The sun was setting as we waited outside the meeting tent. The outer court was teaming with people. Hot breezes stirred the sand forcing us to cover our faces with cloths. Someone at the back of the throng began to sing; Amazing grace how sweet the sound... We had no instruments, but soon voices began to blend together creating the most beautiful music I had ever heard. I could not stop myself; without realizing it my voice had joined with theirs. Without conscious effort the crowd began to kneel. Praises rang louder and louder. Some were singing, some were praying, some were speaking their praise to our Heavenly Father. Waves of uncontrollable weeping swept through the crowd. One and then another began to cry out for forgiveness, brothers and sisters; reconciling. Wisps of smoke filled the air around us, winding together; covering us. Power radiated through the crowd. "Where two or three are gathered together in my name there will I be in the midst of them."
We could not speak, we could barely breath. Gods presence rested so heavily, all we could do was listen.
"Have I not said I inhabit the praises of My people? You are My chosen one. I have anointed and appointed you. I am equipping you even now to fight the battles which will soon materialize. I am making you ready. I did not misspeak when I said many are called, few are chosen. Not everyone can undertake what I have called you to face. You are part of My front-line army and I have placed within you gifts, gifts which must mature. You have been longing for this for some time.You know which gifts. You also know what is standing in your way; what is keeping you from walking in the anointing I have placed on your life. Fear, pride, lusts, addictions... relinquish them to Me. The time is now! Are you ready to take your rightful place? Come out of the shadows! Serve Me with your whole heart! Surrender your ideas of holiness and clothe yourself in My holiness. Hate the things I hate, love the things I love. Lay aside every weight. Abide in Me. You are my chosen one."
I walked through the rotating door of the library. My nose is assaulted with the smell of books and my ears instantly absorbed the silence. My fingers began to tingle as I removed a pair of white cotton gloves from my pocket and slide them on. Anticipation quickens my steps as I made my way through rows and rows of shelves. My destination: a room ensconced behind a set of paned french doors. The plaque above the door reads "Ancient Texts and Scrolls." Here the silence is even more profound. The only sound is the gentle rustle of pages being turned one by one. I take a seat next to a scholarly looking gentleman, an attendant has my scroll ready. Gingerly I unroll it inch by inch until the characters come into view. The world outside is forgotten, the room fades away. As I read I hear the Father say:
" I have called you. I have ordained you. It is time now for you to step out and speak to My people. You are My minister in the Earth. You are My hands and feet. For too long you have been muzzled by those who did not want to train you up. You have been muzzled by those who saw what I have placed on the inside of you and were intimidated by your gifts. Because of them you have doubted what I have called you to do. For too long you have believed their lies. I say ENOUGH! I am removing the muzzle from your mouth. The time is now. Now is your time to do what I have placed in your heart to do. Like Ezekiel, you must eat the scroll. You must get My Word deep inside you. It will be as honey in your mouth. It will fill your belly with fire, and like Jeremiah you will have no choice but to speak it out. You will not be able to stay your tongue. I the Lord have spoken it. I am opening doors no man can shut. Divine appointments, divine connections. I am raising you from the ashes, and you will soar like the eagles. Do not be afraid. I AM with you always. Do not step to the right or to the left, consume My Word, and when you open your mouth to speak; My Word will flow forth."
"Child, have you not suffered enough? Do you not realize true life is only in Me? I Am the Creator of heaven and earth. I make the stars to shine, I cause the rain to fall from the skies. Can you not see, will you not hear? I am for you, I have always been for you! Why did you walk away from My covering, why did you take yourself out of My hand? You say you have suffered, and been treated unfairly. Have I been treated any less?
Have I treated you unfairly? Have I caused you to suffer? I make it plain in My Word; all good gifts come from Me. I do not change, and I do not make mistakes, I do not lie. Return to Me child. Step out of the desert, and into the green grass of My valley's. Step out of pain, and into My healing. Step out of your own wisdom and step into Mine.
How I love you child, how I long to be close to you. You are like a baby bird fallen from its nest. Return t o me little one. Do not fear, I Am not angry with you. My heart is broken for you, you are My child. You think you are too far gone. You think I will not welcome you once again, you think you have gone too far. Not true my child, I am waiting for you. I stand watching each and every day, patiently waiting for you to return to Me. Return to Me, I am your oasis in the desert. I am waiting right where you left Me."
