We Have Not the Time

                     
August 12, 2021 (began)

[NOTE* - This is a lengthy read. I always put subtitles to make it easier to leave off somewhere and then pick it back up when the reader has more time. BP2021]

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For consider him that endured such contradiction of (opposition from) sinners against himself, lest you (plural, corporate) be wearied and faint in your minds.  

For whom the Lord loves he chastens (disciplines), and scourges (punishes, corrects) every son whom he receives. If you endure discipline (correction), God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens (corrects) not?  [Heb 12:3; 4]

In the last post before the Afghan articles, in the Yellow Rose Promises, Adonai made it very clear that He is calling his remnant to put him first and to come daily in His presence, spending more time with him. This is not something new, but it is something He has led me to put out to the public off and on for several years now.

For God speaks once, yes twice, yet man perceives it not. [Job 33:14]

The difference is that now it is as if the Commander-in-Chief (Yeshua/Jesus) is calling all the troops for urgent one-on-one meetings. In the book of Revelation, I was reading the part when Yeshua (Jesus) addresses all the churches. 

The reading was perhaps two weeks, almost three weeks ago now (that’s how long ago I began “Whose Voice…”, as well as this – yes, two at once: I’m a writer, sometimes we tend to do that), but the words of Yeshua to the Ephesian church caused me to reflect within. I already had 32 pages on the “Whose Voice…” article and thought I would insert it in that, but no, it turns out it was for this article.

Nevertheless, I have this against you, because you have left your first love. [Rev 2:4]

When I read it, it was not as if I was backsliding or delving into some secret sin, but instead, I read it as more of a scolding for allowing myself to become distracted (intentionally…as a break from all that is going down, I reckon) and not putting Yeshua/Jesus first before other matters. I speak of beginning the day with the Lord instead of shuffling in Bible reading, prayers etc. throughout the course of the day.

It is akin to a good husband who scolds his wife, pointing out that she is so wrapped up in work/career, or else in children, school or extracurricular activities, housework, gardening, hobbies or whatever other interests she has, that she seems to have put him at the bottom of her “need to do” list. By mid-afternoon or end of day she is too tired, but “promises” tomorrow she will set aside plenty of time. But as the saying goes: “Tomorrow never comes.”

As a loving husband, he is missing their quality time together, that intimate time of conversing, catching up on things, making plans together, or just simply sitting quietly together enjoying each other’s presence. He has sounded firm in his request in an earnest attempt to reveal to her the importance of what he is asking of her. 

He lets her know that there are some important things he needs to tell her, to share with her because there has been a serious turn of events, but lately she is always "busy". All along he has gently prodded her to put other things aside for a time, hoping to stir up her desire to be with him just a little longer.

However, since she continued to get distracted in a time when they needed to be one in thought and action, he now makes it known that it is an urgent request, almost a demand. He scolds her again, lovingly pointing out her error in not recognizing the seriousness of his request. He does not sugarcoat the fact that he has wearied of her excuses. 

She justifies her behaviour by stating that she has had many pressing things on her mind that are greatly upsetting her. She admits that she does not know quite what to think or how to handle it, adding that at times she feels helpless to change what’s happening. So, she admits that she has busied herself in an effort to forget the upsetting matters.

Deciding that her husband had enough to handle, she chose [avoidance] not to trouble him or question him about her fears and uncertainties. It is as if she forgot about her husband’s wisdom and his ability to balance things out by putting everything into the proper perspective. He can instruct her on the best way to handle things.

He assures her that he will be her strength, her protector and her counsellor. He will guide her in the right direction, but she needs to come to him and let him know what is going on with her. He reminds her that TOGETHER they can get through anything. 

“You have left your first love, my bride. Let your desire be toward me yet again and allow me to help you. I am more than able, and most willing. Let me lead you gently and instruct you in the way to proceed…”

Our King has risen from His throne. He calls out, ”My Bride, come closer and stay awhile. Seek Me whilst I can still be found…”

Nevertheless, I have this against you, because you have left your first love. [Rev 2:4]

The Ticking of the Clock is Magnified

[…] Awake you that sleep and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. [Eph 5:14]

Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: […][…for henceforth no more shall the uncircumcised and the unclean come into you.] Shake yourself from the dust; arise and sit down, O Jerusalem […] [Is 52:1, 2]

As already stated, although Jesus/Yeshua has been telling his people to “awake” and “arise” for years, and to seek Him and hear what He would say to us both  individually and corporately, only a remnant is listening and heeding His words. 

