What Heaven Is Saying Today by Pastor James Durham

This morning the presence of the Lord was awesome. As I put my tallit over my shoulders and head, I felt His mighty power coming up from the floor and flowing through my body. As I began to pray and worship, His powerful presence was falling on me and saturating me in spirit, soul and body. I was so delighted with His presence and experienced so much joy in giving Him praise, worship, honor and glory this morning. As I went face down before Him covered with my tallit, I began to receive a long series of visions. In each, I saw the presence of the Lord with people in many different places and situations.

I saw someone walking through a forest surrounded by the light and warmth of the sun. The light made the white bark on the birch trees seem like the pure light of His holiness. As a family walked in the woods, I saw that the Lord was a short distance away walking along with them. I could not tell if they were aware of His presence, but their calm assurance seemed to reflect a knowledge of His protective presence. Then I saw people walking on a busy city street. As these individuals pressed through the crowded streets, the Lord was constantly by their side. I saw someone walk into a dark room seemingly filled with uncertainty and fear. Then I saw that the Lord was there with them and they had nothing to fear. I saw children and adults in many places. I saw many more of these brief visions. The things I saw seemed unrelated at first until I noticed that the one constant was the presence of the Lord. The words of Psalm 139 began to fill my mind:

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” Psalm 139:1-8

I don’t know what you are dealing with today, but I am certain that the Lord is with you. I don’t know how deep and foreboding your darkness may seem today, but I know that the Lord is present with you. I don’t know where you will have to travel today or how anxious you may be about those around you, but I know that the presence of the Lord is always with you and you have nothing to fear. Whatever your situation, remember 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The perfect love of the Lord casts out all fear (1 John 4:17-18). I pray that He will open your spiritual ears to hear His comforting voice. I pray that He will open your spiritual eyes to see that He is always with you, even to the end of the age. I pray that He will open your heart to perceive the depth of His love and care for you today and always. I pray these things in the mighty name of Yeshua ha Messiach! Amen and Amen!!!

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

SHABBAT SHALOM!

Did you feel it this morning? The presence of the Lord is so strong and the power of His glory is so great that it is very difficult to stand before Him. I willingly went face down and prayed in the Spirit for a few minutes. Then the Lord began to release a series of visions. I will share three of these this morning. I saw a great storm coming in from the west. The leading edge of the storm was thick and dark. I thought I could hear thunder, but I didn’t see any lightening. Then I realized it was the voice of the Lord thundering a command to the storm. The Lord said, “Let it rain!” Suddenly a mighty downpour of rain hit the earth below. There was so much water that I was concerned about flooding. I asked if this was raining blessings or judgment. The Lord said that both things were happening. I saw some areas become fertile and start to produce a great harvest. Other areas were being flooded and much damage was unleased.

The storm continued to move and I heard the Lord thunder again and again, “Let it rain!” Each time a great outpouring of rain hit the earth in various areas. The Lord was making it clear that this was not just regional, but is coming to all of us. Whether you experience it as a blessing or as a judgment depends on your relationship with the Lord. It is time to be so close to Him that nothing can harm us. I thought about the second half of Luke 10:19, “…and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Remember the promise in James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” It is time to draw near. This verse also comes with an admonition: “Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” There are preparations we need to make quickly. Then I was drawn to another promise in James 4:10, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” May we all humble ourselves and pray for provision and healing! May the Lord lift us up, provide for us, and release His protection over us! Amen!

Then I saw a huge symbol of freemasonry being obliterated as if a huge brush was painting over it. Then other symbols of human organizations and political movements were similarly obliterated. I heard the Lord saying, “None of the organizations or movements of this world can provide for you in a season of judgment.” I was led by the Holy Spirit to Psalm 65:9-11, “You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; The river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, for so You have prepared it. You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth. You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.” This is the Lord’s plan for all who draw near to Him and faithfully follow His guidance through the Holy Spirit. He is not calling us to be afraid, but to draw near to Him.

