LINK TO FACEBOOK

Check out my Faithbook page

for more blogposts.

Here's the link:

https://www.facebook.com/dwala.richardson

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

MERRY CHRISTMAS

🎄 Merry Christmas 🎄

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

AFTER THE TRIAL

I went through a very dry season financially from 2/2023 to 10/2025. I can honestly say though, that my heavenly Father was there for me these last 2½ years. However, it was not fun. But the Lord ended that season and blessed me with spoils and plunder. To God be the glory.🙌

But the BEST thing that has come out of that battle is, that I’ve been experiencing an overwhelming presence of God, my Prince of Peace. It’s like He’s trying to make up for the years of famine and sadness I endured. The abundance of love He has been pouring out puts me in awe on a daily basis. I can’t seem to find the words to describe it, because none are sufficient enough.

The apostle Paul said, “We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Rom. 5:3-5)

The 2½ year trial produced perseverance, character, and hope. But in addition to that, the Lord has flooded my heart with His abundant love.

When the Lord turned the captivity of Job, He blessed the end of his life more than his beginning, and Job died a very blessed old man.

To God be the glory.
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD

The Holy of Holies was the innermost place of the ancient Jewish Tabernacle and Temple, and was its most sacred chamber. It contained the Ark of the Covenant and was separated from the rest of the sanctuary by a thick veil. This area was considered the dwelling place of God, and only the high priest could enter it, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).

The thick veil separating the Holy of Holies from the outer chamber symbolized the huge gulf between a holy God and sinful humanity. Selected priests could go into the Holy Place to perform daily rituals, but only the high priest could into the Holy of Holies (the Most Holy Place).

The veil and elaborate rituals undertaken by the high priest were a reminder that man could not carelessly or irreverently enter God’s holy presence.

At the moment Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the Forerunner’s spirit entered the Presence behind the veil, having become our High Priest.

The torn veil symbolized that the barrier between God and humanity had been taken away by the death of Christ, and direct access to God is now possible for all humanity through Christ Jesus… not just the high priest once a year. The believer is no longer separated from God.

Under the Levitical priesthood, all the high priests descended from Moses' brother, Aaron. Under the New Covenant, we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people and are no longer separated, but seated together with Christ in the presence of God.

That’s why Jesus told Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

The ancient rituals of the Holy of Holies was a foreshadowing of the New Covenant that should rise in Christ Jesus, our High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek (as opposed to the order of Aaron). The New Covenant has made the first obsolete, and what has become obsolete is growing old and is ready to vanish away (Heb. 8:13). When we partake of the Lord's Supper (Communion), we are actually celebrating the New Covenant. Jesus said, "This is My blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

The Holy of Holies, the very presence of God, is now open to all who will come to Christ in faith. Where as, before, there was an imposing barrier guarded by cherubim angels, God has opened a way by the shed blood of His Son, Christ Jesus.

One time I told a brother at church, that in his spirit he could go into the presence of the Lord Jesus, and be seated together with Him, and have a conversation about what was troubling him. He adamantly responded, "Oh no!" He couldn't see that we have that privilege. Man… what a pity.

Romans 5:1-2 (NKJV) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

James 4:8 (NKJV) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

 Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

 To God be the glory.
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

GO IN THE STRENGTH YOU HAVE

I was praying to Heavenly Father, and requested that He would strengthen me where I'm weak. Sometimes I just feel unqualified. I want to do the will of God for my life but sometimes it seems like I am unfit for the role. 

He sent two preachers to give me the same exact word… "Go in the strength you have." I found the Scripture in my Bible app.

Judges 6:14 (BSB) The LORD turned to him (Gideon) and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?”

Gideon was having the same problem I had — he felt unqualified to do what God was calling him to do. But as Gideon moved forward, God was always there with him, to strengthen him for the challenges he faced and he defeated the Midianites and they were no longer a threat to Israel.

The apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

One of those preachers said, that God will sometimes let us be sifted so that we don't take the lion strength in us to be pride in us. We need to recognize our vulnerability, so we can see the strength of God in us doing mighty works.

Peter was tested in this same way. And afterward he wept bitterly at his failure, and saw that he too needed the power of God working through him, not his own heroics. (Story is found in Matt. 26:31-35, 69-75.)

Now go in the strength that you have, and God will be with you.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

PSALM 119 - TEACH ME YOUR STATUTES

God’s Word reflects the very character of God Himself. The Word of God is sufficient to make us wise, train us in righteousness, and equip us for every good work.

The author of Psalm 119 was a man who had known great trouble in his life, but also one who had come through it with a deep and passionate understanding of God’s unfailing love and compassion. His love for the Word of God and his dedication to study it, remember it, and live by it is a theme that's repeated over and over throughout the chapter.

There are seven verses throughout Psalm 119 where the psalmist prays to the Lord, "Teach me Your statutes,"

◾Psalm 119:12 (NKJV) Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes.

◾Psalm 119:26 (NKJV) I have declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statutes.

◾Psalm 119:64 (NKJV) The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your statutes.

◾Psalm 119:68 (NKJV) You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes.

◾Psalm 119:124 (NKJV) Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, and teach me Your statutes.

◾Psalm 119:135 (NKJV) Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.

◾Psalm 119:171 (NKJV) My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes.

Asking Heavenly Father to “teach me Your statutes” is an ongoing surrender that invites His authoritative Word to shape our convictions, guide our choices, and conform our character to Christ's. The psalmist’s ancient plea becomes a modern day lifestyle… continually meditating upon Scripture, studying Scripture, and walking in obedient faith to what we understand in Scripture.

◾Psalm 119:34 (NKJV) Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

◾Psalm 119:73 (NKJV) Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

◾Psalm 119:125 (NKJV) I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.

◾Psalm 119:144 (NKJV) The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; give me understanding, and I shall live.

◾Psalm 119:169 (NKJV) Let my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word.

And finally, the psalmist prays that the word of God will revive and transform him so he is changed into a new vessel.

◾Psalm 119:25 (NKJV) My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word.

◾Psalm 119:37 (NKJV) Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.

◾Psalm 119:40 (NKJV) Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness.

◾Psalm 119:88 (NKJV) Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

◾Psalm 119:149 (NKJV) Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O LORD, revive me according to Your justice.

◾Psalm 119:154 (NKJV) Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word.

◾Psalm 119:159 (NKJV) Consider how I love Your precepts; revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

WHAT THE LORD REQUIRES OF US

A long time ago, I asked the Lord… "Lord, what is it that You require of me?" Weeks passed without a response, and I had totally forgotten about it. Then one day I opened an email and there was His response…

He has shown you, O man (or Dee), what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8 NKJV)

To Do Justly (Action)

• be both moral and ethical in our dealings with others
• put justice into practice
• defend those who are suffering in unjust circumstances and situations

To Love Mercy (Affection)

• cut people some slack and extend them some mercy
• be Christ’s hand extended to someone in need

To Walk Humbly With God (Attitude)

• let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit
• to not always make it about you
• live life in humility, not proudly

What does the Lord require of us?

There is a positive action to take: do justly.

There is a powerful affection to awaken: love mercy.

And there is a prideful attitude to forsake: walk humbly with our God.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

JUST TRYING TO GET SOME SLEEP 💤

While trying to sleep last night, our neighbor's dog across the street was barking loudly non-stop. I prayed non-stop on behalf of myself and other neighbors who couldn't sleep because of it. I also prayed for the inconsiderate owners of this dog. The dog stopped barking and everything got very quiet.

THEN, my hubby started bouncing around, seizing, and shaking the bed. I think some meds he's taking causes this. Again, I prayed non-stop and he finally got still and I was able to fall asleep.

