Pat Boone turned 88 today, but instead of slowing down and enjoying retirement, he has been keeping active in many ways. He has recently starred as an old golf pro in the movie The Mulligan, he’s just written a book called If that will release in September and he’s working on a song about Jesus being Israel’s Messiah that both Jews and Christians can sing together.

“If I’m talking fast, it’s because I’m trying to relate to you the crazy myriad of things that God is giving me to do in these last hours,” Boone said in a recent interview for my podcast, The Strang Report.

Boone rose to singing stardom in the 1950s and 60s with hits like “Speedy Gonzalez” and “Love Letters in the Sand.” Since then, he has sold over 45 million records, appeared in multiple Hollywood films and authored many best-selling books including New Song, a book in which he detailed his rise to fame, his struggling personal life and his discovery of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which turned his life around.

Boone grew up in the Church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee. When New Song was released, it sold 2 million copies, but his church was not thrilled.

“They didn’t believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They thought that was just for the first century and not for now,” Boone says. “It seemed like heresy to them, and so I was disfellowshipped.”

Although he was kicked out of his church, he says that now many of those ministers and members from the Church of Christ have since received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

“I have been completely restored in the church of my growing up days,” Boone says.

Because of his prolific performing and writing, Boone’s influence on American Christian culture and American pop culture is undeniable, but one of the songs he wrote that he’s most proud of is “Exodus (This Land is Mine),” a song that has become Israel’s second (unofficial) national anthem.

The song started out as Ernest Gold’s instrumental theme from the movie Exodus, a film about the 1948 rebirth of Israel. The movie premiered in 1960.

“I loved that song so much that I wanted to sing it, but the publisher let us know there were no lyrics,” Boone says.

Other professional writers had submitted lyrics, but they were rejected by the composer Ernest Gold, the publisher of the song and Otto Preminger, the director and producer of the movie.

“The publisher said to me as I was trying to get words to sing to the song,” Boone says, “‘There’s not going to be any lyrics … It’s too hard of a subject—two and a half million people coming across the desert, escape from Egypt, coming into a new land, taking over land. The whole story is too much to put into that melody.'”

As he was wrapping presents with his wife on Christmas Eve, Boone listened to the record 40 times, and on the last time, he says, “The words popped into my head, ‘This land is mine.'” Boone says he got goosebumps, grabbed an empty Christmas card and started writing. “And in 20 minutes, I had written those words like I was taking dictation,” Boone says. “Those words became the second national anthem of the nation of Israel.”

Boone has been invited to sing that song in Israel many times, and during his visits former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become a dear friend of his. Netanyahu even calls Boone “Speedy” every time they’re together as a reference to Boone’s hit song, “Speedy Gonzalez.”

God has used Boone to share the good news of Jesus Christ with Netanyahu and other influential Jewish officials. In fact, Boone is working on a song right now called “Jehoshua,” a song that Jews and Christians can sing together honoring Jesus as Israel’s Messiah.

“The Lord is using every last ounce of me for His purposes, which was always my goal,” Boone says.

For the full interview with this American icon, please listen to my Strang Report podcast. And, please be sure to share it with your social media followers. {eoa}

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Are people tormented in hell before judgment day?

The answer is yes. There are a few reasons why we know that people are in hell before judgment day.

When a person dies in their sins, they exist separated from God and His goodness. There is nowhere else for a person to go who rejects Jesus Christ as Savior.

Watch this video to discover the whole story behind this topic. {eoa}

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The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) estimated first quarter GDP dropped to a negative 1.5% per year in their second estimate. BEA had previously estimated it to be a negative 1.4%, and the markets were expecting a decline of 1.3%.

Higher imports and lower private inventories were the primary culprits for the drop. First quarter inflation was again higher than expected according to BEA. The GDP price index showed annual inflation of 8.1% versus 8.0% previously reported and in pre-report predictions.

Last Friday, BEA released estimates for April. Personal spending increased a more than expected 0.9% (0.7% expected, 1.4% previously). Higher spending is a boost to the economy. However, personal income only increased by 0.4% (0.5% expected, 0.5% previously). Increases in personal spending are outpacing increases in personal incomes. Higher consumer spending is being financed by savings and/or debt.

