On the evidence of 2 or 3 witnesses a matter shall be confirmed…

Detail from Eagle-eyed by John Mark LongThus states Deuteronomy 19:15 (NASB) about testifying at an inquiry, or any other situation. This principle was also used at the first church council in Jerusalem, whereof Dr Luke recorded the decision to allow Gentile (non-Jewish) believers in Jesus Christ to be in fellowship with Jewish believers:

28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. [Acts 15]

Are there times when the Lord draws your attention to certain scriptures and principles by their repetition, even through another person or something else?  For me this can happen one day after another, or even during a church service. My latest should be shared but first, if you’ve not read the previous post’s comments, please let me explain.:

PS to previous post

After publishing that last post I had some reservations about its tone and how it had grown beyond a brief ‘roundup’ of the first two press sources, with my remarks of 2011, into a piece with more depth. I’d run off a hardcopy of the draft to check over lunch and the idea dropped into mind it would be better to start with scripture, specifically verses from the closing chapter of Paul’s earliest letter (to the church in Galatia).

Having done that I also included a bit from Bill Koenig before some of Walid Shoebat’s  main piece.  To clarify it all a conclusion was needed but, devoid of any earlier thought whatsoever, I found myself referring to Obama’s LGBT agenda. And this flowed straight into revisiting Galatians 6 with a pointer for this month as, ‘God is not mocked month’!

I wasn’t sure about it. Could I unwittingly have put a prophetical timing on this issue?

The next morning I read Beth’s contribution to that post and in which she referred to Dutch Sheets’ Reaction to the Election.  I’ve quoted him occasionally but was unaware of this, which he concludes with Holy Spirit’s reply about unanswered prayers, as follows:

“Your prayers and worship did prevail…though not in the way you wanted. Because of them, however, I will now deal with this man who has mocked Me and My laws.”

Two more friends of mine had dreams in which Barack Obama was named Belshazzar (see Daniel 5). This was the ruler in Babylon who saw a hand writing on the wall of his palace—as he and his friends were mocking God. The ominous message written by the hand of God was, “You have been weighed on the scales and found deficient.” The writing went on to say Belshazzar’s reign would end.
I don’t know what form the judgment of the Lord will take, but I am quite confident that God has put up with all of the mocking He intends to from Barack Obama, and that Daniel 5 is now his passage. I say this without malice or ill will, but nonetheless, confidently.

Also in my email was advice of Gillan Scott’s latest on the voting for same-sex marriage in the House of Lords. I opened up his webpage to scan its full content and at the close was reader Hazel’s brief comment, which closes,

If you replace the word gay with sodomite, the Bible is quite clear about it. God is not mocked.

WOW – two sisters and myself witnessing independently to a specific theme that the renowned intercessor and prophetical prayer warrior had received of the Lord. Ancient scripture attests that this is one way a matter is confirmed, or as in some translations, ‘established’.

Therefore, I can only conclude He is about to move in a significant way, AND we were prophetically informed only last week of the “coming great clash between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light”, as reported herein. Most interesting times…

SO, WATCH OUT!

Let’s lift up our heads for our redemption draws nigh…the Lord bless you and keep you.

Prophetic praise and worship

Courtesy of James Mark Long, www.propheticartists.comSomething ‘weird’ happened after writing that last piece. In fact, I’d intended tackling a higher priority of fulfilling a promise to respond to comments I’d made on another blog.  But I thought – or maybe was reminded!  – it was more important to cover  the prophetic word Lydia delivered in worship. So I blogged about that instead and finished by midday in time for lunch and our preparing for a church group meeting here that afternoon.

When all assembled were refreshed and had chatted, pastor circulated a hand-out that she wanted us to consider – Prophetic Praise and Worship….what a ‘God-incident’!

In my opinion, its following fast on the heels of the morning’s matter underscores and confirms the accuracy and importance of the prophetic word I’d only just written about.

Here, with permission, are some of that paper’s pertinent points for your edification:

First, for any believer who’s uneasy with prophecy, here’s the scriptural warrant for its incorporation into worship – NIV quotations:

The Prophetic Nature of Praise and Worship

1 Samuel 10:5-6 “After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, timbrels, pipes and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying. The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.

2 Chron 29:5 He stationed the Levites in the temple of the Lord with cymbals, harps and lyres in the way prescribed by David and Gad the king’s seer and Nathan the prophet; this was commanded by the Lord through his prophets.

Revelation 19:9-10 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” 10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

Therefore:

  1. The word of God that testifies about Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy,
  2. The testimony that Jesus gave through His life style is in the Spirit of prophecy,
  3. The testimony we give of Him in praise and worship is in the Spirit of prophecy,
  4. As we testify about Him in praise and worship the Spirit of prophecy is released.

Characteristics of Praise and Worship

  1. It is vital in the preparation of the Bride for the great day,
  2. We must be willing to go with the flow of the prophetic anointing and expect it in our worship services,
  3. Prophecy means: communicating under divine inspiration by…
  4. speaking/singing out what Holy Spirit is saying to the Church – listen!
  5. scripture exhorts us to desire the prophetic gifting:

1 Cor 14:1-3  Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.  For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.

Num 11: 26-29 … Yet the Spirit also rested on (Eldad and Medad), and they prophesied in the camp.  27 A young man ran and told Moses, ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.’ 28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ assistant since youth, spoke up and said, ‘Moses, my lord, stop them!’ 29 But Moses replied, ‘Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!’

The Language of Prophetic Praise and Worship

  • The language of love; the Bridegroom wooing the Bride and her response to Him
  • The song of the LORD, the Bridegroom and the Bride
  • Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs
  • Flowing in the gifts of Holy Spirit
  • Proclamation of salvation, redemption, victory, glory, power etc of the Trinity
  • Proclamation of judgement and victory over Satan
  • Proclamation of future events – as by Lydia on Sunday; Julie Meyer in October.

[Courtesy of Heart After God Ministries, Rev Ron and Lindi Masters, South Africa. Lindi moved into international ministry some time after Ron went home to the Lord.]

Revd John Kilpatrick: a season change

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,  until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (Thus opens Luke’s account of Holy Spirit’s activity through the Apostles: Acts 1)

I wonder, could ‘God-incidence’ be one way of learning about the Kingdom?  After all, we’re now in the church calendar’s post-Resurrection period.

Cynics and atheist’s would claim there’s no such thing as God-incidence – it’s fanciful imagination or, at best, only the coincidence of chance. Or it’s simply serendipity: the happy, beneficial occurrence of random, chance events. To believers in Jesus Christ, however, ‘God-incidence’ is just one of many blessings of being in a relationship with Him – especially when it’s instructive about Him and His ways. For example,

JohnK 214_logoThe day immediately after my hearing about God bringing a new season, as related by Dr Sharon Stone and associates here in UK, we heard pastor John Kilpatrick over the ‘pond’ in Alabama tell his congregation what he’d heard the Lord say. John introduced his message as follows.:

I got a message I couldn’t wait to preach this morning because every-thing that I’ve talked about so far is relevant. Man! Are y’all ready for this?….I studied all of Friday night at home…I went to bed…I woke about two in the morning and was awake ’til about six…as I lay there awake on the bed, Holy Spirit was just talking to  me….

Man, I saw something…I should have seen it…I didn’t even think about it…I’d been busy with other things…but Holy Spirit brought it to my memory right there in the stillness of my bedroom…and the Lord said,

“Tell My people I have brought about a season change.”

John then considered the stresses of life and difficult issues where folk wonder why prayer isn’t doing anything to help and question the lack of response from God. Sound pastoral teaching edifies and encourages everyone. So we unreservedly recommend   this for readers who need a strong uplift in their spirit.

It’s interesting that John taught from the prophet Daniel’s vision of the war against the saints by the ‘little horn’ – it prevails until the Ancient of Days comes and pronounces judgement in favour of the people of the Most High:

21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the holy people and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favour of the holy people of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.  (Daniel 7 NIV)

To learn more, click to watch a briefer, edited version or better still, the full session. If you choose the latter then scroll to 45 minutes for the introduction. At the end John delivers several prophetical words followed by brief, closing worship. At 1hr 46m pastor briefly teaches everyone how to best receive his message and those words.  Now this is astounding because what he instructs matches precisely what had been given to me only 6 hours earlier!!!  Surely, this serendipity can only have been of God!

(At that morning’s service here, our minister taught about the prophetic gifting and we then practised prophesying over one another. One person had a picture for me that connects directly into and enhances an important one from 1996! Then, 6 hours later, the pastor over in the States used the same concept for everyone…WOW.)

