Serendipity, or fortuitous, surprising coincidences, where events are related by an apparently causal connection, as though arranged by God. It can also be an instance of, ‘By the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established’ (Deut 19:15 NKJV)
I’m amazed by a vivid dream experienced by someone whose blog I follow. So I must submit why I regard his dream as a valid message from the Lord.:
September was a remarkable month and I’d intended covering the unusual events of its first and last day under the ‘Back to School’ series of posts, but events proved too busy. NOW, in Preparing for battle Tony Puccio recounts a dream that seems to relate directly to my posting on Insights into God’s action plan. Insight 2 therein refers to an excellent sermon during the 30th Sept Sunday morning service in Church Of His Presence, USA.
As an anointed prophet, Jan Painter admonished and exhorted the congregation to pick up the spiritual weapon they’ve allowed to fall into disuse. I didn’t state what the weapon was but left it for any interested reader to watch the video – it is the sword of the Spirit. This is the Word of God, the holy scriptures, because when wielded it deals decisively with the ungodly, whether of human origin or not. Its effectiveness is proven in practice, and it can be not only the logos, or written word, but also the rhema, or prophetic ‘now’ word, as well as the language of spiritual tongues. (It was this last to which Jan referred as the weapon that had fallen into disuse.)
My first extraordinary encounter with the sword of the Spirit had been during training in prayer ministry. Inwardly, I heard “1Sam 5” during a ministry session where a lady was prowling around on all fours like a panther. Not knowing what that was about I found the chapter’s first five verses tell how The Ark of the Covenant trashed the idol of a pagan temple. As soon as I read the verses out aloud the lady stopped dead in her tracks and gaped at a vision right in front of her – she was actually seeing the same happening to a Satanic temple’s altar where child sacrifices had been performed! She was soon freed from bondage in Jesus’ name – praise Him!
Now, what I was saving for another post but didn’t get chance to write about (maybe so as not to influence Tony?) is the following.:
Earlier on that same Sunday morning, 30th Sept, here in the UK we’d attended church and received a new diary sheet for the next month, October. It bore the illustration you see heading today’s post!
Therefore, dear reader, you may now understand why we were excited later that after-noon to hear Jan specifically stress the importance of the sword as a spiritual weapon – and now by Tony’s dream! And there’s much more, lots more, to learn in all this…
It is written:
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV)
Some dubbed it ‘Frankenstorm’, striking the US north-eastern seaboard over Halloween – ‘trick or treat’, this tempest was well beyond a joke!
Some recalled Jesus’ prophetic description of the days preceding His promised return,
“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man…people knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away…” (see Matt 24, espec vv 37-42; Luke 17)
Personally, I perceive a connection with and a lesson from George Washington’s battles against we Brits! Also, it was astonishing to see the whole storm superimposed by the BBC to show it would cover ALL western Europe, from northern Norway to the Straits of Gibraltar at Spain’s southern tip! (This report doesn’t show the same full image.)
So there’s many opinions about the category 1 hurricane Sandy. The following comments are not to be construed as demeaning in any way the suffering and tragedy it caused. My intention is to awaken your consideration of the possibility of a profound significance to this superstorm. We’ll cover a known reliable source’s case for Sandy’s Biblical significance, one based on solid, factual data. But beforehand, kindly bear with my short personal perspective.:
Throughout Saturday night southern England was lashed by torrential rains, even snow fell in the southwest. Rain had stopped by the time we arrived at church and a leader greeted me in the car park with, “At least it’s not as bad as America”. I mentioned the coincidence of Sandy happening on the 21st anniversary of the ‘perfect storm’, which had the distinction of an ‘unusual retrograde motion’ in going east to west to strike the northeastern USA.
We parted and, as I approached the entrance, another chap met me and straight away said that Sandy is connected with Israel. “I know”, replied I.
How extraordinary. Such conversations wouldn’t have arisen in other churches we’d attended or regularly visited! And here the previous week, an older lady and a young man independently spoke to me about John McTernan’s writings. I’ve never before met anyone familiar with his work! Could this indicate a growing awareness in Christians to the Biblical implications of political activities?
Readers may recall my occasional references to John’s blog (see tag) and perhaps followed the links. Last week I saw this image on his posting for 28th Oct. Similar ones appeared daily on World Watch and, clicking on one, I got the meteorologist at US’ Weather Channel talking over the chart. I noted his remark that this low category hurricane is peculiar in its “unique angle” – it will turn and head towards the coast! Unlike a normal hurricane that heads out into mid-Atlantic, Sandy turned westward to strike the nation’s capital and major cities!
That fact plus the fact it happened on the 21st anniversary of the ‘perfect storm’ should make any thinking person start to think about a possible connection – could this have been on purpose, or by ‘design’? Dullards will attribute it solely to weather or climate. John is of the opinion only reprobate minds refuse to consider and accept the fact that unremitting iniquity and unrighteousness warrants any rebuke from the Creator.
[Note: I started drafting this on Monday 4th during a busy week and the next day, ‘Guy Fawkes Day’, I espied John’s daily digest has a similar title and is on the same lines as this post. His thesis is along the lines of ‘As in the days of Lot’, and itemises various headlines that support his argument. His excellent teaching on The Ordinances of the Amorites is highly recommended – see link below.]
A Case for Sandy’s Biblical Significance
You may recall earlier articles of mine on the cyclical nature of events, starting with White House correspondent William Koenig’s in-depth investigation into the work of financial markets technical analyst Eric Hadik (see Points to Ponder).
In view of this knowledge, William accurately forecast terrorist troubles for this 11th Sept simply on the grounds of its being the 11th anniversary of the Twin Towers attack (see 11 year cycle proves itself again). Now, mathematically number 21 is 3 x 7, both of which, and multiples thereof, occur frequently and are of significance in the Bible. For example, 7 days of creation, Jesus’ return to life on 3rd day of death, the Trinity…etc.
Hence, William’s ideas about superstorm Sandy occurring on the 21st anniversary of the Perfect Storm warrant serious consideration. Also, to his above-stated track record we should add the sound credentials of carefully logged observations over many years.
William has thereby documented and published the close correlations between the most catastrophic weather and America’s treatment of Israel. Learn more about his claims from a recent interview with Drew Zahn by reading Could ‘Frankenstorm’ Be A Sign From God?