Higher prices are beginning to take a toll on consumers. Soaring energy, transportation and food prices especially, are causing consumers to make some difficult choices. How do I stretch a limited budget? How do I pay for the items I need? Which items and/or services do I cut? In a survey reported by Yahoo Finance, 84% of consumers were expecting inflation to impact their Memorial Day shopping. Twenty percent expected the change in holiday shopping to be significant.

Similarly, inflation and other burdens are taking a toll on business. Producer inflation is currently running at 11% per year. Producers will pass some of the cost increases onto consumers, but not all the increase. The regulatory burden has increased for most businesses. The business community is finding it difficult to hire quality employees, to pay them the wages they demand and to keep them once they have been hired. Supply chain issues are widespread.

As the stock markets are indicating, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding future economic performance. Currently, most analysts are expecting a recession, and many are expecting stagflation. Most analysts are expecting inflation to continue at high levels at least through this year and most of next year. Energy prices are likely to move higher through at least the summer and remain at elevated levels through the winter and possibly longer. Any unexpected economic shocks will have large impacts on the economy and prices.

Charles Dickens, in 1859, wrote his arguably best work of historical fiction, called The Tale of Two Cities. Many would consider it to be an adventure novel which was set during the French Revolution. Dickens thought that much of his novel applied to his time (1859). The economic, political, social and geopolitical times of today, would also seem to fit. Dickens began his book with the following:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the essence of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us.”

The opening sentence of the novel could almost be prophetic of our times today. We have reached unparalleled heights of knowledge, communication and scientific advancement. Yet we now disagree on principles and facts that have been settled knowledge for thousands of years.

Stressful times are pushing many in search of faith, hope and love, and are finding it in Christ and the Bible. But in many public arenas, Christianity and the Bible are openly ridiculed and mocked. Many are seeking purity, while others are practicing the vilest of sins and attempting to normalize them. It is truly a season of hope for Christians and despair for much of the world.

Kingdom citizens are called to be the light of the world, to be like a city on a hill and to be like a lamp on a lampstand. We are told to let our light shine in such a way that others will glorify our heavenly Father. The contrast between light and darkness, truth and error, and righteousness and sin has never been more stark or clear. If we are living our life according to kingdom principles, the contrast will be clear for all to see. We will be like a city on a hill.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16, NASB 2020).

Our society and world are becoming increasing polarized. Fence sitters in and out of the kingdom are being forced to take a position. Now is the time for kingdom citizens to be bold, courageous and strong in representing our King in righteousness, peace and joy in spreading the gospel in word and deed.

Dickens ended his book with the following:

“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done, it is a far, far, better rest that I go to than I have ever known.” {eoa}

James R. Russell is a professor of economics at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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For years, I have read the narrative of Joseph and his brothers with great curiosity—not doubt, just simple curiosity.

I have been especially curious about the part of the story in which Joseph’s brothers stand before him more than once, dialog with him face to face and yet do not recognize him.

I know the various explanations for the lack of recognition: Many years had passed by, Joseph was wearing Egyptian clothing, etc. However, it wasn’t until reading the book of Luke that I realized what I believe to be the real reason for Joseph’s brothers not recognizing who he was.

In the book of Luke chapter 24, after the execution of Yeshua, we read the following verses in Luke 24:15-16: “While they were talking and discussing, Yeshua Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him” (Tree of Life Version).

Here, we find a couple of faithful followers of Yeshua walking on the road to Emmaus, discussing the events of Yeshua’s persecution and execution. They are downhearted and recognizably gloomy. In fact, they are so depressed about the loss of Yeshua that when He starts walking next to them, they don’t even recognize Him. So much so in fact Yeshua begins to question why they are so miserable and dejected. Their response is one for the records. Cleopas actually asks Yeshua in verse 18: “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”

Think about that for a minute: Yeshua Himself was walking with these two men, and they were so caught up in their own understandings and expectations that not only did they not recognize Yeshua, but they also asked the very One who was executed by the horrors of crucifixion, if He alone was the only one that didn’t know what had just happened in Jerusalem!

The key to understanding how they had become so blinded to reality that Yeshua had become unrecognizable to them is in Luke 24:21:

“But we were hoping that He was the One about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.”

Notice “they were hoping.” You see, it wasn’t that Yeshua looked different; it was that they saw Him differently. Before the crucifixion, they saw Him as the Messiah who would redeem Israel from the Romans by a great victory like King David. Their expectations of what Messiah would be, and would do, had been unfulfilled to the extent that they could no longer recognize Yeshua, even though He was walking right next to them.