Then another vision came. I saw someone get up from a chair to answer the doorbell. This person was still in his pajamas and wearing a bathrobe. The Lord was at the door and this person was not ready to follow Him. I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Stay dressed and ready!” I believe this is about readiness more than clothing. We don’t have to wear our street clothes to bed, but we need to be spiritually dressed and ready at any moment to move with the Lord. Don’t be caught unaware! Remember what the Lord said in Mark 13:35-37, “Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” How is your watching today? Are you dressed and ready for the Master’s return? The Lord is calling us to readiness today. Amen?

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

What the Lord was showing me today will sound strange, but I have been assured that the right people will know exactly what it means. The Lord was speaking to me about a generational issue at work in the world today. An older generation is trying to pass the responsibility and accountability for their failures and mistakes on to the next generation. Weaknesses in the flesh are at the root of the generational issue. Instead of repenting and returning to the Lord, some people are trying to let their children bear their guilt and the judgment for it. However the Lord will not allow this. Deuteronomy 24:16, “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.” Children need to be set free from carrying this load. Parents need to repent and return rather than expect their children to suffer the consequences. We must not be like Hezekiah who only thought of himself in 2 Chronicles 20:19, “So Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord which you have spoken is good!” For he said, “Will there not be peace and truth at least in my days?” There are things which need to be done today which will release the next generation from carrying the suffering for their parents.  

Suddenly the Lord gave me a vision of a group of warriors on horseback trying to come home after the battle. They were tired, wounded and in need, but they had been stopped at a raging river during their journey home. Home was close, but the river was blocking them. I know that many of you are weary from spiritual battles and need a season of rest and refreshing. For many of you it seems that you just can’t make it to the place and time of your healing and restoration. I received a promise from the Lord this morning that your redemption draws nigh. Don’t give up! Do not despair! The Lord will bridge the gap. The Lord will make a way for you through every barrier. Now is the time to stand on faith and know that the Lord will soon bring deliverance from all your troubles. For a confirmation of this promise, I was led to John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” We have the victory and we are overcomers in Yeshua ha Messiach! Amen?

Suddenly another vision opened for me. I saw large ships trying to land on a rugged coast. There were no docks and the ships had become trapped in the current which neither let them land nor turn around. Perhaps you are feeling stuck today. Good news! The Lord is the master of getting you out of every storm and hazard blocking your destiny and purpose in the kingdom. Now is the time to stand strong in your faith and know that the Lord has a plan even if you can’t see it in the moment. I thought about Paul’s threatening circumstances in a storm when the Lord sent an angel to speak to Him about fulfilling his destiny (Acts 27:23-25).  I thought about the time when he was under attack from a huge crowd. Acts 22:11, “But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” Neither the powerful storm you are experiencing nor the false accusations of unbelievers can stop you when the Lord is with you.

I am convinced the Lord wants to encourage each faithful follower today. As I thought about this with a thankful heart, I was reminded of His promise to be with us to the end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” This promise is still with us. I pray that you will be encouraged and strengthened by the word of the Lord today! Amen and Amen!!!

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

As I soaked in the powerful presence of the Lord this morning, I asked for a word for today and I received a word. I heard the Lord saying, “Trust!” This is a day to release our faith in powerful and life changing ways. Today is a day to grasp the supernatural spiritual gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9). Today is a day to have complete faith in all the Lord’s promises and for the manifestation of all the prophetic words over our lives.

As I pressed in for more, I kept coming back to one thought. We must seek intimacy with the Lord in this season. There is a powerful connection between drawing near and have the full assurance of faith. Hebrews 10:19-22, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Only the Lord can sprinkle “pure water” on our hearts to cleanse them to be in His presence.

The Holy Spirit led me back to James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” We can wash our hands, but something more is needed. Only the Lord can cleanse our hands, our hearts and our minds. We cannot wait until we are able to accomplish these things. We need to draw near now and to be open for Him to cleanse, purify and guide us into His presence. Psalm 73:8, “But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works.” I like the way The Message Bible translates 1 Corinthians 14:13, “So, when you pray in your private prayer language, don’t hoard the experience for yourself. Pray for the insight and ability to bring others into that intimacy.” As we draw near and soak in His presence, may we be enabled and empowered to draw others near to Him! I pray this in the mighty name of Yeshua ha Messiach! Amen and Amen!

