Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Patiently Await His Timing


Through the Fire

This is for all nations, all tribes and clans, all peoples of the world. To those who believe, know and abide in the Saviour and Redeemer. All that we go through is for our good, if we will but hold fast.  

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not to evil, to give you an expected end. [Jer 29:11]

Do not fear the fire in the furnace, though it be seven times hotter, for I walk with you. (Jesus-Yeshua)

The Lord has made it abundantly clear that we are not to fear the things we are going through, even when all seems against us. Yes, and though our faith is mightily shaken, and tears, sorrow, great anguish and discomfort seem to be our portion, if we will hold fast to our faith and keep believing despite it all, we will go through to completion.

To those who witnessed the Hebrews being thrown into the fire, it must have surely looked like the God of the Hebrews was not God at all, and their faith was folly. Indeed, all outward appearances did seem as though they had believed in vain and had been abandoned by God.



[…]but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? [Dan 3:15] (words spoken by king Nebuchadnezzar)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to abandon their faith in God and adamantly declared that their God would deliver them, but even if He did not (if God chose to do otherwise or had other plans), they still would not bow before any god or image but the Sovereign God of all things.

Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. [Dan 3:19]

 It seemed as if King Nebuchadnezzar’s anger toward the supposedly defiant, rebellious and disobedient Hebrews would be justified when the intense flames consumed them alive. The king’s thoughts likely were confident that his decree given to the people, to bow down before the golden image and worship, would be vindicated.


Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. [Dan 3:22-23]

Nebuchadnezzar’s thoughts could not have been further from the truth, as we can read in Daniel 3:24-27.  So, at this time, OUR KING, Jesus the Christ is telling all of us to stand steadfast in our faith, despite the horror and the seeming defeat of our situation, despite all outward appearances. 

God is still Sovereign and completely in control. Trust and have faith.

I am going to post the words to a song called, Blessings, sung by Laura Story, followed by the YT video.

Blessings

We pray for blessings 
We pray for peace 
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep 
We pray for healing, for prosperity 
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering 
All the while, You hear each spoken need 
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things 


(Chorus)
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops 
What if Your healing comes through tears 
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near 
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise 


We pray for wisdom 
Your voice to hear 
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near 
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love 
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough 
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea 
And long that we'd have faith to believe 

(Chorus repeated here)

When friends betray us 
When darkness seems to win 
We know the pain reminds this heart 
That this is not, this is not our home 

(Chorus repeated here)


What if my greatest disappointments 
Or the aching of this life 
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy 
What if trials of this life 
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights 
Are your mercies in disguise

UPDATE: For whatever reason, Google, who owns Blogspot, removed the video. BP ---Here is the link on YouTube:  Blessings - Laura Story

God may seem like He is slow in moving or that He does not care, but He does. The Lord is “right on time”. Lyrics for Right on Time, sung by Eric Bibb:

Went to the river to be baptized
When I got there to my surprise
My neighbors were gone and the preacher too
I cried 'Oh Lord, what shall I do?’

Then a voice cried out so loud and plain
I heard someone call my name
Singing, “You’re right on time…
You’re right on time”
It was John saying, “You’re right on time.”

Up on a mountain one cloudy day
I closed my eyes and I began to pray
When I opened my eyes you know the sun broke through
My heart was happy and my soul was new

I started walking and before too long
I heard his voice sing this song
Singing, “You’re right on time…you’re right on time”
It was John saying, “You’re right on time”

Went to the station endin’ for that rain
Made up my mind to ride that gospel train
When I got there, the train was picking up speed
I cried ‘Oh Lord’, and fell on my knees

When the brakeman heard, he slowed that train right down
When I jumped on board he said, “You’re glory bound!”
Singing, “You’re right on time; you’re right on time”
It was John saying, “You’re right on time.”

When I feel like every hope has died
I remember that voice by the water side
Singing, “You’re right on time; you’re right on time.”

It was John saying, “You’re right on time!”