I stand at the oceans edge, the foamy waves tickle my feet as they rush to the sandy shore. The sun is making its morning ascent, a dolphin makes a leap into the air, water droplets shine like diamonds. Longing... longing fills my soul to join him in the deep. What wonders I could see, what unknowns I could understand.
Before I realize it I have stepped into the salty brine ankle deep. My toes dig into the ocean floor. Fear sweeps through my heart. Fear of the unknown keeps me rooted where I stand. I want to go deeper... I battle the fear inside, maybe one more step.
The water is to my knees, then my waist. I am content here. I can still feel the ocean floor. The deep still calls...
Why can't I find the courage, why am I so afraid? The warm water laps against my body, I want to float, to swim to the deepest depths. I am almost there, a seagull screams out encouragement. One gentle push from my feet, one stroke of my arms... Two words softly spoken fill my heart. "Trust Me."
Floating, I can't touch bottom. Excitement and determination overtake my fear. I allow myself to sink. Swimming, deeper and deeper, I am overwhelmed by the beauty. I am overwhelmed by peace. As I take in the sights around me, He begins to speak.
"My child, you have allowed fear to rule your life for far too long. The depths that you swim in now only scratch the surface of what I wish to show you. What you think you understand, what you think you know is only a fraction of what I have hidden for you. Look beyond what you see in front of you, there is more. Desiring to know, to understand is only the first step. Obedience, true humble obedience and faith is the key that will unlock the mysteries. I have said that faith the size of a mustard seed would move mountains, do you believe it? Are you ready for Me to strip away the limitations man has placed on My Word? Are you ready for Me to strip away the scales from your eyes? Relinquish control and allow Me to take you deeper."
Words flow from my lips, on bended knees I bow. My only request is to be close to You. You are my only focus. My Earthly desires all seem so trivial, yet to You I know they are not. Tears stream down my cheeks as Your presence fills the room. Your face, how I long to see Your face! My heart cries out for Your glory; oh to see your glory, to be surrounded and filled to overflowing. How I long for Your glory to shine through me.
The weight of Your presence pushes me to the floor, face-down I lay engulfed in Your power. Praise fills my soul, and like a bubbling stream overflows its banks, adoration, honor and insufficient thanks rush from the deepest depths. Your Spirit rises up in me and a language only You can understand, pure anointing power washes away any vestige of present time and space. Floating now in Your river of anointing, I hear You speak.
"Precious one, your praise is a sweet smelling savor. Alone time with you is one of My greatest joys. I have so much to share with you, so much hidden that I desire to reveal. Abide in Me; and as you do so, I will abide in you. As you seek Me the more you will find Me, the more you will know Me.
There is much you do not understand. Questions that burden your heart, and circumstances that threaten to overwhelm you. Allow me to take those burdens, they are not yours to carry. I AM your all in all, the All Sufficient One. Do not focus on circumstances they are the evil one's way of trying to derail the plans I have set for you. Keep your eyes trained on Me, I will not allow you to sink. Rest in Me, I AM your fortress, your mighty stronghold. I AM your rearguard, I AM your shelter. I AM your friend."
The bitter cold wind whips across the battle field. Each blast cuts like a knife. Your hands are so cold you can hardly hold your sword in place. All around you the battle rages. Weeks, months, years... it has gone on so long you can hardly remember when it started. Fatigue threatens to bring you to your knees. Hunger gnaws at your belly, your heart cries out for relief. Each step forward propels you back three. Salty tears sting your parched cheeks and lips. You are ready to surrender in utter defeat.
The ground rises to meet you as you crumble to the hard packed Earth. You have nothing left, you cannot go on. Your eyes close for the briefest of moments... time stands still.
Peace.
The bitter wind is no longer blowing. Warmth radiates into your frozen fingers, your tears are wiped away. Sweet honey coats your lips, a gentle voice begins to speak.
