As I was walking and praying the other day, I had a beautiful encounter with God.

I was praying about everything happening in America and in my own family and crying out to God for His promises and signs of His promise. As I prayed and walked, I had my hands held out with my palms facing up in a position of worship and surrender. Suddenly, and very clearly, I saw a rainbow. It went from the palm of one hand to the palm of the other. Then I heard God say, “Lisa, you carry the promise inside yourself.”

What a moment. I felt the affirmation of heaven pour over me like warm honey. I realized that I do indeed carry the promise, and so do you!

When we invite Jesus to be Lord of our lives, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit carries all the wisdom and promise of heaven, therefore, we carry that inside each of our hearts. What a grounding thought. Doesn’t that feel like a stabilizing thing to discover and acknowledge?

I believe so many of us are always searching for signs of God’s promise over our lives and the earth and, like me, we forget that it exists inside of us and it is secure. God’s promise doesn’t change. Sure, it may take longer to unfold than we would like. Yes, sometimes they unfold in a manner far different than we would imagine. But His plans stand firm and His promises through all generations.

Repeat that again, but let’s read it straight from scripture so we can also read the following verse…

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. Psalm 33:11-12

You see that last little jewel?

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…

One nation under God. That’s our foundation. Again, let’s remember this. Our original design as a country was to be set apart for Him. That is why we have been so very blessed. It’s time to call out for that blessing again and agree with God’s heart and plans for America.

Prayer Moment: God, I repent on behalf of America. I repent for abortion and godlessness. I repent for the sleeping church. God, keep me awake and alert so I can always partner with what You are doing and saying. You alone are our salvation. I will trust in You. I love You Lord. I surrender my whole life to You. Come and bless America. Rescue us from our muck and mire. Restore our land. Resurrect holiness and purity. Restore our value for life, both young and old. Renew our hearts to be grateful and hardworking, not entitled and lazy. Let Your breath of life blow across our great nation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:4-5

The other day while I was out exercising, I passed by some very tall grass, I felt my spirit begin to stir. This tall grass looked a lot like grain. Immediately, I heard, “America, America. God shed His grace on thee.” I kept hearing those words over and over. Then God said, “Listen Lisa, heaven is singing over America right now.”

What a breathtaking word and vision. I couldn’t deny the profound weight of this moment. I stopped and listened as I could suddenly see heaven releasing this song over America. My spirit felt solid and steady and peace flooded my heart.

Friends, God is here. He is singing over us even now. In the midst of turmoil, He is steady and full of grace. You can lean on the Unshakeable One.

Though the earth gives way, and the mountains fall into the sea, I will praise Him. As He shakes what can be shaken, so He can establish what cannot be shaken, I will trust Him.

Our season of grace has not ended. On the contrary, this unexpected encounter reinforced to my heart that we will walk out more grace. God is here.

God sees. All that is done in secret, He sees. He knows every heart and deception. He knows every spirit and He knows all truth. We can trust Him.

As you set out to start this day, I encourage you to stop and remember the One Who is steady. Remember that He loves America. He placed this country here to bring many freedoms to His people and to champion true freedom for others around the world. We’ve not lost that opportunity or purpose.

Pray. Pray like you mean it. Pray for our country. Pray and release blessings, not curses. We will win this battle.

Prayer Moment: God, thank You for giving me that encounter with You. Thank You for pouring out Your grace and mercy over America. Help us to continue to hold to and walk in that freedom. Give us grace for each other. Give us grace to hold fast to Your promises. Teach us Your ways that we might not sin against You. You are the faithful One, in Whom I trust. Be with us now and forevermore and establish Yourself among us. Champion those who stand for righteousness and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us, that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise You, O God, may all the peoples praise You. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise You, O God; may all the peoples praise You. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear Him. Psalm 67

Groundswell: A buildup of opinion or feeling in a large section of the population. A large or extensive swell in the sea.

We are in the middle of a groundswell. Well, two separate groundswells. Each, in stark contrast of the other. Two ways of thinking. Two sets of morals. Two very different hopes for the future. We are in a battle of groundswells.

Actually, a lot of what we are seeing is the result of a holy groundswell that has just begun. It is facing the anti-Christ groundswell that’s been attempting to gain ground for years.

It’s taken quite a bit of stirring for the counter groundswell to begin, but I’m just grateful that it has.

