A group of fellow believers unite in prayer as one in our Messiah Jesus to stand in the gap before the throne for others.

 

© Desireofmysoul.faith (.com and .org) & SoulBreaths.com. All rights reserved.

 
 

Please join us before our King . . .

 

The latest prayer needs: listed below.

Email your prayer requests: prayer@desireofmysoul.faith

 
 

Sukkot, the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles, begins at sundown on Wednesday/October 16, Tishrei 15 on the Judaic calendar.

 
 

It is one of God’s mo’edim (appointed time), calling B’nei Israel to build temporary booths and reside in them (meals, study, gatherings, some sleep in them), per God’s command based on Leviticus 23:40, Deuteronomy 16:13-16, and even in the coming Millennial Kingdom, Zechariah 14:16-19 when all nations will celebrate Sukkot because the King of kings, Lord Yeshua will once again tabernacle with us—reigning over the world.

 

Whenever I’ve sat in my sukkah—a precarious, temporary booth with no roof, except for a few branches because we must see the sky above us—or visited someone else’s sukkah, my soul wells up. A holy convergence of joy and humbling. Mindful of God’s greatness, his creation and provisions surrounding me, his forgiveness mercifully shed over me time and time again.

 

The EXODUS Connection

 

Sukkot and another biblical feast day are also reminders of the Exodus: during Pesach (Passover) we re-walk the Exodus (freedom from captivity) and during Sukkot we re-walk and recall the arduous 40-year trek (where faith was tested) to freedom, to the promised land, Israel.

 

As Rabbi Greenberg put it: “Sukkot expresses the deeper Exodus—the reflective, gritty days of marching . . . Freedom came as a result of pitching tents [booths/sukkot] and taking them down over the course of 14, 600 days . . . Sukkot honors the 43,000 meals prepared on the desert trek, the cleanups, the washing of utensils.”

 

In other words, re-walking the Exodus journey (Sukkot) is about putting our faith in action. Rabbi Greenberg said it like this [red emphasis is mine]:

 

“Passover is the holiday of faith;

Sukkot is the holiday of faithfulness.”

 

1 Samuel 12:24. Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart—consider what great things he has done for you.

 

I was asleep but my heart was awake.

A sound! My beloved is knocking!

—Song of Songs 5:2a

 

PRAYER LIST

OCTOBER 2024

 

4 SPECIAL PRAISE REPORTS

12 VITAL PRAYER REQUESTS

1 SALVATION LIST

 
 

SPECIAL PRAISE REPORTS

 

#1 PRAISE REPORT: Bernie

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Double blessing! It started when Bernie’s hip surgery was on hold because they found blockages in her heart and that she had an enlarged heart—but later scans showed no blockages and no enlarged heart. Blessing One. Then onto Blessing Two. The October 10 hip surgery was back on. God stretched out his hand over it all. Bernie said: “Miracles never stop. I was in a Christian hospital! They had prayers over the intercom! Surgery went perfect. Thank you for the prayer chain.” Glory to God!

 

#2 PRAISE REPORT: Anonymous

Psalm 86:3-4

Be gracious to me, Lord, for I call upon you all day long. Make the soul of your servant joyful, for to you, Lord, I lift up my soul.

October 14’s SOS PRAYER ALERT was for a fellow prayer warrior-Anonymous-who underwent a cardiac procedure that day. She made it through the procedure but later her blood pressure was low, then other issues ensued to the point where they had to bring her back with paddles. Now, God’s hand is forming a canopy of protection over her, and she is resting well, hoping to be out of ICU soon and then later, home. Please continue to pray for his strengthening and healing throughout her body.

 

#3 PRAISE REPORT: Carmella

Lamentations 3:24

The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,“therefore I will hope in him.”

God’s covering has been with Carm throughout her move from the East Coast to the West. She was on our previous prayer list—widowed earlier this year and then had to pick up roots and move to the other side of the country. With God’s comforting hand, she is getting settled in her new place and loves it! Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!

 

#4 PRAISE REPORT: Jeanelle

Psalm 69:16

Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

Jeanelle had been on our list for her September 30 hysterectomy surgery after diagnostics showed an abnormality in the uterus. God stepped in! She texted the same day of her surgery that it went extremely well. The doctor was truly gifted and one of Jeanelle ‘s friends took care of her afterward. She is in no pain. And she is thankful for all the prayers support and to her Messiah, Yeshua.

