Dear friends,
I pray that you are well. These are challenging days in our nation and the world. Someone after hearing about another powerful earthquake in a month or so, asked,"What in the world is going on?" Some would answer using their eschatological beliefs. I am not going there; my desire is to offer hope to the fearful. In these difficult times we are being summoned into the presence of Father God. As I was praying this morning Psalms 46 came to mind. I sent out a devotional from Psalms 46 a few weeks ago so I wondered was the Lord laying this on my heart or was it in my mind because it was familiar. I picked up my Bible and read Psalms 46 again and it so spoke about the present situation in the world that I felt the need to share it.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Psalms 46:1-3
As I read this I thought of earthquakes and tsunamis. The scripture was so timely for what is going on now in Haiti and Chile. A leading seismologist said that in the U.S., it is not a matter of if but when. The psalmists says that though these things happen we will not be afraid. Why? Because God is our refuge and strength. A refuge is a place of safety and protection, a shelter, security. God is our place of protection. Our security is in Him. Strength is power and might. As we said a while back there is nothing outside of us that is greater than He Who is in us.
A very present help in trouble. Where is God when trouble comes? Did He leave you by yourself? No, He is very present. Did He not say that He would never leave or forsake and He is with us always? Is not His Spirit in us? He is very present; He's more than just present, He's very present. We have discussed before, the difference between omnipresence and manifest presence. Very present is like manifest presence; He is present to do something. God does not promise that we won't have trouble. If the apostles had been a little more mature in their faith they probably would have let Jesus sleep when the storm really got bad. Some think that if we walk in obedience we won't have trouble. The night Jesus walked on water they were doing exactly as they were told, but there was a contrary wind. You will encounter resistance. Those who live godly lives will suffer tribulation. It is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom of God. You will have trouble but you have a helper who is along side.
Both of the earthquakes were devastating. In Haiti over 200,000 people died. Many were left homeless. The earthquake in Haiti registered 7.0 on the Richter scale. The earthquake in Chile measured 8.8 on the scale. You may or may not know that on the Richter scale as the number goes higher the amount of power registered increases exponentially so that the earthquake in Chile was over 500 times more powerful than the one in Haiti. It was deeper in the ground and the epicenter was further from the population but it was still much more powerful. Yet in Chile less than 800 have died. What made the difference. In Chile they had much stricter building codes. They knew there was a threat of earthquakes and they built their buildings accordingly. I am reminded of Luke 6 when Jesus said,"Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded upon the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and it immediately fell. And the ruin of that house was great." Luke 6:47-49.
I am not drawing a conclusion about the spirituality of either nation and I am not using either man to represent one of those nations. I am just using the example to make a point. Let's look at the two men:
1. They both heard the word.
2. They both built a house.
3. They both encountered a storm.
The difference was what they did with the word. One laid a foundation in obedience. The other did not act upon the word and had no foundation. Our foundation for whatever we build in our lives must be laid in obedience. Yes we have a very present help in trouble. As I looked at those scriptures again I saw that not only does He take us through the storm, but prepares us in advance for it. However when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and he will tell you things to come. John 16:13
The Holy Spirit is in you. That is about as present as you can get. He is our helper, the paraclete, the one along side.
In closing I would like to encourage you with some good news. For over a month millions have bombarded heaven on behalf of the nation of Haiti. Apart from this terrible catastrophe Haiti would probably not have been on many of their minds. I read a report this morning that there have been over 40,000 recorded decisions for Christ and I suspect the numbers are much higher. There has been a cry of repentance coming from that nation and I believe God is rebuilding it. Continue to pray for them and for Chile. There are over one half million whose homes were destroyed in Chile. We pray that God will move mightily there as well and that redemption will come out of this tragedy.
I pray that these letters encourage you. I always get something in the writing of them. Thank you for allowing me to invade your computer space. Be blessed of the Lord.
In His love,
Herb Dean
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
More Than they That Watch for the Morning
Hello friends,
I pray that you are well. As I began to pray this morning the phrase came to mind, " more than the watchman for the morning." I read the Psalms often so I have read Psalms 130:6 many times and had never given a whole lot of thought about those watching for the morning. The more I study the scriptures, the more I realize that there is inexhaustible revelation. I know I often read the word too fast as if the more quantity I get the better off I am, but there are precious nuggets to be found in meditating upon the word. So this morning when this phrase comes to mind, I ask what is its spiritual significance? Here are a few thoughts I hope will encourage you.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning--- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning. Psalms 130:6
The psalmist finds himself in the position of waiting on the Lord for deliverance. It seems that he is placing his hope on promises he has been given by the Lord. He was probably in a position where some us of now find ourselves or have been and that is recognizing that God is our only hope. He is more desirous of God's hand moving on his behalf than the watchmen are for morning. The implication here is that the watchmen long for the morning, but even more so he longs for God's deliverance. So why is it that watchmen long for the morning?