AFTER THAT, the dog began barking all over again - so, I resumed that prayer again. The dog got quiet just as before, and I dozed back off to sleep.

THEN, our next door neighbor came out and started shooting his gun. It could be that he was frustrated about the dog barking, and this was his way of showing it. He was so close to our window that I could hear him cocking his gun. I left him alone, and didn't pray about it. Eventually, he went back inside and I dozed back off.

I awoke this morning at about a quarter to 5:00 and went to the Living Room to pour out my heart to God about last night, and as I stood praying, I suddenly remembered yesterday's Verse Of The Day (Hebrews 12:11). I sat down and pulled it up, and my mouth dropped open.😯

It clicked! I had endured some chastening. A feeling of warmth rushed through my body, as I suddenly realized, I had endured strength training.🏋💪

To God be the glory.
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

 

Prayer must play a central role in the life of every believer. Under the old covenant, God gave Moses detailed instructions for the construction of the Altar of Incense, which stood right outside of the Holy of Holies. The smoke from the Altar of Incense symbolized prayers ascending to God's throne in heaven with a sweet-smelling aroma.

Today, Christians are assured that our prayers are reaching God the Father because they are offered by our great High Priest, Jesus Christ (Mediator of the new covenant). Just as the Altar of Incense carried a perfumed scent, our prayers also are scented with the righteousness of our Savior. In Revelation 8:3-4, apostle John tells us the prayers of the saints ascend to the altar in heaven before the throne of God.

We cannot send prayers to God based on our own false claims of righteousness, but we must offer them sincerely in the name of Jesus, for He is our righteousness.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain God's mercy and grace to help in our times of need (Heb. 4:16).

To God be the glory.
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

IT'S NO SURPRISE TO GOD

Long before he became an embryo in his mother's womb, God already knew the prophet Jeremiah. The Lord said to him, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5).

All the days of our lives are written in God's book before we have ever lived one day on earth (Psalm 139:16). Omniscient God knows the end of our story before the beginning — He's the one who is, and who was, and who is to come (Revelation 1:8). He is already fully aware of how life will turn out for each and every one of us. We are no surprise to God.

This morning I was praying about the souls that will be cast into hell for eternity, and God reminded me that He is omniscient (all knowing), and knows the end from the beginning. That can be mind boggling when you think of all the evil occurring in this world. It may cause us to wonder about God sometimes, because He allows tragedies to occur when He could easily put a stop to it. But Jesus said to the apostle Peter, "You don't understand yet the meaning of what I'm doing, but soon it will be clear to you" (John 13:7).

Have faith in God. He knows what He's doing, and all of this is no surprise to Him.

Bishop Talbert Swan | He's Already There (video)

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

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

BULLY PULPIT SYNDROME

💖 What is Bully Pulpit Syndrome? 💖

Have you ever sat in church on a Sunday morning listening to the preacher and was vilely offended by what the preacher just said?

All these years I've attended church and did not realize that I was a victim of Bully Pulpit Syndrome (BPS). I finally just stopped going to church without really knowing the reason why.

Many times I left church depressed because of the sermon. I felt viciously attacked and it hurt deeply. I was not growing nor being edified by the word, but actually quite the opposite. There was a lot of resentment built up toward pastors in general, especially their sermons.

A syndrome is a set of specific symptoms that occur together, and may or may not have a known cause. For example, you may tend to have anxiety when the pastor steps up to the podium but not know why you always feel that.

One Sunday morning I was sitting in church. As the preacher was wrapping up his sermon, he said, "I feel a heaviness in the room." I knew he was sensing my heavy heart as I sat there trying to console what I felt was a personal attack on me while he was preaching.

I have Bully Pulpit Syndrome. This is a term I came up with to define victims that have endured trauma from pastoral sermons. If you've ever left church with a heavy heart due to the sermon you just heard, you might also have BPS. Now, I need the Lord to deliver me and take it all away so I can once again thrive in a church environment.

