Sometimes when I read the Bible, I like to imagine that I am standing inside the text, and I try to think what it would have been like or felt like to see and hear the events that I am reading.

For instance, I have tried to imagine what it would have been like to be both inside Noah’s ark and outside of the ark when the rains were flooding the earth. I wondered what it would have been like to watch Moses raise his rod and see the waters of the Red Sea part. I have visualized Samson breaking down the pillars in the Philistine temple.

Another biblical experience I have imagined and tried to place myself into the story is the rebellion of Korach. Recently, I was thinking about this event and once again trying to do so as if I was watching the narrative transpire in front of my eyes. I saw Korach and those men with him walking up to Moses to shout their accusations.

I saw the cloud of G-D’s presence above the heads of Moses and Korach as I thought about the words in Numbers 16:3b: “You’ve gone too far! All the community is holy—all of them—and Adonai is with them! Then why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of Adonai?”

In the middle of my visualization of Korach’s rebellion, I heard within my heart the words: “Too many believers are siding with Korach today.” This thought shocked me, and I stopped imagining the rebellion of Korach and began to consider Korach’s rebellion and the words he spoke.

First, it is important that we realize that Korach wasn’t trying to lead the children of Israel into harlotry or infant sacrifice. He wasn’t challenging Moses’ military or even governing leadership. Korach was challenging Moses’ spiritual leadership. Look at the accusations being made. Korach said, “Everyone is holy and Ad-nai is with them.”

Korach’s dissent was focused singularly upon the spiritual role that Moses held. Korach challenged Moses as the spiritual leader of the people of G-D by saying: “Everyone is holy,” and Korach’s proof from his statement was: “Ad-nai is with them.”

In other words, Korach’s proof that everyone could worship G-D without Moses’ leadership was that G-D was present. Korach made the same mistake that many believers are making today by confusing G-D’s presence with G-D’s approval.

We forget that it is impossible for G-D not to be present because He is omnipresent, everywhere all the time. We also conflate G-D’s moving in our midst with His agreement with our actions. Don’t forget G-D was visibly present when the Israelites made the golden calf.

The more I thought about this statement made by Korach and the dramatic response G-D had to Korach’s rebellion, the more concerned I became about the statement. I felt so strongly: “Too many believers are siding with Korach today.”

Korach was leading a rebellion of worship. He didn’t want to be the leader; he didn’t want there to be a leader of how to worship G-D. After all, everyone is holy. As I sat there broken in spirit and thinking about Korach’s worship rebellion and his desire to remove Moses’ leadership of worship, two other biblical events popped into my mind.

The first was the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16, and the second was the Jerusalem council we read about in Act 15. Within both of these stories, we find similar statements made. In Luke 16:31, we read Yeshua saying:

“But Abraham said, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead!'”

And in Acts 15:19- 21, we read these words from Jacob:

“Therefore, I judge not to trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God—but to write to them to abstain from the contamination of idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses from ancient generations has had in every city those who proclaim him, since he is read in all the synagogues every Shabbat.”

While these two events are separate situations, the statements are very similar in that both direct those hearing to Moses. The first says if they do not listen to Moses; the second says they will hear Moses read in synagogue. While it is important to note that all four of the items that Gentiles were to abstain from were parts of pagan worship rituals, the focus should be that they will hear Moses read in synagogue.

Why? Because Moses/Torah was provided to instruct us on how to worship G-D. In reality, the purpose of Torah is to instruct us on how to worship G-D because, in truth, everything we do should be an act of worship, as we read in Colossians 3:23-24:

“Whatever you do, work at it from the soul, as for the Lord and not for people. For you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as a reward. It is to the Lord Messiah you are giving service.”

The bottom line is that there are many believers today who have joined the ranks of Korach by deciding they can choose how they want to worship G-D, rather than following Moses. People think of Torah as a list of dos and don’ts, but the truth is that G-D used Moses to lead us in the proper way to worship Him.

If we choose not to follow Moses, we are choosing to follow Korach, and if you read the rest of the story, that doesn’t end well. When we choose to worship G-D our way instead of His way, we change places with G-D. When we choose to worship how we want to, it simply isn’t worship. {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.