It wasn’t Yeshua that looked different; it was the way these two men looked at Yeshua that changed how they saw Him. I believe this is the same reason Joseph’s brothers couldn’t recognize Joseph. It wasn’t because Joseph changed; it was because they had changed. The sins of envy and deception changed the way they viewed life and Joseph.

Yeshua’s response to the two men found in verse 25 sheds more understanding:

^“Yeshua said to them, ‘Oh foolish ones, so slow of heart to put your trust in all that the prophets spoke!'”

He tells them they should have trusted everything the prophets had said. In the case of Joseph and his brothers, Joseph had prophesied through a dream, and even though the dream had not yet come to pass, they believed Joseph to be dead.

These two different stories have the same theme running through them, and that theme still speaks to us today. I know many people who get very discouraged because things don’t happen the way they had “hoped,” and the result is that the way they see Yeshua changes. If enough things don’t happen the way they had “hoped,” Yeshua becomes unrecognizable to them.

Remember, it isn’t Yeshua who changes the way He appears—it is our eyes that see Him differently. It may be time to double-check that our “hopes” line up with His Word. {eoa}

Eric Tokajer is the author of Overcoming Fearlessness, What If Everything You Were Taught About the Ten Commandments Was Wrong?, With Me in Paradise, Transient Singularity, OY! How Did I Get Here?: Thirty-One Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before Entering Ministry, #ManWisdom: With Eric Tokajer, Jesus Is to Christianity as Pasta Is to Italians and Galatians in Context.

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Shepherds are called to oversee the flock that was purchased with the blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28-30). Part of that role involves guarding and protecting the flock against adversaries, wolves in sheep’s clothing and other challenges.

This is why the shepherds have both a rod and a staff. The rod is to fight off wild animals who desire to devour the flock, and the staff is meant to gently tap the sheep to keep them on the correct course. The prototypical Old Testament shepherd is King David, who killed the bear, lion and Goliath while protecting both sheep and God’s people (1 Sam. 17). Hence, a shepherd’s calling also involves being a warrior who protects the flock, not just feeding and comforting them.

The following are seven ways true shepherds protect the flock:

1. Shepherds guard against false doctrines in the church. One of the primary responsibilities that shepherds have is knowing and ensuring that the church remains rooted and grounded in the faith. Jude 3 teaches us to diligently contend for “the faith” that was once for all delivered unto the saints. This means there will be attacks against the faith with deceptive teachings that either water down or pervert the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42). “The faith” refers to the apostle’s doctrine that contains the elementary principles of the faith that Christianity is built upon (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 4:4-6; Heb. 5:12-6:4).

protect the flock against false brethren. Paul, the apostle, said that he was in danger from false brothers (2 Cor. 12:27). By implication, this means that he was a threat to them. This is likely because he preached the truth and called out those in the church but who were not really of the church. (False brethren are those who have infiltrated the church with false teachings or with an agenda or vision different from the purpose, vision and teachings of Scripture.) Consequently, the job of a true shepherd is to protect the flock against false brethren. (This includes female deceivers such as we see in Revelation 2:20.)

shepherds protect the flock against false prophecies. Jeremiah 23 warns against false shepherds and calls upon true shepherds to rise and care for the flock. One of the concerns of this chapter is regarding prophets who only speak out of their spirit. They didn’t represent the mind and heart of God. Consequently, the context indicates that true shepherds should protect the flock from the misleading influence of both false shepherds and prophets. Hence, true shepherds are called to help the church discern between true and false prophetic utterances (1 Thess. 5:19-21; 1 John 4:1).

shepherds guard the church against division. Paul, the apostle, encourages the church to mark those who cause division in the church (Rom. 16:17). To “mark” means to let the whole church know who to avoid and who to be wary of. Hence, putting a mark on a person indicates to the general public the status of a person in the eyes of God and His church (Gen. 4:15). Paul expects church shepherds to carry out this task of protecting the church from dividers. We see this in his command to Titus (Titus 3:10-11).

shepherds protect the flock against the spirit of control. In 3 John 1:9-11, the apostle John warns against a man named Diotrephes who was exerting unlawful control over a house church. John says that he will call attention to what this person is doing when he comes to that church (v. 10). Consequently, a true shepherd calls out those who wish to exert unbiblical control over the flock of God.

