Many people who have struggled with depression and overcome it through Jesus are now feeling this heavy thing coming upon them. Their first response is, “I thought I was free from depression’s power.” Then they feel condemned because they must have done something wrong or perhaps they don’t have enough faith. They’re afraid of what their friends and family will think, so they isolate themselves. If you’re one of those people, I hope my next words encourage you:

IT’S NOT YOU.

You are a feeler — you physically and emotionally feel what is going on in the spiritual realm around you. This is a gift so that you can intercede.

Right now there is a very real oppressive push from Satan. He has sent out his demonic harassers. In military strategy, harassers are soldiers who would hit the flanks of an opposing force then disappear. They weren’t strong enough for a head-on fight, but they nipped at the opposing force, causing tiredness and demoralization. They kept the opponent constantly on edge, restless, and distracted. After a while the target of harassment would be exhausted and weak and inevitably unprepared for the real fight. This is exactly what is happening in the spiritual in our nation and around the world.

What do we do? First we recognize what is really happening. This is very real, and it’s not you, it’s the enemy. Second we recognize that many of the things that are distracting and nitpicking simply need to be shut down in the name of Jesus. And the greatest target of opportunity is the soldier who has wondered off on his own. Get back in the body and get deep in the body. You were made for and saved into the church. If you’re feeling weak, get stronger brothers and sisters all around you. They’ll comfort you, build you back up, and encourage you to advance again.

I’ve been talking to God a lot about the present condition of the church and the world, and He has been saying two things repetitively and loudly:

• Pray 3rd Heaven Prayers!
• Rejoice with Great Joy!

Sunday we’re going to talk more about these two necessary charges. We’re also going to talk about the roles of shouting and singing in demolishing and building. Come ready to learn and come ready to worship. God wants to break and build among us and through us this weekend. Come on!

Let’s grow together!
Matt

Matt Neese
Wellspring.Live

DAILY WORD FOR SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

When God first made humankind, He gave them seven commands that laid out their designed job description in creation: be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue, have dominion, work, and keep (Genesis 1:28 and 2:15). In Wellspring we summarize these seven commands as: Govern, Guard, and Grow. Keep means to guard. Have dominion and subdue are governing principles. Work, fill the earth, multiply, and be fruitful all have to do with growing. Isn’t it interesting that 4/7ths of our job is growing?

What is God seeking? Godly offspring (Malachi 2:15). He made us to be His Godlike children and to produce more Godlike children. Some people take this as meaning that we’re suppose to have as many natural children as possible, but natural children are never born into godliness. Godliness comes through cultivation, or what we refer to as discipleship. In order to disciple someone, you invite them to walk with you and copy you. You say, “I’m going after Jesus with all that I am and all that I have. Follow me and do what I do!”

Do you have a life worth multiplying? If you do, then invite others to follow your godly patterns. If you don’t feel ready to do that, then find a more spiritually mature brother or sister and ask that person if you can observe and duplicate his/her life. Copy them. We’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for Kingdom patterns to adopt, to apply, and to multiply.

• 9/1 Song of Solomon 3, Psalm 94, Esther 5, I Corinthians 11:1-15
• 9/2 Song of Solomon 4, Psalm 95, Esther 6, I Corinthians 11:16-34
• 9/3 Song of Solomon 5, Psalm 96, Esther 7, I Corinthians 12
• 9/4 Song of Solomon 6, Psalm 97, Esther 8, I Corinthians 13
• 9/5 Song of Solomon 7, Psalm 98, Esther 9, I Corinthians 14:1-20
• 9/6 Song of Solomon 8, Psalm 99, Esther 10, I Corinthians 14:21-40
• 9/7 Micah 1, Psalm 100, Jeremiah 1, I Corinthians 15:1-32
• 9/8 Micah 2, Psalm 101, Jeremiah 2, I Corinthians 15:33-58

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