Prophetic words and vision of pruning in church prior to harvest

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These words, and ones received by others, continue this year’s emphasis upon the parable of ‘wheat and tares’ (as here and here) and are shown in chronological order. They’re published courtesy of UK Prophetic Words and contributors and, as usual, are to be weighed with the Lord :

A SHORT SEASON OF PRUNING THE DEAD WOOD AND THEN THE SEASON OF HARVEST

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven”

The Lord says, “The season of preparation is almost gone. The season of ploughing and planting is almost gone. The season of seeding is almost gone. The season of reaping, of harvest, of gathering in is almost upon you. But first,” says the Lord, “There is a short season of sharpening and pruning! It is time for Me to prepare My sickle to cut out the good wheat from the bad wheat. For My axe to cut the roots of the non-productive trees – those that have blossomed for years, giving every appearance of fruit, but bearing nothing! After that,” says God, “I will open My barns for the harvest to be brought in. 

“Did I not tell you that I would start by pruning all the dead wood? Did I not warn you that the dead wood will be thrown on the fire? You have talked about this for years. You have spoken My Word many times. Why are you shocked when I tell you that I meant every word I spoke to My servants the prophets?

“The season of ease, the season of lukewarm, the season of unpreparedness is over! Let the season of sharpening, of pruning, of shedding the dead wood begin!” says the Lord God Almighty.

Chris Bennett, 16th September 2017

A VISION REGARDING THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

This is not a word I give lightly; we need to pray!!

At Capstone Church last night the Lord took me into a vision.

I saw in front of me a beautiful old English oak tree; its trunk was wide and its roots spread all over the nations.

As I looked, I could see the branches of one side of this tree reached up to the sky.

But on the other side, I saw a large old branch; it was old and thick but I could see it was bending towards the ground. Then I saw that many brambles were reaching up from the ground and pulling it down. This continued for some time until I heard an almighty crack!

I then looked and saw this beautiful old oak had been split in half; the old branch was now fully on the ground and, quickly, bramble grew round the branch. As this happened the branch grew black and died, yet because of all the bramble it looked like it had many leaves. But it was not the tree branch that lived, it was the brambles and thorns that did.

As a looked, I saw the other half of this old tree struggled to live for a short time, but then out of the break, new fresh branches began to grow, with fresh new leaves.

I asked the Lord the meaning of the vision. He said:

“The tree you see is the Church of England. It has spread and flourished across the earth and many of its branches reach up to me.

“The old branch you saw is a branch that has become more and more entangled with this world and its fallen and perverted ways; in its desire to reach out and be understood, it has become compromised and entangled and pulled down. This will continue until there is a fracture; at this point a whole section of the church will fully fall away into the world. On the surface it will appear to be alive, but its life will be death.

“What’s left will be shaken and for a short time it will struggle to live, but then out of the break new life shall come forth.”

Simon Braker, 19th September 2017

Simon is founder of School of the Spirit, Leicester, and operates in the office of a Prophet. He’s been actively involved in equipping and raising up prophetic ministers both in the UK and overseas for over 20 years and is part of the senior leadership of Holy Trinity Church, Leicester.

Footnotes:
  • These words are in line with subsequent developments (as in yesterday’s reblog and elsewhere known to me) since my musing upon the schismatic effect of July’s synod in the Church of England.
  • How does Simon’s vision relate to the word received at the Ffald-y-Brenin retreat centre in 2014 about the Lord calling the CofE out of Lazarus grave?  That Gospel story involves the removal of cloth-strips associated with death, and is thus similar to this vision of a decaying, dead branch that will fall off the revived body.

A Press release from the Archbishop of the Christian Episcopal Church.

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This news of Gavin’s consecration as bishop is only to be expected in view of July’s schismatic synod and prophetic words about the state of the Church of England, especially the vision of a broken oak tree received by Simon Braker only last week. UPDATE: see Archbishop Cranmer’s congratulatory blog.

gavinashenden's avatarGavin Ashenden

Press Release from the Archbishop of the Christian Episcopal Church.

The Feast of St Michael and All Angels

September 29th 2017 :

Former Queen’s Chaplain Consecrated as Missionary Bishop to Anglicans in

the UK and Europe.

The Christian Episcopal Church of Canada and the USA, has announced the consecration in Vancouver, BC, during the course of an Episcopal Synod, of the Rt. Rev’d Dr Gavin Ashenden, a former Chaplain to the Queen, as missionary bishop to the United Kingdom and Europe.

Bishop Ashenden is charged with the responsibility of working as closely and collaboratively as possible with those Anglicans who are committed to remaining faithful to orthodox Christianity. In particular with the Free Church of England and the ‘Unity Forum’ that has been created to achieve that unity of purpose and action in the UK.

The Right Reverend John Fenwick, convenor of the Unity Forum, said: ‘Gavin’s stand for orthodoxy has been an encouragement to Anglicans in the UK and beyond. We look forward to working closely with…

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Finding unity concerning the ‘End-Times’

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Thank you Wanda for this helpful reminder upon our needing to ‘keep the main thing the main thing’, as Bill Johnson often stresses.

Three days’ prophetic jigsaw pieces: #3 – 23rd Sept and Revelation 12

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Since the time of the four blood moons (2015) I’ve made a couple of passing references to the ‘radiant woman’ of Rev 12:1-2 and its manifesting tomorrow, 23rd September:

‘Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labour and in pain gave birth.’

If you haven’t yet heard about this event the above video by Parable of the Vineyard is very helpful, concise presentation of what’s happening. Featuring software showing the positions of planets within the constellations of Leo and Virgo it can easily be paused for closer examination and appreciation of the star charts.

In view of today’s splendid alignment of sun, 11% crescent moon and four planets along Virgo we must understand the astro-dynamics. The stars comprising Virgo are at the opposite side of the sun, which during the last 30 days has seemed to have been going ‘downwards’ through the imaginary figure of this constellation, as though dressing ‘her’. Thus, as our sun arrives at the Autumn/Fall equinox, Virgo has been ‘clothed with the sun’, not with it at her shoulder as some surmise!

In THE SHAKING: watch for signs on earth and in the heavens I referred to Revd John Kilpatrick’s exposition upon this subject. First, he teaches about the Lord’s Feasts to enable an understanding of the background and timing of this exceptional event. From 1:57:00 point of the following video link he explains the difference between astrology and astronomy and goes on to talk about the meaning of Jewish year 5777 (now just closed). At 2:07:00 he refers to it being a year some Jews are expecting the Messiah to appear, and that “out of all the years this is the three sevens…it is a year of triple completion and according to many Jews they have always said year 777 will be the year of their messiah”. If you may have time and inclination to watch tap/click this image and scroll to 2:07:40 to learn about ‘The Radiant Woman’:

Watch Revd John Kilpatrick teach on Rev 12 from 2:07:40 mark

Pastor John follows the dispensational, pre-tribulation school of thought and I’m not entirely convinced that the Rapture will precede a period of the Great Tribulation, but certainly before our extremely patient, long-suffering Father releases His Wrath. Being mainly an American evangelical theological approach some of that school have thought it opens up the possibility of the Rapture happening now!

But its exact timing is not important – the real necessity is to be prepared for the Lord at any and all times.

For those who prefer to read text rather than watch a talk I recommend these articles, especially if you like theological discussion in Nelson’s comments threads:

Nelson concludes his mini-series, “Although astronomical signs of Rev 12, the Woman and Dragon, in the fall of this year are interesting and have caught the public’s attention, it is doubtful they mean anything at this point. However, if biblical prophecies begin to be fulfilled in the next 30 days, all of us should straighten up and take notice.”