"Warrior, I have not forgotten you. I Am your help in time of trouble. I Am your strength when you are weary. I Am the One who will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. I Am the finisher of your faith. I have not now nor will I ever leave or forsake you. You DO NOT battle alone. I Am the Alpha and Omega, and I have called you for such a time as this. I have ordained you My minister in the Earth. You are MY warrior, I Am your shield. When you are weak, then I Am strong; I Am the over-comer. No weapon formed against you will prosper. Heed My Word: Weapons will be formed against you, destruction will try to overtake you. I said THEY WILL NOT PROSPER! Rise warrior! The battle is not over. Walk in My footprints, I will not lead you to the right or to the left. My way is true and everlasting. My way is Truth. I have placed My Word in your mouth. Speak it. Do not fear. Remember I have seen your end at your beginning, this battle is not the end. You will emerge victorious. Rise warrior! Rise up, take up your sword and follow Me."
You open your eyes and the battle rages still. You pick yourself up off the ground. Your sword does not feel as heavy. Energy and fire surge through your veins. One step and then another, A battle cry rings from your throat.....
Traffic was at a stand still. Brake lights flaming read in front of me was all I could see. I had forgotten the highway was under construction. I checked my watch with rising frustration, realizing I would not make my appointment on time. Stuck. I could not go forward, I could not go backward. I was boxed in. Before my frustration could get out of hand, I thought about the many times I had thanked God for a slow down in traffic. I thanked Him for protecting me from what ever was up ahead. As I remembered, my frustration faded. What was God protecting me from today? Before I could thank Him, He began to speak.
"Sit still and listen. You, like this road are under construction. I am making Kingdom changes in you. Changes that others will not be able to believe until they see My power working through you. I am stripping away the layers of damage. Damage caused not only from the seeds you have sown, but damage caused from the seeds others have sown into and around your life. I am molding you into my warrior. You have not suffered for nothing. You have not lost for nothing. There is a purpose. A Kingdom purpose. I am placing within you the drive to fight. The drive to see the sick healed, the dead raised, the lame walk. I am placing within you layer after layer of ability to tear down the strongholds of the enemy in My name. In My name you will watch as demons flee. I am placing within you the understanding that I am your everything; the understanding that without Me you can do nothing. Surrender, allow Me to construct the changes in you that need to be made. Allow Me to work a miracle in your life. Allow Me to raise you up on eagles wings. Allow Me to be your firm and solid foundation."
"All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live." (Judson Van DeVenter)
The sun is peeking over the horizon. A giant ball of molten flame is rising to greet me. Shafts of light filtered through wisps of clouds streak across the dew dampened ground. My feet collect the dew drops as I walk across the cushion of grass. This is my most favorite time of day. Only a few birds are singing their morning songs. A squirrel or two scamper across tree limbs, their tiny claws scape along the bark. My rock is waiting. My thinking rock as I like to call it. This is where I contemplate the more serious issues of my life. Where am I going? Why am I here? What is my true purpose? This is where my Father and I talk. Sometimes He listens as I chatter on about any and everything. Sometime I listen as He shares with me His desires. It is wonderful to hear the Holy Spirit speak softly to my soul.
In this place there is no room for worry or doubt, no room for fear. In this place I am alone with my Father reveling in who He is, and all He has done for me. A gentle breeze rustles through the leaves, peace settles over me like a blanket.
For many things I do not have the answers. There are many things I still do not understand. But I know that God is with me. I know He has the answers. He is the answer. So I sit. I wait. I worship.
The winds of change are blowing. Each new day is uncertain. How will we make it? What will we do? How will we survive? God knows. He knows every breath we take. Every hair on our head is numbered. God knows our going out and our coming in. He knows each curve in the road. Whom shall I fear? What can man do unto me? I will not fear. I will not digress. I will keep pressing forward, I will endure. If I lose everything, and find myself at the mercy of those around me, my faith is still in God alone. He will provide. He will sustain. He will protect and surround me with His glorious presence. He is my rock and my fortress, in Him alone will I trust. Yea though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil. God is with me!
God is with me! God Knows! When I am blinded by circumstance God sees. When all I can do is cry out for help, God hears. God knows when I am ready to throw up my hands and quit. God knows when the pain has become too much. God alone knows the deepest recesses of my heart. God Knows! God Knows!
