On January 2, 2024 chorus line “Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus” kept repeating in my heart as I awoke. Instead of precious I kept hearing and saying “mighty.” I knew it was not the original lyrics but the right word was not coming to mind at the time.

I had the feeling that Mighty Jesus is shaking the earth in 2024. I decided to go to the concordance in my physical Bible and search “mighty.” It is not an extensive concordance because it’s a regular Bible. As I looked through the 5 or 6 passages listed, one in particular grabbed my attention. Psalm 24:8

”Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!“

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭24‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The 24th chapter has obvious connections to this year of 2024. The passage is broken into two parts. The first part explains who can have close relationship with God. The second part is the response of God … the King of Glory showing up in a strong and mighty way.

I have not spent much time this year listening to “prophetic words of the year” but I do know a common thread has been brought up. An open door in 2024. The word for 4 in Hebrew is also door so it’s a natural connection. Psalm 24 repeats the phrase “ancient doors” in verses 7 and 9.

With the chapter number and mention of doors I’m sure many have already referenced this Psalm in relation to the new year. I just wasn’t aware of it.

I will echo His word: the strong and mighty is walking through doors opened by intimate relationship with the King of Glory. 

As we move into the year 2024, I have felt in my spirit that the 24 elders are important to look at. I’ve been led to study who they are, what they are doing, what they are saying and who they are with.

I believe this is a time that we are being called into maturity, purity, righteousness, humility, prayer, worship, rulership, and above all else, close proximity to Jesus. I believe this proximity to the Lamb, who is slain before the foundations of the earth is what dictates the characteristics of the 24 elders. They cannot help but fall down and worship, crying, “Holy, holy, holy, worthy is the Lamb!”

They have seen and experienced too much of the eternal presence and power of God Almighty, to not respond in awe and wonder.  While they have been rewarded for their faithfulness to Jesus, the realization of who He is compels them to forsake those rewards, and instead give everything they have, all of the praise, all of the worship back to Jesus.

This is the place and the posture we are being beckoned towards in 2024. May we throw ourselves at the feet of Jesus forsaking the trappings of this world and become fully abandoned to the realization of how worthy He is, how glorious He is, how powerful He is.

Who are the Twenty-Four Elders?

• Faithful, Righteous Rulers

• Unity with those in heaven

Where are they?

• In heaven

• In the throne room

• Close proximity to Jesus and Father

• Surrounding the Lamb

What are they doing?

• Sitting

• Falling down

• Worshipping

• Casting crowns

• Singing

• Speaking/encouraging

• Echoing living creatures praise

• Asking question

What do they have?

• White robes

• Golden crowns

• Harps

• Golden bowls of incense

Who are they with?

• Jesus

• Father

• Four Living Creatures

• Angels

What are they saying?

• You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.

• Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.

• You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.

• Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!

• Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!

• Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.

• Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?

• These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

• We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.

• Amen! Alleluia!

Revelation 4

And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.

And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”

Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬-‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Revelation 5

And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it.

But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!”

And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.“

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Revelation 7

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”

And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me,

“These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”“

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭7‬:‭9‬-‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Revelation 11

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭11‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Revelation 19

After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” Again they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I awoke on July 4th, 2023 in the middle of the night. After a trip to the bathroom I checked the time and it was 2:02 am. Recently, it has been a season of twos or confluence tying back into a prophetic journey that began in 2020 (A story for another time). Lying in bed unable to go to sleep I began praying for America. I heard the Lord speaking of America the Beautiful. He was saying that she is still beautiful in His eyes. He still has great purpose for the nation and He is honoring all the righteous prayers, acts and faith of the generations of this Land.

Eventually, I came down stairs and saw the moon shining brightly in our sunroom. I looked up information on the full moon and found out that it started on July 3rd and lasts through the 5th. I also learned it is the first in a series of 4 super moons in a row and this month’s version is known as the Buck Moon. The name comes from buck deer reaching the height of their maturity at this time of year.

When I came down I felt I needed to look up the history of the America the Beautiful song. I learned it was originally penned 130 years ago as a poem by 33 year old Katharine Bates as she traveled across America.