Thus, I informed him about the ‘Peace Day’ and 1Thess5, to which he replied, “That certainly is interesting Richard. I don’t take it as fulfillment yet..” and kindly gave me a couple of references to check as he thinks the Day of the Lord will be towards the end of Daniel’s 70th Week.

In few posts covering the blood moons of 2015 I referred to this celestial event and the two-year lead-in period, about which I’d forgotten and thus wasn’t part of my musings in #1 of this mini-series. If you have time and inclination you may wish to scan-read my:

Three days’ prophetic jigsaw pieces: #2 – 22nd Sept and Daniel’s ’70th week’

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LIVE STREAMING from CHP (US) : UK TIMES 1am and 4pm on SAT 23rd Sept (tap image)

Kicking around the prophecy-related dates of yesterday and tomorrow with the Lord and the fact He’s been showing me the significance of a few events in my lifelong journey, I wondered about the middle-day – today 22nd September, my 70th birthday, and maybe a possible relevance in scripture.

The well-known references to 70 years in Daniel popped into mind: the duration of the Jewish exile in Babylon and the famous prophetic word he received, oft referred to by eschatologists – the ’70 weeks’. As Daniel repented for his and his people’s sins and interceded before the Almighty, the angle Gabriel was sent in answer and spoke to Daniel with reference to a previous vision he’d experienced. It was either the vision of four beasts (of which one’s presumed to be the antichrist – Dan 7) or that of the ram and goat (Dan 8), which may be likely as chapters 8 and 9 are in Hebrew whereas chapter 7 is in Aramaic. Gabriel says,

23 At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:

24 “Seventy weeks are determined
For your people and for your holy city,
To finish the transgression,
To make an end of sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy.

25 “Know therefore and understand,
That from the going forth of the command
To restore and build Jerusalem
Until Messiah the Prince,
There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks;
The street shall be built again, and the wall,
Even in troublesome times.

26 “And after the sixty-two weeks
Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself;
And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate.”

Daniel 9:23-27 (NKJVcourtesy Biblegateway – emphasis added)

The ‘seven weeks’ as seven sevens of years is 7×7 = 49 years and ‘sixty two weeks’ is 62×7 = 434 years. These cover the time from Ataxerxes’ decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the dedication of its new, second temple, and then to Jesus’ crucifixion. This leaves one unfulfilled ’70th week’ of seven years of which eschatologists of various views recognise as being the times of ‘Jacob’s Troubles’ and of Israel recognising Jesus as Messiah, and which would include the Rapture, Jesus’ Second Coming, the battle of Armageddon with its defeat of Antichrist and the Beast, leading into the Millenium period of Jesus’ ruling God’s Kingdom on earth.

So, I cannot but wonder if ‘Daniel’s 70th Week’ may be about to start, especially in view of yesterday’s ‘coincidental’ association with Paul’s foretelling the ‘season’ of the Day of the Lord as described in the previous post.  Also, a few months after starting this blog a prophetical teacher gave me a word about understanding the ‘riddles’ of God as did Daniel and Joseph.

Now that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re in for continual doom and gloom or that ‘the end is nigh’ for Father wants to help the Bride get herself ready for her Groom – and He has many ‘tricks’ up His sleeve. As known from Jesus’ encounters with the Adversary, it knows the scriptures and is therefore well-aware of the End-time ones. As with Jesus’ death and resurrection, so too in fulfilling His Word will Father have many unexpected, astonishing treats in store for those who believe in the One He Sent.

I’m just musing out loud…

[Puzzle in Sky by Idea Go, courtesy Freedigitalphotos.net]

Three days’ prophetic jigsaw pieces: #1 – 21st Sept and 1Thessalonians 5

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‘But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.’  (1 Thess 5:1-4 NKJV – emphases added)

Is what Apostle Paul foretold about the timing of the Day of the Lord happening today? Or this coming year?  Especially noteworthy is the fact that today is Rosh Hashanah – the start of the Jewish New Year 5778!!

You may recall having read about this a month ago in Today’s and one month away’s awesome events in the heavens on Mark Biltz’s message (1:04 – 1:05 mark refers)?

The United Nations has declared 21st September to be observed annually and globally as the International Day of Peace (‘Peace Day’)’. Today’s and the next 365 days theme is entitled, ‘Together for Peace, Respect, Safety and Dignity For All’.

Look again, that scripture’s third verse promises ‘when they say, “Peace and Safety!” then…’, the clear inference everyone’s saying those words.

Eschatologists reason that, in the context of the corpus of End-time scripture, this verse means Israel will be living in peace and safety within its own land without any threats or attacks from other nations. Hence the international interest in getting an Israel-Palestine peace treaty signed with a two-state solution to the vexed issue.

But what if the verse really refers to a worldwide concensus to talk about peace and safety, not the resolution of a long-standing Middle-East geopolitical problem??

Could this year, therefore, be the beginning of The Day of The Lord?

Another Biblical Connection?

Furthermore, the details in Matthew’s account of the magi’s journey following the Star of Bethlehem had dropped into mind over the past weeks’ whilst mulling over September’s three special days. (Hence my publishing God’s Bookends.)  King Herod’s asking them about the timing of that star resulted in his murdering children under two years of age (Matt 2:7& 2:16).  So could there be something meaningful about ‘two years’? I ponder over its possible implications in the fulfillment of prophecy.

Moreover, could it support a ‘niggling’ growing suspicion over the direct relevance of what I’d posted two years ago about the Day of the Lord??

Therefore, I was struck whilst editing that post to hear an announcement coming out of my computer speakers about those two years!!  And it was the voice of a man with the same initials as me – RB!  He was nine minutes into a video summary of discussions on the internet since 2015 about the two years up to now, and of which I’m totally unaware as my time’s far too valuable to spend trawling through cyber-stuff.

Double therefore – I took this ‘God-incidence’ as confirmation about the connection I’d been mulling over. Here it is:

Whilst in Jerusalem during the Feat of Tabernacles in 2015 violinist and messianic Jew Dr Maurice Sklar had a visionary experience which concluded with him being instructed to “Tell them all, The Day of the Lord is upon you now!”

‘Upon’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘here’ or ‘on top of’ but it can also mean something’s ‘imminent’ and so ‘The Day of the Lord’ could be just ‘over the horizon’ and arrive very soon!

Moreover, although two years apart Dr Sklar’s revelatory vision and today’s UN ‘Peace Day’ are both on a Feast day designated by the Lord: ie. Tabernacles and Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) – Leviticus 23:23-25 and 23:33-36.  The latter is a two-day holiday starting at sundown yesterday and to allow for sighting of the new moon in Jerusalem. It is immediately followed by high holy days ‘The Days of Awe’ leading into Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, with intense spiritual preparation and repentance, sometimes referred to as ‘Israel’s Dark Days’. Old Testament prophets understood the Days of Awe to be a period of judgement, which has a parallel with The Day of The Lord (The Last Shofar, Joseph Lenard & Donalf Zoller).

What’s more, the astronomical alignment of planets and constellations that mirror the ‘radiant woman’ of Rev 12:1-2 takes place on the first ‘Day of Awe’ 2017; that is, 23rd September!

A Brief Biblical Background

For newer readers, let’s briefly consider the background to Paul’s letter and the Day of the Lord:

In the earliest canonical document of the Church (depending upon resolution of date of his letter to the churches in Galatia), Apostle Paul reminded believers in Thessalonica what he’d taught them about Jesus Christ’s promise to return. They were concerned about the status of those who’d died (were ‘asleep’) before that prophesied event.

He states, “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord” which, in my humble opinion, clearly implies Paul had heard this direct from Jesus personally, or received during his very occasional meetings with the twelve apostles. (The later gospels, Peter and John’s letters refer to Jesus’ second coming but don’t spell out the details, as Paul does, for all believers upon being ‘caught up’ or ‘raptured’ to Him at His return.)