"Listen my child. This trial is not unto death. I am with you, and Yes I KNOW. I see every tear you cry. I hear every prayer you pray. I have not left you. I have not abandoned you. You are my child and I am closer to you now than when you first believed. No you do not understand why things have happened the way that they have. It is not for you to understand. It is for you to believe. Believe that I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the End. The First and the Last. I am for you and not against you. You are more precious to me than fine gold. More valuable to me than all the rubies waiting to be mined from the Earth. I am holding you in the palm of My hand. I will not let you go. I have promised to care for you, to provide for you, to strengthen you, to shelter you. I cannot lie. My word is true. Trust me. Allow me to move in your life. Allow Me to show you My glory. Allow me to strip away every hindrance. Allow me to make MY plan known to you. Be not afraid My child, only believe. Believe that I love you. Believe that I only desire good for you. Trust my Word. Know that it is true."
So many things have happened. Too many to list. I have felt abandoned, lonely, afraid and confused. Why you ask would I tell you these things? Because I have been on top of the mountain. I have tasted success, I have seen the glory of God. I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. Then in a moment, in the blink of an eye, everything was gone. How did I end up in the valley? What did I do? Where did I go wrong? I cried out to the Lord in my distress, my pain seemed too much to bear. Loss after loss ruled my life. I didn't understand. Silence reigned from every side. I erected walls, hoping to protect what little I had left of my heart. Tears soaked my pillow each night, the sun refused to shine. I was swirling in an eddy I could not control nor escape from.
I knew in all of this God was not at fault. He promised to provide. He promised to take care of me. Each loss I suffered was not God punishing me, but Satan attempting to drown me in self pity, to drown me in death. I refused to comply. God DID NOT cause these bad things to happen. Even though I didn't understand why, God never left me. Even though my heart broke a little more each day, God never left me. God stood beside me. God has carried me all these months. God sent his Angels to hold me and comfort me while I slept. I never saw them, but in my heart I knew they were there.
Now like a babe, I am ready to walk again. My muscles are not quite strong enough, I cannot walk on my own. God is holding my hand. He will not allow me to fall. He will carry me when my strength fails. When I am weak, He is strong. God will never fail me.
Are you walking in a valley? Are you confused? Are you on the verge of losing everything? God has not left you. He is there with you. He sees every tear you cry. He hears every prayer you pray. He is not ignoring you. Lean on and into Him. He will never fail you. Yes it is hard because you cannot see the end. Yes it is hard because you may not know where you are going. Like Abraham God is calling us to start over. Yes it is hard. Yes it is uncomfortable, but the time is now. We must return to our first Love. We must believe like we did when we first accepted Christ. We must know deep within, deeper than we have ever tried to look; God is for us and not against us. He will not leave us destitute. He has never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. He will not leave us bleeding on the side of the road. He is the Good Shepherd. He will never leave us to fend for ourselves.
Join with me. Your journey is different from mine and we are traveling different roads, but starting over begins with the first step. Take the step with me. Leave all the hurt and disappointment behind. Look unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith. In Him alone will we find the courage and strength to take a step, another and then another. We do not have to understand, we simply have to step, and know that each step is ordered of the Lord. He will guide us as we gain strength, as we once again begin to run the race He has set before us. From this day forward we are no longer afraid, because we know we do not walk alone.
Blessings and Prayers
Patricia
" O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!... Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you." Habakkuk 1: 2&5
I hear the Father say: " I see you in the night as tears course down your cheeks. I see your heart; My heart mourns your brokenness. I know you do not see it now, but I am taking what others meant for your destruction and molding it for your good. You are reaping a harvest of sorrow from seeds which you did not sow. I will take that sorrow and repay you double. I will turn that sorrow into joy. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy, joy that flows from beneath My throne, comes in the morning. Your heart cries out for justice; I have not abandoned you, I have not left you, you do not walk alone. I am nearer than your very breath. I AM your justice! I am the Righteous Judge, that does not ignore the cries of His children. I Am: Righteous Judge, defender, and protector. I have not forsaken you. I am continually working on your behalf. Do not fear, and do not be afraid; I AM your Righteous Judge. Though you may not understand them, My ways are always right and good. My ways will bring about the expected end that I have for you. My ways and the riches of My Justice have no sorrow added to them. My Justice brings freedom. I AM your Righteous Judge."
