Dry Bones, Hear the Word of the Lord
Doug Witherup
Imagine being part of a Navy SEAL team—trained, disciplined, and unified—only to discover someone within your ranks is sabotaging the mission. One mole can jeopardize the entire mission!
But what if I told you that the mission of your life has a mole?
The Bible tells us, "For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches” (James 3:2-5).
In other words, what we declare with our words can sabotage our future—or steer us toward God’s purpose. This is why your declaration determines your destination.
In order to steer your life into the destiny that God has for you, it is imperative that we align our words with the Word of God. The prophet
Ezekiel tells us how.
1) See in the Spirit
In Ezekiel 37:1-3, the prophet is taken by the Spirit to a valley of dry bones. It’s a grim scene: lifeless, barren, and hopeless. But then God asks a profound question: “Son of man, can these bones live?”
The obvious answer, looking at the surface, is no. The bones are dry, scattered, and devoid of life. But faith requires us to look beneath the surface. What do you see in your life, your nation, or your relationships? Are you viewing them with physical eyes, or are you asking, “God, how do You see this?”
We live in a world obsessed with surface-level living:
- Surface observations of politics.
- Surface posts on social media.
- Surface relationships.
God is calling us deeper. He’s asking us to drill beneath the surface. Like a drill bit boring through hard rock, we must dig deeper into His Word and Spirit to uncover His perspective. Only then can we truly see the potential for life amidst the dry bones.
2) Speak in the Spirit
When Ezekiel acknowledges that only God knows whether the bones can live, God gives him an extraordinary command: “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:4)
Not every believer is a prophet, and not every believer has the gift of prophecy, but every believer can and should speak prophetically, declaring God’s Word over lifeless situations.
- Speak the truth of Scripture into our circumstances.
- Declare God’s promises over our families, communities, and nations.
- Pray with authority, trusting that His Word will not return void.
If you see dry bones in your life—be it a failing relationship, a troubled workplace, or a weary heart—it’s time to speak God’s Word. Say, “Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.”
3. (Sometimes) Things Begin to Shake in the Spirit
When Ezekiel obeys and prophesies as commanded, something extraordinary happens:
“As I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.” (Ezekiel 37:7)
Do you remember your first car? Maybe it rattled as it moved down the road. In the natural, rattling often signals a problem. But in the Spirit, rattling means things are coming together. When you hear a rattle, don’t run. Don’t misinterpret the sound. It’s not a sign of things falling apart; it’s the sound of things coming together!
Your Words Have Power
Just as a small rudder steers a massive ship, your words determine your direction. Speak life, not death. Speak unity, not division. Speak hope, not despair. Your declaration determines your destination.
What are the dry bones in your life? It’s time to see them in the Spirit, speak God’s Word over them, and trust that He’s bringing things together. The rattling may feel unsettling, but it’s the prelude to resurrection.
Declare today:
“Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.”
Discover and unleash your prophetic voice and learn how to declare direction and destiny over your life by listening to the message series
here.
Hiddenness (Part 2): The Spotlight of Heaven is Shifting
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What If the Stories Are True?
3 Levels of Guarding We All Need Around Our Heart
How God Designed Your Body to Heal, Thrive, and Glorify Him
Okay, confession time: the title is a little clickbaity. But I also really do mean it. And I think it matters. Here’s why. First off, let’s clarify: the word eschatology is not in the Bible. That’s not necessarily a problem. After all, neither is the word Trinity , and that doctrine is foundational to the Christian faith. And just because Christmas trees don’t appear in Scripture doesn’t mean having one in your living room is wrong. (Unless it’s February. Then it’s very wrong. Take it down. Seriously.) But back to the point — eschatology , as a term, didn’t exist in the vocabulary of early Christians. It wasn’t introduced until around the 17th century , during the rise of post-Reformation theology in Europe. The word gained real traction in the 19th century , especially among Protestant systematic theologians. Again, the problem isn’t the word’s late arrival. The issue is the meaning it carries. Eschatology = “The Study of the End” The word combines: Eschatos = last, final -logy = the study of So, eschatology quite literally means “the study of last things” or “the end times.” But here’s where I push back: Revelation isn’t the end. It’s not a wrap-up or a closing chapter. It’s a re-beginning. It’s Eden restored. The garden becoming a garden-city. The curse removed. Heaven and earth reunited. It’s not the end — it’s the again . And sure, I realize this might sound like a matter of semantics. But let’s not forget: semantics shape theology, and theology shapes how we live. If my framework is built around endings , I live clinging to this world. I fear death. I avoid Revelation because it seems scary and unfamiliar.