Paul refers in passing to a future event first prophesied by prophet Obadiah – the Day of the Lord (see Obad 15) – and to which Jesus alludes in his ‘mission statement’ and its direct connection with Isaiah 61:2 (Luke 4:18-19 refers).

[Puzzle in Sky by Idea Go, courtesy Freedigitalphotos.net]

God’s bookends – a guest post

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I’m grateful to Mark Maddock for offering these thoughts as a ‘conversation starter’ (his words) on the current signs of the times: 

GOD’S BOOKENDS

Introduction

God has given us signs in the stars (including planets) at key times in human history (‘…let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years.’ Gen.1v14)
Perhaps the most significant of these was the patterns of stars and planets seen by the Wise Men (Magi) in Babylon, ahead of Jesus’ birth. There was then a delay while they travelled to see the prophesied king of the Jews. He was not a new born when they met him but, of course, Jesus came to die. So perhaps the key time period is that from the sign in the stars appearing up to the culmination of the life of the man at the centre of the message. I believe the Father said to me “These signs are bookends…”.

If there is a pattern to be repeated at the end of the age we’re living in then it may give an indication of what lies ahead in the coming years.

A ‘bookend’ is used either end of a collection of books. The collection of ‘books’ in this analogy is all the stories of God’s grace and love moving around the world throughout the church era. This began with Jesus’ death and resurrection, and ends with Jesus’ return to reign and rule on planet earth. Both bookends have clear links with the first and last prophetic fulfilment of the vision of the woman in Revelation 12.

BOOKEND DATES

The first bookend : Jupiter and Regulus in a coronation dance in Leo, near Virgo*
Jesus’ birth sign length: Sept 3BC to June 2 BC (or Oct.?) **
Jesus’ birth after X months: 9 months
Jesus’ death/resurrection (Y years): 30 years later (26-27AD)
(See: The Star of Bethlehem for more details)

The second bookend : Jupiter in Virgo’s womb (Rev.12 fulfilled fully…)
Jesus’ return sign length: Jan to 23rd Sept 2017
X months : 9months
Add Y years (to Jesus’ return?): 30 years (2047)
And, add Daniel’s 70th Week ?: 7 years (2054, the day/hour unknown)
(See missionary evangelist Robert Breaker’s Sept 23, 20177 video for more details)

DANIEL

Where did the Magi get the wisdom to correctly interpret the sign in the stars? Some say that Daniel stayed in Babylon when the Jews returned to Israel in the sixth century B.C. Perhaps he established a school of prophets who passed God’s wisdom about astronomy from generation to generation. These men probably knew of Daniel’s prophetic writings which can be used to predict Jesus’ birth, the rebirth of the nation in 1948, re-capture of Jerusalem in 1967 and whatever events await us in 2018 (probably centred around the Temple Mount in Jerusalem). Perhaps there is an overlap of the 23/9/2017 star sign (Jupiter being ‘born’ from the virgin, Virgo) and the end of Daniel’s chronological predictions in 2018 (see Richard D Thompson’s ‘Almost Midnight’ for an explanation of this chronology).

There was ‘messiah fever’ around the time of Jesus’ birth based on Daniel’s prophecies. The message in the stars was all about Israel’s king arriving. It fits in that, about 2,000 years later, a sign appears again which is all about a king being released from Heaven. If there is a delay of 30 years (or 37 if Daniel’s 70th Week of years is included) then that speaks of God’s grace… delaying judgement for a season.

Many people missed Messiah’s first arrival, life and misinterpreted his death and resurrection. We need God’s wisdom about the correct interpretation of the signs in the stars in our generation.

Mark Maddock

*
1. The first conjunction signified birth by its association to the day with Virgo “birthing” the new moon. Some might argue that the unusual triple conjunction by itself could be taken to indicate a new king.
2. The Planet of King’s coronation of the Star of Kings signified kingship.
3. The triple conjunction began with the Jewish New Year and took place within Leo, showing a connection with the Jewish tribe of Judah (and prophecies of the Jewish Messiah).
4. Jupiter rises in the east.
5. The conjunctions appeared at precise, identifiable times.
6. Herod was unaware of these things; they were astronomical events which had significance only when explained by experts.
7. The events took place over a span of time sufficient for the Magi to see them both from the East and upon their arrival in Jerusalem.
8. Jupiter was ahead of the Magi as they traveled south from Jerusalem to Bethlehem.
9. On December 25 of 2 BC as it entered retrograde, Jupiter reached full stop in its travel through the fixed stars. Magi viewing from Jerusalem would have seen it stopped in the sky above the little town of Bethlehem.

(From: Star of Bethlehem – Westward Leading)
**
Jesus’ birth date –
From R Smith’s comment Dec 24, 2012  on The Star of Bethlehem – To Stop A Star :
God’s word does a great job of interpreting itself in many many cases. God ties things together for us to clearly see what He is telling us, and how He works, if we just use proper hermeneutical practices and let His word speak. First, regarding when these “lots” as drawn were to start would go back to Aaron and Moses when the Tabernacle was first built in the wilderness. Due to the Exodus from Egypt, their calendar was to thus begin in Nisan, the month of the Passover. So the descendents of Aaron would start the new year at that time and thus the “lots” would also would also start at that time. The story of Zachariah and Elizabeth immediately brings to mind the story of Abraham and Sarah. They are extremely similar. Zachariah and Elizabeth were well past the age biologically to have a child as were Abraham and Sarah. When Abraham was 99 years old we read in Genesis 17 that God promises him to have an heir through Sarah. Abraham and Sarah doubt God, Sarah even openly laughs. Abraham says, shall a man of 100 become a father? Zachariah in Luke doubts God as well and is struck dumb for his unbelief. In Genesis, after the Sodom and Gomorrah story unfolds in Genesis 19, we get back to Abraham and God saying he would have a child. In Genesis 21 it states that at the age of 100 Abraham and Sarah had a boy and named him Isaac. So obviously Sarah became pregnant very quickly after God told Abraham, at 99 y/o, that she would have a child. This parallel story between the OT and NT clearly leads the reader to the conclusion that Elizabeth would have gotten pregnant just as quickly as Sarah. God was ready in Genesis to pass the promises of Genesis 3:15 from Abraham to Isaac, and with Sarah of an advanced age, God acted quickly once the appointed time came. So also in Luke, God was ready to bring the Messiah into the world, so his fore-runner, John the Baptist had to be born. With John’s parents being also of an advanced age, God again acted quickly. Theses stories are mirror images of one another and for a reason. God is showing that when such appointed times arrive, He acts quickly. In Luke 1:55 when Mary arrives at Elizabeth’s home, Mary even ties together what has happened to her and Elizabeth by comparing it to the promises made to Abraham, thus uniting the OT and NT stories together. This adds more powerful hermeneutical evidence that God is repeating the miracle of Sarah again in Elizabeth. So we have ample Biblical evidence directly pointing us to conclude that God is repeating history. Sarah had her baby within a year, so I have no difficulty seeing God telling us that Elizabeth likewise had her child within a year. In the Companion Bible, an extensive study Bible with lots of notes and research, it calculates the dates for the service of Zachariah as being in June each year, for his one week. The dates I mentioned of June 13-19 was for the year 5 BC in the Companion Bible. But each year it would just move slightly within that period of June. This dating takes into account the weeks when all the Levites would be serving in the Temple, since the lots drawn were for weeks when just one Levite would be serving and performing the priestly duties by himself in the Temple. So I am convinced John was conceived in June 4 BC, Jesus 6 months later in Dec 4 BC. The triple conjunction as explained by Mr Larson in the Star of Bethlehem DVD, I think was announcing the birth of Christ in Sept/Oct 3 BC. Nine months later the brilliant star created by Venus and Jupiter I think was the spectacular sign needed to get the Wise men moving and on their way to Jerusalem, with them arriving sometime between Jesus’ 1st and 2nd birthdays.