I hear the Father say: "I have placed within you, your purpose, your calling. I am raising you up to fulfill it. You have sat on the sidelines and watched, the time for watching is over. You have been pushed aside and ignored, you have been told that you could never be. I say No More! My giftings and calling are without repentance, and I will complete the good work that I have begun in you. My Word will not return unto Me void, but it will prosper where I send it and it will accomplish My will in the Earth.
Like a babe in the womb ready for birth, you, in Me are about to give birth to what I have created you to be. Travail in the night with tears will be your temporary portion; through these pains I am molding you, forming you, making you, preparing you to bring forth all that I have placed inside you.
There are those that will seek to destroy what I have placed inside you. Puppets tied up in strings, instruments of unrighteousness. Fear and jealousy rule their hearts, do not join yourself to them. Keep looking to Me, I will reveal them to you. Keep looking to Me, I am the author and finisher of your faith. I will direct you to Kingdom Connections; those whom I have ordained to help you. Though it may seem it, you will not walk and battle alone. I am your rear guard, and I hold you in My righteous right hand. I have stationed My warrior angels around you to protect you, to stand guard over you.
Do not fear the storms that will come, I am the maker of the wind and the rain. Do not fear the rocky path. Follow Me where I lead you. Step where I tell you to step. Stand where I tell you to stand. Speak when I tell you to speak. Do not rely on your own understanding, or wisdom. You are my instrument. I have created you for such a time as this."
I hear the Father say: "You think that you are weak. But I have made you strong. You think that you do not have what it takes. But I have placed within you everything that you will ever need to prosper in whatever you set your hand to do. You are ready to throw up your hands and quit. STOP!
Have you forgotten that I AM your strength? Have you forgotten that I AM your Wisdom? There is not one problem that you will ever face that is too hard for Me. There is nothing new under the sun, and I have placed all wisdom inside you. To unlock this wisdom, you will be required to lay aside your doubt, your worry, your fear and depend solely upon Me. I will make a way when there seems to be no way. I AM your strong tower, abide in Me, rest in Me. I will cause waves of understanding to flow into your spirit. I have created you for success, trust ME; lean not to your own understanding."
The water pot was balanced precariously atop my head, as I made my way home. The sun was making a glorious decent; streaks of red, orange and purple lit up the horizon. Children were playing in the streets, lamps were turned up and I could see my neighbors as they sat down to evening meal. A loud gong silenced the children, and stopped me dead in my tracks. The water pot slid from my head and crashed to the ground as I began running the last few lanes to my house. I burst through the door, startling everyone inside. "He's coming! He's coming! The Bridegroom is coming! I grabbed my lamp and headed back into the street. I did not look to see who was following, I could not tarry. It was time to celebrate. Our long awaited Bridegroom had finally arrived.
I hear the Father say: "The hour is fast approaching when the bridegroom will make His entrance. Are you ready? Are your lamps filled with oil? Are the wicks trimmed? Lay aside your religion and legalism. In my Kingdom religion and legalism are bondage. I sent My Son to free you from all bondage. I sent My Son to make you free. When the hour comes, what will you have to lay before me? Wood, hay, stubble, or works of gold and silver? Everything will be tried by fire, and only that which remains will be worthy to be laid at My feet."
" Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But
store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21 NASB
I hear the Father say: "Come, walk with me in the cool of the day, before the sun is high. What an adventure we will have, walking alone, you and I. See I am the God of the morning, I freshen each plant with dew.
I have so much to show you, each morning there's something new. How I long to walk with you down lanes you've never trod, what excitement we can share, what stories I have to tell. Do you hear that little bird? I called her there for you. A special song to brighten your day, a song from Me to you. Do you hear the chipmunks chatter as they scamper through the trees? I brought them here this morning, for a laugh to share with Me. Do you feel the breeze against your skin, and the rays of morning light? Those are my whispers to you, as we walk, just you and I. The cacophony of colors from the flowers along the way, are My mini rainbows, My promise of a glorious day. As we walk together each morning you and I, you will know this truth: I Am your Father, and I made this day for you."
I hear the waterfall, I cannot see it yet, but the majestic crashing echo's throughout the forest. Each step takes me closer. Briars and thorns cause me to wince, as they rake across my skin. Rocks and fallen branches cause my steps to slow, and I trip now and again. I stop for a rest alongside the trail, I am so thirsty, my feet are so sore.
