Tag: truth

Prayer: Taking Authority

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

Using Our God-Given Authority

Yesterday, I shared some thoughts regarding spiritual warfare. While we are not to become distracted or preoccupied with satan or his demons, they do exist and must be resisted at times. The Bible tells us that:

  • We are in a very real spiritual war (see 2 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Timothy 1:18).
  • We are soldiers in this war (see Ps. 110:2-3; 2 Timothy 2:3-4). 
  • We are to “wrestle” against all levels of the kingdom of darkness (see Ephesians 6:12).
  • We are to “resist the devil” (which would in most situations be his demons) and he will flee from us (see James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9).
  • We are to “tread” on satan and his demons (i.e., exercise authority over them—see Luke 10:19; Romans 16:20).
  • We are to cast out demons (see Mark 16:17).
  • We have the authority to “bind” (forbid) and “loose” (permit) when dealing with the agents and gates of hell (see Matthew 16:19).
  • We have powerful weapons designed to overcome the kingdom of darkness (see 2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:10-20).

Regarding binding and loosing, the book I mentioned yesterday by Jack Hayford, Prayer Is Invading the Impossible, gives an enlightening amplification of Matthew 16:18-19, based on the technical aspects of the Greek wording. Dr. Hayford’s translation makes clear that WE must go on the offense:

“Whatever you may at any time encounter (of hell’s counsels which I’m declaring my church shall prevail against), you will then face a decision as to whether you will or won’t bind it. What transpires will be conditional upon your response. If you do personally and consciously involve yourself in the act of binding the issue on earth, you will discover that at that future moment when you do, that it has already been bound in heaven!”(1)

Wow!

The words bind and loose could be translated as “forbid” and “release.” The Greek words are actually legal terms, as in legally binding, or the opposite – being released from that which legally binds. The Lord is saying He has given us legal authority, spiritually speaking, to stop satan’s attacks and release individuals from his control. God doesn’t give us detailed formulas for doing so. He is not into formulas in any area of biblical truth. He prioritizes relationship, and gives us principles to apply as the Holy Spirit leads us. He alone knows exactly what is needed in each situation. Sometimes we simply give biblical commands, releasing the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17); other times we are led to worship (2 Chronicles 20:1-30), fast (Mark 9:29), or even clap and shout (Psalms 47:1). 

In spiritual warfare, the point is not so much how we wrestle, but that we wrestle – bind, loose, and/or wield the sword – and do so as Holy Spirit leads us. We must go on the offensive and aggressively deal with the forces of darkness whenever necessary. The word “against” is used five times in Ephesians 6 to describe our spiritual warfare. The Greek word is pros, which is a strengthened form of pro. We get the English word “pro/professional” from it. These Greek words mean “in front of,”(2) or “superior to.” We use the concept when referring to professional athletes. A pro athlete is one who is “in front of” or “superior to” others. The words also have the connotation of stepping forward and facing toward something or someone.(3) Paul is using the symbolism in this Ephesians passage of a wrestler stepping forward and facing his opponent. God is saying to us in these verses, “Step forward and face the kingdom of darkness. Wear the armor I have provided and overcome them.”

The following remarkable story tells of two powerful intercessors stepping forward to face demonic powers. John G. Lake, a missionary to South Africa in the first half of the 20th century, relates the story of a fever epidemic that struck a portion of South Africa in a single night. The devastation was such that in one month, a fourth of the entire population of that region died. There were not enough caskets to meet the need, and people were being buried in blankets, so great was the devastation.

Lake tells of a powerful intercessor who began to pray. For days— all day long and into the night—he stationed himself under a tree and prayed against the plague. Several times, Lake asked the man, “Are you getting through?”

He would reply, “Not yet.” But one day he said to Lake, “I feel today that if I had just a little help in faith, my spirit would go through.” Lake got on his knees and joined the man in prayer. What happened next is amazing. Here it is in Lake’s own words:

“As we prayed, the Spirit of the Lord overwhelmed our souls, and presently I found myself, not kneeling under the tree, but moving gradually away from the tree….My eyes gradually opened, and I witnessed such a scene as I never witnessed before – a multitude of demons like a flock of sheep! The Spirit had come upon the other man also, and he rushed ahead of me, rebuking that army of demons, and they were driven back to hell, or the place from whence they came. Beloved, the next morning when I awoke, that epidemic of fever was gone.(4)

We have authority; we must learn to use it!