Footnotes:
  1. Am editing Mark’s paper whilst listening to Robert Breaker’s video. It’s a tad indistinct as I focus on this, but suddenly clearly hear him mention a ‘two year’ period re Star of Bethlehem: it’s something I’ve been pondering in regard to my draft summary on Rev 12 and other scripture being prepared for publication!
  2. My initial observations: as Jesus has already been incarnate then it’s illogical to assume any time-frame of 30 years yet again for coming to earthly maturity – and then add Daniels’ 70th!  +
  3. He said He will be returning in full glory – and Paul knew we would be like Him (ie ‘heavenly  man’) and accompany Him from heaven post-‘Rapture’. +
  4. A good friend of a fellow team-member at Acorn in her 80’s is assured Jesus will return in her lifetime. Also, Paul Keith Davis walked past me about 10 years ago and, glancing at me without halting, said “Await His return!”
  5. Mark responds:
    I agree His return may well be earlier. I’ve (earlier) mentioned ‘Almost Midnight’ by Richard Thompson.. he gIves a strong biblical chronology case for 2018 being a next key waymarker; possibly then leading to Daniel’s 70th week? Bob Jones and Ian Clayton both refer to life here in the 2050s… so adding an end-time version of Jesus’ earthly life (= the church living as mature sons (as per Clayton) and/or the bride making herself ready) may link with the 2050s references (although Clayton is a non-Rapture guy).
    The ‘bookend’ concept can still apply if the extra 33 years are ignored…

Book review: ‘Rejection Hurts’ by Steve Hepden

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Question: what does Steve Hepden’s first book ‘Explaining Rejection’ and a famous British radio telescope have in common?

I will share that personal point after quoting a couple of many endorsements to his latest book, followed by the publisher’s comments:

‘Rejection is such a huge heart issue, crippling multitudes of people and no doubt affecting us all. In this book ‘Rejection Hurts’, Steve Hepden will help you diagnose your issues, and then map out a way for you to come into acceptance, forgiveness and love. So helpful; so freeing; so life-giving.’
John Arnott, Catch the Fire Toronto & Partners In Harvest International.

‘This is a wonderful combination of pastoral and practical insights into the power and effects of rejection in today’s society. Through storytelling and compelling biblical insights Steve offers a wealth of resources to transform the negative equity of rejection into opportunities to find healing and wholeness.’  Rev Dr Russ Parker, 2Restore: Healing Wounded Churches, Farnham.

‘We have a fundamental need to belong and rejection destabilises us and the resulting disconnection we feel only adds to the pain. Rejection powerfully effects our emotions, thinking and behaviour, which will undermine and weaken our own value and esteem, and also our perception of God.

‘This book gives a comprehensive view into the source, causes and roots of rejection and how it can affect us at any time in our lives. Rejection Hurts offers the reader a pathway towards recovery and release, based on a process of prayer ministry, which includes personal choice and responsibility and an acceptance of the love and power of God.’

Steve is an ordained minister with the Elim Church and has a Masters degree in Applied Theology. He’s married to Chris and they have two children and three grand-daughters. Coming from a Pentecostal/Charismatic perspective Steve later became a leader in an international healing ministry, which is where Nina and I independently met him long before we were married 15 years ago (this Saturday – happy anniversary sweetheart). Thus he’s been involved with planting churches and all forms of leadership in a pastoral and prophetical context.

Steve prefaces this updated version of Explaining Rejection by telling each reader,

“I am looking for understanding and hopefully some revelation to you personally. I trust that you will be enlightened and challenged.”

To that end, each chapter closes with ‘memory points’ for that personal ‘workout’, about which I will share below. In the first chapter I note his perspicacious explanation,

“Rejection is powerful enough to make you believe things that actually have not happened in the way you think they have. This is the subtleness of rejection and is something we need to recognise.”

I can highly recommend Rejection Hurts, especially for all those like ourselves who are involved in prayer ministry and counselling.

Purchase:

An electronic version is available on Kindle via Amazon.  Paperbacks cost £10 incl p&p and, if normal outlets are out-of-stock, may be bought direct from the author. Mail your cheque payable to ‘Steve Hepden’ with note of your address to:

Steve Hepden, 7 Linden Grove, Garstang, Preston, Lancs PR3 1FN

Personal

Now to answer my opening question: what does Steve’s first book ‘Explaining Rejection’ have in common with a famous British radio telescope?

As a new believer in Jesus Christ I wanted to get effects from my old life dealt with as fast and thoroughly as possible. I went to a meeting convened by a West Reading church known to my Baptist pastor, was impressed with the speaker Steve Hepden’s message and wanted to work in-depth upon some issues. So bought his book plus a train ticket from Reading to Lancaster for one of his courses. En-route I finished reading another book, then opened up ‘Explaining’.

As normal, I flicked backwards for epilogue, end-notes and index to get an idea of an author’s sources – but instead I found a list of questions and decided to read it. The first of several childhood-related questions was, ‘What’s your earliest happy memory?‘

Immediately, I recalled the times in mid-1950s when my father drove us, along with my mother’s mother, to see the University of Manchester’s radio telescope being built at Jodrell Bank in Cheshire. (My grandparents had given me a most fascinating, illustrated book for my 7th birthday By Space Ship To The Moon, as G’ma was very interested.)

Lovell Telescope, Jodrell Bank Observatory

Musing in that fond memory I gazed out of the train’s window at the very moment it went practically alongside that telescope!

A jaw-dropping ‘God-incident’: not only in its astonishing timing but also because the train was not supposed  to be there – I thought its schedule continued northwards from Crewe to Lancaster via Warrington. Instead it had taken a looped detour north-eastwards for Manchester Piccadilly. And what’s more, in doing so it first had to travel through my hometown of Stockport!  Many memories of my youth quickly awakened – then upon arrival in Lancaster the first fellow delegate I met was from my hometown!!  A truly mind-blowing start to an exceptional few days led by Steve Hepden.

Furthermore, within a few years that ministry had opened a centre in Farnham, Surrey, and one Christmas Steve was speaking there. As I was sat near a tall decorated fir tree I was reminded of one’s significance in connection with the Lord’s visitation in 1989, as told here.

Steve would never have known the remark – and its timing – made to emphasis a point in his message had completely described the impact of what happened in that dream. As I reminisced about Jesus swooping down to me from the sky and bursting through the wall of the room I was dreaming I was in, Steve exclaimed, “Can you imagine how stunned Jesus’ disciples were when He walked though that room’s locked door?”

Answer, “Yes I can, ‘cos I’ve seen it!”

So I’m sure you’ll find a treasure trove in Steve’s new book…

Russia/Iran’s, the Gog-Magog coalition’s, game-changer

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I’ve been twice ‘nudged’ to check Israel’s politico-military-diplomatic intelligence website Debkafile. The first time was just before I was about to go offline for dinner last night, only hours after having posted Prophetic Scripture Update #4.

Not only did I find news of expanding Russian-Iranian military cooperation in Syria, and inserted a linked ‘alert’ at the close of that post, but also I found the website’s layout had been changed within those four hours. Then first thing at my desk this morning I got another ‘nudge’!  I regularly check links within blogs before publication, but in view of that new site I again checked all Debka links in that post only to find they now give a ‘404’ unavailability error.

Readers who may have tried them without success should now try again via above link.

Photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/Pool/Flash90

Notwithstanding PM Netanyahu’s frequent meetings and contacts with president Putin, Russia is radically ramping up its direct involvement with Iranian-backed forces in Syria against ISIS. Also, in refusing to permit/oversee a wide buffer-zone between Syria and Israel as well as enabling an Iranian corridor through Syria to the Mediterranean, Russia is turning a blind eye to Iranian forces coming within easy striking distance of Israel.