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.

Expect God to blow your socks off because this is a summer of harvest and awakening! For the next three months all of God’s people are in a time of open heavens in the United States, Israel and all around the world!

God always saves the best for last, and right now we are in the last three months of the current Hebrew year 5781. It’s time to see what God means when He says the last shall be greater than the first, because He is about to release something huge over planet Earth! These 10 prophetic words reveal God’s mighty plans that are about to take place.

1. Many souls will be saved. This is the summer of God’s harvest. God is calling out to the lost, and they are going to come running home to Jesus! Are you ready to win souls?

2. Tent revivals, extended meetings, outpourings, gatherings and revivals. Great outpourings of the Spirit will be seen everywhere, keeping people wanting more. There will be many extended meetings, some lasting anywhere from five or10 days all the way up to as many as 30 to 40 days!

3. Churches will be opened. This was a big debate in 2020, and even this year, many churches are still closed. However, in the next few months, we are going to be seeing many churches opening back up.

4. An exposure of corruption and fraud. We are going to be seeing court papers, indictments, charges and even imprisonment for things such as embezzlement, fraud, corruption and crimes against human society.

5. A comeback and payback of restoration and recompense. Whatever the enemy tried to stop, there is going to be an even greater comeback in America. There will be a comeback of the church, the prophets and the patriots of this country, specifically the Trump family.

6. Revelation and inspiration. We are under open heavens, where we will receive downloads, and situations will shift. A spirit of acceleration is coming that will cause you to be thrust forward so you will finish strong in the high glory of God!

7. A Great Awakening. A new breed of evangelists, prophets and street preachers is rising up. Everything is becoming more active and sensitive in the Spirit!

8. Reversing the curse. The curse is being lifted and will be boomeranged back on the enemy. Mask mandates and other laws and ordinances will be removed. Why was President Biden swiftly signing a multitude of executive orders, more than any other president in history during their first 10 days in office? Why such a rush to enact executive power? You will see that even numerous executive orders will be dissolved.

9. Lands, properties and buildings will be regained and returned. The economy’s steadily sinking, and we have witnessed foreclosures, the loss of buildings and properties. This is a time of regaining and restoring land and property! Not only will you get payback, but you will also be taking back whatever the enemy stole!

10. A reform in culture, media, health, science, religion, government and family. A great reformation is taking place! Great changes are coming to all of society, even our own families!

Watch the Holy Ghost move across America and bring all of these things to fruition. God is moving us to a greater glory as 5781 comes to a close. A mighty shift is coming, and all of these things are moving in your favor! It’s time to take back what was stolen and bring revival to the lost. Let us awaken God’s sleeping American bride and gather in the harvest! {eoa}

Dr. Ben Lim is the senior pastor of Open Heavens World, which currently oversees three church plants in Southern California. He is a dynamic Millennial preacher who has traveled to nearly 50 countries in just the past 10 years. He spent his earlier years in the mission fields of Asia and Southeast Asia, preaching the gospel to unreached people groups. He is the CEO of Ben Lim Global and Ben Lim Ministries. His ministry is accompanied with notable signs, wonders and miracles. He holds a doctorate of theology from Next Dimension University.

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.

Editor’s Note: This is the second part of a two-part article. Read the first part on here.

Each person has a vital part to play in the life of the local church. It is in the local church where we are most effective in discipling newer believers and a younger generation. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul mentions four levels of discipleship. Paul to Timothy, Timothy to the faithful, and the faithful believers to others who will follow. Our individual calling and assignments in the body of Christ are best realized as we serve and disciple others in local congregations.

God gives us individual assignments and ministries. He gives us abilities, talents and gifts by the Holy Spirit. You thrive and come alive as you learn to operate in the spiritual, motivational and ministry gifts God has given you. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7).

If you are a leader and find you are overwhelmed by responsibilities, determine your God-given abilities and priorities, and then reach out to others for help (Acts 6:4). Invite; don’t coerce! If you are not in leadership, you have gifts and abilities that can be used by God in various areas of the church’s ministry. Offer these gifts in service to the Lord!