I shared this from “Give Him 15” by Dutch Sheets. Powerful and anointed teaching about praying and taking authority over our enemy. You have legal authority to bind and lose over your situation, community, church, and nation. Prayer moves mountains. Let’s pray! Rh

Pray Engage Impact

Effective Fervent Prayer Avails Much: James 5:16 

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

From William Bradford and the Pilgrims to the Founding Fathers, greatness was understood in the context of the blessing of God; our founding documents reflect this.

Can America recover? If our only hope is in cultural reclamation through the political process, our chances are nil. Our national sickness goes much deeper than politics; our problem is spiritual and the only true solution is also spiritual. The People of God must see through our enemy’s curtain and recognize Satan’s ability to work through mortals to achieve his sinister goals. After all, he is the Father of Lies and the Great Deceiver and can distract people with decoys, and counterfeits as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. We must grasp the nature of our enemy and pray accordingly, not being distracted by illusions and paper tigers. Now is not the time to self-censor and cower to the cultural elites, hoping for better days ahead. We are in a spiritual battle and must see ourselves as the Resistance of our day. We adopt no exit plan. We recognize our enemy’s tactics, expose his lies, and proclaim truth. Although Satan masquerades as an angel of light, once exposed, he runs for cover. Truth sets us free so we run toward the battle and not away from it.

Like the Founding Fathers, the People of God must care enough about their homeland to take action. Prayer is our greatest weapon but only effective when it’s utilized. America will outlast all the great civilizations of the past when she falls to her knees in humility and prayer. These are the tactics that will restore our greatness and bring revival.    Author Unknown

Many times I get deep into the weeds (obsessed) with the state of the world and culture. I am a current events guy, but always with a Biblical context. Today is a most important post. James 5:16-17 gives us a prescription for the chaos and unbelief and outright demonic hatred of the world of today. Sincere fervent prayer! God is still in charge, we do not understand, but He is. We though do have a part to play. WE pray, We intercede and declare the Word of God. That is our job. I cannot change any dirty politician’s vote, but God can. I cannot change our culture. But God can. But what I can do is pray. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man or woman avails much.

The world is ripe for destruction, but also for revival. People are fearful. Many have no clue what will happen next, but Jesus Christ give me peace regardless. We can make a difference. God has moved on me to pray more this year, and I am. We have access into the very throne room of Almighty God, let’s use that privilege. Hebrew 4:16.

Pray, Engage, and Impact

America Is Divided By Sin Not Politics

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

The devil saw my head down and he thought he won, until I said Amen!

There is division in America.  That is a fact, no one can doubt that premise.  However it is not by politics, but by sin. The division comes from two opposing world views.  One is a Biblical worldview and the other is a secular humanist worldview.  That is the  red line in the sand.  Neither side will give in.  I will never compromise my Biblical Moral Worldview.  

 America has a rich tradition of being a nation built on traditional family values, Judeo-Christian values.  God ordained us to spread the Gospel around the world and we did that by sending missionaries to far off distant counties.  Our mandate came through a prophecy by  Vicar Robert Hunt (1586-1608) the first Anglican chaplain of the Jamestown expedition and is renowned for a 1607 prayer and prophecy dedicating the new American land to God. Upon landing at Cape Henry, Hunt planted a seven-foot cross and “declared a covenant in the Gospel would go forth from that shore to the entire world”.  Furthermore he stated “we should focus on the mandate to raise up Godly generations after us”.

I will say,  we tried.  The United States experienced three or four Great Spiritual Awakenings:

First Great Awakening (1730s–1740s): Led by figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, this period focused on personal conviction, redemption, and a shift away from traditional, formal religion.

Second Great Awakening (1790s–1840s): Characterized by camp meetings and the rise of itinerant preachers like Charles Finney, it resulted in significant church growth and reform movements.

Third Great Awakening (1857–1859): Often called the “Businessmen’s Revival,” this movement began with prayer meetings in New York City during a financial crisis and spread nationwide.

Fourth Great Awakening (Late 1960s–early 1970s): Debated by some, this wave is often linked to the “Jesus Movement” and rapid growth in conservative denominations

What America needs is not a new or reformed political party, but another great Spiritual awakening.  Our government as it is now is a corrupt “ruling class” entity that does whatever it desires.  Two passages in the Bible give us an insight into how the Almighty looks at us.  It’s not a pretty sight.  One thing I know is that God is not mocked, we will reap what we sow.

