On becoming like Jesus Christ

Posted on Wednesday, 26 November, 2014 by Richard Barker

This profoundly important message comes from Mike Parsons. It’s reposted in full rather than re-blogged in order to emphasise its associated prophetic word and append a book cover and make some observations on four consecutive days of God-incidences. Regular readers know my opinion of such events. For Mike’s original posted in August, click on his following title:

THE IMAGE OF JESUS

Mike Parsons with Jeremy Westcott

Transformation: embrace the season

We are entering into a season preparing us for holiness; a season of removing stumbling blocks; a season of preparation to cross the threshold into the glory realm; a season for transformation. Not just a minor adjustment of surface appearance, but fundamental, radical change, affecting body, soul and spirit.

Let’s not resist it, but embrace it. Let’s cooperate in being changed from glory to ever-increasing glory. Entering into the process of refining and purifying is entirely voluntary. That said, we know that sometimes God will engineer circumstances around our lives to give us further opportunities to volunteer. We can fall on the Rock, or the Rock can fall on us.

Like you have never known

Here is part of a prophetic word which God gave me before I first taught this series at Freedom in 2012:

“It is time to pray that the lid comes off and to call forth my angels who are waiting to start gathering and removing stumbling blocks both within and without. Holiness fire is coming, the highway of holiness has been prepared. It is time to walk in the river of fire. You have walked over it and felt its heat but now it is time to be baptised in fire. The heat will turn idols back into the dust they came from: to be under your feet, not in your hearts.

“Call forth the gathering angels. The lids are coming off the sewers, the secret and hidden things of the heart are about to be exposed. All I ask is for the willingness to submit to the fire that will refine, purify and prepare you for true holiness.

“I am about to restore your souls like you have never known, and lead you on paths of righteousness like you have never known.

“I am going to prune the church. I am going to cut off the branches that are producing no fruit. I am going to remove the stumbling blocks to true kingdom government. I am going to close the access doors that the enemy has had. Some have already been removed.

“I am looking for those who are willing to be pruned in the unproductive areas of their lives and in their desires and their priorities…”

Metamorphosed, transfigured

We have seen that happen at Freedom Church (kingdom government has been established here, but in the process, lids have certainly come off some sewers and we have experienced some painful pruning, both corporate and personal). What is true for us locally is true for you, wherever you are reading this. God wants His whole church transformed, metamorphosed, transfigured, changed, conformed into the image of Jesus; not patterned, moulded, conformed to the world.

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Rom 12:1-2).

Transformation is a process of change, a renewal, a restoration to original condition; not to what Adam was like before his sin but to what he would have become. How would things be today if Man had not fallen, but had spent the intervening centuries pursuing God’s plan for him and for creation? How would we be?

Our goal in transformation is to become wholly like Jesus; to live like Him; to do as He did, and greater things (John 14:12); to be conformed to His image.

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

One degree to another

In our day, the prophetic books (portals) have been opened and we are receiving deeper levels of revelation and understanding. But these also call for deeper levels of transformation. It is like going from pre-school mathematics (recognise a number), through primary school (counting, simple sums, addition, multiplication), to secondary school (algebra, equations, calculus), undergraduate, postgraduate and so on. I suspect many of us are not much beyond pre-school as yet.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).

There are progressive levels of transformation to maturity, progressive levels of responsibility and authority. God wants to take us from servant to bondservant to steward to friend; lord to king to son.

By the mercies of God

Freedom from sin (Rom 6:16-18); the gift of eternal life (Rom 6:23); peace with God (Rom 5:1); the grace of God (Rom 5:2); salvation from wrath (Rom 5:9); the gift of repentance (Rom 2:4-5); the love of Christ (2 Cor 5:14-15): the mercies of God are new every morning, and they motivate us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, ready for transformation.

It is indeed a process, and it may take some time. But we can begin today (and every day) by offering ourselves as a living sacrifice. We can invite Him to do what He needs to do in us.

He will challenge our conscience, imagination, reason, mind, emotions, will, and choice; our motives, desires, attitudes, mind-sets, belief systems, familiar spirits, patterns of sin, trading systems, idols, stumbling blocks, entanglements; hurts, pains, rejections, fears, inadequacies, inferiorities, disappointments and more besides. He will deal with our sin, transgression and iniquity. He will restore our supernatural abilities.

Are we up for that?
If so, let’s pray:

God I thank you for your presence in my life.
I open the gate of first love and invite you into my spirit
I invite you to activate my spiritual senses and flow through me
Jesus I surrender control of my life to your lordship.
You are Lord of my life.

I choose to be a bond servant.
Train me as a good steward
So that I can be your friend.

Renew my mind
Heal my emotions
Restore my conscience
Cleanse my imagination
Direct my will.

Train my senses to hear your voice
To know your heart
See your vision
And be directed by your peace.

Cleanse my bloodline and seed-line
Transform my DNA.

Father I choose to follow my eternal destiny
Into lordship, kingship and sonship.
I choose, as an ambassador of heaven,
To administer the rule of the kingdom of God
On earth as it is in heaven.

Display me as a son of light on the earth.
Manifest your kingdom rule through me to the world around me.

Other resources from Freedom ARC

Transformation audio series (much of the content of this post is taken from session 1).
Ambassadors of Heaven audio series.
DNA Transformation (YouTube playlist of Mike’s ‘Supernatural Mentoring’ videos which touch on this subject).

OBSERVATIONS

The year of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, 2012, saw an abundance of prophecies about a new era for the Church (click for a selection). For me it brought a conviction of seeing things falling into place, especially after an awesome gathering in August at Birmingham, as described in An invisible jigsaw falls into place. It greatly reminded me of having prepared annually for the new school year but going up to a higher class, and Spirit-filled believers have an exceptional schooling (see Back to School-College-Uni).

So I’m most encouraged that Mike refers to 2012, and spells out what was on my mind about increasing in Godly wisdom like when we went through various schools – but I omitted my intention of saying most churchgoers are in, or unwilling to progress beyond, nursery school!

More remarkable are references to ‘stumbling blocks’ and the ‘mercies of God’, because they featured prominently last week, as follows:

Tues 18th: the closing verses to the draft of my last post on Jerusalem (re. faith of traditional church leaders) got augmented. I added what had cropped up in that morning’s quiet time but used the literal wording rather than the standard NKJV text, “It is impossible that no offenses should come…”; ie. I wrote ‘stumbling blocks’, not ‘offenses’.
My study bible notes to Luke 17:1 state ‘offenses’ means ‘stumbling blocks’, and is literally the trigger of a trap or snare. In the verse it designates something that causes one to sin, and Jesus issues a strong warning against apostasy.
Within minutes of publishing that post an Elder called about having an insight into our unexpected month-long recurrence of a major health issue and said he’d seen a ‘stumbling block’! When my wife waited upon the Lord nothing came, she went to watch a TV programme but it suddenly changed to show a long-forgotten but traumatic episode of when she was 9 years old playing out on the TV Screen!!
Wed 19th: our Elder ministered as directed into that ‘video’ stumbling block’.
Thur 20th: Nina awoke to find there were no signs of this daily manifestation! Praise and thank the Lord greatly.
Thur 20th: that morning’s prophetic Lion Bites was exactly on target, as implied in my covering comment to New mercies every morning! Mike refers above to “the mercies of God are new every morning’!
Fri 21st: not normally on-line, but went to adjust that draft only to see email note of Mike’s post being re-blogged on Ecclesia of Burning Ones – thank you so much for bringing this excellent post to my attention.

I can only conclude: NOW’s the time to action Mike’s post!

Note: Paul Keith Davis writes in-depth on ‘angels that gather’ in this book published in 2007. For details click on the book’s cover >>>

Lion Bites: New mercies every morning

Posted on Thursday, 20 November, 2014 by Richard Barker

Thank you Lord for a breakthrough at last on the peculiar health issue to which I referred the last time I re-posted one of the daily prophetical encouragements from Glasgow. In fact, some of the past week’s ‘Bites’ have been timely.

Today’s word is EXACTLY right in describing the situation.

NEW MERCIES EVERY MORNING

Lamentations 3:22
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness, “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him”.

Many have waited in this season, believing for breakthrough. But at times it has felt like that bus which has never arrived at your bus stop. There you sit, looking… waiting… watching. You are the last person left there in the cold of the night… and yet you wait on. The Lord Jesus is your only hope and your only answer left… you wait… and watch still… because you know that God is coming.

Suddenly! The faint rumblings of the bus engine finally reach your ears and you know that your prayers have been heard.

Today is a good day! I hear the Lord saying,

“New mercies, new mercies, new mercies. I am the God of new mercies every morning!

“My compassion does not fail. I am releasing new mercies to My children, to those who wait on My name, to reveal My faithfulness again”.

Will you rejoice that your prayers have been heard today and that you will receive the new mercies God has for you?

YES INDEED!

Bless you David and Emma, and may everyone who reads this be blessed too.

In connection with the poetic ‘rumblings of the bus engine’, there’s a fascinating ‘God-incident’ over the closing scripture of my post on churches in Jerusalem and an Elder’s phone call minutes later – but that ‘glory-story’ must await another time.

46,000 churches called to “extraordinary prayer” for Great Awakening

Posted on Thursday, 13 November, 2014 by Richard Barker

A fascinating follow-on that acts as sequel to the last post can only be of the Lord. In asking whether an emerging corrective trend of a spiritual-political nature could link the USA to Britain, I noted a commonality and mused if it may be related to Charlie Shamp’s remarks about the UK.

