“So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in, like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.”
Isaiah 59:19
Hello Friends,
This is James W. Goll with God Encounters Ministries bringing you the word of exhortation for August: Like a Flood.
This month’s word came through a powerful and personal dream I received just this morning. I’m still sitting with the revelation, but I knew I had to share it with you—because I believe it’s not just for me. It’s a prophetic picture for the Body of Christ in this season we’re in.
Let’s lean in together.
The Dream: A Creek, a River, a Flood
In this dream, I was back in the place where I was born—Calgill, Missouri. A town of just 259 people, but filled with memories. I was sitting on a wooden fence with friends, overlooking the field of my childhood home. There was a creek running through it. Then, it began to rain.
As the rain fell, the creek turned into a river.
And then—into a flood.
Suddenly, the field of memories became a Field of Dreams. Emotions overwhelmed me. Joy. Hope. Healing. I was holding an umbrella—not just over myself, but over my friends. We were standing together in the rain of His presence.
A River Runs Through It
This dream reminded me of the movie A River Runs Through It, and even Singing in the Rain—because yes, after trauma and battle, it is a wonderful thing to feel joy again.
But this was more than nostalgia. The rain kept falling. The river rose higher. It was no longer ankle-deep—it was knee-deep. It was a flood.
I ran to a place of refuge—the house my father built in 1959. And then the Holy Spirit gave me the key:
Isaiah 59:19
“So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in, like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.”
Flip the Script
There’s a debate among scholars about the grammatical structure of that verse. Is the flood referring to the enemy? Or is the flood describing God’s response?
Here’s the truth: either way, the Lord raises a standard.
Whether the enemy comes in like a flood, or the Lord moves in like a flood, the end result is the same: God has the final say.
In this dream, and in this Word, I sense the Lord saying:
“It’s time to flip the script.”
Flip it for your family.
Flip it for your city.
Flip it for your life.
Your Standard: Praise and Thanksgiving
How do we raise a standard?
We open our mouths in thanksgiving and praise.
We hold our umbrellas of faith—not just for ourselves, but for others.
We declare His Word, His goodness, His promises.
This is how we fight our battles.
This is how we win our battles.
This is how we enter the flood—not of fear, but of God’s glory.
Let’s Enter the Flood Together
So here’s the invitation: Let’s move from creek to river to flood. Let’s raise a standard of thanksgiving and praise. Let’s declare: When the enemy comes in, like a flood, the Lord lifts up a standard!
Let’s flip the script—together.
A Prayer to Flood the Atmosphere
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You that when the enemy comes in, You do not stay silent. You flood our lives with Your presence. You raise a standard of truth, hope, and glory. Let the rains fall. Let the river rise. Let praise be our refuge and joy our strength. We declare: the enemy will not win. The Lord lifts up a standard—like a flood. Praying in Jesus name, amen.
A Jubilee Celebration
This month also marks a milestone: the celebration of my 50th year in full-time ministry, and what appears to be my 50th book, Standing Strong in the Anointing.
We’re gathering in Franklin, Tennessee on Saturday, August 23rd for a special in-person seminar, book signing, and evening celebration. I’d love for you to come if you’re in the region! Details will be on our website soon.
With gratitude and prophetic joy,
James W. Goll
God Encounters Ministries
