us as disciples:

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. —Matthew 10:8

This is our mandate as believers!

I’ve written about our enemy, his game plan, and how we step out of his control in the book. Please, please read it. Page 91.

But today, I’m sensing the Lord asking me to write about what I know about a specific demonic spirit that afflicts so many and is increasing right now in our culture.

Let me ask you a question. Have you ever been driving in your car and feel an overwhelming feeling in your mind that you want to crash your car into a block wall?

Well let me tell you that you aren’t alone. In fact, millions of people have felt this way. In fact, years ago when I was learning about the enemy and his tactics, I was researching about the spirit of Death, Spirit of Cain, and the spirit of Suicide. I did some research and reading and this very question was asked of me. I’d never had this thought, but I decided to ask my then, teenaged daughter this question.

“Ya, mom, I have.”

I immediately shared with her that this was a spirit speaking to her. I explained, if you even one time, make an agreement in your mind that life isn’t worth living or you would be better off if you went on to heaven, you immediately gave the spirit of death a foot hold in your life. This is because you have entered into agreement with one of the three primary ministries of hell, kill, steal, destroy (John 10:10)

Yes, this doesn’t sound fair but I promise you my years of experience with this issue affirms it’s true. And getting rid of this spirit is very difficult. Until you hear and believe the truth about how this spirit works then recognize that you came into agreement with it, even if you don’t feel like cashing in your chips now, it has a legal right to remain and torment you with thoughts of death.

However, once you become aware, that spirit is weakened immediately. And all you must do is repent and come into agreement with Jesus who came to give us what????? Life and life abundantly (John 10:10) then you can command that spirit to leave and never return.

Finally, if it persists, you MUST persist and then get help with prayer if needed.

I asked my daughter a few years later about having these thoughts, “No mom, not once.”

Hallelujah.

Jesus freed people 2,000 years ago and He’s still doing it today. So, what do you think. This is hardcore teaching but as the church, we can’t remain ignorant of the devil’s schemes. So, what are your thoughts?


Why Am I Experiencing So Many Difficulties?

In the past couple of months, I’ve noticed something interesting occurring within Kingdom people. Many of God’s kids, who are growing in their faith, serving and even running ministries are being bombarded by troubles.

Oh trouble, trouble, trouble.
Go away!

WHY?

In our crazy and frantic and busy lives we don’t often contemplate how the enemy would like to destroy us. And how the demonic uses trouble to do so. We are just too busy and slow to recognize that things are running a muck. The car breaks down, our kids are in the midst of enormous struggles, our marriage peace is uneasy, we become ill, and we will drop our perspective. And finally begin to wonder, God, where are you?

Let me share some insight I pray will raise your awareness and compel you to dawn your armor and get back to basics.

Dawn armor of Ephesians 6 and return to the Word and to prayer. It’s always our best offense to be in strong relationship with our Father in heaven, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

This my retelling from a book I’m currently devouring, Defeating Dark Angels, by Charles Kraft. The particular chapter I’m perusing asserts that demons are involved in every kind of disruption. And they target, specifically, believers.

They are intent in destroying and tormenting believers so they don’t pray, doesn’t seek God, so that they will fall away from Him and be like the rest of them (lost)…

The demonic realm is purposeful to work in the mind. They inhabit unclean thoughts and create confusion. The speak falsehoods that throw believers into doubt, fear, anxiety and host of other dark emotions.

However… Tada!!

God in his brilliant rescue gave us the most powerful passage to defeat the demonic realm and specifically strongholds in our lives where they wield influence and power.

It is true, we live in a body of flesh. But we do not fight like people of the world. 4 We do not use those things to fight with that the world uses. We use the things God gives to fight with and they have power. Those things God gives to fight with destroy the strong-places of the devil. 5 We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ. —2 Corinthians 10: 3-5

This passage has taken on new life in my world. And a stronghold is being defeated as I take my temptations that – now get this – that begin in my mind. I take them captive and command them to go to Jesus.

Today, I pass along this empowerment through the Word of God. Literally say out loud, “I take that thought captive to Christ.”

The enemy hordes must obey when you remain persistent and consistent over time. And then the disruptions in your life calm as you move further into the atmosphere of heaven; peace, joy and righteousness.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. —Romans 14:17

I release victory over you today and stand in faith with you to be MORE THAN CONQUERORS!!!  Hallelujah.

Let me know if you are struggling in this area, I will pray for you. I love you my family of the Kingdom of God. Have a victorious day in His Presence. Hugs, Lynn

Romans 8 37


NOOOOOO, NOT THAT! But It Turned out SO Good!

My friends,

Walking through a season of warfare is NOT fun. However, I’ve arrived now at the Jordan River and am about to cross into the Promised Land. I don't fully comprehend how I know this but I sense God is changing things within the spiritual realm as I am preparing to step into a year of Jubilee. I share more about Jubilee at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. You can read that post series, click here to start.

But for me personally, I will pick up my story where I left you. White knuckled, clinging to God’s promises in His Word. It was at this point that I realized that God wanted me to just --- rest. ARGH!!! I don’t do – rest- well. I’m a do-er, kind-a-girl!

