NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO KEEP SILENT
“If I say, I will not make mention of [the Lord] or speak any more in His name, in my mind and heart it is as if there were a burning fire shut up in my bones. And I am weary of enduring and holding it in; I cannot [contain it any longer].” Jeremiah 20:9 AMPC
The prophet Jeremiah was tempted not speak any longer and declare the word of the Lord. He allowed disgrace, dishonor, and the reproach of people: the hardness of their hearts, their looks of disapproval, and their unbelief - that he was sent by God - to ALMOST shut his mouth but, God’s word was like fire in his bones and he could not rebel and contain it. Holding in God’s word is sin. Not sharing God’s word is a sign of unbelief… you will share what you believe. If Jeremiah kept this vow, he made to himself, his bones would have wax old as shared in Psalms 32:3 KJV, “When I kept silent, my bones waxed old through my roaring all day long”.
The same is true for us today. The enemy of today’s church is not people (only), it’s a spiritual battle coupled with our minds (how we think) and our mouths (what we say). The enemy would love for us to say the wrong things concerning our destiny but, more than anything he’d love for us to simply keep quiet, remain silent and, just be comfortable. He’d love for us to keep allowing distractions, to keep settling for how ‘they’ are, how it is…to keep putting up with his mess (and receiving it as…”It is what it is”) and, to keep coming short of the full experience ‘daily’ of what God has promised - in each and every area of our lives. Well, God has something to say about everything concerning us and He desires for us to speak up and stop putting up with any and every harassment of the devil.
On a side note…the devil (the enemy) and even some people would love for you to stop talking, stop preaching, stop sharing and, stop declaring… their motives rooted deeply in a Cain spirit of hate and jealousy. Unfortunately, they’re not doing any good with their own mouths (outside of shooting venom and gossip) and they want you to shut up. Please don’t beloved. Your mouth is needed in God’s kingdom…. specifically, to defend and be a voice at times for others.
[And] not be like Cain who [took his nature and got his motivation] from the evil one and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his deeds (activities, works) were wicked and malicious and his brother’s (sisters) were righteous (virtuous). I John 3:12 AMPC
Injustice on the island. It’s not, “It is what it is.”
This section was added during my Caribbean holiday and the explanation I was seeking as to why I could not complete this post/article sooner…
A few days before our departure we (my husband and I) decided to change our dinner plans and go to a more secluded restaurant, one that was exclusive for club members only at the resort. It was there that we had the opportunity to have a lengthy, uninterrupted conversation with the food and beverage manager, a precious native. She shared of the injustices experienced and still taking place on the island. She shared how she’d tried to acquire a Visa three times to no avail and was denied all three. She shared how women and most of the natives in the hospitality industry would always reach a plateau but could go no further - the other positions and promotions she or they desired were for ‘xbox’ citizens she explained. These ‘xbox’ citizens were foreigners who had come from other countries for work on the island.
She basically accepted that she was pretty much stuck on the island and could never leave. She received the limitations presented and that she would never promote beyond the area she has worked in for 20 plus years. “No worries man” was her settled, comfortable attitude as she kept the biggest smile ever and then she declared, “It is what it is.”
The devil loves to hear those words. They basically mean, “I give up.” “I accept how things are.” “I have no power over how my life is or where my life is.” Her mind and her mouth are keeping her in bondage to what is not the will of God. Her mind and her mouth are the two great components that can bring change she so deeply desires… it’s not too late. Should she choose to change her confession and take a stand (by not giving up) she could literally change a nation. This woman has great influence. I know many of her colleagues are waiting for her to speak up so they too, can have a voice and be heard.
“for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.” Luke21:15NKJV
Don’t be comfortable. Have no fear - speak.
“Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;” Acts 18:9 NKJV
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Psalms 81:10 NKJV
No more settling! We’re not supposed to be sick! We’re not supposed to be living paycheck to paycheck! We’re not supposed to have strife or contention operating in our homes. We’re not supposed to be in broken or abusive relationships - as if we have no clue of true love. We are supposed to be free from the very thought of oppression. We’re not supposed to be silent concerning our covenant promises given by our Father God, Himself. Remember, the devil is a liar. It’s not, “It is as it is.”; no… it’s, “It is as God has ‘already’ said,” period. We are admonished, encouraged and, reminded to continue to declare God’s word over every area of our lives. Now is not the time to keep silent. Declare who you are. Declare what you desire. Declare the change you deeply desire in yourself and in others – speak it.
