When the broadcasting of evil intentions by unjust governments, peoples, or individuals intimidates us, causing our hearts to panic, we must realize we have lost sight of our all-consuming God. When our response is to expatiate–replay the intimidations, wicked actions, unthinkable laws, and unjust perils, we have lost sight of The All Consuming One –The Only True God.
When Israel followed after God, nations far and near were trembling from fear at the thought of Israel and their God coming into their proximity. Nations panicked because they knew the God of Heaven was with the Israelites, for they had witnessed or heard of the God of Israel’s acts on behalf of His name and people.
God taught His people to embrace, surrender to, and be mantled by His Spirit of Fear–Awe and Reverence. He did this by revealing His mighty acts–His kindness and severity. Obeying God’s directives was an overflow of experiencing the Fear of God—the Israelite leadership directed the people to embrace such a gift from God. Anxiety and panic were not an option for the family of God.
Those who walked in the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord inquired of God, gaining His perspective, plan, and permission to advance to take out the menacing intimidations. God’s answer became their focus. Courageous obedience ensued, causing God to come with His angels, demonstrating His Power. The enemy trembles and terrified runs-silenced as Father and Family work together. Such a reality is possible where the mantle of the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord is in action.
On the other hand, consider the effects of abandoning the mantle of His Spirit of Fear. The righteous have already laid down trust and fear in God when panic and anxiety hook one’s soul, causing one to echo the threats of intimidation and plans of those walking in the powers of the dark ages. The righteous have turned the eyes of their heart to the muddy miry clay of rebellion’s doubt and unbelief.
Are we advertising evil actions more than the power of God?
Are we expatiating the threats of governments overrun by the spirit of the Dark Ages more than proclaiming the identity and intentions of the Ancient of Days?
Are we rendering to the evil passions of governments when we permit them to hook our souls and drain our emotions and energy more than turning our hearts, souls, and strength to The One God who deserves our worship and success?
“Choose this day whom we will serve.” The invitation is there.
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. [2] “For behold, darkness will cover the earth And deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you, And His glory will appear upon you. [3] “Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. [4] “Lift up your eyes round about and see; They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, And your daughters will be carried in the arms.”
Isaiah 60:1-4
One concern I have pondered is how much Righteous Standing media has been advertising evil’s actions. Perverted videos are displayed for our eyes to take in. We spend our lives deciding not to follow the ways of baal; then, we create unintentional adverts to broadcast the lusts and perversions of darkness. The righteous do not trust in the strength of iron chariots and mighty horses, but we are called to remember the power and might found in the names of our Lord!
It is good to keep the following as a reminder:
Within the constitution of every evil spirit and stronghold are their name’s characteristics, energy, and vibrations within them. They ARE what they are named.
A good example is ‘fear.’ When the evil spirit named ‘fear’ enters a room, the discerning or naive individual present begins to feel ‘enslaved in a small space,’ alone, intimidated, weak, mentally unstable, and/or dreadful. These adjectives are the very DNA of the evil spirit’s life. Within the evil spirit or demon of fear, there is no sense of being adopted by God, confidence, strong in might, strong in mind, or victorious in life. Fear’s fear causes one to drop from their hands the very thing God gave them to do.
Romans. 8:15 is clear. “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
God never intended for His children to idolize evil spirits. One-third of heaven’s angels chose to follow lucifer out of heaven. We do not know how many that is, but we do know that Jesus has won the victory over their authority.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.”
Colossians 2:8-15
We, the family of God–the body of Christ Jesus are to take a position in step with–leaning heavily into the identity of God. He is the banner under which we stand. When the Awe of God reveals Himself to us, we will see that HE will act on behalf of the integrity of His holy name!
“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. “I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord,” declares the Lord God, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight. “For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”
Ezekiel 36:22-27
Recovery of All Things
The One God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the One and Only True God who has adopted us, and to Him, we honor by enthroning upon our emotions, energy, thoughts, will, body, and spirit. Our privilege is to bring Glory to the Holy Name of God.
Demons know their demise. Let them fall by the wayside, paying no attention to their struggle to find room in us. Demand them to “face the Blood of Jesus Christ”, then You walk on. Blood of Jesus has caused a great divide between the current and future of evil spirits and our sanctified spirits.
We are building our current day, future, and eternity now. We do not want the threads of demon’s constitutions to twist into our foundations or walls. We must lose the fear of evil spirits, disconnect from the emotional response to their vibrating characteristics, learn to war them off through the blood, power, and knowledge and understanding of the name of Jesus Christ, and rise into the victorious cry of Everlasting Life present now in the form of God’s Victorious Son; in whom all things consist and hold together, – – He God’s Dreaded Champion. He is calling us to arise as Champions in His might. Recover all!
Many of us are now coming out of an intense time of shaking, a discipline from the Lord that comes to those He loves. He has instructed those He has disciplined to arise in strength and prepare to strengthen those around them. Such a time of shaking has come with the Sword of the Lord. The dynamic dunamis power of His love circumcises our hearts. Where we allowed the powers of the demonic to trumpet in us, His word has come, silencing those entities as we repent, receiving His life. His Father heart decrees, “No more.”
“Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.”
Hebrews 12:12-13
“…but I (Jesus) have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32
“For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power and love and sound judgment.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory….Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful…
Colossians 3:1-4, 14-15
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you!”
Colossians 3:16a
The realms—constitutions of evil spirits WILL lose their grip even as we proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9). The commissioning of the Lord’s Apostles was to travel worldwide, PROCLAIMING the Gospel of Jesus, delivering people from demons, and baptizing them in the waters of repentance and the fire of the Holy Spirit.
“Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”
Revelation 11:15
If you sense that you have slumbered through fear of the unknown or through lust, these are days of repentance and recovery, receiving from God what was lost. For only God can restore the power and authority He has designated for each one reading this. Through His breath, by His fire, and for the sake of His name and inheritance.
Remembering
Remember, God is Spirit; we must worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Our spirit yields to the Spirit of God as He comes in His wisdom in conversation, through our worship, as we posture ourselves in teachableness (Mark 4:24). Yielding in all things which keep us under the mantle of the Spirit of the Lord, His Spirit of the Fear of the Lord; for the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is Understanding (Provers 9:10) which directs us into all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Since the Word of God was made Flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1) can we say that His constitution is within us? Obliterate the torment and worship of any evil characteristics, which came to deceitfully comfort our flesh. Confess, “I am crucified with Christ!” “My flesh will not receive comfort but instead will be crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Receive-adjust that tilted crown of adoption as son and daughter, and rest in the finished work of the Word of Life who is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1, Romans 8:15-17)
Confess that The Word is the Bread of Life. The Seeds of Wheat are ready to be seeded through the broadcasting of righteous intentions for just governments, peoples, or individuals will cause humanity’s hearts to be strong. The power of the All-Consuming God is humanities hope, sight and peace. When our response to His “I AM THAT I AM” is to expatiate–replay the invitation into righteousness acts promising recovery of all that was lost, we will remember to , like Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, bow only to The All Consuming One –The Only True God.
Written during Passover Season
A particular “foundational stone” of Passover addresses the maturing of God’s people into the identity Christ has identified as “His friends.” This identity adds awareness to one of the privileges found within the Blood Covenant for all His disciples throughout the generations. During Jesus’ time with His eleven disciples, right before revealing Himself as The Passover Lamb, as the apostle of their faith, He exemplified and taught the integrity of friendship, putting the purity of such a bond into place.
Not long before the events at Gethsemane and after His betrayer was identified, Jesus explained the depth of true friendship with His eleven disciples. Jesus took the time to personally communicate the depth of His love for the eleven and defined the actions of genuine Kingdom love.
The disciples listened as Jesus said, “As My Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His Love.
These things I have spoken to you, that My Joy may REMAIN IN you, and that your joy may be full.
This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.”
Christ Jesus was setting up the expectation of selflessness among this circle of friends. He was revealing the gold of His Kingdom. He was ushering them into the “space” of He and His Father’s relationship. They were about to be revealed as sons of God. Such an identity as friends of Christ reveals the profound place in the Spirit as sons of His Father who choose to walk in service and accept God’s opinion of them as sons adopted, working in tandem with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. “My life is My Fathers. Im going to give my life for your sake, and you will give your life for My name’s sake; in the same token, you will give your life for one another.”
“Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” Jesus reminds them that they are His friends and expects them to come into the fullness of “For the joy set before them, they will endure their “cross” – drink their cup – become one with Me!”
Jesus was their greatest Intercessor, Mentor, Rabbi, and Brother, Lord, Messiah ….. He would ascend only when all things were prepared for them in the Spirit. He prayed to His Father, “I am no longer in the world; yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.” John 17:11
In Christ’s conversation, the mystery of sustaining strength was revealed to be JOY. As the disciples were about to embark on the most incredible Apostolic trek in their lives, their commitment would contain the endeavor of courageous obedience as Holy Spirit reminded them of their Rabbi’s’ exchanges. Jesus, their Rabbi’s way of life, would always be before them. The memories would be substantial. The disciples would soon find out that every act of obedience (manifesting love) would release the reality that Jesus was within them, as His emotion of joy would burst forth from their spirits, strengthening them, for Christ in them is the hope of glory and His joy their strength. (Colossians 1:27/Nehemiah 8:10)
The Potter And The Cup
Jesus Christ, also their Potter, was about to drink a cup that no human could. Yet, He, as the Potter, had already begun to prepare individualized cups of suffering for His disciples. During this night, Jesus told them it was time to prepare for the cup’s delivery to each of their hearts. They would watch Jesus suffer. It’s not like they hadn’t already, but the suffering would converge tonight, revealing Christ as the Ultimate Gift of Love, darkness for the first time given permission to invade His flesh, but would have no entrance into His Spirit. For the devil had nothing in Him.
Jesus equipped the disciples’ spirits by revealing their future, “”If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this, the world hates you. “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. “But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake because they do not know the One who sent Me.” (John 15)
Many of us have not known suffering or persecution to the point of bloodshed. While looking at this photograph of the Potter molding this cup, the question came to me, “How far along in the development of my cup into maturity by the hand of the Potter is my cup? How about yours?