Let’s be clear as crystal…this is a spiritual battle. That’s why people are so divided. It’s not really a surprise. It’s also not a surprise that the original anti-Christ groundswell is so mad at the holy groundswell that’s begun. The anti-Christ spirit is ripe with rebellion and hates to be told no. That’s why we have riots and such berating, etc., it’s the equivalent of a toddler temper tantrum. The anti-Christ spirit is also full of hypocrisy and the inability to see that they are truly the side of “do as I say, not as I do”.

We’re not without our faults though. We have waited far too long to become engaged, and even as many of us are stirred into action, there remains a large portion that continually refuse to be involved out of some false sense of Christian duty. The body of Christ is not called to be weak, rather we are to be the weak made strong through Jesus Christ.

Recently, when considering all of this, God showed me that those who believe in Christ, yet still side with everything the anti-Christ spirit stands for, do so because they’ve been overcome by a deaf, dumb and blind spirit. Likewise, the non-believers are covered in the same spirit as they stand with those who desire their destruction. I believe that we must pray for this deaf, dumb and blind spirit to be broken. We must pray for spiritual eyes to be opened, ears unplugged and lies silenced. And that the spell will be broken, in Jesus’ name.

This is our time, let’s not shy away from it. Let’s stand for those who cannot stand for themselves, and those who are so blinded that they are willingly marching off to their own demise.

Prayer Moment: God, I pray that You would break the spell that has fallen upon so many people. It’s as if they have been bewitched, and God I know You are the only One Who can remove that from them. Come God and deliver us from the evil one. Restore holiness and true justice upon the earth. Restore sound minds and rational thinking. Restore reasoning and break off all manipulation in Jesus’ name. Let the only cloud we see, be the cloud of witnesses from heaven. I trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God Who fulfills His purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; God sends His love and His faithfulness. I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts- men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth. They spread a net for my feet- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path- but they have fallen into it themselves. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of You among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 57

God is doing something, that is for certain. He has made it clear to me that everything that is currently happening is either from heaven or allowed by heaven. Nothing is happening outside of God’s view and nothing is being allowed that He does not plan to use for His good. Rest assured He is firmly on the throne.

The other day I had a powerful vision. In this vision I saw a large boat on a stormy sea. On this boat I saw Jonah and as he was tossed into the sea, it calmed, just like the Bible tells us. Then God spoke to me, “One purpose of this season is to throw some Jonah’s out of the boat so they can fulfill their calling in Me.” Then as in a instance I saw many who have been comfortable and/or stubborn and have refused to be sensitive to the voice of the Lord in their lives because it felt too disruptive, risky, or flat out scary.

The season has changed and we need people in their proper positions. Sure, some will still resist, but many will not. I have personally witnessed so many lives in my circle that are in apparent upheaval or great change. My own life has had several Jonah moments lately, as we have followed God into some things that feel risky. Things I would have normally avoided. But God has made it clear that He is not in the business of making Himself smaller just so I can feel comfortable. Instead, He is calling me and maybe you, into far greater things. Things that force you to let go of pre-conceived notions and many of your “normal” activities, and into your calling for this hour.

I surrender, God. I am Yours.

Today I challenge you to search your heart. Have you been called to things that you are resisting? Are you beginning to realize that you’ve been dismissing thoughts and ideas that you feel are too risky, therefore you’ve been convinced they couldn’t possibly be from God? I can say from first-hand knowledge that much of my walk with Christ has involved risk…that’s where faith comes into play. The more I trust Him to guide and direct my life, the more I do things that I would never have dreamed, and the next time I face something, it gets easier. Then He leads me further. The growing never ends. God is infinite.

Prayer Moment: God, help me to be extra sensitive to Your leading during this season. Teach me Your ways. Help me to have the courage to step out wherever You lead me. I declare that I will trust You in all things. I receive Your blessings. Help me to continue to listen to and follow You in all things. Give me the courage this season requires. I am Yours in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Jonah 3:1-3

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27

The phenomenon of fact checkers in our Facebook world…and that is seemingly expanding to other locations in our lives…is so interesting. These fact checkers are clearly slanted toward a political side. It’s become very interesting how the cloud of deception has appeared to just grow and grow. We were warned of this deception.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20

I’ve also noticed that fact checkers never existed until the truth began to be exposed. When the light began to shine and truth began to be seen, the darkness rose up with a diversion to attempt to continue to cloud the minds of the people. These are strange days.