Thus, his main premis is:
“When we put pressure on Israel to divide their land, we have enormous, record-setting events, often within 24 hours,” Koenig told WND. “Hurricane Katrina, 9/11 – we have experienced over 90 record-setting, all-time events as we have acted against Israel. And the greater the pressure on Israel to ‘cooperate,’ the greater the catastrophe….
“From a biblical perspective, the land isn’t to be divided, parceled out or negotiated away … period,” Koenig said. “That’s the land God gave to Israel. People say they want peace,” he continued, “but it all comes down to this: No earthly leader has the right to partition Israel, because that was God’s gift to Abraham and his descendants. <emphasis RB>
How say you, my reader? Isn’t it time for American and world leaders to consider this information and take William’s, and John’s, claims seriously? After all, many have been given their OWN copy of William’s book Eye to Eye!
To follow next
Look out for what the Lord told Dr Sharon Stone about hurricane Sandy (here), as well as my related thoughts on a couple of incidents from George Washington’s life.
A night very wet with wild winds belies the morn’s destiny to be the third consecutive Saturday of warm bright sunshine! The morning view atop Worldham Hill t’wards far hills of Surrey hints at autumnally tinged trees. (‘Neath the top of far ridge a long hole unblocks a once heaving road over its crest, linking London with ancient, naval Portsmouth.)
A fortnight ago today was my birthday ‘on the town’ in Trafalgar Square, where we went to practise healing on the streets. And a week ago today we were at Wembley basking under its open-roofed stadium – reminded me of an ‘open heaven’. Arriving as the gates opened at half-past midday, we found our seats only nineteen rows from the lush-green turf and directly across the pitch from the musicians’ stage.
Within minutes the various bands, choirs and well-known worship leaders greeted us with worship songs and a tremendously uplifting day commenced. As may be seen from the programme below, it focussed upon various national and international needs and went by far too quickly. Some time was spent in repentance in accordance with the out- come of the ‘Listening Hour’ in Parliament on 12th June (click for brief summary).
Worship was woven so well between all the prayer strands and took us all soaring as we approached the close. The rousing chorus to There’s a Battle Raging Over This Land, sung by Godfrey Birtill, left most folk humming all the way home – so listen/join in to get a feel for the day through this song.:
“Just one touch from the King…changes everything!”
Our deep gratitude goes to Fleet Baptist Church and their secretary’s skills in organising a couple of coaches packed full with those wanting to attend this stirring event.
THEN, next day at church we found the following prophecy from 2010 about Wembley had been submitted and printed onto the new schedule for October: a God-incidence?
“What’s going on there? I spy with my little eye…”
The year’s last non-winter Bank Holiday weekend was yet another washout – but today’s fine and sunny, with cool breeze, now most have returned to regular work! Well why not? We fill our weekends without thought of our Maker and Saviour by shopping, sports and leisure activities, so whyever should our holidays be blessed with warm weather? A fortnight ago we had just three or four consecutive warm days (around 80F) at long (June), long (July), long (August) last here in southern England. This year the number of real Summer days, where we could dine outdoors on the patio, must have been about half a dozen only! BUT, thank the Lord that drought conditions arising from two dry winters have completely disappeared.
I was musing over the different extremes manifesting on opposite sides of ‘the pond’, as though the UK is being blessed and the United States isn’t, and came across a rather apposite psalm. (Drought conditions in the States had deteriorated since July’s posting on the matter: wells running dry, even the mighty Mississippi hitting ‘uncharted territory, also more wildfires in Idaho and Oregon – thanks to John McTernan’s Daily Digest 18th August, and there’s many more elsewhere!) I wondered about scriptural links between a possible revival here and our record-breaking rains and my concordance took me to Psalm 68:
7 O God, when You went out before Your people, When You marched through the wilderness, Selah 8 The earth shook; The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel. 9 You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, Whereby You confirmed Your inheritance, When it was weary…
And then I noticed the preceding verse 6: But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
Isn’t this a positive statement about the consequences of un-Godly and anti-Christian policies that federal and various state governments have introduced in the USA? Even weeks beforehand I’d surmised the extreme heat may be a toned-down taster of the fire that consumed Sodom and Gomorrah, where flagrant rebellion ran wild in the streets.
My musings on events will continue in part 2, meanwhile:
Earthquakes
During the heightened earthquake activity along the Pacific rim and in central USA in 2010 I read that ‘seismic swarms’ are a relatively new occurrence. Occurring off the coast of British Columbia since 2008, they’re regarded as quite different to the usual large quake with its follow-ons. According to the United States Geological Survey, swarms are defined as an episode of high earthquake activity in which the largest does not occur at the beginning of an episode and is not substantially larger than anyother quake within the episode. Some have surmised that they would suggest there may be a much larger area of tectonic sensitivity than that of a normal fault-line.
Further to yesterday’s news the latest USGS graphical report for California may be seen here. Notice how very active this region is compared to the global data map.
Yet again – right place, right time. Some may think it ‘spooky’ – but please, it’s definitely not some sort of boast. Maybe, it’s just that I’m alert to these kind of things, or perhaps it’s a gift of discernment. Whatever it is, it’s far too frequent to be my imagination, especially as actual physical events are involved. My last few postings considered a strange series of serendipity which ended up being validated by yet another ‘coincidence’! So, would you bear with me once again?
Last Saturday I attended a day’s teaching led by Christen Forster, senior leader of River Church in Maidenhead, at The Emmanuel Centre, Marsham Street, Westminster. He spoke about authority, power and control in the Church and in the world.
I was particularly interested to learn the outcome of a recent gathering of about 90 senior leaders from church, commerce, culture and politics who met in St Mary’s Undercroft directly beneath the House of Commons. They’d listened to Jesus in silence for an hour and then fedback what they felt He was saying to the nation.
As Christen reports in his blog:
This was a historic event and at the same time a single step in a flow of developments putting the Word and Presence of God back into the Foundation of the United Kingdom. On the floor in the middle of the corridor that divides the House of Commons from the House of Lords there is a Latin inscription. In translation it read…
“Lest the Lord builds the house, those who labour do so in vain…”
Words that remind us that despite the Godless direction of so much policy conceived and enacted at Westminster today, the roots of authority in the UK are in the word and presence of God.
He said that the listening-prayer time under Parliament was unique and it had started and closed with the ringing of a bell – where’ve we heard about that before? (here and here). Yet even more remarkable was the consistency of the spirit and themes. There was weight and authority in what God is saying yet, being nationally-relevant, it is quite broad. Even so, some points could be applied to us as individuals.