1 Timothy1:9-10

“knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,”

Take a look again at some phrases:

  • murders; abortion and rage of violence 
  • fornicators; our sex craved society
  • sodomites; the entire gender mafia
  • kidnappers; sex slaves
  • liars; our government hides and lies constantly
  • perjurers; truth has fallen in the street

Read Isaiah 59:1-10: hands defiled with blood, feet that run to evil, no justice, lack of truth, and our thoughts are continually on evil and iniquities. 

We need an awakening, repentance and a turning from the evil that permeates our society.  The division is caused not by political, but spiritual warfare that divides us more than even a civilian war based on political ideology.  We need intercessors more than candidates.  We need hungry hearts and souls that long after the Lord.  Humility filled with a desire for the things of God.  Turning from evil and pushing into the holy place where God resides.

Unfortunately the majority of the American church is living in a daze of the prosperity gospel, feeling they have need of nothing.  Bills are paid, money in the bank, but all the while Jesus is knocking on the door of our hearts desiring a deeper relationship with His church.

We need the Ekklesia to become the remnant that pursues the holiness of God more than the pleasures of the world.  Jesus is the only solution for a deprived world.  He is our only hope.  The world is on a downward path, the Bible tells us for a fact that a spirit of anti-christ will invade the last days.  We are there now.

Let me be clear, I am not saying we shouldn’t be involved with politics.  We most definitely should.  We as Christian Conservatives vote our Biblical values.  It is our duty and I believe a mandate from the Lord.  Look through the slick commercials and line up your candidate with the Word of God.  What I am saying is this…we need a “Great Awakening” to save this country.  

Spiritual warfare is real and we must win the spiritual war first and then the awakening will come.  Lord Jesus raise up holy intercessors in this time..  You were born for such a time as this.  

Pray * Engage * Impact Rh

Bridge To Ezekiel 38 War

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

The military action we see now in the Middle East is not leading to the Ezekiel 38 war.  That war is with Russia, Turkey, and Iran with  other Muslim nations forming a coalition to attack Israel at a time of relative peace and security.  This war is doing something no other military war or action has done.  Realignment in the Gulf region.

Deterrents and consolidations.  The US, along with Israel is taking its rightful place as the moral force to deter forces of evil.  Iran has raged a proxy war on Israel for years, and on America for 47 years ever since the taking of the Embassy in Tehran.  The radical Ayatollahs have spewed hatred and death to Israel and the US.  Calling us both tools of Satan.  That is the pot calling the kettle black

A shift is happening, MBS (Muhammad Bin Salim) Saudi  Arabia’s crown prince has publicly called for Trump to not stop until Iran is defeated. UAE has espoused similar assertions.  Terror proxies  have been deterred, new alliances have been made and old partners are showing their cowardness.  NATO may well be finished as Trump declares he is watching and taking notes. Trump made the statement recently that one European PM told him “this is not our war”, to which Trump replied “neither is Ukraine our war”.  Point counter point.  Russia is lurking.

War is chaotic and causes confusion, but it ultimately brings peace and realignment.  Arab neighbors are forgetting old tribal grudges and looking toward a new stability and prosperity in the Gulf region.  Netanyahu has been pushing the idea of a pipeline from Saudi Arabia across Israel to export oil, making piracy and closure of the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz a mute point.  Seems MBS may be ready to explore that plan.  Funny how the enemy of your enemy becomes your friend.  Arabs are finding out Israel is not the problem. With new alliances, comes new prosperity and that is good for the entire region.  

Sometimes it takes a war to clear out the rats as they scurry to find protection.  War is chaos.  The military is designed to bring fury on the enemy, but the aftermath could, hopefully bring old combatants together. Let’s pray for that.  God is able to bring change and new directions out of the fog of war aftermath.  After all He created the world out of emptiness, nothing is impossible.  Could this conflict bring about the peace and security that Israel craves and set the stage for Ezekiel 38??  