Let's look at the responsibility of the watchmen. In those days there were usually three watches in the night.(Remember Jesus walking on water in the third watch of the night.) The last watch was usually 2am to sunrise. The watchman usually had a place on the wall in a tower so that he could see for distance in all directions. He had to be observant and alert for he was given the great responsibility of warning the city of an approaching enemy or enemy activity. An incompetent watchman could put his entire city at risk. If he failed to warn his people they could be overrun and easily defeated. A watchman who fell asleep during his watch could cause the destruction of his city. The competent watchman kept his eyes and ears open and was sensitive to unusual sights or sounds. He was not ignorant of enemy operations and knew what to look for.
It was an indispensable duty. You can imagine that there were times when it seemed morning would never come. Word may have come that there were marauding bands in the area or possibly invading armies so there were nights of stress. There were times where they were worn out from the pressure and concern they felt. They were awake when everyone else was comfortably in their beds.
It is not difficult to understand why they were anxious for the morning. Most of us must admit that even if we love our jobs we look forward to quitting time and even if we don't you still have to rest. With the dawning of the new day comes the sunlight and with sunrise there would be the release from duty. They could see clearly now and there would be an opportunity for rest.
As we look at the church today some of you have been called to be watchmen on the wall. Some have recognized this calling and have been there faithfully seeing things in their spirits and hearing the sounds that are coming forth. You have intercepted things through prayer and there have been times when you have had to speak forth warning. You have worked in the obscurity of night with few recognizing the importance of your calling. There have been times when you have grown weary on the wall and you have hoped anxiously for the morning. You have longed for the light that you might have clarity and vision. Friend, it is not yet time to come down from the wall, but know that the Father is sending reinforcements and refreshment. Some of you have a hot cup of coffee coming your way. Your morning will come soon, but there must first be those who are young in the Spirit who you must train to have eyes in the darkness and then you will see with clarity the purpose for which you were stationed on the wall and you will enter into your rest.
I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Is. 62:6,7
The watchmen are the intercessors. In their intimacy with Lord they are often given prophetic understanding, discernment, and authority. As a pastor I would like to personally thank those who have faithfully stood on the wall crying out on be half of the church. Thank you for praying for me.
So in closing if I am waiting on the Lord, hoping in His word, more desirous of His deliverance than a watchman on the wall, I have would have to say I have gotten serious with the Lord. There are promises for those who wait on the Lord. Enter a season of renewed strength.
I bless you today. As I write this I know I don't see or know who'll read this, but I just feel the Lord's love for you welling up in my heart. He loves you so much. He loves you so much, it bears repeating. Be blessed today my friends.
In His love,
Herb Dean
I pray that you are well. As I began to pray this morning the phrase came to mind, " more than the watchman for the morning." I read the Psalms often so I have read Psalms 130:6 many times and had never given a whole lot of thought about those watching for the morning. The more I study the scriptures, the more I realize that there is inexhaustible revelation. I know I often read the word too fast as if the more quantity I get the better off I am, but there are precious nuggets to be found in meditating upon the word. So this morning when this phrase comes to mind, I ask what is its spiritual significance? Here are a few thoughts I hope will encourage you.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning--- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning. Psalms 130:6
The psalmist finds himself in the position of waiting on the Lord for deliverance. It seems that he is placing his hope on promises he has been given by the Lord. He was probably in a position where some us of now find ourselves or have been and that is recognizing that God is our only hope. He is more desirous of God's hand moving on his behalf than the watchmen are for morning. The implication here is that the watchmen long for the morning, but even more so he longs for God's deliverance. So why is it that watchmen long for the morning?
Let's look at the responsibility of the watchmen. In those days there were usually three watches in the night.(Remember Jesus walking on water in the third watch of the night.) The last watch was usually 2am to sunrise. The watchman usually had a place on the wall in a tower so that he could see for distance in all directions. He had to be observant and alert for he was given the great responsibility of warning the city of an approaching enemy or enemy activity. An incompetent watchman could put his entire city at risk. If he failed to warn his people they could be overrun and easily defeated. A watchman who fell asleep during his watch could cause the destruction of his city. The competent watchman kept his eyes and ears open and was sensitive to unusual sights or sounds. He was not ignorant of enemy operations and knew what to look for.
It was an indispensable duty. You can imagine that there were times when it seemed morning would never come. Word may have come that there were marauding bands in the area or possibly invading armies so there were nights of stress. There were times where they were worn out from the pressure and concern they felt. They were awake when everyone else was comfortably in their beds.
It is not difficult to understand why they were anxious for the morning. Most of us must admit that even if we love our jobs we look forward to quitting time and even if we don't you still have to rest. With the dawning of the new day comes the sunlight and with sunrise there would be the release from duty. They could see clearly now and there would be an opportunity for rest.