This has been a message that has been placed heavily upon my spirit over the years. Following the Holy Spirit’s lead, I have put the message out countless times for a decade at least (this blog was started mid-2008, so off and on since). However, there is now an extremely strong emphasis on that call, an urgency, almost as if the ticking of the end-time clock is magnified. It echoes loudly in the chambers of my heart!

Let me be crystal clear so there is no misunderstanding or any door cracked open for mockers to sneak in. Yahweh is not needy and desperate, begging for us to please come and sit with Him awhile. He is the All-sufficient One [El Shaddai]. He is the Most High God [El Elyon], the Everlasting Father, the Good Shepherd, the Covenant Redeemer. 

All that He does is ultimately for the good of mankind, yet always for His glory. It is us who need him! He created us for his good pleasure. We did not bring him into existence for our good pleasure…unless, of course, we are idol worshippers (idolaters), creating our own ‘gods’ (idols) and inventing our own Jesus to worship; the “one size fits all”, “user-friendly” Jesus, a manmade fabrication and deception.

Yeshua/Jesus knows that all His disciples go through dry seasons (drylands) in their faith walk, seasons where at times they feel like they are walking alone in parched and abandoned places, a place void of understanding, where they simply do not think they can take anymore; a lonely place where they are unsure if they will make it or endure to the end unless the Lord intervenes and does “something”.

There are times where Bibles may or may not be opened every day, due to work, busyness, fatigue, sickness, pain, PTSD, death of a loved one, or perhaps discouragement, anger, betrayal or some other spiritual crisis. In fact, the length of a season varies from soul to soul, and is also dependent upon the reason for the withdrawal.

There may also be days when one may not pray much, if at all, particularly if a person is dealing with something that has gripped their heart that they do not like, willingly accept or understand. It could be one dealing with any of the above reasons, or perhaps [spiritual] battle fatigue, or some other great disappointment that shattered hope. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit begins to stir us up, to convict us.

We do not have the leisure of time anymore. Some may already know their error because their spirit man is empty; he hungers and thirsts. They noticed their strength desperately diminished. 

Yeshua knows where to find us and how to get us back on the right path when we wander. Indeed, He truly does leave the 99 that are safe to go after the one who has gone astray. [Mat 18:12]

Upon hearing His voice, the one who wandered lifts up his/her eyes from those ‘greener pastures’ that had successfully lured them away from their loving Shepherd. So appealing had the distraction been that the absence of the herd (brethren; fellow sheep) and the silence of the Shepherd had not only blinded them to their lost state, but gave them a sense of false security.

Nevertheless, the firm voice of the Shepherd Jesus/Yeshua,  who searches and gets their attention due in part to the LOVE that sent Him out to rescue them. The sheep also know the voice of the Shepherd and a stranger they will not follow. [Jn 10:5] All of that combined with their love and dedication to the Good Shepherd causes them to spontaneously react to the nudging of the Holy Spirit.

Wolves are Stalking in the Darkness

In the name of so-called freedom, our flesh will fight us. Those ‘pastures’ seem satisfying. The adversary will fight us. In the ‘greener pastures’ there are no rules to follow, no need to share…no need for wasted energy to love or serve when you graze alone; no responsibility; no accountability, just do whatever you so desire. 

But the enemy’s freedom is an illusion. It is bondage. It is fruitless. Satan holds people captive, enslaved to him through their fears, insecurities and weaknesses or by their need for release from mental, emotional or physical pain, grief, loneliness, shock or some other hardship.

Sadly, some people reject parts of the Bible that are uncomfortable to their preferred lifestyle. They do not want to turn from sin or repent. They find pleasure in in their sins. It satisfies the desires of the flesh [1Jn 2:16], so they seek out parts of the Bible (where context can be twisted) that bring no conviction or correction. 

So, do not be surprised when the enemy of mankind gets you in his gnarly grip and begins to squeeze the life out of you with accusations, condemnation and every fiery dart in his arsenal when you walk the ancient path, the highway of holiness. [Is 35:8]

The unrepentant hunt down (or are hunted down by) ‘accepting’ preachers (wolves in sheep’s clothing) who provide messages that ‘understand’ the sinners, prey upon the lost sheep, deceiving them before they corral them in with the goats. 