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

The Lord is good. His mercy endures forever! I was reminded by the Lord this morning that His people around the world are living under an Open Heaven. I entered His presence this morning with deep gratitude. Yesterday, we received two powerful testimonies of lives changed as a result of what the Lord is doing through our book ministry. I was so thankful to the Lord for allowing us to be part of His work. Then I began to sense the Open Heaven manifesting everywhere and for all believers. Are you seeing it? It is open for you and the Lord is releasing amazing things to us. His love and mercy endure forever! Amen?

Then I went into an open vision. I was touring with the Holy Spirit in what appeared to be an abandoned prison. We went from cell to cell and all were empty except for trash on the floor which had gathered out of neglect in this unnecessary place. Then I heard the Lord say, “All prisoners have been released!” I wanted to shout Hallelujah! How about you? Then the Lord began to reveal to me the depth of this release. Prisoners of fear have been set free by the love, power and presence of the Lord (2 Timothy 1:7). Prisoners of despair and hopelessness have been set free by the great and awesome Giver of Hope. Zechariah 9:12, “Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.” Prisoners of darkness have been released into the light and life of Yeshua ha Messiach. Isaiah 42:6-8 , “To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house. I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images.” Prisoners of pain, disease and death have been set free by the life giving love and grace of Father God. Amen and Hallelujah! Whatever your darkness may be, you have been set free. Step out into the light! Yeshua is still the Light of the World.

Do you need to be set free today? This is the word of the Lord for today. All prisoners are to be released. Isaiah 49:9-10, “That You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth,’ To those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ “They shall feed along the roads, and their pastures shall be on all desolate heights. They shall neither hunger nor thirst, neither heat nor sun shall strike them; for He who has mercy on them will lead them, even by the springs of water He will guide them.” Remember the description of the Lord in Psalm 146:7, “Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.” Remember: whom the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8;36). Hallelujah! Thank you Lord for freedom through your grace and for your glory!

Suddenly, I was caught up in another vision. I saw a dirty, dusty, and corrupted area on the ground. A hole had been dug through the base things below our feet and I saw a mighty river of living water flowing with great power below the surface. An underground river is just beneath your feet. Everything you need to sustain your spirit and soul is flowing so close. We just need to dig the wells of salvation once again. Isaiah 12:3-5, “Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And in that day you will say: “Praise the Lord, call upon His name; declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things; this is known in all the earth.”

I am filled with gratitude today. How about you? Let your thanksgiving and praise open the gates into the courtrooms of Heaven. Let the Open Heaven be an access point for you to enter His presence today and receive all His promised blessings and to begin to live, move and breath in the glorious air of His favor! I pray these things in the mighty name of Yeshua ha Messiach! Amen and Amen!!!

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

During the past couple of weeks the Lord has been showing me numerous short visions which seemed disconnected until this morning. It all seems related to a vision earlier this week about an invisible hand writing on the wall with something like blue lightening. The writings were in ancient Hebrew and I had to ask the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation for help in understanding. On one wall was written “Mercy” and “Grace.” On the other wall was written “Judgment.” The word judgment was written larger and bolder than mercy or grace. I was told that we have entered a season of choice. We will receive judgment or grace and mercy in accordance with our choices.

This morning, I was seeing the outcomes for those who have chosen a way which will result in judgment. I saw civil unrest in many cities around the world. It was especially strong in Spain, France, South America and the USA. In addition to people rioting against one another, I saw the streets being filled with trash and debris. It was getting worse and worse as people lost all regard for one another and the environment. They seemed totally caught up in anger, revenge, and striking out for no apparent reason. The Lord made it clear that judgment is coming because He has withdrawn His hand of protection in many places. This has happened because of the rebellion, idolatry and wickedness of so many people.

