The Chicago Voice

08/11/2025

August 11, 2025
“Heaven Shall Never Abandon Us” by Dutch Sheets

Sandy Fitzgerald, writing for Newsmax, points out that a third of the District Judges in Washington, D.C., five of the 15, had never served as a Judge before being appointed by Obama and Biden, and were also born in other nations. (One of the five has only been a U.S. citizen since 2019.) Let that sink in: five of the rogue judges dictating policies that affect our entire nation had never served as a judge in any capacity before being appointed to some of the most powerful judgeships in America. They are:

“Judge Tanya Chutkan, born in Kingston, Jamaica. She came to the U.S. in 1979…In addition to overseeing the legal challenge to the Department of Government Efficiency's [DOGE] work to slash government spending, she has presided over cases involving Trump, including overseeing his criminal trial in connection with the 2020 presidential election.

“Judge Amit P. Mehta, appointed by Obama, was born in Patan, India…He is to oversee four Jan. 6 civil cases against Trump.

“Judge Ana Cecilia Reyes, nominated in 2021, was born in Uruguay and grew up in Louisville, Kentucky…and is the first openly LGBTQ Hispanic woman to be appointed to the court. She presided over an objection to an executive order from Trump that declared ‘gender dysphoria’ as inconsistent with standards for troop readiness, blocking the order through a preliminary injunction.

“Judge Amir Hatem Mahdy Ali, another Biden appointee, is the first Muslim and Arab American to serve on the D.C. District Court. He was born and raised in Canada to Egyptian parents and became a U.S. citizen in 2019…He has written about Trump’s 2017 executive order restricting travel to the United States from seven predominantly Muslim countries, stating that ‘prejudice and intolerance’ were ‘the very hallmark of [Trump’s] campaign against Muslims.’ In more recent actions, Ali restored $2 billion in spending to foreign nonprofit contractors by the U.S. Agency for International Development [USAID] that had been on pause for 90 days.

“Judge Sparkle Sooknanan was Biden’s final appointee and was sworn in on Jan. 2, 2025…Last week, Sooknanan ordered Democrat Susan Grundmann to be reinstated to the Federal Labor Relations Authority, keeping a Democratic majority on the board.”(1)

These are just a few examples of the way in which the Left has worked diligently to shape America’s judicial system according to liberal, leftist agendas. Who needs Congress to pass laws? Just appoint the right judge, and they can legislate from the bench and even override the President elected by the majority of Americans.

The appointment of liberal judges and the election of left-leaning district attorneys in numerous blue cities has led to horrendous violence and crime. The recent mob attack in Cincinnati, Ohio, is just one case in point. Tens of thousands of people are leaving beautiful California, having given up on changing the state back to a place of common sense and law and order. The same is true with New York.

The problems go all the way to the top. Certain opinions of Supreme Court justices on the left have been criticized as ridiculous, even laughable, based on the Constitution and precedent. And regarding corruption at the High Court, does anyone in their right mind actually believe the ludicrous assertion that the leaker of the Dobbs decision reversing Roe versus Wade cannot be found?! Please!

The good news is – and yes, there is good news – people in America are rising up and demanding change regarding the un-American, leftist, dishonest, and stupid ideals being forced upon them. And a remnant of the church is praying. America was birthed by appealing to heaven, and America is being saved by appealing to heaven.

Samuel Adams, known by Bostonians as the father of the American Revolution, has become one of my favorite Founding Fathers. In September 1777, the war for independence was not going well. The British were in control of New York, Washington’s troops were suffering from deprivation and fatigue. “The number of delegates present at Congress had dwindled to a mere twenty from the fifty-six members who had signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Those remaining gathered for a private meeting in York to question whether there was any hope of success.”(2)

Sam Adams rose to speak, comparing the American revolutionaries to the Israelites who had left the slavery of Egypt. According to Exodus, chapter 13, God guided them in the wilderness with a “pillar of cloud by day” and a “pillar of fire by night.” In his address, Adams demonstrated his faith and patriotism stating:

“Let us awaken then, and evince a different spirit, a spirit that shall inspire the people with confidence in themselves and in us, a spirit that will encourage them to persevere in this glorious struggle, until their rights and liberties shall be established on a rock. We have proclaimed to the world our determination ‘to die freemen, rather than to live slaves.’ We have appealed to heaven for the justice of our cause, and in heaven we have placed our trust. Numerous have been the manifestations of God’s providence in sustaining us. In the gloomy period of adversity, we have had ‘our cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.’ We have been reduced to distress, and the arm of Omnipotence has raised us up. Let us still rely in humble confidence on Him who is mighty to save. Good tidings will soon arrive. Heaven shall never abandon us while we act worthy of its aid and protection.”(3)

Keep praying, church, we have Scripture and history on our side. Heaven shall never abandon us.