“Whether we are discussing the First and Second Great Awakenings…God has always seemed to release the fresh movement of the Holy Spirit on these Islands that has gone on to affect the entire earth.”

We now have reference to a ‘Third Great Awakening’, as follows:

This morning (13th Nov) Joel Rosenberg’s latest email announced “something very exciting happening in the leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention”. In June he’d written about the SBC’s new President, Dr Ronnie Floyd’s, and Anne Graham Lotz’s urgent prayer call for July 4th and beyond.

Joel reminds us that Dr Floyd was making prayer for a Third Great Awakening a top priority inside one of the world’s largest evangelical Christian denominations. He now reports that, true to his word, this pastor has travelled all over the country preaching on the need for deep repentance and revival inside the SBC.

Now, Dr Floyd’s released a free 16-page e-book titled, Pleading With Southern Baptists And Beyond to come together in clear agreement before God and “in extraordinary prayer for the Next Great Awakening and for the world to be reached for Christ”. It is a clarion call for Southern Baptists — and all Christians in the United States — to become deeply focused and committed to pleading with God for revival. [Click to read in full.]

The Third Great Awakening

Joel’s item rang a bell about Dutch Sheets also having similarly called for prayer, about which I wrote in some depth here. It’s the most motivational call for prayer I’ve heard because of its foundation upon a supra-natural lesson: the existing effect of generations’ intercession since the American War of Independence.

Also, I was reminded of having encouraged friends in early 2011 to watch his inspiring account at The Bay Revival of the Lord speaking since 1991 about a new awakening (this email refers).

Recounting his experience this September at the grave of the great revivalist Charles Finney, Dutch reminded Holy Spirit about the First and Second Great Awakenings and appealed to Heaven for another,

As we prayed, God chose this time and place to meet with me in a powerful way. I was overcome, as I have been before, with God’s heart and love for America. I wept, as we all cried out for revival in our land. Why did God meet me there in such a strong way? Perhaps it was to honor the memory of Finney, a faithful son; or, since awakening and harvest is what Finney so powerfully represents, maybe it was a confirmation that God is, indeed, going to give us another great awakening; and it could have been to remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves – that the great cloud of witnesses is watching and cheering us on, knowing fully that we’re the continuation of their efforts (Hebrews 11:39-12:2). Whatever His reason for choosing this time and place, the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon me. I was re-mantled and re-anointed.

After explaining about mantles and anointing, Dutch concludes,

God is not finished with America. Don’t be moved by the naysayers, don’t give in to hope deferred. There is a third Great Awakening coming to our land. There is another broad and passionate “appeal to Heaven” occurring in our land, which will be honored, just as it was when our nation was born. There is a re-connecting to the covenants, promises and sacrifices of our forefathers. And there will be an answer from Heaven in the form of the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit the earth has ever experienced – in America, and around the world. You are part of this! Keep crying out for revival – and cry out for revivalists like Finney to be raised up in our day.

Be blessed as you read his full account here.

[Endless Bridge by Evgeni Denev, courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net]

What have Paul Keith’s video and Mary Magdalene got in common?

Posted on Tuesday, 4 November, 2014 by Richard Barker

To God alone be the glory for this true story…

Join me as I meander along my musings and, as we wend our way, watch out for.:

a modern movie and its location
a medieval English abbey
a lost Renaissance painting
a legendary epic voyage
the earliest Christian letter
a new appreciation of prayer.

Except for the first, the rest took me by surprise the weekend before last. As pieces of an ‘invisible jigsaw’ they’d fallen into view like fresh snow.

Our long weekends off from weekday busy-ness start on Fridays, and a couple of Fridays ago we enjoyed strolling around Chichester city centre in warm sunshine. Eventide, we relaxed by catching up on an iPlayer movie recommended by our eldest daughter…

‘THE WAY’

This movie written and directed by Emilio Estevez is most engrossing and stars Martin Sheen (aka ‘West Wing’s US President Bartlett) as an irascible American doctor, Tom. He goes to southern France after losing his son (Emilio Estevez) who had an accidental death after having set out on “The Way of St. James” (see map).

Rather than returning to the States, Tom wants to honour his son by completing the journey on his behalf. But he doesn’t expect the profound impact this trip has on him. The Way tells the story of his near-500 miles hike to Santiago de Compostela in north-western Spain.

The route is one of many to one of the oldest of pilgrimages sites in Europe. I recalled learning about its connection with Reading Abbey upon researching the abbey’s history Founded in 1121 by king Henry I, this English abbey was also one starting place for the Camino de Santiago, and is reputed to have the remains of St James’ hand as a relic. (My researches began in my office overlooking the ruins of the abbey’s mill, and are as copied here.)

So this movie had a personal, albeit indirect, relevance – but more was to come on the ‘morrow…

LOST PAINTING FOUND

The very next morning I found buried inside Saturday’s paper some interesting facts about a ‘centuries-old art history mystery’ –

Caravaggio’s original ‘Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy’ has been discovered in a private European collection, the world’s leading expert on the Renaissance master has claimed.

The Telegraph: photo credit La Repubblica

Although the 1606 painting has been copied several times, historian Mina Gregori says the original has finally been found. The Telegraph’s Andrea Vogt says this expert won’t reveal which country it is in but can confirm that when she first saw the 100 by 90cm oil on canvas in the owners’ home, she had no doubt. Andrea reports, Gregori called the find a “marvellous addition” to the art world. The 80-year-old scholar and authenticator said seeing the original with her own eyes was a career highlight: “I think after all these years, I deserved it”.

This article rang a bell deep in long-forgotten memories of my pre-Christian interests because:

The painting refers to the legend in which Mary, living as a hermit in a cave in southern France near Aix-en-Provence after Christ’s death, was overcome seven times a day by “the delightful harmonies of the celestial choirs”.

That reference, especially about an ecstatic trance, would connect with remarks I was yet to hear on the third day, and thus start seeing a part of this ‘invisible puzzle’. But we should first consider the importance of this biblical person.

Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus alive after his burial in the garden tomb and so many, including Pope Benedict, regard her as an “Apostle to the Apostles”. She was the sister of Martha and Lazarus, whom Jesus brought back from the dead and was to later become Bishop of Cyprus. This family are reputed to have been of royal blood and owned estates in and around Jerusalem as well as at Magdala near the Sea of Galilee, where the younger sister Mary lived and is said to have fallen into a sinful life. Jesus is thought to have frequented one or other of their premises whilst travelling with dozens of disciples.

This blessed woman became deeply devoted to Jesus after deliverance – no wonder she later sat wrapt in His teaching instead of helping her sister. On that need Jesus remarked, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42 emphasis added).

Hence, Mary Magdalene is patron of contemplatives and Caravaggio’s painting reflects an outcome of her desire and her Master’s promise.

(Thank you to ‘Joe Catholic’ for also pointing out Mary is a model for penitent sinners. Also see this informative rebuttal of modern Catholic biblical scholarship.)

Next, I dived into my library and dug out a book bought in 1971 during my investigations into early Church history.:

THE COMING OF THE SAINTS

This book by John Taylor, first published in 1906, is replete with source references and combines history and legend to portray the earliest Christian missions into western Europe (Spain, France and Britain). It helped me – a non-believer – learn about the early church’s transmission of Jesus’ original teachings. In my story, I explained my desire to find out why churches were not doing what Jesus had done, as promised in John 14:12, as well as how much of His teaching had been lost.

The editor of this book’s 1967 reprint answers complaints about mixing written records and local legend, saying the book shows they substantiate one another and dovetail together. “Of particular interest are the references culled from churches founded by the saints who were companions of our Lord during His ministry”, maintains Gladys Taylor.

She writes her namesake gathered evidence from a pilgrimage made to the French churches, and other countries, and thus produced impressive proof of their antiquity.

From top: grotto cave of St Mary Magdalene; church of Les Saintes Maries; crypt of St Martha at Tarascon (J Taylor 1901)

One chapter summarises the Life of St Mary Magdalene complied by Rabanus Maurus (776-856 AD) – a manuscript copy of which is lodged in Magdalen College Library, Oxford. In his closing years he was Archbishop of Mayence (Mainz, Germany).

First however, I needed to re-remind myself of the book’s main thesis. Its first chapters examine the known historical events, and those behind the scenes, at the close of and after Jesus’ life. Taylor thus adds detail to scripture’s narrative and he posits a list of disciples additional to the apostles, deacons and the family of Jesus. In addition to considering the ‘home-base’ of Capernaum, he lists names of followers from the house on Mont Zion and the city of Jerusalem, and towns of Bethany, Emmaus and Jericho.

Then Taylor covers some early missionary journeys not covered in Acts of the Apostles, noting Dr Luke’s historic account does not refer to the evangelical mission in Sardinia and Spain of John’s brother James. The only reference to James after Pentecost is his death at the hands of Herod in Jerusalem in 44 AD (Acts 12:2). His remains are said to have ended up centuries later back in Santiago de Compostela. Hence, pilgrimages to his shrine, as mentioned above.

Persecution following Apostle James’ martyrdom led to the dispersal of many disciples from Jerusalem. (This was about 10 years after that led by Saul of Tarsus.) Tradition of Provence, southern France, has a number of them being bundled into a boat without oars or sails somewhere near Mount Carmel and set adrift. They’re reputed to have been Lazarus, Joseph of Aramathea, Maximin (leader of disciples after the apostles, and friend committed to the care of the Magdalene) as well as a favoured four: Martha and Mary, Mary wife of Cleopas and a third Mary (Salome) and others.