The Lord said, "I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the places where I have driven you, and I will bring you to the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive" (Jeremiah 29:14).

I have a propensity to sit and hear a sermon and then be offended with the preacher because he said something I disagreed with. This is the result of the Bully Pulpit Syndrome that's crept in because of past experiences. I've built up a well-defended fortress as a result of the personal attacks I endured from the bully pulpit. This fortress is my effort to protect myself from those attacks.

I have struggled to joyfully attend church because of this. I have enclosed myself safely inside this fortress to keep others from bullying me. When I hear something I don't agree with, a heaviness falls on me and I retreat to the fortress.

💖 The Pastor's Role 💖

Church leaders are watchmen or guardians of the community of faith, who are charged to communicate God’s word of nurture, instruction, and warning to God’s people.

Clearly, the job of the shepherds of God’s people is to provide them with the pure milk of the Word of God so they can move on to the meat and solid food in spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:12-14).

Christians should not leave church traumatized due to pulpit bullies. The podium should never be a place to settle personal grievances — and when the preacher stands wielding it as a weapon, they are perverting ministry and grieving the heart of God. That is not how real shepherds tend their sheep.

I'm reminded of David that took care of his father's sheep. He protected them from predators like that lion and bear, and killed them for attacking his father's sheep.

Jeremiah 3:15 (KJV) And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

💖 Deep Animosity 💖

The bitterness of these pulpit attacks caused me to build a fortress around myself to protect me from mean-spirited preachers who attack the congregation from the pulpit.

Pastor John Markum says, "If you've ever been bitten you may have a tendency to see wolves in sheep's clothing, where they don't exist." Not all pastors attack in their sermons. There are times when I don't agree with what they've said and resentment towards them may rise up... seeing what does not exist. I need the Lord to transform this behavior because there has to be times of correction, and I need to receive it with a heart of repentance.

I need the Lord to heal me of the trauma of the past so I can joyfully attend church once again. I don't have unforgiveness in my heart, only a lot of ambivalence toward Sunday morning sermons. To sit in church on Sunday morning and hear a sermon is often a challenge for me. The environment itself brings up old hurts that's still lingering in my heart. When I'm engaging in a pastoral sermon, certain feelings or emotions may tend to crop up.

Proverbs 18:19 (NKJV) A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Here, Solomon sounds an alarm about the enhanced nature of conflict between "spiritual brethren." Solomon poetically compares these rifts to well-defended cities or barred fortresses. By virtue of their walls, ancient cities are difficult to conquer compared to open terrain. The only two options were a prolonged siege or suffering the losses of a direct assault. Likewise, a citadel or castle often includes bars meant to block entry. "Quarrels" that come between friends and family can be especially difficult to overcome... or insults and attacks from the pastor in his Sunday morning sermon can build distrust in other pastors preaching their sermons. These attacks are hard to overcome making it difficult to move forward.

Deep animosity is the fruit of my bully pulpit experience, and is likened in its intensity to the rigid resistance of the city gates against all intrusion. The bursting of these bars was almost impossible, because of the greatness of their strength. A believer entrenched behind the bars of their wounds, unwilling to view the matter from a Godly perspective, is equally impregnable (unable to be broken into because of the fortified walls they've built up).

Offense from those close to us — including pastors — tend to cut deeper and cause more pain than the same insults coming from total strangers.

In the church we grew up in, preachers used the word of God like a sledge hammer, to beat down God's people with it. We were given a lot of tradition that we were expected to adhere to, such as not wearing pants, and many other traditions that we assumed were sinful and ungodly. Many days these traditions were delivered through sermons from the pulpit, and in my opinion trended the Bully Pulpit Syndrome, because a lot of days we left church feeling bushwhacked.

If the sermon happens to come across the pulpit as God attacking you week after week, turn to the Father and seek Him about it.