“You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways.” Job 22:28 NKJV
Too many waiting on God. God is waiting on us.
“Do not keep silent, O God of my praise!” Psalms 109:1 NKJV
Far too many are sitting back and have gotten comfortable waiting on God to move on their behalf. A common statement used by those who have gotten comfortable and have begun to hold in what God said concerning their situations and challenges are, “If it’s God’s will.” We know that we know it’s God will if it says it in His word. If it does not say it in His word, it’s not His will (I John 5:14). He is not going to change what His word already says just to keep us comfortable and allow us not to use our faith. In the Old Testament they called on the Lord.
“Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God!”
Psalms 83:1 NKJV
In the New Testament the Lord is in us by the Holy Spirit. Whatever we may need is in us and found in God’s word. Whatever change we desire is in God’s word waiting for us to accept it, declare it and, proclaim it. God desires for us to declare His word concerning our desires, hopes, dreams, and most of all to declare justice for other people.
“The Lord gave the word; great was the company of those who proclaimed it:”
Psalms 68:11 NKJV
You will be tempted not to speak. This is a temptation –but, not from God.
“Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one.”James 1:13 NKJV
The word of the Lord continues to share that we are tempted when we are drawn away by our own lust and desires. Our old way of thinking – which causes us to settle for how things are – could be considered a lust or a desire to remain and stay the same. Basically, not to ruffle feathers, disturb the waters, or covet (hold on to) the ‘false appearance’ of peace. Desire when it is conceived gives birth to sin and when sin is full grown invites death. Deep inside we all know there is better. Every born-again believer is called to experience life and life ‘only’ in every area of our lives – no death and nothing dead. We are an ALIVE church! The better will come as we declare it into physical sight. We must keep saying it until we see it. We are commanded by God to call those things that are not to BE/become (Romans 4:17). The better already exist in heaven - our God given authority empowers us to call it to earth.
Don’t be a silent partner with God.
“And I have put My words in your mouth and have covered you with the shadow of My hand, that I may fix the [new] heavens as a tabernacle and lay the foundations of a [new] earth and say to Zion, You are My people.” Isaiah 51:16 AMPC
God does not need silent partners. He desires obedient partners that will co-labor with His Spirit, the Holy Spirit and bring heaven to earth – in our lives and in the lives of others. When we are not silent - when it comes to declaring or speaking what God has placed in our hearts or has given us in His word to proclaim - we set a standard for others walk in and be free. I recall being in school having the answer to a question or I simply had a question but, did not speak up I’d get butterflies (a weary feeling) in my stomach until I said something (like fire in my bones mentioned at the beginning of this article). The moment I spoke others were set free – they either had the same question or needed confirmation that they had the correct answer. When we hold our peace, we could be holding peace from someone else. When we are free it’s a lot easier for us to help others to be free. We really are living this life and life more abundantly when our peace and our freedom is a great witness to all who see… ultimately leading them to our Source, God Himself, the Prince of peace – Jesus. We are far more powerful than we may know. The Holy Spirit is here to help us be all that God has called us to be – that He be glorified.
“Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, behold,
I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day appointed you to the oversight of the nations and of the kingdoms to root out and pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:9, 10 NKJV
Women need a release. Men to… but, women for sure.
“When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long.” Psalms 32:3
We need to release. We need to talk. We need to share. Don’t be silent. Don’t allow what’s in you – specifically God’s word - to be shut up in your bones. We know in Ezekiel 37, the word of God shares about prophesying to dead bones, to flesh that has no life (spiritually) and, causing breath/life to be restored. This was an example for the house of Israel and a great example for the church today to breathe again and allow the Spirit of God to release life – words – through our mouths that will continue to enforce the ‘life and life more abundantly’ promised. Breathing is a sign of life. Breathing is saying something, making a sound. If we are not breathing, we may as well be considered dead. This world needs a church that is alive - not dead in religion and dead works that only men see. I declare there is nothing dead about you or me, in Jesus name! We are awake to the revelation that we need to speak God’s word more!
There is yet another beautiful example in the book of Luke, chapter 8 when the great works of Jesus were being made evident to His disciples. Jesus spoke to the daughter of a ruler of the synagogue who was presumed dead, He took her by her hand and said, “Little girl, arise.”