But if my theology is rooted in re-beginnings , then I’m filled with hope. I long for a better land. I ache — in the best way — for the ultimate homecoming. A Better Word and a Better Way: Palingenesiology Let me humbly propose an alternative: palingenesiology. It's built on the Greek word παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia), meaning rebirth or regeneration . Palin = again Genesia = birth or genesis It appears in Matthew 19:28 , where Jesus promises “the renewal of all things.” This word captures not just the personal transformation of salvation, but a cosmic one — the full-scale renewal of everything broken. Palingenesiology = the study of new beginnings.
The study of Genesis again .
The study of Eden again . The study of a restored world where Christ is King, the curse is no more, and all things are made new. So Let Me Ask You: Would you rather study a theology of endings that feels fearful and heavy?
Or a theology of re-beginnings that breathes life and hope into every part of your soul? Me?
I’ll take palingenesiology — every time. Why I Don’t Believe in Eschatology Okay. Admission: the title is a bit click-bait-esque. But also, I really do mean it. And I think it’s significant. Here’s why. First, remember that the term eschatology is not in the Bible. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with that. The word trinity isn’t in the Bible either. But the concept certainly is. And Christmas trees aren’t in the Bible. But that doesn’t mean having one in your living room is wrong. Unless it’s February. Then it’s very wrong. Take down your Christmas tree! But I digress. All that I mean by that is to say the term eschatology didn't exist in early Christian writings — it came into formal theological use in the 17th century. The first recorded use in this form is traced to Christian theologians in post-Reformation Europe, particularly in German and Latin scholarship. It appears in theological systems around the late 1600s, but it really took root in the 19th century, especially among Protestant systematic theologians. But even then, I don’t have a problem with its later introduction into our theological vocabulary. What I have a problem with is the meaning of the word itself. The word itself is a combination of ology meaning study of and eschatos meaning last or ending, i.e. “The study of end times.” But Revelation isn’t the last. It isn’t the end. It’s the re-beginning— the re-beginning of Eden, the re I realize that in some ways its a matter of semantics, but semantics are important. Language creates theology. And our theological vocabulary influences the way that we live. If my theology says that everything is going to “end” then I live like this is the world that matters. I don’t want to die. I’m afraid to read the book of Revelation because it sounds so scary. But if my language and theology are a study of re-beginnings, then I am filled with hope, I long for a better land, and I ache (in a good way) for the ultimate homecoming. So, may I humbly suggest a replacement— palingenesiology Palingenesia is a very rich and rare word meaning “Rebirth” or “Regeneration.” It stems from the root words Pálin = again Genesia = birth or genesis Found in Matthew 19:28 when Jesus speaks of the “renewal of all things” speaks to a complete renewal or fresh start, either cosmically or personally. Palingenesiology—the study of new beginnings. The study of Genesis, again. The study of a land where Christ is King, the curse is removed, and all things become new. Which would you rather study? The study of endings which is fearful and depressing Or the study of new beginnings which is hopeful and life-giving? Palingenesia (Genesis Again) Our Longing for Eden and our Long Journey Home 🌱 1. Ἀρχή (archē) – “Beginning” or “Origin” Root word for archangel, archetype, etc. Used in Genesis 1:1 (LXX) and John 1:1:
“In the beginning (ἐν ἀρχῇ)…” It refers to the starting point of something, often used philosophically and theologically to describe first principles. 🌄 2. Καινὴ κτίσις (kainē ktisis) – “New Creation” 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (καινὴ κτίσις); the old has passed away…” Kainos (καινός) = new in kind or quality Ktisis (κτίσις) = creation or created thing This phrase beautifully captures spiritual rebirth or a new beginning in Christ. 🔄 3. Παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia) – “Rebirth” or “Regeneration” A very rich and rare word: Pálin = again Genesia = birth or genesis Found in Matthew 19:28 when Jesus speaks of the “renewal of all things” and in Titus 3:5 regarding the “washing of regeneration.” Speaks to a complete renewal or fresh start , either cosmically or personally.
Making God’s Presence Our Priority
The Backstory I recently received communication from a family telling me that they were moving and asking if I would be interested in the husband’s father’s library. Before his passing, he had been a revivalist preacher in Texas and avid book collector. I was absolutely thrilled to be the recipient of this collection. As I took the boxes and boxes of books into my office and opened the first case, I was drawn to a small volume entitled Revival: The Need and Possibilities, and started to read. [1] As I began to read this treatise on revival by British clergyman Cyril C.B. Bardsley, the words began to resonate. Although the words were penned 99 years ago in the U.K., it is though they were written last week in the U.S. I’m not saying I stumbled across the Qumran scrolls or the Holy Grail, but I do believe the Lord in his sovereignty led me to this book and I do believe that its pages contain powerful truths for us today. [4] Our hesitancy with Revival: What exactly am I praying for? I think some of our hesitancy to seek revival is that we’re not sure what we’re seeking. Do we mean a week of “special services”? Do we mean a temporary emotional stirring? Do we mean seeing some strange behavior? If we’re gut-level honest, that’s what some people may have in mind when they think of “revival.” And thus, the (understood) hesitancy to ask God for it. But that’s not what revival is! This small book that I came across has the most complete and powerful definition of revival that I have ever seen. So I want to do two things: First, I will summarize some of the important parts of the first chapter and second, I will include a PDF of the first chapter for you to download and read for yourself. [5] For ease of the flow of thought, I have broken Bardsley's thoughts into headings. The headings are mine, but I have included Bardsley’s words underneath verbatim. I will begin with the foreword written by the Bishop of Liverpool which describes the state of the nation and then proceed to Bardsley’s treatise. The State of Our Nation and Need for Renewal Throughout the world there is distress of nations with perplexity. Men’s hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth. All the foundations of human society seem out of course. … [The church] is filled with divine dissatisfaction. They are looking for, longing for, and praying for a revival of true religion. Everywhere the prayer is going up, “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain that they may live.” The history of Christianity from its earliest days until now unfolds the conditions of a great spiritual awakening. When the dissatisfaction which possesses us has found a voice in more fervent and united prayer and has led us to a deeper penitence and renewed trust in God; when self-surrender takes the place of self-will; and prejudice, and suspicion, and jealousy, are lost in love; when we are ready, like Saul of Tarsus, to ask, with heartfelt submission, “What shall I do, Lord?” then the long looked-for revival will come. God will send a gracious rain upon his inheritance and refresh it when it is weary. There will be “showers of blessing,” and a revived Church will awaken the world (7-9). F.J. Liverpool Bishop of Liverpool March 1916
On the Monday prior to the 2024 Presidential election, our church gathered for a day of prayer and fasting. In the middle of prayer, I saw the number “312”. I had no idea what it meant, but I wrote it down in my journal with a “?” beside it. Then the Lord started sharing with me the rest of what I will share in this blog. A few days later, I realized what the “312” meant. (It was the number of electoral votes President Trump ended up getting.) I believe the Lord showed me that number as a confirmation that I was hearing Him correctly and that I needed to share the rest of what He was telling me. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. We do not wrestle against personalities, but against principalities. Daniel 10:13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Daniel tells us that some of these principalities and strongholds are established over nations, cities, and regions through the vehicle of governmental systems (“Kingdom”) through the leadership of that government (“prince”). The stronghold was in place, in part, because of its alignment with systems that the government invited in, which allowed partnership, and therefore the establishment of the particular principality. Strongholds Are Established Through: Invitation Permission Agreement Patterns Principalities and strongholds can attach themselves to policy. Policy either evokes evil or evicts evil. (“Evoke” means to “invoke a spirit or deity”) For example, policy has invited in and agreed with strongholds of: Abortion Chronic Disease/Healthcare Lawlessness But when laws/policies are changed, they serve as eviction notices for strongholds. But Wait! Before We Celebrate Too Quickly... There is both a great danger and a great opportunity . Luke 11 14 Now Jesus was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons.” When strongholds start to break, not everyone is happy. 17 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.” When strongholds start to break, it stirs up division . 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When strongholds start to break, it is a sign that God’s kingdom is among us. Now Jesus transitions to a metaphor, but keep in mind the context. The context is demonic activity and strongholds. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 24 When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none, it says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” 25 And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of the person is worse than the first. Here is the Word to the American Church After the Election: It is not enough for strongholds to be torn down. It is not enough to ‘clean house and restore order.’ When strongholds start to break, our work is JUST BEGINNING! We must put our foot on the gas! What I Believe the Lord is Calling the American Church to Do: Be aware of the enemy’s strategy of division and pursue unity. Establish altars of God’s Presence through prayer and worship. Establish cities of revival and renewal by taking the fire of the altar to the gates (major areas of influence) of the city. Be personally committed to the greatest soul-winning effort of the generation. A Lesson from The Black Widow In the film, The Black Widow, it follows the storyline of Natasha Romanov and her sister, Yelena Belova. Yelena has been under the stronghold of General Dreykov, who has hijacked the minds of young women and formed them into an evil army. As Yelena is exposed to a red dust, it breaks the power of mind control, in a sense setting her “free” from the stronghold. But she is still in a state of hurt, confusion, loneliness, and is desperately searching for connection, family, and purpose. There is something wrong with me. An emptiness. I'm just... drifting. And I don't have purpose. —Yelena Belova Church, this is our greatest threat and greatest opportunity in the coming days. Strongholds are being broken! People will be set “free” from lies of deception and manipulation that they have been under for years. But just because they have been set free doesn’t mean they are saved. This is our opportunity to step in and lead people to JESUS and to finding the life, family, freedom, and purpose that only He can give. These have the potential to be the greatest years of harvest for the church. But if we do not respond, it opens up potential for the enemy to come back in, seven times stronger. The Choice is Ours.
I hear the Lord saying, “I am calling you to attention.”