Transformation is a process of the Holy Spirit where He inwardly renews the believer moving circumstances from one degree of glory to another until that person has undergone a complete transformation. When the transformation is complete, the believer will begin to see sermons with a whole new perspective.

💖 Arise and Return 💖

Now, by no means do I carry a shepherd's staff, but I would like to encourage a renewal in your relationship with the heavenly Father. If you know that you've left your first love or become sluggish in your enthusiasm for the faith, wrack your brain and find out what happened that turned you away, and get with the Lord about it. Pray for restoration and renewal.

Psalm 51:12 (NKJV) Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

💖 Closing Prayer 💖

Lord, please deliver me from this Bully Pulpit Syndrome. Renew a right spirit within me. Give me a pastor according to Your heart that shall feed me with knowledge and understanding. Give me a heart to receive Your word like seeds falling into good soil and yielding a hundredfold crop. Let me not be offended by Your word nor by the one sermonizing it, even if I don't agree with what's being preached. Let my response be loving and peaceful with no outrage toward the offender.

Let the pain of the bully pulpit decrease and completely diminish. Then elevate a new process that becomes natural when I hear something come across the pulpit that feels like it was said as an attack on me.

Transform my way of handling sermons so I come away uplifted and edified, not with my head hung down feeling forlorned. 

Psalm 122:1 (NKJV) I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD."

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

HE WON'T ALLOW YOUR FOOT TO BE MOVED

For years now, my main fitness workout has been going for long walks. However, the sidewalks in our neighborhood are old and cracked, and I've tripped and fallen hard 3 times. A couple of days ago I came across Psalm 121:3...

I pondered, "He will not suffer my foot to be moved,

and yet I've fallen hard 3 times?"

I assumed Psalm 121:3 was a reference and symbolism of safety for someone traversing over hill country and broken sidewalks. In both a spiritual and physical sense, Psalm 121:3 encourages confidence in God's protection. Even when hardship occur, we can know that God's still in control.

Even in all that Job went through when the Lord lowered that hedge of protection, He told Satan that he would not be able to take Job's life. There was still a level of protection around Job while he endured Satan's afflictions.

Satan took Job's children, and property, and health, but wasn't able to take his life.

Sovereign God is always in control of our circumstances whether rain or shine is upon us.

Heavenly Father makes His sun

rise on the evil and on the good,

and sends rain on the just

and on the unjust. (Matt. 5:45)

Even when I trip and fall and He doesn't prevent it, He's still my keeper and He allowed it for a reason. He who keeps you will not slumber.

The psalmist David said,

"Behold, God is my helper;

for He has delivered me

out of all trouble." (Ps. 54:4, 7)

God Himself said,

"I will never leave you

nor forsake you." (Heb. 13:5)

After this last fall, I just got back up, turned around, and headed back home. Later, the Lord laid it on my heart to do some strength training (ST). When I researched ST, I saw that it improves power, speed, and endurance, while also increasing muscle loss that comes with aging... reducing the risk of falling by strengthening muscles and bone mass. God used those hard falls as a forerunner to greater workouts. Maybe I'll be running marathons now instead of just walking through the neighborhood. That would be awesome!

In the same way that bodily muscles are strengthened, God also strengthens our faith muscles through hard falls. There you have it. God has a purpose in what He does.

Abraham did not waiver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith and fully convinced that what God had promised, He was completely able to perform (Rom. 4:20-21). That's where the Lord wants to get us to. He is teaching us to trust in Him no matter what. His thoughts and ways are vastly different from ours. The Lord's reasons for permitting Job's affliction might not make perfect sense to us. In Satan's attacks against Job, his children and servants died horrible deaths, but we must not let anything deter us from believing in the goodness of God.

Recently, I heard a preacher say, "Let go of how you thought it was supposed to go, and when you thought it was supposed to get there." I always have an idea of how God should work out my dilemmas, and when it's going in the opposite direction of my prayers, my faith waivers.