Pray with me:

Father, sin and rebellion often lead to depravity and insanity. America now has depraved judges and legislators who want to see babies killed, children mutilated, Your Word mocked, Your marriage covenant defiled, and common sense outlawed. Many “became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:21-22). We have sown the wind and are reaping the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7). And yet, You are rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4), and love to redeem.

We approach You now based on the redemptive properties of the blood of Jesus. In the greatest story ever told, our Creator has become our Redeemer. We ask that His blood continue to cleanse our nation from sin, its resulting depravity, and the curse of insanity. Cleanse our hearts and heal our minds. Restore us to You, and thereby to truth and life.

As founder Samuel Adams referenced, we ask You for the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). Bring Your glory and fire to our three branches of government, releasing these guiding forces in the White House, the halls of Congress, and the Supreme Court. Flow down from these “heads” to every facet of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of our government. “We have appealed to heaven for the justice of our cause, and in heaven we have placed our trust.”(4) We will not doubt, and we will not stop until our nation is ablaze with revival and being reformed by truth. And in Jesus’ name we seal this. Amen.

Our decree:

We decree that the appeals to heaven will not stop, and they will not fail.

08/05/2025

August 5, 2025
Introduction by Dutch Sheets
Holy Spirit has given my brother Tim a very encouraging word regarding restoration and renewal coming to the body of Christ. As always, it is powerful, and I believe it will minister to you greatly. Tim’s title is:
The Oil of Joy: Strength for the Season
I believe this is a season in which the Lord desires to bring deep healing and renewal to our souls, positioning us to reign victoriously with Christ in the fullness of His promises. Just as the Lord, our Shepherd, restored David’s soul in Psalm 23, He desires to do the same for us.
I recently heard the Lord say, “This is a season in which I will give beauty for ashes in amplified ways. My transforming anointing will destroy yokes of oppression, hopelessness, and resulting bondages. It will be poured out in great measure. “Soul strikes” will be healed, bringing full recovery to My people. I will give the oil of joy for mourning and garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”
As I prayed and reflected on this, Holy Spirit brought to my mind a prophetic word from several years ago and added fresh insight. Here is that word:
“A supernatural time of exchange has now come to fullness, which will liberate my people to live in the freedoms I intend for them. Move into and live in the reality of that which I have promised. Move into the power dimensions I have provided. Leave the ashes your enemies used to stain your soul and darken your times. Leave the burning, singeing soul-grief brought by the spirit prince of heaviness.
Wrap yourself in new garments created from the promises your Prince of Peace has made to you. Live in the realities of My revealed identity for the joint heirs, My nature and life within you. Live life as a child of God. Live the God-life in your natural-life, filled with Holy Spirit-life.
Come to the place of awesome exchange. Is not My altar the holy place of exchange? Your sins, for My forever life. Your chains, for My freedom. Your guilt, for My pardon. Your shame, for My innocence. Your condemnation, for divine approval. Your weakness, for My strength. Your futile works, for My grace. Your defeats, for My victory. Your fears, for My boldness. Your failures, for My success. Your sickness, for My healing.
Come unto Me, all you who are weak and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Understand anew the supernatural favor I placed upon you. You are marked for supernatural favor. Understand the exchange privileges, the promises that are faithful, true, watched over, and performed for you. Move into the reality of My great exchange. Give Me your ashes, I’ll give you beauty. Give Me your grieving, I’ll give you joy. I'll pour soothing oil over you. Give Me your heaviness and I'll give songs of thanksgiving. Give Me your burial clothes and I’ll give you garments of praise. Receive the anointing pouring forth from heaven. Participate in the supernatural time I am providing. Receive and enjoy the benefits of the great exchange.”