While the fact checks seem so obviously irrelevant and dishonest to me, unfortunately, I have noticed an increased number of people who are falling for this manipulation. The media is attempting to control minds. What do we do? How do we resist?

Well remember, we have the mind of Christ. If you put on your helmet of salvation every day, then you will be able to resist the evil one.

Whenever you are faced with a new “fact check” or someone pulling on your heart strings to do or not do this or that, it’s so important to first go to the only One Who has all the facts…Holy Spirit. Ask God to speak truth to your heart. Ask God to give you all wisdom so you can better navigate these frustrating times. He is faithful to do so. He will guide you if you allow Him to do so.

There is only One fact checker in my life. Whenever I see or hear something, I immediately feel either a check in my spirit or agreement. This is because I have leaned upon Holy Spirit for so long. I have deliberately come to Holy Spirit for my information and direction, and now it’s become second nature. You too can walk like that. If you are saved, then you have Holy Spirit inside of you. Holy Spirit is said to guide us in ALL things. All means all.

I encourage you today, take all your “facts” to Holy Spirit and ask, “Am I believing and partnering with truth or manipulation and lies?” Trust His process. He is the only true One.

Prayer Moment: God, I trust You to give me all the information that I need. The world has nothing to offer me. I gain nothing from partnering with the world. I only gain when I lean on You. Today I ask that You would guide me into all truth. Help me to stand firmly on the truth that You speak to me and never waver. You are the Spirit of Truth, and I trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you.  John 16:13-14

This morning God began to speak to me about faith. I could hear people saying, “The Bible says that if I have faith the size of the mustard seed, then nothing is impossible, so why hasn’t _____ happened?”

Then I felt God saying, “It’s often not the size of your faith that is the issue, it’s how long are you willing to hold onto it.”

I was reminded of something I’ve known for a long time, but now we are needing to practice it again….sure, you don’t need much faith to move a mountain, but sometimes you need more endurance to hold onto that faith long enough to see it through.

Where are you with your faith? Are there things you’ve had faith for and then not seen happen in your timing, so you just let it go? God doesn’t work in our timing. He is infinite. He sees all things from the beginning of creation to the end, all at once, so His timing is unique. When you really think about it, His timing is the only accurate timing.

I encourage you today, to take up that mustard seed again. Hold onto it and don’t let go. You will see the victory of the Lord. You will see God’s goodness in the land of the living. All you must do is develop endurance.

How does one develop such endurance?

I’m so glad you asked. Well, how does a runner do it? Most people wouldn’t set out to run a marathon without having first trained for it over a long period of time, right? And if they did try to run a marathon without previously preparing, then most often they would be highly unsuccessful and potentially do damage to their own body. So, they take time. They run many shorter runs. They increase their distance in spurts. They learn how to eat for fuel. They take rest days. It’s intentional, for sure. The same can go for your faith endurance. How long you hold on can increase over the years. How firmly you stand can increase, but not if you are constantly giving up the moment you see resistance, conflict or feel discouraged. Even those preparing to run a marathon face those things, the thing that separates the winners from the quitters, is resilience. How resilient are you willing to be?

As we face the many challenges of this day, I encourage you to hold fast to your mustard seed. Determine to hold it longer than you did the last time you stood in faith. Hold on past the point of discomfort and refuse to relent. If you get weary in the standing, then rest for a bit. But don’t stay out of the game. Rest and then get back into the game. Never give up. Never give in. Our God is greater than ALL things. He created all things, so don’t ever think He is limited. He can do ALL things, even those that seem impossible. Sometimes, He’s just looking around to see who will believe in Him.

Prayer Moment: God, You are faithful. Help me to be more faithful to You. I am bringing my mustard seed of faith to You now and asking You to breathe life into it. I stand upon the promises and convictions that You have placed upon my heart and I’m asking You to come through. You are God. You alone are God. Have Your way upon this earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:19-20

Onslaught: a fierce or destructive attack. A large quantity of people or things that is difficult to cope with.

We have been under an onslaught. The enemy has mounted one disruption after another to our country and has attempted to usurp the word of God and force his agenda. But God is larger than any other.

I keep feeling like the church must arise and stand firm. We must pray, believe and stand behind the word of God. For years I’ve wondered why a large portion of the church seems to be devoid of backbone. I wonder why we are so easily derailed. When we were called to be more than conquerors.