Of the many points I was impressed with the recognition that the nation is reaping the consequences of our moral collapse. Also, divisions and death in the nation have reflected those between/within the body of Christ. The church must, therefore, be changed, improved and rebuilt and not hold back in proclaiming the Gospel. As a nation we should recall and build upon the former solid foundations of Christianity. The whole report will verified, signed and published in due course. (Initial overview now availablehere.)
Next week, there will be a follow-up evening of prophetic prayer for Parliament and government at The Emmanuel Centre (see Kingdom Come).
NOW, I was surprised that Christen briefly referred to two other matters for they are relevant to this blog’s recent posts.:
Healing On The Streets is taking off faster than did the Alpha course!
Where did we last encounter a Godly reference to Windsor? – the previous post. And the next day at a church we’d been invited to, this royal town on the river Thames cropped up in the pastor’s conversation about the vision for starting that church! So, serendipity strikes yet again!! Therefore, it really must be of God.
But there’s much more. Here’s what I talked about with Dr Sharon Stone during a conference in February:
After talking about her class in Windsor an image of its Castle’s famous round tower came to mind. This was followed by the notion that its crenellated battlements looked like the teeth of a giant cogwheel which could fit into some sort of invisible socket where earth could get plugged into heaven.
It’s a little hard to explain but then the thought dropped into mind that such engagement would enable the heavenly kingdom to ‘wind up’ our earthly kingdom – or ‘queen-dom’ – for the Lord’s purposes (eg. revival) – rather like putting a key into and winding up a clockwork toy.
Windsor Castle, courtesy CopyrightFreePhotos
Combine all that with this unique photo Alan May took (original link removed as demand crashed website but see copy here) during Garter Day on Monday 13 June 2011 at the Castle..:
Let’s continue considering coincidences in more depth. My last two postings (here and here) reported upon connected instances of serendipity; the fortuitous occurrence of meaningful random events or coincidences. However, when these seem to relate to our relationship with God and we can discern His hand or instruction in events, then many refer to them as ‘God-incidents’, as you may have gathered from the last posts.
Therein, you’ll have glimpsed a train of serendipity. In fact, each event along with its associated insights could only have been recognised because of a related previous event. For example, had I not been there then this would not have happened; had I not done this then that would not have been understood.
Furthermore, I’m reminded of scientific, physical laws of cause and effect as well as of simple arithmetic and maths. And recent coincidences are no simple linked chain but more like a tree, its trunk representing the observed sequence of events. Then three branches, and their own offspring, shoot out from the time of my ‘mistaken’ search on the web. So now’s the time to divulge the amazing, crowning event!
Therefore, we may come to understand how this concatenation, or series of over a dozen related events, can be regarded as a distinct entity. It may be hard for non-believer and believer alike to even consider that the whole is pointing to the Living God – if not coming direct from Him.
But an astounding ‘God-incidence’ actually confirms that He is in these insights. It’s a though, using the last post’s metaphor of an orchestra, the conductor himself turns around and addresses the audience – like in the last night of the BBC Proms when the conductor humourously speaks to the celebrating promenaders before leading into the traditional, rousing grand finale. Funnily enough, after that post’s musing about music I came across this from Professor Maucus du Sautoy:
With music you pick out the connections between one theme and another, and it is the same in maths……musicians are mathematicians at heart even though they may not know it. (Telegraph Weekend Review 2.6.2012)
GLORIOUS GOD-INCIDENCE VALIDATES GOD-INCIDENTS
Within two days of being amazed by unexpected events I received validation to everything from a recognised prophet. In her mentoring class held opposite Windsor Castle, Dr Sharon Stone gave a brief resume of strategies and said Jesus has already brought breakthrough (word used by Beni Johnson) and opened doors.
We need to cross the threshold and walk through, as well as to guard our tongues against negative speech. With kind permission to quote, here’s my brief note of what Sharon taught:
Four Biblical Laws for Advancement of The Kingdom
Posture – How we do this is key – act on what God says, recalling that Jesus’ instruction at John 21 to the disciples to move only a few feet brought different and positive result.
Obedience – This is the watermark for next glory move of God that’s being released. Matt 17:24-27 shows how Peter’s obedience to God’s inspiration found and brought forth glory. His calling’s extreme purposes required extreme obedience.
Serendipity – “Amazing, accidental discovery! Wow! No matter what we do and what God does He surprises us with lots more – eg. Pentecost”. See Ephesians 3:14-21 – verse 20 in Amplified Bible reads:
20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super-abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] – 21 to Him be glory…. (my emphasis)
Adaptability – We can get stuck in old familiar ways and find we don’t know how to handle the new. We set our size according to our ‘container’ but God wants us to move into the FAR bigger – but we don’t have a long time to adapt! Ask God to help us do it.
There it is, dear reader – I was left ‘God-smacked’! This prophet had given scriptural support, if not reasons, for the concatenation of God-incidents, thereby validating the ideas and insights into the deeper significance to Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Bells:
ALL to and for His glory in the church and in Jesus Christ throughout all generations forever and ever.
[Hah – whilst separating sentence from preceding into closing paragraph, my pc begins playing a Vineyard classic, All Glory To Him!]
Do you recall, dear reader, the last time you were struck by an unusual and personal coincidence? My previous post about the Jubilee bells referred to the fortuitous, happy occurrence of such events – serendipity. But on this occasion it all came in like a flood tide of information and understanding from several sources!
It would be interesting to know the mathematical probabilities of these personal events – it was as though it had all been orchestrated. Perhaps the Lord Himself is composer, arranger and conductor of an orchestra – players stand and play their ‘instruments’ at specific moments and a melodious tune can be heard. Also, singers give thanks and praise to their maker/composer – even angelic choirs may join in and the whole gives glory to God.