However, I was interested in checking John Taylor’s reference to the correct James at Jerusalem. Was it John’s brother, or Jesus’ brother James who later led the Jerusalem church and wrote a brief epistle. It is James’ historic ruling at the first Church council that enabled non-Jews to associate with the Church without having to comply with the Mosaic laws their Jewish brethren had before coming to Christ.

So to clarify, I wasn’t so interested in Mary Magdalene as wanting to check out what Paul wrote to the Galatian churches about his post-conversion history. I recalled mention of church leaders he met when in Jerusalem, as well as Luke’s account of those meetings (Acts 15)

Written circa 50 AD Paul’s letter is the first and therefore the oldest, canonical Christian document and earlier than the Gospels. Therein Paul tells what he did, where he went and how he learned the Gospel of Jesus by direct, personal revelation; that is, not from any original disciple or apostle:

¹³For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it….¹⁵But when it pleased God…¹⁶to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,¹⁷nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. ¹⁸Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. ¹⁹But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. ²⁰(Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.) ²¹Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. ²²And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. ²³But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” ²⁴And they glorified God in me.

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. ²And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. (Emphases added)

SUNDAY VIDEO SESSION

The next day, Sunday, we wanted more teaching and chose to watch the Paul Keith Davis and James Levesque video discussion I’d blogged about.

In arguing for the supra-natural abilities and dimension required to bring in the harvest that meets the heart of God, “as it is defined in scripture”, Paul Keith maintains this is for those who walk with God in realms of glory and demonstrate the supra-natural. He defines and explains this relating it to Jesus’ own ability (from 27:00 on video).

Then he tells of his mis-perception of Jesus’ prayer life (at 30:35) and surmising what it had been like after a long day ministering and teaching and travelling on foot – and then go pray and spend hours in prayer…thinking,

“…what a disciplined life!” says Paul Keith.

“No, you totally misunderstood My prayer life!” the Lord said.

“He said, “My prayer life was My reward!”

“The Lord’s been showing me how, at the end of the day, after He did everything He was supposed to do, He went out into the wilderness and He was released into the Presence of the Father!

“Just think about that for a minute…after a hard day could you go pray 5 hours…? No? Think of it as this:

“James, go spend 5 hours standing before the throne of God, go spend 5 hours in the Presence of your Father – let Him download on you, let Him refresh you, restore you.

“That’s why Jesus could pray all night! He lived under an open heaven and when He went to pray – as soon as He quieted His flesh – He was standing in the Presence of His Father, standing before the throne of God, getting refreshed and learning what the Father wanted to reveal.”

An exceptionally instructional and fascinating teaching. At 41:30 he considers this was how apostle Paul spent lengthy periods with the Lord before he ever met any disciples and apostles and moved into any ministry.

Consequently, having considered that the day before I was ready for what he said!

CONCLUSION

This insight on Jesus’ prayer life is the common denominator between the discussion on video and Mary Magdalene, who spent lengthy periods immersed in God, as had Jesus.

Paul Keith’s insight doesn’t detract from but enhances the model prayer Jesus gave his disciples, as recorded in Matthew 6:5-15. And it magnifies Jesus’ personal prayer to our Father in John 17. It’s no wonder this Mary went so deep yet so high in contemplative ecstasy – will we?

(Remember to, “First seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” – Matt 6:33).

Furthermore, from apostle Paul’s explanation this kind of intimacy was the norm in the earliest years of “The Way”, as the fellowship was known before the term “Christian” was coined at Antioch. (See Acts chapters 18-24, especially vv 24:18 and 22.)

Also, Paul Keith later refers to the event on the road to Emmaus, about which and without any prior intention I’d inserted a remark just before publishing the latest blog before that weekend!

Therefore, that weekend is yet another example of ‘God-incidence’ (footnote refers).

By the way!

A couple of days later upon opening up my Bible to find where I’d got to, I found at the second turn the beginning of Luke chapter 8 staring up at me. There from the left-hand column just beside the volume’s spine I just couldn’t miss these words:

Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, ²and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities — Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, ³and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

Later, upon reviewing and adjusting the draft of this piece, I decided to refer to the first name for the group of believers as followers of the way of Jesus Christ; the way of life He taught and demonstrated as “The Way, The Truth and The Life”.

Then when I’d done and re-read the draft I realised I’d gone FULL circle – starting with the movie ‘The Way’ I’d ended up by including scriptures on ‘The Way of Jesus’ !!

Furthermore, an email arrived about that time which opens as follows.:

Truth, we find, is stranger than fiction. Some things that happen to us when in relationship with Christ no writer could make up. And I am amazed continually at what our God does in my life and in this world…(continue here)

Could the Lord be getting our attention to pray the way He does?

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

Footnotes:

Image: Flying puzzles by Nokhoog Buchachon, courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.com

Jesus & Mary fable:

My pre-Christian activities made me well aware of stories around Le Tresor Maudit, the cursed treasure of the Knights Templars, said to have been hidden for centuries but discovered by a parish priest. He spent a fortune on re-decorating a church in Rennes-le-Chateau and building a tower, both of which were dedicated to St Mary Magdalene.

Readers may know of it through bestselling The Da Vinci Code, which is based on serious research published in 1980s as The Holy Blood and The Holy Grail. This source’s authors referred to fables about Jesus and Mary’s relationship, which I’m reliably told were then used as a deliberate advertising ploy for marketing purposes.

Consequently, that earlier book became a bestseller. The businessman who gave me The Invisible Hand (see Welcome) sold mail-order books and he told me his own copywriter had worked with HBHG authors and so he knew about its publisher’s sales slant.

Years later, I learned of another reference work by an expert on royal genealogy who claimed the fables were correct. But his analysis of scripture was unreliable, as I could demonstrate in his misquoting The Secret Gospel of Mark. Therefore, how could his claims hold water? (Details on this blog at The Magdalene Legacy – a Critique.)

God-incidence:

I refer to coincidences that are more than serendipity (happy, fortuitous chance events) as ‘God-incidences’, for they seem to have been arranged with a clear purpose in mind. We may not always know the reason but there’s a distinct thread connecting two or more events that are closely related in time: an “aha” moment

Frequently I’m amazed by those which involve scripture and occur one day after another and sometimes even 3 or 4 consecutive days, and always from different sources. I liken God-incidence to completing a jigsaw puzzle and it seems the Lord is stressing the importance or relevance of something. So they get my full attention, as happened in the above account. (See main menu for fuller exposition.)

Blind and on the wrong path

Posted on Tuesday, 28 October, 2014 by Richard Barker

Wow – a remarkable God-incidence! After reading this on Monday we heard through a contact of something similar happening over the weekend, but there was a serious outcome for ministers who’d unwittingly chosen to be a ‘blindfolded bride’. They hadn’t heeded our contact’s advice to prepare with more than prayer (eg. communion, anointing, donning spiritual armour) before treading where angels wouldn’t tread (psychic fair organised by a coven). So they couldn’t grasp why things went wrong!
It recalled my deliverance ministry training when I realised crucial need for clergy and leaders to be competently trained and gifted in discerning spirits. Sadly, this wasn’t wanted in a church we once attended.

My Dreams and Visions

I had a dream/vision 10/26/2014 . In this dream/vision I saw a bride walking down what looked to be a dirt path. What was strange is that she was blindfolded so obviously she could not see where she was going. I then saw various people with sight trying to take her by the hand to guide her. However, each time anyone tried to guide her, because in this dream/vision I sensed in my spirit that she was heading down the wrong path, she would lash out at them in anger with a knife.

It’s my belief that the bride in this dream/vision represents the church, the bride of Christ. The people sent to guide her back to the right path that had sight are the prophets. In the dream, even though blind, she refused help and lashed out at anyone who tried.
The scriptures that come to mind are:
Matthew…

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The 3 dimensions of time

Posted on Monday, 22 September, 2014 by Richard Barker

Thank you Lord for Your timing in Ajibola’s publishing this profound post, and in Tim’s reading it hours before my re-blogging Tony’s in connection with what You gave Neville!! (Comments to previous refer.) Re. Mary’s appointed time, readers may be interested in this post on Gabriel prophesying into Time, of which there’s more yet to blog!

Visions connect with Neville’s ‘Yom Kippur words’

Posted on Saturday, 20 September, 2014 by Richard Barker

Visions received on Wednesday through to yesterday by my fellow blogger Tony Puccio on My Dreams and Visions are relevant to my previous post on the prophetic words and teaching brought by Neville Johnson. Tony blogged as follows:

Faulty Foundations Cannot Support and Will Ultimately Crumble (Thu 18th)

After all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that foundation is Jesus Christ. (1Cor 3:11)

I had a vision start 09/17/2014 and received clarification on it today. In the vision I saw a beautiful white church with a beautiful white steeple. This was odd. but I saw people standing around the church instead of in it like you would normally picture things to be. The people seemed to be admiring the building called church. Whether or not they had built it or not, I do not know. I just got the sense that they were admiring it. Then I saw the building called church begin to crumble beginning with the steeple. The building began to collapse in upon itself until it was destroyed. The word that I heard was faulty foundation. The foundation of any church must be Jesus and Him alone.

Beware of the Seeds You Are Sowing (Fri 19th)

As I was watching a prophetic word today by Neville Johnson that was shared by a fellow blogger, Richard Barker, I saw the following:

I saw people sowing what I will call bad seed into the soil and just as the seeds hit the earth the weeds of what they had sewn sprang up entrapping their feet and ankles so that they could no longer walk. They were stuck in that position. The more they kept sewing bad seed, the more the weeds entangled them. Remember, a Christians highest calling is to walk with God and not to do things for Him. Then there was another group of people who had fruit baskets in their hands. They were giving fruit out of their baskets and people were also reaching into their baskets and taking fruit. What comes to mind is the following;

Fruit of the flesh:

Now the works of the flesh are clearly revealed, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, fightings, jealousies, angers, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkennesses, revelings, and things like these; of which I tell you before, as I also said before, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal 5:19-21)

Fruit of the Spirit:

But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23)

Notes to this 600th post:

Tony’s visions connect directly into points #1 and #3 that Neville received from the Lord. Click on their above sub-head titles to read originals and comments threads.

