(Be blessed by this DWOD for Aug. 01, 2014 by guest contributor Peggy Kennedy)

“And, because of this I rejoice, Yes, I will continue to rejoice…I eagerly expect and hope…” (From Philippians 1:18, 20)

Nearly everything I write I sign the same way:  “With rejoicing…”  When that began several years ago I had no idea just how intentional that would be…and how prophetic, too!  For about the last 14 days the Lord has been speaking loudly about the inseparable “twins” of perseverance and promises.

Once again it is to the Apostle Paul’s testimony of triumph that I’ve been drawn.  That testimony of triumph definitely includes Philippians chapter 1.  The physical context is a Roman prison (not the normal place to be triumphant!)  However, that may be the “easy part” for what Paul is experiencing.

While he’s been there some very unscrupulous voices have been “preaching Christ” out of jealousy and rivalry. Their aim is to discredit Paul!  Ouch!  Yet, the apostle responds with that landmark declaration:  “The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.”

But, it doesn’t stop there!  Paul declares that he is thus rejoicing and will continue to rejoice!  What a generous attitude!  He moves past personal vindication and chooses instead the exaltation of Christ as His central goal!  He clearly (and purely!!) states that he will also maintain “eager expectation and hope”. (vs. 20)  The Message Version renders this:  “I am going to keep that celebration going because I know how it’s going to turn out.”

I was in a service recently when a very young prophetic voice shared what I would paraphrase as “I see a picture of mailboxes…we are the mailboxes and He is able to deliver what He has promised.”  That prophetic word picture is powerful!

So is the Greek word picture in that word “expect”.  It has a literal dynamic of “the head”…and the sense of watching!  The words which flow out of this word “eagerly expect” combined with “hope” is “to anticipate, usually with pleasure; expectation or confidence.” (Strongs, G603,G1380)

So, as His mailboxes, whether in a Roman prison or in any context of the contrary motives of others (or even of the failure of any natural system), we can still have a confident expectation of “receiving”.   A vital requirement will be to set the direction of our heads and our hearts.

In a similar conversation about difficulty and resistance, Paul tells the believers in Corinth to “fix their eyes”. (II Corinthians 4:18 NIV)  That position of our heads and our hearts will mean we are still on location to receive!

The common popular phrase is to “change UP”.  As prophetic people, let’s adapt that and resolve to set an atmosphere conducive to receiving:  rejoice UP!

That’s a good word for us “mailboxes” in whatever moment we are in!  When others come near, let them see our heads bent upward with our eyes fixed on Him, and hear our hearts rejoicing…rejoicing UP! “I am going to keep that celebration going because I know how it’s going to turn out.”

(Peggy Kennedy is a respected member of the Canadian Prophetic Council. According to her pastor Matt Tapley: “Peggy Kennedy carries a powerful anointing to consistently bring the Word of the Lord in a way that is both powerful and timely…mantled to walk in a heavenly grace that brings people of diverse backgrounds together in unity.”)