So for not-yet-believers and nominal Christians, what follows may seem weird, perhaps ‘inaudible!’ but let it sink in and sink into it. In Part 1 I told about my ‘stumbling’ upon this revelatory information and provided links for readers to check for themselves. Here’s why it’s exciting.:
As previously recounted, a blog from Kingdom Vision in SW England popped onto my pc screen by ‘mistake’ and which begins:
For 48 hours now I have seen myriads of angels in the heavenlies standing in rows. “Myriads” is not a word I would use, it dropped into my spirit when I saw them. Myriads means “uncountable.” Then I heard the sound of bells pealing, over and over. Sometimes they got REALLY LOUD. (my emboldening)
This was at the close of May and American Kathie Walters goes on to tell about lots of cheering accompanying the bells, like at a wedding, and she realises it’s to do with the UK. Then she gets an email with news of the imminent Diamond Jubilee celebrations and hears that:
My friend Beni Johnson says God has been telling her things for a year about the bells. God told her, “The bells are going to ring again in England. Bells that have not been rung in years.” Beni said, “The bells are going to ring again and call people to prayer and worship as they did before. The bells will cause a sound in the atmosphere and it will be a sign to the UK. A sign of change (look back at the meaning of “peals”) and bring a shift.”
Following that English site’s link I read Joy Hall’s explanation of the number of Jubilee Bells and its Hebraic meaning, which is exceedingly encouraging for the UK.
But what particularly impacted in my spirit is the recollection of the effect of pealing bells when Nina and I visited Beverley, East Yorkshire, as recounted in Back down to earth. Strolling around the market we decided to visit the close-by Minster. As we went down the street the heavy Minster bells started to be rung, not as a plain toll but in a most melodious tune. Nina and her companion were both immediately ‘blasted’ in their spirits and had such difficulty in remaining upright they had to get into the nearest doorway to lean against it. Any passer by could have thought they were drunks – but at that time of day? At just gone 11.30 am?
As for me, I was busy taking photos but noted how unusual the bells sounded and surmised angels would enjoy it. But Nina heard it as a continuous announcement and declaration into the earthly and heavenly realms within the region!! So, there was a real spiritual dimension to these bells being rung, even though in a humanly organised schedule.
The last link connected into a prophetic well in SE London, which plugs straight into an article I’d commented upon just before going on our holidays, from which we’d recently returned. This new post begins:
There has been a massive amount of prophetic chatter about the sound of bells ringing in the heavenlies – some linked to resistance and spiritual warfare with others linking to the message of hope, a call to worship and a call to the “UK” believers in Jesus to awaken from slumber and take hold of God’s intended purposes for this nation. (my emphasis)
Now, in the very busy week prior to going away I’d made time to comment upon Gillan Scott’s blog Has the Church fallen asleep on its feet? You may like to read this short debate wherin my hastily penned contribution summarises where I believe the Church should be heading. But reading further into the on-screen item I was hit by:
Within our fellowship we have had many words from the Lord about new beginnings, the start of the new things of God, breaking through of glass ceilings, wells of salvation, healing and heritage being opened up again – this past Sunday evening was all about the fire of God – key is that we have to ensure our lamps are full of oil and that we are to be totally focused on watching and waiting for the groom as we have to have the oil of His Holy Spirit within us to catch the fire! (author’s emphasis)
To understand this impact please note that, whilst I was away, Tony in Arizona had left me his following comment on exactly the same scriptural theme of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25)!
The Hour is Late and the Time is Short
I had a dream early the morning of 04/29/2012. In the dream my wife and I were in bed sleeping and it was very late. Our door bell rang and I remember saying to my wife, “who would be ringing our doorbell at this late hour”. We both got up to see who it was. What was odd was that each of us had an old fashioned hurricane lamp, the kind you fill with oil, as our light . When we opened the front door, we saw an angel standing there with a jug of oil in his hands. He filled our lamps and told us that the time is short.
His comment was to my posting Get Ready. Later, when I discussed all this with Nina and told her about Tony’s dream she was stunned, “That’s the topic of my talk at a ladies’ breakfast in mid-June!” She had written it two months before what I reported upon in my post. I recall her having said it would be a follow-up to previous addresses; but this time, she said, she’s going to have to sock it to them, no holds barred, because the time to Jesus’ return is getting very short!
In February, the Lord had given her the whole message and title, which is – reader, are you ready for this?…‘Are You Ready?’ !! Just upon the thought and mentioning the title whilst we spoke, she was hit by the physical reaction of being fired up by Holy Spirit. (It happened again last night when telling visiting friends about it!)
Two days after all this I attended Sharon Stone’s mentoring class in Windsor on the eve of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Upon the suggestion of another prophet, we went discretely to cleanse and bless the River Thames prior to the next day’s Jubilee flotilla.
Beni Johnson’s Prophecy on Breakthrough for the UK:
Intercessor Beni is in charge of Bethel Prayer House, Bethel Church in Redding, Calif. Her words about the bells have been quoted far and wide in part but what validates all the above impressions is this brief reference:
…We ended up in London where Big Ben is, on a river tour when it rang at high noon – which, for an intercessor, is the time to pray – high noon represents everything exposed, like nothing hiding,..Then we took a train to Paris… and got a taxi to Notre Dame. The minute we got out at Notre dame it was ringing high noon..then we got it (understood what the Lord is stressing about bells).
Now look at photo displaying the time when Nina was ‘struck’ – 11.35am. The bells were ringing and declaring in preparation for high noon! If you’re a believer, then listen to the whole 7 minutes of Beni’s greatly encouraging message above.
There’s lots more to all this, perhaps even a mathematical proof of God’s existence?
SERENDIPITY STRIKES AGAIN !! (Definition: the happy occurrence of chance events.) But when such events are laden with surprising illumination of a spiritual and intellectual nature, they’re regarded as from the Living God; that is, ‘God-incidents’.
This time it’s all about the Queen’s bells! Or more particularly, the especially significant role and effect they have upon our nation and of which only a few folk have been aware.
Those who attended or watched yesterday’s grand spectacle of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee pageant on the River Thames saw – and heard – a huge flotilla of 1,000 vessels (click to see selection of photos, courtesy Daily Mail Online).
The Belfry barge carrying eight enormous church bells led the procession in one of the most spectacular nautical events seen in London for over 350 years. They pealed all along the 7 mile route and were joined by church bells ringing out in reply across the City of London as the pageant regally proceeded to Tower Bridge. (Daily Telegraph’s video-article on the rehearsal for bell-ringing gives a feel for their sound. I had hoped the BBC’s live coverage would have returned to their on-board presenter, showman John Barrowman, but his personal video blog conveys a sense of the very deep impact those bells can make.) Continue reading →
A new header Prophecies & Visions on this blog covers a brief introduction to Biblical prophecy. It also explains the difference between the office of prophet and the gifting of prophecy. For those interested in how the prophetic may apply to current national and international affairs, links are given to a number of fulfilled reports and others ‘pending’.