 

12 VITAL PRAYER REQUESTS

 

#1. ISRAEL!

Psalm 3:1 & 3

Lord, how my enemies have increased! Many are rising up against me . . . But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory and the lifter of my head.

The heat is on. Turkey wants an alliance with Russia, Iran, Hezbollah against Israel. The Houthis are still at it. Yet, God’s presence is among his servant, Israel. May they prevail in and with him.

God of the Battle, war over your enemies. Empower your angelic realm to aid Israel as you speak wisdom to Netanyahu and his coalition and war cabinet. Strengthen the IDF and all Israeli military efforts, deliver critical intel to them on all levels—both in the natural and supernaturally. Safeguard, fine-tune, and increase their technology, strategies, weaponry, resilience. Encourage all military personnel, helping their minds and hearts to stay courageous, focused, and able to continue onward, filled by your love for them. And may your mercies fall gently and bountifully on B’nei Israel, the Children of Israel.

 

#2. US ELECTIONS

Psalm 86:9-10

All nations whom you have made will come and worship before you, Lord, and they will glorify your name. For you are great and You do wondrous deeds. You alone are God.

The spirt of darkness has infiltrated our land, culture, government, legislations, and the souls of our citizens. We confess the sins of the US, the departure of your ways. We seek your face, Lord, the beauty of your face and ways to cover this land once again. Awaken your Believers, call back prodigals, set free the the captives—those beguiled by the lies and demons of the enemy. Arise, LORD, may your NAME be honored on our lips and in the crevices of our souls.

 

#3. Shirl

Jeremiah 17:14

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.

SURGERY DELAYED AGAIN! Shirl’s October 22 surgery to remove fluid on the brain was canceled–there weren’t enough IV fluid bags because the manufacturer company was in the hurricane and have low stock.
Shirl has been wheelchair-bound because of the fluid and has had to endure this for quite a while, waiting for a surgery date so she can walk again. Understandably, the surgical procedure is unsettling and the delay yet again doesn’t help. Shirl has fought breast cancer in the past and knows the power and grace of God. We are waiting on God’s timing, mercy, strength.

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, you hear our cries, you see our challenges and discouragements. You are the Great I Am! Please embrace Shirl with mercy, comfort, strength, and your voice carrying encouragement and revealing your faithfulness. May you step forward and make a way where there is none. Removing the hurdles and obstructions for this surgery in your perfect timing, with your perfect conditions, your perfection in and through all of this. Bless this upcoming surgery down to the infinitesimal details for Shirl’s complete recovery. And may you, precious King, get ALL the glory and honor. In Jesus’s sweet Name, the NAME above ALL names.

 

#4. Gene

Psalm 27:7

Hear, Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me.

October 30, outpatient surgery. Gene’s not been feeling well for some time and has had some gut-related issues. Surgeons will perform a biopsy of Gene’s pancreas and retinol.

Adonai, you are comforter, healer, and wisdom. Please crown Gene with favor and compassion. Wrap him in your healing garment, letting him sense your presence and trust your hand in this. May you stretch out your arms and embrace the surgeons and guide each second of the procedure through the recovery. Bring forth the answers needed, the healing and any further treatment.

 

#5. Austin

Psalm 84:10b & 11

I’d rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness, for the LORD GOD is. a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.

Austin is a young man struggling on many things—his family, his soul, his relationship to God. And he’s tried numbing the pain by what the world offers. But God is calling this prodigal back home.

Abba, may Austin’s soul thirst for you, regardless of life’s storms around him. May he seek your face, sit quietly before you, trusting, waiting, lifted by your Word and voice. Please stir his heart for you, encourage him, helping him walk uprightly, going from strength to strength in you.

 

#6. Josi

John 14:26

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Josi seeks strength in her walk with the Lord, desiring more of the Holy Spirit. And, in her job as a caregiver for patients, Josi (who is Hispanic) is asking God to bring her more English-speaking clients to help her learn how to communicate with them better. She also seeks him for improved finances and for her children to get along better and get good grades.