[1pm breaking news: Israel shoots down Hizballah drone over Golan Heights border.]

Even so, the Lord has this and every outcome subject to His sovereign purposes:

“So I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel and I will not let them profane My Holy Name anymore. Then the nations shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel…” (Ezek 39:7)…”I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgement which I have executed and My hand which I have laid on them…” (Ezek 39:21)

The following extracts give an idea how on-the-ground conditions are lining up with the Gog-Magog prophecies. AND let’s not overlook contemporary words from the Lord about His shaking the earth and heavens!

Last night’s Syrian/Hizballah may call up Russian air-strikes as cooperation deepens –

  • ‘The license now awarded to Syrian and pro-Iranian Hizballah commanders to contact the operations rooms of Russian air squadrons, without going through the main Russian air base at Hmeimim in Latakia or the Syrian high command in Damascus, dramatically boosts the autonomy of Syrian, Hizballah and Iranian commanders in the field…(all emphases mine)
  • ‘Word of this game-changer was delivered by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, (to) Syrian ruler Bashar Assad in Damascus last Thursday, Sept. 14…(he) then flew to Tehran – this time in secret – to discuss Russia’s new operation plans for Syria with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Military leaders.
  • ‘DEBKAfile’s military sources note that the actions set in train by Shoigu have radically ramped up Russia’s military cooperation in Syria with Iran, Syria and Hizballah. They were timed to take place shortly before President Donald Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at UN Center in New York on Monday, Sept. 19…
  • ‘The Kremlin was also putting Washington on notice that, after investing massive military and financial resources in Syria, it had no intention to let pro-American forces share in the kudos of the final victory over the Islamic State in Syria, which belonged solely to the Russian-Syrian-Iranian-Hizballah war alliance…’

This morning’s Russian pontoons convey Syrian forces across Euphrates –

  • ‘Hailed as one of the most important military feats of the Syrian war. DEBKAfile’s military sources add that Hizballah forces are part of the contingent crossing the river…
  • ‘While the rhetoric flows from Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s talks with world leaders in New York, a profound strategic event is taking place on the Syrian-Iraqi border: Iran is winning a land corridor through Iraq and Syria to the Mediterranean Sea with Russian support but without the US or Israel taking any counteraction…
  • ‘Iran’s new army chief, Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, threatened Monday to raze Haifa and Tel Aviv to the ground if Israel makes any mistake…‘ (rant omited!)

I won’t copy his threatening the destruction of Israel within 25 years as we’re well aware of our heavenly Father’s contempt for such plans. It is written:

“Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against I the LORD and against My Anointed, they have said to themselves, “Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us, But I the Lord who sits in the heavens shall laugh, I the LORD shall hold them in derision”. (Psalm 2:1-4)

MOREOVER, back in April a seer known to my readers had a vision in which she heard those preceding verses and records:

‘Then suddenly I came out of the encounter and I was fully awake. Immediately I began to pray in the Spirit concerning what I had seen and what I had heard, then the Holy Spirit showed me again a great, severe and violent shaking that is about to take place in many Nations in the Earth. Then I heard these words,

“WATCH! FOR THIS IS THE HOUR OF DIVINE DERISION AND SCORN FOR THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH”.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s president el-Sisi and PM Netanyahu have held a most amicable first publicly-announced meeting during the opening day of UN General Assembly. (Times of Israel describes it as ‘Egyptian leader showing his mettle by posing with Netanyahu’!)

Prophetic Library updated

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A huge thank you goes to everyone who occasionally dips into this blog’s Prophecy Library.

I’m pleased to say it’s now up-to-date with most items posted since last December. They can be read quite easily as their dates appear in red at the foot of this very long ‘scroll’.

In view of the quantity, a brief copy of their text is not shown except for a couple of very strong words. Nevertheless, such a listing serves as an overview and full entries can be consulted by means of the linked title.

Prophetic Scripture Update #4: Gog-Magog coalition, Putin’s ambitions

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On Friday Joel Rosenberg in Jerusalem blogged about FoxNews.com publishing that morning a new column of his on the massive Russian war games underway near the borders of three NATO countries and Ukraine. He includes findings from an exclusive poll he’d commissioned about American attitudes towards Russia and Putin earlier this year.

Regular readers of this blog will be familiar with Joel’s writings but FoxNews introduces him:

  • Rosenberg has extraordinary credentials for his perspective on America’s enemies, earning him the nickname of a “modern day Nostradamus.”
  • In 2002, Rosenberg opened his debut novel, The Last Jihad, with Muslim extremists using an airplane in a kamikaze attack on the president of the United States. Rosenberg wrote that scene before the 9/11 terror attack….[his] upcoming novel is focused on what seems to be his latest prophetic piece of fiction, The Kremlin Conspiracy…

Joel’s blog Putin is more dangerous than radical Islam is primarily concerned with that Russian’s intentions in Eastern Europe and on Joel’s experience as a Watcher on the walls, “Putin is the greatest geo-political threat that the West faces”.

The biblical aspect of Putin’s ambitions, however, increasingly continues to be directly connected with the Gog-Magog coalition foreseen by prophet Ezekiel in the scenario of end-times events the Lord showed him; as outlined in Update #3 (with its account of a ‘coincidental’ attack by ‘cyber-gremlins’ AND that’s not the first time with respect to my blogging about Iran!).

In view of his residence in Israel, Joel will doubtless be aware of developments over the Syrian front, as in yesterday’s Breaking Israel News of Russia rejecting Israel’s request for a 37-mile buffer zone in the Golan to keep Iranian-backed forces away from their border.

These extracts from Debkafile’s recent military intelligence analyses and reports provide more on Putin’s support of Iran:

  • ‘The Russian air force has recently deployed to Syria four of its most highly advanced early warning and control aircraft, the Beriev A-50 SRDLO (“Mainstay”), which is rated the most sophisticated AWACS in operation…(The plane’s)  radar is capable of pinpointing targets across a distance of 600km (covering) all parts of Israel and can detect every aerial and military movement…’ (30 Aug – Russian-Syrian radar covers all Israel)
  • ‘Washington was winding up discussions with Moscow on terms for US special forces to evacuate the Al Tanf post they were holding in the Syrian-Iraqi-Jordanian triangle and hand it over to the Syrian army. Quitting Al Tanf is tantamount to the US withdrawal from south-eastern Syria and its handover to Syria and its allies, including Hizballah…’(8 Sept – US set to quit Al Tanf. Pro-Iranian forces move in)
  • ‘Iran, Syria and Hizballah sharpened their responses to the large-scale Israeli military war game against a potential Hizballah invasion… An Iranian military buildup indeed appears to be taking place on Syria’s borders with Jordan and Israel, in response to Israel’s mock thrust into Lebanon. But they are moving in on areas outside the de-escalation zones which are manned by Russian officers. Their tactic therefore is to entrench themselves in other parts of the southeastern Syria so that Russian, Iranian, Syrian and Hizballah forces form a continuous, impermeable line along Syria’s borders with Israel and Jordan.’ (12 Sept – Iran build-up in S Syria…)
  • ‘The (US/UK-forbidden river Euphates) crossing operation, as well as deepening Russia’s military involvement in Syrian and Hizballah offensives, is a major boost for Iran’s objectives, with grave strategic implications for the US and Israel…Iran and its pawns were creating an accomplished fact, with massive logistical and military assistance from the Russian army…By establishing a foothold on both banks of the Euphrates River and both sides of the Syrian-Iraqi border, Iran has taken a step towards pursuing its avowed goal of Israel’s destruction.’ (16 Sept – Syrian/Hizballah troops cross Euphrates).