As this was happening, a very heavy presence entered the room where I was face down on the floor. I heard and felt a very heavy step as a spiritual presence came down to the lower level in our worship room. I felt no fear except for a deep sense of awe for the Lord. I heard this presence moving toward me and I literally felt the shadow of His presence standing in front of me for a few moments. Then the presence moved to my right side. Each time I saw one of these scenes of judgment something violently shook my right knee. At times it felt like I was being kicked in the knee. I asked for wisdom to understand this.

There is a calling for us to use our God given spiritual authority (symbolized by the right knee) in this season (Luke 10:19, “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.”). There is a calling for us to build a wall and stand in the gap when judgment comes to those around us (Ezekiel 22:30, “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”) The Lord is shaking some of us to awaken us to our calling. Are you feeling His shaking and awakening? We are not bystanders. We are called to reach the world for the Lord in this season. Trouble and tribulation also bring windows of opportunity to reach out to the lost with hope, grace, mercy and salvation.

The Lord led me to John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Tribulation is already upon us, but we must not get into fear and hide from our purpose and destiny in the Kingdom of God. (2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”)This is the time for a mighty move of the Lord. This is the time for harvest workers to be in the fields bringing the lost to the Lord. This is the time to be strong and courageous. This is the time to pray for boldness as the disciples did in Acts, Chapter 4. This is the time for “great grace” and “great power” to be at work in the body of Christ so that daily the Lord can add to our numbers those who are being saved.

This is the time for the Lord’s army to rise up and enter the conflict as victorious followers of Yeshua ha Messiach. Remember this: the battle has already been won. It was won on the cross when Yeshua died for the sins of the world. It was won when He rose from the dead as the ultimate victor over death, hell and the grave for every time and every season.

I felt the shaking this morning. I felt the gentle kick of the Lord to awaken His end-time army. I am hearing the call of the Lord this morning. How about you? Are you ready to enter the battle as a victor and a world changer? Do not be afraid. Do not withdraw from the battle. Warriors run toward the sound of battle not away from it. Are you ready to accomplish your destiny and purpose for the Kingdom of God? Remember Hezekiah’s words to the people in a season of tribulation: 2 Chronicles 32:7-8, “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” May you also be strengthen in the power and presence of the Lord! May you have the full assurance of the presence and power of the Lord in this time of trouble and tribulation! I pray these things in the mighty name of Yeshua ha Messiach! Amen and Amen!

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

Shabbat Shalom!

I was celebrating this morning because the power and presence of the Lord was so strong in our Worship Room. Before long, I was face down in His presence, and feeling His fire burning my forehead. It was a painful but most welcome sensation. Suddenly, I went into an open vision. I was in some kind of vehicle pulling up to a traffic light at a four-way stop. The light was flashing red in all directions. As I stopped, I heard the Lord say, “Stop and rest for a little while! It is Shabbat!” My first thought was: If others joined me, we would block the intersection.” Then it came to me that this was about something in the spiritual realm rather than the natural. I heard the Lord again as He said, “Stop at the light!” Immediately, I was given a Biblical reference: “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Yeshua ha Messiach is the light at which we need to stop and rest for a little while today. I spoke saying, “Remember Shabbat and keep it holy.”

Yeshua also said to us: “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) How can we be the light of the world unless we spend some time soaking in the Light of the World – Yeshua ha Messiach? It occurred to me that we are to experience something like Moses experienced as he spent time in the glory of the Lord. He began to glow with the light of Adonai’s glory. I pray that we will glow with His glory as we spend some time resting in His presence on this Shabbat. I pray in the name of Yeshua ha Messiach that we will find time to soak in His presence today. Amen and Amen!!!

Psalm 24:6, “This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face.”

Shabbat Shalom!

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

This morning the presence was very strong, but in a slightly different way. I can’t really describe the difference, but it was very evident. I went into my worship time with a strong sense that something was not right in the Body of Christ and I was asking the Lord to reveal it to me. Then the Holy Spirit revealed that a change is happening in the spiritual realm and a great shift will occur on Shavuot (Pentecost) beginning this weekend. I want to see it, understand it and receive all the Lord is pouring out. How about you?