King of kings, please usher in Jose’s life a new level of walking with you, hearing you, listening to your voice. Awaken her spiritual gifts and fine-tune them, giving her a deeper understanding of your Word. May this newness carry over to her finances and business life where she can be blessed with more English-speaking clients to serve them on broader levels. Wherever she goes, let her be an ambassador of Christ, anointing her speech, actions, and thoughts. And may her family be filled with your peace and grace, striving to do well in school and all walks of their life before you.

 

#7. Miss Brown

Psalm 27:7-9a

From Hebrew: Hear, O Lord, when my voice cries out; be gracious to me and answer me! For you (your behalf), my heart (heard you say), “Seek (strive for, search out) My face.” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Hide not your face from me.

Major shifting still in progress. Miss Brown needs God’s urgent intervention—financial assistance for the immediate and upcoming needs, covering her out-of-state move and other needs for her and her children.

Abba, we know you’re moving in this situation. Your promises are steadfast. Your character true, above all others. None are like you. Please level every mountain, every obstacle, every interference in this situation so your will flows on a clear path, your words and desires accomplished. And so everything—from basic necessities to more profound needs—are handled. Thank you, for you are our Shepherd who hears and knows our needs and uses all things for your glory. In Yeshua’s mighty Name.

 

#8. Andrea

Psalm 73:28

But as for me, the nearness of God is good for me; I have made the Lord God my refuge, so that I may tell of all your works.

Ever since her back surgery 3.5 years ago as a result of stage 4 breast cancer, her back pain daily teeters at 8-10 (on a scale of 10). She needs a deep move of God to ease her daily life.

Precious Lord, day in and day out, she calls to you for relief. We pray for your great mercy, healing, mighty hand, love, and answer to fall from heaven and rain over Andrea—a holy waterfall from your throne brimming with the power of the cross to heal, restore, deliver. There is none like you, Glorious King. Only you can step in and bless your daughter.

 

#9. J. A.

Psalm 31:3

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name, lead and guide me.

J. A. walks by faith, traveling throughout the US as God leads. She needs prayer support to walk more closely to him, to make decisions per his will, and to grow in him and his Word.

Glorious King, your eyes are on the sparrow . . . and on J. A. Hear the cries of her heart and align her soul with yours on every matter set before her. Help her, Holy Spirit, to not veer to the left or right but to walk honoring you in all things.

 

#10. Marcus

Psalm 16:8a

I saw the Lord continually before me, because he is at my right hand, so that I will not be shaken.

Marcus seeks your continued prayers for his brothers and himself to get along—and for salvation for his brothers (Steve and Jim). Jim who was on our prayer list in the past because of terrible vehicle accident and was almost paralyzed has a praise report: he is healing up well. Thank you, Lord.

Oh Lord, you know the heart . . . and you desire peace, grace, and forgiveness among brothers. Please release your truth, your Gospel, in ways Steve and Jim will understand, be humbled, and bow down to you, forsaking all else. And help Marcus to put his foot, step by step, where you lead in all these matters and let love prevail.

 

#11. Toni

Psalm 29:11

The Lord will give strength to his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.

Toni, a longtime believer in Jesus, is a senior citizen who had to move earlier this year due to finances and now is facing a rent hike at the new place. She hasn’t even finished unpacking from her move and is not physically well. And she also seeks God’s traveling mercies on Tina and Bob, her sister and brother-in-law.

Lord, you are radiant and holy. We thank you for all the ways you’ve helped and gifted your daughter, Toni, over the years. She needs resources to open up. Please shed your grace, mercy, provisions, and guidance on this situation, helping her to follow you and do your will. And please allow your traveling mercies to cover Tina and Bob wherever and however they travel, keeping them in the palm of your gracious hand.

 

#12. Doug

Psalm 69:16

Hear me, O LORD; for your lovingkindness is good; turn to me according to the multitude of your tender mercies.

Doug has had serious health issues in the past, is recently retired, and now his dermatologist said that the two spots on Doug’s body—one on the side of his head and one on his arm—are basil cell carcinoma. The doc scraped them both and cauterized them. But the one on Doug’s arm is still bleeding from the day before. He has an appointment next week to discuss treatment.

We look to you, Lord, seeking your chesed (lovingkindness) for Doug. Please step into this situation and comfort him, flow wisdom to his doctor, and release healing according to your will, timing, glory. Let your name and your Word be a comfort, drawing Doug closer to you, reminding him of your faithfulness and love.