Right on Time - Eric Bibb

Trust God – Trust His Timing


To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: [Ecc 3:1]

When the apostles and disciples of Jesus (Yeshua) were assembled together, they asked Jesus if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel at “this time”.  It was just before the Messiah ascended into heaven.

Jesus responded. His final words before the ascension were: "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in His own power. But you shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." [Acts 1:6, 7] 

There are fifteen plus verses on “set time” or over 48 references to “appointed time” in the Word of God.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. [Hab 22:3]

And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed[Dan 11:35]

He has made everything beautiful in His time: also He has set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God makes from the beginning to the end. [Ecc 3:11]

And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, Tomorrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land. [Ex 9:5]

Purging the Dross


The Lord has been purging the dross from His people; a work that is always an uncomfortable process, and at times can be even painful, when the purging enters into the deeper recesses of our mind and soul (hidden from the light).


The intense heat of the furnace (which may well be seven times hotter, if deemed necessary) removes the dross from the deep and hidden areas and brings all the impurities to the surface for removal.


It is waste, scum, pollutants (corruption, contamination) that hinders the image of Christ from shining through us. We are being transformed (molded, changed) into His image.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  [1Cor 3:18]

He is With You


Everything that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abides not the fire you shall make go through the water. [Num 31:23]

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; You are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. [Is 42:1-2]

He made us a promise and it is written that He goes before us; He will be with us. He will not fail us nor forsake us. Fear not, neither be dismayed. [Deu 31:8]

Then spoke Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD. [Hag 1:13]

Blessings Amidst Chaos


When I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “…in His timing, in His timing”, I shared that with those who would listen whenever the conversation developed in such a way as to be applicable and an ‘on time’ word (all glory to Jesus alone).

As mentioned even back in January, this year would be year of both great blessings but also great woes. Below is what I posted on January 7, 2016. People often think that when I receive a word from the Lord (I speak of LONG writings), that it came all at once.

That has happened on occasion, but my experience is that it often comes over a course of days, sometimes even weeks. I cannot know the mind of God (even with a prophetic word given). I do not know His thoughts or ways, except through His written Word and that which He reveals to His people (myself included).

He knows what we can handle; His timing is impeccable. Father does not tell me everything – in fact, He often makes me wait things out, in order to teach me patience.  Despite technology, computers and many other astounding inventions, God is Sovereign and we will never know all things. We must accept this.

The hunger and desire for knowledge to know all things good and evil entered into our natures when Adam and Eve both partook of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. [Gen 2:17]

(For your discernment – remember, try EVERY spirit; take ALL things to the Lord, including this word), below is a word given to me over certain days and posted January 7 this year.

Excerpt begins:
from January 7, 2016 but came from November, 2012 post

Walk in Confidence


My people have been pressing in and abiding.  I have heard your prayers.  Do not walk in fear, walk in confidence knowing that I AM God.  I am the Creator of all the earth. Despite the doubts of many, My Sovereignty (power, authority) rules over all the earth.

Now come the days of great woes, great sorrow, yet also come the great blessings that many have patiently waited for. O America, America…O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, o nations of the world…I would have gathered you under My wing, but you would not, you would not, you would not.

My people, do not join ranks with those who entertain violence and rebellion.  Many will take up weapons and seek to take down that which displeases them.

My people will not pick up the sword, for they know that they do not "war against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [Eph 6:12]

Cling to Me and I shall direct your steps. No matter what you see, hear or read, do not be soon shaken.  Trust in Me.

Voices mumble in secret; plots are unfolding, as men seek to take down an empire to establish their own order of things. Many seek to uproot the kingdom, take down the king(s) and destroy his (
their) work, believing that their rule will be better.

There shall indeed be an uprising and a taking down, yet what is expected will not be what they intended, for they have forgotten who I AM.

They have set up kings (leaders), but not of Me: they have made princes and I knew it not (did not choose them): of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off. 
[Hos 8:4]

Hear, o ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.  [Jdg 5:3]

They meet secretly, devising their plans.  I allow what I allow, for that which was written shall come to pass.  I shall not strive with man forever. 