IMO the next war in the Middle East will likely be the Ezekiel 38 war.  The Russia, Turkey & Iran coalition will attempt to move on Israel as the world looks on and hopes for diplomatic means to end the next crisis in the Middle East.  But this time it isn’t a nation, but Almighty God who crushes the Gog and Magog alliance with large hailstones from heaven!  It all makes sense to me. Prophecy given, prophecy fulfilled.  This conflict isn’t the big one, but most likely the next one will be Ezekiel 38.  

Look up your redemption draws near.  Maranatha! Rh

*Update* Spain, Italy, UK, France and Poland have told the US they will not be a part of any help when it comes to the conflict in Iran.  Including the strait of Hormuz.  NATO is falling apart right before our eyes.  They seem very cocky for a bunch of cowards who run to America for help every time Putin sneezes in their direction.  Rh

Scientific Shift Toward God

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

For centuries, people have been told that science and belief in God are on opposite sides of a growing divide — that as science uncovers more about the universe, faith becomes less necessary.

But something surprising is happening. Instead of pushing God out of the picture, some modern discoveries in physics, cosmology, and biology are prompting scientists to ask questions that sound remarkably theological — questions about beginnings, purpose, and design.

A striking example of this is the recently released book God, the Science, the Evidence: The Dawn of a Revolution by French researchers Michel‑Yves Bolloré and Olivier Bonnassies. Drawing on contributions from more than twenty scientists, including a Nobel laureate, the book argues that science today — from the Big Bang to the astonishing complexity of life — increasingly points toward a Creator rather than blind chance.

One example the authors highlight is DNA, the molecule carrying the instructions for all life. Its intricate structure and immense information content appear far more like a coded design than something that could easily arise by accident. 

This, they argue, challenges the idea that life could have emerged purely through random processes. The book has already sparked conversations worldwide, showing that questions of faith and science are far from mutually exclusive.

https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=9678

IMO It is nonsensical to believe this intricate design of our human body could be by chance. DNA and other bodily creations such as how does an eye see or how does the human brain work, defies the possibility of evolution. Just think of the vastness of our universe. The perfect place of earth as it circles the Sun. God is the only answer. That isn’t even a statement of faith, it’s a statement of intelligent thinking. Common sense lets me know there is a creator. But faith is belief in Jesus Christ as my savior, that He died for me and rose from the grave. Faith is, I believe the Word of God to be true and a roadmap for humanity. Faith lets me know God has it all under control, even when it looks like the world is falling apart, when it’s only falling into place. Prophecy foretold, prophecy fulfilled! Rh

Calvary Chapel Pastors Go To The Grand Canyon Defending The Genesis Account of Creation – Harbinger’s Daily

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

Though secular geologists insist the Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, a group of Calvary Chapel pastors recently visited the canyon, examining firsthand evidence of a young earth and a global flood—as described in the Bible.
— Read on harbingersdaily.com/calvary-chapel-pastors-go-to-the-grand-canyon-defending-the-genesis-account-of-creation/

My wife and I love the western part of America. We have had the privilege of two different trips, one was from Denver north to Teton and Yellowstone then west through Utah and down into Arizona and the Grand Canyon. Maybe the ruggedness of God’s handiwork makes me feel more in tune to the Almighty, but what ever it is, it makes me happy. The creation of God is wonderful, and the evidence of a catastrophic flood, as least in my mind is undeniable. Rh

Beloved of God

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

 To Him who loved us: What a beautiful title for Jesus! When loved is used, in the past tense, it points back to a particular time and place where Jesus loved us. It should be pointed out that many translations have loves us (such as NASB, NIV, and NLT), but there is something beautiful about loved us. It looks back to the cross. Every believer should be secure in God’s love, not based on their present circumstances (which may be difficult), but based on the ultimate demonstration of love at the cross. This is worth praising Jesus about.

Paul put it like this in Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The work of Jesus on the cross for us is God’s ultimate proof of His love for you. He may give additional proof, but He can give no greater proof.

No wonder many believers are not secure in knowing the love of Jesus towards them – they look to their present circumstances to measure His love. Instead, they need to look back to the cross, settle the issue once for all, and give praise to Jesus, to Him who loved us.

And washed us from our sins in His own blood: This is what happened when Jesus loved us at the cross. He washed us – cleansed us from the deep stain of sin, so that we really are clean before Him. This is worth praising Jesus about.

If we understand our own deep sinfulness, this seems almost too good to be true. We can stand clean before God – clean from the deepest of stains. No wonder the same Apostle John also wrote, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness(1 John 1:9).

