It may sound like a spoiler alert, but the words “The victory has already been won,” can also provide the encouragement we so desperately need in a crisis, trial or season of doubt. Barak was a military general that was charged with leading Israel’s army against Jabin the king of Cannan, who had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years and enforced his reign with nine hundred chariots fitted with iron. Deborah had received a word from the Lord for Barak and told him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you; ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor.…

Many times throughout the Bible you will read the words, “and the Lord raised up…….,”which is followed by a name of an individual that was called to serve a mighty purpose for God. Each and every time that person was given the strength, courage and wisdom to accomplish everything that was required of them. Many of the tasks were so incredible that there would be no doubt it was only by the power of God that they were accomplished. That was true of Deborah’s calling from God. The Lord raised her up at that exact time and place to be a leader for His people. Her authority didn’t come from…

Music is a beautiful way to communicate, tell stories, celebrate and remember. The day after the Lord gave the victory to Israel over the king of Canaan, Deborah and Barak sang a song. The song is found in Judges 5 and recounted the events that had taken place and it proclaimed God’s greatness by giving Him credit for the victory. That song was also an excellent way to preserve and retell this wonderful story from generation to generation. Songs of praise focus our attention on God, give us an outlet for spiritual celebration, and remind us of God’s faithfulness and character. Whether you are experiencing a great victory or a…

Prayer has the power to change. While it may not always change our circumstances, it can definitely change our hearts which are at the center of those circumstances; helping us to see them from a different viewpoint. I get the privilege to be a part of a prayer team that meets weekly to pray for each and every prayer request that gets submitted at church, online and by text throughout the week. Intercessory prayer is the act of praying on the behalf of others, which means that you have the same opportunity and privilege. Recently I was humbled and in awe of the outpouring of prayers and encouraging words from…

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4) Imagine Deborah reading this verse before heading out to the Palm of Deborah where she held court. I know that she lived hundreds of years before it was written, but I have no doubt that she fully understood it’s meaning. Every day she faced trials whether they were her own or other people’s issues. Daily her wisdom and faithfulness to God’s law was tested and through it all, she developed perseverance…

What does a Godly woman of authority look like? The dictionary tells us that authority means the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. The bible gives us a much more meaningful interpretation. She is clothed with strength and dignity;    she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom,    and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household    and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed;    her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things,    but you surpass them all.” – Proverbs 31:25-29 When you think of Deborah you can see how this verse perfectly describes…

The definition of empowerment is the authority or power given to someone to do something; the process of becoming stronger and more confident. When God empowers us through His Holy Spirit, He gives us the ability to do whatever it is He wants us to do or requires of us. The bible teaches us about putting on the armor of God and taking our stand against the enemy. You’ll notice that the only weapon mentioned is the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Wielding that sword is what empowers us and gives us the strength and courage to speak with authority against the enemy. By knowing God’s word we…

In researching the story of Deborah I came across the following message; “What are we being oppressed by, that we should be taking authority over? Maybe we aren’t physically at war, but spiritually and emotionally we are waging a war that we feel like we can’t win.” “Your authority comes from God, the attacks from the enemy are coming from a retreating army that has already lost the war. Your victory has already been won. Trust your God, adjust your mindset, and step into the authority God has given you.” Doesn’t that just empower you!! Give you hope!! Strengthen your resolve! The questions that followed were, “What are you oppressed…

When my sweet friend Veronica said those words to me it was a surreal moment. The thought that the enemy of our souls was behind all the confusion and sickness never crossed my mind. But it was true and in that moment I had a decision to make. Would I surrender or would I fight? One of the biggest victories in war, as a believer, is knowing who your enemy is. It isn’t the illness, the finances or people. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. His whole…