As we look at the church today some of you have been called to be watchmen on the wall. Some have recognized this calling and have been there faithfully seeing things in their spirits and hearing the sounds that are coming forth. You have intercepted things through prayer and there have been times when you have had to speak forth warning. You have worked in the obscurity of night with few recognizing the importance of your calling. There have been times when you have grown weary on the wall and you have hoped anxiously for the morning. You have longed for the light that you might have clarity and vision. Friend, it is not yet time to come down from the wall, but know that the Father is sending reinforcements and refreshment. Some of you have a hot cup of coffee coming your way. Your morning will come soon, but there must first be those who are young in the Spirit who you must train to have eyes in the darkness and then you will see with clarity the purpose for which you were stationed on the wall and you will enter into your rest.
I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Is. 62:6,7
The watchmen are the intercessors. In their intimacy with Lord they are often given prophetic understanding, discernment, and authority. As a pastor I would like to personally thank those who have faithfully stood on the wall crying out on be half of the church. Thank you for praying for me.
So in closing if I am waiting on the Lord, hoping in His word, more desirous of His deliverance than a watchman on the wall, I have would have to say I have gotten serious with the Lord. There are promises for those who wait on the Lord. Enter a season of renewed strength.
I bless you today. As I write this I know I don't see or know who'll read this, but I just feel the Lord's love for you welling up in my heart. He loves you so much. He loves you so much, it bears repeating. Be blessed today my friends.
In His love,
Herb Dean
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Be Still and Know That I Am God
Be Still and Know that I Am God
Over the years I have found myself in what seemed like desperate situations, frantically trying to figure out what to do. Sometimes I made some wrong choices. On one such occasion, I was operating in anxiety mode exhausting all human possibilities, but still dutifully doing my bible reading, and the Lord brought this verse to mind along with a companion verse, "Cease striving and know that I am God." I knew that it was the Lord speaking to me and I released the situation to him. I received His peace and shortly thereafter the problem was resolved.
There have been other times that I was asking the Lord what I needed to do and I clearly heard the word "Wait". When you feel like you need to do something or you feel like something needs to be happening that is a difficult word to hear. Peter wrote that God isn't slack concerning His promises, but God doesn't get in a hurry. When you have all wisdom and all power and know the end from the beginning, you know when the right time is and He does.
As I was reading the Psalms this morning, I once again read Psalms 46: 10 and there it was,"Be still and know I am God." I really felt I was to write something today, but there was nothing burning in my heart. Once again this verse leaped off the page, but I sensed it was not so much for me as it was for someone else. I had this sense that someone was in panic mode, that they were darting back and forth like a squirrel startled by a car on the highway. I have seen squirrels panic and run back under a wheel when they had it made. If that's you, the Lord is speaking to you this morning, "Be still and know that I am God." Stop and take deep breath, collect your thoughts (really you probably need to bring them captive to the obedience of Christ) and let's wait on the Lord and get His mind in this situation. Often the Lord allows us to exhaust all human possibility bringing us to the end of ourselves so that all we can do is turn to Him. I often jokingly say, " All we can do now is pray, oh no! has it come to that?" That is sad, but true, in so many instances. God wants us to turn to Him first.
I just saw someone in my spirit treading water and they were growing weary, barely keeping their head above water. I am reminded of a camp that I ran at a children's home many years ago. It was on a tidal river and when the tide was in, we would take the kids skiing. The younger kids begged and pleaded to go, so I devised a test they had to pass before they could attempt to ski. It was a fairly simple test. They had to swim the length of the pool and tread water for a full minute before swimming back. One eight year old boy was very determined that he would pass so he could ski. After about 20 seconds he began to sink. I extended a broom for him to grab, but he wouldn't take it; he was frantically paddling as he sank. I had to go down and pull him out. Some folks are like that little boy; so determined to get what they want that they reject the lifeline even though they are sinking. Some allow pride to keep them from getting the help they need. There are others, who through no fault of their own find themselves sinking. Don't panic and flail at the water, just rest in the Lord, and He will buoy you up.
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say on the Lord! Psalms 27:13,14
I believe this is a word for someone this morning and it it's not for you, then you may know someone who is panicking, fretful, or anxious this morning. Feel free to pass it along. May these additional verses encourage you:
Commit (to roll) your way to the Lord (over on Him), Trust also in Him and He will bring it to pass. Psalms 37:5 (parentheses mine)
Casting all your cares upon Him for He careth for you. 2 Peter 5:7
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28
Be blessed,
Herb Dean
Over the years I have found myself in what seemed like desperate situations, frantically trying to figure out what to do. Sometimes I made some wrong choices. On one such occasion, I was operating in anxiety mode exhausting all human possibilities, but still dutifully doing my bible reading, and the Lord brought this verse to mind along with a companion verse, "Cease striving and know that I am God." I knew that it was the Lord speaking to me and I released the situation to him. I received His peace and shortly thereafter the problem was resolved.
There have been other times that I was asking the Lord what I needed to do and I clearly heard the word "Wait". When you feel like you need to do something or you feel like something needs to be happening that is a difficult word to hear. Peter wrote that God isn't slack concerning His promises, but God doesn't get in a hurry. When you have all wisdom and all power and know the end from the beginning, you know when the right time is and He does.
