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