 

SALVATION LIST

 

Psalm 18:16-17a

He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy.

#1. Joey and “Joan” and “Hannah” (all three need salvation and deliverance from gender-confusion/gender-bending)

#2. Emily and Annie and Abbie and Barbara E. (all four need salvation and deliverance from lesbianism)

#3. B’nei Israel names for salvation: Rabbi Mintz, Katz family, Rabbi Fohrman, Rabbi Wyne, Rabbi Hecht, Rabbi Goodman, Rabbi Cohen, Rabbi Goldbart, Tovia Singer

#4. Salvation: Anthony & Lilly (following New Age), Donny D., Benjamin, Cliff, Gary, Bob K, Erica & Richard, Susan R., Erica M., Paul P., Tim C, James J., Alexandria, Cole, Joe D., Mercedes, Bob, Michael, and all our family/friends/loved ones who are still in spiritual darkness or who went prodigal.

Redeemer King, call for these who are in deep, dark spiritual waters, rescue them from the enemy of their souls. Reach deep within them, remove the stubbornness, pride, and the lies from satan so they can hear and understand your beautiful redemption plan and receive Jesus, our Messiah and be saved. It’s in His Mighty, Loving Name we pray.

 
 
 

PHOTO CREDIT: Wrecking ball photo only was purchased from iStock.com (my text was inserted onto the photo afterward).

We’re servants of the Living God—watchmen on the wall—committed to standing in the gap for others. Whether across the globe or next door, our prayer team is a group of fellow believers united as one in our Messiah Jesus.

 

© Desireofmysoul.faith. (.com and .org) & SoulBreaths.com. All rights reserved.

 
 

Join us before our King . . .

Recent prayer needs listed below by date.

Email your prayer requests: prayer@desireofmysoul.faith

 
 

Let the battle commence. Intercessory prayer is strategic warring in the spiritual. Seeking God’s face. Seeking His will, direction. Waiting to hear His voice so we know how and what words to pray.

 

I waited expectantly, patiently for the Lord;

until He turned toward me and heard my cry. —Psalm 40:1

 
 

DECEMBER 8, 2023

9-1-1 Prayer Requests: Michael, M.A.J., Charlotte, Carmella, Kellie

Plus: Special Updates on Prior Requests

 

1. Michael. Spiritual, physical, and emotional healing for this 25-year-old who is in deep waters. He’s had health issues (autoimmune) since he was a child and then cardiac issues from his late teens. As a child, Michael was flowing in the joy of the Lord. But since his teens, the chronic illnesses have stirred up anger and depression—but those outbursts and emotional issues are believed to be driven by our enemy (satan) and his demonic cohorts.

 

Michael (mind, body, soul) needs to be freed from this stronghold and turned back to God and our Messiah Jesus, the Restorer, the Healer, the Lord of Shalom (completeness, wholeness, peace). And his mother—along with the family—needs God’s mercies, strength, comfort, and encouragement covering her with your restful, quieted Spirit and healing, repairing and closing the wound of her aching heart.

 

Mighty King, please annihilate the enemy’s strongholds—physically, mentally, and spiritually—on Michael. Pulverize the lies and let your TRUTH arise. Lead Michael into your peace and remove the bitter root and all its entanglements from the past. Great Restorer, remind his soul of his youth and joy with you. Help him rekindle that passion; fan the flames. Restore to his soul who you are and please do a deep work so he knows you are for him (not against him) and you are with him. Cause him to lie down in your green pastures (refreshed in your Word, Presence). And restore (repair, return to a better condition) his soul, in Jesus’s precious name.

 

2. M.A.J. Another young man shackled by the enemy, living in the realm of demons. M.A.J. is in his mid-30s and suffering from a drug-induced psychosis. He exhibits bizarre, reckless behavior, resulting from years of using psychedelic drugs to cope.

 

He’s bound. Spiritually, physically, mentally. And the family is crushed. They and M.A.J. need our prayer support—big time. The family’s prayer request is that M.A.J. will enter a 90-day rehabilitation program. Note: He’s Jewish and has renounced Judaism.