Principle No. 3. Future leaders need to have a good reputation, to be full of the Spirit and to have wisdom.

“Brothers, look among yourselves for seven men who are known to be full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this duty” (Acts 6:3).

The administrative task of distributing food was not taken lightly. Having a good reputation, both in the church and outside, means to live a life of godly character reflecting Jesus and kingdom values. Examples of this include being full of God’s love, gentleness, kindness, humility and the ability to work with others. The basis of what we do should be a heart of love for others.

Jesus said, “Whoever would be great among you, let him serve you” (Matt. 20:26b).

Don’t aspire to be great, rather aspire to be a great person—begin with loving and serving others!

Notice that Stephen, Philip and the others were submitted to the authority of the apostles and the church. We don’t need “lone ranger” Christians! We need to be mutually accountable. Peter commands us to be humble, submissive and accountable to each other:

“Likewise you younger ones, submit yourselves to the elders. Yes, all of you be submissive one to another and clothe yourselves with humility, because ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble'” (1 Pet. 5:5).

We need older and younger believers working together in harmony to mentor a new generation of believers to carry on the mission of Christ and expand His kingdom. The local church is a family on a mission together!

To be full of the Spirit is to be led by and empowered by the Spirit. The most important prerequisite for any kind of Christian service is to be filled with faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit’s power, Stephen was a wise servant (Acts 6:3) and evangelist (Acts 6:10). By yielding to the Holy Spirit and relying on His power, you can operate in the gifts of the Spirit and abilities He has given you.

Principle No. 4. Leaders, and all believers, should expect to move in the supernatural.

Acts 6:8 says, “Now Stephen, full of faith [grace] and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” Stephen was close to Jesus and learned how to commune with Him and the Holy Spirit.

Intimacy with God is the simple means by which we access living in the miraculous. Spending time in God’s presence is the discipline we must develop to access all that God has for us. The cumulative effect is a greater anointing to function in healing or the supernatural. Abiding in Christ is the key:

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who remains in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit. For without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

God releases power through us as we dwell in intimacy with Him. The natural outworking of His presence is godly character, wisdom and spiritual gifts.

Stephen and Philip represent a forerunner anointing. Once again, God is raising up an apostolic company in the 21st century. This company is not determined or restricted by age but is dependent upon hunger. God is doing amazing things in our day. We need to be ready for and expect His power and supernatural visitation. Faith is required; remember, Stephen and the others were “full of faith.”

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:24).

Jesus first told the disciples in Mark 11:22b, “Have faith in God.” Faith is from the Greek word pistis and means persuasion, conviction, assurance, belief or trust.

He tells them in verse 24 to believe they already have it. In other words, have an expectation and anticipation. Believe is from the Greek pisteuo and means to have faith in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing, credit, to entrust, trust. Again, we are to believe, to have an expectation! Oral Roberts once said of faith and expectancy:

“Expectancy opens your life to God and puts you in a position to receive salvation, joy, health, financial supply or peace of mind—everything good your heart longs for and more!”

Get ready! There are things about to happen in the church that “eye has not seen, nor ear heard” (1 Cor. 2:9b), and you and I can be a part of it.

Kathryn Kuhlman prophesied there would be a day when the church would say, “I am not sick!” and that in some meetings every single person would be healed. In addition to this, John Lake prophesied a great healing revival in the last days.

Isaiah 33:24a says, “The inhabitant shall not say, ‘I am sick.'”

Principle No. 5. The church should expect growth. Make provisions and prepare leaders.

“So the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples grew rapidly in Jerusalem, and a great number of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).

After the congregation selected the seven and the apostles laid hands on them (v. 6) and prayed over them, the Good News of Jesus and the kingdom spread; people converted to Christianity; and the church in Jerusalem multiplied greatly—so much so that even Jewish priests were coming to faith in Christ!

For more from Dr. Bob Sawvelle, listen to Empowered for Purpose on the Charisma Podcast Network. {eoa}

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.

Editor’s Note: This is the first part a two-part article. Check back on soon to read the second part.