First listed is Smith Wigglesworth’s prophecy concerning revival in Britain. Do you know that its two preparatory aspects have already happened? Or do you know of his prayer partner’s surprise fifty years later upon seeing the same vision? Or, are you aware of: Continue reading →
It’s rather interesting that part of April’s newsletter received this week from Paul Keith Davis has a direct bearing upon my recent post ‘GET READY’. Therein, I mention seemingly God-incidental references by pastor John Kilpatrick and to the last of Geoff Pick’s 10 visions about preparations for our forthcoming, if not immanent, wedding feast with the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.
Now, Paul Keith’s newsletter adds the following insight:
“I was recently allowed by the Spirit to witness some individuals being taken “behind the veil” and shown great and mighty things that have been reserved for the end-time….
“As the experience continued, the Holy Spirit revealed how the sharing of Kingdom Truths with the body of Christ was likened to the preparation of a great banqueting table being set for the Lord and His Bride. Seemingly, the “implements and banners” that were being revealed to this group somehow were utilized in the adornment of the banqueting table, particularly around the area that was clearly recognized as the “seat of honor” (sic). Naturally, these things are shown in symbolic form to illustrate truth that will help us in the hour in which we are living and the responsibility being delegated to us by the Holy Spirit.”
Paul Keith’s newsletter Flourishing During Days of Darkness provides more information and in closing Revival:1 – glory stories I refer to another God-incidence regarding one of his references to Jesus’ Bridal company. A short biography of Paul Keith may be read here.
So, it’s worth enquiring of the Lord about the preparations for the Kingdom fully coming to earth. May He bless you with revelation in this. (Check out Do You Know Him? if you don’t know Jesus yet.)
Recently (here and here), I’ve tried to convey our own great excitement over March’s revival meeting in Hull. At last, I can share it better with you on this 10 minute clip, which also features a short song in the middle Note: no longer available but see this 3 min clip:
These miraculous healings of folk from Hemel Hempstead, Chesterfield and Tiverton strongly enthused a packed auditorium of Americans in Alabama a week ago. Nathan Morris was also excited to announce that BBC local radio had interviewed Michael about his amazing triple miracle and that Lasette’s astounding appearance in her hotel, which I reported in “Now we know God is real”, brought a Muslim to salvation!
[A friend who directs a national healing ministry says Muslims are keen to learn about God’s healing power. It’s a pity for those atheists with whom two fellow bloggers and I have been in debate but who steadfastly refuse to accept such signs of salvation – Lord, bless them with a personal revelation and true contrition.]
Next, Nathan’s fresh preaching entitled Have You Defiled Your Robes? on holiness and repentance, as in John 8.34-36 and Revelation 3:2-6, was truly outstanding. It was exceptionally rare preaching on the ‘offensive message’ of the Gospel – that is, upon all sin, even in believers!, and the power of Jesus’ blood – “it is the lifeline“. For example:
“I’m tired of this gospel that won’t get in peoples’ faces. Let me tell you the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ offends – get used to it! People don’t want to be offended anymore…without the Blood there are no miracles, without preaching the shed Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, there is no salvation…one of the biggest lies you ever received is ‘once saved always saved’…you can’t live how you want… “
Many believers flocked forward, blocked the aisles in repentance and then received a fresh fire. The whole was preceded by an hour’s ascending worship as the Holy Spirit filled Lydia Stanley’s fingers with fire on the keyboard. (Join the worship here – news of the UK starts at 1hr20 and Nathan starts preaching at 1hr54.)
On his blog, Hull’s New Life Church leader Jarrod Cooper also includes a video clip of a lady and her husband telling what it’s like to be disabled for 6 years and then being healed at the church.
Jarrod also provides additional photos of Lasette and of extra footage with a follow-up of Michael, who declares, “God’s just amazing. He’s given me my life back and I thank God”. Oh, yes indeed that’s such a tremendous blessing.
I trust you will take time to watch these signs of God’s wonderful healing grace.
Please consider an interesting instance of similar prophetic words given recently in the UK and in the USA. Surely it’s not coincidental that they happened a week apart, or that I should be slap bang between them? Both ‘words’ reminded me of Monday 5th September last when I read Tim Eldridge’s remarks at the Inception Meeting for the Revival Alliance Gathering. Therein, Tim referred to Paul Revere’s preparations for his historically famous ride at the outbreak of the War of Independence. (See Father, let your Kingdom Come and paragraph about Tim in the Gathering’s Report. Picture courtesy of Wikipedia.)Therefore, consider this..:
During Holy Week (this year, the first week in April) I ‘stumbled’ upon a relatively short website UK Prophetic Words that’s been online for just under a year. On Palm Sunday (1st April), Geoff Pick reported upon a series of ten visions some of which struck chords within me, especially the one about a coming change in national anti-Christian culture. Also, I particularly noted that it closed with:
The final picture – A horseman riding towards us I see a horseman riding furiously towards us. He is bringing a proclamation as in Matthew 25. “Get ready the bridegroom is coming.” Be filled with the oil of heaven, be ready for His return.
On Good Friday afternoon we watched the morning’s service live from The Bay Revival, which was on tour in Missouri. Warming up to teach, Rev. John Kilpatrick spoke about previous talks, one of which was on the glory of God. As he began to speak on this – and only in passing – he sensed the Holy Spirit start to kick in: “You talk about the presence of God and He will come come! – Hohh!” (he jumped – he usually gives a quick ‘whoop’ and does a little skip when the Holy Spirit gets him fired up).The congregation got to its feet to praise the Lord for a few minutes, then Pastor John’s tone took on a gravity as though he heard direct from the Lord:
“Can I tell you, right now in heaven…there is a man seated right next to the Supernal God on High? (applause)…and He bears in His body the scars from His earth-walk…and He is alive at this very second as I speak (cheers continue), He is alive – I said, as I speak He is alive (more louder applause).“And if you only knew…what’s going on in the ‘family activities building’ in heaven right now! “The table cloths are being spread, the china’s being set, the horses are being given their oats – the stable doors, the hinges are being greased…(pause) “That man…is about to come back and get His people. I said…He’s about to come back and get His saints – it ain’t long!”