I was astonished to get my email copy of the first vision! Friday was a full blogging day in a week re-shuffled for family reasons. Also, items to blog from last week, especially Neville’s video, had top priority for available slots of time – but they’d been postponed by unexpected turns re. Scotland, plus a delayed debate elsewhere.

So, I’d been wanting to blog about Neville’s video since 3rd Sept but had got waylaid. When I read Tony’s ‘Foundations’ post I thought that, living over in Tucson Arizona, he may have heard about the conference near Los Angeles. There’s lots of prophetic stuff whizzing around ‘over the Pond’. Wanting to check it out, I asked Tony if he knew of it and sent a link. He and I have been in touch since the first months of this blog and I’m confident his dreams and visions are from the Lord.

Tony kindly replied (at the start of his Friday), “No, this is the first I’ve heard of it”! The video must have grabbed him and he took time to watch that very day – then came the second vision, as related above copied from his blog.

Obviously, my delays were all part of the wonderful and mysterious way the Lord has all things under His hand. They simply served to validate what Tony was yet to see!

I’m always awe-struck at ‘God-incidents’ showing God’s the one and only Time Lord.

Thank you Lord for how you connect your people not only by a spiritual ‘bridge over the pond’ but also ‘down under’ and all around the world. For, as You declared through Your seer Hanani to Asa king of Judah.:

The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV)

Selah…

Vision of a lion – the four faces of God

Posted on Monday, 8 September, 2014 by Richard Barker

To continue Paws 4 Thought on Ffald-y-Brenin about the frightening vision of a lion and as promised at the close of ‘Nuggets’.:

To recap briefly, let me set the scene…

Ffald-y-Brenin

In his blogspot of 2011 David Pike writes about the 1,500 year Christian history of the mountain upon a shoulder of which Ffald-y-Brenin nestles.:

“I find it very interesting that the place God chose as the location for the centre is on the side of Carn Ingli – the Hill of the Angels. It was so named because it was where 6th century Celtic saint Brynach who came from Ireland and settled in this area used regularly to ascend the mountain and spend time there communing with God. The people of the local community he served were clearly aware that his times of fellowship with God were special and supernatural times, and so the place got its name.”

“Roy and Daphne [the centre’s managers] are aware of this connection, and draw inspiration from the way the Celtic saints served their communities out of a deep and personal communion with God in which a regular rhythm of prayer is a key feature.

“In the meanwhile, the level of Holy Spirit activity at Ffald-y-Brenin has increased in the last months, especially after a pastor from Africa visited the centre to come and pray for God’s blessing on his nation. After some time alone in the chapel, he came to see Roy, looking somewhat startled and wide-eyed. He wanted to know for how long there had been a lion in the chapel.

“A lion had appeared while he was praying, and had stood on the natural rock that is the centre-piece of the chapel, actually part of the mountain on the side of which the centre is built. It had faced in each of the four directions of the points of the compass, and roared in each direction. The man was shaken to his roots! Since then [2011] there has apparently been an intensification and a deepening of the effect of the power of God in Ffald-y-Brenin.”

Reading that whilst blogging upon return home, I noted his closing reference and used it as my closure to my account of the Christian retreat centre:

“There’s a lion’s roar going out of Pembrokeshire right now. I feel it will be heard to the ends of the earth, in all four directions in the coming days.”

In doing so, I noted his reference to ‘all four directions’ also relates to the worship at last month’s ‘Days of Wonder’ gathering in Cardiff.

There, the worship band declared the holy name of the LORD in its original Hebrew and done as practised by the priest in the holy of holies in the Temple. Each consonant of His Name, as revealed to Moses (in King James’ English, “Yehovah” – Exodus 6:3), was declared in turn whilst facing each of the cardinal points of north, east, south and west.

The Four Faces of God

God is One, yet Three in One, and reveals Himself in four main aspects, as John Bickersteth & Timothy Pain write in The Four Faces of God (Kingsway Publications, 1992).

The authors explain why God is represented by four creatures, four colours, four offices and four offerings in the Old Testament; why we celebrate Christmas one way when the Bible presents it in four; why there are four different Gospels, each with their traditional emblem.

They explain that, in the Gospels, “Matthew wants his readers to obey the king; Mark hopes his readers will allow His servant to serve them; Luke asks his readers to follow the perfect man; John writes about life, light, love, truth and glory so that his readers will love and believe in God’s glorious, light-bearing, life-bringing Son.”

The grounds for these scriptural concepts were enthusiastically taught by one of the elders at Tilehurst Free Church (Baptist), where I found the Lord had put me after He saved me. When an anti-Christian I’d vowed, “I wouldn’t touch Baptists with a barge pole, ‘cos they’re such Biblical bigots”. But I didn’t know God has a huge sense of humour and, as related in my story, was stunned to find myself at a Billy Graham event in 1989.

A few weeks later I rejected the Gospel but nearly died that night. After being personally rescued by Jesus himself, I decided to attend the church but couldn’t find out what sort they were. Unbeknown to me they were going through a crisis of whether or not to allow the charismatic gifts. Some went returned to the parent church but the ministers at TFC taught the Bible solidly and learned about and equipped members in using Holy Spirit’s giftings. So, it was as Smith Wigglesworth had foreseen – the proper balance of Word and Spirit in church. I was in the right place at the right time Thank you Lord.

I’m not going into the book in any depth, just providing an overview to reinforce my main point. After considering the Gospel writers different emphases upon Jesus’ mission, the authors look at the four-fold Jesus, the four-fold Gospel, four-fold discipleship, four-fold prayer.

Old Testament ‘fore-shadowings’ are considered in-depth, first by means of the names God gave to describe His person, the main ones being:

Yahweh Sabaoth – ‘LORD of Hosts’

El Elyon – ‘God the Most High’

El Shaddai – ‘The Almighty’

El Qodosh – ‘The Holy One of Israel’.

After elaborating upon his mentor’s work, Pain considers Israel’s four-fold Messiah – “your God, your king, My Servant and the man”. Then, as in Isaiah – “Wonderful Counsellor”, “Mighty God”, “Eternal Father” and “Prince of Peace”.

They then consider Ezekiel’s vision of the four living creatures ‘of human form but the sight of them was like the glory of God’! These were later recorded in the revelation that came to Apostle John, but for 2nd and 3rd century theologians, Ezekiel’s vision is ‘the clinching and most important four-fold fore-shadowing of the four Gospels‘.

Those authors, however, don’t refer to what Ian Clayton elaborates upon the faces of God, eg. as in Genesis 17:1

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (KJV)

The original Hebrew of Gen 17:1 reads as follows (emphases added):

And he-is-becoming Abram son-of ninety and nine years and he is appearing Yahweh to Abram and he-is-saying to him, I El Who-Suffices walk-you! to faces-of me and become-you! flawless…

Apparently when the high priest declared the name of Yahweh as the ‘Tetragrammaton’ or four Hebrew consonants – ‘Yod’, ‘Heh’, ‘Vav’, ‘Heh’ – they not only turned towards all four cardinal points and sang out each consonant, but also imagined one of those faces of God in turn being before them.

You cannot imagine the effect of this sound during our worship. No wonder we went heaven bound ‘into orbit’ at that gathering in Cardiff…!!!

According to Ezekiel’s vision, the four living creatures each have faces of a man, lion, eagle and bull. It’s thought they’re like that because, being constantly before Him, they reflect all the Lord’s facial characteristics.

Hence, my amazement at learning about the African pastors’ vision at Ffald-y-Brenin of a lion roaring to each cardinal point.

Later, I will write how the Almighty’s personally descriptive name directly reveals Jesus’ fore-ordained sacrifice on the cross.

A closing thought: the cross of Calvary is also four-directional. like compass points!

Footnotes:

See Vision of Glory Firestorm and Four Faces of God, and Why I’m Writing for information on the personal revelance of the eagle.

In notes accompanying his painting Four Living Creatures, renowned prophetic artist James Nesbit states,

We have had the privilege of being in countless worship gatherings where we have joined with the voices of the four living creatures and twenty-four elders for hours on end…

(To read more click image to enlarge, and here to access James Nesbit gallery)

Top/closing images credit: Discerning the Times – the Return of the King is Near – ‘African Lion Roaring’ credit: Best stock pictures – ‘Preparing for the Roar’ credit: At The Father’s Feet

Paws-4-thought: on revival and ‘down under’

Posted on Monday, 8 September, 2014 by Richard Barker

A country at the far side of the world has quietly made its presence known whilst I blogged about our regenerating trip to Wales.

In Prophecy of a roller-coaster ride… I included remarks by Justin Abraham,

“Just back from a ballistic incredible time in OZ and NZ. Things are heating up! We are seeing early signs of the great turning of the tide everywhere.”

Events organised by Justin in Cardiff and by our church outside Guildford both featured New Zealander Ian Clayton.

Then, after finishing my last post on Wales by hinting at a connection between FFald-y-Brenin and ‘Days of Wonder’, a highly pertinent item pops into my mail – The Return of The King! Why pertinent? It refers in-depth to the Lion of Judah!

And where’s that come from? New Zealand.