So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  [Is 55:11]

O America, O Jerusalem (O Nations of the World)


Woe to those who plot and plan evil; woe to those who seek to take matters into their own hands. Many use My name to conduct their evil, but the god they serve is not Me. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.

Plots are against Israel, yet the hatred for America has escalated and is measured in great proportion. A plot is against every nation of the world. The wicked rule by the sword; they rule by that which pierces the flesh and destroys. The wicked are pleased with their weaponry. With one voice and one arm, their pride strengthens them to conquer and to take into captivity.

If a nation shall not repent of its evil ways, I shall allow evil armies to overtake.  Great destruction comes as the heavens and the earth obey My commands.  My wrath is stirred up, yea, the devil has come down, who has wrath of his own, for he knows his time is short.  
(We are not to confuse God’s wrath.)
 [Is 16:6; Jer 10:10]

What has been written shall be!  It has begun… Fear not, My people, for a remnant shall escape. Hold fast to Me. Be at peace within, not the peace that the world gives, for no peace remains upon this earth. It is filled with hatred, rebellion, greed and rioting, as in the days of Noah.

Be still and know that I AM God. I have shown grace and mercy to those who have repented. Trust and hold fast to your faith. Be quick to listen and obey My commandments; forsake them not, so that all will go well with you.

     Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.

     And now for a little space grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in His holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

     For we were bondmen; yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.  [Ezr 9:7-9]

Fear not, My people, for fear is for those who do not know Me, for those who do not trust in Me.  Those who are Mine, wait upon Me. Be filled to overflowing with My Spirit; keep your lamp full. Hide in My Christ in the secret place that few enter.

Thus says the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is His name; Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty thingswhich you know not.  [Jer 33:2, 3]

The War Room


And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea (eastward), heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart meltedneither was there spirit in them anymore, because of the children of Israel.  [Josh 5:1]

And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. 
 [Josh 11:5]

Those who have ears to hear, hear what the Spirit is saying. Fear not those who burn incense to Baal, to the sun and to the moon, and to the planets and to all the hosts of heaven, for I shall put down the idolatrous ones in My timing.

There is a season when it seems evil triumphs, but hold fast, for I AM that I AM. All has been foreordained. My plans shall be carried out, for judgment is upon the earth and all nations.

There is a plan to divide and conquer. Woe to those who shall be visited by My wrath, for the ‘day of the Lord’ fast approaches!

Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes (Iran), the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion.  [Jer 51:28]

Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes (Iran): for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of His temple.

    Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strongset up the watchmenprepare the ambushes: for the LORD has both devised and done that which He spoke against the inhabitants of Babylon.

O you that dwells upon many watersabundant in treasures, your end is come, and the measure of your covetousness.  [Jer 51:11-13]

     Because the LORD has spoiled Babylon, and destroyed out of her the great voice; when her waves do roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered: Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompenses shall surely requite (reward, avenge).

     And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, says the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.  
    Thus says the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary[Jer 51:55-58]

We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reaches unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.  Destruction and judgment comes upon the whole earth.  For I shall create a new heaven and a new earth, and My people shall dwell in the new Jerusalem. 

The LORD has brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God.  [Jer 51:9, 10]

Greater Works

There are those of My people who shall shine forth, for now also approaches the time of the greater works, the blessings, reviving and miracles. They shall run parallel, for great destruction and great miracles abound, as the clash of the kingdoms occurs.

You, who have been downtrodden, weary and in despair, sitting in the dust as did Israel, arise with new hope.

     Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon you. [Is 60:1, 2]  Selah

(End excerpt – the ORIGINAL writing was November 7, 2012)

In the article written back in 2012, I also spoke about a great “divide/division” because I heard within my spirit man, “The west shall be in great pain; they will be greatly hurt.  The backbone of America is broken; it is severely fractured.” 

Full understanding escaped me at the time in 2012, and I pondered what the backbone was. Is it economics, the military? Or is the backbone the people?