So, dear reader, should you be in need of encouragement for whatever reason then do take time to watch, take in the teaching and wait on Holy Spirit’s words of wisdom. Be interactive!  And He’s going to bring more next Sunday…

May you be mightily blessed by our Lord Jesus.

Note for new readers:
A string of over a dozen ‘coincidences’ last year connected to Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Bells was crowned by a God-incident validating that trail’s blessed origin. I learned serendipity is one of four Biblical laws for advancing the Kingdom of God. Next, upon first hearing New Zealander Ian Clayton I noted his describing serendipity in my own terms as being like an orchestra – I doubt he’d read my blog!  He considers serendipity to be an activity of God’s Spirit of Wisdom (as in Isaiah 11:2).]

Now is Come the Time to Change Your Focus

Jesus & Holy Spirit - credit kzlam36.blogspotYet another word ‘dove-tailing’ (as one would expect) with what the Lord is revealing today. It’s like a holy weft being woven in the Bride’s wedding dress, or the veil which will cover our glorious radiance…

“A season unlike anything I’ve lived in” – Dr Sharon Stone

Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising. (Isaiah 60:1-3 NKJV)

Note that verse two begins in the imperative mood, ‘Behold!’, or ‘See’ (as in the New International Version of the Holy Bible) – ie. notice and look at how dark the earth has become with a gross/thick (KJV/NIV) darkness upon everyone – rather like today, is it not?  Without itemising everything evil that’s afflicting unbelievers and secular leaders most rational folk can tell that a form of unnatural darkness is overtaking mankind.

Transformational and Increasing Glory of God

Windsor 2Now however, there is far more than hope, there’s the supra-natural light that originates in and comes from the Living God.  In last Saturday’s  mentoring day, Dr Sharon Stone developed upon the opening theme of her prophetic words for 2013. As before, she stresses that busy-ness prevents encountering the glory of God.:

“Right now”, says Sharon, “We’re in a time when we need to cultivate the glory of God in our lives and you need time to be able to do that. And to be glory carriers that attract the glory of God you need to be ‘set apart’. So if you’re so busy you don’t have that time you end up with a theology of God’s glory rather than the intimacy and the relationship, and the presence and the power that the glory of God has the ability to bring.

“I love the scripture that says we’ve all fallen short of the glory of God because…(it can also) mean we were intended to live in the glory of God. And so we have to get to a place where God is restoring that back to us. When Jesus brought us into restoration,  glory is one of the things He’s restoring us to.

“Glory can come when we spend time in the manifest presence of Jesus. But we are in a season unlike anything I’ve ever lived in before, one where His glory is more readily available to us than at any time I’ve ever seen. And we’re seeing more of His glory being poured out, we’re hearing of more encounters with the Presence of the Lord – it’s no longer being a wonderful testimony of one out of a thousand people any more, but you’re hearing 99 out of a 100 talking about encounters with the Lord…

“And here’s the reason why we’re talking more about this: we believe the prophetic consensus of the season we’re in is as in Isaiah 60 [see above and full text here].

A definition of God’s glory

“Let me give you a definition: the glory of God is the fullness of ALL that God is and ALL that He has…it is part of His provision, His miracles, His blessings upon you…there is nothing that you desire that is not in the glory of God…

Rev Dr Sharon Stone, Senior Minister Christian International Europe; courtesy CIE“In that scripture we have contradiction: great glory and great darkness upon the earth. That’s always been a contradiction, but what is different about it right now, there is an extreme in this area now…No longer is it just darkness and glory, now it is great, gross, darkness – but it is not only the glory of Jesus but now it’s also His Presence and His glory rising up on you  – and it’s going to bring an attraction of others to you…”

Sharon considers the contrasts in 2 Corinthians chapter 3 and reads verses 7-9, which the NIV heads as The Greater Glory of the New Covenant. The NKJV has:

7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 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 by the Spirit of the Lord.

“There have been those who have been able to put up with your words and overlook you, but they’re not going to be able to ignore the glory that God is going to put on you! (As explained in those latter verses) there is something about the glory of God that is now going to separate you out from others around about you (and those verses) mean the glory is going to be visible to one or more of the five (natural) senses…

“So that means people around you are going to be able to see something, hear some-thing, taste something, feel something or smell something. The glory that’s going to  manifest upon us in this day is going to be a mighty, a mighty, witnessing tool and I believe that once we learn to cultivate the glory of God, once we learn how to carry the glory of God, once we know how to attract the glory of God, we’re going to see that it affects relationships around about us….”

So, my reader, it was a privilege to receive such teaching of which this brings a glimpse of a tremendously blessed day.  Sharon spoke of her first encounter of the glory when a young pastor and of later learning how to endure its weightier power – verse 16 is key.

At the close, fellow prophets brought words from the Lord, one of which reminded me of what the Lord had once brought to my attention regarding the Wedding of the Bride and Lamb-Lion of God of Rev 21:9). (That insight is recounted in Revival:1 – glory stories.) But what happened in these precious moments cannot be conveyed…

I have learned to be no longer surprised by our God of Surprises because those words and ensuing worship brought time forward and took us deeply in our spirits to…

Our a copy of this prophetic painting was received on Easter Saturday, and about which I wrote in the last two posts. So it’s no wonder I was also hit hard by and had to re-blog “Come, and do not delay, for the hour is near and I would have you for my Bride”!

Of particular interest are James Nesbit’s notes about the origin and connection of this painting to its inspirational predecessor:

Arrrival - about

May these images speak to you and bring you revelation, light and prophetic insight into the eternal purposes of the King and His Kingdom.

Come, and Do Not Delay, for the Hour is Near and I Would Have You for my Bride

Courtesy of James Mark Long, www.propheticartists.comOH MY, Oh my…how well this word weighs with the closing thoughts of my previous post. I wanted to schedule this ‘re-blog’ for Saturday but that facility’s not available. Yet it just so happened on Saturday that Rev Dr Stone taught on the increasing, transformational glory of God being released. It is now more accessible than ever before and this school of prophets were highly blessed to sense the Bride meeting her Groom (as in the place of ‘Arrival’ – see previous). Words are inadequate to describe what happened but which strongly confirms this re-blogged prophetic word! Amen

Has God’s alarm clock gone off?

Three weeks ago today, 14th March, I received an ‘alarm call’ from Lyn F which fired me up to write about the choice of the new Pope. Upon first glance, her email and my response (Is Pope Francis the prophesied Petrus Romanus?) may seem unconnected but ‘over coffee’ I considered if that prophecy may be of God.

Meanwhile, Lyn has sought the Lord about distributing her brief email beyond a circle of friends and He gave her the go-ahead for me to publish. First, for those unfamiliar with the workings of the Holy Spirit, I should explain that when he communicates with our own spirit there is usually a distinct sense of inward contact. For sensitively attuned folk this can also be felt as a warmth, or surge of electricity, or sharp gasp of breath, or an inexplicable urge to double up as though someone’s hit our knee from behind…These various ways may even be combined for they’re all so individually personal.  We notice, for example, a look of surprise on Lyn’s face as she involuntarily exclaims, “HO!”.

Here’s a copy of the email, with Lyn’s blessing.:

Prophetic Stuff

After something that happened this morning I really feel I must discharge  some of the words I have witnessed to in the spirit recently (in fact since 1st March).

The HO’s! have increased in frequency and volume.  First some of the words –

  • We are nearing World War III.
  • Behold I do a new thing.
  • The world is spiralling into hell.
  • You can’t bargain with the enemy.

Then this morning as I woke up and looked at my digital radio clock. It showed 8.33. I dragged myself out of bed thinking my husband would be up and about but found he was still asleep…He has the exactly the same type of clock, it showed the time as exactly 2 hours earlier than mine!!  His clock was correct.

Very puzzled I returned to bed and listened to a podcast in the hope of returning to sleep but no, another big Ho!  

  • There isn’t much time left.
  • There is such an urgency in my spirit.

Love and blessings

Note: I replied about how and why this had struck my spirit and asked her to seek the Lord about sharing it more widely. On 21st March came her reply:

Looks fine Richard. You may wish to add the latest – 

  • There isn’t much time left. It’s later than you think.               

Oh my, no wonder there is such a sense of urgency!      