“Now all wept and mourned for her, but He said, “Do not weep, she is not dead, but sleeping.” Luke 8:52 NKJV
Some have just been sleeping lately (arrested by a sleepy spirit in the natural and spiritually) which could cause the Word of God (in them) to be suppressed. Suppression can lead to depression. Suppression is the act of retaining from utterance, vent or disclosure, concealment, as the suppression of truth, of reports, of evidence and, the like. It is the retaining of anything from the public (void of preaching as commanded in Mark 16:15). This 1828 Webster definition relates mainly to; not speaking, holding words and stuff in (that could help one’s self and others), not sharing the truth with others, not sharing the good reports received to encourage others- basically not sharing how good God is. Once again, evidence that you are living (alive) is by speaking. Not by shouting everyone down but, by using your mouth to be a witness of Jesus and saying only what He has said. Agree with me (if needed) that the spirit of sleepy and slumber is bound and released from your life and the life of others in Jesus name! We give it no further operation or residency in Jesus name.
“Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Psalms 29:2 NKJV
Why would God continue to give revelation, wisdom, insight and, witty ideas/inventions to someone who is already full- stuffed on God’s word - and will not share it? In the natural, if you’re too full not much more can fit in. God is sharing in this hour with those whom He can trust to release, share, proclaim, and give His word to others instead of holding it in, keeping it to themselves, and get fatter almost to the place of obesity in the spirit. I’ve experienced personally that the wisdom of God comes a lot clearer and defined when we have room to receive. I’m determined to keep living by, “the more I receive, the more I give…and the more I give, the more I will receive.” I’m referring to the Word. The more we give the Word (Jesus) all other things will be constantly, continually, added to us. Speak life to anything dead in your life and cause it to live.
“So, I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.” Ezekiel 37:10 NKJV
Refreshing comes when you speak God’s word.
"I must speak, that I may get relief and be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer."
Job 32:20 AMPC
Speaking God’s word is exactly what we need - it causes us to be refreshed. When we hold in injustices, pain, hurt, and what we know is right, we eventually let it out in the natural and can cause an argument to escalate. Well, in the spiritual realm we need to start talking back to the enemy of our destiny and our lives and our families – the devil. Some are walking around like a tea kettle with a fire lit under it about to explode. We shouldn’t have to be lit up or set on fire (pushed or pissed off) to speak. This should be our natural, daily lifestyle… only we should be speaking God’s word and declaring His promises, what He said. God’s grace is enough to keep you faithful in declaring His word – nonstop, without ceasing and, without despair. I declare God’s anointing afresh upon you right now to remove any burdens and to destroy any yokes. I declare that all grace is abounding upon you right now that you have all sufficiency in all things, and you have abundance for every good work. I declare the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God is operating in and through you right now on yet another dimension. You are a royal priest in the kingdom of God. You are very important to Him and to others.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 NKJV
Declare the promises of God and take them by force! You got this!
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12 NKJV
“The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s; But the earth He has given to the children of men.”Psalms 115:16 NKJV
Declare: “I am healed by the stripes of Jesus from the top of my head to the soles of my feet, inside and out!”
“who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness— by whose stripes you were healed.”I Peter 2:24 NKJV
Declare: “My every need has already been met!”
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:19-20 NKJV
Declare: “I have houses filled with good things that I did not fill.”
“So it shall be, when the LORD your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant— when you have eaten and are full—”Deuteronomy 6:10-11 NKJV
Declare: “My husband loves me as Christ loves the Church!”
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,” Ephesians 5:25 NKJV
Declare: “I love, honor, respect and, do my husband good all the days of my life!”
“The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so, he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.”Proverbs 31:11-12 NKJV
Declare: “God is my Husband!”
“For your Maker is your husband, The LORD of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.” Isaiah 54:5 NKJV
Declare: “God is my Father!”
“A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation.”
Psalms68:5NKJV
“Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.”
Matthew23:9NKJV
Most importantly, declare: “I love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul and, with all my might... and I love my neighbor as I love myself.” Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV
All the while… as you declare for yourself and declare for others a cycle of good is taking place - someone else is declaring for you and interceding on your behalf assigned by God. He has got you covered. God is determined for you to fulfill your destiny given by Him. Your part is to keep complying with His will without becoming complacent and comfortable. We are awake. We are alive. “It is what it is…” is a lie. "It is... what God said", is the truth.
“I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent,” Isaiah 62:6 NKJV
PS. Don't neglect to pray in the spirit. This is the absolute best way to allow the Holy Spirit to speak God's word through you and on your behalf. The Holy Spirit will only speak God's word, He is God - in you. (Click the picture above to get your copy of my best-selling book, "14 Reasons to Pray in the Holy Spirit...Heaven's Language". Second edition print is now available with new edits.)