“On the pinnacle of Pike’s Peak, the words of the poem started to come to her, and she wrote them down upon returning to her hotel room at the original Antlers Hotel. The poem was initially published two years later in The Congregationalist to commemorate the Fourth of July”

The original music was written by Samuel Ward in 1882 and the song with Bates’ lyrics and Ward’s music was first published 113 years ago in 1910.

Buck Antlers & A Time of Growth

The Buck Moon and the song written at Antlers Hotel bring our attention to what I believe is a season of growth for America. A buck's antlers are in full-growth mode at this time of year it signifies a change that is happening. Growth does not mean perfection but it can include perfecting. As a line in the song goes, "God mend thine every flaw." One definition of growth is the process of increasing in amount, value or importance. It is not over in America. God has more for this nation and the initial calling and covenant that we have with Him is still in affect. An important work is being done in our country and it is being carried out by God Himself.

When Robert Hunt landed in Virginia Beach in 1607, he planted a cross, prayed and declared this covenant over the land:

We do hereby dedicate this Land, and ourselves, to reach the People within these shores with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to raise up Godly generations after us, and with these generations take the Kingdom of God to all the earth. May this Covenant of Dedication remain to all generations, as long as this earth remains, and may this Land, along with England, be Evangelist to the World. May all who see this Cross, remember what we have done here, and may those who come here to inhabit join us in this Covenant and in this most noble work that the Holy Scriptures may be fulfilled.

Thirteen Colonies & God's Original Purpose

The number 13 has been brought to my attention recently and I believe it is a reminder of the original purpose of America. The song was authored 130 years ago. It was first widely published together with the melody when now sing 113 years ago. I'm convinced that Holy Spirit is drawing our attention to the founding of our country in 1776.

Thirteen colonies broke away from the British empire declaring life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for her people. This is America’s destiny to declare Freedom. Not just any freedom but the kind that sets the captives free. The version that leaves us free indeed. It’s the freedom found in Christ. God Almighty, the Creator and Architect of this United States of America is reminding us that He has not forgotten why we are here. It is for freedom He set us free. 

May we also remember that God makes everything beautiful in it's time. No one would have predicted what God's plans for America were when the forefathers drafted the Declaration of Independence. But the Supreme Author knew He was crafting something beautiful.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
Ecclesiastes 3:11

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America!  America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America!  America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America!  America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea

With the prophetic words from Robin Bullock, dream of Chris Reed and time analysis of Bo Polny, we may very well be on the doorstep of a historic financial event that will change the face of the economy and world. The dollar did not crash in April 2023 but what about May?

I recorded this video in February 2023 detailing my dream and the words from Chris Reed and Robin Bullock as well as analysis from Bo Polny. April came and went and no major dollar crash happened. The signs are all there but nothing took place. On May 1, 2023 Barry Wunsch had a significant vision that included this excerpt:

“I was taken into the spirit and watched a large screen, it was a chart of the USD, The US Dollar. I watched as it did a deep dive dropping by a third, and then another third quickly before my eyes with a slower trickle down after the first two big hits. I watched in the spirit, and it did not take long for the dark clouds to clear up and bright blue sky and sunshine once again began to flood the land. I saw oppression and debt being removed from the Nation.”

Barry Wunsch

The similarity of Barry’s vision and Chris Reed’s dream (listed below) from March 2022 is undeniable. Neither of them were given a specific time frame in their revelation. The April/May time frame comes from my dream in 2015 and Robin Bullock’s word in 2020. As you will see in the video below he released his word in May of that year and specifically said the currency would change in the next three years. We are now standing at that three year mark.

Mark Rowan Dream: March 2015 – Banker Burns Money

Jenny and I pull up to a bank. We’re in the parking lot and a banker is standing there. He begins to tell us that paper money is going to be useless soon. He has a $20 bill and throws it on the ground to demonstrate. He said we need to get coins and mentions a particular type of franc as an example. While he’s speaking he lights a $20 bill on fire. In the dream I think to myself that we have until the end of April before this happens.

Recalculation of Timing

Timing in the prophetic seems to be the one area that is most missed. God will give hints like “until the end of April” but there is no year attached. The obvious thing I overlooked in my own dream was that very phrase. If we have until the end of April, then May would more likely be the timing of crash. I’m not sure why I didn’t pick up on that detail before. An exercise in humility is always good. I missed that one!

