A Thankful Heart by Pastor Todd Lout

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, "In EVERYTHING give thanks. This is God's will, in Christ Jesus, concerning you." There's this memory I have, from childhood, that stays with me always.  I was on the "blacktop" at school, waiting to see if I was picked for a team.  For me this was not a fun anticipation as I was that awkward kid who was quiet, sensitive and always picked last.  In fact, I didn't want to be picked at all because I really didn't like the sport, but I certainly didn't want to be picked last, again, in front of everyone.  Well, I was picked last and the kid in charge of selecting wasn't all that happy to get stuck with me.  He threw the ball directly at my face.  It was a horrible and glorious moment.  The horrible part is easy to understand, but glorious??  Here's why it was glorious; This passage from Thessalonians rose up in my mind and my heart in that moment.  Instantly it brought some level of peace, not because of what it said, but because the Word came up in me.  What it said was actually a further cause for frustration for a few minutes.  "How can I give thanks in the middle of rejection and humiliation?"  However, the very fact that I believed God, my constant One, was the one who brought that passage to mind actually was a segue (or segway....but the spelling of that word is an entirely differnt topic!) to the realm of thanksgiving, itself.  "Thank You that You are with me.  Thank You that You see me." This, in itself, brought strength to me. We've got so many different sets and levels of things we're dealing with, as opposed to someone else.  The various things we're all facing hit us in a different way than our neighbor so comparison is nothing but a horrible trap.  But we do know that commonly we have a daily opportunity to give thanks in all circumstance.  We, all of us, absolutely need to.  It's how God put things in motion.  A thankful heart is the avenue for breakthrough, strength, peace and all kinds of good things that come from a perfect Father. Today I'm not that shy kid who gets picked last anymore.  I'm thankful, though, for the fact that having such experiences growing up drew me into the secret place with God.  Today I'm journeying along with a whole other set of circumstances that can be considered the "in EVERYTHING" of that mysterious and powerful Thessalonians passage.  Do I have moments where it feels impossible to give thanks?  You bet I do!   But knowing that a thankful heart is a tried and true deal gets me back to a good spot a lot quicker than it used to take me without such. This whole thing can be intricately woven into little every day things.  For instance, I can be kinda moody sometimes.  Yes, yes I really can be.  When I feel that starting to seem out of control I thank God that He is the same yesterday, today and forever and that He's my dad.  In my weakness He is strong.  It doesn't always instantly make me feel like dancing a jig, but it really does start blowing away some clouds from my mind. What I'm saying is that even when it feels like it's all cah cah, there's still SOMETHING to grab ahold of to have thanks for and let that create a spark on the inside.  Honestly, the more we let our heart be a thankful one, the more constant we will feel it and know it deep in our knower. Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!  You're wonderful cause God thinks so!!  Aren'y you thankful for that? Love, Todd

Being Sons and Daughters in Your Own Skin by Joel Pollard - BF Overseer and BF Missions Director

Being sons and daughters of God in your own skin is where, "you get to be you". Romans 8:19 declares, "For the earth is groaning for the manifestations of the sons and daughters of God." What does that look like? We are the manifest sons and daughters of God, called to advance His Kingdom in this world. Since God is not limited, this will look different in each of our lives, from empowering leaders across the nations, to being an encouragement and testimony to our own family and friends.  Think about how a father embraces his own child in the natural. How much more will we be encountered and transformed when we continue to allow Papa God to embrace us in the deep areas where we’ve always wanted His embrace. Being sons and daughters of God in your own skin means "to be", not "to do". How many times have we found ourselves "doing, doing, doing" and saying, "If I could only do more for God" or "If I could only sound a certain way, look a certain way?" Many of us have been in a posture and position of standing by the King’s table, ready to serve, whereas, Papa God has invited us to sit and partake at the table of His banqueting feast (Song of Solomon 2:4) as His sons and daughters. Notice the contrast between the posture of sitting and standing. When we sit and partake of all that He has given us, we are in a position of rest—no more striving, but knowing who we are and Who’s we are. Even as we're shown the model of servanthood and servant leadership in the Bible, we must come to realize, know and wholeheartedly believe that we are His sons and daughters, first and foremost. We are His inheritance (Ephesians 1:18)!! The beautiful and amazing thing about sonship is that Papa God loves us right where we're at. We must continue to allow and give full access to the Holy Spirit to go to the depths in our hearts, reminding us of who we were created, destined and purposed to be--His sons and daughters, according to God's original design. Prophetically, I wholeheartedly believe that we are coming into a season where we are going to exponentially see God's restoration at work. There will be things we have contended and remained steadfast for that will be fully restored and even with some things that we may have forgotten, we will see the full restoration of God in operation, divine moments where Papa will whisper in our hearts, "I never forgot--it's that important to My heart and yours". I want to prophetically release over you that you are the head and not the tail; you are above and not beneath; you are a dream achiever, not a dream failure. Your aspirations and passions will come to pass and manifest throughout your life--you will see them to come to fruition. You will see the goodness of God in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13). "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy", according to Revelation 19:10. That’s why we prophesy—that’s why we declare, decree, love wholeheartedly—that’s why we pull the treasures forward in people—that’s why we honor, show grace and love on people right where they’re at. We are the redeemed of the Lord!!! We are His full inheritance (Ephesians 1:18). That's why you get to be you in your own skin.