6. True shepherds protect the flock against favoritism. As a true shepherd in the church, the apostle James warns the church against favoring the rich over the poor (James 2:1-9). In today’s church, this could also include showing favoritism to the rich and famous above all others in the congregation. True shepherds love and treat all people equally. They never allow a spirit of favoritism to creep into the church because it can create an idolatrous celebrity culture that destroys an authentic Christ-centered culture in a congregation.

7. True shepherds protect the flock against false ministry gifts. Jesus gives a letter to the messenger (lead shepherd) of the church in Ephesus. He praises the church for distinguishing between true and false apostles (Rev. 2:2). Thus, Jesus expects shepherds to vet other spiritual leaders before allowing them to minister in their congregation. Even though God has graced the church with five ministry expressions for church edification, the enemy and presumptuous people desire to infiltrate the church with false representations of ministry to deceive the flock (Eph. 4:11). True shepherds are expected to enforce biblical standards and have discernment regarding ministry and leadership to ensure that the flock is edified and not abused (Matt. 7:15-20; 1 Tim. 3:1-15). {eoa}

Dr. Joseph Mattera is an internationally known author, consultant and theologian whose mission is to influence leaders who influence culture. He is the founding pastor of Resurrection Church and leads several organizations, including The U.S. Coalition of Apostolic Leaders and Christ Covenant Coalition. Dr. Mattera is the author of 13 bestselling books, including his latest, The Purpose, Power, and Process of Prophetic Ministry, and is renowned for applying Scripture to contemporary culture. To order his books or to join the many thousands who subscribe to his newsletter, go to .

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Do you want to grow and increase your sphere of influence? These two keys will make all the difference: faithfulness and divine intelligence.

Biblically, I don’t know of any greater example of this than Daniel and his friends.

No matter what circumstances or negative situations were thrown at Daniel, he was faithful. He didn’t waver, change his values or compromise his integrity. He always looked out for the best interests of the ones he served.

God responded to Daniel’s faithfulness by adding to his efforts a multiplier: He blessed Daniel and his friends with divine intelligence. Scripture says God gave them knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. (See Daniel 1:4.) And on top of this, Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. That’s what I call divine intelligence.

So, if you want increase, you must grow in faithfulness and divine intelligence. But how?

Faithfulness Brings Increase

Faithfulness brings increase. This involves consistently doing as well as you can in the natural setting you have in front of you, each and every day.

Study well! Do well! Do the best you can in whatever sphere in which you find yourself.

That’s what Daniel and his friends did. They were faithful. Do you want to grow? Faithfulness brings increase.

If you are faithful in little things, God will grow your capacity for more. If you’re faithful with another’s, He will give you your own. This is what Jesus said. If you’re faithful in the natural, He will make you a ruler over true spiritual riches.

Faithfulness brings increase.

Growing in Divine Intelligence

Do you want to grow in divine intelligence like Daniel did? He became a ruler in the area of true spiritual riches and divine intelligence, including the sphere of dreams and visions. He studied to show himself approved in his sphere.

In Daniel 1:4 (NKJV) we read that Daniel and his friends were “young men in whom there was no blemish.” It says they were “good-looking” and also “gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge.” They were “quick to understand” and had the ability to serve in the king’s palace. Then it goes on to say they learned “the language and literature of the Chaldeans.” It doesn’t say they went to Hebrew university—because they didn’t. Obviously, they were in captivity, and they studied to show themselves approved right where they were.

But watch … that wasn’t the end of the story. They received an increase. I believe increase is available for anyone who will walk in faithfulness. Daniel and his friends did. Then, here’s where the increase comes. It’s in the same chapter.

Daniel 1:17 (AMP) says, “As for these four young men, God gave them …” God did what? They study in one verse and also a few verses later, then God gives them knowledge and Daniel supernatural capacity.

In the New American Standard Bible this full verse reads: “And as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every kind of literature and expertise; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.”

In the New International Version it says, “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.”

Here it is in the New Living Translation: “God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.”

The capacity grew! “God gave them …” Would you like to have an increase? Walk in faithfulness, and then ask God for divine intelligence!

My Personal Journey of Increase

I’ve had some pretty amazing experiences recently—but I didn’t start there.