Becoming a friend,
briskilla
On the fourteenth day of Abib, the first month of the new year, Israelites and those who would adhere to God’s Way followed His commands of “This is My Way for you to be delivered,” consumed the spotless lamb. Moses, commissioned by God to be the nation’s deliverer, had guided each family to bring a lamb into the house, and on the 14th day, all were to eat. The lamb’s slaughter provided each family with the blood necessary for the placement of the blood upon the thresholds, while also, the eating of the lamb the night before meant as they passed through the waters of the Red Sea, WITHIN them was the lamb. Exodus 12:21
Previous days were filled with powerful activities and declarations by God and His angels manifesting His Will and Win. Believers and unbelievers alike witnessed God’s Glory and Power. The strength of God’s arm — His existence and authority riveted Egypt. The “I AM That I AM” was introduced to Egypt. Even God’s people alive at the time of the Exodus met Him this way for the first time.
Can we imagine the atmosphere over the land? The Rod Aaron gave Moses now possessed the snakes purposed to harm Moses by Pharoah. All the Hebrew firstborns in Goshen, who partook of the lamb, were alive and running along the way to the sea with family. Goshen, the city inhabited by the Israelites, was untouched by the strikes against the gods of Egypt. Not one of the plaques had come near the dwellings of those who followed God. Imagining what the emptied city looked like amazes me. Was there a residue of peace, healthy wheat fields yet not ready to harvest, flaxseed fields harvested, and thresholds covered in the blood of the slain lambs? Glory had gone before the Israelites while they were known as enslaved people, and God’s Glory now moved as their rear guard as they left their enslavers. The key would be for the rescued to keep their eyes on the Glory; for every experience of Glory would be God’s way of healing their souls from the trauma of slavery.
“The Kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent men take it by force.” Matthew 11:12
Despite dictatorship, intimidation, forced labor, death threats, and amidst the Glory of God, Moses directed the Israelites and those who joined onto the sea’s dry ground. Violently, the waters of the Red Sea tore apart to receive and deliver those who yielded to God’s sound of freedom as Moses elevated his staff over the sea. Rolling upwards and away from the Army (nation) of Israel were the waters that would one day be recognizable as the prophetic depiction of the Waters of Repentance.
Upon Jesus’ entrance into the earth as the Son of Man, repentance was introduced first through John the Baptizer; soon afterward, Jesus would present to the wedding guests what follows the waters of deliverance through repentance by changing the water to wine. But the ultimate reality of the wine would be known as He, who was the Living Water and The Way, would be violently torn apart, making way for Israel and all nations to receive deliverance and resurrection life passing from the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of the Son of God’s Love.
Partaking of the slain lamb, thresholds were covered with the lamb’s blood, allowing Israel to exit and pass through the Red Sea. The Slain Lamb stands at the door of every heart who believes in Him (Rev 3) with the desire to come in to dine with and feed the one who receives Him. The Way is open for Israel and the nations to pass from the slavery of darkness to come into the resurrection power and life of He, the Messiah.
John introduced us to repentance, and Messiah introduced us to the activity of the Spirit of conviction, the conviction of sin, righteousness, and of judgment. (John 16) Holy Spirit would introduce us to the power of truth and mantle us with Himself, His Wisdom, Counsel, Might, Knowledge, Understanding, and the Fear of the Lord.
Obedience empowered with God’s Holy Spirit power will rip open veils daily, making room for the truth of righteousness and justice to find a home within the heart of another soul. John the Baptizer prepared the way of Christ’s first come. Blazing the path for the Lord’s second coming is our privilege.
The invitation is open for all to believe.
Passover (Pesach) week is almost here. The thousands of lambs Moses, while in Egypt, was commanded to instruct all of Israel to gather was prophesy of the coming of the Mighty Slain Lamb of God. Jumping to the final Passover in Jerusalem, one of the poignant interactions during such a Holy and Conquering moment was while Jesus’ soul was being sacrificed (Isaiah 53). He, the Pesach Lamb, considered His mother.
What about Mary’s motherhood caught Messiah’s attention amid such heightened spiritual and natural warfare? For hours medical traumas were sounding alarms throughout Messiah’s physical, psychological, and spiritual body. There was no physician on earth with the expertise to “restore” Jesus’ body to health after such a level of abuse. Messiah of Israel and the nations was indeed slain and torn open, revealing His identity as The Way into the Father’s Heart (Revelation 5:6). Yet amidst such a depth of anguish, Messiah looked down from the sacrificial tree and saw His mother and John. Turning to John, He said, “Behold your mother.” And to His mother, He said, “Woman, behold your son.” (John 19:25-27)
What was seen through the eyes of Love causing Messiah to stop amidst the severity of moments to make room for mother?
Was it the 5th Commandment? “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” Exodus 20:12
Was it the power and authority His Father God had given women, now fulfilled through this woman? “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.” Genesis 3:15-16
The enmity between ‘the cursed to the dirt crawling on his belly forever devil’ would always exist between him and woman. That ingredient of hate found between foes would be lodged permanently BETWEEN the devil and woman. (Selah)
Why did He honor His mother at that moment?
Was He acknowledging this day as fulfilling the plumbline Word His Father “tent pegged” into the ground that day in the Garden? Was He saying, “this cross and this sacrifice is the tent-peg manifestation of what My Father revealed that day in the Garden?” It is true Messiah’s cross was pierced into a hill called “the skull” right there outside Jerusalem’s walls. Was Messiah saying, “Woman, you who are highly blessed and favored are the servant Father chose to usher Me into this world? You made room for Me to come through your “YES” to My Father. Your womb held me as Father formed me while I was yet in that dark place unseen by the eyes of humanity. You agonized, prayed, and nurtured me into the fullness of My humanity. You empowered Me, as did My Father in Heaven, as I matured into the Dreaded Champion revealed in this very moment. You travailed, making way for Me to come and crush the serpent’s head. Your heart was pierced, watching as My heel was bruised. I honor you as you now witness the fulfillment of the Scroll written of Me. Mother, the scroll of your life is now being fulfilled in the sight of humankind; those who loved Me and those who hated Me. My Father found you faithful. Thank you! Woman, I now release you to your earthly son John. My Father’s Will is now finished! Thank you, Ima!”
The crescendo of prophecy and fulfillment filled the earth in those moments. God, who had become man, known as the Son of Man, in that very moment, was again experiencing the transition as the Son of God-Slain Lamb. Son of Man – Son of God fulfilling all that was needed for His Father to now receive Him back into glory, even as He opened The Way for Father’s many sons and daughters to now come into glory. One mother, One Son, One Father. Both the natural and the supernatural came together to tear open He, who is The Way, so that all humankind could be saved.
“For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believed in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!” John 3:16
During this Last Passover, no human being needed to bring spotless lambs into their homes, for the Father of heaven and earth provided the most incredible Spotless Lamb of All Time! So, Eat and Drink, proclaiming His death until He returns!
On a lighter note:
Is anyone else curious about the depth of Mary and John’s conversations? Did she share with John about the piercing of her heart? Did she reveal the persecution she endured as a young pregnant virgin? Did John speak of the enlightening moment he knew Jesus was Christ? Did she laugh with John at the fact that he announced he was Christ”s favorite? Did Mary explain moments in Jesus’ life where the light was so bright, confirming His identity as the Son of God? Did she ever eavesdrop while, in the night hours, young Jesus upon his bed conversed with Heavenly Father? Were His conversations with Him beyond her understanding at times?
Could Christ’s transferring responsibility to John as a son to Mary be the swiftest “adoption process” known to man?
Does God choosing John to reveal His love (1-3 John) and end-time plans (Revelation) have anything to do with John’s faithfulness to the woman He called “Highly favored and blessed?”
Six of the twelve books of the New Testament mentioning sexual immorality that I could find are Pauline Epistles. Reading through these six scrolls, one can wonder, “Why amid powerful topics written, such as born by the free woman, we are the righteousness of God in Christ, the Lord directing hearts into the love of God, inheritance in Christ, persevering through persecution, above all earnestly desiring to prophesy, the power of loving one another, fight the good fight of faith with the prophesies spoken over you, why Paul consistently addressed sexual immorality?”
Paul, the Emissary of Christ, understood his task was to preach the Gospel revealing the mysteries hidden from long ago. One of those mysteries is Christ in us, the Hope of Glory. The promise through water baptism in Christ and God’s Holy Spirit and fire tabernacling within us caused every convert’s spirit to be awakened into a life led by the Spirit, putting to death the old self–the old nature. As Paul proclaimed to Colosse, “Christ has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of the Son of His Love.” Paul wrote to those in Galatia, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live, but Christ lives in me.”
As this personal journal entry continues, it will be evident that much scripture has salted this entry, highlighted to me while reading and listening to the scriptures. They will come across as thoughts, but you will recognize them as portions of scripture, some referenced and some not. Let’s continue.
Paul, the disciples, and other followers of Jesus were in the throws of nations receiving the Good News for the first time. They were encountering God and receiving revelation from His Holy Spirit, equipped to preach. Amidst broadcasting this Good News of the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, the current state of society’s tradition accepted sexual immorality as standard. The Good News of Jesus would naturally be confronting this tradition. Since Christ was inviting humanity into a new nature, the fruit (immorality) of the old self, alive within the soul, spirit, and body of humankind, would now need to respond. Those not rescued from the fire were captive to the deceiver; therefore, the power of such captivity still cultivated sinner’s lives through the prideful lusts of their flesh.
This thought may sound crazy, but in the spirit realm, what the demonic and its theology puts the souls of humankind through can fall under the heading of “human trafficking.” True love buried within a human soul created in the image of God longs for worship, love, holiness, and to walk in the power of choice towards honor and life. Humankind was formed not for the captivity of lifeless darkness but for the Love of God.
Around 2007, a theologian and historian taught me that the immorality found in Rome at the time of Paul was worse than what we witnessed in 2007. I wonder if his observations would differ today. Altars to baal and other false gods always demand the blood and purity of children and the enslavement of men and women into perverted false worship and love, and the Good News of Jesus would naturally be confronting such tradition.