As I went face down in His presence while praying in the Spirit, I received an unusual open vision. I began to see things I didn’t understand. I knew what they were, but didn’t know what they meant in the context of the vision. Then the Lord told me they were instruments of divination and witchcraft. These have been sent out by the enemy to block people from seeing and experiencing the spiritual shift coming during Shavuot. I asked the Lord to remove them. He told me that I was expected to do it. So, I began to make decrees and release authority to cast all of these spirits out.

The word from the Lord today is that you and I must break off every oppressive spirit in order to receive what the Lord is about to pour out. We must especially break off every spirit of divination and witchcraft. The enemy has deceived many through these spirits. They believe they are moving with the Holy Spirit, but they are being misled by familiar and occult spirits. I am praying for another release of the spiritual gift of discerning spirits. I am praying for an increase in our spiritual authority (Luke 10:19) to overcome every demonic and oppressive spirit. I am asking to be wide awake and spiritually ready for what the Lord is releasing this weekend. Will you pray with me in the mighty name of Yeshua ha Messiach?

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

(I do not use LinkedIn. Please do not feel offended because I do not accept your request)

This is the 47^th day of counting the Omer and Pentecost will begin at sundown on Saturday! Hallelujah! I have great expectations for a mighty outpouring of Holy Spirit Fire this weekend. May we join together and cry out for the fire of God to fall afresh on us now!

This morning, the Lord gave me a vision of light pouring out from Heaven on the earth. At first it was only a little light coming down like a column. At the base was something like a manger from the birth of Jesus. I received this as a word about something which will soon be birthed for us. He is not coming back as a baby. Something greater and more powerful is about to happen. As I thought about this there was a sudden explosion of light which quickly covered the earth. As the outpouring is beginning we need to get in line with the Lord so that He can prepare us for a sudden and powerful move on His part. We need to get positioned and have our spiritual eyes and ears open to what the Lord is releasing to us so we will be ready to move with Him in this new season.

Suddenly another vision came. I saw a giant communion chalice on the Whitehouse lawn. It was made of pure gold and filled with the blood of Jesus. The Holy Spirit told me that we need a huge redemptive act to be released in the seat of government. Carefully planned programs and cleverly crafted words will not bring change. It will not come because the right person is in the position. It will come as a mighty move of God. We are in desperate need of redemption in our land and in the world. We cannot make it happen, but we can be ready for it. We can be interceding for it. Nothing less than a mighty move of God can save this land, this world, and the people in it. I am crying out for it. I am crying out for revival. I am crying out for righteousness and the glory of the Lord to cover the earth as the waters cover the sea! I am crying out in the name of Yeshua ha Messiach and claiming His promise to give whatever we ask in His name. Amen and Amen!!!!

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

Shabbat Shalom!

This morning I was crying out again for fresh bread and living water from Heaven. I pressed in for fresh oil and new wine to satisfy my hunger and thirst for more of the Lord. It seems that my hunger and thirst are growing stronger each day. Are you experiencing this too? I feel like something very powerful is about to happen and we need to be nourished, strengthened, and prepared to stand for the Lord in the season which is about to open.

Suddenly, I was given a vision of a city on fire. The light of the fire was reflecting from the buildings and the flames seemed to be dancing on and above each building. At first I thought this was a message about judgment and I went into a time of repentance for myself and the nations. In a few minutes I realized that the buildings were not on fire. The fire was on them and in them, but they were not being consumed. A revelation came to me. Shavuot is only a few days away. According to the Hebrew calendar, it will begin at sundown on June 11 and go to Sundown on June 12 in Israel. Outside of Israel it will last two days; ending at sundown on June 13. What I saw this morning was a prophetic word about a release of Holy Spirit Fire during Shavuot (Pentecost).