The church tradition I grew up in lacked teaching and a demonstration of the miraculous, present-day power of God. When I gave my life to Christ as a young adult, I gravitated toward the Gospels and the book of Acts.

I wanted to know more about new life in Christ and read about God’s miracles. I longed to be part of a church culture where the life and community of the early church were realized and God’s presence and power were normal. I soon came to believe, “God did miracles then, and He still does today for those who believe!” (See my book, Receive Your Miracle Now! A Case for Healing Today for more on the present-day working of healing and miracles.)

Today, I want to examine principles that will aid us in being Spirit-empowered members of a dynamic local church community.

Keep in mind that each of us was uniquely created by God with gifts, purpose and calling. You are the only you, and you are here for “such a time as this!” Pursue God and pursue your passions and dreams. But understand your giftings and calling are developed through connection to God’s people in the local church.

When we embrace this truth and work together in the local church community we are placed in, we thrive and come alive—destiny is realized! Our passion and purpose grow; we mature; and dreams are fulfilled.

The New Testament assumes participation with other believers in a local congregation. Unfortunately, in today’s world, individualism has created many disconnected believers without accountability or commitment in the body of Christ.

The difference between being a church attender and a church member is commitment. Attenders are spectators from the sidelines; members get involved in the ministry. Attenders are consumers; members are contributors.

Attenders want the benefits of a church without sharing the responsibility. They want relationship without commitment. How can one be part of a family without participation? Healthy families work together, cleaning the house, doing the dishes and so forth. It takes effort to be connected to a family in a healthy way!

Let’s examine a story in Acts that underscores the importance of belonging and commitment to a local church.

In Acts 6:1-10, we read of how the early church and apostles chose seven men who were full of faith, wisdom and the Holy Spirit to minister to the needs of the people.

In the early chapters of Acts, we read that since Pentecost, the growing church in Jerusalem needed more servant leaders to minister to the people. Or, as Jesus called them, “laborers for the harvest.”

The Hebraic Jews, native Jewish Christians, primarily spoke Aramaic, a Semitic language. The Hellenistic Jews, Greek-speaking Christians, were probably Jews from other lands who were converted at Pentecost. The Greek-speaking Christians complained that their widows were being unfairly treated.

However, this favoritism was probably not intentional but was more likely caused by the language and cultural barriers. To correct the situation, the apostles put seven respected Greek-speaking men in charge of the food distribution program. Leadership was multiplied, and the apostles were able to keep their focus on prayer, study and preaching about Jesus.

In this story, did you notice there was an issue that caused division?

Principle No. 1: Being part of a local church family, even one moving in the power of the Spirit, is to recognize no church is perfect!

When we read descriptions about the early church—the miracles, sharing, generosity and fellowship—we may wish we could have been part of this “perfect” church. In reality, the early church had problems just as we do today.

No church has ever been or ever will be perfect until Jesus and His followers are united at His Second Coming. All churches have problems. A pastor, who helped mentor me as a new believer, once said, “Bob, the minute you came into this church, it was not perfect!” Ouch! But I got the point. None of us are perfect, so why do we expect perfection in everyone else and within the church?

If our church, or any church you are part of, distresses you, ask yourself: “Would a perfect church allow me to be a member?” Probably not! Therefore, we should strive to walk closely with Jesus and each other and do what we can to make our church better.

Keep in mind that a church (or an individual) does not have to be perfect to be counted as faithful in the Lord’s eyes.

Principle No. 2: Church growth creates a greater need for each member to use their gifts, talents and abilities to contribute and minister.

As the early church grew, so did its needs. In this account, the great need was to organize the distribution of food to the poor. The apostles needed to focus on prayer and God’s Word, so they chose others to administer the food program.

Realizing they needed more prayer rather than increased activity, the apostles chose seven others to serve as servant leaders to care for the needs of the church.

Faithfulness to prayer recurs through Scripture. Paul would later tell the church at Rome, “Be kindly affectionate to one another … continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Rom. 12:10a,12b NKJV).

As a result, the church grew, and supernatural ministry took place.

For more from Dr. Bob Sawvelle, listen to Empowered for Purpose on the Charisma Podcast Network. {eoa}

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.