Paul taught those rescued and transferred into Messiah’s Kingdom, in Thessaloniki, about the fruit of their lives to be one of resurrection into sanctification and stewarding their body in honor. Paul speaks of the new nature of man that would not transgress or defraud another member of Christ’s body through sexual immorality. He acknowledges the fruit of one walking in the power of holiness, which is the identity of the Spirit of God.
The incredible reality is that we have died and are hidden in Him, the resurrected Christ in God, seated with Christ in heavenly places. Daily we are to consider the members of our earthly body to be dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry; instead, alive in the Spirit through the knowledge of the One who created us.
To Colosse, Paul said, The expression of holiness would be to receive the heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other.
To those in Ephesus, he instructs to “walk as Children of Light, and the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth.”
To the Galatians, he wrote, “If we live by the Spirit, we should walk by the Spirit.” That living fruit activated will taste and empower one into “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
He wrote to those in Corinth, “The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body…and those who join their body to Christ are one with Him.” Any activity outside of such a faithful union is idolatry in the eyes of God. It is the way of the sword of the Lord to receive the truth that immorality is like uniting with a prostitute. Not only is that against Christ in us, but also a defrauding of the one we engage in corruption.
We live in days where deception is near to even the very elect. In this era, the harvest is upon us in our generations. Not only of souls coming into the Kingdom of God, but also tares revealing themselves. Such a moment empowered by God can lead to the pulling out of the tares and throwing them into the fire of the Holy Spirit. A sign that old nature has awakened into its fullness is if the “tare” is not given to God but instead met with yieldedness. Wisdom cries for us to return to truth and rejoices amidst the baptism of fire from Father God. He is worthy of a pure and spotless bride yielded to Him alone. Tares found in the inner man oft come with the need for healing and deliverance. God’s Spirit reminds us of what Jesus has spoken to us, recovering all that was previously lost. Deception cannot take hold where God’s fire dwells.
I remember the day Christ came with an alert regarding an assignment of satan coming against someone I loved. He said, “Satan is coming to tempt through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” It is through our gates of life and the windows of the eyes of our hearts that pride’s greed attempts to come in and walk the paths within our souls. Hearing from Jesus such warnings empowers one to have compassion for the targeted one. Strength to stand and watch, praying in the Spirit until victory wins.
Paul admonishes us to #1,” Keep the faith,” and #2, “keep a good conscience.” One who has had their conscience burned has lost trusting faith, consequently suffering shipwreck. The superiority of title or position opposes faith and does not manifest Christ’s way, nor does it work amidst the war of temptation. For what do we have that we did not receive from God? Temptation is active, it is to our advantage to turn to God and the power of His Word walking in humility and boasting about the Lord and Him alone. In this present age, there is an acceleration of darkness with the nearer coming of Christ; hence immorality “seems’ rampant. Be on the alert, even as Christ required of His disciples. Pray without ceasing.
I found interesting the definition of immorality in the Torah writings. Zimmah is the Hebrew word for Immorality, which comes from Zamam. Zimmah means wicked mind, lewdness, and mischief. Zamam means thought, to consider, and to plan. Before the debauchery of immorality captivates one, there is always a thought. Quiet or loud, there is a thought and emotion to be recognized and responded to in either agreement or rebuke. God the Father knew what He was doing as He empowered Paul to write to us, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. The battle is in the mind, and God has given the strategy for a victorious win toward holiness.
A noticeable battle is often expected before we define the moment as “Warfare.” A ‘thought’ entering one’s mind usually does not come with alarm bells announcing, “Warfare!!” or “Incoming assault!!” With a chuckle, I write this next portion. As someone from the Mideast, when warfare is impending, we do not look for a thought; instead, we often passionately look for arrows or maybe a javelin. On second thought, that is biblical. God instructed, “Take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” The original thought was the assault; therefore, it is good and wise to remember that the onslaught often begins with a deceptive view of thought. Example: Joseph disagreed with Potiphar’s wife’s thoughts. Potiphar’s wife lusted after what she saw with her eyes. This woman’s societal standing puffed her up as she postured herself in the pride of her life situation. She demanded a response to the sensuality of her flesh.
Like Joseph (manager of Potiphar’s estate), although we are amidst a God-permitted assignment, we too cannot be drawn through the lust (energy) of the flesh, the desire of the eye, nor the pride of life (the position). If temptation comes, it doesn’t matter if the tempter has hold of the collar of our rightfully given mantle, turn around and run. It is better to lose a mantle temporarily than to lose our ability to please the Lord.
Please permit me to address lust for a moment. Humanism’s throning of self-worship through demonic doctrine has enthroned lust to manifest its pinnacle once again. Lust demands the sensuality of the flesh to be fed, holding the notion that self-acknowledgment, applause, and fulfillment are the goal and gospel of the generations. “Follow your heart” or “Do whatever makes you happy” are dangerous to those who strive to follow Truth. Yes, we are family to God, but we are not the author of life.
God began all things with and through His Son. If we could take seven steps back and look at the entrance into Life, we would not see ourselves as the framework of the ancient gate; instead, we would see Jesus covered in His Father’s mantle of love. The veil tore open, welcoming all who believe into their life created by THEM–He who is the One True God. The Author of Life invites us to come in and become what was written of Him upon the tablets of our hearts.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men… And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-4, 14
Draw close to the love and fear of the Lord into holiness. Vessels of honor are baptized into the newness of life through repentance, chosen to be found faithful, and embracing union with Christ. For it is true of what Paul proclaims of Christ Jesus. “Great beyond all question is the formerly hidden truth underlying our faith: He was manifested physically and proved righteous spiritually, seen by angels and proclaimed among the nations, trusted throughout the world and raised up in glory to heaven.” 1 Timothy 3:16
“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason, I found mercy so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17
Desolation’s Thirst:
Known as the wilderness.
Realm outside of God’s glory.
The cursed place.
The plains which have rejected God and His dominion,
for one drop of cold water, desolation groans.
Lifeless and absent of the power of creativity,
desolation is the absence of light.
Burnt seeds within its domain
demand to be watered with lusts of the old nature
found within humankind created in the image of God.
Not able to trespass into the Garden of Life
to feast on its trees and drink from its river beds,
desolation’s soul lusts.
Slithering on its belly along the walls of empty cisterns,
greedy for mankind’s flesh to produce lusts fit for one second of reprieve.
It hunts for sensuality as it tempts humankind’s flesh, eyes, and life
with the very pride which rebelled against The Living Water of Life.
This rebellious place is known as hell –
the powers of its darkness mock as it craves the nectar of profligate living, harlotry, and sensualities.
Desolation’s double-pointed tongue covets to pierce the purity of the image of God in mankind.
The wine of immoralities dripping from its very jaws would satisfy its groaning even for a moment.
The fruit of desolation will be slain by the breath of the Lord Yeshua, and through the Slain Lamb’s blood poured out.
In the Grace of God, one daughter redeemed by the King of kings.
She.
Mother.
Ima.
Mama.
Ama.
Carriers of living beings.
Comforter.
Nurturer.
Dreamer.
Lover.
Travailing and Groaning in labor for birth and for dreams.
Crowning of the breaking waters.
Emerging of the Generations.
Watcher in prayer.
Dealer with the weighty issues.
Wrestles with time.
Recollects memories of life.
Spontaneous Judge.
Warrior Woman.
Seeks to perceive understanding of truth.
Doctor of the soul.eagle in intuitive insights,
,
,
,,
,
.She is comfortable now because she took 2 minutes to breathe with Jesus or feels far from Him due to forgetfulness. She’s stunned by the choices chosen, grieved due to losing one’s time, and even resistant to truth. She is awakened in the night hours to intercede for her children; she herself needs God’s Mother-heart to pass through such fires. To love is to laugh, cry, celebrate, achieve, be silent, stand firm, and give through those god-awful or god-gifted ‘try again’ moments.
The 20th of April will always be a day of testimony for our family. On this day (3 years ago), God breathed life into Emil again. He was brought back from death and given life here on earth. A testimony meant to bring Glory to the Lord and a prophecy to the Body of Christ, our family experienced a true Passover.
The first day of April’s Passover in 2019 was from sunset on the 19th to sunset on the 20th. During these hours, Life’s win was witnessed in our home. Emil began his fight for life on this side of heaven, experiencing two heart conditions at one time (cardiac arrest and heart attack).
Our youngest son was placed in the right place at the right time. He is known among nurses and doctors in the hospital as “The 18-year-old son who saved his father’s life.” Malakey came into agreement with God’s roar over his father, commanding his father to ‘roar’ as God breathed into him again.
Three years ago and twelve hours into Passover, God gently began to warn me of what was to come, yet my mind could not understand His conversation with me until nine hours later. I would describe the language God was using with me as that of Exodus 12 and 13. Without fully comprehending the present-day meaning or relevance, I did what I knew to do; I called Emil on the phone and asked him to come home. Thank God Emil returned and was near us on this eventful day.
Passover 2019 took place from the eve of the 19th to the eve of the 27th, and within these 8 days of Passover, Emil warred for the restoration of his heart. On the heels of Passover’s completion, Emil was brought out of sedation fully, and his first word was, “Dimensions.” There is no doubt Emil was shown much by God. Yet, until today Emil’s physical memory does not recall these encounters, the glorious presence of God which surrounded him, or the traumatic events due to the medications given to remove all traumatic memories. Yes, this is a common medical practice. A few days ago, Emil reminded us of one of his current prayers, that he would be permitted by God to see again all the understanding of ‘dimensions’ he was shown during his FIGHT FOR A RESTORED HEART.
Emil’s hospital room was a room filled with a cloud of God’s Glory. I remember the moment God instructed me to lay my head against His Glory while others warred for Emil’s life. Was it the chest of God? Was it His attribute of Psalms 91:4? I believe it was. Emil’s room was so filled with heaven’s activity. Whenever God would open my eyes to see beyond the natural, there were three constant things. The first was the angel known to be one created for the Middle East, a “Heavenly Prince,” sent from God to be present at the head of Emil’s bed guarding him while many levels of healing took place. The second was the larger than life “desert map” of the Middle East, extending far past the boundaries of Emil’s room which covered the tiled floor of his ICU room. The third was the Cloud of God’s Glory.