 

Abba, hear the cries of this family. See the heartache, the pain, the bewilderment, the near hopelessness. Look down on M.A.J., and please let your mercies flow bearing deliverance. Pierce the darkness, command the shackles and blinders to fall off and bring healing—lift his head toward you and breathe new life into him for your glory. Help him discern your good from the enemy’s evil. Realign his soul and mind with you. For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve his life, and in your righteousness bring his soul out of trouble (Psalms 143:110).

We pray and stand on Psalms 3 in Jesus’s name:

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,

my glory, and the lifter of my head.

I cried aloud to the Lord,

and he answered me from his holy hill.

 

3. Charlotte W. The biopsy results on her lower right jaw came in: 75% malignant and they found something on her lungs.

 

She started prep for her surgery: the surgery is December 22 for the lump on her lower right neck. Then they can determine what stage her cancer is and what treatment is needed post surgery.

 

Hopefully, they’ll also be able to tell her about the spot they found on her lungs.

 

Charlotte is Catholic and believes in Jesus as Messiah but is understandably worried and under much stress. She’s seeking His intervention, healing, and comfort.

 

Holy One of Israel, we bow before you, kneeling on your Word, your promises, in faith, in Jesus’s wondrous name:

When you (Charlotte) pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the LORD your God . . .

—Isaiah 43:2-3a

 

Lord, may your glory, holy Presence, and promises bring Charlotte guidance for treatments, healing on all levels, encouragement through the valley, and blessed assurance of You, casting out all fear. Envelope her with your garments of love, a love not of this world, but gloriously, faithfully true.

 

4. Carmella. A dear friend to me over the many years who has had a series of health setbacks. More recently, back in September/October, Carm had a stroke and then recently had a bad fall. The doctor says it’ll take time to heal. Praying that the Lord will help her rest in Him . . . so her body, mind, and soul can be restored, revived, by His hand.

 

Majestic in power and glory is our Lord God. Our Shepherd whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light. Shelter your daughter Carmella under your wings, drawing her closer, quieting her soul to truly rest (spiritually and physically) in your Presence and promises. Light up her way and carry healing from your throne to her. And, as in Hebrews 4:16, help her to confidently draw near to the throne of grace, that she may receive mercy and find grace to help her in time of need. In Jesus’s sweet name.

 

5. Kellie, Pastor JD Farag’s wife. (JD is the gifted teacher/pastor of Calvary Chapel Kaneohe, Hawaii.) A strong woman of faith in Christ Jesus, Kellie has overcome many trials in her walk with our King. And now she faces yet another. Kellie recently learned that her breast cancer (diagnosed this past summer) has spread to her lymph nodes. Yet, she and her husband press onward, carrying on in ministry, faithful to their calling before our King. We’re praying for mercy, favor, healing, strength, and a testimony of your love, Father, so that then all shall know that you are the GREAT I AM, the LORD GOD, and there is NO OTHER but you.

Psalms 84:5-7, 11-12

Blessed are those (Blessed is Kellie) whose strength is in you,

in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

As they go (As Kellie goes)through the Valley of Baca (trouble)

they make it a place of springs;

the early rain also covers it with pools.

They go (Kellie goes)from strength to strength;

each one appears before God in Zion . . .

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

the LORD bestows favor and honor.

No good thing does he withhold

from those who walk (from Kellie who walks) uprightly.

O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one (Kellie) who trusts in you!

 

UPDATES ON PRIOR PRAYER REQUESTS

 

UPDATE! Cathy. We prayed for her (November 26 prayer request) because she had received a malignant breast biopsy report. Thank you, Lord, that Cathy is negative for the BRCA gene which means no double mastectomy needed! She’ll have a lumpectomy and radiation instead. Cathy thanks everyone for their prayer support. Please continue to pray for her during this treatment. Thank you, warriors.

 

UPDATE! Jamie. We’ve been praying for Jamie who has stage 4 lung and liver cancer. But on November 30 and December 1, we had 9-1-1 prayer intercession because he was in the hospital with pneumonia and awaiting diagnostics and treatment. God moved! Jamie is home with oxygen and antibiotics—and feeling stronger every day. He thanks everyone and was so encouraged by your prayers—and continues to ask for them as he battles the stage 4 cancers.

 
 

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 1, 2023

Immediate Prayer!