As I was reading the Psalms this morning, I once again read Psalms 46: 10 and there it was,"Be still and know I am God." I really felt I was to write something today, but there was nothing burning in my heart. Once again this verse leaped off the page, but I sensed it was not so much for me as it was for someone else. I had this sense that someone was in panic mode, that they were darting back and forth like a squirrel startled by a car on the highway. I have seen squirrels panic and run back under a wheel when they had it made. If that's you, the Lord is speaking to you this morning, "Be still and know that I am God." Stop and take deep breath, collect your thoughts (really you probably need to bring them captive to the obedience of Christ) and let's wait on the Lord and get His mind in this situation. Often the Lord allows us to exhaust all human possibility bringing us to the end of ourselves so that all we can do is turn to Him. I often jokingly say, " All we can do now is pray, oh no! has it come to that?" That is sad, but true, in so many instances. God wants us to turn to Him first.
I just saw someone in my spirit treading water and they were growing weary, barely keeping their head above water. I am reminded of a camp that I ran at a children's home many years ago. It was on a tidal river and when the tide was in, we would take the kids skiing. The younger kids begged and pleaded to go, so I devised a test they had to pass before they could attempt to ski. It was a fairly simple test. They had to swim the length of the pool and tread water for a full minute before swimming back. One eight year old boy was very determined that he would pass so he could ski. After about 20 seconds he began to sink. I extended a broom for him to grab, but he wouldn't take it; he was frantically paddling as he sank. I had to go down and pull him out. Some folks are like that little boy; so determined to get what they want that they reject the lifeline even though they are sinking. Some allow pride to keep them from getting the help they need. There are others, who through no fault of their own find themselves sinking. Don't panic and flail at the water, just rest in the Lord, and He will buoy you up.
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say on the Lord! Psalms 27:13,14
I believe this is a word for someone this morning and it it's not for you, then you may know someone who is panicking, fretful, or anxious this morning. Feel free to pass it along. May these additional verses encourage you:
Commit (to roll) your way to the Lord (over on Him), Trust also in Him and He will bring it to pass. Psalms 37:5 (parentheses mine)
Casting all your cares upon Him for He careth for you. 2 Peter 5:7
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28
Be blessed,
Herb Dean
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
For the Word of God Is Living
Dear friends,
I pray things are well with you. As I woke up this morning the Lord was speaking. He brought to mind Hebrews 4:12. I want to share with you this morning what the Lord was giving to me. Prayerfully consider these things.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
In 1 Kings 3:16-27 we see a spiritual picture of this verse in action. Two harlots came before the king for him to make a judgement. One had lain on her baby during the night and accidentally killed him. She took the other ladies' baby and claimed it for her own. These were ladies of the night and a nursing baby was a means of birth control. They came before Solomon wanting a decision as to which woman the baby belonged. The king asked for a sword and then gave orders for the child to be cut in half with each woman getting half. The one lady would rather give the child up than for it to be killed while the woman who had stolen the baby would rather the baby die than be exposed. The sword revealed the thoughts and intents of the heart. The baby was given to the woman who was willing to give him up rather than see him die. The truth was revealed by the sword.
And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13
Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Matthew 10:26
This is what the Lord put on my heart: The hearts of men will be laid bare. Wickedness will be exposed. That which has been hidden will be revealed to all. The intents of the heart will be revealed. We will again see the days of Ananias and Sapphira as the fear of the Lord is restored. 1Kings 3:28 And all Israel heard of the judgement which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. Godly justice brings the fear of the Lord. It is a time of purifying our hearts; it is a time of purifying our motives. Though I had a sense that the primary application was to leaders in America it certainly applies to the Christian community.
For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1Peter 4:17
It begins first with us. This is not a message of gloom and doom. The heart must first be revealed before it can be healed. God desires to bring healing. His peace is everything set right. The revelation of His glory exposes that which is not glorious. Wickedness must first be exposed before it is destroyed. When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever. Psalms 92:7 It truly is a message of hope.
I have often looked at 2 Chronicles 7:14 as a formula for national revival, but as I was studying for a teaching the other day I saw it in a different light. I remembered how a great teacher, Alan Vincent, who had once been an atheistic scientist before getting saved, shared the fact that an element such as copper will always test copper whether it is a bar, a crystal, or a molecule. He went on to say that everything that is kingdom will apply at every level whether it be an individual, a family, a church, or a nation. We can apply that verse to ourselves individually. If Herb Dean who is called by My name will humble himself and pray and seek My face, and turn from His wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive his sin and heal his land (soul). parentheses mine. Some may say that's old covenant; that we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I say, yes, and amen. I am not wicked; I've been given a new heart, but there are still areas of my life where I struggle with my flesh or am I the only one? There are times I've had selfish motives, times when I have rejoiced at the fall of my enemies, times when I envied the success of others. Yes, it is true there is wickedness in my flesh and sometimes carnality in my thinking. This must be brought into the captivity of Christ. Humility, prayer, seeking, confession, and turning are as relevant now as in the old covenant and praise God we have the Spirit inside us and His enabling grace to do it. Can we expect the heathen to change if we are unwilling or unable ourselves. I had not intended to get into all that, but just to say we are entering a season of the revealing of hearts.