A cross section of leaders of faith, media and culture assemble in Dallas, Texas, this week for the National Religious Broadcasters Convention. Gathering at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, leaders of Christian television, radio and media convene to build relationships and further the reach of Christian media around the globe.

Phil Cooke, who’s speaking at the NRB Convention, began filming Christian television with Oral Roberts, who he describes as “the real deal.” One of the projects Phil worked on was interviewing people who had experienced miracles under the ministry of Oral Roberts 30 years after they received the healing. He documented that the miracles had changed their lives forever. Since beginning at ORU, Phil has been in more than 60 countries around the world. While filming in these nations, he’s been shot at, survived two military coups, fallen out of a helicopter and been threatened with prison.

Phil’s wife of over 40 years, actress Kathleen Cooke, who is also presenting a workshop at NRB shares what a step of faith it was to leave Oklahoma and move with purpose and promise to Hollywood. Together they coach others in media to lead with their gift and watch how God makes room for them to share their faith.

Dr. Hormoz Shariat, who’s been called the “Billy Graham of Iran” will also be at NRB. His book, Iran’s Great Awakening, tells the miraculous story of how Muslims are coming to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Shariat’s heart for revival sparked after his brother was shot by authorities in an Iranian prison.

Together, Christian communicators are making an eternal impact as they share the Good News of Jesus Christ’s love and power to neighbors, nations and generations. {eoa}

Be inspired with refreshing stories of healing and be encouraged by authentic conversations with real people who walk in bold faith as you listen to Healing Rain with Sue Detweiler on the Charisma Podcast Network.

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.

The Black Robe Regiment is calling pastors to engage in culture.

Jeff Struss, content director of Charisma News, spoke with the pastors who are leading this activism resource about their goal of equipping and educating faith leaders to serve their flocks well.

“We’re not asking men to load up guns and go fight, but we are asking men to engage in the spiritual war for the life of culture,” they say.

They believe pastors are the key for men and women of faith to arise in the strength of their God. Watch more now.

Follow breaking news like this and more in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS

I’ve known Susan Perlman, one of the co-founders of Jews for Jesus, since the early 1980s. I remember visiting their headquarters in San Francisco, and it made a huge impression upon me.

This past week, Perlman had an opportunity to return the favor by visiting our offices here in Lake Mary, and I had the privilege of interviewing her for my Strang Report podcast. We talked about a great many things, including today’s cancel culture in America and also about her longtime association with Jews for Jesus and its co-founder, Moishe Rosen.

Perlman has been with Jews for Jesus since around 1970, at the height of the Jesus Movement, and she now serves as the first assistant to Executive Director David Bricker and on their executive leadership team, so she’s been a key part of the organization for more than 50 years.

For years, she worked with Rosen, who died in the early 2000s. Prior to Jews for Jesus, Rosen served as a veteran missionary to the Jews for 17 years.

But during that time, Rosen realized he needed to do something different to reach the Jewish people. He took radical action.

“He [Rosen] put on some jeans and a jean jacket embroidered with a statement by Jews for Jesus that said, ‘Jesus made me kosher,'” Perlman says. “He went out on the college campuses, and he talked to young people and listened to what they had to say about life and faith. It really was quite an eye-opener for him.

“He realized that he wasn’t communicating to the people he most wanted to reach,” she says. “So we started writing literature that was a little different than what was then the traditional gospel tracts with small type and lots of Scripture verses. He hand-wrote these pamphlets, and they were written in the voice of a 9-year-old boy. He had statements like, ‘If being born hasn’t given you much satisfaction, then try being born again.’ It was very creative.

“He wrote one that was titled, ‘A Message From a Square,’ Perlman adds. “He had this little stick figure with a square head to it. He talked about what was really important in life. People gravitated toward those tracts, and they were eager to talk more. He had the time, and he would center on park benches or on campus quads and just talk with people who needed to hear.”

What Rosen had to say must have made a tremendous impact on a great number of people. More than 50 years later, Jews for Jesus is still going strong. The Jews for Jesus staff helps raise awareness of Jesus as the Jewish Messiah and helps provide spiritual care and meet needs in local communities.