Would it be a physical divide such as a cataclysmic earthquake (asteroid, war?)  Civil unrest and civil war mentioned. I do not desire to rewrite it, so to read it, you may go here: Need to Know Yesterday – Part THREE  A reminder…do NOT confuse God’s wrath (day of the Lord) [Is 13] with the devil’s (Satan) wrath. [Rev 12:12] 

(Note*-added March 13- also important not to confuse the judgments of God (which begin in His own household and has begun) with His wrath (day of the Lord). God's obedient people will not taste of His wrath. We must search our hearts. Fear God and repent whenever the Holy Spirit reveals a thing. Selah)

 Go Through

In conclusion and summarizing, no matter what you (the sincere and dedicated believer) are going through right now, know that the Lord IS with you, whether you ‘feel’ His presence or not; whether He is silent right now or whether everything seems against you, God is with you.

Our faith will be tried; our impurities purged. When all hope seems gone and you feel that you cannot possibly take any more, cry out to God. Wait and see what He will do. Hold fast to your faith. Believe His love; understand His discipline is done in and with love.

Trust Him for His written promises, as well as His personal ones to you. Yes, it seems (at times) that it is taking forever, but it is crucial that we learn patience as well. How many stories throughout the Bible speak of His people waiting for God to move, sometimes decades?


He will not fail us. Let us encourage each other to endure persecution, trials and whatever else comes our way. Let us hold fast to our faith. Let us keep on the full armour of God, and having done all – stand. Yes, horrific things are coming quickly but so are many miracles.

Above all things; abide in Jesus the Christ, keep a repentant heart, trust and obey. Obedience to Him cannot be emphasized enough. He tells us not to lean on our own understanding. If we do, we will not believe Him for the impossible.

He further instructs us to acknowledge Him. Keep in prayerful communion with Him, praying for others and reading His Word as well. Worthy of all praise and worship!

When He instructs us, then what good will it be if we do not obey (follow) His instructions? [see Prov 3:5, 6]  Do not try to figure out how He will perform the impossible or answer our most desperate and earnest prayers, especially if all our logic and understanding screams that the answer or manifestation of a miracle defies logic.

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
     
    For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. [Is 55:7-9]


If you have any doubts about whether or not you have heard the Lord’s voice on a matter, and not a voice from your flesh or any demon, then pray and ask God to reveal any deception or delusion. Pray for truth to be revealed. The Lord will never go against His character or His written Word.
 
     For everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? ]Lk 11:10-12]

He will not mind if you ask for confirmation when you have heard Him speak, for we are instructed to try EVERY spirit to see if it is of God. Obedience to His Word is pleasing to Him. It means you have faith, and without faith, it is impossible to please God. [Heb 11:6]

So, keep on, keep pressing in, brethren…not much longer; not much longer. Do not give up. Believe and hold fast to faith, trust and obey. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. [Gal 6:9]

Sarah laughed in unbelief when she heard how she would bear a son. She was barren, past menopause and old (90 years old). It is one thing for God to make a woman fertile, but quite another to do so with a woman ninety years of age.

He would have to restore (possibly even re-create) much in her body (milk ducts, hormones, bone strengthening, etc) and restore even portions of youth in order for her body to be strong enough to withstand pregnancy, as well as to have the strength to deliver.


Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. [Mat 1:18]


Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. [Gen 18:14]


     His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.  [Job 33:25, 26]


Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for Me? [Jer 32:27]

We serve the same God; omnipotent, omniscient, Sovereign. Our Lord "is the same yesterday, today and forever."  [Heb 13:8]

Hold fast, my brothers and sisters (brethren through and in Christ Jesus). Let Abba purge us, refine us and teach us. Walk in humility and love, praying for others, even those who have come against or are against us. Pray with sincerity…forgive!

Let us learn patience, waiting on our King, Saviour and Lord to move. Keep alert. Offer up thanksgiving and gratitude. Not much longer…Patiently await His timing. He is working in ways we do not know. We must simply trust, obey-wait!

Walk in love - love mercy. Walk humbly before God. Selah


For His glory alone

one vessel of the Lord's

Bonita                      dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com