Robin Bullock Prophetic Word: May 2020 – Currency is changing in next 3 years slowly at first and then suddenly.

Chris Reed Dream: March 2022 – $50 bill is torn in 3 pieces.

Bo Polny Analysis: January 2023 – Bo talks about April Passover event and possible dollar crash

Other Signs of Dollar’s Demise

In addition to God revealing this through his prophetic voices, there are real world events that are confirming these dreams, words and visions. On March 2023 we witnessed the third largest bank failure in US history when Signature Bank went down. This was triggered by the failure on Silicon Valley Bank two days earlier. First Republic followed suit. Many regional banks have seen their stock value plummet in the aftermath.

From ForeignPolicy.com

“De-Dollarization is also happening on the international stage. Alexander Babakov, deputy chairman of Russia’s State Duma, said that Russia is now spearheading the development of a new currency. It is to be used for cross-border trade by the BRICS nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.”

From Bitcoin.com

“A former White House economic advisor, Joseph Sullivan, discussed de-dollarization and the potential impacts of a BRICS currency on the USD in an opinion piece published by Foreign Policy Monday. The BRICS nations are Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

“Sullivan was a special advisor and staff economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers during the Trump administration. He is currently a senior advisor at the Lindsey Group, an economic advisory firm. Referring to the hypothetical BRICS currency as “the bric,” he warned:

‘If the BRICS used only the bric for international trade, they would remove an impediment that now thwarts their efforts to escape dollar hegemony.'”

Joseph Sullivan

From Foundation of Economic Education

“Since 1933, the U.S. dollar has lost 92 percent of its domestic purchasing power. Even at its “moderate” 1994 inflation rate of 2.7 percent, the dollar will lose another half of its purchasing power by 2022. In international markets, the dollar has, since 1969, depreciated 65 percent against the Deutsche Mark, 74 percent against the Swiss franc, and 76 percent against the yen.

It might take a hyperinflationary disaster to shake people’s faith in fiat money. Let’s hope not. In addition to the horrendous costs of such a “learning experience,” it’s not even a sure thing that it would lead us back to gold. Recent hyperinflations in places as disparate as Russia and Bolivia have not done so.”

It is time for hope-filled expectation. Anticipate My goodness revealed in unusual places. Prepare your heart to be excited for what is coming yet what is already here. In My Kingdom there is no place for fear, worry, uncertainty and their running mates stress, depression, anxiety. I have joy in the morning ready for you to indulge in. Yes, take as much as you need. It is the antidote for the current climate. It is found in My presence.

Need climate change? Come into our secret place with raised expectations and never leave. I have chosen to meld your inner most parts with Mine. This meeting place is always with you. Turn your eyes to Me. Fullness of joy is recognizing your capacity to fill yourself with My presence. We are one. Take advantage of our unity and lay claim of the benefits. Speak them, believe them, live them.

I do not live in disappointment. I live in pursuit of your wholeness which is found in our oneness. Everything is changing because I am always constant. My promises are true and My words will come to pass. In that, creation follows suit and arcs it’s path to align with My original decrees. Enjoy the ride!

This is just the beginning! Occasionally I journal what I feel the Father is speaking to my heart. February 7, 2023 was one of those days — the day before the Asbury University Revival broke out after a Wednesday chapel service on the campus. Since that day the news of God encountering the students has spread across the globe. Many other college campuses and churches have begun experiencing their own outpouring, as well. On February 20, I felt the leading to journal again. By then I had forgotten that I had even journaled at all on that Tuesday morning. Despite being the one who wrote it down, I was surprised to read this:

Global outpouring -- this is what is happening. My Spirit is pouring out on all flesh. What I began I am faithful to bring to completion in you, my son; in the Earth. I do not go half way in my plan and abandon it. It has been established from the end to the beginning. Before the foundations of the Earth My Salvation was made available. This provision covers all of flesh’s deficiencies. What man could not do with all his effort, scheming and “wisdom” I have accomplished without straining in the least. 

This is not hard for Me — global revival and reformation. As Earth awaits the sons to be revealed, I am preparing the way. Willing vessels are who I seek. Ones that will lay down their desires for a much greater prize - knowing and walking with me. 