Our Nation's Flight by Pastor Karena Lout

Last Sat. night, we had the honor of hosting Nic Bilman from Shores of Grace. He and his wife Rachael are committed to seeing women and children trapped in trafficking set free in Recife, Brazil. He had some incredible, life changing truths to share with us. Here are a few of them: “Destiny comes on the heels of compassion.” “The sons and daughters of God reveal the glory of God.” “Stop empowering a defeated enemy with your fears.” “What gets people to church is an encounter with the Father and they ask where this guy lives. Then we get to show them.” “Of the hundreds of names God has, He said because you received my Spirit, you can call me Father.” You can listen to Nic’s full message here: http://blazingfire.podbean.com/e/whos-your-papa-nic-billman/  Our Nation Will Find Home  On the morning of election day, an interesting thing happened. A bird flew into our house and got stuck in our window blinds. Todd and I tried to help the bird out, but it only got more trapped and anxious. After several attempts, the bird eventually was able to find its way out and flew away. I’m not one to spiritualize everything that happens in life but God often speaks to me through birds (one of my love languages). He began to show me that many people in our nation are feeling just like that bird, confused, disoriented and lost. But our nation too, will eventually take flight, fly again and find our way home. The land of the free and home of the brave. “Even the sparrow has found a home and the swallow a nest for herself where she may have her young, a place near your altar.” Psalm 84:3 These past several months have been difficult for many. Some felt very strongly about their candidate of choice and many felt conflicted about the options presented. When tensions are high, we sometimes injure one another with our words in an attempt to prove our point and beliefs we hold dear. In the midst of it all, there are several things we can be certain of: 1). God remains the King of our hearts and He is unmovable and unshakable (1 Tim. 1:17) 2). God is near to all who are hurting (Psalm 46:1) 3). ...that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.(John 17:21) 4). God, the source of all hope, will fill us with hope and peace that passes understanding (Romans 15:13) Though we may not be able to control what happens around us, we can definitely protect what happens inside of us. I pray that God will show you how to guard the peace He put inside of you. I pray that the kindness and love you carry will continue to impact the world around you. Be encouraged that the light is only increasing. Love, Karena

From Pastor Brent: "Here’s a highly uplifting and healing prophetic post-election word for America from Doug Addison": I want to help bring a balance to the feelings and questions many people have had about the Presidential elections that took place in the U.S. this week. God is not surprised or displeased with the outcome of the elections. God is still the God of all, still in charge and He has a plan that is going to unfold that will open some of the greatest revivals we have ever seen. As I share this it is important to understand that God still gives you freedom to vote for whomever you wish. If you voted differently or felt you heard the Lord say that someone else would be President, it does not mean you are wrong. Trump or Clinton? Over the past year, I have been part of and overheard many counsel meetings in Heaven about the next President. For the first time in my prophetic experiences, I heard the name of the next President change on several occasions, as it was contingent on their character. Last year I heard that Donald Trump was being called to be President, but pride was blinding his heart. In August, some other prophets and I heard that the presidency had fallen on Clinton because of Trump’s pride. It is important to understand that God always has a plan to use anyone who takes this office. He showed me the plan for using the Clintons had Hillary been elected. Unknown to many people, during the two terms of President Bill Clinton, he sought prophetic counsel from prophets like Paul Cain. President Clinton also met every month for spiritual advice and prayer with Pastor Bill Hybels. Had Hillary Clinton been elected, God had a plan to use them to hear His voice. During the past year, God gave me the assignment of praying for and prophesying over the Clintons and I received prophetic words and dreams for them. I am sharing this with you so you might understand why some people hear God differently than others, because we might have different assignments from the Lord. Election Day On November 8, the morning of the elections, I was visited by a strong presence of the Lord at 5:00 AM and I received these prophetic words. I heard … Prophetic word for U.S. ”O America, I still love you and see your zeal for Me. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat and the enemy has been waging war against you. But a remnant is going to arise to possess the land. Your sons and daughters are going to awaken from a sleep and rise up like a mighty army. They will be like David’s mighty men (and women). Yes, women! I am moving on women in this hour. I Am going to do this and it will bring about great changes that are needed for this time. There is a shifting of power and the worldly political religious spirit is falling. From this will rise a fresh new move of My Holy Spirit that can not be contained. What I am going to do will confound the wise and not be understood through the current beliefs and thinking that many of My people have been holding to. I am going to bring the new wine of My power and presence and a new wineskin that will not look like or fit into the old.” “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’— the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2:9–12 NIV How to respond The apostle Paul urged us to pray for leaders. He did this during a time when the world leaders were not godly. God wants us to pray for leaders no matter what their political party or beliefs happen to be. We need to pray that God’s will be done and not our own desires. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1–4 NIV God wants all people to be saved. This includes those who have different beliefs and political views. Be at peace and expect God our Father to bring about good things for us. This is part of getting us ready for a new worldwide revival. My desire is to bring peace to you during a time of turmoil and uncertainty. It is important for us to respond with maturity and trust the Lord in the midst of these trying times. The best is yet to come! Check out my prophetic word for November to get excited about the new assignments coming. Blessings,