If I read Psalm 121:3, and then get offended with my heavenly Father because He allowed me to fall hard 3 times, I am only doing myself harm. However, if I ask Him for an understanding of all this, He will surely enlighten me, and I'm glad He did.

Let strength training begin.𝄂𝄂—𝄂𝄂

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

NO MORE GENERATIONAL CURSES

Both of my maternal grandparents had dementia issues as they aged. They had eleven children, and now the oldest children are suffering with mental illness in their old age as well. I know that some physical ailments are hereditary, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. It could be that dementia, as a physical ailment, can also be hereditary. Some would call this kind of thing a generational curse that is passed down from generation to generation.

About two years ago, I was praying fervently about this, because my own mother struggles severely with dementia. She's the oldest of the eleven children. I've heard some of her younger siblings voicing concerns as they age, if they might also struggle with dementia. In response to my prayers, the Lord said to me in no uncertain terms... "We are delivered!"

The Bible says in Galatians 3:13 that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. Therefore, we are delivered. So whatever the problem is, whether it's spiritual or physical, we have been delivered through our Savior, Christ Jesus. The cure for anything is repentance, faith in Christ, and a life consecrated to Him.

The apostle Paul said that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (or physical), but mighty through God for pulling down strongholds. It does not matter what the problem is, deliverance is ours because our Savior redeemed us.

There was a man in the Bible whose son had violent convulsions that could've killed him. The child was also deaf and unable to speak. The father of the child brought him to Jesus for deliverance. Jesus told that father, "If you can believe, all things are possible to those who believe." Immediately that father cried out to Jesus with tears streaming down his face, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and the boy was delivered.

We are not under generational curses!! Christ Jesus fully redeemed us from the curse of Adam's sin. By the stripes of Jesus we are healed. As that child's father prayed, "Lord, please help my unbelief", do the same for your stronghold. Your faith will make you whole. The strongholds will be eliminated. Jesus said to His disciples, "This kind comes out through prayer and fasting."

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayers of the righteous avails much. (James 5:16)

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD

After Paul's conversion from a Pharisee to an Apostle, he went to Arabia and spent three years there. Paul may have had a sister that he lived with while he was there. This time was spent in contemplation and study, allowing him to develop his understanding of the Christian faith and his role as an Apostle. This secluded time was crucial for Paul's development, and refinement in understanding the gospel to prepare him for future ministry. He ended up writing a significant portion of the New Testament.

Sometimes we may question why God has us in a certain place with no seeming way out. He is developing something in you that may even outlast your time on earth. Just be still and know that He is God.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †

WITH HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED

With His (Jesus') Stripes, We Are Healed

Receive healing in your mind first, and the manifestation will follow. There was a woman that had been hemmoraging for 12 years. She said to herself, "If only I can just touch the hem of Jesus' garment, I know I shall be healed." (Matt.9:21) She had been to many doctors, but none could help her. The moment she touched the hem of Jesus' garment, she felt that healing in her body. Receive healing in your mind first, and the manifestation will follow.

In Greek, the word "ekballo" means "to cast out," or "to drive out," or "to send out." The word often implies a forceful or even violent expulsion, rather than a gentle nudge. It's not asking, it's commanding.

Jesus said in Luke 10:19, "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

Ekballo Command

I speak to sickness and disease, and in the name of Christ Jesus, I command it to wither to the root cause and die. I command sickness and disease to leave my body. I agree with the word of God that says by His stripes, I'm healed. Let regeneration come through corrective miracles, that I may walk in good health for the rest of my life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, please renew and completely restore my body to wholeness (nothing missing and nothing broken). Never, ever let sickness and disease invade this temple of the Holy Spirit ever again. Please set up a hedge of protection around me on every side. Let me walk in the fullness of Your will without sickness preventing me from serving You. In the mighty name of Jesus I ask and pray. Amen.

You're not a sick person trying to get well.

You're a well person, fighting off sickness and disease.

To God be the glory.

Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †