“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” (Revelation 12:11 NKJV)
“Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10 ESV)
“And Peter, having opened the mouth, said, “Of a truth I understand that God is not One who shows partiality.” (Acts 10:34 BSB)
In just under 2 months I will celebrate my 66th birthday. This will bring to a close my “Year of Jubilee” and launch my “Hit the Bricks in ‘26” season.
So, what has the Lord done for me recently? Let me testify of God’s Goodness as I recap the major breakthroughs thus far…
…Breakthrough #1: “Mini Home on Wheels” – the Lord miraculously provided just the right vehicle to prepare for travel through the Body of Christ carrying the message of “Refirement.”
…Breakthrough #2: “Family Reconciliation” – after a number of years of separation the Lord opened the door to me being reconciled with my daughter and grandson. We met and enjoyed some fun activities together. Best of all we are talking on a regular basis. We are sharing up-to-date life information, praying for each other, reaching out when something is needed, and best of all, getting to know each other as we anticipate a bright future.
…Breakthrough #3: “Personal Recovery” – the Lord confirmed within my spirit a “Battle Plan” from the Book of Isaiah which broke the chains of bondage with recurring depression. The Holy Spirit clearly revealed a “pattern” (stronghold) that I had allowed to take hold of me surrounding 3 key annual celebrations and a plan to walk in the freedom that is mine in Christ.
…Breakthrough #4: “Family of God Reconciliation” – the Lord revealed that I had deceived myself and was carrying hurt that I had denied while I was thinking I had been delivered. The Spirit led me back to the Church of my childhood which I had left 40 years ago under far less than desirable circumstances. After all of these years I am now an active part of this local assembly sharing my gifts and talents as often as possible.
…Breakthrough #5: “Inner Healing” – facing the deception of denial toward the local church that I was led back to brought with it a deeper revelation of the inner woundedness that I had been carrying. I have now been set free from wounds and healed of scars that had plagued me for years.
…Breakthrough # 6: “Gift and Calling Restored” – at approximately 9:30pm on a Thursday evening I received a completely unexpected message from a childhood friend asking if I had any interest in preaching, or even considering being a pastor again. She explained that her dad’s church was operating without a full time pastor and wondered if perhaps I was available. While I am very active online, and preach and teach from time to time in my local church, I hadn’t given any serious thought to pastoring a local church in years. To try not to make a long story longer, I visited this Church 3 days later. Since that visit, I have been called on to preach there twice and invited back for 2 more Sundays in the future. I have no idea what this will lead to, but I am loving every minute open to whatever comes next.
I recommend that each of us allow the Lord to lead us in asking ourselves…
…What are my most recent breakthroughs?
…Where am I in need of a breakthrough?
…How can I encourage others by sharing what the Lord has done for me?