Is A Breakthrough What You Really Need? by BF guest contributor Damali Vaughn

Is A Breakthrough What You Really Need?  By Damali Vaughn That’s an odd question to ask, isn’t it?  After all we’ve been going through, many of us for years, we desperately need some kind of break or change in our circumstances to be able to move forward.  Many of us have even said that “if only this wasn’t in my life” OR “I could be doing so much more for the Kingdom if only I didn’t have this or that circumstance seemingly blocking me.”   I’ve said that countless times in my life.  While God may appreciate our noble desire to live for Him, He may actually have a different priority for us other than our breakthrough.  Matt Guillot (one of three speakers who spoke during last Saturday’s worship service) made this point and challenged us to ask ourselves, “Which do we want more?”  “God? Or the breakthrough in our circumstances?”    Well of course we want God!  But yet our “If only” statements or thoughts are often telling of where our focus really is.    “The focus of breakthrough is God, not a change of circumstances.”  - Matthew Guillot   In Psalm 34, David chose to shift his focus on the Lord in spite of what he was going through, which was numerous years of torment and humiliation as his enemies pursued him.   1 “I will extol the Lord at all times;     His praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will glory in the Lord;     let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the Lord with me;     let us exalt His name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me;     He delivered me from all my fears.”   David most definitely desperately needed a breakthrough, wouldn’t you agree?  He knew that the key to his breakthrough was trusting in God, rather than trusting in a delivered outcome.   He didn’t say, “If only I were king now, then I could focus on worshiping God.”  He chose to worship God before any sign of breakthrough would occur.    “We have the greatest opportunity to worship Jesus now before we get to heaven.  In heaven it won’t be a sacrifice.” – Daniel Roberts   Matthew shared a few more gold nuggets to remember in regards to breakthrough: Honor God’s presence by dropping everything when He shows up.  Acknowledge Him. Listen. Thank Him for coming.  Engage with Him.  The priority is Him, not what needs to happen.  Desire only His closeness.  Desire His Presence above all else. When we make God our priority, He makes things that are important to us His priority. When you make God your shelter and safety, God does the things you long for on your behalf. (see Psalm 84) Take time to know God.  God wants to bring your breakthrough more than you want it, but not at the expense of you not knowing Him.  Seek God’s heart over seeking His hand.  Desire to know Who God is more than what God can do for you. Relationship with you is God’s priority.God desires an intimate relationship with you that is real and authentic.  God does not desire a relationship with your facade.  You are God’s priority.  What is best for your life is Him working on your behalf and surrendering your strength and will to His.  He delights in giving good gifts and fulfilling the desires of your heart.  Desire Him above all else.  Let Him come in power and lavish His Love on you.  Don’t desire an outcome or a worldly version of comfort.  Desire Him. Desire His Presence more than your next breath. Heavenly Father, Thank You for being with us at this very moment.  Thank You also for being such a patient loving teacher.  For those of us that don’t know where to begin, we ask You God to give us hunger!  Transform our spiritual taste buds so that our appetite for You is greater than anything else.  Give us revelation of Your hunger for us and how You’ve prioritized us.  Holy Spirit, we give you permission to walk us through how to live in a place of perpetual breakthrough because we’ve made Your presence our preference.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!   Lizzy Strong also spoke last Saturday night and shared her testimony on how she experienced breakthrough from fear and anxiety.  To hear more of her story as well as more of what Matthew Guillot and Daniel Roberts shared, you may listen to the Blazing Fire Church podcast here.