RB’s Observations:

1. The email’s content met with resonant confirmation in my own spirit (per Acts 15:28), mainly in grasping the significance of the 2 hours time difference between alarm clocks. Lyn was awakened and thought her time was correct but found it ahead of the actual time. This suggests she should be awake and alert before everyone else because they are on ‘ordinary’ time, and their ‘clock’ will wake them to what’s going to happen as they all begin a new day. In other words, God’s waking her up in advance to alert others that something significant is to happen, about which He’s already given her clues!

2. Here was a twelfth reference to God doing a ‘new thing’, but the tenor of these brief words confirmed the next post I’d started writing only the day before I got Lyn’s email. That draft is headed ‘Is God baring His arm?’   Also, I was struck that this must include the election of the new Pope – as in the proverb, ‘A new broom sweeps clean’.  Perhaps radical changes are in store for not only the Roman Catholic Church but the whole body of Christ?

3. When we first met Lyn and her husband in February 2012 she confided about three sightings of naval activity and sensing the Lord saying “War” each time. As she had no knowledge of current developments I told her about the massive build-up of American, NATO and Russian fleets in Persian Gulf, Red Sea and eastern Med that had featured in latest intelligence reports published by Debka in connection with Iran.

So, I recognise Lyn’s gifting and sensing international tensions with the Lord’s warnings of war. North Korea has threatened the USA with nuclear attack and declared a state of war against South Korea.  Its military is now authorised to use such weapons!

John McTernan’s North Korea Watch Update provides informative background links on this dangerous issue, as well as scripturally relevant events in the States. In my opinion, their stance is directly connected to Iran’s development of nuclear weapons and its ally NK’s bellicose threats are probably designed to counter western strategies for dealing with Iran; which can now respond ‘check’ to its opponents’ strategic options in this chess game.

< Update 9 April – Iranian state TV announced yesterday their president had unveiled 2 more uranium-processing facilities in central Iran…In case this show of defiance is lost on the West, Tehran is also threatening to follow its North Korean partner and withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in the wake of the failure of latest negotiations in Kazakhstan. These broke up without any date for resumption after Tehran refused outright to curb its enrichment program in exchange of the partial easing of sanctions, demanding world powers acknowledge the Islamic Republic’s right to enrich uranium under the terms of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)…Its exit would mean the nuclear watchdog would no longer have monitoring access to Iran’s known nuclear sites and, like N Korea which expelled the inspectors, could carry on enriching uranium and developing its nuclear weapons program without international oversight. Such steps plus NK’s restarting its nuclear facilities last week and missile tests further boost the nuclear collaboration between both nations – see Debka report.>

4. The above words suggest not only military battles but also battles for souls because so many deceptive doctrines are spreading through the western church – see my earlier posts on the spiritual avalanche of false teachings (eg. on grace) and the possibly dire effect upon homosexual believers.

5. In the event of either 3 and/or 4 we cannot, nor should we, compromise with the enemy!

As regards the significance of the time-lapse, this was confirmed inadvertently when our friend forwarded a link to James Nesbit’s prophetic painting – Arrival. (Click for gallery of ‘Bridal Collection’.)  It was inspired 105 weeks after its predecessor, Awaiting the King.  The astute reader will espy and understand the sequence in a theme which is directly relevant to todays’ times and troubles as we approach the Great Tribulation.

Postscript:

Lyn advises that her husband has found definitions of Ho! on the internet, viz:

This seems to fit exactly as I thought but he can’t find it now > ‘an affirmation of Jehovah (of what has been or is about to be said)’.  Albert Barnes notes on the Bible – ‘Ho! The word is designed to call attention to the subject as one of importance (the words are not of the prophet, but of the Lord)’. Mathew Henry commentary – ‘Ho, take notice of it’.  [Interesting!]

Is the ‘Petrus Romanus’ prophecy of God?

“I really, really didn’t mean to do that!” confess I to Kenny, just after meeting him for morning coffee at the cyber-cafe.

“What do you mean? The PS?” he asked, referring to the reason for his invitation.

“No! I mean the whole thing…I’d already started something else the day before. So Iast Thursday I was going to finish and publish it.  There was a sense of unease…I couldn’t put my finger on it…but it was to do with my last blog, What’s God up to?

“I’m all ears!  Give me your take on the situation, especially that bit you recommended –  I’ve read it”, prompts Kenny.

Coffee BreakWe carry the coffee and yummies I’d ordered to our table by the window. It just so happens, Tony turns up, as do you too, my reader. So bring your Cuppas over and join us for a chat – we may be some time…

(Excellent timing, my wife has just called out, “Coffee’s ready!”.)

“Now Richard, tell us about last Thursday.”

I begin by saying I observe ‘cyber-silence’ over our 3-day weekend, and evenings too.

“So, on Thursdays I try to finish what’s on-hand from the week. I start as soon as I can after 9.30 am, but last Thursday it was sunny and warm for once and a bit of shopping needed to be done first.

“I’d got a newspaper but didn’t dig into it as I was quite late getting online, and a couple of unusually long calls interrupted this. So I was a couple of hours behind and had run out of steam. Now this is quite unusual, I’ve not yet had writer’s block!  I’d planned to follow up my last post with more on God’s ‘tsunami’.  But I was completely blank. It had dropped into my brain’s ‘pending’ tray!

“How do you guys start your day online? I glance at headlines on World Watch Daily and Debka headlines, as well as three other blogs that don’t drop posts into my in-tray, as well as scan and ditch 20 or more emails.

“There was one email sharing a download a friend had received from the Lord. Now that really plugged me in!  We’d met Bob and Lyn a year ago, found not only were we on the same wavelength but also that they knew of my friend John’s mission in Ghana as well as Paul, who directs HOTS in Bath.

“At that time, Lyn shared bits she’d sensed about naval preparations for war and I gave her details of serious activities in the Med and Gulf.  I know her sensitivity to Holy Spirit and have high regard for the new items on grave international matters. An inexplicable 2 hour difference in her alarm clocks confirms, to my mind, the great urgency stirring in her spirit. Part of what Lyn received is, “Behold I do a new thing”.

“In an instant, lack of drive disappeared. I was galvanised into action!

Courtesy Watcharakun at Freedigitalphotos.com“Next, upon scanning just a few headlines I knew what to blog. Like in this image, it was as though the Lord had put His finger on a headline to draw my attention to the alleged Malachy prophecies.  I honestly didn’t want to go there! As well as what I’d already started (Is God baring His arm?), a number of ideas have been lodged too long in my ‘pipeline’.

“Also, I didn’t want to do anything that was connected with my pre-Christian life or stray away from Biblical matters.

“I asked the Lord, if it’s not out of order to cover this, please bless what I write. I typed out new thoughts as they sprang to mind, which is not my usual way at all.  Later in the day, when all’s done and dusted, I hit ‘publish’.

“Next – again for no particular reason – I dug into Google for anything else on this news. It seems the Lord directed me to yet another about Malachy’s visions, but by a Catholic priest.  Upon reading his sound report, I was pleasantly surprised to find he, too, viewed the motto for Pope Francis positively – unlike evangelical commentators!  Hence my adding a postscript to the post.”  (See Is Pope Francis ‘Petrus Romanus’?)

“What do you think?”

We kick this around between us. I add there was a clear sense of satisfaction, which is quite rare, and which also left me with a distinct sense of peace. Despite initial setbacks everything just flowed. Thus, that impetus did come from God.

“So this all arose out of a word from the Lord about ‘a new thing’?”

“Yes. And on Saturday I saw Gillan had picked on this from a very different aspect and I commented about this on his blog. But then I questioned myself, checked through my blog for prophetic words on this matter and wrote about them.”

“Everything since last Thursday’s item on Pope Francis has been unscheduled, never on my ‘to do’ list!”

Kenny kindly reminds me, “What’s your take on ‘Catholic in the Ozarks’ or Shane Schaetzel’s,  The Pope, the Antichrist and Peter The Roman?”

“Let’s top up our Cuppas and I’ll tell you. Then we may figure out if Malachy’s visions came from God”.

Click to continue > >

Chatting over morning coffee…

… at a garden centre with ‘C’ yesterday covered some points about this blog. So, if you too had thought of them you may like this paraphrase of our chat.:

First

As a subscriber to this blog my long-time friend had opportunity to see the reblog from God and Politics I’d posted only earlier that morning. So, his first remark was,

“Praiseworthy as it is, what’s Christians Against Poverty got to do with your blog? Your by-line is Looking for signs of Jesus’ return…?”