To check this and watch for yourself, click on video below and advance to 1hr3min by clicking on gray buffer bar when it’s about half-loaded.:
My, what words to weigh…the Lord bless you in this. NOW, whatever your thoughts on this you need to get to know for sure who Jesus really is. Time is running short and you owe it to Him (for what He’s done for you), and owe it to yourself (especially for your post-mortem existence – see here), to decide quite quickly. To find out how to become a Christian click on that highlit link and browse the site – thank you Jonathan at Spirit Soul Body for this excellent tip. Or, should you prefer a graphical outline, click here for a short video. (See here for more.) Continued here and then here, (in three linked parts).
“The Vatican called on Monday for sweeping reforms of the world economy and the creation of a ethical, global authority to regulate financial markets as demonstrations against corporate greed continued to spring up in major cities across the globe…
The economic and financial crisis which the world is going through calls everyone, individuals and peoples, to examine in depth the principles and the cultural and moral values at the basis of social coexistence,” said the Vatican document…
The Vatican called for the establishment of “a supranational authority” with worldwide scope and “universal jurisdiction” to guide economic policies and decisions. Such an authority should start with the United Nations as its reference point but later become independent and be endowed with the power to see to it that developed countries were not allowed to wield “excessive power over the weaker countries”…
Most laudable as all this may be, particular points under sub-head Effective Structures are illuminating:
One section of the document explained why the Vatican felt the reform of the global economy was necessary and called for specific reforms such as taxation of financial transactions.
In economic and financial matters, the most significant difficulties come from the lack of an effective set of structures that can guarantee, in addition to a system of governance, a system of government for the economy and international finance,” it said…
In fact, one can see an emerging requirement for a body that will carry out the functions of a kind of ‘central world bank’ that regulates the flow and system of monetary exchanges similar to the national central banks,” it said. The document acknowledged that such change would take years to put into place and was bound to encounter resistance.
Of course, this transformation will be made at the cost of a gradual, balanced transfer of a part of each nation’s powers to a world authority and to regional authorities, but this is necessary at a time when the dynamism of human society and the economy and the progress of technology are transcending borders, which are in fact already very eroded in a globalised world…”
And Sunday saw an item headed New euro ‘empire’ plot by Brussels about the European Council president’s plan for a new ‘United States of Europe” with a single Treasury based in either Frankfurt or Paris!
Recalling the explanation Daniel was given for his visions, and Jesus’ prophetic words as well as the revelation Father gave to Him (Rev 1.1), we recognise what may be indicated in those proposals together with current events – Is this combination a unique confluence of religious and political purposes moving towards the same goal?
What do you think, my friends?
As Christian watcher John McTernan states in hisDaily Digestof Monday:
“The Vatican jumps right into the one-world economy with a statement that is right out of an end-times prophecy book! What truly amazing times we are living. The pope is calling for a new economic order with a central world bank based on fairness and honesty!!!“
I like his retrospective treatment of scripture,. He writes as though were already in the Lord’s Millenium reign and, like a TV news commentator report’s upon what’s already happened; but, as ever, I take remarks concerning the Rapture carefully.
For example, Leaser omits to mention that Paul states the great apostasy within the Church, which is already under way, will definitely precede the appearance of the ‘Son of Perdition’. Both those events and the stupendously terrifying miracle of the worldwide resurrection of deceased believers would occur before our being ‘snatched’ upwards. (1Thess 4.15 & 2Thess 2.3).
Matt closes with Luke 21.28, which is personally pertinent for its relevance to Jesus rescuing me:
When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
Would you join me?
Richard
(God-incidentally as I closed, Handel’s Zadok the Priest started on my pc – quietly leading into the anthem “Long live the King!” Hmmmm)
It’s delightful when we see someone’s ‘aha’ moment, is it not? For example, when a face light’s up with a revelation, especially during prayer, or seeking the Lord.
For some weeks I’ve intended circulating a prophecy on revival in UK, but found I was beaten to the draw for it cropped up twice! First, it was quoted by Paul Keith Davies at Dudley and then it featured in Stewart Keiller’s blog (leader of Bath City Church). If it may help you to connect into this word I’d first like to tell of an event in 1997: 50 years after Smith Wigglesworth went to join the Lord.
At a prayer for revival I had the privilege of meeting 80 years old Rev Norman James, prayer partner of the renowned ‘apostle of faith’, Smith Wigglesworth. When this small group stood in a close circle to pray, Norman was less than a yard right in front of me. As he was quite short my eyes opened to gaze fully into his face and I couldn’t help but notice his eyes alight with excitement. A huge, beaming smile – he was radiant!
Norman could hardly speak, save to whisper, “I’ve just seen what Wigglesworth saw – Britain in revival, on fire for the Lord!”
Ever so briefly he explained that in Wigglesworth’s 88th year the Lord had given him a vision of a future revival in Britain. He knew it would happen decades ahead but he so desperately desired to see such days. Thus Norman confided, “No wonder he wanted the Lord to keep him alive!“. But he couldn’t find the words to describe its wonder.
Smith Wigglesworth’s prophecy about a coming move of the Holy Spirit in the UK, is as follows:
Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947)
TWO DISTINCT MOVES During the next few decades there will be two distinct moves of the Holy Spirit across the church in Great Britain. The first move will affect every church that is open to receive it and will be characterized by a restoration of the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. The second move of the Holy Spirit will result in people leaving historic churches and planting new churches. In the duration of each of these moves, the people who are involved will say “This is the great revival”. But the Lord says “No, neither is this the great revival but both are steps towards it”.
WORD AND SPIRIT When the new church phase is on the wane, there will be evidenced in the churches something that has not been seen before: a coming together of those with an emphasis on the Word and those with an emphasis on the Spirit.
When the Word and the Spirit come together, there will be the biggest movement of the Holy Spirit that the nation, and indeed the world, has ever seen. It will mark the beginning of a revival that will eclipse anything that has been witnessed within these shores, even the Wesleyan and the Welsh revivals of former years. The outpouring of God’s Spirit will flow over from the UK to the mainland of Europe, and from there will begin a missionary move to the ends of the earth.
All that mattered to Wigglesworth was listening for and to the voice of God’s Holy Spirit: it is hardly any wonder this ministry had such powerful anointing…
He conceived of revival in typically robust terms: that it can only come when we are prepared to die to self and human striving. Alongside this was his teaching that Jesus must occupy the foremost place in our hearts and lives.