The greedy shepherds will scratch the itching ears of those who do not long for truth, but rather long to hear only what they like or is acceptable to the needs, desires and wants of their "flock". 

"Numbers" is not something to be ashamed of in itself. Many earthly shepherds have large flocks (think of Abraham and Moses, and Christ/Messiah). But to greedy shepherds, false teachers and false prophets, numbers is of utmost importance to them, but they can make it sound "noble".  

They entertain the sheep with excellent music (and perhaps a light show, dancers and other entertaining devices), but the worship of the Good Shepherd is more from the lips than the heart. [Is 29:13] The salvation, deliverance and healing of the wounded and lost sheep is often [again] more about numbers (taking the glory of the Lord upon themselves). 

                             

Wolves in disguise will bring in false prophets that validate their false doctrine (teaching) and offer false hope. They allow the lost (unsaved), double-minded (unstable) and the wavering to be overcome by seducing spirits who are tossed by the winds of every (devils’) doctrine and are spoken with smooth words. [Jam 1:6, 8; 1Tim 4:1; 2 Tim 4:3, 4] They will carry away those who are in a deep slumber as they stand mechanically grazing.

Let our focus be the Shepherd and His truth, His faithfulness, His willingness to forgive the broken and contrite who confess the error of their ways. We all have fallen short of Yah's glory, but now STIR UP!

Wake up! Stay awake! Please...clock is ticking. Things are unfolding quickly...all of us, secular or disciple of Christ, we are agreed on this. Do not roll over and slumber on for just …five more minutes, for just a "little" longer! The wolves are stalking in the darkness of the times, ready to devour. We must hunger and cry out for truth.  Jesus/Yeshua IS the truth. [Jn 24:6]

The Word of God will keep you in truth, for Yahweh is Spirit and Truth. His Word is a light in the darkness. Why be deceived willingly or ignorantly?  Pray for the ability to discern (judge) righteously between those who are false teachers versus those who themselves are misled by a spirit of error. Ask for eyes to see truth stand out (shine) noticeably from amidst the deception.

We must rightly discern (judge) between the wolves in sheep’s clothing, double agents and false brethren versus those who are lost and in need of salvation, deliverance, healing, truth, and for the deceived to find truth. Be ready to snatch souls out of the fire who have fallen along the wayside. [Jude 1:23] 

If they break free from your grasp and willingly run back to the fire, at least you know that you tried. Keep praying unless the Holy Spirit instructs you otherwise. You do not think God would ask such a thing? Think again. Sometimes He has in times past. He knows much that we do not know.

Therefore, pray not for these people, neither life up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto Me for their trouble. What has My beloved to do in My house, seeing she has wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from you? When you do evil then you rejoice. [Jer11:14]

Some politically correct Christians (modern day Pharisees) get so hung up on proving that they “love everybody” (commandment to ‘love your neighbour’) that they gladly embrace sin along with you and give what sounds like a good reason for it. They flash a toothy smile, have a charming personality and speak convincingly smooth words.

Repent? Ah c’mon, God “understands”; He sees the “heart”. He knows we are “not perfect”. There is no responsibility or accountability. As they speak, their ears cannot hear the soft ‘hissing’ of the serpent or catch the flashing forked tongue.

Awake! Remember these following verses. Beware! Yahweh gave us these verses in order to teach and protect us and keep us alert.

Now the serpent was more subtle (crafty, skilled in deceit) than any beast of the field which Yahweh had made. And he said to the woman, Yea, has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. And the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die: For God knows that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. [Gen 3:1-5]

To this very day, thousands of years later, there are wolves in sheep’s clothing teaching the masses that we are ‘gods’, ‘little Jesus’’.  Those who follow the evil one on the dark side believe they have ‘god’ status. The lie still seduces the senses and overpowers those who shun truth and caters to their pride and flesh.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers can appear as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works. 

[2Cor 11:14, 15]

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. [1Jn 4:1]

But Abba knows how to deal with us individually and corporately. The people who are truly his children and love him will receive his correction, despite the discomfort. We “awaken” from our spiritual slumber. We “rise” back up and return hastily to our first love. 