6pm alert – today’s game-changing tactics! (Read Russia/Iran’s game-changer.)

Prophetic word to weigh: “A great and violent shaking is now taking place…”

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“Friends”, Veronika West addresses her readers, “I have been led by the Lord to fast for the next 14 days. Please know that I will be praying for you all and if there is something that Father desires me to share as a matter of urgency I will do so; however, I will not be posting daily as I usually do.” (Posted on Facebook 8th Sept.)

One such item of urgency, as well as calls to intercede for US and against terrorism in UK, was published early yesterday and reiterates earlier words from the Lord:

“HIS SPIRIT IS COMING SUDDENLY, SWIFTLY AND SEVERELY TO SHIFT, SIFT, SEPARATE AND SCATTER”!

I hear the Spirit say, “Tell My People to BE STILL AND TO FEAR NOT! For a GREAT AND VIOLENT SHAKING IS NOW TAKING PLACE IN THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH.

“Watch! FOR THIS WILL BE A TIME OF GREAT TURMOIL AND TRIBULATIONS. Listen! FOR THE WHOLE OF CREATION IS GROANING FOR AN INVASION OF MY GLORY AND POWER AND FOR THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD IN THE EARTH.

“Open your eyes and See! For SUDDEN, SWIFT AND DIVINE CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION IS NOW BEING BIRTHED IN THE EARTH“, says the Spirit of the Living God.

“Watch! For I have overturned the SANDS OF TIME and Now My governing hand goes forth with greater power, acceleration and momentum in this hour to SHIFT, to SIFT, to SEPARATE and to SCATTER. Yes!! WATCH! FOR I THE LORD OF HEAVEN’S ARMIES WILL ACT FOR YOU IN THUNDER AND EARTHQUAKES, IN THE WHIRLWIND, IN STORMS THAT RAGE AND IN THE CONSUMING FIRES THAT BURN“, says God.

“My Beloved Listen and Pay Attention!! KEEP WATCH AND PRAY IN THIS HOUR, FOR THE SPIRIT AND POWER OF ELIJAH NOW GOES FORTH UPON THE EARTH TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE CHILDREN BACK TO THEIR FATHERS AND THE DISOBEDIENT TO THE WISDOM OF THE JUST, TO MAKE READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD.

“YES! For surely My Spirit is now moving Suddenly, Swiftly and Severely in the Nations of the earth, Watch! For My hand has taken hold of the Nations to SHAKE loose every false foundation, to SIFT the wheat from the chaff and to SEPARATE the goats from the sheep. Have I not said, ‘I Shall Arise and SCATTER My enemies’?”, says God.

“My Sons and Daughters, Behold the Time has begun for a Great Spiritual Awakening is now taking place upon the Earth; do you see it?”, For Even now My Spirit goes forth in the Mighty Whirlwinds and in the Earthquakes to Shift and Realign the boundaries of all Nations, My Spirit goes forth as an unquenchable and devouring Fire to Purify and Sanctify, My Spirit goes forth as Unstoppable Rivers to Cleanse every defiled and impure thing in the land”, says the Spirit of God.

“Watch! As My Spirit now goes forth over the Nations and Kingdoms of the Earth to Uproot and Tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to Build and to plant. For I am the Great Redeemer the Holy One of Israel that comes in Great Power, Strength and Might in this hour to Reset, to Renew, to Recreate, to Restore, to Revive, to Rebuild and to Replenish”, says God.

Selah!

The Church of England will die unless we read the Bible…..

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The recent poll isn’t surprising in view of the July Synod’s outright refusal to refer to the Bible as the basis upon which politicians should ‘prioritise the common good of all people’ (as herein). So Gavin gently drives that lesson home…

gavinashenden's avatarGavin Ashenden


As a new survey shows 60% of people in the Church of England “never” read the Bible, Gavin Ashenden says its time for the CofE’s leaders to step up
I’ve just come back from Russia. The last time I was there – 35 years ago – was when I became a Bible smuggler, and got caught by the KGB.
Two KGB majors ran the interrogation. They threatened to have me tried as a bullion smuggler (I’d failed to declare that a gold ring I was wearing was imported bullion). When I was found guilty, the sentence would be 20 years in the labour camp in Siberia, they said. In exchange for not prosecuting, they wanted the names of the contacts I was taking the Bibles to.
I survived the questioning, they didn’t get the names and I lived to tell the tale.
But why did I (and others) smuggle Bibles?

View original post 1,057 more words

London awakening: old and new prophecies on this move of God

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A couple more updates from Michael Marcel, whose websites on historical and current revival-related events may be read at UK Wells and UK Awakening respectively:

CAPSTONE MOVE OF GOD PROPHESIED 12 YEARS AGO
This is a word given by a woman I respect who has been in full-time ministry for many years.

“Having watched the London Awakening meetings I felt it was time to release this dream The Lord gave me almost 12 years ago. The Lord showed me a group of people who had moved from Manor Park to Ilford and was now ministering in Ilford. I saw a group of 11 people worshiping on the streets of Ilford going from street to street, but the interesting thing was a woman was in the front-line and she was dressed in a flowing bridal gown.  I then said to the Lord, what is this? And He said this is a group of prophetic people /prophetic ministry that is coming to Ilford who will prepare the way for My return; they are a bridal group operating in prophetic ministry.  I noticed in the dream there were 11 people who were committed at that time in dream  I also noticed that worship was key to this group in preparing the way and a people for the return of Christ.”

A PROPHECY ON CAPSTONE’S NEXT PHASE

Michael writes on 9th September that Capstone Church is still going strong and entering a new phase, as indicated by this prophetic word delivered by Simon Braker of School of the Spirit Leicester:

“As we stood in worship the Lord took me into a vision. I saw a giant bowl in this room and it was full. The angel went to the Father and said, “Father it is full,” and the Father looked at him and said, “Well then, get a bigger one!”.

“I saw that bowl being tipped into another bowl, and what is here now was dwarfed, because the bowl was so big. What I hear the Lord say is He has been building it up to this moment, and it is no coincidence that Apostle Che Ahn is here tonight and Jerame (Nelson) is coming next week, because from this moment it shifts into an apostolic flow, that it is going to break into a new level in the nations.”

Tap/click graphic for link to website

RB Footnote:

Che Ahn is one of the leaders of Revival Alliance and founder of Harvest Rock Church, Pasadena. In June 2008 when opening a large gathering connected with an outpouring in Lakeland, Florida, spoke of a 1984 prophecy of revival in southern California. (See a few videos of worship at that event in my blog New Britain: Spiritual rains have started.) Since early 2016 (here) Che’s associates Jerame & Miranda Nelson in San Diego have been experienced a Holy Spirit outpouring.

Ex-Muslim terrorist encounters Jesus Christ in prison

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Set aside half-hour to listen to Afshin David’s very vivid, astonishing account of his life as a devout Iranian Shiite ‘soldier’ of Hezbollah who, whilst in prison, was going to kill a Christian ‘infidel’ but decided to do it by means of demonic power. However, he then got attacked by demonic darkness and pleading the names of his god or his ‘prophet’ failed utterly – yet calling upon the name of Jesus Christ saved him!

Warm to Afshin as he vividly tells about his consequential bewilderment and struggle to receive clarity and a true knowledge and relationship with the living God. His startling, powerful encounter with Jesus outshines my story of similar spiritual contrasts.

I’m grateful to Revd Gavin Ashenden for publishing this excellent material.  It is highly informative as a comparison of some essentials of Islamic culture and scripture with the holy Bible. (See also his Beware the Oppressive ‘Rainbow Wooden Horse‘.)

Now watch the first part of Afshin’s testimony:

Part 2:

We praise you Lord for your mercy and rejoice in our brother’s salvation.