In His own blood: If there were any other way to wash us from our sins, God would have done it that other way. To wash us in His own blood meant the ultimate sacrifice of God the Son. God wouldn’t do it this way unless it was the only way. “The priests could only cleanse with blood of bulls and goats; but he has washed us from our sins ‘in his own blood.’ Men are willing enough to shed the blood of others. How readily they will enter upon war! But Christ was willing to shed his own blood, to pour out his soul unto death, that we might be saved.” (Spurgeon)

Notice the order: first loved, then washed. It wasn’t that God washed us out of some sense of duty and then loved us because we were then clean. He loved uswhile we were dirty, but then He washed us.

In fact, washing proves love. If you had an old pair of pants, and got them covered in paint, you would only wash them and keep them for two reasons. First, you might wash them and keep them if you were poor. You can’t or won’t spend money on another pair of pants, so you wash them and keep them. Second, you might wash them and keep them if you really loved those old pants. Money isn’t the issue. You could go down and buy a new pair of pants any time; but you love that pair so much that you spend the time and the effort to clean them, and use them again. God loves us so much that He washed us. God certainly is not poor. With merely a thought, He could obliterate every sinner and start over with brand-new creatures. But He doesn’t. He loves us so much that He washed us.

Some scholars believe that John wrote and loosed us from our sins. There is only one letter different between the words washed and loosed in the ancient Greek language. Both words show up in ancient manuscripts, so it’s hard to say which one John wrote. Nevertheless, both are true – we are both washed and loosed from our sins.

And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father: This is status Jesus gives to those whom He loved in His work on the cross and who are washed… in His own blood. It would have been enough just to love them and cleanse them. But He goes far beyond, and makes us kings and priests to His God and Father. This is more than Adam ever was. Even in the innocence of Eden we never read of Adam among the kings and priests of God. This is worth praising Jesus about.

We are kings, so we are God’s royalty – this is privilege, status, and authority. We are priests, so we are God’s special servants. We represent God to man and man to God. We offer sacrifice unto Him (Hebrews 13:15). We have privileged access to God’s presence (Romans 5:1-2).

Kings and priests: In the Old Testament, it was forbidden to combine the offices of king and priest. King Uzziah of Judah is an example of a man who tried to combine the two offices, and paid the penalty for it (2 Chronicles 26:16-23). Under the New Covenant, we can be like Jesus in the sense that He is both King and High Priest (Luke 1:31-33; Hebrews 4:14).

Worthless & Traitorous Republicans

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

Why can’t republicans get anything done?  They are completely worthless. We the people should fire them and we would, but we can’t. Republicans hold majorities in the House and Senate plus the White House. Nothing gets done. Even the Save Act which is common sense legislation is stalled in the august upper chamber. Why?  Thune is a traitor to his home state and to the American people. He must be compromised. Does someone have pictures of him?  Is he taking bribes?  Is he a closet democrat that hates the will of the people?

In every legitimate poll passing a law to secure our elections is highly favored, even among democrats. Including African Americans and Hispanics. To be against this bill determines your patriotism. Rule of law and free and fair elections mandate only citizens of the United States be allowed to vote in elections.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, passed by the House, was first introduced by Texas Republican Chip Roy.

It would require anyone registering to vote to prove they are U.S. citizens using a passport or birth certificate. The GOP would like to attach it to one of the government funding bills being considered in Congress, but Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says it’s a non-starter if it comes to a vote in the upper chamber.

These morons who tell us it is voter suppression or that minorities won’t be able to prove their citizenship are liars. Prove me wrong. Not passing this bill and vocally standing against passage, proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are a crooked politician. Case closed. Pass the bill!!

Remember the main reason for having an open border policy under Biden, was to guarantee a new voting block for the democrats.  An underclass that would be beholding to the democratic welfare benefits in exchange for their vote.

Final point. Trump, it’s time to use your political capital. Get these guys in the oval office and read them the riot act!  Give ‘em a flash of the notorious Trump temper! This is a test of your ability to govern, after all  Mr. President you endorsed the leadership in Congress. Thune is your guy. Remember?

Cheating and lying come as easily as breathing for the “UniParty” in D.C., isn’t it time to put an end to their chicanery? We the People!

Action point:

Call Sen. Thune and voice your disapproval now!  

(202) 224-2321