As I said earlier, weigh these things prayerfully. God is moving. It is a time of transition and God is desirous to move each of us to new levels of glory. I appreciate all of you and am always thankful for your encouragement. If I can be of any assistance to you send me a note.
In His love,
Herb Dean
I pray things are well with you. As I woke up this morning the Lord was speaking. He brought to mind Hebrews 4:12. I want to share with you this morning what the Lord was giving to me. Prayerfully consider these things.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
In 1 Kings 3:16-27 we see a spiritual picture of this verse in action. Two harlots came before the king for him to make a judgement. One had lain on her baby during the night and accidentally killed him. She took the other ladies' baby and claimed it for her own. These were ladies of the night and a nursing baby was a means of birth control. They came before Solomon wanting a decision as to which woman the baby belonged. The king asked for a sword and then gave orders for the child to be cut in half with each woman getting half. The one lady would rather give the child up than for it to be killed while the woman who had stolen the baby would rather the baby die than be exposed. The sword revealed the thoughts and intents of the heart. The baby was given to the woman who was willing to give him up rather than see him die. The truth was revealed by the sword.
And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13
Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Matthew 10:26
This is what the Lord put on my heart: The hearts of men will be laid bare. Wickedness will be exposed. That which has been hidden will be revealed to all. The intents of the heart will be revealed. We will again see the days of Ananias and Sapphira as the fear of the Lord is restored. 1Kings 3:28 And all Israel heard of the judgement which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. Godly justice brings the fear of the Lord. It is a time of purifying our hearts; it is a time of purifying our motives. Though I had a sense that the primary application was to leaders in America it certainly applies to the Christian community.
For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1Peter 4:17
It begins first with us. This is not a message of gloom and doom. The heart must first be revealed before it can be healed. God desires to bring healing. His peace is everything set right. The revelation of His glory exposes that which is not glorious. Wickedness must first be exposed before it is destroyed. When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever. Psalms 92:7 It truly is a message of hope.
I have often looked at 2 Chronicles 7:14 as a formula for national revival, but as I was studying for a teaching the other day I saw it in a different light. I remembered how a great teacher, Alan Vincent, who had once been an atheistic scientist before getting saved, shared the fact that an element such as copper will always test copper whether it is a bar, a crystal, or a molecule. He went on to say that everything that is kingdom will apply at every level whether it be an individual, a family, a church, or a nation. We can apply that verse to ourselves individually. If Herb Dean who is called by My name will humble himself and pray and seek My face, and turn from His wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive his sin and heal his land (soul). parentheses mine. Some may say that's old covenant; that we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I say, yes, and amen. I am not wicked; I've been given a new heart, but there are still areas of my life where I struggle with my flesh or am I the only one? There are times I've had selfish motives, times when I have rejoiced at the fall of my enemies, times when I envied the success of others. Yes, it is true there is wickedness in my flesh and sometimes carnality in my thinking. This must be brought into the captivity of Christ. Humility, prayer, seeking, confession, and turning are as relevant now as in the old covenant and praise God we have the Spirit inside us and His enabling grace to do it. Can we expect the heathen to change if we are unwilling or unable ourselves. I had not intended to get into all that, but just to say we are entering a season of the revealing of hearts.
As I said earlier, weigh these things prayerfully. God is moving. It is a time of transition and God is desirous to move each of us to new levels of glory. I appreciate all of you and am always thankful for your encouragement. If I can be of any assistance to you send me a note.
In His love,
Herb Dean
Friday, January 29, 2010
Prophetic words
Dear friends,
I am sorry that I have not written. I was hoping that I would be able to send prophetic words out on a regular basis, but then life got busy. Most of my prophesying has been relegated to our prayer groups. There has been such a sense of His presence in our prayer groups of late that it becomes easy to prophesy. Many of you received the last Kingdom Keys about 2010. I thought this morning that I would send you the word I received New Year's eve and one from this morning. I do not claim to be inerrant. Try these words; hold fast to that which is good; receive with faith that which is witnessed in your spirit, and ask the Lord for confirmation. The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. Be blessed.