 

Jamie. Oh precious prayer circle family … please take a few moments to pray for this dire, immediate issue–and pray as often for it as the Lord brings it to remembrance.

Jamie is my sweet cousin with stage 4 lung and liver cancer who many of you have been graciously praying for. (Thank you for that.)

He is in the hospital (in Ohio) with pneumonia–it’s near the site of his lung cancer. He has an exploratory diagnostic tomorrow to assess the situation.

 
 

NOVEMBER 26, 2023

Many Important Requests!

 

1. Cathy. Received a malignant breast biopsy report.
May God’s grace, comfort, and healing garments envelope her and draw her closer to Him. May He lead her to the best treatments/protocol as He, the Majestic Giver of Life, sustains her every step of the way.

 

2. Evelyn. Wearing a monitor to determine heart issues.
Please, Lord, you are the great revealer and healer. Cover her with your mercies, keeping your healing hand on her and give the doctors wisdom/understanding.

 

3. K.M. May her walk with God be strengthened, girded by His character, sweet Presence, and deep love for her as she seeks His comfort and leading through a difficult life passage.
Pray Psalms 18:28-30.

 

4. Robbie. He’s on dialysis but got covid then sepsis.
Please pray for his healing and God’s intervention so Robbie and his Jewish family will come to know and believe in the promised Messiah, Jesus, our redeemer.

 

5. Donny D. May the Lord step into his life in new ways, ushering in physical healing and insurance/financial resources–and performing a deep work to bring Donny to salvation in Christ Jesus.

 

6. S.S. May the Lord pave the way for her book–which honors His Name–to be completed per His leading and excellence and in His timeline so many will read her testimony and trust in Him.

 

7. Philomena. Her 98th Birthday in mid-December! Lord God, thank you. Your mercies are all too wonderful. Please, may your favor, joy, and protection bathe her during this celebratory season.

 

8. Abigail, a six-year-old, and her mom (L). Gracious Father, please embrace Abigail in your arms and bring your little lamb to complete healing from her recent fall and stitches.
And for L, may you release your rest, spiritual clarity, and physical healing from your throne to bless and love on her in special ways.

 

9. Toby. Andrea’s 10-year-old Australian Shepherd. A sweet companion who’s healing from a neck injury and now has a spine issue.
Abba, all creation is yours and dear to your heart. Please touch your Toby with healing and breathe through him a longer, joyful, safe life.

 

10. J.W. May the gifts and calling that you have placed on this young man continue to mature and be enriched in this season. For the things that he desires and seeks your leading on, heightened his spiritual hearing and spiritual understanding so his heart will always be locked in step with you, so he showers those around him with your love.

 

11. Four health needs

* Michelle (healing process for allergies/sense of smell)

* Jamie (ongoing cancer treatments)

* Toni

* Kylee (ongoing pregnancy wellness)

Thank you, Father, for your hand on these four health situations. Only you have the power and the glory to uplift, sustain, heal, and encourage them.

We lay them at your throne of grace, trusting that you will expand your wings and draw them into your loving shelter, opening your hand to provide everything needed. Pray Psalms 91 over them.

 
 
***
 
 
 

PHOTO CREDIT: Wrecking ball photo only was purchased from iStock.com (my text was inserted onto the graphic afterward.

 

The world may be swirling in every direction, but God’s plan, purpose, mercies, and faithfulness will prevail. ALWAYS. Here are the words and scriptures that unfolded before and within me at the stroke of 2023’s entrance and shortly thereafter.

 

“I will take my stand at my watch post and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what He will say to me.” —Habakkuk 2:1

 

© desireofmysoul.faith & SoulBreaths.com. All rights reserved.

 

READING TIME: 5 MINUTES.

 

WATCHWORD GIVEN: January 1, 2023, 12:01 am through God’s appointed third watch (midnight to 3 am).

 

As midnight released 2023, my soul began to grieve for the state of the world.

 
 
 
 

The coldness, self-centeredness, vanity, violence, ethnic divisions, deepened darkness, escalation of Christian persecutions and persecutions of all kinds.

 

The false religions and lies about God’s Word and our Messiah Jesus, and the twisted mindset and reversals in global culture that have wormed their way into the souls of humanity on every level—calling good evil and evil good.

 

And the sins stirring within each of us. Sins that we gloss over, accept, and daily commit before Him, our holy, powerful God.