Not long ago I detected some interceptors about the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Strait. I received some pretty profound words on Russia and Ukraine and other things of that nature. But you know what? I didn’t start there, and I don’t always live there, either. But I am faithful. Do you know what I do consistently? I pray. I read. I fast. And sometimes I fall. But I ask God for increase.

You can read some of my books and listen to my podcast and hear some crazy, amazing stories, but here’s the reality: I believe for divine intelligence. I step into it at times. I do, and so can you!

Do you want to know what my key is? Faithfulness. It isn’t just who I’ve hung out with. It isn’t just all the great conferences. I just do the same thing today that I did 30 years ago. That’s the truth. I worship, and I try really hard to forgive. I said, “I try.” And it is not easy. Sometimes I feel overlooked. I feel forgotten. And I forgive.

Do you know what the key to increase is? Faithfulness. Be faithful in little, and God will give you more. Be faithful in another’s, and God will give you your own. Be faithful in the natural, and God will make you a ruler of true spiritual riches.

Do you want an increase in divine intelligence? Study and show yourself approved as a workman unto God. (See 2 Timothy 2:15.) Do you want to increase in revelation? Be faithful, and ask God for increase.

I bless you to increase in whatever sphere of influence God has given you through the keys of faithfulness and divine intelligence—for such a time as this. {eoa}

For the original article, visit .

Dr. James W. Goll is the founder of God Encounters Ministries. He is an international bestselling author, a certified Life Language Coach, an adviser to leaders and ministries, and a recording artist. James has traveled around the world ministering in more than 50 nations, sharing the love of Jesus and imparting the power of intercession, prophetic ministry and life in the Spirit. He has recorded numerous classes with corresponding curriculum kits and is the author of more than 50 books, including The Seer, The Prophet, The Discerner, The Lost Art of Intercession and Praying with God’s Heart. James is also the founder of GOLL Ideation LLC, where creativity, consulting and leadership training come together.

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As a young woman, I went to church for years, but I really didn’t know much about spiritual maturity. I loved God with all of my heart, but I wasn’t changing—I was still as critical, judgmental and rebellious as ever.

And even though I knew my life should be getting better, I was still miserable from dealing with all of the same problems.

I believe this is one of Satan’s greatest strategies. If he can’t keep people from hearing the gospel and accepting Christ, he will do everything he can to make sure they never grow spiritually so they can experience the peace and joy that’s promised to them in the Bible.

You see, when we’re born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live in our hearts—God plants a seed of everything He is in our spirits, giving us everything we need to live great lives.

For instance, Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) says, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Did you know all of these things already exist on the inside of you? You may wonder, Well, if that’s the case, then why aren’t I experiencing any of it in my life?

When it comes to the maturity process, we have a part to play. Our part is to cooperate with God to cultivate and develop His character in our lives so we can grow and become more like Him. How do we do that?

It all begins by spending regular time in God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 (AMPC) says, “The Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective].”

When we spend time in God’s Word, we are spending time with God. His Word changes us—it changes how we think and how we act. It changes how we see God, ourselves and the world around us.

Romans 12:2 is a great scripture that shows us how we grow spiritually: “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

God has a “good and acceptable and perfect” plan for our lives, but we must renew our minds with His Word before we can experience it.

It’s important to remember that growing spiritually is a process. When I first began to read and study God’s Word, I immediately saw things I needed to change. For a while, I felt guilty and condemned that I wasn’t “measuring up.”

However, God helped me to understand that He never shows us these things to condemn us and make us feel guilty. He convicts us of our behavior in order to help us grow and come up higher in that area.

For example, I was extremely rebellious in the early years of my marriage. Because my father sexually abused me when I was growing up, I had developed a distrust of men. I vowed that no man would ever again push me around.

But as I studied God’s Word, I saw that my behavior toward my husband, Dave, was wrong. The Lord was asking me to walk in love with Dave in my speech, attitudes and actions. This was easier said than done! But God always gives us the grace to do what He is asking us to do. He doesn’t expect us to do it all on our own.

So, little by little, by God’s grace, I began to change. The Lord transformed me from being rude, critical, harsh and rebellious into someone who has real peace, love and joy. But it was a process—it didn’t happen overnight.

Second Corinthians 3:18 says we “are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another.”