I have filled the Earth with many good things. None of them replace what I offer you personally. Do not elevate them above their place. Eyes on Me. The prize for the upward calling of Christ is much more than earthly pleasures. I love the Earth because I created it for the ones I love — you. She is being restored to her full glory as you are. Selah.

After posting this, I read Dutch Sheets’ Give Him 15 for February 21, 2023 (posted the same day as this one). It is titled “Asbury is Only the Beginng” … sounds familiar. Here is an excerpt from that post:

“What we must all remember is that this outpouring at Asbury was never intended by Holy Spirit to be the only place where revival occurs in America. What He has planned will occur all across our nation and other nations. Revival will not be confined to one organization, location, or group of people; Asbury is only a beginning. The outpouring of Holy Spirit will intensify and spread until it is a blazing fire of Holy Spirit activity throughout the land. And this will not be stopped.”

To God be glory. Great things He has done! I agree with You, Father. Pour out Your revival, awakening and restoration on us all!

An old praise chorus popped into my heart this morning. As I sat at my computer, out of the blue I sang out, “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all of the earth!” 

This song originated from Psalm 8 where the word for excellent is translated as majestic many times. As I read through the chapter verse 2 caught my attention in particular. It seemed counter-intuitive as scripture often does at first glance.

“Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.” Psalm‬ ‭8‬:‭2‬ ‭

I was not sure what it meant but continued reading and meditating on the passage. After a few minutes I went to my handwritten journal to transcribe the thoughts of the Father as they entered my heart. A clarity began to take shape not only about strength from the mouths of babies but the reality of God’s majesty.

“Do you see My majesty surrounding you? It is not hard to find. For the one who is looking, it will be found. For the one who is seeking will be rewarded. My majesty is found in you and throughout creation. I am looking for seers of majesty; not identifiers of darkness. My light eradicates darkness not shouting about it. Let your light, your majesty shine before all men. That’s what draws them into My presence. 

What seems to be weak and foolish to the world is actually My strength and wisdom at work. The cry of babies is pure worship before Me. I have set My intentions, My heart and My purposes to be borne out through My children. Let not their voices be silenced. The cry of the womb, the babe and the youth is being unmuzzled in this generation.

Son, be the father this generation needs. Lead them in excellence, in majesty. Fathers and mothers, rise in majesty in this hour to release the voice, the praise of generations so the young will walk it out in power and by My Spirit.

Just walk with Me, Son. Do not tread the path of the wicked but follow My steps that lead to righteousness.”

Every son and daughter of the Father has a unique voice to be heard on the Earth. Even as babies our voices silence the enemy. May this be a year of God’s majesty revealed and the avenger stilled through our signature sound that was crafted by our loving Creator.

Reveal your majesty in me in 2023!

Now to my phone’s camera roll so I can recap …

January: It snowed a lot. Well, at least for Virginia Beach. One inch shuts down the entire city so anything beyond that and the Mayans were totally right. Cassia turned 15 and wore a shark onesie for her bday because … well, because she’s Cassia and she’s a theater kid. She’s prepping for her role as Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo. She lives her art. We witnessed her first school performance in the Spring. She’s a brilliant thespian. That means actor for the poorly educated.

February: Josiah entered into manhood at 13 so I gave him a sword as you do. He shaved his “mustache” one time this year so the man thing is coming along nicely. Later in the year he tried out for school soccer for the first time and totally made it! He said he’s playing in the next World Cup. Dream big, son! Also, you may want to actually train at soccer. Nah, Fortnite is all the training you need.

March: Big month for Elena Kay. She burned some stuff in a kiln and made rad pottery as part of her art academy. Her testimony about the impact of worship on her life was recorded and shown at church. Big month for me, too … my yard was next level. The grass was so green it would make the grounds crew at the Masters blush. Significant middle-aged dad win.

April: Jenny and I both got older buuuut a lot wiser … probably. We took a WV trip for Spring break and I filmed a nature documentary.

May-Sep: Fast forward. School finished. All kids got awarded because they’re geniuses. Did summer stuff. Addie turned 11. Went back to farm. More nature videos. Took vacation to Williamsburg. Saw old stuff. Went to theme park. School started. Hit goose with football. Dog killed rat in pool.