 

I thought: Lord, if you hadn’t written yourself into our human story . . . where would we be? You alone are our hope, our salvation, the very life breath of our soul.

 

An image flashed, leading me upward. Over the next three hours, I would experience a message with moving parts:

 

(1) various scriptures

(2) interwoven teachings

(3) a holy-fire vision (regarding our 2023 Call)

(4) a dream with 1 Samuel 3 prominent, a dream He’d first given me in mid-November and then brought forward during this special third-watch prayer time.

 
 

 
 

HIS NAME, HIS CHARACTER, HIS PROMISE

 

Random worship softly played in my room, then one word rose within me.

 

RESTORER

 

In Hebrew, Eli Shuv (אֶלְיָשִׁיב, My God Restores). This is who God is. This is what He will show Himself to be in 2023 as we humble ourselves before Him and call out, surrendered to His glorious, supreme being.

 

“Shuv” (שוב) is the Hebrew root found in teshuva (teh-shoo-vah), a critical word during the High Holy Days—the Judaic Days of Awe beginning with honey-kissed Rosh Hashanah (Head or First of the Year) and ending with the somber Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur—calling us to turn back from our offenses and return to God for restoration.

 

It’s also the beginning step to God’s ABC ROADMAP TO HEAVEN. His redemption plan from the beginning through Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

 

That first word He’d impressed on me—RESTORER—and 1 Samuel 3 (from that dream I mentioned earlier) are hinged, forming the crux of this 2023 word. (And I couldn’t help but think how this “restorer” had already begun its unfolding with Bibi Netanyahu being restored as Israel’s Prime Minister.)

 

I’ll get to that I Samuel 3 scripture shortly, but keep reading because the following scriptures link everything together.

 

Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV). In the latter part of 2022, God had laid the groundwork for these moving parts and in the third watch of January 1, 2023, he brought those parts forward. This psalm was among them, confirming His words, confirming Himself on an even deeper level than before as the mighty, compassionate RESTORER.

 

The One we need as 2023 unfolds.

 

The LORD is my SHEPHERD (tending to me, pasturing me).

 

I shall not want (He’ll tend to my needs, my soul won’t be lacking).

 

He makes me (causes me to) lie down in green pastures (refreshed).

 

He LEADS ME (leads me to a watering-place or station that He’s ordained for me and causes me to rest there), beside STILL waters (rest, quietness, refreshment).

 

He RESTORES (refreshes, repairs, returns to a better condition) my soul.

 
 

---

 

CHOSEN, REDEEMED, RESTORED, SENT OUT:

YOU, ME, IN MESSIAH

 

I then was reminded of the spiritually moving scene at the end of The Chosen’s Season 3/Episode 2. The disciples were being sent out two by two to teach what Jesus had taught them and to heal the sick and cast out demons.

 

Gulp. The disciples were shocked, scared, baffled, and felt totally inept. Rightly so. And yet . . . although the mission—and its timing—made no sense to them, they chose to trust their Messiah and stand as one with Him and each other.

 

Locking arms, they prayed Psalm 3, the psalm of David when he was fleeing his son Absalom . . .

 

O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah

 

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

 

I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.

 

Arise, O Lord!
Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.

 

Salvation belongs to the Lord;
your blessing be on your people! Selah

—Psalm 3 (ESV)
 
 

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THE RESTORER’S PROMISE: EZEKIEL 34:16 (ESV)

Ezekiel 34 targets Israel and is a Messianic promise as well (verses 23-24)

 

I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God.

 

I will seek the lost, and I will bring back [אָשִׁ֔יב, restore, return] the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak . . .

 

and the fat (stout, robust, rich) and the strong I will destroy; I will pasture it with justice.

 
 

 
 

THE DREAM, THE HINGE, THE CALL

 

Sometime during the night of November 17/early morning November 18, 2022, the Lord gave me a dream. There were different elements to the dream, but here’s the critical part to share with you—a scripture that was on a board in front of a congregation: 1 Samuel 3.

 

As God brought the scripture and dream again to mind in those wee hours of January 1, 2023, I had to ask: Is there a link between RESTORER and this 1 Samuel 3 dream? Plenty, as it turns out.