This means that the Lord changes us a little at a time. None of us will ever be perfect until we get to heaven, and that’s OK. But as long as we’re here on this earth, God desires for us to continually learn more about Him and grow in our faith.

As we do—as we continue to grow spiritually—we will experience the amazing peace, joy and fulfillment that only God can give us. And we will show the world what God is really like. {eoa}

Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. She has authored more than 135 books, including Battlefield of the Mind and The Power of Thank You (FaithWords). She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide. For more information, visit .

Please note: The views and opinions expressed throughout this publication and/or website are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

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As things around you seem to get darker, know that the Lord is working all things together for good for those who love Him. The light of the Lord shines brighter, dispelling all darkness. Just as the sun is behind the clouds, call forth His light to break through and reveal His glory in your circumstances—in your city, your church and your workplace.

Do not fear, for the Lord is with you. Do not fear the terror by night nor the arrow that flies at you during the day. Your enemy was routed at the cross. Hold fast to the Lord’s promises for they are Yes and Amen, and nothing is impossible for Him.

When fires consume city blocks and evil spirits manifest and show their teeth, calling for the culture of death, speak the truth in love. Stand for the life of Christ. You are on the right side of history, for it is “His story.” Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

The Lord is looking for courageous knights in His shining armor. He will amplify their voices to convict hearts of sin and call all men to Him. Some of these knights will be in the midst of smoke, chaos and riots, showing God’s love to those who have been deceived and misled. Discern the times and seasons and know everything is in His hands.

The Lord is with you. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers in the high places. But you are seated with Christ, far above the hierarchy of the evil one. You trample snakes and scorpions. The armor of God protects you. Live in His secret place. Petition the Lord. Draw close to Him and have His Word ready on your lips.

You are His child, an heir of Christ. His presence and glory surround you as you are under His wings and you trust in Him. His Word does not return void but accomplishes His purposes. Abide in Him and He will abide in you.

Take heart, for He is with you and will never leave you nor forsake you. Draw near to Him, son. Draw near to Him, daughter. He delights in you.

Jared and Rochelle Laskey co-founded Fireborn Ministries to teach believers how to live a daily Spirit-empowered life. You can find their resources and learn more about their ministry on . They also have e-courses such as Entry Level Prophecy, The Last Days, The Baptism with the Holy Spirit and more on , and the popular podcast Adventures in the Spirit, available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

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Before I knew the Lord, I did a lot of things halfway—or almost all the way. In other words, I started a lot of things that I didn’t finish. I gave up when I got disinterested or when things got too hard.

Once I met Jesus, I got a determined heart. I was determined to finish anything He told me to start. I wanted to be like my Father, who is faithful to finish the good work He has started in us. (See Philippians 1:6.)

It’s not always easy—in fact, it’s not usually easy—to finish what you start. That’s because there’s plenty of opposition, combined with natural fatigue and naysayers.

On a recent Mornings with the Holy Spirit broadcast, I had a vision. In the vision, I saw people who tend to give up halfway through what they start. They faint in the day of adversity. (See Proverbs 24:10.) Every time something seems too difficult, every time there’s opposition, they just throw their hands up and give up. Then I prophesied these words:

“That way and that tendency in you must die. You must grab on to My way because My way is a way of persistence, and My way is a way of finishing. Just as My Son hung on that cross and said, ‘It is finished,’ you, too, will walk through this season and finish things that you started in past seasons and never completed.

“For this is the season of your crossing over. And this is the time for you to accept responsibility for the half-baked and half-finished projects that you started with enthusiasm but never completed. And I will bring to you increase, and you will see and know that there is value in what I’ve told you to put your hand to.”

This is good news. God sees what we didn’t finish, and He wants to help us. He wants to give us enduring hearts. He wants to lead us and guide us to the finish line so we can taste the victory—and taste and see how good He is. Determine in your heart today that you will not just be a starter but a finisher, and watch what God does.

Click here to read the rest of this article. {eoa}

Jennifer LeClaire is an internationally recognized author, apostolic-prophetic voice to her generation and conference speaker. She carries a reforming voice that inspires and challenges believers to pursue intimacy with God, cultivate their spiritual gifts and walk in the fullness of what God has called them to do. Jennifer is contending for awakening in the nations through intercession and spiritual warfare, strong apostolic preaching and practical prophetic teaching that equips the saints for the work of the ministry. Jennifer is senior leader of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, founder of the Ignite Network and founder of the Awakening Prayer Hubs prayer movement.