The medical staff reported to us of the spreading of the news throughout the hospital that we were the family permitting only words of life to be spoken in the hearing of Emil. Every doctor and nurse knew that once they crossed the threshold of his room, every diagnosis and conversation had to consist of hope for Emil’s life and complete recovery. Negative words of death were not allowed. The 25+ nurses and many doctors were all aware of this standard. Every conflict they found in his body (many) was spoken with a strategy to reverse the problem. It is true; I learned during those days how ICU staff are taught an ‘art’ of how to administer medications at the right time with the proper doses to do the best for a patient on the brink. They were the best!
Emil’s cardiologist is one of the best in this state. He understood medicine and that God created the physical body with the potential to “speak,” letting the physicians know the best time to operate successfully. This cardiologist trusted God and waited for Emil’s heart to “communicate” with him. The wisdom and skill of this doctor will never be forgotten. Vietnam, we will forever love you, as one of your sons was Emil’s surgeon and speaker of life over Emil.
Even after we were discharged from the hospital’s care, our expectation of full recovery and attitude toward life were reminisced by staff. Weeks later, while visiting for physical therapy, I was surprised as we were asked if we were the family who allowed only words of life to be spoken in Emil’s room. It is true, “Hope in Jesus who is LIFE impacts the hearts of humanity.”
We are humbled by God’s Will, allowing Emil to live a life resounding with the fruit of Christ’s resurrection. God’s intentions are still “Greater Faith.”
While Emil was in the first hospital before his “life flight” helicopter ride to one of the best hospitals for cardiology issues, the children and I were in the waiting room with about fifteen of our friends. I was shocked, as we had just completed 8 Days of Communion. These days initiated out of obedience to God’s instruction to re-introduce Communion to His church threw us into 8 Days of God’s heavy presence. The Glory of God was still all over us from sharing Communion with people far and wide over the last 8 days, yet now we sat in the waiting room having witnessed the spirit of death. Such a paradox. I cannot say I was happy. I turned to my friend and said, “What is Communion if death like this can occur?” Her response, “What would have happened if you had not partaken of Christ’s Communion?” Even as I write this, it is 4:30a.m., and no one is outside on our street, yet I just heard the loudest whistling from outdoors. This whistle was so loud and sounded like it came from down the hall inside a large building.
Yes, indeed, what would have happened if our home was not filled with the activation of the blood covenant of Jesus Christ? This is the prophecy for the Body of Christ, released in the Spirit beginning January 2019.
While all of our friends were praying in the waiting room for Emil, the doctor called for emergency surgery to implant an Impella into Emil’s heart. An “Impella” is a mechanism implanted into the heart which supports the heart’s pumping function, providing blood and oxygen to vital organs. Due to cardiogenic shock, which is a life-threatening situation that occurs when the heart’s inability to function causes organs in the body to begin to fail, the Impella was very useful for Emil. The hospital purchased this product for the first time just 3 months prior. The only physician at this hospital with knowledge of the product was there on that day. She was not scheduled for work but was called in hours earlier to take the Physicians shift. No coincidence at all; instead, the sovereign hand of God.
He would undergo a quadruple bypass three days later, and four days later, he would wake up into a new season of recovery. It was on that first day that God pronounced LIFE over Emil. All of the days which followed were days of fighting for the restored heart. The Lord invites His Body to recover all that was lost and come into the resurrected life of a heart no longer stone but a heart of flesh. This is possible as one passes through the blood covenant of Jesus Christ. He said, “As you eat this bread and drink this cup, remember the Lord’s death until He returns.” Crucified and Resurrected, His covenant is forever.
On the 14th day of Abib (Nisan), Emil experienced the hand and breath of God! Life passed over, inciting us all into a lifestyle endowed with greater faith.
To those who are looking for the KEY to finding the open heavens; otherwise known as the portals into the heavens, …the KEY which ushers access through the portal is ….
… prayer …
This is a Holy Place; where the activity of such a KEY can be found amidst the dusty gravel where a desperate soul tripped up, or along the marble corridors of a king’s chambers where he seeks the advice of his King, or within the closed closet doors of fathers and mothers who maneuver space between shoeboxes finding solid ground to stand on the promises of God for the future of their children, or atop of the grassy hills of nations as eyes of the enlightened run with Jesus while He visits regions, or riding along the busy highways with music decibels loud as the faith driven saint visits with the Lord of lords. Prayer is accessed and is the audience of one (us) with The ONE, Jesus Christ the slain and resurrected Messiah!
Hunger to be included in the activity of heaven has not be withheld from God’s people; instead the invitation is always waiting. Human formulations and strategies are sub to the invitation already presented. Once that KEY is turned and God’s servants the angels join in the movements of our prayers, in obedience to God’s nod, nothing can change the outcome of God’s response.
“… The Lamb who was slaughtered stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. And when He took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and THEY held gold bowls FILLED with INCENSE, which ARE the PRAYERS of God’s people. And they sang a new song with these words; “ You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For You were slaughtered, and Your blood has ransomed people for God for every tribe and language and people and nation. And You have caused them to become a Kingdom of Priests for our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
Revelation 5:6-10
Where there is a desire to be used of God: a desire to obey God and work alongside angels as they fulfill God’s plans with authority and power within earth and heaven; YES, right there in the presence of God and of His Will, prayer is the KEY. What is foolishness to the world is often the greatest of wisdoms in God’s world.
Often times the statement is made, “I am not called to be a watchman or intercessor.” I regret that this fallacy has caused much flesh work with little outcome. Every prophet was a watchman, every judge an intercessor, every individual desires audience with their Creator. Prayer is just that.
Every child of God has been invited into the realms of the open heavens through prayer.
A self-discipline or control needed in this sphere will be meekness. Meekness and humility will need cultivation in such a place because little to no accolades carry clout in the theater of prayer. The simplicity of this most powerful place of engaging through the portals of heaven to earth is the conversations, the listening, and the agreement with the Messiah who sits before us in this Most Holy Place. This KEY to the Holy place opens such an invitation to humankind to join with the hosts of heaven in agreement. The only One who receives laud and glory, in this place, is King Jesus!
” Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessings.”
Revelation 5:12
“If you have run with the footman and they have tired you out,
then how can you compete with horses?
If you fall down in a land of peace,
how will you do in the pride of the Jordan?”
Jeremiah 12:5
Let’s recall history for a moment, a portion of Jeremiah the Prophet and Priest’s story….
Jeremiah the prophet was the son of Hilkiah, priests in Judah, living in Anathoth of the land of Benjamin (Jer 1:1). Jeremiah’s life was an insignia of God’s jealous love for the northern and southern tribes (Jer 33:20-22). He knew Jeremiah before he was born (Jer 1:5) and sent him to earth right on time for the international shifting of eras, placing him above kingdoms and nations (Jer 1:10).
Jerusalem refused to love God, forsaking Him they sacrificed to false gods and worshipped the work of their hands (Jer 1:16). This young priest received his life commission and assignment directly from God to confront such a forsaking, and to give directives on how to survive the unbelieved captivity coming.
While God was ordaining Jeremiah He addressed the difficulty of the assignment and fathered him into personal fortitude and inner character. Jeremiah wasn’t created to cower. God equips Jeremiah with fortitude saying,
“Now, gird up your loins and arise,
and speak to them all which I command you.
Do not be dismayed before them,
or I will dismay you before them.”
Jeremiah 1:17
Then God establishes Jeremiah’s inner character, and brings to light Jeremiah’s inner design.
“Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city
and as a pillar of iron and
as walls of bronze against the whole land,
to the kings of Judah, to its princes,
to its priests and to the people of the land.”
Jeremiah 1:18
One can tell the impact God’s conversation had on Jeremiah. The 7-Spirits of God were released to him, as God spoke:
The scriptures do not directly state the impact the Spirits of God had on Jeremiah, but who Jeremiah became with his audacity, compassion, perseverance to truth, and insistence makes this clear. Scripture confirms the Spirits of God reside where God sits on the throne. Where God is there we will find His Spirits (Revelation 4:5, 5:6, 1 Corinthians 2:12). When appointed, God equips, empowers, envelops with His Spirit.
Jeremiah, God’s trumpet, would be preserved as long as he did not yield to dismay. Jeremiah’s preparation included being mantled with the power of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11: 1-3) – Holiness. God constantly spoke His wisdom into Jeremiah releasing understanding of the past, current consequences, and future outcomes. His counsel strengthened Jeremiah. As Jeremiah experienced the Knowledge of God he grew in the fear of God. This “7-fold Spirit baptism” sustained Jeremiah as he pass through the trials of persecution, empowering him to see beyond the present circumstance, and what was the popular thought wrongfully fed to the masses.
Jeremiah’s appointment mantled him as he Watched over Israel and Witnessed the scrolls of prophesy come to pass over the hills of Judeah. He was directed to prophesy God’s future plans, and often demonstrate the plans literally (Jer 32). Many thought this outlandish. He remained on course.
Truth will cause conflict:
One couldn’t cross paths with Jeremiah without a confrontation to their conscience. The distance and time they drifted away from God caused His truth to sound foreign in their ears. Could they recognize God’s invitation to them, as He called them bride and family? Even though they were spiritually blind, would they slow down, listen, and allow the vibrations of truth to speak to their hearts, and even change course?
The Southern Tribes’ (Judah and Benjamin) rebellion against God and persecutions against Jeremiah would not shatter God’s motives nor permanently devastate His Covenant Of Salt sealed with David and his land (2 Chronicles 13:5, Ezekiel 37:24-27).
Love always came where God was, for He is Love. Amidst devastating circumstance God did not abandon His own; instead He instructed Jeremiah on the necessary requirements to be adhered if the nation desired to prosper amidst captivity (ie. Jer. 34). These steps came with courage and Jeremiah sought those who dared to heed.
“Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit.
Take wives and beget sons and daughters;
and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands,
so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there,
and not diminished.