 

For the foundation, I was led to an older teaching from East Hill Baptist in the UK that highlighted 1 Samuel 3. (I’d never heard of that church prior.)

 

Then God stirred my inner waters from that point, knitting all the moving parts (RESTORER, scriptures, dream, vision, etc.) together. It went something like this . . .

 

LAMP OF GOD. As the light was physically waning in the temple of the LORD, where the ark was, the WORD of GOD was also waning among the people and the priests—i.e. Eli’s sons. As you might recall, even Eli hadn’t taken a hard line with them.

 

There was no word or vision from our Lord. No ear open to hear, no heart willing to receive, no one surrendered.

 

Until God called Samuel.
 

THE CALL OF GOD. In 1 Samuel 3:1, Samuel was ministering to the Lord under the tutelage of Eli. Per the Hebrew text, at that point, Samuel was a na’ar, a young man or lad, defined by age (teen through twenties) or of marriageable age, and sometimes, rabbinically defined as not yet ready to fulfill his duties/position.

 

Side note: You can read about another na’ar in my Soul Remodeling Series: A Wilderness Call [Jeremiah] Actually, Isaac, Joseph, Samuel, and Jeremiah were all called na’ar, not yeled (boy, child).

 

Still growing in things of the Lord, Samuel at first (or even the second or third time) didn’t recognize the Lord’s voice. But then he got it, saying “Here I am” (ready to serve), and from there obeyed the Lord regardless of the cost, speaking what God said to speak, doing what He said to do.

 

I like East Hill’s application of this chapter (my paraphrase about that in the paragraph below):

 

God calls us again and again until He gets our attention. He’ll call when we least expect it—any year, in any circumstance, at anytime, at any age. Remember that Caleb [who “wholly followed the LORD” per Joshua 14:14] had a new call at 85 years old to take up the high mountains of Israel. God will stir something within us, allowing situations to call us into something more.

 

My precious fellow believers in Messiah, this is where we are. A New Year, a new calling, regardless of circumstance or age.

 

There’s work to do and a way for us to be and walk before the LORD. Wholly surrendered, carriers of His Presence. That begins and ends with . . .

 

WORD OF GOD. Verse 19 tells us that Samuel “grew and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.” The LORD revealed Himself to Samuel by the “word of the LORD.”

 

THE VISION. Fire flashed before me at this point in my third-watch prayer time. It started at the center, then spread out in every direction like a huge circle. That fire is God’s holy fire of Truth, His Word, in us. It’s not meant to be contained. It must be released.

 

No matter the cultural mindset, oppositions, persecutions, or the enemy’s divisive tactics . . . we must carry the LORD’s words to others: His truth, His redemption plan, His love for the lost, His love for Israel, His love for fellow believers in Jesus, and our testimonies of what He’s done for us: His faithfulness, mercies, goodness, holiness, and might.

 

It’s our souls breathing Him in and exhaling Him out onto an increasingly dark, troubled, stubborn, dying world.

 

In this late hour, like never before, we are to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:10-14)—standing against the tide of secular lies and mindsets countering God’s way. Standing unafraid, boldly calling sin for what it is . . . rebellion against our most holy God.

 

Silence is no longer an option. Not to worry. We can do this together in Him. Psalm 3 reminds us: The LORD is a shield about us, our glory, the lifter of our heads, our Sustainer. We will not fear.

 

So let’s turn from (shuv) the world noise/distractions and from any self-focused, lethargic living to walking how Jesus walked: spending time alone with the Father, saying/doing as led to glorify our LORD, continually lifting the Lamp of God high for all to see and know.

 

A holy fire that cannot and will not go out.

 

Then we will stand and watch as our king, the great RESTORER, the loving Shepherd, refreshes, repairs, restores, and heals our souls, bringing us to pastures of spiritual rest—as well as restoring the souls of those we’ve lifted His lamp to.

 

May the whole world know of His glory and truth and bow before the majesty of our King.

 

Behold—hinnêh, הִנֵּה—He is doing something new. May you and I lock arms and humbly answer the call like Samuel: Hineni . . . Here I am.

 
 

CREDITS

 

Lighthouse by Michael Krahn on Unsplash.com

Person kicking back with boombox by Eric Nopanen on Unsplash.com

Man looking up at starry sky by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash.com

 

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