December 31, 2009 11:50pm
For there will be difficult times ahead, but know even as I restored the fortunes of Job, I will restore the fortunes of my people. In tragedy, I will reveal myself and I will reestablish the fear of the Lord. Yes, I grant unto you double for your trouble and 2010 will be the year of the double portion. This will be a season in which there is a paradigm shift from the local church dynamic into a kingdom dynamic. Hear the word of the Lord. It is those who have persisted who can ask Me for the double portion. (See 2 Kings 2) Even this year there will be a shift economically in which the wealth of the wicked begins to be transferred into the accounts of the righteous. You, son, will see it. You have sown faithfully and now I will bring home the waves. (parentheses mine)
January 29, 2010
For this indeed is a new season; there is an air of anticipation. You who live expectantly will not be disappointed for I do not bring conception and not bring to birth. That which is birthed will come forth quickly and the time of travail is at hand. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. That which I bring forth will be so far beyond your expectation and your experience that you will be as one who dreams. There will be a coming together of my people and there will be realms of worship that you have yet to experience. There will be a shaking in the heavenlies and principalities will be displaced. There is a great harvest coming. It will be a time of reaping what many of you have sown for years. There are some who have sown faithfully and not seen increase and I say your time is at hand. Prepare yourselves; this is a time to be seeking my face for that which I do will be a suddenly. Be prepared.
As I was typing about being prepared, I pictured a young couple with the lady being almost nine months pregnant. They have prepared a nursery. The bed , the linens, the little outfits, blankets, diapers, and other paraphernalia are all in place in anticipation of the new birth. That is the kind of expectancy we should have. We used to say that of someone who was pregnant, "Their expecting."
Test it. It is my desire to hear the Lord and encourage His people. Be blessed.
Expecting,
Herb Dean
I am sorry that I have not written. I was hoping that I would be able to send prophetic words out on a regular basis, but then life got busy. Most of my prophesying has been relegated to our prayer groups. There has been such a sense of His presence in our prayer groups of late that it becomes easy to prophesy. Many of you received the last Kingdom Keys about 2010. I thought this morning that I would send you the word I received New Year's eve and one from this morning. I do not claim to be inerrant. Try these words; hold fast to that which is good; receive with faith that which is witnessed in your spirit, and ask the Lord for confirmation. The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. Be blessed.
December 31, 2009 11:50pm
For there will be difficult times ahead, but know even as I restored the fortunes of Job, I will restore the fortunes of my people. In tragedy, I will reveal myself and I will reestablish the fear of the Lord. Yes, I grant unto you double for your trouble and 2010 will be the year of the double portion. This will be a season in which there is a paradigm shift from the local church dynamic into a kingdom dynamic. Hear the word of the Lord. It is those who have persisted who can ask Me for the double portion. (See 2 Kings 2) Even this year there will be a shift economically in which the wealth of the wicked begins to be transferred into the accounts of the righteous. You, son, will see it. You have sown faithfully and now I will bring home the waves. (parentheses mine)
January 29, 2010
For this indeed is a new season; there is an air of anticipation. You who live expectantly will not be disappointed for I do not bring conception and not bring to birth. That which is birthed will come forth quickly and the time of travail is at hand. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. That which I bring forth will be so far beyond your expectation and your experience that you will be as one who dreams. There will be a coming together of my people and there will be realms of worship that you have yet to experience. There will be a shaking in the heavenlies and principalities will be displaced. There is a great harvest coming. It will be a time of reaping what many of you have sown for years. There are some who have sown faithfully and not seen increase and I say your time is at hand. Prepare yourselves; this is a time to be seeking my face for that which I do will be a suddenly. Be prepared.
As I was typing about being prepared, I pictured a young couple with the lady being almost nine months pregnant. They have prepared a nursery. The bed , the linens, the little outfits, blankets, diapers, and other paraphernalia are all in place in anticipation of the new birth. That is the kind of expectancy we should have. We used to say that of someone who was pregnant, "Their expecting."
Test it. It is my desire to hear the Lord and encourage His people. Be blessed.
Expecting,
Herb Dean
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Double for Your Trouble
Dear friends,
It has been a while since I have written. I pray all is well with you. Things have been busy or seemingly so, and I don't function too well in the cold. I would like to share a few thoughts with you concerning the new year. Every year I pray and ask the Lord for a word for the new year and today I am finally getting around to sharing it with my e-mail friends. I believe this will bless you.
I awakened very early one morning and I heard the words "trouble" and "double" . My first thought was, "Oh no! this is going to be a year of double trouble." Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but when I inquired of the Lord He gave me something different. Isaiah 61:7 came to mind and I heard the Lord say, "double for your trouble." Here are some confirming verses:
Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy will be theirs. Is.61:7
As for you also,because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. Zech. 9:11,12
And the Lord restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10 I believe there is a word in here as well. His fortunes were restored when he prayed for others. We must take our eyes off our own difficulties and intercede on be half of others. If our problems become our focus we will take our eyes off God and others and we are effectively out of the ministry.
Also, as an elder was sharing at disciple class about Bill Johnson's message from Isaiah 45. I looked at Isaiah 45 and this part of verse one was quickened in my heart: To open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut. In fact, you would do well to read the whole chapter. I have often desired to go other places and minister and yet for many years have labored in relative obscurity. I felt like the Lord was saying to me, I am opening doors for you. That is a word for someone who will read this message. The Lord is saying ,Obscurity, no more! I am releasing you and going before you opening doors and breaking away the gates of bronze and bars of iron that have kept you captive.