“Holy, Holy, Holy are you Lord, Heaven and earth are filled with Your glory, Holy Holy, Holy is Your Name, Exalted upon the praise of Your people.”
So runs the chorus of Lydia Stanley’s song Holy Are You Lord – listen here – it’s one of several inspired by Holy Spirit since last July (2010) for her to lead hours of fire-filled worship at The Bay Revival, Alabama.
Psalm 22 v 3 proclaims, ‘You are holy, enthroned upon the praises of Israel…’ and thus, the Lord’s Presence can be sensed, even becomes tangible, and people hear Him more easily, are saved, healed and delivered – in such a sacred atmosphere, with anointed leading and prophetic preaching, miracles often occur.
You may recall my reference to evangelist Nathan Morris having a word from Alabama for revival in the UK? So a few ‘glory stories’ may inspire and encourage you:
First, on a personal note, I’ve been in a fascinating flow from the Lord since an ‘inter-stream’ conference in Winchester in March. During opening worship I sensed the Lord wanted me to focus upon the eventual new earth and new heavens, especially the appearance from heaven of The New Jerusalem and I had a flash picture of a lion’s head.
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband…(Rev 21:2 NKJV)
Then one of the seven angels…talked with me, saying, “Come I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife”. And he carried me away to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone…(Rev 21:9-11 NKJV)
Over the last year or so a couple of scriptures had come whilst in Bath, but now the context became clear. Also, the Lord’s saying He’s let me see a couple of childhood desires He implanted have been fulfilled: to see miracles of healing and receive Jesus close teaching, and to be in and understand the times of His return – but now focusupon His ultimate aim (Revelation 21-22), and beyond the Bible’s cover!
Then in the first session Stuart of Catch The Fire, Wembley mentioned,
“There is so much happening in the Kingdom of God at the moment…we’re seeing Him move again and again and again…We’ve just seen a massive increase in the supernatural – not because of ministry but because God is moving – ‘Aslan’ is on the move!”
He went on to describe seeing the breath of God blow away demons that had attached themselves to someone they were praying for. This one didn’t need in-depth ministry sessions, valid as that is, but God simply blew – like the mighty protective and possessive roar of a lion over its young! Stuart said, “It’s like the Lion of Judah puts His paw on you and says, ‘Mine, Mine – you are Mine!’ and roars at anything that would threaten you.” With Chloe, his wife, teaching followed upon their theme: full meaning of Sonship in the Kingdom
Also that month, Bill of Blandford wrote me as follows:
God is awesome! Only last evening I was testifying to standing in awe as again Abba God brought deliverance to His beloved children. I was sharing ministry to bring freedom to some people with ancestral masonry. We saw His mighty deliverance set them free from chains of deception. What He desires and delivers to the one or two, He will do for the many. I stand in awe right now as day after day we see and hear prophecy unfolding… (Thank you Bill)
Here’s another – Over dinner in Zizzi’s, Russ of Farnham said he was at The Potter’s House, Stoke-on-Trent and heard intriguing accounts of unbelieving youngsters turning up because God had come to them in the night and told them to get there!
Winchester flowed into Bath >
There, the first thing I put my hands on at a partners’ day was a book featuring chapters on the new earth and new heaven! >>
Then Liz, leader of prophetic ministry, followed straight on from and augmented what Stuart and Chloe had taught >>>
Also, Richard mentioned about a recent Secret Place conference in Dudley and I knew to get the downloads quickly >>>>
So, in those recordings I heard Paul Keith Davies delve deeply into teaching upon the Sonship-Bridal paradigm….(more here)
>>>>>>>>>>> keep flowing Holy Spirit…in and through ……More please Lord.
“I haven’t heard about that! Why haven’t my church friends told me?” Nina’s hairdresser indignantly retorted this morning.
“Because it won’t be covered in the news and, if it is, it’ll be badly biased – and few believers know, or are interested!” Nina replied.
Friends who’ve joined this intercession well know that we’re a minority. I offer this update and attached extract of Rabbi C’s message, plus some inspiration:
Yesterday, there were clashes throughout the West Bank and IDF placed upon standby after having been trained for various scenarios. Earlier in the week security forces were beefed up to close the border to refugees from Syria (other neighbouring countries were closed too).
On Thurs I found a website devoted to the Intifada. It reported on demonstrations at the Israeli embassy in Egypt and for a mass protest to march from Tahrir Square, Cairo and be joined by several hundred thousand protesters to advance upon Israel tomorrow. Reading a few of that site’s items showed their very poor standard of historical and journalistic accuracy – and confirmed the original intention of incitement to violence. (That was why their first Facebook page was shut down.)
However, today I see that website’s two home pages have been replaced by masses of articles from supporters, including one about First Scottish Minister Alex Salmond’s strongly condemnatory anti-Israel stance!! (Its author ridiculously refers to David Cameron as pro-Zionist!! Not so, according to Spectator blogger Melanie Phillips whose open letter to him about his meeting with PM Netanyahu minces no words!)
Prior to prayer yesterday, I was listening to Paul Keith Davis speaking at Dudley about the Bridal company and Sons of the Kingdom (many thanks to Richard in Bath). Suddenly, he gave reference for this as being in Matthew 13 as well as Zecharia 12.8 regarding Jerusalem in ‘That Day’. Now Paul had already confirmed things I’d had from the Lord, but during intercession I turned to that OT chapter – WOW what insights came for today, and how it could fit into what this rabbi teaches – thank you Lord!
Zecharia 12 could well distinguish between what’s happening now and what’s coming through the ‘Two State’ supposed solution – verse 2 is about the surrounding peoples, as in this 3rd intifada – verse 3 is about the whole world, as in UNO, EU, USA ! And there’s lots more throughout chapters 12 and 13 that may apply to revival in Israel and for ALL inhabitants of Jerusalem, including the ultra orthodox Jews (who outdo muslim hatred for Christians!) and Arabs.
This is a more personal letter to you as I believe it’s time to tell about a revelation that amazed me, for it came only a couple or so years after my re-birth. (And only now am I glimpsing how it may connect with an open vision of fire shooting up E Africa to Egypt.) So I’d be interested if this may strike a chord, or you get a word from the Lord – or even a check in your spirit. Kindly bear with me as this needs be a bit lengthy.