But I’m also learning obedience and so I rest. I stopped praying about new writing projects. I rested from church assignments, I stopped taking on any extra writing/speaking work and I rest. And now as we approach the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, I’ve come to learn that this entire year, 2014 has been the year of the Shmita. Say what? This entire year, is a year of rest. The 49th year according to God’s Word in Leviticus. It is a year of rest leading into the year of Jubilee.

But guess what I’ve learned in the resting? The promises of the Lord are being prepared. I’ve watched the Lord start to put people, events and circumstances into place that will come to full fruition within the next 6-8 weeks. I kid you not.

Let me give you an example. I’ve been praying for years. I mean years about getting my physical body back into shape. I’ve begged God. I’ve prayed for healing so many, many years. I’ve dieted and fasted and read a million books about healthy eating and creating a healthy life-style. To no avail. However, FINALLY in September I’m starting at a gym and with a new nutrition plan with an accountability partner. This is the only way I will succeed. And I can tell you that, YES, I will succeed. I’m on fire about this new plan and gym. My new training and the program begins, now get this, September 14. I didn’t even realize the date when I was working to get this all set up two months back.

I’ve also received some direction for my future writing. And another God set up is that my son and his wife are moving back to Las Vegas. This is all for the good for them and for us. These are all set ups for what God is preparing for me in the months of Jubilee.

I will tell you what I'm sensing the Jubilee year will hold for me personally, in my next post. And to discover what I believe Jubilee will hold for you, join the crowd reading the series at SUM.

For now, share with me what promise you have been praying into for a long time. I will pray along with you and let’s ask the Lord if it is destined for the redemption and restoration of Jubilee. I know that I will ask the Lord for specific insight and I will respond to you!

I love you my friends. It’s the greatest time to be alive since Jesus walked among us!!! Hallelujah!


The Reward Of Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 1 17For a number of years I have been drawn to the church of Ephesians. This church represents a church that has overcome. A church of victory and power.

There are so many passages I could write about and for the next few months, I will likely share what Jesus has been teaching me throughout this book. But today I’m living out of the result of years and years of praying and pursuing the reward of this one specific verse.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. —Ephesians 1:17 NIV

I could camp for weeks on the first chapter, but this verse in particular is proving true and powerful in my life.

It’s not often in the Word that we receive specific instructions on how or what to pray. The Lord’s Prayer comes to mind as an example. However in Ephesians, the apostle Paul, prays for us and leaves a powerful prayer we can emulate.

I began praying this passage with belief and conviction over myself several years ago. I would quote this verse and ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to dwell in me that I would know Him better. My friends, this prayer is a petition seeking the Spirit, a spirit of wisdom and revelation, the Holy Spirit. I began to perceive that this was a specific anointing of the Holy Spirit that came with prayer and petition.

In the last several weeks as we approach Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (Jewish New Year), I’m finally sensing the Spirit of God revealing His plans because I have travailed in prayer for months seeking revelation.

In order to understand the specifics of what I’m sensing now from Holy Spirit, I need to share a bit of background. For the past 18 months I have walked through some of the most intense spiritual warfare I have ever faced. My son and family moved in with us. Caring for an infant was a joy as a grandmother but often I was her full-time caregiver. It is grueling. Also, for the last half of 2014 I was ill every three to four weeks. A nasty cold, fever, the flu so bad I had to visit the doctor to help me gain control of the vomiting. I endured laryngitis, Planter’s Fasciitis, sinus infection and yada, yada, yada… Sheesh. I don’t want to remember all the illness. For six months, and my granddaughter was just as ill. Likely she brought it home from daycare. But after six months. Boom, it was over. For the both of us.

Additionally in this season, I walked through a major challenge in almost all of my very close relationships, family and friends, with the exception of my husband. These close relationships upheavals were not of my doing and every person who was involved has sense come to me with apology and reconciliation. I was so glad to receive, forgive and restore. God was beautiful in the midst of these challenges and the relationships are even better than before.

I was persecuted by other believers for reasons that didn’t make sense and my latest book proposal wasn’t picked up. (It needs some revisions and I will try again). It was the weirdest time of my life. A very difficult time of my life. It felt as though the oppression was relentless and daunting.

In warfare such as this, we must cling to that one “moment.” The moment of our personal encounter with God. An encounter that was so life-altering and real that it’s impossible to deny. My encounter was on October 12, 2012. I will write more about that later. But white knuckled clinging was my lifeline.

The warfare affected all of my relationships, my health, my career, my finances and faith. I don’t want to dwell on the attacks because the devil is a loser but this season was filled with confusion and pain. I even went through a season of great sadness which is NOT like me at all. I’m one of the happiest people I know. *grin*

It’s in a season like this that we can fall into confusion and doubt. But with my white knuckles clinging to hope in one hand and the Lord’s Word and promises in the other, I prayed this prayer with faith.

In my next post I will share with you the results of clinging to God in the confusion and pain. My friends, stay tuned because it’s worth the wait.