And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive,
and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.”
Jeremiah 29:5-7
A thought. Why were the people perplexed and in doubt to Jeremiah’s prophesies? …
Judah was known to be favored. Every Judean King and his people knew of the promises God decreed into Abraham and more recent to David and his lineage. The pattern of turning away from God, being rebuked, repenting , and returning was constant. What would cause God to pronounce a more severe judgment now? Wouldn’t, yet again, their soul be granted permission to repeat cycles? What would cause the “gate” to open allowing foreign invasions? Jeremiah stood in the nation as The Key which unlocked the new era of time.
Let’s briefly dive into Jeremiah’s need for a fortified personal constitution of soul and spirit, a little more …
God’s desire to deliver His people through repentance was strong and the consequence of their choice was imminent. The measure of sin had accumulated. His love was ready to discipline knowing the future held promise.
Jeremiah must prepare for severe deception on the people to manifest against him as a rejection. This young man’s prophesies were about to cause the soul of humanity to manifest, empowered by the spirits of unfaithfulness. Anger, mockery, and death threats would spew. This force of betrayal would bruise Jeremiah, calling him ludicrous for counseling them to yield to their enemies. The responses of governmental leaders and the citizens of the land, as wicked as they were, most likely paled in comparison to the difficulty of being betrayed by the local priesthood – his own family. The political and religious spirits were set against him; as was, the ‘energy’ of the nation (the peoples).
Let’s implement another piece of history here. This will begin to take us into the motivation for this writing.
Jeremiah’s priestly lineage came with responsibilities of history keeping. The priests and prophets through the assistance of Israel’s scribes, kept accounts of all that God said and did through previous generations. So, when God spoke to Jeremiah in metaphors (Jer. 12:5), this specific metaphor of ‘the thicket/the pride of Jordan,’ would cause him to reminisce of the mighty acts of God in yesteryears.
The work of the Priest:
The priests of the Lord were always meant to lead the people into obedience, therefore victory. They were ordained to always walk ahead—amidst the terrain creating a safe path for the people. God had spoken to Jeremiah about the path and the strategies.
What Jeremiah was up against was that he was the only priest-prophet who was carrying out his responsibility as a righteous priest. Everyone else had jumped ship. Maybe one of Jeremiah’s reminiscing’s would have been the story of Joshua.
“…and when those who carried the ark came into the Jordan,
and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water
for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest,
the waters which were flowing down from above stood
and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at Adam,
the city that is beside Zarethan; and those which were
flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea,
were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho.
And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord
stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan
while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation
had finished crossing the Jordan.”
Joshua 3:15–17
The priests knew their roles. Worship in Spirit and Truth always opened the door to revelation and directives for the prophets and priests. Jeremiah’s days were no different. Jeremiah knew his place; however, his kinsmen the priests of Judah had chosen to forget. Who would be on the Lord’s side and direct the peoples to pass through the Jordan? This time not into the promised land but into captivity. Yahweh, You did not give Jeremiah an easy task.
Jeremiah’s Complaint:
Jeremiah’s difficulties swelled. The frequency of Jeremiah approaching God is evident throughout his writings. Always! Whether in praise or complaint he kept his face towards Gods. One of these face to face moments is found in Jeremiah 11 and 12.
“Moreover, the Lord made it known to me and I knew it;
Then You showed me their deeds.
But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter;
And I did not know that they had devised plots against me, saying,
“Let us destroy the tree with its fruit,
And let us cut him off from the land of the living,
That his name be remembered no more.”
But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously,
Who tries the feelings and the heart,
Let me see Your vengeance on them,
For to You have I committed my cause.”
…..
“Righteous are You, O Lord, that I would plead my case with You;
Indeed I would discuss matters of justice with You:
Why has the way of the wicked prospered?
Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease?
You have planted them, they have also taken root;
They grow, they have even produced fruit.
You are near to their lips
But far from their mind.
But You know me, O Lord;
You see me;
And You examine my heart’s attitude toward You.
Drag them off like sheep for the slaughter
And set them apart for a day of carnage!
How long is the land to mourn
And the vegetation of the countryside to wither?
For the wickedness of those who dwell in it,
Animals and birds have been snatched away,
Because men have said, “He will not see our latter ending .”
Jeremiah 11:18-20, 12:1-4
God’s Response:
God’s response to Jeremiah’s complaint was to contrast the common everyday occurrence of footmen walking in a land of peace to the tension of keeping up with speed and strength of horses, all of this while surviving the “pride of Jordan.’ He was calling Jeremiah’s current pressures amidst the men of his hometown (Anathoth) to be a mild “scrimmage” in comparison to the violence which would soon occur. “Jeremiah remember, you are fortified in Me!”
The atmosphere taking place during a prophesy is often times different to when the word is actually being fulfilled. Dark days were ahead. The thundering of horse-hooves coming from the North and East would not come with compassion, but with a sword.
God met with Jeremiah to evaluate his growth and to fine-tune his perspective on the current conflicts. “Larger conflicts are ahead Jeremiah so gird up your loins – tuck in your robe and get ready to run into tougher terrain.“ Do not be on the defensive and react. The offensive means you know who I am, what your assignment is, and how to respond to the threats soon to come. Jeremiah had a choice. God understood the human form (psalms 103). The price Jeremiah would pay would be greater. He would either walk steadfast into the fire or be dragged in. The foreign invaders were on their way. God conversed with him saying,
“If you have run with the footman and they have tired you out, then how can you compete with the horses?
If you fall down in the land of peace, how will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?”
Jeremiah 12:5
What is the “Pride / Thickets of Jordan?”
The geographic location of the thickets/pride of the Jordan River rests between Israel and Jordan. The thickets and the river receive fresh waters from Mount Hermon. As the waters fill the river and marshlands the waters continue down into the Dead Sea.
The River is historically known for its marshy surroundings, it’s reeds, and all that grows in the underbrush; hence, ‘the Pride/Thickets of the Jordan’. In biblical times the Jordan River and surrounding marsh (thickets) was known for the wild creatures which called this place either their watering hole or home. This region known as the Thickets or Pride of Jordan (the Ghor) is included within the Syrio-African Rift Valley which flows from Syria all the way to Mozambique.
“In harvest-time (Spring time, April and May) the river overflows its banks, and fills the valley (the Ghor) or, “the pride of Jordan,” namely its wooded banks abounding with lions and other wild beasts. It is said that between the Sea of Tiberias and Lake Merom the banks are so wooded that the traveller could not see the river at all without first passing through the woods. ‘If in the campaign country (alone) thou art secure, how wilt thou do when thou fallest into the wooded haunts of wild beasts?’” * (footnote available)
Remember the job of the priests?:
The conflicts of Judah were about to play out on a military theater resembling the “Thickets/Pride of Jordan” in the time of harvest and the swelling waters.
This was a different kind of Harvest Time, not one for dancing and laughter instead weeping and groaning.
Side Note for a moment:
Imagine for a moment the sounds of the Joshua crossings. Remember when thousands and even millions were crossing the river while angels held the waters up to one side? Consider the sound of the children, of the wagon wheels, the military forces marching, the animals, the shofars of the priests blowing. What about the vibrations of excitement and fears of the unknown?
Tensions worse then Joshua would now occur for Judah. This time foreign invaders would be coming to take captive God’s children once again. The first time 400 years in Egypt, and this time 70 years in Iraq.
The Job of the Priests continue:
Jeremiah stood in the land of what was once peace, working to keep up with the speed of what was coming through the delusion and rebellion resting on the citizens of his nation. Jeremiah was about to dip his toes into the swelling floods of the “Thickets/Pride of Jordan” to witness strongholds of foreign nations coming into the land promised to the Israelites, as he continued to pronounce God’s messages.
As the watchman over Judah Jeremiah witnessed one of the hardest things for a watchmen to endure. On his watch he witnessed an outcome opposing God’s best for a People. God had given dominion to humankind and now the results of self-driven choices were about to produce fruit. Jeremiah’s honest anguish caused him to be known throughout the ages as “the weeping prophet.”
One would think Jeremiah would be cherished by the people as the Watchman who sacrificed his life for the safety of the nation, instead he was consistently berated and beaten to the ground:
Jeremiah experienced the dungeons. His body ached as he hit that ground so hard while beaten and left to die. His stomach growled from hunger while he battled the spirit of rejection. The few friends he had were unable to assist him. He stood face to face with family members and peers in the temple as they betrayed and abandoned him. This all part of the experience of the “running with the horses.” The “Pride/Thickets of Jordan” experience was on it’s way.
We can use this advise today:
God’s instruction was “not to flinch in the face of adversity.” “Yes, such hostility will come our way, BUT, do not yield to the confusion – do not allow the actions of deception or depravity to play with nor shatter your soul nor spirit. Do not lose faith nor your trust in Me. Do not alter the message I have given you.”
Jeremiah’s decision to yield into ‘trust in God’ unified, recalibrated, and fortitude his spirit and soul. Yes, his future would be filled with loneliness and assault against his convictions; however, yielding to God’s protocol would keep him in perfect form, strength, and peace – a fortified city, pillars of iron , and walls of bronze.
Coming into the NOW:
To the Kingdom of priests (Revelation 1) of the Lord, the Watchmen, the Intercessors; therefore, all who are the children of God! It’s Harvest Time! The waters of the Jordan are about to swell. “The yielded trumpeters of the Lord carry a firm sound. The trumpeters of the Lord stands with a face set stronger than flint as the determined winds of change reveal both the Light and the darkness.”
Be Encouraged:
The shakings which are coming are meant to shake that which opposes God’s people. Yes, His love is that extreme. The commerce and trade of nations accepted the deception of the world systems becoming seduced by her powers (Isaiah 23:8, Revelation 6:15, Nahum 3:4). The scroll of Revelation is clear. God takes note when there is persecution. He has acknowledged to Apostle John 2000 years ago that a time was coming when He would avenge the spilled blood of His bondservants (Revelation 16:5,6).