For over a month now the Lord has been giving me Is. 40:31 and with that a promise of renewed strength. Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired. Is.40:31 is a promise to you. The word wait in Hebrew implies being entwined. Those who are wrapped up in Jesus will have their strength renewed and they will rise to new heights in the Spirit.
Let me say this as a word of admonition. These words may require something of us. We must mix it with faith and take the appropriate action. The word God gave me last year was about sowing in the time of famine. There must first be a famine before we can sow during it and with the word this year there has to be trouble before you can get double for it. Now some of you have been through and the blessings are being released while others may be going into trouble shortly. Last Wednesday, I arrived early at the church to get it warmed up for our pastors' prayer meeting only to discover that we had been broken into for the third time since Christmas. Immediately, I felt a wave of discouragement roll over me, but then I remembered the word of the Lord and began to confess it. God will be true to His word.
Finally, I would like to share something my wife received and it bore witness with me. As she looked at the number 2010 she began to think about vision and felt impressed that the Lord said He was going to give us 20/10 vision. She asked me if 20/10 vision was good and I told her it was very good. To have 20/10 means we will see things quicker and more clearly at greater distances. I see this as the ability to see the vision with greater clarity. Ted Williams, one of baseball's all-time greats, was said to have 20/10 vision and it allowed him to pick up the rotation on a curveball a fraction earlier than someone with normal vision. That helped to make him a great hitter. We will see quicker and intercept things in the spirit.
I have great hope and expectancy for this year. Prayer over these words and where the Spirit gives witness claim them for your own. Confess them in the midst of your situation; we war with the rhema. In closing the abbreviated points are as follows:
1. Double for your trouble. Is.61:7
2. Renewal of strength. Is. 40:31
3. Doors and gates opened. Is. 45
4. 20/10 vision
Thank you for allowing me to share with you. Be exceedingly, abundantly blessed.
In His love,
Herb Dean
It has been a while since I have written. I pray all is well with you. Things have been busy or seemingly so, and I don't function too well in the cold. I would like to share a few thoughts with you concerning the new year. Every year I pray and ask the Lord for a word for the new year and today I am finally getting around to sharing it with my e-mail friends. I believe this will bless you.
I awakened very early one morning and I heard the words "trouble" and "double" . My first thought was, "Oh no! this is going to be a year of double trouble." Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but when I inquired of the Lord He gave me something different. Isaiah 61:7 came to mind and I heard the Lord say, "double for your trouble." Here are some confirming verses:
Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy will be theirs. Is.61:7
As for you also,because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. Zech. 9:11,12
And the Lord restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10 I believe there is a word in here as well. His fortunes were restored when he prayed for others. We must take our eyes off our own difficulties and intercede on be half of others. If our problems become our focus we will take our eyes off God and others and we are effectively out of the ministry.
Also, as an elder was sharing at disciple class about Bill Johnson's message from Isaiah 45. I looked at Isaiah 45 and this part of verse one was quickened in my heart: To open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut. In fact, you would do well to read the whole chapter. I have often desired to go other places and minister and yet for many years have labored in relative obscurity. I felt like the Lord was saying to me, I am opening doors for you. That is a word for someone who will read this message. The Lord is saying ,Obscurity, no more! I am releasing you and going before you opening doors and breaking away the gates of bronze and bars of iron that have kept you captive.
For over a month now the Lord has been giving me Is. 40:31 and with that a promise of renewed strength. Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired. Is.40:31 is a promise to you. The word wait in Hebrew implies being entwined. Those who are wrapped up in Jesus will have their strength renewed and they will rise to new heights in the Spirit.
Let me say this as a word of admonition. These words may require something of us. We must mix it with faith and take the appropriate action. The word God gave me last year was about sowing in the time of famine. There must first be a famine before we can sow during it and with the word this year there has to be trouble before you can get double for it. Now some of you have been through and the blessings are being released while others may be going into trouble shortly. Last Wednesday, I arrived early at the church to get it warmed up for our pastors' prayer meeting only to discover that we had been broken into for the third time since Christmas. Immediately, I felt a wave of discouragement roll over me, but then I remembered the word of the Lord and began to confess it. God will be true to His word.
Finally, I would like to share something my wife received and it bore witness with me. As she looked at the number 2010 she began to think about vision and felt impressed that the Lord said He was going to give us 20/10 vision. She asked me if 20/10 vision was good and I told her it was very good. To have 20/10 means we will see things quicker and more clearly at greater distances. I see this as the ability to see the vision with greater clarity. Ted Williams, one of baseball's all-time greats, was said to have 20/10 vision and it allowed him to pick up the rotation on a curveball a fraction earlier than someone with normal vision. That helped to make him a great hitter. We will see quicker and intercept things in the spirit.