Perlman is passionate about reaching the Jews about our Messiah, Yeshua. She says you might have some Jewish friends and believe it’s impossible for them to consider serving Jesus. But remember, nothing is impossible with God.

“I’m a living example,” Perlman says. “Keep praying for them. Prayer is really powerful, and look for opportunities to share the Good News with them. Most Jewish people are less secure in what they don’t believe than you are in what you do believe.”

Click here to listen to this entire podcast with Susan Perlman. Please spread the word about it to your followers on social media. Be sure to subscribe to the Strang Report on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform for more podcasts to inspire you to experience the power of the Holy Spirit. {eoa}

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.

A river without banks is just runoff water. The charismata, Holy Spirit gifts, without character are a raft heading into swampy waters.

But when character is shaped in the image of Christ Jesus, then the presence, power and authority of the Holy Spirit have an effective course through which to be channeled.

4 Characteristics of Authentic Prophetic People

Here are four aspects of prophetic people who continuously pursue an intimate and godly walk with Christ:

1. They are people of genuine faith. Abraham was captivated by God with a vision and purpose. But Hebrews 11:8–10 indicates that he stepped out, “not knowing where he was going.” With that thought in mind, does he fit the image of a prophetic person of faith?

Abraham was looking for something—actually, for someone. Like all authentic prophetic pilgrims who came after him, he maintained his gaze upward. He kept looking for the city whose builder and architect was God.

With this set of lenses, you might see your circumstances differently and take courage. You can qualify to be an authentic prophetic person—a man or woman of genuine faith.

2. They are pioneers taking on new territory. Prophetic people are those who go before and open the way for others. They are called pioneers, forerunners or “breakers” in the Spirit. They pay the price, often as intercessors, plowing up fallow ground so that others can follow in their trail as sowers, planters, waterers and eventually reapers. Before there is a breakthrough, there must always come a “breaker.”

Truly, they are pioneers. They love the task of plowing new territory, but they cannot wait till the next round of gifted laborers appears, relieving them of their temporary responsibilities. Fresh grace seems to appear as a glint in their eyes over a new assignment revealed. These prophetic pioneers are paying the price as groundbreakers.

Know this for sure—if you are going to be a prophetic person, sooner or later you will be used with a plow in your hand.

3. They are messengers with a clear word. Prophetic people carry a living word of not being conformed to this world, and they wield this message masterfully like a sharp, two-edged sword. Messengers carry a word with them. Their job is to be mouthpieces on behalf of another. Anna’s prophetic message, as recorded in Luke 2:38 (NASB 1977), was simple: she “continued to speak of [Jesus].” He is our message!

True messengers speak and live the message of the cross. Ultimately the cross must be our passion (1 Cor. 1:23; 2:2). We must preach Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead. That goes against the grain in a godless society. But there is no deeper life message than the simplicity and centrality of the cross.

The power of God rests not on the wisdom, articulation and education of men and women, but on the foolishness of the preaching of the cross. We are to be people with a message. Is it possible that you could qualify for such a simple yet profound task?

4. They are members of a servant community. The body of Christ is to be a people relationally knit together. They are members of a servant community. We are not called to be lone rangers. Nor are there supposed to be a few elite, awesome superstars in the church. We are all called to walk in the anointing of a word of knowledge or wisdom, in His character and in His power. We are called to do it together.

When you study the armor of God in Ephesians, you will see that one area of your body is not protected: your hind side. Somebody else covers it for you.

If you are marching in an army, somebody is striding in front of you and someone behind you, watching your heels. In a sense, then, part of your armor is people who walk with you. That means you are part of the armor for someone else, too! That is what it means to be part of a servant community of believers.

Cultivating Character: Fruit That Is Grown

Have you ever noticed how many excruciating lessons there are to learn in character development? It’s so good to remember that God does not only want us to give a message; He wants us to become a living word. Because the revelatory-gifted person is extra-sensitive, he or she must give the area of character development special attention.

Growing in the prophetic—hearing God’s voice, receiving visions, knowing His heart and so on—is extremely simple. At times we overly complicate this scene. It is a relational issue. It is not hiding, but relating.

Here are some keys I have been learning over the past 45-plus years of ministry in cultivating God’s presence in my life. These seven helpful points have been milestones along my own journey of cultivating intimacy and growing in character to carry the gift:

— Rest around the ark of God’s presence.

— Love mercy.

— Pray in the Holy Spirit.

— Inquire of the Lord. Ask questions. Learn to hold a secret like a friend.

— Love the anointing.

— Risk! Yes, roll the dice.

— Prayer of genuine heart.

Lord Jesus, I desire to be a person of genuine faith—a pioneer taking new territory, declaring the word of the Lord with clarity, love and a servant’s heart. My heart wanders, and I want to go my own way. Help me to stay close to You and grow in strength of character. My goal is to grow in the fullness of the likeness Christ expressed in both godly character and resurrection power. I want to be like You, Jesus. You are beautiful. Amen and Amen! {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, 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.

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.

“A multitude of camels [from the eastern trading tribes] will cover you [Jerusalem]. The young camels of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba [who once came to trade] will come bringing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the Lord” (Isa. 60:6, AMP).

I believe that the Lord is going to restore the years the locust, the canker worm, the caterpillar and the palmerworm ate away (Joel 2:25), provide times of refreshing for you (Acts 3:19) and that you will pursue, overtake and recover all (1 Sam. 30:8)! After a year of loss, I believe that this will be your year of recovery.

— Acquire: to get or obtain.

— Acquisition: the act of getting or receiving something, or the item that was received.

Tragedy Before Triumph!

Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of devastating loss before tremendous gain (consider the narratives of Job, Joseph, Jesus, Paul and many others). Job got double for his trouble. Joseph was eventually elevated because of his dreams. Jesus won the ultimate victory for us. Paul became one of the greatest apostles of all times!

Each person went through tragedy before they experienced triumph. I believe it’s the same for many of you reading this now. This is your year of obtaining and regaining! I also heard that the camels are coming this year!

Supernatural Supply Is Your Portion This Year!

I see unexpected provision—a suddenly, if you will, coming your way. The prophet Elijah was at the Brook Cherith, during a time of drought, when God commanded the ravens to feed him there (1 Kings 17). They brought Elijah bread and flesh in the morning and in the evening—a totally unexpected blessing from an unexpected source! This was definitely supernatural.

Ravens are scavengers that rarely give up anything, especially food! This year, I believe God is going to use people who don’t even know you to bless you, despite their character! For example, while in Baltimore, Maryland, for a ministry assignment, an intoxicated guy asked me the time and then proceeded to pay for my groceries!

He told me to get anything in the store that I wanted! I initially declined the offer, but this stranger was persistent. By the time I got to the counter with my items, he had his credit card out and paid for everything that I had chosen! Believe it or not, he was my raven that night—a person sent by God to bless me in an unfamiliar land.

Ravens can be nouns (people, places, or things). They tend to come during your seasons of need. The Lord God will compel them to bless you. Accept it. In Elijah’s case, the raven was only able to carry small blessings (food) to Elijah. The camels are coming because a bigger blessing is needed to cover some entire families, churches and so forth. Somebody reading this right now needs a camel!

The Camels Are Coming!

They are coming laden with blessings for you! Verse 6 says, “a multitude” is coming. This is not only one or two camels coming—for this multitude is bringing provision for this final hour. In times of lack, God’s people will not lack. (2020 was a prime example of supernatural provision!) God will make a way for you when there is no way.

Notice in Isaiah 60 that there will be natural provision—gold—and spiritual provision—incense. You, who have been faithful, have been prepared by God to be the recipient of this abundance. You will receive it by grace and with patience. Most things we are impatient to get, we won’t get. We will never fully receive from God with a spirit of impatience (Isa. 40:31). A God-delay is not a God-denial but a wait. Provision is coming in the form of supernatural supply. The power is in your decree.

“You will also declare a matter, and it will be established unto you; and the light will shine upon your ways” (Job 22:28).

I honestly believe that, for some, your camels are already here; you just have to unpack them. You have to see, or discern, them in order to unpack them. You must see the camels in the spirit next to you. When you recognize them in the spirit, you’ll start to shift! Your camels may come in the form of people (friends, enemies, family, co-workers). Once identified, unpack them! Take the burden, your blessings, off of them and break the yoke that holds them back (Isa. 10:27).

Unpack the increase, the abundance, the wealth and more that have been loaded upon your camels! You’ve got some unpacking to do! Unpack your breakthrough, your healing and your miracle! This season some of your needs will be met! There will be supernatural supply in your home, water in your wells, oil in your lanterns and food on your table! {eoa}

Dr. John Veal is the senior pastor/prophet of Enduring Faith Christian Center and the CEO of John Veal Ministries Inc. He is passionate about pursuing God’s mandate to preach, teach, impart and activate people within the prophetic. John is a regular contributor to Charisma magazine online, The Elijah List, IMAG, Spirit Fuel, Reformation Today, Rejoice Essential and others. John has been featured on various media outlets, including Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural, Something More and Elijah Streams. Dr. Veal is a highly sought-after conference speaker due to his uncanny prophetic accuracy, humor, candor and unconventional preaching style. He has traveled the nations, presenting a myriad of prophetic training and ministry. John currently resides in Chicago, Illinois, with his wife, Elisa, and their three children. For more about Dr. Veal, visit j.

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.

After navigating through a year of obstacles and virtual audiences, hit reality competition series America’s Got Talent kicked off its 16th season. One singer’s voice is already turning heads, and her story is grabbing the nation by its heartstrings.

The petite 30-year-old with a captivating smile and a sparkle in her eye, Jane Marczewski, whose stage name is Nightbirde, graced the AGT stage and took the opportunity to sing an original song entitled “It’s OK.”

Before singing, Marczewski responded to the judges’ questions, “It’s important that everyone knows that I’m so much more than the bad things that have happened to me.”

“It’s OK” is the Liberty University graduate’s way of sharing her journey of the past year, in which she battled with a third bout of metastatic breast cancer. Doctors gave her a 2% chance of survival, but she says, “Two percent is not 0%. Two percent is something, and I wish people knew how amazing it is.”

The song takes listeners on an emotional journey of personal turmoil and loss and includes Marczewski’s decision to choose joy no matter what.

As she finished her last lyric, the judges were left with their mouths agape. Once they regained their composure, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation.

The ever-petulant Simon Cowell said he wasn’t going to give her a yes; instead, he was “going to give her something else.” He reached over to strike the coveted golden buzzer, triggering a shower of sparkling confetti and launching the emotional singer to instant stardom.

Prior to her audition on America’s Got Talent, Nightbirde shared her testimony on the Then God Moved podcast with Adria Polite.

The singer shared that her faith in Jesus became her own while she attended a Christian middle school. A Bible teacher challenged the students to write a paper about what made them a Christian. She commented, “It was a challenging assignment” that sent her into a “really deep thought process” where she decided to follow Jesus on her own accord.

She also spoke of attending a recent worship service at a California beach where people were getting baptized. After the trauma of cancer and divorce, she wanted to get baptized again.

She commented, “When I got baptized, I just wanted to take a step and seal the envelope of the past, and say, ‘I’m just going to wash this off of me, I don’t want to wear pain anymore.'”

Describing the feeling she experienced as she came out of the water, Marczewski said, “I really felt like, it’s the first day of my life. I’m brand-new. And it’s going to be amazing.”

She continued, “I’ve just allowed God to take out so many of the thorns in my heart of the pain, of the things that have happened to me, and I just really believe that the best part of my story is coming now.”

“It’s OK” rose to the No. 1 spot on iTunes for Marczewski, nicknamed a “walking miracle” after her incredible performance. By virtue of the golden buzzer and automatic pass forward in the competition, he will be singing in the show’s next round in August.

The faith-filled singer offered a heartfelt lesson in her closing words to the judges: “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” {eoa}

John Matarazzo is a digital content specialist for Charisma Media, reports for the Charisma News Podcast and is the host of AlongTheWay on the Charisma Podcast Network.

Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.