Are these facts and their timing just coincidental? Has my talent for noticing possible connections made an unwarranted supposition? Or maybe, just maybe, there may be some truth in my surmising:

could New Zealand be the Land of ‘New Zeal‘ ?

It so happens that the above was drafted before going offline for long weekend. Now this morning, the lady who blogged about the roller-coaster writes these fascinating thoughts:

I think the ‘close at hand’ is even closer at hand now. This last month things have been shifting and being set up for an outpouring in several areas. It’s not just one. I see a field planted with several different vegetables. They may not all be harvested at the exact same time but I see growth in various stages. Many areas coming to fruition in succession.

Thank you my brothers and sisters, may you be mightily blessed.

[Image of New Zealand map on flag by Taesmileland, courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net]

The Return of The King – part 1

Posted on Thursday, 4 September, 2014 by Richard Barker

So timely, it must surely be of the King! A week ago today I closed the week’s blogging with a promise at the end of ‘Nuggets…’ to write about a connection with a lion vision. The next time I went on-line this excellent post was waiting in my in-tray as a fitting intro’. Be mightily blessed…

The Kingdom

In my story the Kingdom, I have imagined the King to be like Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings. Aragorn is a King but to the Hobbits he is a ranger called Strider, their guide and protector. If you watched the Return of the King, you saw Strider become who he was born to be; the King of Gondor.

The story reminds me of our own world. Right now, we’ve got our own nightmare version of Mordor with the eye of Sauron (Horus) glaring at us and enemies pouring out the gates, bent on conquest.

The Church has been holding back the darkness for 2,000 years, but the lights are going out in places. The tiny nation of Israel is holding the Jihadists back in the Middle East. They are God’s chosen people and an outpost of freedom, but Christians are persecuted elsewhere.

As I write this ancient churches…

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Paws-4-thought: Ffald-y-Brenin and a prophetic promise

Posted on Wednesday, 20 August, 2014 by Richard Barker

Let’s linger in south-west Wales before continuing on our journey to tell about the Days of Wonder gathering in Cardiff. Would you spend some moments to muse with me over a few things?

Offered a refreshing cup of tea upon arrival at the Newport Links hotel, Nina took it to seats looking down to the beach. There, she met a fellow guest who, it so happened, had returned for dinner from Ffald-y-Brenin. Clearly a ‘divine appointment’, and Jane and Nina chatted away as only those who’ve got an exceptionally special person in common can do.

The clean atmosphere of the Newport area plus its fascinating house of prayer at Ffald-y-Brenin made a deep impact which still affects us two weeks later, even though we were visiting friends and not participating in its daily prayer rhythm. Although my 2013 post on Revival in Wales and the Outpouring in Cwmbran briefly referred to this place, I hadn’t done any background reading whatsoever prior to our trip.

Years ago I wrote a paper for Reading churches on its Abbey’s history and the town’s Viking period and battles in 870s AD with the future king Alfred the Great. So, I was also aware of the history of the ancient British Celtic Church, especially in its Northumbrian king Oswald’s treaties in 630s AD at Dorchester-on-Thames with heathen Mercian king Cynegils and the Roman Catholic missionary Birinus. Earlier studies had taken me into the history of the early British church. (For example, 6th century historian Gildas posits the Gospel’s arrival in the later years of Tiberius Caesar’s reign, circa 40 AD. In AD 177 Eleutherius of Rome wrote to king Lucius in answering how to conduct himself as a Christian in the kingdom of Britain.) However, all that past information was deeply submerged in the recesses of my mind.

I came to South Wales in blissful ignorance to enjoy a refreshing short holiday.

So, what I blogged earlier in the 2nd part of my ‘regenerating week in Wales’ was a very basic personal impression. However, as I completed it I realised some details would help readers who are interested in the retreat. So I copied in extracts from the Trust’s website. Also, just after publishing it I got a nudge to search on Google and immediately noticed a blog I’d quoted previously on Wales in the historically erudite Diebach-welldigger.

Therefore, I scanned David Edward Pike’s personal account of The Grace Outpouring and quoted his closing remarks on a roaring lion – without having read it in full.

Imagine my surprise upon doing so at leisure later. Here are details not only about the origins of Ffald-y-Brenin but also on 6th century Celtic saint Brynach’s time spent on the mountain its built upon. Which is why that place is named ‘The Hill of Angels’.

Over the mountain road from Ffald-y-Brenin to Fishguard we stopped for lunch up on the col and walked up to the tor shown above, from which the top of Carn Ingli may be seen in the distance. It was a good place from which to speak out blessings to family and everyone in the area.

Diebach’s account of the retreat centre refers to a couple of supernatural events I wish to draw your attention to. One is on the solitary cross and its origin.

The other event is the lion that appeared to a pastor from Africa in the beehive chapel and the reference to the four points of the compass. I wish to refer to the significance of that when blogging about the Days of Wonder gathering in Cardiff. Peculiar as it may seem to those who have no grid for the supernatural, I can attest that a huge lion was seen to walk through our local church. Only when a visitor reported having seen it did I know I wasn’t imagining it!

Also for those who wish to know more, I recommend a fellow reader’s travelogue on his St David’s to Leominster Prayer Walk. This is apposite to Pembrokeshire as well as in connection with my remarks in A spiritual slant to the Olympic torch’s route, viz:

I was intrigued to learn from a fellow reader of an encouraging encounter with some Welsh Christians during his hike from Newport, Wales to the Lizard in Cornwall . This group had been in contact with people involved in new age etc and had been told “such groups were aware something was going on in the spiritual realm”!!

Mark’s call to the prayer walk was directly connected to the London 2012 Olympics, which are related to the Queen’s Silver Jubilee about which I wrote several posts on the prophetic significance of the Jubilee Bells.

Yet of particular interest is his reference to his key prayer theme on the walk as being confirmed by the restoration of St David’s shrine in the very year of his walk, AND this is identical to the ‘unexpected hint’ from Matt 19:28 referred to in part 1 of our journey. Also, Mark writes that the statue of David has a dove by his shoulder and his holding a Bible, which signifies the combined foundation of the Word and the Holy Spirit, which is also the message of Smith Wigglesworth’s prophetic vision.

About a prophetic promise

Of all the hundreds of prophetic words I’ve blogged about, only one has resulted in a hostile response and slanderous slur upon my character. It relates to the report from Roger of what happened during one of the prayer times at Ffald-y-Brenin when it was considered that Jesus is “calling the Anglican church out of Lazarus’ cave”.

I had intellectual reservations yet it seemed right in my spirit, and it’s timing fell in with a related vision that had come to an Anglican Ordinand on retreat with several others. So I reported it, but a visitor to this blog challenged it. Now there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that and I respect everyone’s opinion and gave it serious consideration.

Yet my explanation was rejected and the report scorned by that bibliolater; ie. someone who thinks their interpretation and application of scripture is sacrosanct. His reference to what Jesus said at Matthew 24 and assumption it means me, indicates his grasp of scripture is not as sound as it could be. That is, he uses eisegesis not exegesis. That is, there’s an incorrect inference because the plain meaning isn’t taken into context either then or as applied to now. [Thank you The Bishop Dr. for the excellent explanation, What’s with those “Gesis” brothers?]

This critic doesn’t follow Jesus’ instruction about not judging and condemning another. In my opinion it’s wiser to let the Accuser of the brethren do its own dirty work – and if what I reported is actually a work of the Holy Spirit, that soul has possibly committed an unforgiveable sin.

Therefore, I can only conclude satan is very unhappy with this claim about the Anglican Church. Consequently, that prophetic promise on ‘Lazarus cave’ may well be from the Holy Spirit. Having now been to Ffald-y-Brenin and sensed the brooding presence of the Holy Spirit there, I am even more confident of the validity of what Roger shared on revival within England’s established church.

What’s more – this isn’t the first instance of our adversary’s use of heresy hunters over revival in Wales, as noted in this post about Chuck Pierce’s prophetic word on Wales.

A validation?

What may we expect for evidence that the Anglicans are ‘reviving’ or coming out of a tomb, like Lazarus when Jesus called him forth?

Perhaps one noticeable change would be the reversal of centuries of anti-Semitism practised for centuries by the traditional, established churches – and as promulgated by ‘replacement theology’ (the false idea that God no longer has any covenant with the Jews because the new one instituted by Jesus Christ has superseded it).

So let’s take serious note of remarks by leading blogger, His Grace Cranmer. In Welby: “Israel has the same legitimate rights to peace and security as any other state“, he writes,

When did you last hear an Anglican bishop, let alone the Archbishop of Canterbury, support Israel’s historic and legal rights? When did you least hear a bishop of the Church of England advocate militarised self-defence as the only rational path to peace when confronted by murderous Jew-haters who conceal their bombs below hospitals, their rockets in clinics, and their guns and grenades in schools and mosques?

In drawing Anglicans toward a better understanding of His work with the Jews – exactly as Jesus’ friend Lazarus would have well known – then perhaps the Lord really is reviving this part of His body, as not only surmised upon Archbishop Welby’s enthronement (New era for the Church refers) but also as heard recently during the regular prayers at this renowned retreat in South Wales.

Now, come for an awesome time in Cardiff >>

Prophecy of a rollercoaster ride – get ready!

Posted on Friday, 1 August, 2014 by Richard Barker

Wednesday morning’s quick check of emails led to an amusing yet profound prophetic word about a roller-coaster. Back on-line in the afternoon another email arrived hinting at the same! Then I recalled going for a ride on one in, of all places, church!