This type of shaking is meant for those who are covenanted to the world systems (1 John 2:15-17). This type of judgment is coming to the rulers of the world who have done harm to their citizens (Revelation 18:23,24).
During the shakings we will find ourselves on solid ground hidden in the refuge of God (Psalms 62, 1 John 3), if we are of God and of the Kingdom of The Son of God’s love (Colossians 1:13). This is the place of immunity. And yes, in the place of the increase of God awareness of “left-over world” in us can be shaken off (Revelation 18:4).
It is time to turn our faces towards God and be awakened-commissioned as priests before the Lord worshipping in Spirit and Truth. The “Thickets/Pride of Jordan” is upon us. “Arise and Shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” (Is 60, 1 John 2:8). God will look for 50 righteous in your regions (Genesis 18:26-33). There is going to be a remnant, no doubt about His plans (Isaiah 11:11).
Back to History, and the relevance of this powerful place for the mighty acts of God, “Thickets/Pride of Jordan”:
Jeremiah’s prophesies were accurate and fulfilled. Israel crossed the Jordan Eastward into captivity, followed by Daniels work of repentance (post 70 years) according to the instructions of Jeremiah regarding the forgotten sabbaths (Jer 17:19-27, Jer. 25).
Ezra and Nehemiah, with those who recognized the time of captivity was over, crossed back over the Jordan disconnecting themselves from the systems of captivity into a new freedom. They rebuilt Jerusalem on the land and in their hearts. Such a courageous priesthood emerged. (Ezra and Nehemiah)
New Covenant Priest and Prophet spends a lot of time at the ‘thickets/pride of Jordan’:
Hundreds of years later another priest and prophet by the name of John the Baptizer, the son of Zecharias of Abijah and Elizabeth of Aaron, stood within the waters of the Jordan (Luke 1:5, 3:1-19). He prepared the way (the terrain) for the One coming soon (Isaiah 40). He did this by preparing a way for the people to come out of the captivities of darkness through the waters of baptism into repentance, there at the Jordan.
Pondering as I Reminisce :
Men and women of Israel followed John into the waters of repentance, but did they understand that their preparation was just in time to receive the Living Ark of the Covenant – the carrier of the Glory of God (Luke 3:16,17)? Oh, the mysteries of heaven were being revealed. Scrolls opened. Yes, the One who John was not worthy to tie His sandal.
Take a moment to recall this. It was the Ark which was carried into the Jordan the first time in the spring time, for the waters were swelled causing the Pride of the Jordan to be a unsettling location (Joshua 3:15-17). This priest, John, stood in same waters of the Jordan surrounded by the ‘wild creatures found in the thickets/pride of Jordan’ (Luke 3:3, 20). He knew his battle was the Sadducees, Pharisees, and governmental leaders.
It was at this time through the ministry of John and his cousin that the promised land was no longer just a place on the earthly map, instead access was being prepared right there and then for all peoples to enter through the open heavens right into eternal life (Luke 3:22). Right there at the Thickets/Pride of the Jordan.
A short time later The Great High Priest intentionally found His way into those same waters while John His cousin ministered. As He stepped into the waters He was declaring His agreement to His Father of His earthly purpose. Two priests in the Jordan together now (Matthew 3:14,15). Two cousins six months apart in age. Now the Great High Priest Jesus Christ – Yeshua would go before the peoples in all things making a way for them into the New and Living Way. Followers of the Messiah would be welcomed as a Kingdom of Priests to His God and Father.
The ‘wild beasts’ found along the Thickets/Pride of Jordan which Yeshua would endure would be the magnitude of all of hell and earth itself. Heaven and earth’s Dread Champion and Conquering King did not bow to dismay, nor was dismayed before the people nor before hell. He did not cower.
Salvation:
The invitation given to all people of all nations was and is, “For God so love the world.” “Repent and be baptized” is celebrated and is followed by the cleaning out of the thresholds through the fire of holiness, right into the baptism of The Holy Spirit. The empowering force into victory and the circumcision out of the world (Matthew 3:11,12). I like what Bishop Garlington says, “The baptism of water and of the Holy Spirit cuts the umbilical cord which connects us to the world, separating us unto God and His Kingdom.” (November, 2021)
Jesus would take captivity captive releasing His people from the bondage of the law and death, right into the promised land – the heavenly Temple of The Lord not made with the hands of humankind (Ephesians 4:8, Daniel 2:34,35).
Today:
The Thickets/Pride of the Jordan has swelled again. Nations are raging. Kings are bewildered into injustice acts of unrighteousness. People are afraid. Rulers are playing with the pawns on the Chess Board of nations. False altars are being served. The list goes on. BUT, the Lord is looking for those who will dare to step into the Jordan stirring up the Waters of Repentance and The Waters of Life, for the New Era of time is upon us.
“Later, as they were eating,
Jesus appeared to the Eleven
and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart,
because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,
but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
And these signs will accompany those who believe:
In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
they will pick up snakes with their hands,
and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them;
they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”
Mark 16:14-18
A beautiful mystery about God. He plays in the River:
God Himself loves to step into the River of Life and literally stir up the waters of His Will for all people. The Triune Deity stirs up these Waters of Life sending to earth all that is needed. An ever flowing river providing God’s Will, from heaven to earth!
Along this river are the trees bearing the healing leaves with monthly provision (Revelation 21:1,2). Such inheritance is stirred up in the Waters of Life. There at His river I witness the exuberant Joy in our God towards us as He provides such waters. Such Fulfillment! He watches over the waters of His Word to complete it (Jer 1:12, Isaiah 55)! Jump into the River of God’s life and watch the wild beasts found amidst the thickets pale in comparison.
Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal,
coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street.
On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit,
yielding its fruit every month;
and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Revelation 22:1,2
As the Watchmen over nations and Kingdoms Jeremiah was used to proclaim and “midwife” Judah and Israel from the horrors of invasion to the restoration of the promise. He was called to live as if the Lord’s words were already fulfilled. What are you being called to watch over and to walk through? Where are you along the Jordan River and it’s thickets?
“Be strong and courageous!!
Do NOT tremble or be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Much Love, P. Zananiri
Footnote for second part of “What is the Thickets/Pride of Jordan“: (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 518). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”
Word definitions for those who read English as a 2nd language.
Era: a long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic
Cower: crouch down in fear
Dismay: to be in panic, to shatter, afraid, abolished.
Conscience: an inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one’s behavior.
Scrimmage: a confused struggle or fight. In American Football a scrimmage is a session in which teams practice by playing a simulated game.
Tocodynamometer: A pressure-sensitive device called a tocodynamometer is placed on the mother’s abdomen over the area of strongest contractions to measure the length, frequency, and strength of uterine contractions.
Ring of Fire
Todays highlighted earthquakes in California and Taiwan were a reminder of their location as part of the Ring of Fire, also known as the Circus-Pacific Belt.
The Ring of Fire is defined as the chain of volcanoes and earthquakes taking place due to the shifting of the titonic plates located along the Pacific Ocean. The length of this Ring is approximately 40,000 kilometers or 24,900 miles. The arched flight pattern from California to Taiwan, due to the roundness of the earth, would take about fourteen hours. The 5, 901 nautical miles from one location to the other are 10, 834 kilometers or 6732 miles.
The Ring of Fire is also a birthing term used in the moments right as the crowning of the baby takes place.
For many this Ring of Fire is a reminder of the contractions spoken of in Matthew 24. Jesus was answering the disciples questions about the timing of the end of the age, and the fulfillment of His foretelling which He had just spoken. Jesus’ response was, “Not to be afraid.” Not to be afraid of the earthquakes, famines, wars, rumors of wars, and even nations rising against nations and kingdom against kingdom. He spoke clearly of lawlessness and betrayals which would take place. He spoke of the tension in the earth causing many to experience the coldness of heart. His encouragement to those who had traveled with Him for three years, “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” He said, “The Gospel would be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations.” You and I have and are yet learning to “yield” to God and His ways. Could we say that we have been traveling with Him since the day His Holy Spirit wooed us into the heart of His Father?
The world-wide ‘ring of fire’ will not take place until the crowned King Jesus returns to the earth once again, the hour no one knows except for Father God.
Today as the news came of the earthquakes what was impressed upon me was, “We are about to witness a shaking which has been finalized in preparation.” God’s ways are fabulous and trump the agendas of darkness. Amen?
The true priests of God and governing. (I am not referring to the priests found in denominations; instead, of those God speaks of in the book of Hebrews and other locations found in scripture) :
Over the last few days I keep on remembering something I was told while in DC. “Pray! They do not like it when we pray because the prayers of the saints are affecting outcomes. They are not able to accomplish their plans when believers in Christ pray. Pray!” This would be true for every nation of the world. Yes, take on the directives given by God and pray!
The corporate sound brought together in arena’s, buildings, houses, parks, prayer closets, etc release such reverberations; and once received by God upon His altar no man can deny His response as He releases His joy, pleasure , and will back upon the earth! Yes, contractions take place as the earth responds to God.
I’m remembering something now. While in Wadi Rum years ago, a time of intercession for the nations took place. In this place of corporate agreement amidst the travails of the Spirit, the response of God was to send an earthquake right where we stood. The sound of the earthquake and the shaking beneath our feet came through the desert floor like a train splitting a mountain in two.
The antidote amidst the religious and political spirit:
He is hungry for our personal times of adoration and communication, this the antidote for being one whose heart remains in His fire. He is also calling for the corporate agreement and sound to be released. He will tip the bowls according to His will.
In the time when the religious and political spirits were playing out what they thought was their greatest game, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Jesus while in the Garden of Gethsemane said to His disciples, “ Watch and Pray so that you do not enter into temptation, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26
As God is releasing His TIME upon the nations, in response to HIM, it is time for us to release our spirit sound into the nations. Some will need to hear this statement as encouragement. Here it is. “Get up and gather!” Just now I am hearing the phrase, “Shout unto God with the Voice of Triumph.” Let me look that up. Wow, Wow, this scripture is one that we declared last year this time. Let me write it out here for us.
“O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah. God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.” Psalms 47
Let me add another verse here also, as He has been speaking this for about one week now.