As what I saw is directly relevant to the past month’s (Jan 2011) momentously historic events (which could affect our Western nations’ economies) I’ve been hesitant to relate this without the Lord’s go-ahead. Thus, early yesterday I sought the verses about His word not returning to Him void (Isa 55.11) but my eyes fell first on Isaiah 44.24-26, as though confirming the validity of the revelation and giving clearance to write:
“I am the LORD who has made all things, Who alone stretched out the heavens, Who spread out the earth by Myself, Who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, Who overturns the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense, Who carries out the words of His servants and fulfils the predictions of His messengers….” (NIV)
First, some background. At the time I received this staggering ‘download’ my Baptist pastor and elders were unable to help, possibly because it came in a dream, and I was a ‘young’ Christian…It was, however, an excellent church for solid Biblical tuition and discipleship – thank you Lord.
Nonetheless, what I received proved helpful to a young missionary in France as well as to an evangelist off to Egypt. I’d put the full account in a letter, which he put on top of clothes in his suitcase. Thus, when Egyptian customs questioned him and checked inside his case he was reminded and encouraged in his mission. Here’s what I’d written:
The BBC late evening news on 6th January 1992 announced that leaders in the Muslim community wanted to establish a Muslim parliament in Britain…:
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”.
I understood this as the Almighty’s declaration that Islam’s demise would come when Muslims themselves want to be free and rise up en-masse. Clearly, by referring to the events that had rippled across the Eastern Bloc to end the Soviet empire, we could expect a similar, unanticipated wave to sweep across Africa, the Middle East and Asia to the Pacific. It, too, would be like dominoes falling. In fact, some commentators are likening what’s happening now to that effect – Telegraph and Foreign Policy reports.
As a prophetical impression the dream awaited proper weighing and confirmation by my leaders. Only a few years ago I read an article by the prophet Marc Dupont in which he referred to a very similar word at about the same period. EVEN SO, if you’re with me thus far, please do weigh and check all this. [Months after this email I discovered that Lance Lambert had later that year brought the same message about God shaking the nations.]
Later yesterday I got an email from leading analyst on Middle-East affairs, Daniel Pipes, supporting that concept of change, viz:
“Something remarkable, unpredictable and unprecedented took place in recent weeks on Egyptian streets. A leaderless mass movement galvanized large numbers of ordinary citizens, as in Tunisia days earlier. It did not rage against foreigners, scapegoat minority Egyptians, nor endorse a radical ideology; instead, it demanded accountability, liberty, and prosperity. Reports reaching me from Cairo suggest a historic turn toward patriotism, inclusion, secularism, and personal responsibility.” – Washington Post
Let’s remember the Lord’s ultimate redemptive plan for Egypt, as stated in Isaiah 19 especially verses 19-25.
19 In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the LORD at its border…24 In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance”.
Pertinent to these verses is this closing statement of an email just in: “..the Egyptian identity needs to be resurrected, thereby allowing all of the nation’s sons and daughters to work together for a better future—without the dead weight of foreign encumberments, namely Arabism or, worse, Islamism.” [Assoc. Dir ME Forum: Egypt’s Identity Crisis.]
Did you read in my email 10 Feb of Dutch Sheets’ word given 13 Jan about the Lord supernaturally visiting the Middle-East? Well, on Monday I bought his classic book Intercessory Prayer but didn’t dig in until last night. On fanning through I was drawn to a prophetic word about nations falling rapidly before Him (see large red asterisk in attached). I think the Lord is trying to get our serious attention, don’t you?
THEREFORE, I believe it’s a pivotal prayer-time to ask the Lord for those nations that are closed to Him to become fully open to the Gospel. The harvest fields are ripening.
For example, many Iranians realise that 30 years’ Islamic rule has utterly failed. They’re desperate for the real truth of God. Previously it took one missionary a life time to bring 10 to Christ. Yet last year just one phone call served to bring 30 to salvation! Multitudes are responding to dramatic personal visitations and miracles direct from the Lord, as well as through satellite/phone evangelism. (Dr Hormoz Shariat, Iran Alive Ministries.)
“…By Myself I have sworn, My mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before Me every knee will bow; by Me every tongue will swear (allegiance). They will say of Me, ‘In the Lord alone are righteousness and strength’.” All who have raged against Him will come to Him and be put to shame. But in the LORD the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult.
[Isa 45.23-24 NIV’s ‘raged’ seems more appropriate than ‘incensed’ in NKJV & Amp]
I close as All Hail The Lambstarts playing on pc – WOW, what a coincidence, or rather God-incidence!!
Friends, At a ladies’ regular house gathering in a village near Guildford, guest speaker ‘H’ was eloquently forthright about the situation here in comparison with her homeland of Egypt. There ordinary Muslims would expect Christians to be as fervent as they are in their faith.
[I’m only too aware of the current persecution of our Coptic brethren, possibly because that’s where the Muslim Brotherhood took root and which is pressing for political power in the event of President Mubarak’s demise. One of its martyred leaders is regarded as the founding father of modern jihad and its deeply doctrinaire targeting on all fronts of America and Europe.
You may recall my having quoted Miracles Among Muslims by Christine Darg. So, it was good to hear ‘H’ say over a million Egyptian Muslims secretly believe in Jesus and that Middle Eastern believers are migrating to the relatively more tolerant Egypt. [NB: 2 years ago!]
‘H’ mentioned the Lord had advised her not to regard outward events as being of His will but to look for His redemptive plan for nations. Thus, she gained insight into the Isaiah 19 prophecy regarding Egypt, Israel and Assyria (ie Iraq) – which is also a pillar for Canon Andrew White’s reconciliation work in Baghdad, Jerusalem and Cairo!! [See previous post.]
Perhaps the serendipitous references to this scripture came in answer to my thoughts upon Acts 1:6-7? When answering the disciples’ query on restoring the kingdom to Israel, could Jesus have had in mind Father’s strategy to fulfil that prophecy?? What do you think, my friend? Some teach that Jesus rebuked them because they were mistaken about God’s purposes. But surely Jesus would have explicitly said so?
Let’s remember when He upset them by saying He was going away to prepare a place for them in Father’s house, He explained: “Were it not so I would have told you” (John 14.2). Surely, Jesus would have applied that same teaching principle when answering their question about Israel’s future, wouldn’t He?
Jesus’ answer was not an emphatic “No” but rather a “Not yet and it’s not for me to say – I have a something else for you”.
Richard's Watch 