Alerted to a fellow blogger liking a post, I noticed “Let Go” Prophetic Word 4th July. It’s accompanied with this illustration and, finding a witness in my spirit, I’m re-posting it below:

A vision: I see a roller coaster. I am riding it and the people riding with me are exuberant, filled with joy and excitement, hands up in the air, laughing and screaming. There are a few that are gripping their safety bar with white knuckles, looking pale, faces filled with anguish and fearful anticipation, hoping the ride will soon be over. Not me though; not most of those around me. It dips and turns and soars quickly up to mountainous heights, plummeting down the other side before zipping around a corner and then another.

“Let go if holding on to something too tightly because it is perceived as bringing a measure of safety to what seems like a season of danger. There are things in this season that are coming one after the other with non-stop bombastic force. Do not fear. Do not dread. Put your hands up in the air in praise. Shout for joy. Laugh and love. There is no real danger! Where is your sense of adventure? Embrace the things in your life that make your heart skip a beat because of the unexpected bends and turns; yes, even the unexpected peaks and valleys. This is a season of celebration. It may feel scary but if you will change your perspective you will see that you are completely secure on the track of My choosing. I am using this season to build your courage. Trust Me with all of your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding.”

Many thanks Emily Rose for, as the Lord says, “Let nothing be wasted”. Also, for your interesting later comment.

‘Put your hands up…no real danger…’ Now when and where’ve I done that lately? It’s years since I went on one…but this time I stayed put wherever it was…Aha…’twas when Charlie Shamp was here in May? – Resurrection Sunday! Let’s see if I can find my notes..:

“The joy of the Lord came upon me and it distinctly seemed I headed down a big dipper and went riding an unending roller-coaster whilst sat in my chair – up and down, all around, faster and faster – terrific! An hour or so later I was still riding high when the healings started…”

Also, the American ‘desert rose’ prophetic words rang another bell, which is from the States too. I recalled pastor John Kilpatrick saying on 22 June,

“There’s going to be a roller-coaster coming in the next 90 day, a roller-coaster ride where things are going to be whizzing by you – it’s just going to be going so fast you won’t hardly have chance to assimilate it – things are going to be happening suddenly.”

And this Wednesday afternoon the refrain was repeated in connection with next week’s Days of Wonder in Cardiff. Justin and Rachel Abraham, it’s fired-up organisers, report as follows,

“Just back from a ballistic incredible time in OZ and NZ. Things are heating up! We are seeing early signs of the great turning of the tide everywhere. In light of the timing we are thrilled to have Ian Clayton and Paul Keith Davis, and many friends from around the UK with us this year for DAYS of WONDER…

“It’s already started and isn’t it amazing we get to see days of fulfilment and breakthrough that previous generations imagined. A brand new day. Strap yourselves in for an exciting ride!”

Begin our ride in A regenerating week in Wales, looping into Fflad-y-Brenin and then to Cardiff.

So get ready – let’s go and let go > > >

What’s prophetic about contending for The faith?

Posted on Monday, 28 July, 2014 by Richard Barker

Will you stand and contend with me?

Being contentious may seem un-Christian and contrary to Jesus’ command to love and forgive not only one another but also our enemies, to turn the other cheek when wrongly accused, as well as to avoid judging and condemning others.

However, the opening lines of the letter penned by Jesus’ brother Jude is foundational to Nathan Morris’ message wherein the Lord had told him, “Contend, don’t pretend!”. If any of this is stirring within your spirit then you may like encouragement from watching his fiery message in full on this archive (from 98 mins, starts 107 mins).

Apostle Paul’s letters to his young associate Timothy included instructions for tackling false teaching and he gives the basis for this at 2 Tim 3:16-17. That is, that:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Therefore, what Jude also wrote under inspiration is prophetic in ‘telling forth’ that the Lord is exhorting His people,

…to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. [See full NKJV text at Biblegateway.com]

We note from these words how applicable they are today too. What the Lord is saying through Nathan shows the situation is no different to 2,000 years ago. What he teaches is indeed prophetic, as were the instructive warnings for 2012. This time he outlined the lessons to be gained from the example of the Shunammite lady’s assistance to prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4).

[Note: I added a little about that to my extracts transcript. Also, apologies to anyone who found the links in previous post failed. Sometimes my ISP filtering may drop connection when editing – HA!HA! Now in checking those links whilst drafting this I see the v latest on Nathan’s Facebook is an open Bible quoting 2 Timothy3:16 ! So it would appear that THE LORD IS CONFIRMING this issue! Drafting was done last week.]

A few Biblical examples

Being contentious comes with the territory for Old Covenant prophets in calling God’s people to repentance; that is, it’s a life-style. I need only to cite the lives of the major prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah, plus John the Baptist’s denunciation of Pharisees as a “brood of vipers”. And Jesus was definitely contentious, especially when dealing with Satan; whose minions recognise Jesus’ identity as ‘the Holy One of God’ (Mark 1:24).

Also, this One of ultimate authority said the Jews of His day had failed to change after being warned by Isaiah, whom JHe quoted when explaining why the mysteries of the Kingdom were being given to His disciples only – no-one else was worthy! As Matthew 13:10 goes on to note Isaiah 6 verses 9-10:

“And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”.

^“He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:

‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive;
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.’

“But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. “

SO it is with atheists, whose hearts and minds are firmly encased in concrete and spirits not allowed to function. As demonstrated only today in ‘dialogue’, they have absolutely no grasp of spiritual matters and demonstrate intense bigotry in deriding our knowledge. As ‘walking dead’ they’re most pitiable in refusing the freedom Jesus bought for them! Although denying you Lord, bless them with personal revelatory encounters so they may understand Your kindness, mercy and grace and sincerely repent. You did that for me Lord, so may they be similarly blessed.

A Call to ‘Stand’!

In a shocking open-vision of Britain being ripped apart, because the fabric of society is so rotten, I understood Christians are to stand upon the emerging Rock – for details see remarks accompanying Dr Stone’s Comments upon the collapse of Society.

Hence my appreciation of Gillan Scott’s outstanding work on his leading blog, God and Politics in the UK, as well as that of at least a couple of my readers. I started blogging about the same time as Gillan and have contributed my tu’pence worth many times in comments threads, as has one of your fellow UK subscribers. Another out in the States, has bravely withstood attacks against her own blog by worshippers of atheism. Bravo, my friends!

In online discussions I’ve often stated unbelievers should find out for themselves by seeking an encounter with Jesus. Thus it was good to learn about Justin Welby’s own encounter on Gillan’s blog and, as in mine, that Nathan Morris had also stressed from his experience as an evangelist, “…You can’t persuade people into the Kingdom. They must have an encounter with Jesus!”

Therefore, those who share my concern over the deep religious illiteracy and hostility to Christianity, may like to consider contending actively in online discussions whenever the Lord so leads. If you’re so disposed, and time permitting, you may care to get a feel for this by dipping into some of Gillan’s recent posts and signing up to receive new posts upon his return from Summer break.

As well as loving patience and ‘thick skin’, a good grasp of scripture is required because some brethren write with a distorted doctrine and, although knowledgeable, others can be judgemental of adherents of ‘Sola Scripture’ – scripture alone. As this is in the public domain it is essential to correct with kindness thus avoiding confrontation.

In closing, only this morning I have an email about Franklin Graham’s call to Christians to battle culture; to stand for God and Biblical values despite social opposition.

Time to don our spiritual armour, as instructed by Paul (Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV):

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

JesusIsComing Footnote: The above images were found on the internet and I like to ascribe credit to and thank copyright holders. Please inform me if you know the owners.

Paws-4-thought: ‘coincidence’ points to a coming revival?

Posted on Monday, 21 July, 2014 by Richard Barker

Mulling over Saturday’s post regarding Plymouth and how ideas popped into mind, then later upon catching up with GodTV celebrations, I believe my spirit may be sensing a modern prophecy is coming into fulfilment. It’s serendipity yet again. (For a brief introduction to this Biblical principle see In the right place at the right time.)

In Winnipeg, Canada, 53 three years ago this Friday, Tommy Hicks had hardy fallen asleep when,

…the vision and the revelation that God gave to me came before me. The vision came three times, exactly in detail…

I was so stirred and so moved by the revelation, that this has changed my complete outlook upon the Body of Christ, and upon the last end-time ministry.

The greatest thing that the Church of Jesus Christ – that has ever been given to the Church – lies straight ahead. It is so hard to help men and women to realize and understand the thing that God is trying to give to His people in the end-time. (Emphases added)

If you’ve not yet followed the link I provided, visit Colin Winfield’s web-page and then his link to the pdf version of Tommy Hicks’ Vision. It is a most remarkable insight into the preparation of the unblemished Bride of Christ for the ‘great tribulation’. Colin comments upon testing its conformity with Scripture, and I cannot but ask if this scenario includes a cleansed, revived Anglican church, possibly as prophesied here?

I am truly humbled by this account being thrust to my attention separately by two sisters in Christ who have the same name, albeit spelt differently. The first L was mentioned in my musing upon the spiritual significance of Plymouth; ie, her vision of a giant bore a resemblance to what Tommy had seen. Time constraints, however, didn’t allow me to revisit his vision before writing.

But what I didn’t know was one of my readers had already been directed to that vision! Upon reading the blog on Plymouth this second L immediately responded she’d been praying on Thursday with her pastor,

…and I had brought my A1 board of Smith Wigglesworth’s (of) 1947, but as I am praying this out from where I believe we are, it ran into Tommy Hicks’ vision of the giant and the ordinary ditchdiggers and washerwomen – this has greatly encouraged me. [See below for SW’s vision]

A huge thank you goes to both ladies, my sisters in God’s family.