We confess our sin and repent, broken and contrite, waiting in His presence, basking in his overwhelming pure love, sure forgiveness, mercy, grace and goodness. [2Chron 7: 14, 15; Ps 34:18] Then, we continue on to patiently run the race [Heb 12:1], to fight the good fight [2Tim 4:7], to contend for the faith! [Jude 1:3]

He knows how to reach the lost. He does not give up easily. He never forces people to choose Him or truth, but He does know the way to each heart. He gives all the opportunity to choose.

Heart Service

It is true that we can all (and often do) say things in life that we regret or that we have spoken too hastily (speak before we think). Other times we remain silent when we should speak up. Yahweh (God) knows. 

We are not the first to be guilty of these things and most assuredly, we will not be the last. I know for a fact my bark can be startling, sounding abrupt and perhaps [a tad?] annoying, but be at peace, I can assure you that my bark is much worse than my bite. Yet truth be told, I would rather bark than not at all.

His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. [Is 56:10-11]

However, in all seriousness, we must be on guard that we do not allow ourselves to justify our wrongs as Adam and Eve did in the Garden.  We will be held accountable on the day when we stand before the holy King and Lord, and Righteous Judge.

Yeshua/Jesus will help us with our shortcomings, our frailties and faults, our flaws; however, when we confess our sins and desire change, He is faithful in His work within us. He truly does understand our burden of sorrow and grief [read Isaiah 53]. Yet, do not fool yourself, the Lord is not interested in lip service.

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as these people draw near Me with their mouth, and honour Me with their lips, they have removed their heart far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the precept of men: [Is 29:13; Mat 15:8]

He is after a genuine heart that cleaves to Him and is filled with love and gratitude, willingly surrendered to the Good Shepherd of compassion! – the one who trusts Him and patiently learns to wait upon Him, as hard as these things can be.

More Yellow Rose Promises

We serve a God (the ONLY God) who is still the same yesterday, today and forever. The spirit of fear longs to take up residence in the saints, but we bolt the doors and cover every crack. No entry allowed, and the precious and Holy Spirit is our guard. For our [Abba] (Father) did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (self-control). [2Tim 1:7]

It is a good time to stir up our memory and go over the scrolls (Word of God) written in our heart. We do well to remember those who went before us, our examples. Real people facing very real and treacherous times, who had to decide if they would trust their God or not; wait for Him to move or not.

Yeshua knows how difficult this can be. When 440,060 Israelites went to war against the Hagarites [sons of Agar; connected to the Ishmaelites](a strong, vicious enemy), they cried out to God in the midst of the battle. He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him. [1Chron 5:20]

Abram trusted God when he took 318 of his servants who were trained for battle. By strategic implementation, as well as a deep trust in God, Abraham and his men warred against the armies of four kings (two of which overthrew the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, who then took the people, which included Lot, along with their belongings, and held them captive).

Without going into the details, the Lord gave Abram (not yet called Abraham) victory and he was able to rescue the people, including his nephew Lot and his family. [Read the story in Gen 14]

Fragments of the promises of truth…

[1] The Lord (Adonai) is good to them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. [Lam 3:25]

[2] Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord (Yahweh) and whose hope the Lord is. [Jer 17:7]

[3] Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. [Ps 34:8]

[4] Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. [Prov 16:20]

[5] Wait on the Lord and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. [Ps 37:34]

[6] [7] It is of the Lord’s (Yahweh’s) mercies that we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Your faithfulness. [Lam 3:22, 23]

[8] The Lord is good to them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. [Lam 3:25]

[9] It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. [vs 26]

[10] And therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him. [Is 30:18]

[11] But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you and keep (protect) you from evil. [2 Thes 3:3]

[12] Fear not; for I AM with you; for I AM your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness. [Is 41:10]

That is one dozen fragments (petals) of Yahweh’s Word (yellow rose promises), but He has bouquets upon bouquets of promises (sprinkled throughout the written word/logos) that He has steadfastly remained faithful to. The enemy would see us without hope and shatter our faith if he can. He would want us to crush the beautiful flowers [verses] underfoot. He wants us bitter, angry at God, angry at others, angry at the world and all that is happening.

But one famous man became known for a quote that I have often used over the years. I find it exquisite. It is this:

Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds upon the heel that has crushed it. Mark Twain

That is why we must get the Word of God down in our heart. Jesus often exhorted people to forgive; it would mean our forgiveness if we did so. And His purpose in the sacrifice He willingly made upon the cross was so that we could be forgiven of our sins and reconciled back to Yahweh, through Messiah.