My answer was; Christians need to be aware that the sociopolitical spectrum acts not only as a backdrop to but also as indicators which validate prophesied signs. ‘Aware’, that is, of global and, especially, Middle-Eastern events lining up to fulfill prophecies of  two or more millenia ago. [This one of the major planks demonstrating the distinctive authority and reliability of Judeo-Christian scripture.]

More importantly, to prepare ourselves for our role in the return of the King of Kings, Christians should be concerned about, if not actively improving, the political and social scene. Thus my blog covers not a few Parliamentary-related issues, which is where my cyber-friend Gillan’s work is particularly important.  It’s also a way of taking an evangelical stand, as evident from  his comments upon my reblog,

 …It’s great to be able to share this sort of news telling people about the Gospel in action.

Furthermore, I recounted for the first time to my brother the open vision on the state of the nation with which I’d been presented in 2004. I’d heard the Lord’s observation and intention about Britain. Validation of the vision resulted in my later emails encouraging friends to take a stand upon the emerging Rock, Jesus Christ.  [For full details click on Comments upon the collapse of Society.   Recognised prophetical voices had already spoken of a global shaking, as well as a sifting within the wider church per Hebrews 12 – click for related posts in this blog.]

Secondly

I took the opportunity to share with ‘C’ how the Lord ‘communicates’ whilst I’m blogging. Although I’ve got a long list of material and try not to be deviated, other things often grab my attention, as though being presented to me!   So, I was very pleased to find this suitable free image from a quick google search.

By way of illustration, I told ‘C’ of inexplicably spotting an old, unread email and knowing it should go in Monday’s Newsmix. Without vetting it as normal however, I’d inserted it after just a cursory scan. Only afterwards in  taking a hardcopy ‘to lunch’ did I find it to be an ideal choice.

Such discoveries can often be inter-connected, as though the Lord is sewing a thread in a tapestry. (Hence, the ‘train of thoughts’ on Abiding in God’s Word.)

Thirdly

‘C’ was most uneasy, to put it mildly, to have learnt from this week’s posts about the US President’s unusually radical Cairo Speech.  He expressed surprised at a June ’09 date of my reference because I’ve blogged for only 15 months. So I said my old emails had been inserted for reference purposes (see About).

DSC_4610edAlso, reflecting upon Raymond Stock’s conclusion I’d realised it echoed the opinion of Sir  Winston Churchill in 1899 about the unchanging, dangerous nature of Islamic fanaticism. [Source; The River War unabridged 2-volume edition. I quoted from this under the sub-head ‘Yes and No, Prime Minister’ following on from my thoughts on PM Cameron’s comments on Al Qaeda.] This increasing irrationality was recognised over 110 years ago and too many leaders have failed to learn the lessons of history. According to the well-known proverb, they’re certain to repeat its mistakes!

BUT…

How does it all fit into last November’s prayer request and prophetic word for President Obama? The Lord has all things under His hand and I’m suitably chastened to recall He expects us to pray for leaders.

So, our prayer blessing and decree for yesterday morning is quite fitting.:

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27)

We decree that the reverential fear of the Lord will fall upon those who are in positions of authority in our nations. We bless the fountain of life as it flows through the corridors of power, bringing life and refreshing wherever it flows. [Courtesy: House of Glory: Keep Praying and Bless]

Amen.

PURSUE LIGHT!

‘God-smacked’ again!  Two friends told me about sensing light during prayer this week. To confirm and draw my attention to the importance of this, a 3rd report has now come!  The opening scripture below from Glasgow Prophetic Centre has been stressed by many prophetical voices for the past year or so. In my opinion, therefore, it would be well to contemplate and weigh these words, to which I’ve added this appropriate shot.:

aurora-uk_2192580k_Image credit Telegraph

Isaiah 60:1

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

From a heavenly perspective I saw the nations below: within each nation were individual, bright, dazzling white lights, surging with power. These lights are individual people, glowing with hunger for God – those who are crying out for the more of His manifest presence. They burn brightly with a ‘white heat’ in the spirit realm, reflecting God’s light and life and transforming the atmosphere. And there are more than we would at first realise.

As we pour ourselves out and seek the more of God, He increases the intensity of that heat and light which radiates from us, emanating further and radiantly covering more area (in the natural realm).

I heard God say,

“I am drawn to those who are drawn to me. Just as one magnet is drawn to another, as you pursue Me with all of your heart I see you and respond to your heart cry of, ‘More Lord, increase in me’.  I will increase the brightness of your shining. I will increase the reach of where and how you illuminate everything around you. I am increasing the reach of your shining.”

The Lord asks you today to pursue Him, so that the brightness of His illumination might be reflected in you. And to ask for the increase, the intensity – the luminosity of His magnificent brilliance – to be mirrored in you.

Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day

Lion-Bites-logo-2012Footnote:  Regular readers may not have had the opportunity yet to follow-up my recommendation to visit David and Emma Stark’s website and consider receiving their team’s daily word. Should you wish to do so, here’s the link for Lion Bites.

When we come together…the Body of Christ

Courtesy of James Mark Long ; propheticartists.comAmen…A note of this post by Tony was delivered by ‘God-incidence’ just now to my in-tray.  It’s amazingly appropriate because, after waking this morning, I was contemplating how the Lord connects and reveals things to me as a thread or ‘train’ of scripture, teaching, thoughts and insights – but then the idea of them also being pieces of a jigsaw dropped (appropriately?) into mind!  So thank you Lord for this vision, and to Tony for publishing it…

Tony's avatarMy Dreams and Visions

1 Corinthians 14:26 NIV

What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be
done so that the church may be built up.

The Lord showed me a vision 02/26/2013 and in this vision I saw people gathered around an oval table. The table was low to the ground so that you had to sit on the floor. The people I saw sitting there around the table each had a piece of a puzzle. As they all worked together, the image  on the puzzle began to take shape and when they were finished, the picture was of Jesus Christ. He was the center of the meeting. Each one had to do his part in finishing the puzzle and it was not left to one person to do…

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Paws-4-thought: more encouragement

Paws4thort 4After publishing three morsels of Lion Bites last Thursday I thought it may have been rather a rushed job, for my mind was on my next tasks. Upon reflection, I thought I’d been too hasty, especially as that was what it had been like all week. Even so, I was reminded to focus upon those encouraging words. And the  Lord was to surprise me with yet more morsels…!

After bashing through a tedious task for an hour I went to buy a rare ‘treat’ – fish and chips!  (It makes a pleasant change from a cooked evening meal.) Although it’s less than 3 minutes walk to the ‘chippy’ it usually entails a 10 minute wait at such a busy time.

Bill and Beni Johnson Credit BethelSo I took what I’m reading – Healing Unplugged.  Billed as ‘Up close and personal: behind the scenes with Bill Johnson and Randy Clark’, this is a transcript of a teaching video where they interviewed one another on how their healing ministries started and developed. It is minimal on historical details yet the book provides lots of insights and advice. A fascinating read!

Nina and I have often heard both leaders’ exceptional teaching, and Randy is one of the most humble servants of Christ. So, waiting in the chippy I was thoroughly engrossed in reading about the confession of his shortcomings in faith for healing. He proceeds to tell Bill of a breakthrough in his understanding of the vital importance of corporate faith.

RandyClark Credit J PiippoRandy spoke about his first visit to Bill’s church in Bethel, Redding California, when God impressed upon him to ask for healings the way that Abraham had asked for the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah to be spared, but Randy should count the other way round!  That is, he  was to ask for an increasing number of people to be healed as a number that he had faith for God to heal. (Genesis 18 refers.)

At first 25 were healed.  Randy said to the congregation, “I just felt as though God spoke to me”. He asked them, “Do you think God is tired?”. “No!” they replied. “Do you think He’s run out of power?” he continued. “No!” they said. Again, he received the same impression from God and as the number was incrementally raised they ended up with 135 healings.

So someone asked why he hadn’t said one hundred at first. The answer was simple – he didn’t have the faith for that number.  But his faith grew gradually by increasing the size of his request of God.

As his faith increased Randy would often use that strategy. On one occasion in a large church in Brazil a translator who’d seen him do that many times told him, “You need to ask for more”.  “Oh yeah, how many do you think?” he replied. Randy told Bill she announced a huge number in the region of 150-200, “And she said it right out loud in front of everybody!”

How did Randy react and what happened?  Continue below and discover an important principle about the miraculous that Randy was about to learn.:

Healing Unplugged p133

Healing Unplugged p134

WOW, what words of wonder to ponder with our fish and chips – a spiritual feast as well as bodily feast. Makes me wonder what else the multitude received from Jesus whilst His disciples handed round a few loaves and fish from a boy’s ‘butty-box’! (See John 6.)