I began to expect an outpouring like the 120 disciples received in the Upper Room. Acts 2:2-4, “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  Are you ready for it? Will you join me in believing for it? I thought about what Jesus said in Matthew 8:13, “Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.”  I decided to believe that you and I will receive a fresh anointing of fire during this Shavuot. I am going to believe it, confess it, and receive it in the name of Yeshua ha Messiach! How about you? I pray that we will press in with faith and receive what we ask in agreement in the name of Yeshua ha Messiach. Amen and Amen.

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

What Heaven is Saying Today

This morning I was hungry again for the presence of the Lord. When I experience His powerful presence, it always makes me desire more. After a period of praise, I went face down and prayed in the spirit for several minutes. Suddenly, I was in an open vision. I was standing beside a beautiful lake. The waters were so still that the surface looked like a mirror. Light from the sky played on the surface in slow and gentle reflections of dancing images. Across the lake, I saw a beautiful meadow and a large house like a Southern Estate. I had an intense desire to linger and soak in the Shalom of the Lord, however I began to see other things. So many things were happening in the spiritual realm and I was beginning to see in both realms.

Then the Lord gave me a revelation. I was not seeing His Shalom glory in this vision. I was looking at the promised peace of the world. This is a false promise. The promised peace of the world is meant to distract us from the truth of the Holy Spirit. It is meant to tempt us to let go of our spiritual senses and submit to the spirits of darkness. We must not surrender. We must not trade truth for peace. The peace of the world is a deception and will never produce what is promised. I thought about what Jesus said in John 14:26-27, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” We are warriors and we never accept the “peace at all costs” sought by many of our world leaders. The only true peace is the peace of God given by Jesus Christ. Amen?

Great spiritual warfare is a reality in our world right now, and we cannot ignore it or hide from it. We have been called to do the work of Jesus. I remembered His purpose: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8b) I also thought about the words of Jesus in Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” I am praying that we will be willing and strong in spirit, soul and body as we stand watch against the deceiving spirits of the enemy. I pray that we will stay focused on our task of watching and praying. I pray that we will continue the work of Jesus and usher in the Kingdom of God as we destroy the works of the devil. I pray that we will answer His call to be workers in the harvest fields. I pray that we will bring in a harvest of souls for the Lord every day. I pray these things in the mighty name of Yeshua ha Messiach. Amen and Amen!

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

This morning the Lord let me see something disturbing. I say a spirit of darkness hovering over the nations. It was covered with a false tallit of darkness. I could not see the face of the spirit, but I saw two fiery red eyes peering out over the people. I began to make decrees against the spirit and claimed the promise of James 4:7. I asked the Lord what we should do and how He would help. The Lord said that He had already given an answer to our prayers. He directed me to His word in Isaiah chapter 60. All we have to do is claim it.

“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. “Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you.” Isaiah 60:1-5

It is time to be radiant with the glory of the Lord and victorious over all the works of the spirits of darkness. Claim the promise and stand in the power and authority today and always. Stand in the authority given by Yeshua ha Messiach (Luke 10:19). Amen and Amen!

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

This morning, I was consumed with a hunger for the presence of the Lord. I went into the worship room and repeated this request over and over. I just wanted to be in His presence this morning and every morning. How about you? I realized that more than anything, I just need the Lord. I want to feel His love, His grace and His embrace. Are you feeling it too? Between these heart cries, I lifted up several people in intercession. I began to feel their pain, fear and need. In compassion, I cried out for the Lord to heal, comfort, restore and bless those in great need today. Then I heard the Lord saying that I (we) need to focus less on ourselves and more on Him and others in need. I accepted this and continued to pray in intercession.

Suddenly, I was given a vision. I saw a disserted beach. I watched as the waves came crashing in over and over. Then I noticed that each time the waves hit the beach they went further up on the shore. Then I heard the Lord say: “The tide is coming in!” I quickly understood that this was a word about the tides of revival. We have been at low tide far too long. Now the season is shifting and the tide is coming in. Are you ready for it? Are you crying out for it? I am feeling a great passion for revival to breakout in every nation. I was led to a quote from Psalm 118:15-16 in The Message Bible, “Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved? “The hand of God has turned the tide! The hand of God is raised in victory! The hand of God has turned the tide!”