The word of God is the mighty sword we wield (we keep it sharp by knowing the Word), holding up the shield of faith that protects our heart and soul. We need the full armour of God. [Ephesians 6]

Strength When Needed – God Will Not Fail Us

Yahweh gave victory to the Israelites many times when they prayed, trusted and obeyed His leading. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Saul, David, Solomon, Esther, Mary, et al, are prime examples. Many of God’s people were persecuted and killed, that is truth. It began when a jealous, enraged man [Cain] killed his righteous brother [Able]. But the incredible victories are also recorded throughout the annals of history, and chronicled in God's Word. 

Each one of us has an appointed time to depart from this earth. Whether our time here is long or short is completely in the hands of the Giver of Life and breath. He has reasons for everything, and wisdom far beyond our reach and yes, often beyond our understanding.

Trust will be tried, faith will be tested. [Ps 17:3; Ps 66:10; 1Pet 1:7] We only need to look to the stories of Abraham and Isaac, when the father was instructed to sacrifice his son of promise. With a trembling but obedient heart, Abraham laid his son upon a makeshift altar. Isaac too had to be willing, for he was no child (a type and shadow of Jesus/Yeshua). What a relationship father and son must have had, and what love and trust for their God, the Creator of all things.

When the father, Abraham, proved his unfailing love for God right up to the moment that the knife was raised in the air, an angel stopped him from slaying his son Isaac. Imagine…his arm was raised, ready to plunge the fateful blow when an angel stopped him! What relief and joy both Abraham and Isaac must have felt! [Gen 22] And we think God (Yahweh) takes too long. Talk about timing! I forget who said it, but it is so true...that Yahweh is the "latest", "on-time" God there is. You think?

I myself have been impatient over many things, and sometimes still am. He told me long ago that His "soon" is not our soon (1000 of our days equals one day to Him). [2Pet 3:8] It can be super-tough!

Now look to the story of Yeshua (Jesus), who willingly sacrificed his life to fulfill the will of His Father, and thus pave the way for mankind to be saved, redeemed from our sins. The only angel that appeared to the Messiah in the last day of his life was the one who appeared to Him in  Gethsemane to strengthen Him for what He yet had to endure. 

Courage and Strength to Endure

Our Lord still gives us strength to endure, if we but ask. There have been plenty of times that I just did not think I could take anymore (and I have mentioned this to some who are close to me), but every time, Yeshua gives me not only strength, but courage.

Adonai [El Elyon] IS still the same yesterday, today and forever. He gives unexplainable strength and courage to those who love Him, just as He did for the ancient prophets, the apostles, Stephen and Yeshus/Jesus himself.

The persecution of Christians is increasing globally, especially since the Covid pandemic was announced. According to reports, many Christians are being refused help in many places. Terrorists are exploiting the situation, and governments are stepping up surveillance, The Guardian reports.

ChristianityToday also reports on the heavy persecution and extreme violence that between 309 - 340 million Christians are facing in over 50 countries today. Afghanistan (even before this latest horror story), China, Nigeria, North Korea, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Iran, UEA (United Arab Emirates), Cuba, and too many countries to mention here, all have our brothers and sisters suffering for their faith in Messiah Jesus/Yeshua.

World Watch List states that the registered martyrdom has reached numbers in the 1000s, and both reports were back in January 2021. It has greatly increased now. Afghanistan alone is in dire straits, with hundreds of thousands trying to flee the country due to the Taliban takeover.

Think it will not affect us here in Canada, or our neighbours (allies) in the United States? Think again. Back in June 2021, U.S. Senator for Missouri, Josh Hawley touched many Canadian hearts when news traveled northward that he had written to the U.S. Commission on behalf of Canada.

His request was that the Commission would consider adding Canada to its "watch list" for protection. He was troubled at the news about two Canadian pastors who were arrested, [heavily fined] and jailed for holding worship services that did not follow COVID-19 restrictions. You can read more on Senator Hawley’s website. Thank you, Senator Hawley!

It is incredible the bravery, strength and courage these Christians are exhibiting in the face of death and brutal, merciless persecution. How I pray that when it comes here to the West (and it has already started, my friends) that we too can be as them, as Stephen, as our Messiah, if we too are destined for martyrdom. The time to start praying is now!