We ARE more than conquerors, so why would we settle for cowering?

The church must begin to battle. The church must arise and not only wake up, but to also get into shape. Believers must increase their muscles and get into shape and stand.

When was the last time that you actually stood for something? When is the last time you faced a conflict and instead of apologizing and walking away, you stood firm, but gentle in your convictions? For my lifetime, I have only witnessed the church weakening. I’ve been taught to not offend. I’ve been told to “tone it down” when I’m around non-believers because I might weird them out and turn them away from church in general.

It’s all a lie.

What draws others to church and most importantly to an authentic relationship with God? Seeing people in authentic relationship with God. The Bible is clear about lukewarm things. God doesn’t like them. Why should I represent myself as lukewarm when I’m around non-believers?

What if it’s the fire of God within me that will more effectively draw them to Him, like moths to a flame?

As we face the onslaught, cowering isn’t the answer. Wavering in our beliefs is not the answer. Standing firm in what we know to be true, THAT is the answer.

Now is not the time to cater. Now is the time to stand. Who do you stand with?

Prayer Moment: God, as You’ve told me, I see I was born for such a time as this. I feel deep within my bones the conviction that I am created to break through this darkness that keeps trying to threaten America. I say, “Thus far, and no more! In Jesus’ name!” I am standing firm in Your promises and upon Your word. God, let the church arise!! Wake the sleeping ones. Let the blinded ones see again. Let the lazy ones become vigilant. God, move upon the earth and establish Your reign, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

You are my King and my God, Who decrees victories for Jacob. Through You we push back our enemies; through Your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but You give us victory over our enemies, You put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise Your name forever. Psalm 44:4-8

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” Psalm 35:1-3

Today a deer ran into the back side of my suburban. I had just dropped 3 kids off for a party at a friend’s house, and Hannah and I were heading home. She had been in the very back seat (exactly where the deer hit) but asked to move to the front for the ride home and thankfully I agreed. As we took our exit to head home, we suddenly heard a bursting of glass. It kinda sounded like a bomb went off, honestly. At first, we were both very disoriented and couldn’t figure out what had happened, but then I saw a deer flying across the road, in my side mirror.

It was shocking how disorienting this event was. In the 5 seconds after it happened…I wondered if someone had shot at us, wondered if something exploded, felt completely vulnerable and scared and then the truth could be seen. A dumb deer, which must have been leaping, hit my rear drivers side window at full force the exact second I drove past. The only dents in the suburban were on the left and right of the window.

I pulled over and called 911, and they were very kind to my frazzled self. They reassured me that everything was ok and sent me home as they dispatched an officer to go make sure the deer wasn’t laying in the middle of the road. At home, I immediately called my insurance. They were also extraordinarily nice to me. Even saying, “This is one of those praise Jesus moments.” When I recounted all the ways God had protected Hannah and me.

The bottom line is what could have been a true tragedy ended up showcasing God’s sovereign protection over our lives.

Not only had Hannah moved to the front seat, but the deer hit just after my window was past it. I too could have been severely injured and the suburban in far worse condition. Also, I couldn’t remember what my insurance deductible was, so imagine the wave of relief I felt when I heard I had a zero deductible. ZERO! Then a friend pointed out that it was a blessing that I was driving a suburban. Friends, when that deer hit me, the car didn’t even swerve. I didn’t know anything would be hitting me, so I didn’t have any time to brace for impact. Instead, my vehicle did it for me. It was all miraculous, from beginning to end.

God watches over us. This is a moment to proclaim that fact, not the inconveniences that are occurring. This event has been wrapped in sovereignty from beginning to end, and I am grateful. Life is genuinely about perspective. I could complain and feel sorry for myself, but from the first moment I decided to praise God. I also noticed that my children, who were so scared by this event, kept coming to me and telling me all the ways God had watched over us. They kept signaling His covering. In their minds, we are so blessed. Thank You God, for creating a legacy like that in my family.