Determined, I resume my trek, knowing it will be worth it; just a few more steps. I round a bend in the trail, the crashing water is deafening now; it drowns out ever other sound. I am consumed with it's beauty. I slip and slide down the incline; every ache and pain forgotten. The struggle to get to this place a distant memory.
I can feel the spray from the fall as I untie my boots. I dive into the pool; deeper, deeper. I do not want to surface. Sweet, the water is sweet, refreshing, renewing. I am held captive by the secrets beneath the fall; mysteries I never knew existed.
"Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me." Psalm 24:7
I hear the Father say: "Come deeper, allow me to submerge you completely in My presence. As the waves continually roll and crash against the sandy shore, so my Word will be to your spirit. A tidal wave of My presence will carry you along the currents into deeper waters. Waters so deep that you will not be able to stand. I have so much that I wish to reveal to you. all things are hidden in My Word, for you. As you dive deep, mystery, upon mystery will be unlocked. Hold nothing back, allow Me complete access. Let go of every preconceived notion and idea. Let go of traditions of men. My ways are not their ways, My thoughts are not their thoughts. Time as you know it is quickly drawing to a close. Come deeper, dive into My presence. Do not be afraid. I long to reveal Myself to you in ways that you have never known before. Dive deeper. Drink from the deepest part, for there the water is the sweetest."
I woke with a start. "Go to your kitchen and put what I tell you into a bag." I closed my eyes hoping to fall back to sleep, sure that I had dreamed the voice. I was wide awake though and sat up on the edge of the bed. Rubbing my eyes, I heard the voice again. "Go to your kitchen and put what I tell you into a bag." I didn't have to pray, I knew God had given me an assignment. I retrieved a plastic grocery bag from my stash and opened my cabinet doors wide. I looked at the contents of my cabinets, and my heart sank. A can of tuna, a box of macaroni and cheese, a couple of cans of vegetables, a loaf of bread and a can of soup. "Pitiful" I mumbled to my self as I turned to the refrigerator. A gallon of milk, a cup of yogurt, three slices of cheese, a tomato, and a carton of potato salad I had picked up after work. I stood there shaking my head wondering why I was in my kitchen at 3am looking at my meager supply of groceries, holding a plastic bag. "Put everything in the bag." Stunned, I stood there a moment, wondering if I had heard correctly. Then I began putting all of the items, such as they were into the bag. As I placed the last item, the tomato into the bag, a heavy knock sounded at my door. "Take the bag with you, and open the door." A young man stood before me. "Good morning mam, my name is Jake. I know this is going to sound strange, but God told me to come. He said that you would help me. I haven't eaten in three days." I smiled at Jake without saying a word, and held up the bag.
"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James 2:15-17"
This narrative is wholly fictional, but a wonderful example of what God can and will do through a willing vessel.
I see the oil of anointing flowing from beneath the throne of God. Purest golden, shimmering light. Pouring to earth, saturating all who will step in and open their hearts to receive. I see the oil of anointing bathing the hurting spirit, healing the broken heart. The oil of anointing seeps into the deepest recesses, illuminating, scattering the shadows. I taste the oil on my lips and open my mouth to drink it in. It is sweetness in my mouth. I feel the oil on my skin, smooth as silk, empowering me to worship. The oil is dripping off of my clothes onto my feet, I step deeper into the flow until I am covered with the pure oil of anointing. I am reminded of Aaron, I wonder if this is how he felt? Humbled, I fall to my knees. I cannot stand. The oil continues to pour; I lay prostrate. Overcome, I hear Him speak.
"You have been endued with power, My strength I give to you. Go now and make disciples. Time is close at hand, the fields are white and ready for harvest. I am coming soon. Do not tarry, lay aside every petty thought, and take up My cross. Follow Me closely, obey My voice with urgency, without delay. Many are called but few are chosen. You are My chosen. Allow Me to work within You to accomplish My Fathers business, to accomplish My Father's heart; that none should perish, that all men would be saved. . You are My hands. You are my feet. Lay aside every weight. set aside every distraction. You are My minister in the Earth. I have poured out the oil of anointing into your spirit for such a time as this."