Celebrate with me a life-changing night…

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Twenty eight years ago this morning I awoke after an awesome, shattering dream. One so lucid that nearly 30 years later, it remains vividly etched within me. Come back with me (dream content in blue typeface, comments black).:

I am in my childhood home and standing in front of the large casement window in one corner of the lounge (opposite corner to the doorway). I look up into the inky, dark night sky outside.

A small flotilla of large, wingless aircraft drifts slowly across from left to right at high altitude and I groan, “Oh…not that flying saucer nonsense. I must be dreaming!”  I’m sceptical about the existence of UFO’s, but now another ‘fleet’ of some sort appears from the right and heads towards the first.

(The dream now changes gear by going up a level from the usual mix of mental material to that of absolutely convincing lucidity…)

The metaphorical ‘light goes on’!  In my ‘knower’, I realise the first fleet is demonic and the second is masses of angels under the command of Jesus Christ. (I did not believe in them, and regarded Jesus as one of many world teachers. Here, I see no individuals but inwardly know the situation.)

Excited, I think I’m about to watch an amazing heavenly battle…but…OH NO!  

Somehow, I now know Jesus has espied me far down below and is now flying down towards me!

All I see is a distant bright light very rapidly getting brighter and larger as it drops down to my location, just like an airliner approaching a runway to land at night. 

Instantly, I realise my life has been one of sin and that contrasts starkly against Jesus’ utter holiness. Right away I realise what’s claimed about the Judgement is true – but mine is about to happen right now!

Beyond any doubt whatsoever I suddenly realise my involvement in the occult was most definitely wrong. Consequently, I deserve the undesirable abode!

Groaning “My number’s up!” I inwardly tremble in fearful knowledge I’m about to die at any moment. An invisible trapdoor I’m standing on will drop me straight into hell.

Utmost mortal terror strikes!  I dive under the drop-leaf table by the wall to the left of the window so I can hide from Jesus. But he knows I’m there and swoops down straight through the wall on the other side of the corner window. He’s standing in the room and right beside the table!

Cowering below the table with my back turned towards him, I glance over my shoulder and see him from the knees down, his body and face out of sight above the table.

Most unexpectedly, somehow I have the courage to reach my hand out backwards to grab at the hem of Jesus’ robe…

As I tug at the hem this event goes into yet another level of revelation, one to do with my childhood…Then I awake! Thoroughly alert, further sleep eludes me!

As recounted in False ‘Gospel’ leads me to the devil’s door,  the previous evening I’d closed the door on all further discussions with a young church worker about Christianity because of his incorrect opinion of yoga, the new age and the occult, as based upon Billy Graham’s teaching!

That night’s dream reminds me of an evocative small picture that deeply impressed me as a child – the return of Jesus Christ:

1st Sunday in Advent - Image

Later I understand that my terror had been ‘the fear of God’ brought through the Holy Spirit’s convicting me of my personal sinfulness (ie. wrongdoing) and, thus, preparing me to receive God’s grace (ie. undeserved favour).

Also, what happened after reaching for Jesus proves He’s closely acquainted with the private details of my thoughts as a very young boy.  The dream’s conclusion shows He’s going to topple my childish concepts of Him in preparation for their replacement with a certainty of His true identity.

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love” (Psalm 111). Mercifully, He plucked me from the domain of darkness to bring me into His own and receive its blessings. I deserved none of that. Truly, Amazing Grace – how awesome and wonderful..!

As a result of the most remarkable dream I’d ever had, I carefully reconsidered all my New Age and occultic notions. Meditational and mystical exercises had resulted in my having some unusual, ‘psychic’ dreams, but none whatsoever like this one.

The only remotely similar dream was that of an ‘altered’ state of consciousness known as ‘nirvana’, or bliss, where I’d been taken behind its alluring golden light.  Ecstasy turned to abject terror as the light I was in got swept aside like a curtain. Exposed ‘on stage’ was a hideous, devouring beast of utter blackness about to approach me – far worse than any nightmare! (as in Searching for Truth leads me into captivity).

I wasn’t into drugs but was ignorant of the scripture ‘satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light‘ (2 Cor 11:14).  Upon learning about and reading that verse a few years later I realised its truth had been demonstrated to me when a non-Christian in that identity’s dramatic exposure!

But in this new dream terrifying fear had been overcome by Jesus Christ Himself and His wonderful mercy and love.

What happened next?  That’s told in Triple validation of the reality of my life-changing Visitation.  For an introductory overview to my full testimonial read “Am FREE!”.

On the 28th anniversary of my rescue (albeit not then fully believing or born-again) I rejoice in the Lord my Saviour upon entering a ‘new season’ of my life everlasting.

[Photo of Jesus in Clouds courtesy of Bible Probe.]

London area awakening: refiner’s fire testimony

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I’m honoured and grateful to Paul Marriott for having contacted me direct about his visit to Capstone Church, as told in the first half of the testimonies published by my friend Michael Marcel.  (I noted his confirming my impression of visiting that church as being like Toronto and reference to the burning bush, which featured in my meditations over several weeks.) Paul’s illuminating account of personal discipleship in giving the glory to God is published with his kind permission:

‘I came across your wonderful blog today and it blessed me greatly – thank you…

‘I wrote this testimony below on the 18th August. In the past 10 days my wife, daughter and myself have even been more profoundly affected by what is happening at Capstone and we could probably write several more pages of testimony. The Lord is moving in very deep and remarkable ways in the UK and He is using an extremely humble fellowship at the back-end of nowhere in Ilford, East London, to ignite the London Awakening, which is already having a profound affect across not only across London but also the nations of the UK and beyond into the Nations. I think the key to what is happening is humility – the Lord favours the humble – not so the proud. I hope this encourages you brother.’

MY REFINER’S FIRE TESTIMONY

‘The very top testimony below (ie. previous post) is mine from a week ago. What isn’t stated here is that it was the culmination of a significant period of private prayer where I asked the Lord to lead me through effective repentance of anything that put self above Him. As a result of a discussion with a dear friend whose faith-walk is a yardstick of integrity, I asked the Lord to cleanse me of all hindrances and blockages in me that would prevent me hearing His voice or understanding His word; I asked Him to purify me in His refiner’s fire of all the dross and impurities (the burning bush was not a consuming fire but it represented ‘holy ground’) and finally to make me a holy vessel fit to be poured out for His purposes.

‘On the day I went to Capstone Church Ilford, which I had never heard of before, I’d added a statement in my prayer group, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if one could find a church where man completely took his hand off the service and allowed God to run it?” – to which several in that group responded with a resounding “Amen”. It seemed that no sooner had I uttered that and they had responded than the 2 prophecies mentioned below (ie previous) appeared in my facebook feed and the rest of the below became history.

‘Since then my passion for Jesus has grown exponentially, I am totally in love with Him; I have unspeakable love for my wife and family; Amanda and Sarah have been incredibly supportive. I dance like David danced in every time of worship, my love of the lost knows no ends and I am now daily leading people to Jesus or making Him known to them on a journey they are wanting to undertake. Talking of journeys every train and bus trip and high street walk and shop visit is a befriending-for-Jesus-time and even my hospital appointment today resulted in Him being made known to the waiting room in an utterly friendly way and in my praying for various people there to be healed.

‘In 12 days since I first attended Capstone I have been healed of a very painful post-viral knee condition (I laid claim to Isaiah 53:5d – by His wounds (stripes) we are healed); I feel like 26 and not 62; lost 14lbs in weight (1.5 stone over 3 weeks) – largely from “worshipping with all my being” which has now attained a remarkable prophetic edge (who me this previously demure 62-year-old Englishman?) and also within a week have attained an admittedly medically-aided blood-pressure reduction from 173/117 on Mon 7th August to 136/72 which I was told today…is the blood pressure of a healthy 17-year-old! I’ll have that. 1 Corinthians 1:31 says “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord”. Indeed I do and I give all the glory for this transformation to God

‘To my surprise even attempting to share such a testimony has led to numerous negative reactions (to the point where some will attempt to explain each part of the testimony away) but many spirit-filled encouragements too.