It is not by any work we have done. It is not because of cleverly crafted programs or skilled preaching. It is a work of the Lord. “The hand of God has turned the tide!” Perhaps He has been waiting for us to realize who really makes revival happen. It is time for us to submit to the Lord and wait on Him to do a mighty work in our time. It is time to give Him all the praise and glory for what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do in this new season. I thought about Isaiah 48:11, “For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; for how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another.” May all the glory, praise, honor and majesty be to Him alone! May the fire of revival fall afresh from the Lord on each of us! I pray passionately for this in the mighty name of Yeshua ha Messiach. Amen and Amen! I rejoice again as I hear the good news: “The hand of God has turned the tide!” Hallelujah! Thank you Lord!

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!

It is good to be back from our ministry trip to Korea and to be in an outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord this morning in our worship room. After soaking in the powerful presence for several minutes, I went face down before the Lord in prayer. Before long a vision opened. I was walking through a beautiful forest with very tall trees. The leaves were light green like Aspen leaves. I sensed that I was in Colorado and that a great outpouring of the Shalom of the Lord is breaking forth in that region.

Suddenly I was carried by the Spirit to a position high above Australia. As I looked down, I saw a great fire breaking out in the Sydney and Queensland areas. It was an outbreak of revival fire which has been long awaited by the faithful intercessors there. It was a huge raging fire announcing a mighty visitation of the Lord. I also saw some fires in the natural released by the enemy to bring fear to the saints, but they did not get into fear. Then the Lord sent greater glory to bring living water to a dry and thirsty land.

I was then carried in the spirit over the USA and saw something covering the entire nation. I heard the Lord saying that the Holy Spirit is brooding over the nation in preparation for a mighty move of the Holy Spirit and power. I thought about the revivals on the West and East Coast areas. The Lord is calling for the faithful to rise up and receive the spirit of revival in their regions. The people of God are being strengthened and prepared for a greater manifestation of His glory than ever seen before.

As I was celebrating this, I was carried by the Spirit to a place just off the coast of Europe. I heard the Lord say, “Spain.” Then the Spirit carried me to a place over Spain where I heard the Lord decree an awakening as He released a promise that in the midst of adversity He is giving the power of the Holy Spirit to the faithful saints. The greater the adversity the greater the outpouring will be. There will be trouble, but the Lord is present to protect you and guide you into a fresh manifestation of His glory. Then I heard Him say, “Then they will know that I AM the Lord God.”

As I celebrated this, I heard the Lord call out “China.” I shifted my attention to that area and as I was carried there in the spirit, I heard the Lord decree “rumblings.” There will be many rumblings in various regions of China. Some have already begun. It is a call to the saints to be prepared for the great harvest about to open in China. The Lord is awakening the mighty men and women in China who can stand for Him is this season of powerful and awesome rumblings of the Spirit. May all the saints in China be made ready for what the Lord is about to do in and through you.

I was then carried by the Holy Spirit to a position over South Korea. Suddenly a fire erupted like a fountain. It spewed heavenward with mighty force and released great power into the spiritual realm. The awakening in South Korea has already begun. We saw it with our own eyes during our ministry time there this month. Revival fire is breaking out now. Saints in Korea get ready for revival to break out. Strengthen yourselves in spirit, soul and body now. You will need to be rested and strong for what the Lord is planning to do in your nation.

All of us are being called to active duty in the Kingdom of God in preparation for a mighty outpouring which will cover the earth. I thought about the promise in Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” I pray that we will be ready to carry the anointing for revival and to be empowered with the strength to endure. I pray in the mighty name of Yeshua ha Messiach for the revival fires to pour forth now! Amen and Amen!!! Are you ready for it?

James

Pastor James Durham

Higher Calling Ministries, Intl

P.O. Box 292335

Columbia, SC 29229-0335

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And establish for you Shalom, Shalom, Shalom!