The Lord’s Warning: Guarding Friendships in the Coming Months

 The Lord’s Warning: Guarding Friendships in the Coming Months

Recently, the Lord spoke to my heart, warning that in the coming months the enemy will launch attacks against friendships. Friendships are gifts from God, often serving as sources of encouragement, accountability, and spiritual support. Yet, the devil knows their power and influence in our lives, which is why he seeks to divide, isolate, and destroy them.

Scripture reminds us of the value of godly friendships. The Apostle Paul constantly demonstrated how important relationships were to fulfilling his ministry. In the New King James Version (NKJV), we see Paul mentioning his companions and co-laborers in faith frequently:

• Philippians 1:3-5 (NKJV) says, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”  
• 2 Timothy 4:9-11 (NKJV) shows Paul’s vulnerability and need for friendship: “Be diligent to come to me quickly… Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.”

Paul’s letters reflect that he not only valued friendships but relied on them as part of the mission God entrusted to him. He faced betrayal and abandonment at times, yet he also experienced deep encouragement from faithful friends in Christ.

Why the Enemy Attacks Friendships

The devil knows that unity among believers is powerful. When he isolates us or sows seeds of misunderstanding, bitterness, or jealousy, he weakens our spiritual effectiveness. Broken friendships can lead to discouragement and even hinder ministry work.

How to Pray for and Protect Your Friendships

1. Pray for discernment and protection. Ask the Lord to guard your relationships from the schemes of the enemy.
2. Walk in humility and forgiveness. Be quick to forgive and slow to take offense (Ephesians 4:32, NKJV).
3. Speak life and encouragement. Like Paul, regularly thank God for your friends and let them know they are appreciated.
4. Stay alert to division. If conflict arises, seek reconciliation quickly and do not allow bitterness to take root.

As the Lord has warned, be intentional in covering your friendships with prayer in the months ahead. Just as Paul’s partnerships strengthened his ministry, your friendships can be a source of divine support and joy—if guarded carefully.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)

Let us remain vigilant, prayerful, and loving, trusting that God will keep our friendships strong and fruitful for His glory.

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In the Name of the Father, Son, and Spirit: Understanding True Water Baptism

 

• In the Name of the Father, Son, and Spirit: Understanding True Water Baptism

  
  
  
  

    The baptism of water according to the teachings of Jesus is clearly instructed in Scripture. In the New King James Version (NKJV), Jesus commands His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, not simply in His name alone.

    In Matthew 28:19 (NKJV), Jesus says:

> “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

    This is often referred to as the Great Commission. Here, Jesus gives a distinct formula for water baptism. If He had intended baptism to be performed only in His name, He would have said so explicitly. Instead, He included the fullness of the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Other passages confirm that water baptism is a command for believers. For example:

• Mark 16:16 (NKJV)

> “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

• Acts 2:38 (NKJV)

> “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

    While Acts speaks of baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ,” this is understood as the authority of Jesus, not a contradiction to the command in Matthew 28:19. The apostles fulfilled the Great Commission by baptizing with the understanding that the authority and power come from Christ, yet the formula Jesus gave includes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

    Therefore, the baptism of water follows the command of Jesus Himself, as He clearly instructed to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

The baptism of water according to the teachings of Jesus is clearly instructed in Scripture. In the New King James Version (NKJV), Jesus commands His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, not simply in His name alone.

    In Matthew 28:19 (NKJV), Jesus says:

> “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

    This is often referred to as the Great Commission. Here, Jesus gives a distinct formula for water baptism. If He had intended baptism to be performed only in His name, He would have said so explicitly. Instead, He included the fullness of the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Other passages confirm that water baptism is a command for believers. For example:

• Mark 16:16 (NKJV)

> “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

• Acts 2:38 (NKJV)

> “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

    While Acts speaks of baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ,” this is understood as the authority of Jesus, not a contradiction to the command in Matthew 28:19. The apostles fulfilled the Great Commission by baptizing with the understanding that the authority and power come from Christ, yet the formula Jesus gave includes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Therefore, the baptism of water follows the command of Jesus Himself, as He clearly instructed to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

    I am not thoroughly convinced that Acts 2:38 is talking about water baptism. I feel that it’s talking about the Holy Spirit baptism.

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Savoring the Worship: Enjoying Church Like a Meal

Savoring the Worship: Enjoying Church Like a Meal

When we think of church, many of us imagine a time of solemn reflection, prayer, and learning. But what if we also saw the worship service as a feast—an experience to be savored and enjoyed, much like a nourishing meal?

Psalm 34:8 (NKJV) invites us: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” This Scripture paints a vivid picture of faith as an encounter with tangible goodness, something we can almost taste. Just as a meal satisfies physical hunger, a church service can satisfy our spiritual hunger.