As I began to reflect on this prophetic word, the Holy Spirit drew me to Isaiah 61. As I read it, I knew the passage was a kairos word, a now word. A fresh word breathed on the body of Christ, carrying fresh wind, fresh life, and fresh power.
I heard the Spirit saying: A new measure of the joy of the Lord is being poured out in this season. I am pouring out the oil of joy. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. When joy comes, strength is activated. This means the opposite is also true: despair weakens us.
There is a surge of joy being released by Holy Spirit to strengthen sons and daughters, making them joyful warriors. They will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Joy is always available to us, but there are times when heaven releases an intentional wave of joy that produces strength. This is one of those times.
Isaiah 61:1–3 (Message) says:
“God sent me to announce the year of His grace—a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies… to give bouquets of roses instead of ashes, messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit… They’ll be renamed Oaks of Righteousness, planted by God to display His glory.” This passage tells us the brokenhearted will be renamed. The bound will be renamed. Those who are mourning and in grief will be renamed. God is calling them His strong ones, His oaks of righteousness.
The Father never calls you His weakling. You may feel weak because of circumstances that have knocked you down, but heaven is pouring out joy to make you strong like an oak tree.
We don’t make it through life without some misfortune. But experiencing problems doesn’t mean we’re in unbelief or that we’ve sinned. It simply means we’ve encountered an unexpected storm. We may not have seen it coming, and we may not have caused it, but when it arrives, we must overcome. As born-again sons and daughters, we have a promise of victory alive within us, and we trust God – He will turn things around!
Romans 8:28 declares that God works all things together for good to those who love Him. That doesn’t mean everything will return to the way it was; some things will never be the same. But the promise is that God knows how to make life good again. He knows how to restore or replace what was lost. He knows how to change what needs to be changed. He knows how to give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
There is a story recorded in Lee: The Last Years by Charles Bracelen Flood. After the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee was traveling through Kentucky on horseback and passed by the home of a woman, clearly upset about what the ravages of war had done to her property. She pointed out to Lee a great shade tree that had been mangled and broken by artillery fire, expecting Lee to condemn the Union troops. Lee knew, however, that it was time to heal, and simply said, “Cut it down, madam. Cut it down and forget it.” Then he rode on. (1)
You may have suffered greatly from the enemy’s artillery fire. And, yes, some of it is undoubtedly devastating. But I believe God wants to give you grace to move on from losses, abuse, and attacks of the past, so that you can stop reliving the “soul strike.” He will enable you to lay the axe to the root of despair, no longer controlled by the effects of the enemy’s artillery fire. Plant your hope in a new season. Plant your faith for a new harvest. Press forward into the future God has in store for you.
This is a season when God is bringing fresh strength, fresh hope, and fresh joy. Receive the oil of joy and let Him make you strong, an oak of righteousness, planted to display His glory.
Pray with me:
Father, we are grateful that You have promised to restore our souls. We thank You for this season of supernatural exchange. Thank You for the promise of Isaiah 61, that You give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Lord, today, we choose to trust You, anchoring our hope in You, knowing that You don’t disappoint. Cause joy to arise in us, producing strength for this season, so we may live as joyful warriors, strong in You and the power of Your might.
And Lord, we pray for this refreshing, restoration, and strength to be poured out on our leaders. They are on the front lines of war, not only in America, but the entire world. Give them strength-producing joy, faith-sustaining courage, and fruit-producing wisdom. We pray they not grow weary in doing what is right, so that they may reap in due season (Galatians 6:9). We pray this especially for President Trump. Give him supernatural strength to finish his race well.
All of this we ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
Our decree:
We decree that beauty is replacing our ashes, victory is replacing our sorrows, and our futures are filled with the goodness of God.