I have great hope and expectancy for this year. Prayer over these words and where the Spirit gives witness claim them for your own. Confess them in the midst of your situation; we war with the rhema. In closing the abbreviated points are as follows:
1. Double for your trouble. Is.61:7
2. Renewal of strength. Is. 40:31
3. Doors and gates opened. Is. 45
4. 20/10 vision
Thank you for allowing me to share with you. Be exceedingly, abundantly blessed.
In His love,
Herb Dean
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Full of New Wine
Dear friends,
I pray that you are well and prospering in the Lord. These are interesting times in which we live. I believe God is calling us to Himself. "Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you." He is our hope and shield.
Recently, I began teaching from the book of Acts. I haven't made it very far. At the moment I am revisiting Pentecost. I would like to share a couple of thoughts that came to me as I was studying Acts 2. As always I desire to be an encouragement to you.
And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. Acts 2:5
These men were men who were serious about God. Many had probably made great sacrifices to get to Jerusalem. They were from all over the known world. Many had traveled great distances on land and by boat to come to Jerusalem to participate in the feasts. They were God seekers and they heard a "sound".
And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Acts 2:6
"---- we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?" Others mocking said,"They are full of new wine." Acts 2:11-13
There were basically two responses: one group began soul searching and the other began mocking.
God encounters usually evoke these two responses. Ultimately there are really only two choices, receiving and rejecting. The one group rejected the message of God and accused the messengers of being drunk.
The accusatory phrase was really pretty accurate as wine is often a type of the Holy Spirit. They were mocking, but there was a measure of truth. These men were full alright, full of the Holy Spirit. As I thought about the new wine statement, the words of Jesus concerning wineskins came to mind.
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. Luke 5:37, 38
I believe you could label the two groups as wineskins; those who received were new wineskins and those who rejected what God was doing were old wineskins. In the spiritual, age does not determine whether you are an old or new wineskin, it is the attitude of the heart. A new wineskin has not lost their hunger for God; they are seeking for a greater and greater revelation of the Father. They are teachable and open. They still have a reverse gear in order to back up and line up with the truth. In fact, someone can be young and be an old wineskin. They are rigid, unteachable, and satisfied that they are right. They are not open to greater revelation and manifestations of God. They reject as wrong anything that does not fit their paradigm. I have known young "old wineskins" and, praise the Lord, I know some old "new wineskins."
On the day of Pentecost, an awesome immeasurable gift was offered and it was received by many, but some would not receive because they didn't like the package it came in. As I wrote this I thought of a vision I had years ago, I saw a beautiful Christmas tree surrounded by many presents. There was no one in the vision, just the tree and the presents. When I inquired of the Lord as to the meaning of the vision, He said, "I have many gifts for My children, if only they would receive them. Would you agree with me that every gift of God is good and that we want everything He has for us.
In His love,
Herb Dean
I pray that you are well and prospering in the Lord. These are interesting times in which we live. I believe God is calling us to Himself. "Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you." He is our hope and shield.
Recently, I began teaching from the book of Acts. I haven't made it very far. At the moment I am revisiting Pentecost. I would like to share a couple of thoughts that came to me as I was studying Acts 2. As always I desire to be an encouragement to you.
And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. Acts 2:5
These men were men who were serious about God. Many had probably made great sacrifices to get to Jerusalem. They were from all over the known world. Many had traveled great distances on land and by boat to come to Jerusalem to participate in the feasts. They were God seekers and they heard a "sound".
And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Acts 2:6
"---- we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?" Others mocking said,"They are full of new wine." Acts 2:11-13
There were basically two responses: one group began soul searching and the other began mocking.
God encounters usually evoke these two responses. Ultimately there are really only two choices, receiving and rejecting. The one group rejected the message of God and accused the messengers of being drunk.
The accusatory phrase was really pretty accurate as wine is often a type of the Holy Spirit. They were mocking, but there was a measure of truth. These men were full alright, full of the Holy Spirit. As I thought about the new wine statement, the words of Jesus concerning wineskins came to mind.
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. Luke 5:37, 38
I believe you could label the two groups as wineskins; those who received were new wineskins and those who rejected what God was doing were old wineskins. In the spiritual, age does not determine whether you are an old or new wineskin, it is the attitude of the heart. A new wineskin has not lost their hunger for God; they are seeking for a greater and greater revelation of the Father. They are teachable and open. They still have a reverse gear in order to back up and line up with the truth. In fact, someone can be young and be an old wineskin. They are rigid, unteachable, and satisfied that they are right. They are not open to greater revelation and manifestations of God. They reject as wrong anything that does not fit their paradigm. I have known young "old wineskins" and, praise the Lord, I know some old "new wineskins."
On the day of Pentecost, an awesome immeasurable gift was offered and it was received by many, but some would not receive because they didn't like the package it came in. As I wrote this I thought of a vision I had years ago, I saw a beautiful Christmas tree surrounded by many presents. There was no one in the vision, just the tree and the presents. When I inquired of the Lord as to the meaning of the vision, He said, "I have many gifts for My children, if only they would receive them. Would you agree with me that every gift of God is good and that we want everything He has for us.
In His love,
Herb Dean
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