Therefore, I cannot but conclude that the Lord is definitely drawing our attention to the deep importance of that vision. In view of other words about this ‘new season’ and the urgency to Advance the Kingdom now! then the time really is ‘now’!

A song of victory is in the air

At the Summer celebration Nathan preached strongly about maintaining our spiritual boundaries and ‘landmarks’ because the church has given ground to the demonic. The next day his message was on the need to ‘contend not pretend’ for the faith.

On this, today’s Lion Bites from Glasgow Prophetic Centre is highly apposite:

Song of Victory

There is a new song arising in the people of God, it is the war cry of conquered ground.

There have been many battles of the season over the same piece of ‘ground’. Many have wondered why the battle has been so long and why it has kept them from the greener pastures their eyes have seen.

Many have wondered and asked, ‘Why am I still here fighting the same battle?’

This has formed a useful training ground for the people of God and they have grown in faith, in endurance and in maturity. But it is now time for conquering and completion – and so the new song of conquered ground will arise.

The Lord is establishing secure boundaries for the ground that has been fought over. The Lord is placing His seal over areas of contention because His saints are transitioning now over the battle ground that has been won.

Will you sing your song of victory in faith today, in faith that the Lord is moving on your behalf and that the battle has been won?

Psalm 68:1
May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may His foes flee before him.

SO, let us note and weigh these things, and take action…

Footnotes

Smith Wigglesworth’s Prophecy of major move of the Holy Spirit in Britain (1947).

Two preliminary phases have already happened, so be prepared for the full move! Likewise for the word delivered 40 years later to David Minor in NW USA – Two winds coming to the Church.
Further insights on this revelation was given to American evangelist, Lester Sumrall, “…I see the greatest revival in the history of mankind coming to planet Earth…every form of disease healed…”. (Revival Prophecies for the British Isles)
In 1995 I was standing alongside SW’s prayer-partner Revd Norman James when he had a similar vision of UK that Wigglesworth had – he was left speechless!

A July 4th aspect of praying for the USA

Posted on Thursday, 3 July, 2014 by Richard Barker

Dubbed as ‘patriot apostle’ by John Kirkpatrick, Dutch Sheets brought a fascinating account of how the Lord wants intercessors to build on all the previous prayers of His saints in the States – even right back to the time of rebellion against us Brits!

Dutch refers to the practical lesson intercessors can gain from what the colonialists did when faced with the overwhelming power of the greatest empire the world had ever known. The answer was a united ‘Appeal to Heaven’, and was related to what early settlers had learned from the formation of tribal nations’ Iroquois confederation. Amazingly, Dutch teaches how their actions in ‘burying the hatchet’ relate to the account of Abraham and the terebinth tree and how this may apply to overcoming the deep spiritual crisis of today.

In view of Dutch’s calling to press forward into a breakthrough for a 3rd great awakening his teaching is delivered with utmost conviction based upon a close relationship with the Lord. It was clear how well this personal perspective, although different to others calling for national intercession, enhances their calls and goes right into God’s heart for praying for the USA.

Long-time readers may recall my interest in the nature of time and its direct relevance to the purposes of God throughout history. As Dutch’s message was based upon precisely that, he had my undivided attention. His term for this divine/human interaction in time is, ‘Synergy of the Ages’. (‘Synergy’: the sum is greater than its individual parts.)

[Hold on there Richard, you might be getting the witch-finder generals agitated! I will deal with them on another occasion; maybe over morning coffee? But for now, a quick search reveals a criticism that, “Synergistic prayer is simply not a biblical concept”.

Now that’s inaccurate and downright untrue. Revelation 5:8 and chapter 8 are about the prayers of all the saints being acted upon, which may be connected with the demise of the horrific fourth beast in Daniel’s dream – see Dan 7:15-28.]

This was the most motivational revelatory basis for national prayer that I’ve heard.

So, I recommend readers who are praying for the States to take an hour and follow his message on God honouring the past for the present. Just click on the above photo and scroll to 57min30. Dutch starts by mentioning that the region of the Florida panhandle, southern Alabama and Georgia is witnessing an open heaven for revival:

God is into yesterday. He remembers. You make an impact in the spirit realm and, if you understand how to maintain that – it’s not about a building or it having to be in the same place – the atmosphere of a region changes and all of a sudden there’s an open heaven.

And there’s a strong understanding of a group of people experiencing an outpouring. These are so connected that it doesn’t matter where they go, the Spirit of God just turns up and people are getting saved in their hundreds.

And that’s just a taster. For your ease of reference here’s a few brief notes:

it’s not a time to preach doom and gloom as we’re about to have the greatest outpouring whilst darkness increases – God hasn’t finished with America!
we may be about to step into the greatest move of God the world has ever seen.
eg: Muslim nations will be so transformed that Christians will outnumber others.
a 12 year prophetic journey of dreams connecting into previous prophetic words.
on his mentor’s prayers, God told Dutch, “I can’t do for him what I promised him until you and the Body comes into agreement with them!”
he responded, “I need synergy of unity throughout the ages – the power of prayers made in agreement”.
‘testimony’ means, according to its Hebrew root, when we say what God has done the same power will be released and God will do it again [RB cf: They overcame him (Satan) by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony – Rev 12:11]
one of God’s names, ‘Olam-El’, describes Him as ‘Everlasting Now’ – God Who is outside time. “The LORD is the true God; He is the living God, the eternal King.” (Last words in Hebrew, ‘Mehlek Olam’; Jeremiah 10:10 NIV)
prophetic dreams of 2007 and 2013 relating to USA’s foundation, the combined prayers from all generations and declaration of the nation’s holy future.

My notes cannot do justice to Dutch’s message but I trust this may have whetted your appetite to watch him in this Church of His Presence video (at 57min30). To read about this teacher/preacher/intercessor click here.

Be mightily blessed and may America once again want holiness.

The Unbelievers – Richard Dawkins’ new film makes me want to believe in God

Posted on Wednesday, 2 July, 2014 by Richard Barker

The excellent debate on science and faith ensuing from Gillan Scott’s film review is well-worth reading – thank you everyone. More may be found on Dr Ruth Bancewicz’ blog Science and Belief and in works of physicist-theologian Rev Dr John Polkinghorne, as at BioLogos.

‘God-incidence’ stresses urgency of US prayer alert

Posted on Saturday, 28 June, 2014 by Richard Barker

Once again the good Lord is getting our attention by repetition to draw attention to an important matter, as shown by the following from perhaps my longest-standing reader. Thank you also to Lynne for your prompt advice too.

Why pray? My American readers will be aware of their leaders’ misguided dedication for the month of June, as blogged yesterday by John McTernan (read here).

From: Bill Smith
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2014 10:18 AM
To: Richard & Nina
Subject: FW: Prayer Alert From Cindy Jacobs: A Call for United Prayer

Hi Richard,
This was in my inbox this morning, next to yours ! I guess you may have it, but just in case…
Blessings
Bill

——————————————————————————–
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 19:44:03 -0400
From: mail@elijahlistmail.com
To: @hotmail. co.uk
Subject: Prayer Alert From Cindy Jacobs: A Call for United Prayer
CC:

June 26, 2014

Prayer Alert From Cindy Jacobs: A Call for United Prayer
From the Desk of Steve Shultz:
Steve Shultz

Cindy Jacobs is a respected prophet of God, and when she hears from the Lord, I listen. We would all do well to heed this emergency word and go to prayer!!
In HIS PROTECTION alone,

Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News

===============================

PRAYER ALERT FROM CINDY JACOBS: A CALL FOR UNITED PRAYER

Mike and Cindy Jacobs

A few months ago, the Lord had me issue a warning called “Shields Up” to pray for the protection of our nation. Tonight, while reading my Bible, the following passage leapt off the page:

And He has confirmed His words, which He spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing upon us a great disaster; for under the whole Heaven such has never been done as what has been done to Jerusalem. (Daniel 9:12)

It does not take a prophet to realize that America is in trouble! We know there are many radical extremists who hate us – this is not new. However, as I read the verse this evening I was shaken by it. This is what I am hearing: “There is an another attack on the scale of 9/11 being planned!”

As I prayed to pinpoint how to intercede, I immediately heard these words: “Close the gates! All borders must be closed to terrorists and those who would aid them.” This includes all airport customs checkpoints, as well as border crossings.

We must pray for our customs and border agents to have eagle eyes to “see” any potential persons trying to make their way into the United States. We must also pray for all points of public transport.

The good news is that prayer works! This is a call upon every praying person everywhere to stand in the gap and pray for the protection of the nation.

Thank you for praying!

For the nation,
Cindy Jacobs
Generals International
Email: mailto: generals@generals.org
Website: generals.org

Urgent prophetic word: advance the Kingdom now!

Posted on Saturday, 21 June, 2014 by Richard Barker

According to a national prophetic word for June declared from Glasgow, time is now short for starting new things of God’s Kingdom. How can we be sure now’s the time to do this? It isn’t because we’re at the summer solstice – this blog does NOT advocate ancient pagan or new age ideas: quite the contrary, as is obvious from our personal testimonies (here and here).

As with all prophecies and visions, the following is to be weighed, tested and checked for harmony with God’s character and purposes, as revealed in the Bible. A personal assessment follows the first part of this word:

PROPHETIC WORD, JUNE 2014

ADVANCE WITHOUT DELAY!

The anointing for this time is for advance and breakthrough. It is time for a new level and God is opening the doors of heaven to facilitate advance and breakthrough for you – personally, in your family, your business, your church, your community… God wants to take us to a new place.