The Appetizer: Worship and Praise

When the service begins, the opening worship is like the appetizer that awakens our spiritual senses. Through singing, clapping, and lifting our voices, we prepare our hearts to receive God’s Word. These moments stir our appetite for His presence, reminding us that our souls are hungry for Him.

The Main Course: The Word of God

The sermon is the main dish of this spiritual feast. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The Word feeds us, strengthens us, and gives us what we need to grow. Just like a hearty meal provides energy, the message of God sustains us through life’s challenges.

The Dessert: Fellowship and Joy

After the Word, fellowship is like dessert—sweet, satisfying, and filling our hearts with joy. Greeting one another, sharing testimonies, and engaging in prayer are all part of savoring the goodness of God together.

Leaving the Table Filled

When we leave a church service, we should feel as if we have dined at the Lord’s table, filled and refreshed. Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) reminds us, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” A service that is truly enjoyed leaves us rejoicing, spiritually nourished, and eager to return for our next taste of His goodness.

So, the next time you attend church, come hungry. Taste and see that the Lord is good, and let His presence feed your soul.

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The Importance of God the Father and Revival: Returning to the Father’s Heart

The Importance of God the Father and Revival: Returning to the Father’s Heart

Revival has always been about one thing: the heart of the Father calling His children home. Scripture reminds us of this in Malachi 4:6 (NKJV):

> “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

This prophetic word, echoed in the ministry of John the Baptist and fulfilled through the Spirit of Elijah, is a call for reconciliation and restoration. It points us to the ultimate Father—God Himself—who longs for His children to return to Him.

Revival: A Return to the Father

True revival is not simply about emotional experiences or large gatherings; it is a divine invitation to return to God the Father. The Spirit of Elijah prepares the way by softening hearts, removing hindrances, and calling us back to intimacy with Him. When our hearts are aligned with the Father’s heart, His love flows through us to others, bringing healing and transformation.

Historical Revivals and the Father’s Blessing

Throughout history, moments of great revival have carried a strong emphasis on the Father’s love:

• Toronto Blessing (1994) – Often referred to as the “Father’s Blessing,” this outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Toronto, Canada, was marked by believers encountering the deep, unconditional love of God the Father. Lives were transformed as people experienced restoration, healing, and intimacy with Him.
• Brownsville Revival (1995) – In Pensacola, Florida, this revival ignited with a powerful call to repentance and holiness. Yet at its core, it was about sons and daughters returning to the Father in humility, seeking closeness to His heart and the fire of His Spirit.

Both revivals illustrate that the work of the Holy Spirit points us back to God the Father. Revival is really the Father calling His children back into His embrace.

Elijah’s Call for Our Generation

The Spirit of Elijah is still moving today. As Malachi 4:6 reveals, revival is about turning hearts—hearts of children returning to their fathers and ultimately to the Heavenly Father. It is about alignment, restoration, and reconciliation. Without this turning of hearts, our worship can become hollow, and our faith can grow cold.

In this generation, God is calling His people to experience a fresh move of revival, one that begins in His presence. Revival is not just a moment; it’s a lifestyle of continually returning to the Father’s heart.

A Prayer for Revival

Heavenly Father, we ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit. Turn our hearts toward You. Remove any barriers that keep us distant. Let the Spirit of Elijah prepare Your people once again, that sons and daughters would return to Your embrace. Let Your love ignite revival in our hearts, our families, and our nation. Amen.

Revival begins and ends with the Father. As our hearts turn to Him, the fire of His love will transform everything we know, bringing heaven to earth once more.

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Word for 2026

 A Season of Battle and Breakthrough

I sense the Lord impressing upon my heart that the next few months will be a fight. This is not a fight of the flesh, but a spiritual battle where our faith, patience, and steadfastness will be tested. Yet, God also promises that breakthrough will come—but it will require prayer, perseverance, and deliberate living.

The Word reminds us:

> “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

This season calls for an intentional walk of faith. Keep your calm, mind your words, and remain steadfast in the Lord. Our speech has power, and reckless words can hinder what God is birthing in our lives.

> “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)

> “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” – Colossians 4:6 (NKJV)

We are called to be deliberate: deliberate in prayer, deliberate in our actions, and deliberate in guarding our hearts.

> “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV)

> “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” – Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

Breakthrough is promised, but it comes by standing firm, seeking God in prayer, and holding fast to His Word. This is a call to consistent devotion, calm assurance, and intentional living in the Spirit.

> “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

If we remain prayerful and steadfast, the fight will lead to victory, and the season of testing will give way to breakthrough.

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