I look to the sky, it is black as pitch. Not one star shines. There is no wind, not one animal makes a sound. I know that this midnight is none like ever before. A trumpet blast. I am lifted off my feet and thrown to the ground. Suddenly the sky is filled with light, brilliant light, light that should render me blind. I lie there unable to breath, afraid to blink. Lightning flashes, thunder crashes, clouds aflame roll across the sky. My neighbors have now filled the streets watching this display. Many are crying, some are shouting, I am still lying on the ground, unable to move. Then I see Him! Standing center sky, amidst the flaming clouds, tears stream down my face. He raises his arms and the sky is filled with the angelic host. Their voices sound as one shouting out his presence. Holy, Holy, Holy. King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His eyes are piercing glowing embers, His hair is spun gold. His robe is the purest white. In His hand is The Sword. He raises it to the sky and takes one step. Fire spews from the clouds in shimmering streaks, the Earth begins to quake. Graves are opened, and I watch as the dead in Christ rise. They are with Him now on the clouds. I am flying, soaring! I look back and my heart shatters into a million pieces. So many are still watching. The higher I go the clearer I can see all those that did not choose Jesus; so many that said NO!
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:12-13
I wake with a start. A dream. Tears flow freely down my face. Longing in my heart to go, yet broken because there are so many that are still alone. So many that are still saying NO, to Jesus. There is still time! Cry out to Him. He will save you. He will redeem you, He will wash you whiter than snow. He will take all of your mistakes and make them into a Masterpiece! Choose Him today.
"Why do you bite and devour one another? Why do you cast angry words like stones? Can you not see that I do not have favorites, that everyone is special and unique in My kingdom? Can you not see the hurt that you are causing? Do you not understand that you are only heaping to yourself destruction? When will My children hear? When will My children see? Why can My children not forgive? Why do My children hold fast to offenses while My blood stands ready to wash them all away? Do you not see that offense is a seed, and once planted that seed grows into the plant of bitterness, and the root of that bitterness is hate? I have commanded: Touch not Mine anointed; do My prophets no harm. Each soul that has accepted Me, is Mine. They belong to Me. I have redeemed them, I have washed them, they are Mine Anointed. I have set My seal upon them, they are clothed in My righteousness. I have also commanded that he who is without sin, should cast the first stone. Are you blameless? Are you without fault? I have said that it is impossible but that offenses will come. As I have forgiven you, so you must forgive others. How many times have I refused to forgive? How many times have I cast you away? How long will you cling to unforgiveness? Remember My Words: If you do not forgive men their faults, trespasses, and mistakes, neither will My Father forgive you. Turn back to me, release the debt to me; I am the righteous Judge. Return not fault for fault. Do not repay evil for evil. Rise above, sit with Me in the heavenlies."
Love Jesus
Dust clouds puffed with each step that I take down the long dirt road. I passed field after field, filled to overflowing with all the good things that summer brings. Tomatoes, corn, cucumbers... Occasionally I exchange hello's with a farmer and we talk for a bit. I continue my walk and laugh at the jack rabbits as they steal their way into the gardens for an afternoon snack. I sing with the robin's and marvel at the blueness of the sky. I realize I have never ventured this far down the dirt road before. Excitement quickens my steps, and I am anxious to see what is around the bend in the road. My joy turns to sadness as I approach a garden plot that has been abandoned. Weeds and thorns fill each row, choking out what little life is left. The fence is in desperate need of repair, and the gate is hanging loose from it's hinges. Someone planted it, why didn't they tend it? I stepped through the gate and began pulling the weeds and thorns from around the tender plants. Determination ruled my hands as I worked. Row after row until all of the plants were free.
"I went by the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And lo it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall there of was broken down." (Proverbs 24:30-31)
"My child, your life is like a garden, and your heart is the soil. My word is the seed and each time you hear and understand, those seeds are planted deep within your heart. The Holy Spirit waters those seeds and My word begins to grow; you begin walking in what my Word says. Then the cares of this life, disappointments, and hurts are the weeds and thorns, if you allow it they too are planted in the garden of your heart. If not surrendered to Me, they will choke out the tender plants of my Word. They will choke out the life that I so long for you to live. Cast all your care upon me dear child, because I truly care for you. Allow me to replace the hurt, disappointment, and cares of this world with My love, with My wisdom, with My understanding. I will teach you all that you need to know. Surrender it all to me. You were never designed to carry it."