2 Samuel 5:20
So David went to Baal Perazim and there he defeated [the Philistines]. He said, ‘As waters break out, the Lord has broken out against my enemies before me.’ So that place was called Baal Perazim [means ‘God of the Breakthrough’]

God, as Master of the Breakthrough, is advancing His people and His church into a vastly different place. Just as an advance in science changes thought processes and practical applications, so the advance in the Church and in individual lives will change how we think and do things.

You can consider yourself successful in this season if nothing looks familiar to you and there is a little bit of mess around!

There is favour for birthing new Kingdom projects, relationships and businesses, building new Kingdom projects, relationships and businesses and establishing new Kingdom projects, relationships and businesses.

There is an urgency and a blessing in birthing, building and establishing. However, time is short, so be quick to act now, whilst there is a favour from heaven. Do not procrastinate, for this is an ‘open door’ time for advancing through!

In this season of advance, God is asking us to fix our gaze on Him like never before – for in this we will see His BIGNESS, and it will shift what we expect to see flow from His hand. If we don’t fix our gaze on God we will build too small and it will cap us for several years to come.

And the Lord would ask us to drop what is fruitless and to walk away from dead projects and relationships. If you have been stuck or frustrated in trying to build something that is not getting to where it should, now is the time to let it go. Don’t waste more years on the fruitless tree but instead sow the seeds that you have within you into a new, fertile soil for the season.

[Part 2 continues here and suggestions on how to respond are here. Also, click for information about ‘Lion Roars’ and the team at Glasgow Prophetic Centre.]

By the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established. (Deut 19:15 NKJV)

PERSONAL OBSERVATION

Second jaw-dropping moment of the week! Little did I suspect that, whilst I was writing over Tuesday-Wednesday about the ‘Word’, as in ‘God’s Signature’, this prophetic team were putting the finishing touches to a closely related prophetic word! Thursday morning I added scripture to my draft and varied my concluding remarks to refer to the ‘Open Door’ as a means of breakthrough. Also, I had a very distinct concern over the fact that only a few months are left in this Hebraic year.

Therefore, it was so encouraging after publishing that post to have opened the team’s email that had dropped into my in-box earlier that morning. Thus, we find at least two or more people are receiving similar insights from the Lord. (See others’ comments below and other overseas ones bear witness to June’s prophetic word.)

Holy treasure of ‘The Open Door’

Posted on Thursday, 19 June, 2014 by Richard Barker

That the Almighty is not only providing believers with abilities and areas of personal empowerment, but also wanting us to grow and develop them for the good of others, as in Monday’s post, reminded me of the symbolism of an open door. That’s the symbolic designation for the current Hebrew Year 5774 and so it would be good to refresh our minds about that and revisit its importance.

Hence, Tuesday’s post linked into an informative article on this year’s significance, as outlined in last September’s post, The door into the ‘New Season’ is open. It is a time of new beginnings, and especially a good time to dispose of personal baggage and free us up to recognise and take new opportunities. This is signified by digit 4 being the Hebrew letter ‘dalet’, as shown here >

[NB: each character in the Hebrew alphabet represents a letter, symbol and number; and which is not to be confused with numerological interpretation of words and text.]

I noted that a visiting preacher said we need to know God more and grow lots more in areas He’s preparing for us. All we have in life cannot be compared with what we have in Jesus Christ. People have issues with Christians because we’re not living the right way, as Jesus wants us to. A mature tree produces the fruit of a Christ-like character and Jesus has the power to transform us into Him!

So, let’s take another look at how this symbolism of the open door may be activated…

The Unique Doorway

Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture”. (John 10:9 NKJV)

Melissa Flores considers this means that Jesus is our ‘dalet’ – “the One who leads us into greener pastures. Too many of us follow our favourite ministers or voices hoping to find our destiny. Until you hone in on the voice of the Shepherd, the door of destiny will elude you. He alone can confirm. He alone can commission. He alone can grant entry into the next assignment or pasture of your life. Sell all of the stock you have placed in man’s ability to identify and promote you, and invest it where it belongs”. (Emphases mine)

Her explanation connects into what Bob Mazeroski brought from the Lord about His provision of mantles, does it not?

Also, one of the definitions Jesus gave of His identity was, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NIV). That is, we can regard Jesus as being ‘The Doorway’ into the throne room of God.

A Deep Insight From Hebrew

This year I’m dipping into an easy-to-read primer on Hebrew by Steve Maltz, God’s Signature, and any reference by me simply cannot do it justice. Steve’s explanations of the language’s essential contribution to the creation and meaning of scripture are just like being with a tour guide who drops gems of insights as we meander around famous sights. Starting from the premise that the Bible is God’s word to us, Steve promises to answer questions of who wrote it, how manuscript evidence can be traced, how errors are detected and who decided what material to put in the Bible, but first explains the important difference between the Hebrew and Greek mindsets.

That difference may arise from the origins of the Hebrew language lying in pictographic symbols of the Proto-Canaanite alphabet, of which each symbol conveyed a defined visual meaning. Out of this developed the Phoenician-Old Hebrew form of geometrical shapes for those symbols and then eventually came the Biblical Hebrew letters.

To illustrate this concept Steve shows those alphabets’ characters for ‘shepherd’. Next he asks, why did God use Hebrew? In answer he shows those stages for the Hebrew for “word”, davar, which is comprised of three consonants only – dvr – as shown below. Note the inclusion and use of dalet:

Interesting? Surely an understatement!

The symbolical characters give such an obvious yet revelatory insight when we recall the Gospel according to John opens by describing Jesus as “The Word of God”, then tells of His coming into the world and the unique privilege He brought to those who would receive Him – the right to become children of God (verse 12).

Therefore, Jesus is the pathway, or entrance, into God’s mind, exactly as He states in John 14:6 above.

Of particular interest for our purposes is Steve’s examination of dalet itself:

The author goes on to state the root verb as dlh, or dala, meaning that which hangs down, or the idea of letting down or drawing up, as with a bucket in a well. Thus, for this comes the word for bucket, dly or daliy. It seems so mundane but the beauty of Hebrew is it can have a spiritual application, for which Steve quotes Psalm 30:1 and Proverbs 20:5 use of dalah, viz:

I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths.

The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

Also, Psalm 141:3 has a vivid way of using dalet to describe a mouth as “door of my lips” – Set a guard over my mouth O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.

And in Jeremiah 36:23, dalet is used for ‘columns’ in “four columns of the scroll”. In other words, as columns hang off a central spine or side of a manuscript, Steve points out that “the word dalet has been used for the simple reason we have something (the “columns”) hanging”.

Hence, the clear sense that there is a doorway of opportunity for us to go through this year. Have you sensed, or even seen it?

It’s time for serious disciples of the Lord, to approach the threshold and enter and break through into what He has for us.

Advice with cautionary note

Let’s reconsider some special points Jesus gave His disciples as ‘one who teaches with authority’, unlike religious leaders, from his extensive instruction known as ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ (Matthew chapters 5 to 7):

“Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened…

…seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteous and all these things shall be added to you…

“I did not come to destroy (what’s written in the Law or the Prophets) but to fulfill…For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees you will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven…

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad the way that leads to destruction…Not everyone who says to me “Lord, Lord” shall enter the Kingdom, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven…

“Therefore, whoever hears and does these sayings of Mine is like a wise man who built his house on the rock: and when the rains, floods and winds came upon it, it did not fall, for it was founded upon the rock…”

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23 NKJV emphases added)

Amen

Now read the next post to learn how the italicised closing thoughts, added after drafting the whole piece, were concurrently confirmed by a prophetic team. Or was it vice versa with the Lord impressing upon me what He gave them?? Click to continue >>

[Image of Door Open in Sky courtesy of Nattavut, FreeDigitalPhotos.net Images from God’s Signature courtesy Terra Nova Publications International Ltd. Steve’s book is available from his website sppublishing.com as well as from Amazon. Be blessed]

On the vision of a crown over England

Posted on Friday, 30 May, 2014 by Richard Barker

A week ago today in Tucson, Arizona, Tony Puccio had a vision of a crown hovering over England. It was covered with what looked like diamonds and light was radiating from the crown and illuminating the nation, as reported in this post: England.

I guess what he saw may have been like this card created by a dear friend for a Christmas breakfast last year at which Nina spoke about majesty.

What Tony did not know about last week, however, was that my wife had again delivered that message at a breakfast only a few days earlier, the Tuesday morning.

Should you wish to be uplifted, you may read her earlier version here: On the Majesty of His Majesty, The King of Kings.

It’s yet another example of Holy Spirit’s Bridge over ‘the Pond’, is it not? What’s that? I suggest searching that term on this blog (app won’t insert links).

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Tag Archives: #God-incidents

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Footnotes:

Jesus & Mary fable:

God-incidence:

Blind and on the wrong path

The 3 dimensions of time

Visions connect with Neville’s ‘Yom Kippur words’

Vision of a lion – the four faces of God

Paws-4-thought: on revival and ‘down under’

The Return of The King – part 1

Paws-4-thought: Ffald-y-Brenin and a prophetic promise

Prophecy of a rollercoaster ride – get ready!

What’s prophetic about contending for The faith?

Paws-4-thought: ‘coincidence’ points to a coming revival?

Song of Victory

A July 4th aspect of praying for the USA

The Unbelievers – Richard Dawkins’ new film makes me want to believe in God

‘God-incidence’ stresses urgency of US prayer alert

Urgent prophetic word: advance the Kingdom now!

Holy treasure of ‘The Open Door’

On the vision of a crown over England

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