Abiding in God’s Word

Jesus told the Jews who believed Him, , IF you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32 emphasis added)

COME, take a train ride with me and consider the relevance of Jesus’ claim for today.

DSC_4616Why on a train? Another intriguing ‘train’ of thoughts and insights is about to pass by, like one of those old-time steam locomotives. They amble along, which allows time for passengers to chat as well as to explore carriages. I can rummage around looking for any interesting ‘cargo’ and such ‘trunks’ often hold hidden gems.  Also, conversation with passengers may bring a confirmation, an affirmation or even a revelatory word from the Lord. So won’t you go back three weeks and share my latest ‘trip’ with me?

It’s a free ride, so no need to buy a ticket as we dash through to the platform where its entrance acts as a ‘portal’ and we jump back three weeks in time. On board this short, now moving train we’re welcomed by a kaleidoscopic collection of inter-linked thoughts and insights. Let’s check what’s in this first carriage before we move further along the train…

1st ‘carriage’

Here I sit to dig out of my briefcase some prophetic words I’d been given in 1996 (see Why I’m writing). This sheet of paper opens by stating how the day started with a call from someone who’d heard the Lord instruct them to call me with verses 3, 5 and 9 in the Book of Joshua. Re-reading that first chapter now, however, my gaze fixes upon verses 6 to 8 leading into verse 9 and some words seem to have an added emphasis, as below.:

[1After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2“Moses my servant is dead. Now then…]7Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

JoshuaMy study Bible says this account of the Israelite tribes’ journey into the land that the God of Abraham had promised him and his descendants was written about 3,400 years ago!   I note the fact that Moses’ closest assistant was told to keep entirely  focused upon what Moses wrote and upon nothing else. Only by so doing would Joshua and all his people prosper, and God would be with them where they were about to go!

[What Moses wrote is known as the Pentateuch, a Greek term meaning ‘five-volumed book’ and derived from its Jewish designation, ‘five-fifths of the law’. The Israelites knew it as ‘Torah’, meaning ‘instruction’.  It is the first five books of the Old Testament: namely Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.[

Then came an insight: the Torah was the only Standing Instruction this national leader had for his guidance. Furthermore, it was and is the word of God – Holy Scripture. That five-fold book was all they had to believe and follow as holy writ – unlike today with 61 more books comprising later history, poetry and prophetical writings inspired by God’s Holy Spirit. The first 5 books were all Joshua had to go on!  Even so, God promised to be with him.

So, about 3,400 years ago Joshua had his instructions but must have gained so much more under the oversight of the Living God. Over the next 1,400 years the descendants of those ancient Hebrews received many more writings inspired by God. And then about 2,000 years ago, God once again drew alongside them as ‘Immanuel’. [A Hebrew word meaning ‘With us is God’ and a title for Jesus Christ, as used by the OT prophet Isaiah when he prophesied Jesus’ virgin birth 700 years earlier – Isaiah 7:14 refers.]

By the time this later Joshua (which means ‘saviour’) lived amongst the Jews as Jesus of Nazareth, their scripture had grown from 5 to 39 authoritative books, and which are  known to Christians as the Old Testament. [Some traditional Christian denominations recognise a few more books: see How many books are in the Bible?]

Jesus taught the people with an authority greater than that of their priests because His words came direct from God. [See John 8: 25-39 for His declaration on this issue and which leads into the opening verse of this blog. The last part of v 32 is often quoted but ignores the specific condition for achieving freedom – ie. abiding in God’s word.]

Within a few decades of Jesus’ life another 27 books written by apostles and disciples were recognised as being inspired by God and collated into the New Testament as a complete Bible. So we Christians have a huge Standing Instruction.

Another insight comes: As in Joshua’s time, Jesus’ first followers had God’s promise to go with them, only this time they wouldn’t be going into just the small area of land at the eastern end of the Mediterranean. This time Jesus, the Son of God, commissioned His followers to ‘go to the ends of the world’ after the Holy Spirit would visit and stay upon them.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. [Matthew 28:18-20]

Like Joshua, those Apostles’ and disciples’ Standing Instructions were based upon an existing body of authoritative scripture that was augmented not only by Jesus’ teachings but also by continuing personal direction from Jesus and the Father. That is, this time God’s promise to always be with them was not just for one person only but for many, and His Holy Spirit would be present within them as an endowment of power! Thus, they then lived and moved with God’s Spirit upon them.

2nd ‘carriage’

The week I’m re-visiting personal prophecies I also come across Bobby Conner’s word for 2013, Calling All Warriors. It stirs me deeply and seems so appropriate for today. (It also connects into the ‘warrior’ word from the UK Prophetic Council, as published here.)

Awaken Your Might - credit; James Nesbit www.jamesnart.com

Awaken Your Might by James Nesbit – purchase from http://www.jamesnart.net

On the Saturday, a mentoring day, I see an inspirational picture matching Bobby’s word.  Also that morning, Dr Stone states that the 1st chapter of Joshua is important for these days. So I open my old NIV at that very place and grin. What do you know!  As I do so Sharon emphasises her message by quoting the verses I’d just seen and which I’d highlighted many years ago (as in above image).:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” [Joshua 1:9]

I’m astounded, as you may have realised from my published account of that day (here). Sharon prophesies that the Church will be moving into what it was always meant to be like, but it will not be easy – as when Joshua led the Israelites into their Promised Land.

3rd ‘carriage’

The next day at church our minister teaches about ‘Abiding in His Word’ – and for me this directly connects into Joshua again!  As we considered in the 1st carriage, ‘Abiding’ was God’s Standing Instruction to Joshua, and repeated by Jesus to His followers!  The minister then opens this topic by stating:

“The Bible is not a fence that contains God, that is used to restrict Him and His works – it reveals Him!  It is guide-lines to indicate who He is and what He can/will do. The Bible is a platform from which He operates!”

Next, she quotes Bill Johnson of Bethel Church, California. (It so happens I’m reading  Healing Unplugged, which is a deep discussion between him and Randy Clark about their personal healing ministries. We’ve listened enthralled to Bill several times for he greatly loves teaching from the Word, thereby giving listeners fresh insights.) Now, our minister quotes him as follows:

“It’s hard to have the same fruit as the early Church when you value a book they didn’t have more than the Holy Spirit, whom they did have.”

That reflects in part my earlier thoughts. Next, she goes on to refer to what Jesus told the Jews about God’s own testimony about Jesus being shown though the work He was doing for them:

“But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life…” [John 5 NKJV]

Our South African minister Lindi summarises the meaning of verse 38:

“The abiding word that is written has to become real so that it becomes the manifest Word – and then you believe and see miracles!

Sometimes we pray for revival or change and when it comes we don’t recognise it. Or, we even reject it because it doesn’t fit into our (Biblical) box

“The abiding word is what positions us for the next thing that God is going to do!”

Wow, all this is amplifying and enhancing my meditations during the week.

4th ‘carriage’

The very next day I’m prompted – and I don’t know why I should do so – to check that a link on an old posting is working. This is the source’s homepage for The Bridegroom Cometh, but I find it’s dead!  So I check again a few hours later, but this time I’m so utterly astounded to see there the picture I’d bought only two days ago and hangs in the study!  (As above under ‘2nd carriage’.) Moments later Nina enters the study, sees the picture on-screen and her jaw drops!

IS IT ANY WONDER I was absolutely stunned? (As first reported here)

What is our Lord and God saying and indicating? 

Can you hear Him?

May I summarise?…

God gives plenty of instructions for us to meditate upon, to follow and live by so that we will always remain, or abide, in them. In addition to that He gives us Himself – so what more could we possibly ask or want?

Here’s one of my favorites on abiding from that very special, private teaching time in the upper room on the eve of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.:

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”

23 Jesus answered and said to him, “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. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me…” 

Then, when talking about His being the True Vine, Jesus again stresses the great importance of abiding in God’s holy word.:

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love…”

These are from John 14 and John 15 respectively in NKJV, but it’s much better to read the whole event and thereby gain its full context. So why not invite the Lord to be with you as you read and meditate upon chapters 13-17 of the Gospel according to John?

May He be with you in Spirit…

Our train halts in a station for a quite a while and we take a break to walk around the station. Here we find a number of civilians and military personnel dressed as though they’re in the 1940s!  We recognise one distinguished figure boarding as we’re called back on board and enter the 3rd carriage to continue on our journey (click to proceed).