“The Mighty One, God, the Lord, has spoken, And summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.” Psalms 50:1
There is a summoning taking place. His voice shakes the cedars of Lebanon, what can His voice accomplish within the heart of the heathen or of the believer?
With every shaking we should have already heard His direction for us personally which would enable us in the midst of the shaking to “Stand and see the salvation of God.”
Be blessed today! His TIMING is faster then the speed of sound. Get ready to run! … or are you riding? 
ps. many of the topics spoken of here can be further detailed (more details and revelation given), but my goal today is simply to share with you what came to mind as the quakes took place today. If I were to mention one area that I personally am visiting, it would be the “summoning of God” as mentioned in Psalms 50.
Much love to you all. Have an amazing morning, afternoon, and evening!
+ 2021 Pondering's, For the Love of the Bible, Journey to Wholeness, Kingdom Growth, Moment in Prayer
James, Jesus’ Brother, Encourages Steadfastness.
by briskyz
How amazing is it that Christ’s brother James (Jacob) was inspired by God to write to the 12 dispersed tribes of Israel, who were ejected from their regions becoming settlers in foreign territories?
Christ’s brother who most likely followed Jesus later in life was now comforting those who were establishing their lives in Christ while far from familiarity. God helped James recognize their need to remember Christ’s ways and to respond to Holiness by activating faith by works through the help of Holy Spirit; after all, they were God’s temple and His Spirit dwelled within them. In so doing James was empowered to scribe a scroll of encouragement, rebuke, and direction.
Let’s start in Luke 22:28-30 for a moment. This is fast becoming a favorite portion of scripture.
Jesus says to His disciples, “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Jesus is acknowledging and expressing gratitude towards the men and women who for 3 years stood by Him as He passed through temptations embedded with enticement into wicked works. No, He never submitted nor opened the door within Himself. He remained faithful to His Father, never allowing an adulterous relationship with the world’s ways to find room in Him.
Jesus, the Son of God was expressing thanksgiving towards each of them. Maybe the disciples were not perfect every time in their support, but with what they had they stood with God!! Wow! For such a friendship they were given place at His Table. What would they be eating and drinking? How would they judge the 12 tribes of Israel?
In Luke Jesus is expressing the pain and victory found through His obedience unto maturity – perfecting process. Now in James Christ’s brother is encouraging the tribes to overcome as they pass through such temptations. Within this book one can see the connection between Luke 22 and the incredible way to live a life of victory. As I ponder I can feel the expression of Christ’s thankful heart towards His disciples being passed down to His inheritance found within the hearts of humankind.
This book is such an expression of Gods love for the tribes. This is such an expression of James’ service towards his Brother Jesus. This is such an opportunity for the 12 tribes, and us, to enter into the sufferings of Jesus and OVERCOME.
Let’s take it one step further for a moment.
Jesus who was previously abiding within the heart of His Father was released from His bosom and the throne room (heaven), being sent to His Father’s Footstool (earth) to walk the earth being shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. He would be the Word made flesh, revealing/being the full gospel message. Now the twelve tribes of Israel were removed from their familiar territories, sent out into the gentile regions carrying within themselves an opportunity to build God’s Kingdom bringing the message of the Gospel to their families and new gentile acquaintances. They had opportunity to accept and activate those feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Even as Jesus remained true to His Father, He was Light on James’ path of life. Now James was that for hundreds if not thousands of people.
In our world and time, to reminisce about those who have stood and warred with us through our trials causes gratitude to bubble up. There is also always opportunity for us to accept the challenge of not growing weary in well doing as we stand with those who are facing difficult trials — temptations.
This book of James (1-5), authored by Christ’s brother, is filled with Kingdom structures ready to be acted upon. A ‘washing in the Word.’ Empowered in confident humility and strength. This book gives opportunity to evaluate personal and regional harvest fields. May the fire of the Lord continue to burn all that is waste, keeping only that which is fit to be called the fruit of the harvest fit for the King.
Much Love,
p. zananiri
+ 2021 Pondering's, Kingdom Growth, Moment in Prayer, Pondering's in the light of dawn, Seek He who is Christ, Stream of Thought
The Uninvited and The Nacre
by briskyz
Known for its beauty and respected for its formation process, a pearl is cherished by many. On the 26th of August an invitation was extended to encounter the “personality” or “character” and the formation process of a pearl. Yes, this may sound peculiar. It was. The Host was Teacher (Holy Spirit) and He thought it best to just dive in.
The “classroom” chosen for this experience was not comfortable, neither was it “posh” containing gorgeous displays of pearls set on silk cloth; instead, this pressurized space contained irritants pressing against one’s will. Living intruders – – uninvited.
The Pearl
The South Sea Pearl Oyster found in the deep waters of Australia, isn’t known for its outward beauty but on the inside has the potential of creating one of the most valuable of gems. Any mollusk which produces a shell is able to produce a pearl. Oysters, Abalone, Marine Snails, Clams, and Mussels fall into this category.
The myth that a grain of sand makes its way into a shell causing the formation of a pearl is simply that, a myth. The nacre secreted by the mollusk, in reaction to the “unwelcomed guest,” does not adhere to a non-living substance such as a grain of sand; instead, it is a tiny living organism which enters the shell disrupting the cell structure and lodges itself into the mantle. The mollusk begins to surround the organism by secreting nacre. This is the same substance which layers the inside walls of a shell. We know it as Mother of Pearl.
Nacre is a smooth, six-sided crystalline substance made of calcium carbonate and an organic protein called conchiolin. This calcium carbonate is made of aragonite platelets, biopolymers and proteins. When combined with conchiolin, the result is a durable, lustrous substance. The conchiolin works like a glue that holds the crystals together. (Source: National Geographic WILD: “Formation of the Pearl/Secret life of pearls”)
Back to the Classroom
Tension was dense in the atmosphere, in ‘surround sound.’ Immediately I recognized my consistent internal pondering was present with us, right here within this pearl. Statements like, “I did not want this to be the way of life.” “These levels of such tyrannical persecutions cannot remain!” “But You said Your dreams were about to be fulfilled, God?!” “Things look like they are getting worse. Where is the room needed for Your dreams?” “Isn’t there another way, Lord?” This was not anxiety, instead hunger for “How do we assist multitudes in moving forward, Lord? We are but one.” And right along with that was, “Father, I thought I was stronger.” “In You and through You is the only way, teach me Your ways.” As faint as these living thoughts were they still could be heard in this space, and now standing within this pressure point Holy Spirit was present to respond.
A woman of God was with me at this time, a friend. I do not know what Jesus was communicating with her, but together we were listening to the song, “The Blood Is Still The Blood” by Maverick City Music. You all will love this song if you do not know of it yet. For me this was a moment of receiving a cup of fresh water brought on by the voice and nearness of the One who loves me, and I Him.
Current tensions have been so severe at times. Right?!? We all are experiencing this together. We just need to remember these tensions may be new to the West, but many nations of the East have lived in such intensity for centuries. But this? Shall we say these may be stronger contractions?
Opportunity for spiritual nacre to be released from the Christ within me was available to surround the intrusions. Yes, go ahead devil, you were granted space to toss your tyrannical ways upon many these last few years, but God in His mercy has caused something belonging to the value of The Pearl to emerge. God in His sovereignty was shaking out intrusions which seemed to hold the upper hand for a while. At least I thought they did.
The tumultuous changing tide of the nations was kissed by the betraying demonic tension brought on in attempt to “weary the saints.” This the backdrop of such a glorious church refined and manifesting in power.
Get up O man and woman of God! For God has not departed; instead, His scroll is opened, and it will take new eyes to perceive His nearness.
“I advise you to buy from Me…Eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.” Revelations 3:18
In contradiction to the intruders, a solidifying “swirling” was taking place around me. Let me try to explain.
God’s “I AM” was present as was His sent Teacher (Holy Spirit), with Them They brought provision. This provision sent by God was embodied within Teacher. His Spirit was moving. There was nothing about God shaking in this realm of pressure. He was the unshifting and unchanging factor. He was here to make us like Him. He was here to confirm and to “shore up” the “settings” of our soul, spirit, and body upon His sure foundation.
“In Him we live and move and exist … for we are the children of God.” Acts 17:28
A reminder to make sure holy nacre is released, and not the opposing
Do you remember when Jesus was teaching the multitudes, establishing a more perfect way saying, “ You have heard that, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.?” (Matthew 5:27,28) This, the Old Testament principle which states that an action produces righteousness or iniquity. But here the Lord was saying, our thoughts carry the same power.
I asked the Lord, “You were speaking of the power you have given us in our soul, spirit, and body. Remind me, please, what part of Your Word under the New Covenant would carry the same weight, not with sin but with building Your Kingdom in our hearts?”
Paul said in Philippians 4:6-9
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
So, when irritants come? Thanksgiving and prayers released along with the ingredients of the Kingdom through our obedience, surrounded will be the foreign living organism. Thank You Father, for You gave us all that was necessary for the renewing of our mind; equipping us with ability become the pearl that we are. Your glory on the earth. May You be revealed, The most treasured of Pearls.
A little deeper here
The fear and love of God was heavy in this space. He was wrapping Himself around my human spirit, as He opened the invitation to learn (see His knowledge), yield (understand), and become (be in awe of His ways and bear witness to His plans). The Teacher’s understanding, His wisdom, His knowledge, and His Council contained the Might necessary for the way of escape. The whirlwind-presence of His face surrounded and solidified me. Being empowered by the strength of the Teacher enabled the yielded ones to walk wrapped in Light, right through the intruding darkness. He wasn’t leaving us alone. He was revealing Himself IN US. In the presence of His enemies, he turns the other cheek never doing evil to His enemies; instead, He released signs all around the nation. Wonders He released caused personal discomfort for many around. Miracles too many to write released the bodies of those in bondage.
He Himself in us! He the Pearl of Great Price!
He Himself giving us the ability to secrete the effervescent substance which reveals the Pearl.
Yes, Christ exemplified the way necessary, as He yielded to becoming that Pearl of Greatest Price.