08/01/2025

https://www.thechicagovoice.com/post/racism-is-out-of-control-and-why-theresa-phillips

When I first came across the advertisement featuring Sydney Sweeney, I was struck by her youthfulness and vitality. The image radiated a sense of freshness that is often associated with the latest trends in fashion. It made me pause and reflect on the world of advertising and how it can sometimes pr...

07/31/2025

July 31, 2025 Introduction by Dutch Sheets
Yesterday, I began reemphasizing a few biblical truths that are important but seldom taught. Continuing this, today’s teaching brings insight regarding the dual functions we have as we represent Christ here on earth. As believers, we are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9); all of us are privileged to represent Christ in both His kingly and priestly roles. There is a teaching that has circulated over the past few years in the body of Christ stating that “priests” are those in full-time ministry and “kings” are those in the secular workforce. This is not biblically accurate. All believers, regardless of our vocation, are called to represent Christ in both His kingly and priestly functions. Let’s look at this incredibly important subject. This teaching is also shared in our Give Him 15 Devotional, Volume One. Today’s title is:
Understanding Kingly and Priestly Intercession
“And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:6)
“You have made them to be a Kingdom and priests to serve our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” (Revelation 5:10)
In the late 1980s, I was having a friendly phone conversation with a seasoned prophet, Chuck Flynn, when he began prophesying to me. One phrase in particular stood out. He said God was going to bring forth “the fresh age of the Melchizedek order” and that I would play a role in it.
“What is that?” I asked when he concluded.
“I don’t know,” he said somewhat humorously. “But when you find out, let me know.” It took a while!
Fast-forward approximately fifteen years to October 2002. I was praying for America’s Supreme Court when I heard Holy Spirit clearly say, “The church will fully shift the government of America when the prayer movement fully shifts from priestly intercession only to kingly intercession as well.” I suddenly remembered what Chuck had prophecied to me, the dots connected in my mind, and I finally understood “the fresh age of the Melchizedek order.”
The Scriptures describe Jesus as a priest “according to the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:6-10). Melchizedek is first mentioned in Genesis 14, again in Psalm 110, and then in the New Testament book of Hebrews. He was both a king and a priest, and as such, became a picture of Jesus, our King and High Priest. And this is key to understanding the “Melchizedek order.”
Old Testament priests primarily represented the needs of people TO GOD; kings, on the other hand, represented the authority of God TO PEOPLE. In His unique role, Christ functions as both. As our Savior, High Priest, Mediator, and Advocate, Jesus represents humankind to God. On the other hand, as King, Christ represents God to humankind.
But Christ doesn’t release these functions by Himself. He established a new order. An “order” is not just one person, but a group of people in the same profession or performing the same function. He works through His body, the church. We are His voice, His hands, His feet; what He does on earth, He does through us. Both His kingly authority and His priestly ministry are now administered by Holy Spirit through His people. This is the “Melchizedek order.”
We are expressions of Christ in His priestly role, representing the needs of people heavenward. Just as Christ “offered up both prayers and supplications” while on earth (Hebrews 5:7), we also, as priests, “offer up spiritual sacrifices” (1 Peter 2:5).
However, not only are we priests, we’re a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Spiritually, we are seated with Christ on His throne (Ephesians 1:20; 2:6), told to reign in life (Romans 5:17), instructed to extend His scepter (Psalm 110:2) and as His Ekklesia, are given keys of Kingdom authority with which to bind and loose, forbid and allow (Matthew 16:19). Just as Christ “decreed” the will of the Father in various situations – pronouncing blessings and curses, casting out demons, healing the sick, even raising the dead – we are told, as Christ’s ambassadors, to do the same (John 14:12). When representing Christ in His kingly authority, we do not petition – we command!
Both the priestly and kingly aspects of prayer, the Melchizedek order, can be seen in the model prayer Christ gave us, often referred to as the “Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13):
The prayer begins with praise, an obvious example of priestly activity: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.”
The prayer then shifts to kingly intercession, telling us to command God’s will and authority into situations: “Your Kingdom come! Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (The verbs “come” and “be done” are both in the imperative tense, making them a command in Greek. In other words, we are not only to request His Kingdom rule and will – we are to decree them into situations for Him. This is kingly, governmental intercession, releasing heaven to earth.)
The prayer then shifts back to priestly petitioning, asking for provision, forgiveness, and freedom from temptation.
In 1980, I was asked to lead in prayer for a newborn baby with a fractured skull. During a difficult birth, the doctor used forceps and, in the process, fractured the baby’s skull. I began with priestly intercession (petitioning the Lord), but then was led to command healing into this infant’s skull (kingly intercession). I, along with the congregation joining me, decreed that by the redemptive power of Jesus, the baby’s skull was being healed.
It happened instantly! Through this miracle, the mother was born again, and the following Sunday, I had the privilege of dedicating this baby to Jesus.
The Melchizedek order is arising on the earth. The priesthood of Christ, the church, is offering up the incense of worship and petitions. But as ambassadors of the King, representatives of His Kingdom on earth, we are also issuing heaven’s commands and decrees against the forces of darkness. This is Christ’s “Ekklesia” – legislators, liberators, deliverers, and enforcers.
Pray with me:
Father, thank You for the honor of being extensions of Christ’s ministry, releasers of His love and Kingly authority on the earth. We ask for more understanding, insight, and revelation regarding this privilege. May we go deeper in humility and higher in authority. It is Your will we want, and only Your pattern can release it. Yours is the Kingdom, power, and glory forever!
Today, as priests, we appeal to heaven for Your mercy and grace to be extended to America. Cleanse us from sin and deliver us from evil strongholds. Awaken America to truth and, as the Psalmist prayed, renew a right spirit in us (Psalm 51:10). Cause the revival that has begun to increase and multiply; breathe on the dry bones of America.
And as kings, we decree that nothing will stop the reset You have begun. We declare that evil will be exposed as Your light shines in the dark places. We break the power of darkness that covers and hides evil, and release the light of truth to shine into it. We declare that this truth will shine as bright as the noonday sun! You said our government would fully shift when we began operating in both priestly and kingly intercession. We are now doing this. We appeal for – but we also decree – America’s shift! We believe now is the time! We ask and declare all of this in Christ’s name and authority. Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that God is moving and operating to bring victory and renewed purpose to America!