In case anyone’s puzzled or got questions…

Readers and visitors to this blog who aren’t Christians probably have questions about the previous post’s references to a spiritual enemy. Some explanation, therefore, would be helpful for those unfamiliar with the Holy Bible, or Christian doctrine. And, in fact, the good Lord already had that in hand for you!  Some timely basic doctrine behind the last post has ‘co-incidentally’ turned up.

So without further delay, I repost an email received today – Part 6 of Rick Joyner’s series on The Great Commission (Jesus’ parting instruction to His disciples, Matt 28).:

RJoyners WftW_eNL_T_1

THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

As we have been covering, “all authority in heaven and earth” has been given to Jesus, but He has not taken that authority over the earth yet. His kingdom is going to come, and His will is going to be done on earth as it is in heaven. All of heaven lives under the domain of the King. Only Satan and the angels who followed him have rebelled from the heavenly realm and were cast down to the earth when mankind rebelled against God. Now the only rebellion against God in all of creation, the physical or spiritual realms, is found on planet earth.

John wrote that the whole earth lies in the power of the evil one. It does presently lie in his power, but as we are told in Psalms, the earth and all it contains belongs to the Lord. The authority over everything in heaven and earth is under the Lord’s domain, but He has not yet taken His authority over the earth. He could have taken dominion over the earth immediately after His resurrection, but He did not for our sakes. He left it under the domain of evil for a time for one reason—to find those who loved Him and His truth even more than they loved their own lives. They will prove this by living for Him and obeying Him against the opposition of virtually all who are on the earth and hell’s minions as well.

The Lord is all-powerful. He could dispatch of the devil and all of his demonic hordes with the flick of His finger. The Lord could have cast Satan and his hosts into the lake of fire immediately after His resurrection. He had redeemed mankind, and the earth, and it was His to take. He left it as it was for another purpose—He is seeking a bride to rule and reign with Him.

Jesus is called “the last Adam” in I Corinthians 15:45. There was a legal reason for this. The first Adam had been given dominion over the earth. When Adam succumbed to the temptation and chose to obey the evil one instead of God, Satan was able to exert his power over the earth, and we become the slaves of the one we obey. We are told in Romans 6:16:

Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?

When man fell, all that was under his dominion fell with him, and the earth became the domain of the devil. It was a usurped domain, but this gave the evil one power over the whole earth. The reason why Jesus had to come as a man to redeem the earth was because authority over the earth was given to mankind. This is why Jesus always referred to Himself as “the Son of Man.” Only a man who walked in perfect obedience to the Lord could redeem the earth from the consequences of man’s disobedience. Jesus perfectly fulfilled this and took back the authority over the earth that had been lost by the first Adam.

We can have authority over something and not possess it yet. We could be given a car, the title could be put in our name, and it is at the dealer waiting for us to pick it up. However, until we pick it up, it is not in our possession even though it belongs to us. The title to the earth was put in Jesus’ name immediately after the cross. He just has not come to claim His possession yet in order to allow the conditions on the earth to help prepare His bride, the church, to rule with Him.

The bride of the first Adam lived in the most perfect conditions yet chose to disobey. The bride of the last Adam, Christ, will have lived in the most difficult conditions, and against the onslaught of all the powers of darkness, she will chose to obey. No other creation of God will have endured what she will have endured, and yet she will be faithful. This will be a witness to even the principalities and powers that their time is up over the earth. Even the angels will marvel at her and consider her worthy to be their judges. She will be a worthy bride and joint heir for the Son of God.

God does not tempt us with evil, but as stated in Jeremiah 20:12 and other places, He does allow us to be tested. A test is different from a temptation, though a temptation can be a test just as it was for Adam and Eve. We are tested by the Lord to help us grow and to qualify us for advancement, just as we took tests in school to see if we could be promoted to the next grade. Advancement in the Lord includes more authority. (RB’s emphasis)

As Francis Frangipane likes to say, “You never fail one of God’s tests; you just keep taking them until you pass.” That is basically true. Israel kept going in circles for forty years in the wilderness because they could not pass certain tests that were required before they could enter their Promised Land. Many Christians do the same thing and keep going in circles in their spiritual life because they keep failing the same tests. It is now time to pass the tests and go on to possess our Promised Land.

Links:

All Hail The Lamb,

Enthroned on high,

His praise shall be our battle cry.

He reigns victorious,

Forever glorious,

His name is Jesus,

He is the Lord.

This refrain was repeated and then again, and yet again and again, over and over. The young man led worshipers higher and higher; as though with eagles spiralling upwards on heaven-bound thermals…

W MediterraneanThis was no short chorus, but many minutes devoted to praise. Immediately, therefore, I recalled 20-odd years ago being high over the Mediterranean and looking down upon southern France. Suddenly, I heard lots of  loud voices filling the void beyond the Earth -all singing that same popular earthly chorus. And there was a proclamation from on high! As an almost new Christian I’d never heard such truly awesome, harmonious singing as that of the angelic host.  Harmony upon harmony kept being added as their praise of The Captain of Hosts, the Lamb of God, soared up, and on and on, through the heavens as well as wrapping around Earth. Utterly unforgettable!

We hadn’t heard this chorus for a decade or more, but this time it was the opening song for what was to become quite a special Sunday on 6th January. Our day started outside Guildford, Surrey > then 2 hours later home for lunch before ‘cyber-flying’ over to the Gulf of Mexico by Alabama for another morning service > then 3 hours later zooming in a flash back to London for Kensington Temple in the evening (as recounted here).

Upon checking my notes I found that first dream/vision had occurred exactly 21 years before (ie. 6 January 1992). Could this be of significance, not only that 21 = 7 x 3 but also because that day is known as The Epiphany of the Lord – the celebration of God’s revealing Jesus to the world as its true God, Messiah and Saviour. (For an excellent explanation click here).

Additionally, I’d had an email about dreams many Muslims are having of Jesus.  Also, I was prompted to dig out and then blog about notes for a prophetic word, 2011: an ‘epic generation’ – and noticed it too had been publicly delivered on the same feast day!

So, perhaps this reminder happening on the 21st anniversary of the vision means the declaration I heard is now about to be fulfilled?  The situation to which it referred has since grown far more grave, as indicated in the PM’s recent remarks about al-Qaeda.

Whatever was it I’d heard?  My brief notes made at the time are as follows:

The BBC late evening news on 6th January 1992 announced that leaders in the Muslim community wanted to establish a Muslim parliament in Britain, but:

In a dream that night I saw Western Europe, mainly France and the Mediterranean, as if from the space shuttle and heard the popular worship chorus ‘All Hail The Lamb’ being sung, as if in the atmosphere! This praise was repeated many times most melodiously, as though by angelic choir, and seemed to spiral upwards. Then I heard a very loud, authoritative voice declare, “As Communism fell so, too, will Islam fall”.

Many years later the opening events of the Arab Spring led me to share that ‘event’ with a few friends. By then I’d discovered a couple of prominent prophetic voices had had a similar revelation.  [My interpretation of this dream proved to be of encouragement to a  lady missionary in Marseilles and an evangelist in Egypt; this email refers.]

Yes and No, Prime Minister

!cid_image002_jpg@01CDBDD2The previous post outlined my grasp of the issues Prime Minister Cameron spoke about and why he may be correct in saying a war against al-Qaeda could last decades. I could have drawn upon what his renowned predecessor Sir Winston Churchill foresaw of the danger of militant Islam in 1899! His trenchant opinion, based upon personal military service in The Sudan, speaks with great insight and I quote only the portion pertinent to this post.:

“…Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilisation of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilisation of ancient Rome…”  [Read full extract in Wikipedia’s The River War – hat-tip to Roy.]

What wisdom on the strategic strength of Christianity – but many regard it as worthless and want it ditched!  Lord, open the eyes of antagonists’ understanding. [Update 4 Feb: former PM Blair says, “…the West should view the fight against Islamism as the fight against revolutionary communism” – The Commentator.]