"I know the Master of the wind. I know the maker of the rain. He can calm the storm, make the sun shine again...I know the Master of the Wind." (c) Bill Gaither
The wind and rain of life batter my spirit. From out of nowhere another gale force threatens to knock me off my feet. Darkness descends, and I cry out to the Light. In the darkness the storm seems so much greater, so much louder. Crashing waves one after another tips me from side to side. Alone. I feel so alone. Screaming winds, driving rain. Raging. I am sinking. I cannot stand. I am falling. Hope for rescue has disappeared. Sinking for the last time... I hear Him whisper "Peace be still." Silence, the waves have ceased their crashing, the wind is no longer raging. Shaking, tattered and worn, I float. The current takes me to the sandy shore. Rest, blissful rest. Peace that passes all understanding floods my soul. I hear Him whisper. "Be still and know that I am God. You are not alone. I promised to never leave or forsake you. Trust me. "Do not lean to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Me, and I will direct your path, and I will teach you how to speak to the storms. Because I have gone to my Father, you will do greater things than I did. I have given you the power to speak to the storms, I have given you the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons. I will pour healing oil into your wounds. I will bind up your broken heart. I will teach you, I will guide you, I will lead you. Come unto me all that labor, and I will give you rest. I will rejuvenate your spirit. I will restore your soul. Come to Me. Allow Me to be the Master of your winds."
Twilight darkens the sky, the last rays of sunshine disappear beyond the horizon. Crickets begin their nightly praise, the gurgling of the brook joins the chorus. I stand among the towering trees and smell the loam of the forest. Each sound, each smell sings out Your praise. Stars begin to twinkle in the heavens and I am overcome by the beauty of Your creation. I am surrounded by Your presence. I am sheltered, I am safe. Your presence covers me, my spirit sings. I hear Your whispers in the rustling leaves; Your bold affirmation that You walk beside me. In Your presence worry has no place, fear and anxiety must flee! You are my God! You are my protector. You are my rearguard! I choose Your presence. I choose peace.
Your Word is like honey in my mouth; drops of nectar that satisfies the deepest thirst. How I crave it's sweetness. Tonic for my soul, Your Word reaches to the deepest depths of my heart washing away all the impurities of the day. Cleansing golden drops of nectar Your Word purifies and makes whole. Line upon line, precept upon precept, Your Word fills me, makes me stronger, enables me to speak life. Golden drops of nectar that coats the weary and worn with Your love, Your compassion, Your grace. Golden drops of nectar how I drink it in, filling me to overflowing till my cup runs over.
Broken, shattered, relationships in ruin, life in tatters. Alone. The pieces of the puzzle scattered, driven by the wind. Sitting in the darkness, only a tiny candle to light the way. Overcome, confused, cast aside like yesterday's news. In the night I cry out, tears soak my pillow. How could I have made such a mess?.... Do I even matter? Why am I here? An endless circle of pain and mistakes. Will life ever get better?... What is the answer?
A hill called Golgotha, A cross, three rusty nails. A cry into the darkness "IT IS FINISHED!" A borrowed tomb. HE IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN! Come and see! ....
"I became sin for you, I didn't just take it, I became it. That is why my Father had to turn his face. I did it all for you. I laid down my life for YOU. I rose again on the third day and ascended to my Father's side. How I long to mend those broken pieces. How I long to hold you close. I am standing here waiting. I have seen every tear you have cried. There is so much that I could tell you. So much I wish you could see. So much to give you, if you would only believe in me. What are you waiting for? I am standing at your hearts door; knocking, knocking, will you let me in. I know all the places you have been, I have seen all that you have done. In my heart is forgiveness, how I long for it to be yours. The crushing weight of your mistakes are light as a feather to me, won't you hand them over, I will cast them all into the sea. If you will accept me I will remember your sin no more. You will be covered, covered by my blood. O' dear child all you have to do is ask. I will take up residence in your heart, and fill your life with light. I am standing here waiting. I'm not going anywhere. You see my hearts desire, is for you to belong to me." Love Jesus.