Prayer Moment: God, I am so thankful for the ways you protect us. Thank You for entering into the times when the enemy tries to complicate our lives and making it easier. Thank You for holding us in Your protective hand. Thank You for making my every breath a hallelujah. I will praise You in all things and at all times. You are worthy. I love You Abba. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Psalm 112:4

For years now, I have been praying for God to restore innocence to our land. For Him to rise up and protect the innocence of our children and to restore innocence to our culture. With earthly eyes, this is an impossible task, but with God ALL things are possible. For America, I have prayed we would return to the “Proud to be an American” way of life. I have prayed that those who hate God, America and the values on which we were founded, would either be saved and restored or would be completely removed from any and all positions of influence within our beautiful land. I have prayed for the end of abortion. I realize that many levels of our innocence cannot be restored until our basic value for human life is restored. Defining life in specific terms just so it supports your decisions, is wrong. There’s no other way to put it. A baby doesn’t only become a baby if the womb it’s being formed within says it is. God says a baby in the womb is a person. God also decides our gender, not any other person. He doesn’t make mistakes. The thoughts of these and many other issues weighs on me every day. I’ve wondered if it was truly possible for any of these things to be made right again.

It wasn’t until recently, that I began to imagine that changes could actually occur. I’ve been watching as one thing after another begins to be exposed. God told me months and months ago that He was about to expose a lot of things so that healing could occur. He directed me to not be afraid or overwhelmed, but rather to continue to remember that He is the One exposing things. So, I continue to watch, and even though I am taken back by a lot that I see, I’m also not surprised. People are born sinners and apart from God, what do we become? Nothing very good, that’s for certain. Before I walked with Jesus, I was in the middle of so much impropriety. It’s overwhelming to remember it all, but then Jesus burst onto my scene and absolutely changed and transformed me and my life.

Where do we go from here?

God only knows. Truly. But rather than pack it up and forget even pursuing it, why not ask Him? Why not learn to better partner with Him for restoration? He has ALL the answers. How does He plan to use the Gospel of Jesus Christ to draw others to Him? Why not ask? Then you can partner with whatever it is He is doing.

God IS on the move and when He moves, He restores. I trust in that.

Prayer Moment: God, thank You for restoring my life. I invite You to continue to search me and know me and remove anything offensive from within me. I am Yours completely. Help me to partner with what you are doing here on this earth. Help me to remain faithful to Your call upon my life. Help me to not fear man. Bless my family and let our lives be a beacon of hope to the world around us. Let us demonstrate Your qualities within our household. Forgive me for all the times I fall short and help me to never stop having the courage to begin again. I adore You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so, they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. Isaiah 61:7

A few weeks ago, as I was simply going about my daily tasks, God spoke “Release” over me. Immediately, I knew He was releasing my 2021 word over me. It was so unexpected, but so welcome. This last year has been hard and that hardness began in 2019 and just carried over into this year. Hearing my new word now, makes me realize that the release is beginning already. I couldn’t be more ready! Bring it on Lord! This is a welcome word!! Let there be a release.

Release: The act of setting free or letting go. The act of allowing something to escape. A discharge from an obligation or responsibility. Relief or rescue from sorrow, suffering, or trouble. Release from pain.

We, as Americans, are also in a season of release. We are poised to receive some of the greatest breakthroughs in recent history. Things that intercessors have sown into for years and years, are being released in this season. What a great time to be alive!

Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart. In the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and His righteousness endures forever. He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever. He has shown His people the power of His works, giving them the lands of other nations. The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast forever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for His people; He ordained His covenant forever- holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111

After years of things being hidden, and ill motives being covered up. Now we are in a season of God revealing things so healing can occur. I never would have imagined this season. Months ago, God told me to be prepared because a lot was about to be exposed. But He told me not to be overwhelmed or frightened by it. Instead, He encouraged me to simply know that it is He that is doing the exposing. He is bringing a lot of things into the light. While some claim that the truths are not true…they are.

When I see almost daily reports of people being rescued from human trafficking rings and the culprits being arrested, I know God is on the move. You must be truly paying attention, or you’ll miss it because the media and the corrupt have no desire for you to know these things. When I saw a laptop being found and the information on it being finally addressed, I knew it was God. With Amy Coney Barrett being placed on Supreme Court we see a great and long-term opportunity for good change. In Hollywood, agendas are being revealed more and more every day. Even in our local government, we are seeing the dark things revealed and watching justice begin to peek through like the rising sun.

God is on the move. We are set to see the release. Will you receive it when it comes?

Prayer Moment: God, I will trust You to keep me open to the truth as it is revealed. Lord, do not let Your work end until it is completely finished. I stand in agreement with You in all things. I trust You. Lord, open heaven over us and let Your kingdom come upon this earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.