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I grew up in a very missions minded church. With this emphasis on missions and my desire to do something special in God’s kingdom, it wasn’t unusual I went forward in several services over the years to volunteer to be a foreign missionary.

I had my heart set on helping people and at the same time telling their stories to others who might not be able to go to a foreign country, but they could help send missionaries.

I went to college on a mission’s scholarship. I didn’t want to be a preacher or teacher. Maybe I could use my writing skills in some way? Right out of college I worked in the press office of a foreign missions board.

Toward the Mission Field

They had a program for college graduates to spend two years on the mission field. I prayed about it and barely got the application in under the deadline. Then I got the response saying I had been rejected. I was slightly more than 20 percent over normal weight. If I could lose the weight in three months, I would be accepted on a provisional basis.

I threw the letter away. I didn’t think I could lose the 30 pounds I needed to lose in three months. I was miffed and ashamed. I didn’t want anyone to know I had been rejected because of my weight.

My self-esteem was at a record low and I felt God couldn’t use me in any shape or form. For years I had been looking forward to graduating from college and stepping into my calling. I’d heard all of my life all I needed to do was be available.

I’d said, “Here I am God.” Then it felt like He said, “But you’re too fat.”

Is God Concerned About My Weight?

The truth is that even back then God had been trying to get my attention about what would become a huge issue in my life and how it was connected to my destiny.

I never thought those two things, my weight and my destiny, were connected. Even after being turned down for the missions program, I didn’t connect the dots. I knew I should lose weight, but was God really concerned about my weight? And if so, why?

Scripture is clear on this subject, but we don’t seem to preach about it from the pulpit. “You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood. So then, use your body to bring glory to God,” (1 Cor. 6:20 TPT).

Earlier in 1 Cor. 6:12-13 God warns us about doing whatever we want, which definitely applies to overeating. In the Message version it says it clearly: “Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims.

“You know the old saying, ‘First you eat to live, and then you live to eat’? Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that’s no excuse for stuffing your body with food or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor Him with your body!”

No Excuse

We have no excuse to stuff our bodies with unhealthy food. In other words, overindulging in food is damaging our bodies which are the dwelling places for the Holy Spirit.

Whenever I get to the point where I feel like I’m working hard for God and want to reach for something I know will not benefit my body, I am no longer working for God. I am working for me. I am building my kingdom, not God’s.

Even when I started my weight loss journey, it wasn’t because I wanted to honor God with my body. It was because I was sick and tired of being fat and lazy. I felt God’s destiny had passed me by.

After I lost 250 pounds, God helped me understand my real destiny is writing, coaching, speaking, podcasting and sharing in every way that overindulging in foods can be a life or death matter that we need to submit to God.

Surrender Is the Key to Purpose

Bill Johnson says this: “Out of our surrender to Christ suddenly there is the discovery of purpose.” I know the truth of this now. I didn’t when I was unwilling to surrender sugar and comfort foods to Him.

God won’t move us towards the purpose He has for us until we have surrendered everything to Him. If there is even one thing we are holding back from Him, we are not ready to step into our purpose.

God had a plan for my life. He knew exactly what I had to do before I could step into it. He didn’t lay it all out for me. He just asked me to follow Him each step of the way. Weight loss and destiny were interwoven, but the foods I loved were what I couldn’t seem to surrender. Until I surrendered them, God couldn’t show me the next step on my destiny.

God Has a Destiny for Each of Us

I should never have doubted He had a destiny and a purpose for me, though. He tells me plainly He does.

“We have become His poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny He has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!” (Ephesians 2:10 TPT).

God is more concerned about us fulfilling our destinies than we are. He knows who we are. He knows how we will mess up His plans, but He still helps us get back on the right path headed towards our destiny with purpose and determination to follow Him every step of the way. {eoa}

Teresa Shields Parker is the author of six books and two study guides, including her No. 1 bestseller, Sweet Grace: How I Lost 250 Pounds. Her sixth book, Sweet Surrender: Breaking Strongholds, is live on Amazon. She blogs at . She is also a Christian weight loss coach (check out her coaching group at Overcomers Academy) and speaker. Don’t miss her podcast, Sweet Grace for Your Journey, available on CPN. This article first appeared on .

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