‘That however is another story. For now I’ll ‘just’ GIVE GOD THE GLORY.’

Paul Marriott, 18th August 2017

‘That was over 3 weeks ago now and it has not all been plain sailing as the Lord is doing a very deep work in me, showing me the effects of carnal thinking and convicting me of my sin nature and taking me through confession and deep anguish of repentance on my face before Him…a sobering, cleansing and releasing experience. I have discovered that fear of man is a snare that has caused compromise in my life…not pleasant to see where fear leads – but this is a direct as a result of praying and asking Him to make me a clean, pure & holy vessel fit for His purposes. I am learning too the importance of accountability and deeper submission to others (my wife especially!) in their exercise of wisdom & discernment. I have discovered that deep seated insecurities had affected a lot of my thinking and led to people-pleasing above God or family. I have been ‘addicted to doing’ out of guilt feelings rather than a true and deep love for the lost. All that has to go and the Lord is inviting me to take His yoke upon me instead, which, by comparison is light and easy. There is no going back to the religion of compromise – I have discovered that the journey out of bondage is not easy but I sense that the outcome and fruitfulness will be awesome.’

(12th September)

Selah!

UPDATE 21 Oct 2019

On Facebook’s Prophetic Releasers for UK Revival, Paul replies to my comment on his most encouraging personal news as follows:

“… You may recall that I attend Capstone Church whose primary campus is in Ilford. We hosted open meetings 5 nights a week and on Sunday mornings in 2017-18 in what became known as the London Awakening…Since then we have continued to experience the tangible Presence of God in every meeting at Ilford and Southall, while the husband and wife Senior Pastors have poured themselves into the church in multiple ways so that we can help pour out into other churches and nations.  Teaching on the prophetic is the most recent example of their serving the Body (the wife is commissioned as a prophet by HIM and has been conducting the excellent teaching).

London area awakening: some testimonies

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Thank you to Michael Marcel for circulating these testimonies of what is happening in Ilford (click/tap logo for link). I hope to post an update very soon to the first:

The 2 prophecies over Capstone Church took me to streaming the video of their service and the anointing in the worship was palpable. The Lord said “Go” and I went. That was on Saturday and I returned Sunday morning. I received a full baptism in the Holy Spirit. The refiners fire of God fell upon me and He did open heart surgery on me then and there. The level of anointing is increasing the whole while. It has not lifted off once since Sunday morning, although He gives me quiet contemplative periods of learning from Him between powerful ministry times and openings to share testimony. The power of the anointing is in the humility of the pastors, leaders, the remarkable congregation and the participants who are hungry for Him. He is meeting everybody who humbles themselves before Him and asks. The church is allowing Him to lead the meeting. Such a precious spirit.

I wasn’t able to go to the Capstone meetings in London; instead I watched an evening online. It was utterly powerful – the whole worship band ended up on the floor filled with the spirit of joy and laughter; every single member of the band was touched by the powerful presence of God. As I was watching I noticed some people’s faces were shining, not from camera lights but from the presence of God. Jeremy Nelson spoke on the keys – the opening of all the things that where stuck. It spoke to my life and I felt so blessed by his message, but what touched me most was when he was about to finish speaking, and he looked into the camera and said – you too watching at home be filled, and the Spirit of God fell on me. I felt peace and warmth and a sense of hunger to see and experience more of heaven.

I visited Capstone and indeed the presence of God felt like 1994 and afterwards I have noticed an increase in hunger in myself which I am truly grateful for.

A Spirit-filled vicar said to me (Michael) that she had never experienced the depth of worship she experienced when at Capstone.

A few of many testimonies from Four Square Youth Camp:

When we sent the boys our only prayer was that they encounter God in an unforgettable way. God is so good.. he has done more then what we asked for.
One would not stop talking.. he said he was so shocked at the way God works through people. The anointing was so strong on him! God’s presence was so strong on him when I prayed for him.

One of the boys’ parents said the boys stayed up till 2.00am last night praising and worshiping God in their bedroom. This is a huge change because a few weeks back the boys would not even open their mouth during church worship! This change is only possible by the Holy Spirit.

God broke down my emotional walls, I’ve been out of touch with my emotions for a while, but was so overwhelmed yesterday morning and just couldn’t stop crying, it feels good to cry again!

On a September shift for leaders of UK, USA & Israel; harvest and equipping for the battle

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In Visions of Christian Warriors…, which included words from the Lord on His heavenly army as brought by Chris Bennett, I mused about whenever we’re away it’s intriguing to return home and compare impressions with others who’ve heard from the Lord. So we continue in that vein with another word Chris received at that time (published by UK Prophetic Words – emphases mine):

GOD’S HAND IS UPON THERESA MAY, DONALD TRUMP and BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, PLUS WORD TO THE CHURCH

There has been a shift in the atmosphere in the last couple of days. It seems to me that the intercession, the presence of the Lord, the worship, even signs and wonders following have increased to the point of seeming much more aggressive. The war in the heavenlies has increased as the Army of Heaven prepares the way for Holy Spirit to move. That’s what I’m getting from the Lord.

“As August becomes September, expect Me to move upon you in power. Expect to see your leaders, President Trump, Prime Minister May, and Prime Minister Netanyahu, move decisively to forestall moves by their enemies from bearing fruit. My hand is upon them”, says the Lord of Hosts, “and they shall not be overthrown by those seeking to overthrow the balance of world power.”

The Lord continued, “My church needs to be ready for the cry, ‘ALL HANDS ON DECK!’ and she needs to have intercessors praying and watchmen stationed on the walls. From your point of view, things are about to get ‘ugly’, but from My perspective, everything is on plan, on target, and ready to advance My Kingdom.

“My Spirit is ready to show you His power. He is ready to flood your nations with My presence; to begin the harvest. It has started in many places, but I am ready to change the face of My church for ever!” says the Lord. “Be prepared for changes – big far reaching changes. I am equipping the Church for war – all out war upon Christians by My enemies. Changes will be inevitable, unavoidable, and, to some, unpalatable. As I said to Joshua, so I say to this army, ‘Do not fear, be strong and very courageous, for every place you put your foot, that place I will give you!’”

He finished with this,

“This is your battle cry, Sound the trumpets! Every man to his station. The enemies of the Lord are about to attack but the battle is the Lords! It was won at Calvary.”

Hallelujah Church. Battle is joined! The Holy One of Israel is on the move!!!

Chris Bennett, 29th August 2017

Update on the silencing of Big Ben’s bongs

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On Friday I read this brief report by Christopher Hope, chief political correspondent of the Telegraph under the headline:

Big Ben could chime again in ‘silence of the bongs’ rethink

‘Under health and safety rules, the 13-ton bell is being taken out of action to protect the hearing of construction workers on site…’

‘Ms Leadsom was challenged in the House of Commons whether it was “beyond the wit of man silencers to be worn” by workers near the Great Bell. 

‘The Cabinet minister replied that she recognised there were “strong views” about the silencing of Big Ben. She added: “It is a very important issue. The House’s Commission met last night and agreed to the cessation for the bells for the time being but also to look at whether there are other alternatives to leaving the bells off.”…’ (read in full here).

For background read To Bong or not to Bong? That’s the Big Ben Question as the nation waits… and Interesting reflection of UK-US connection – and Big Ben.

[This news wasn’t included in previous post as I didn’t want to detract from prophetical content and it had been finished Thursday for auto-publication over the weekend.]