PKD-Booksof DestinyA prophetical teacher’s book sheds scriptural light upon all this. I’d put the book aside a while ago, but was moved to pick it up again this month. Returning to chapter 10, I found Paul Keith Davis writes this about the OT prophet Daniel.:

‘Much of Daniel’s revelation and many of his visionary encounters centred upon a future generation identified as (literally) ‘end-of-the-days’. He was a forerunner of a company of end-time saints who will be esteemed by God and awarded mighty revelatory inspiration and insight. In many ways God’s role in his life offers a prophetic model for us to follow. Likewise, we can also use Daniel’s model to discern the enemy’s plans against the destinies of God’s people. In Daniel 10 (chapter here)…we read of one of the incredible visitations bestowed (which) was not without intense resistance from unseen sinister forces. In his vision Daniel discovered a dark entity called the

PKD_Books_p142PKD-Books_p143

The chapter continues by considering the Lord’s Holy Alliance and the purpose of global terrorism to frustrate the birth of heavenly aspiration on earth. Also covered is a vision Bob Jones received in 1999 that relates to the Twin Towers attack in 2001.

The ‘unholy alliance of a religious and of a political spirit’ means something like the Nazi-ism and Communism of the last century.  Although primarily political, both ideologies were based upon a belief that would improve the whole world. But this time it would be a far more powerful re-emergence of a medieval mentality.

To Westerners steeped in democratic values the ‘Arab Spring’ brought some hope for widespread change – and perhaps the realisation of that supra-naturally heard word. But most are ignorant of the deep motivation within Islamist doctrine and its repudiation of democratic principles. A well-informed knowledge of the Islamist mind-set, therefore, makes it easy to agree with the PM’s opinion of a greatly protracted conflict.

[Readers wishing to learn more about this matter may want to dig into Dr Bill Warner’s site Political Islam, which is defined as ‘ Islam’s ideology about unbelievers’.]

So without divine intervention from the real God, there would be absolutely no hope for ordinary Muslims of freedom. Their only hope is the same as that of their fellows in the faith of Abraham – the blessed hope of our assurance, Jesus Christ, as Paul wrote to Titus:

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

The Blessed Hope Appears to Muslims

I would direct you first to a reply to the previous post in which Tony refers to a dream that relates to Hagar, mother of Ishmael and all Abraham’s Arabic descendants. Tony concludes:

…the water in my dream is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, and I believe that a revival is coming to the children of Hagar who dwell in desert places.

This reminded me that in November 1999 Wendy Alec received a revelatory visit from Jesus wherein He addressed Arab nations and made a promise to visit them (pages 141-143 of Journal of the Unknown Prophet) – am stunned to notice these are the same numbers as just copied from chapter 10 of Paul Keith’s book! WOW !! Here are some snippets.:

…I, the Lord God of your forefathers am about to unwrap the grave clothes that bind you so fiercely to that which leads you so far from me…even as you have betrothed yourself to Islam, so I have betrothed Myself to you…

And so a great revelation and visitation shall start to manifest and so a great spirit of supplication and repentance shall sweep the communities for it is I, Jesus, who shall speak. First one behind closed doors, then two behind closed doors, then twenty and then thousands, and so my Church throughout the Arab nations shall start to rise.

Lastly, there have been many many independent accounts of such direct encounters, the latest received by email of Dreams, Visions Moving Muslims to Christ.  A few years ago I emailed about those recorded in Christine Dargs’ book (as below, and website):

Miracles & MuslimsMiracles & Muslims - outline

Conclusion

I trust that readers who’ve followed my two-part musings about Mr Cameron’s remarks may agree there really is firm hope of a considerable change within years, not decades.

In my humble opinion, coincidence of dates and book pagination indicates that the Lord is stressing the importance of revelations of His working throughout the Muslim world.  This may, therefore, be of great encouragment to intercessors, to believers and those serving Him in those lands.

Readers may wish to listen to the following recording of Dave Bilbrough’s stirring song -be blessed, mightily.:

IMMEDIATE POSTSCRIPT – JUST PUBLISHED THIS POST AND FIND THIS EMAIL from Paul Keith in my In-tray about Books of Destiny!!

“In recent weeks and months we have received numerous inquiries concerning the message I received in 2002 involving the soon emergence of God’s last day champions and the prophetic picture God gave me through the story of Secretariat. Those visionary encounters and prophetic messages are now written in “Books of Destiny”. This book was birthed out of a series of visions the Lord gave me concerning his plans for this generation and the uniqueness of those he has caused to be born in this hour. To many the gift of a spiritually “enlarged heart” will be granted to give us greater capacity for God and compassion for mankind.…” click to read this Newsletter. (Website: White Dove Ministries)

I went in response

Amen and thank you Jarrod for this recommendation about ‘nudges’, and which no doubt also indicates how to be in the right place at the right time (click to read blog).

Unknown's avatar

Amen and thank you Jarrod for this recommendation about ‘nudges’, and which no doubt also indicates how to be in the right place at the right time (click to read blog).

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On the threshold…

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3.20 KJV)

White Door in Skydoor

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and… (Rev 4.1-2 NKJV)

The above image is not exactly what I saw, as recounted in 2/12 1st Sunday in Advent 2012. Invisible walls formed by the darkness of our bedroom contrasted strongly with a tall rectangular shape of light immediately before me. Yet, when considered along with the above scriptures this image does represent the real spiritual meaning of the softly glowing light that beckoned me.

One of the reasons this event is being revisited is because I’ve since had an increasing expectation within my spirit that today’s major national and international events are lining up with those prophesied in the Bible for the ‘Last Days’ or ‘End Times’. I’m not talking about the end of the world or the close of the ancient Mayan calendar, about which I’ve taken miniscule regard.  I’m think that its closure is merely indicative of such changes coming upon us that the world will no longer be as we once knew it. Of much that I could write, it seems that a greater emphasis needs to fall on the prophetic.

For example, the triple confirmation of ‘open door’ in that vision; viz. the arrival of Paul Keith Davis’ email about it that day, the manuscript note from 2005 in my Bible and then that Sunday’s church copy of the same newsletter, all shout ‘GOD-INCIDENCE’!  That is, the Lord is telling me something important – take notice! – and it’s not perhaps purely personal.

Soon afterwards I recalled one of the first times we heard Paul Keith’s teaching in Bath. We had aisle seats close to the front of the auditorium and at one point everyone stood up as he ministered from the front. A little later he walked up our aisle towards people at the back and, approaching us, he looked into our eyes and said, “Await His return!”

If you haven’t followed the previous post’s link to his e-newsletter A New Day Dawning, here’s the pertinent part of what Paul Keith writes:

The coming days will bring greater dimensions of darkness in the world; yet our hope is for the appearing of God’s weighty Presence…

The Open Door

As emphasized in Revelation 3:20, the Lord stands at the door and knocks and to him who hears and opens the door to his heart, the Lord will dine with him. This is an individual commission and requires an individual response. On the other side of the “open door” we will find Living Word revelation vital for this season and the Heavenly blueprint.

The fullness of the ministry model God has ordained to respond to the great needs and challenges of the 21st Century is not presently on the Earth. It is something that we must obtain from behind the veil in the unseen realm. It is the hidden manna reserved and set apart for this generation that will equip the Bride of Christ without spot or wrinkle and empower her for the harvest…

Dear reader, if you don’t know Jesus Christ you really have nothing to lose by opening the door into your own life and letting Him in. He won’t come unless you invite Him to come in and ‘sup’, or eat and drink as well as rest and relax. Furthermore, He brings His own refreshments for bringing real sustenance into your life.

So, if you haven’t yet done so, why not open the door?

2/12, 1st Sunday in Advent 2012

WHAT A DAY, WHAT A DATE!  And what a story; whether it be past, present or future version, each strand links into the grand theme. As some say, history is His story. So today’s post is more an illustrated short, but true, story.

In western churches Sunday 2nd December 2012 marks the beginning of Advent – the weeks of expectant preparation leading into celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem. For too many weeks, however, shops have displayed the tacky commercial side of the season.

So it is interesting to note Wikipedia’s entry on Advent, and I was especially surprised upon its emphasis being not upon Jesus’ birth, but upon His return, viz.:

Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming. The theme of readings and teachings during Advent is often to prepare for the Second Coming while commemorating the First Coming of Christ at Christmas. With the view of directing the thoughts of Christians to the first coming of Jesus Christ as savior and to his second coming as judge, special readings are prescribed for each of the four Sundays in Advent….

Readers familiar with my personal story may recall Advent’s significance in this blog’s raison d’etre (details at close of this post).  And once again I’m astonished by something relevant, and which I hope will be an encouragement to readers seeking God or already walking with Him. So let your imagination follow me in what happened…

Last Sunday

‘On a roll’ getting off to church I realised I wasn’t carrying my hefty New King James study Bible so, approaching our front door, I grabbed my old New International Version Insight Bible. After scraping thick frost off the car’s windows I drove off. It’s an easy 22 miles via the 1-year old Hindhead Tunnel, and bursting through into brilliant sunlight brought splendid views over the Surrey hills.