What O Lord did you encounter in order for Your obedience to be perfected? The invaders invaded Your space – Your holiness! You humbled Yourself and became a man.
“For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
For what could a person give in exchange for his soul?”
Mark 8:37-38
The contractions – the pressure of what seemed negative was opening up within my heart the hunger for the treasures of God’s Kingdom ways. In such a moment of extreme distaste towards the evil taking place in the world, my soul was searching for God’s valuable truths, and was ready to forego all illogic, falsehoods, false comforts, and counterfeit realities.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls,
and upon finding one pearl of great value,
he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Mt 13:45–46
All that does not carry the same value as Christ and His Kingdom. All that pales against the glorious face of God. Rid yourself and buy with God’s currency, sight to see the ancient path leading to the Pearl of Greatest Price.
Contractions
It is no longer news that inside this ‘shell,’ or should we say ‘earth shell’, manipulative lawless and perverted intrusions have entered daring to threaten where freedom once blessed the masses. The will of man is adjusting as one realizes the necessity to awaken and learn the ways of righteous war.
The natural freedoms given to humankind are giving way, as eternities freedom continues to wait to be received. Fear, Anxiety, Panic, and Depression, “you must go!”
Slumbering leisure and its false comforts had lost its edge. The enemy’s intentions for evil was being met with a storm of God’s iridescent empowering Spirit. Father had come to equip His own and seal them unto Himself, as they chose to volunteer in such days of power.
Afghanistan stands before us. A living example. Such an end-time confrontation wages. Maybe you can write here, the tribulation taking place in nations which you pray for.
Soul verses Spirit
Within the pearl the acknowledgment was made. ’Personal will’ (nor does the Lord) like how world leaders are being used by the powers of the age. Political and religious powers, once again, merging. Souls were resisting darkness, many were shocked into an awaking unexpected or known, but God’s alarms had been rung and now was the time to engage His heart and His Kingdom’s ways. We are about to find out who we really are. For He is the answer. He is the Teacher. He is the author of our faith.
Face to face swiftly sheds beguiling and belittling baggage.
The ‘push back’ against darkness, within ‘my shell,’ was due to realizing families were paying the price for the socio-political chaos. The nations belong to the Lord! A just cause. More personally though, each heart is deciding on ‘if and how’ they will embrace God and battle darkness or remain in fear of death. In this space, pressed against one’s softening heart was the eternal cost and value of suffering. The only viable option was ‘the bold courage of faith.’
The travail for God’s Kingdom.
“From the days of John the Baptist until now
The Kingdom of Heaven
suffers violence, and the violent men take it by force.”
Matthew 11:12
Many will recognize the vibrations of evil and injustice. This will backfire on satan himself as God will use such events for His good. These vibrations will gloriously cause last minute face to face confrontations – – last minute necessary deliverances from fears and self-reliances, which previously led to false decisions. Really close to the soul was the invitation to trust God until the face of Jesus was seen within.
The hidden glory awaiting champions waited.
Present was God’s holy eternal presence. His commanding presence made room for one to hear the “noise” among the nations. The rumble.
It is not God responding to the “rumble,”
It is the nations quaking/reacting
to the nearness of the coming of the King!
“Why are the nations in an uproar
And the peoples devising a vain thing?
The kings of the earth take their stand
And the rulers take counsel together
Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
“Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!”
Ps 2:1–3
HONG KONG
Teacher again reminded me of His previous visit with me. It was while in Hong Kong in the year 2012. While sitting on the side of the bed in my hotel room, Jesus brought my focus to be on the New City of Jerusalem, more specifically the pearls of the city.
He thought the best method of introduction to the New City of Jerusalem was to drop me into the city itself by taking me directly to one of the gates. His transport method? Never would I call this specific method “gentile.” At the time we must have been above the city because all of the sudden I was dropped. Yes, He allowed me to swiftly descend. I chuckle now, because there was nothing gentle about Christ’s style of teaching me this. In America this is called, “free falling.” No turning, flipping, just swiftly dropping in an upright position. BOOM, we landed!
Nose to nose with the one of the twelve pearl gates, I found myself to be the size of the sharpened point of a lead pencil in contrast to the enormity. The thickness of this pearl gate is hard to describe. Beautiful, creamy white in color. Strong. Secure. Immoveable. Solid. Firm. I looked up and learned there was no way to see the top of the gate. The height seemed to go for miles. “I just looked into the pearl.”
“The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”
Revelation 21:19-21
From one clam we can receive a substantial sized pearl, and it would still fit in the palm of a child. This gate needed a space that was out of earth’s time to be created. Huge! The universe; along with time and ‘that clock that is out of earth’s time’ would have been needed to form such a structure. This, only one out of twelve.
Jesus with intentionality brought me out of the visit as swiftly as the swift drop. Sitting on the edge of the bed feelings and emotions were so uncomfortable. Never before had Jesus swiftly released me from such a visit. This caused such feelings of agitation. He literally left! My body was having difficulty acclimating. What?! What did You intend? Yes, His swift departure left a struggle so deep. I was trying to adjust from being in the realms of the Spirit to now being back in the first heaven realms of the earth. Was He rejecting me? Was He teaching me something? How could He just drop me back into earth and leave? Jesus, wait! Please! This the very irritation which takes place within the mollusk’s shell, so too in my own heart.
Engulfed within the Pearl, understanding came. “Christ’s Blood is Still the Blood” was on repeat.
As you know, the heavenly messengers and the Lord Himself made it clear to Apostle John that the New Jerusalem’s foundations and gates were in representation of those who had gone on before us. The Kingdom work they had accomplished manifested in the structure of the New Jerusalem. The 12 Gates were established posts announcing the peoples of the twelve tribes of Israel. The 12 foundation layers announce the twelve apostles.
What the tribes past through – what they endured. The adversity they confronted – the intruders which confronted and tested their trust in God. The circumstances of the hot and cold wilderness was an affront to their comforts. The Promised land which gave them opportunity to abandon or embrace true faith. All tension, pressure making room for the pearl to be formed first in each individual and second in the tribe as a whole. The evidence of the mercy and grace of God is found in the Faith of God. “It is finished!” For John saw the completion of the city. This, meaning that what God has said will be fulfilled. What He has authored will come to pass. What His dream is will be fulfilled. The work of the Pearl will be accomplished.
He is asking us to enter into His sufferings. The sufferings which come with the celebrations of seeing His Kingdom comes to pass. Paul understood this, as he said often,
“My children, with whom I am again in labor
until Christ is formed in you.”
Galatians 4:19
Travail comes with the groaning of the Spirit. The Spirit prays with us in the languages of heaven, accomplishing through us the birthing necessary for the fullness of earth’s to arrive at eternities time.
I often say that when a mother gives birth to a child there are two deliverances taking place. The first delivery is the coming of the baby from the nine months gestation period. The second is she as woman is within herself going through another type of deliverance, each woman different. Both are necessary for the strength needed to give birth and then to engage the gift of motherhood.
It is also said that medically she comes as close to death as possible without literally crossing over. Many do not know this, for as mothers we are covered in the grace and beauty of God the Creator.
Adam, Eve, Methuselah, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Levi, Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Caleb, the daughters of Zelophehad, Jehu, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Obadiah, Zechariah, Ezra, Nehemiah, Micah, Malachi, Esther, Ruth, John the Baptizer, the twelve, the women, the unknown names throughout all the ages travailed for the fullness of time.
We too are called to take up our cross and follow Him. Is it possible that this living cross is the irritant which made its way into our “shell?”
The twelve tribes were used (unknowingly to 99.9% of them) to make room or pave a way for us as the Golden Harvest Field to enter into the Gates of the New Jerusalem. What they encountered was for us. Isn’t it amazing how much we learn from their mistakes and successes? From God’s conversations with them and His responses to their actions, as well as their responses to His ways of holiness?
The stones of the twelve apostles is a story for another day. But to mention them is to say, the life of the New Covenant worked through by them creating the foundations laid, due to their obedience to God. This, a celebration for us to join into. One day at a time, we can hold up our day to their day, comparing the resistance, the pressure, the tension, the opportunity for supernatural manifestations, the invitation into the love, faith, and courage gifted by God, the opportunity to remain in the lesson, the level of darkness attempting to engage our hearts, the way of escape into obedience; all in time for “grace” to be adhered to. Where righteousness, peace, and joy is there we thrive exemplifying such glory in the spheres we each were allotted.
We again after so many months come back to this living testament and instruction.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,
let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith,
who for the joy set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame,
and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
A Father’s Discipline
You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,
My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;
For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
And He scourges every son whom He receives.”
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons;
for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?
But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers,
then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us,
and we respected them;
shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?
For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them,
but He disciplines us for our good,
so that we may share His holiness.
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful,
but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it,
afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak
and the knees that are feeble,
and make straight paths for your feet,
so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint,
but rather be healed.
Pursue peace with all men,
and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord!.
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God;
that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble,
and by it many be defiled;
that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau,
who sold his own birthright for a single meal.
For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.
For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched
and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind,
and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words
which sound was such that those who heard
begged that no further word be spoken to them.
For they could not bear the command, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it will be stoned.”
And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said,
“I am full of fear and trembling.”
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all,
and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.”
Hebrew 12
Birthday Finale
My friend walked into our home on that 26th day of August, bringing with her a birthday gift. She knew of my love for horses and wanted to follow that theme, but she felt like this was not the Lord’s first choice. Instead she brought a card with the map of the world covered with highways running throughout the nations and along the highway were flag posts strategically placed. Written on the bottom portion of the map was the latter portion of John 16:33,
“In the world you have tribulation,
but take courage;
I have overcome the world.”
The verse in it’s entirety reads,
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you have tribulation,
but take courage;
I have overcome the world.”
With this picture, she presented a ring; in fact it was a pearl ring. Well, that was all it took. I then realized Jesus was talking to me. She didn’t know that for months the “pearl” was a tender deep pondering place. This birthday would not be amiss to a visit from Jesus. My spirit was grateful.
Let’s dive in for the Pearl, for the Pearl of Great Price is worthy of our lives.
“For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you.” 2 Corinthians 4
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