October: 22 years married for Jenny and I! This is where I brag on how amazing my wife is. She was just given the certificate “Most Like Jesus” at the church staff Christmas party. I mean what else is there to say? She is God’s favorite and there’s nothing me, you or anyone can do about it. We’re all fighting for second place like the disciples.

November: Addie became a ballerina. She hung up her soccer cleats in Spring and has switched to the dance life. Her last game she scored a goal from near the half line. Go out on top. Addie has really doubled down on her love for OMG and LOL dolls. Entire Christmas list: OMG, LOL. As the baby, she can totally play with dolls as long as she wants. No problemo.

December: Elena Kay starts the month off by becoming an adult. She can vote. She can join the military! She can buy cigarettes! Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Right, kids? All year she has been helping her Papa in the ministry. She’s got a real job and everything. Proud dad moment. Also, in November Josiah said he could probably beat me at basketball now. Final score 11-1. He had one. Proud dad moment.

The other thing that happens in December … Christmas. The word “mas” means a big gathering of people. What’s better than a big gathering of people celebrating Jesus? Jesus did come to gather a bunch of people to Him. Being home for Christmas is really about finding our place in the Father. More than ever we need peace on Earth and good will to men. It’s only found in Jesus. The angels have been singing it over us for 2,000 years: Glory to God in the Highest! Let’s join the chorus this season. Merry Christmas!

Love … the Rowans

David had a reputation and that rep brought him before the king. These traits were the reason that he served the position he was called to well before he was crowned. If we understand what it takes to stand before royalty, we can also bring the presence of God into unexpected places of influence. Let’s take a deeper look into the seven traits David displayed that gave him access to the royal court.

The backdrop of the following scripture passage is centered around King Saul losing his anointing to rule and being tormented by a spirit sent from God. (What?! Yep, God sent it.) He needs relief from his agony and is looking for some soothing sounds to calm his soul. Enter the harp-playing, sheep-tending, song-writing, giant-killing King in Waiting, David son of Jesse.

One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him.” 1 Samuel 16:18

David’s Royal Attributes

We are meant to stand before kings because we already are kings ourselves. Maybe you are called to stand before a literal king or it could also be people of influence in any area of society. As a member of God’s royal family we must understand the authority we carry. Someone operating in a kingly anointing will demonstrate the following traits that David modeled for us. 

1. Son of Jesse - Jesse means I possess; a true son has an inheritance 

Earlier in 1 Samuel 16 we see David was not invited to the Prophet Samuel’s anointing party for the next King of Israel. Some scholars believe David was born out of wedlock and therefore not considered equal to his brothers. In Psalm 51 David states that he was “conceived in iniquity” which may be why he was left to look after some smelly sheep when Samuel came calling. Whatever the case may have been, he was still definitely Jesse’s son. With that came an inheritance. For David it went beyond a natural possession that his father passed on to him. He was called to lead the nation governmentally and spiritually. 

As sons and daughters of the King we also have an inheritance of the same kind. We have land to repossess from enemy hands in the natural and spiritual realm. Do not let your beginning determine your end. We have a high calling in Christ Jesus and that means we have territory to take back.

2. Skillful in Playing - Knows what he is doing 

While tending the sheep alone on hills of Judea, David was refining his skill set. He was undoubtedly gifted musically as he penned many songs for the Lord. It wasn’t his natural gifting alone that brought him to play before Saul. The word for skilled in Hebrew is yada meaning to know. If you know something that means you learned it.  

Don’t roll up in the king’s court with nothing to offer. What is in your hands? Submit to God and see where He will take you. God can do the miraculous at any time. More often than not He equips us with abilities that can open unexpected doors when we optimize them for His glory. 

3. Man of Valor - Mighty and strong

Many times David showed himself to be mighty and strong. We see his strength displayed through his dedication to protect his father’s flock. A lion and a bear were no match for him when they tried to devour the sheep under his care. His strength led to the strength of others. While on the run from Saul, the downtrodden and outcast were drawn to his strong leadership and they joined him in battle. From this unlikely, motley crew came David’s mighty men who went on to accomplish astounding feats of strength. 

David knew where his strength originated from as he explains in Psalm 28:7: “The Lord is my strength and my shield, in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” As mighty strong believers, we know God is our source and we can be confident because the battle is His and not ours.