Tunnel - Surrey side

A mother and baby were picked up en-route and, arriving later than usual at a school cafe outside Godalming, there was time for a quick coffee before the service started at Well Church International. The young chap on guitar leads those gathered in worship of the Living God. As everyone focuses upon Jesus, however, “John 13” pops into mind. So I pick up my Insight Bible from the table and check it out, trying not to distract others.

My old, floppy paperback Bible is well-worn, some verses covered in yellow highlighter and marginalia jottings on teachers’ remarks, and my own thoughts, as seen below…

John 13-14Is there something specifically for me to read in John13, Lord?”  The headers therein are ‘Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet’, ‘Jesus Predicts His Betrayal’, ‘Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial’. Nothing stood out other than verse 13, “A new command I give you: Love one another….By this all men will know you are my disciples” Then it leads into chapter 14 where Jesus tells them not to be troubled about what’s going to happen, that He’s going to, “Father’s house…to prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the place to where I am going…

Thomas butts in, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way there?” Jesus answered him with that well-known personal attestation,

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” (John 14:6-7)

I notice my annotation in red made during a conference 7 years ago, then ponder if any of this may be of signficance – and what that may be!

John 14 notePutting my Bible down I get back into worship – only to pick it up minutes later to focus upon those verses. A few minutes later young Danny motors straight into a new song about the door into heaven – and my jaw drops. I’ve just read that in my jottings!

Seven years ago a teacher said verse 14:6 means, “I am the doorway into Father’s throne-room; I open heaven” (see note in red in image to left). A couple of minutes later I go to the front and read this scripture and refer to my explanatory note to encourage everyone.

Mmmm very interesting, especially in view of what had happened only last week.

Later, sitting at the table and completing our offering envelope I question myself about the date. “Yesterday was Nina’s annual spiritual birthday party, that is 1st Dec so it’s 2nd”, I thought. THEN, the moment I start writing ‘2/12…’ I’m hit by that number. [For her birthday card I’d wanted to quote the opening lines of Psalm 91 and took out an old NIV of hers only to find she’d annotated it’s start with ‘God our protector’. So I used those words for her card. As evident from these two events, it’s clear that He knows our jottings!]

I’d had occasion to discover ‘212’ again just before writing about this blog’s anniversary, as here.  Last December I’d been impressed with the possible connection of a house number with the new year of 2012.  After all, it’s just any old house, any old number. Yet between then and now a tiny thought had made me wonder if it may be something to do with an actual date in 2012. Then I completely forgot all about that!  Until now, that is.

But that was nothing to what was to follow…

Our minister Lindi Masters had returned home to South Africa for Christmas but not without printing December’s diary sheet. Copies of this were on each table and I’d not had chance to see it until after our visiting German pastor’s message.  After he finished I took the sheet and turning over was stunned!

Dec 2012 reverseThere, on its reverse, is a copy of the latest news-letter from Paul Keith Davis but abridged to make ‘The Open Door’ its leading sub-header!  AND it just so happens I’d received my own copy of his newsletter only three days earlier – AND during that very night, whilst wide-awake, I’d already been blessed to see the door to which he refers!  As I’d lain awake in bed but eyes closed, I sensed in the middle of darkness an open doorway, but devoid of door, and beyond which was nothing but gentle light. (Click on image to read, and for full content Paul Keith’s newsletter click here.)

No wonder I was utterly stunned in amazement by these three ‘coincidences’ on the ‘open door’!  Is it all a ‘sign and a wonder’?  Bemused, I next recalled that the ‘212’ house number of my childhood home was affixed to the top of the front door. So could the insertion of a zero suggest an open door, or portal, indicating that 212 could become 2o12?  This speaks to me of two kinds of home addresses, one earthly and the other heavenly. I wonder…

Note: the date of my Bible’s note is ‘3.3.5’, which is exactly 7 years 9 months ago, or 93 months ago. Although not into detailed numerical anlysis I can’t but help noting these digits total 12 (9+3=12), and we’re in the 12th month of the 12th year of this century.

All told, an exciting start to Advent. What could it portend?

Further reading:

Update on ‘Media manipulation’

Sadly, there seems to be evidence that the ‘manipulation mentality’ about which I wrote (here, here and here) may be affecting the BBC’s staff themselves.  Could entrenched mindsets be hindering their ability to comprehend and effectively communicate?

The strange story of a complaint to the BBC tells of their peculiar reply to a listener’s complaint. This report demonstrates the BBC complaints people either failed to read the submission, or else were incapable of comprehending its content. Their reply bizarrely twisted its meaning, gave a rambling self-justification and did not address the concerns. BBC Watch draws this conclusion.:

One cannot but wonder how many other complaints are being registered by the BBC as the exact opposite of what they actually are and how that influences the reliability of the BBC’s complaints statistics and the resulting appraisals of its own performance.

Courtesy of BBC Watch

Incidentally, I’m loathe to think and write in a judgemental manner and so I was reticent about my posting on yellow journalism. But then by ‘sheer coincidence’, after typing it, I checked BBC Watch only to read the lasted news of a ‘yellow card’ for the journalist in question!  So it was probably more a ‘God-incidence’, perhaps to show He’s doing more shaking, as prophesied in January (here and here).  So watch out for more, lots more…

26 Then [at Mount Sinai] His voice shook the earth, but now He has given a promise: Yet once more I will shake and make tremble not only the earth but also the [starry] heavens. 27 Now this expression, Yet once more, indicates the final removal and transformation of all [that can be] shaken—that is, of that which has been created—in order that what cannot be shaken may remain and continue. 28 Let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe; 29 For our God [is indeed] a consuming fire. –  Amplified Bible: Hebrews chapter 12]

Blog’s Birthday

Readers may like to know yesterday marked the first birthday of this blog!

We weren’t sailing off Salcombe, for it’s not a celebratory event – but we did have an enjoyable and relaxing evening at Well Church social party. I went disguised in a black-mop of a wig, and Nina wore a headpiece – a pair of short antlers and Christmas ball ear-rings (photos censored)!

I wish to express my huge gratitude to Nina for her patience on those days when most of the time is spent researching and writing – bless you sweetheart.  My appreciation also goes to the first folk who saw fit to follow my musings: Daniel, Paul, Gillan, Roger and Tony (and for his many contributions) amongst several personal friends who took the plunge after having put up with my earlier emails.  Heartfelt thanks to everyone as you read, whether regularly dipping in here or not.

It wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago that I bothered to find out about the fuller aspects of WordPress’ site statistics and was astonished. As I write, the total number of views is just twenty short of 10,000!  Staggering, I’ve just checked again to make sure it’s right. I never thought anyone would be sufficiently interested to visit this blog – so thank you.

I was also surprised to find that one item posted in January has been a regular top-hit throughout the year and its count is head and shoulders above all others. That posting is A prophetic word for 2012 from Dr Sharon Stone, which I will update with an abridged version of my transcript of what she shared as being from the Lord for 2013. (The words concerning hurricane Sandy were only one part of the whole revelation.)

Readers who appreciate numbers and coincidences may be intrigued by this statistical fact.:

No. of published posts, including 64 uploaded pre-blog emails = 201
No. redundant notes (re. uploading), so withdrawn = 3
No. published static, or menu, pages = 30

Total = 234, but this includes 22 ‘reblogs’ from other people’s blogs

So, my personally authored total = 212

Now, this happens to be a personally significant number, as explained in Part 3 of my personal testimony. That was written last December (2011) and two months Iater my ‘hunch’ was unexpectedly confirmed by an ordinary event. Therefore, I amended that post’s concluding paragraphs as follows:

“These events started in 1989 and culminated in 1995 with its prime confirmation. Yet more was to come!  Sixteen years later upon revisiting this story for the purposes of this blog, I was surprised by a couple more insights that dropped unbidden into mind. One was tantalising: could the street number of my childhood home (212) possibly be significant in pointing toward the coming year? That is, to 2012! 

“Could that notion be true?  Such musing would be confirmed in a fascinating numerical manner at this year’s first Christian conference we were to attend…”

In February 2012 we attended Arise, Frontline Generals conference featuring Patricia King, Sharon Stone and Roberts Liardon. It so happened that, upon parking at the hotel in Torquay where it was being held, I noticed the car’s mileage was showing 212 miles from home to hotel..!!

So that number has now popped up once again – honest, I kid you not!