4. Man of War - Knows how to fight

Maybe the most famous fight in history wasn’t much of a fight at all. It was a one shot and you’re done confrontation. Despite all of the noise that Goliath made, He didn’t even get to lift his weapon. David knew how to fight because he came equipped with the power and anointing of God and did not rely on his natural ability alone. He refused to walk into battle with armor and weapons made for someone else. He defeated Goliath with a weapon he was familiar with. 

Our best weapons to defeat the enemy are the ones that God has given us. We must know and accept where we have been placed and what is in our hands. Each of us are in a fight unique to our own life experience. Learning to battle with the Lord on our side will lead to the salvation and freedom of many others.

5. Prudent in Speech - Discerning and understanding in communication

David is one of the great communicators of the Bible. We get to witness how he held nothing back in his dialogue with God throughout the Psalms. His honest heart’s cry to the Lord is seen time and time again as he wrestles with rejection, betrayal, heartbreak, attempted coups, death and more. David understood that God is always listening and speaking. “But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬ 

His example reminds us that God is more than able to handle our ‘real talk.’ ‬‬Our words are powerful. In fact, the Bible teaches us that the power of life and death is the tongue. As we are committed to speaking life, we will see circumstance shift and outcomes change as we echo the heart of God.

6. Man of Good Presence - His presence makes a statement

Apparently, David was quite the looker. The Bible makes it a point to describe him as handsome. Beyond his “smoking hot” physical appearance, David knew the importance of being a creation of God. Psalm 139 beautifully describes the care and detail that our Father took when he made us. 

We are fearfully and wonderfully made and God is to be praised for it. Understanding the worth imbued to us through our Creator allows us to be men and women of good presence. When we know our worth, we can walk confidently in that truth and God is glorified in us.

7. Lord Is With Him - Marked by the Presence of God

A man after God’s own heart … maybe the most astounding description of David in the Bible. We are all very familiar with his shortcomings but it was his insatiable desire to be in the presence of God that truly marked him. Psalm 63 gives us some insight into his lifelong pursuit of God. “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm‬ ‭63‬:‭1

When our hearts desire God’s presence above anything else others will take notice that the Lord is with us. Oh, God, would you visit us once again and mark our hearts. Only you will satisfy our deepest desire!

It’s Our Turn Now

Peter described us as a royal priesthood made to proclaim the excellence of God. David was a type and shadow of the one true King of all kings, Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament royal was an apt model to follow in many ways, we now have access to walk with Jesus every day. In our journey to be like Him we can demonstrate these kingly traits which will bring us before people of influence who need a touch from God. Like the Psalmist we can then say, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” 

“Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm‬ ‭118‬:‭19‬-‭24‬

Each person’s unique beauty, creativity and genius is a demonstration of God’s glory. Every person has the seed of His glory inside of them. For some it maybe hidden quite deeply and harder to recognize. Sin and it’s proliferation separates us from God resulting in our glory being dimmed.

Whether a follower of Christ or not the potential to display the nature and goodness of God lies within us. We are in a process of awakening. We will be fully awake once in the presence of God in eternity. While some are currently asleep those who have open eyes and ears must be looking and listening for the faint indicators of God’s destiny within those that slumber. We must identify and magnify the yet-to-be released glory in others.

Recognizing God in those who do not yet recognize Him is paramount to awakening their heart to the Truth. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He fully understood the value of humanity by substituting His perfection for our brokenness. Sin is the blockage that distances our heart from God’s glory. Sin removal through Christ's blood introduces us to God's original intent for mankind. We are meant for intimacy with Him. When this is realized, glory is revealed in us and through us.

Avoiding sin is not to be done merely as a religious activity but it can be seen as the barrier standing between our current misshapen state and living in wholeness and unity with our loving Father. While walking the earth Jesus stated (John 14:30) that the enemy had no "hold over me." Sin had no place in Jesus as he demonstrated perfect union with the Father. That led to God being glorified in all that he said and did.

Our glory is His glory. His glory is our glory. Sin, in affect, turns glory on ourselves. When we glorify or worship ourselves it leads to destruction. We are not made to be worshipped and the end result of self-worship is ultimately death. Returning God’s glory to Him through the worship of our life, gifts and talents is what makes us flourish. God is honored, exalted and glorified. We are restored, saved and blessed.

May God be glorified in me.