Imagine the strength it took – I personally cannot imagine it. Christ proceeded, knowing the Romans’ reputation for brutal torture, knowing He had to face false accusations, a merciless whipping with broken pieces of metal and fragments of rock at the end of throngs of leather (called cat-o-nine-tails) and the horror of having sharp, thick metal spikes (nails) driven through his wrists and feet. [Mk 15:16-39]

Time to Fill the Lamps and Trim the Wicks

All ten virgins fell asleep, but at some point, five did awake and arise long enough to fill their lamps with oil and to trim their wicks, whilst the other five slumbered on until it was too late, the bridegroom had arrived! Could it be that this urgent call to begin our day with Yeshua is that wakeup call to fill our lamps with oil and to trim our wicks?

The remnant is aware that the midnight hour is almost upon us. We know the Bridegroom is on his way to gather us. Many of us hear the thundering hooves of the horses of the returning King and his heavenly armies. We also hear the deafening thundering of the hooves of the horses that the four apocalyptic riders are upon. 

Let us not debate. Let us be wise and prepare! We can only benefit from preparation accomplished by heeding what could well be the final call. Think about it. There came a day that all the warnings stopped in Noah’s time…and the first raindrop fell.

These days we are amidst the wreak of abominations. The stench has surely risen up to the heavens. Our eyes must be protected from the seducing spirits that display lust openly. Our ears must be guarded from the sugarcoated lies that sweeten what we hear in order to deceive us.

Come Away from Conditioning – Be Not Conformed

Let us not allow our brain, along with all our senses, to be conditioned and accept as normal that which is all around us. Our senses can familiarize themselves to our surroundings and the conditions we find ourselves in, which in times like these is very dangerous. It is written that our heart is deceitful, even desperately wicked. Who can know it? [Jer 17:9]

Yes, if a person is not born-again and [Holy] Spirit filled, their heart will deceive them, and wicked (sinful) things will be carried out. Every person alive who is old enough to choose right from wrong eventually becomes guilty of sinning, missing the mark or falling short of the glory of God. [Rom 3:23]

But I delight in God's word. It is written that the Lord (Yeshua) will create in us a new heart. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; behold, old things have passed away and become new. [2Cor 5:17] What instructions did we receive?

 And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God. [Rom 12:2] (Whistles! – Shouts halleluYah!) (Okay, I do not whistle well, but I can shout.)

Are we part of the group of five wise virgins? The Alpha and Omega made sure that it was written for us to know that if any of us lack wisdom, we are to ask of Yahweh (God), and He will give to us liberally. So, we will indeed be without excuse. We are commanded to “watch’’ (military term) and “pray” (a powerful weapon). 

We are to keep watch and spiritually discern what we see and combine it with prayer. The remnant [spiritually] see the scrolls in the hands of the only one WORTHY to open them. [Rev 5:4] In the spirit realm, the snorting of the horses is loud, the neighing distinct, the thundering approach getting louder.

How often do we not see what is happening in the physical realm through spiritual eyes? We learn these things as we spend time with Yeshua, as we read the Word of God, as we grow and mature in the faith, as we heed the direction of the Ruach (Spirit of God). 

But we also have to put what we learn into practice. We are exhorted to be doers of the Word, not hearers only [Jam 1:22]; we need to put our faith in action (faith without works is dead).

As we grow in Christ, we learn that our works do not save us. So, some take that as a cue that what we do is not important – no “works”. Yet countless believe that their “good works” will be their [one] way to spend eternity with Yahweh (God). Both come under the spirit of error. [1Jn4:6] 

Yet I say to you that if you have faith, it WILL indeed have works because (as stated above), without works, faith is dead. [Jam 2:14] One automatically goes with the other, like a marriage, it goes hand in hand. Simple! They balance each other.

Look to Yeshua/Jesus and the apostles as examples. Jesus was forever giving out – in salvation, in deliverance, in forgiveness, in healing, in miracles, in sermons and pep talks – he was ever giving. The apostles served the multitudes right along with him (Christ), handing out fish and bread, and at other times food that was purchased by the apostles, or brought by the women, separating the crowds into small groups, doing whatever was necessary to help the Messiah accomplish his work. 

Seeing the physical realm through spiritual eyes does not happen instantly. Some may have been given the gift of ‘discerning of spirits’, one of the nine gifts given out to born-again believers by the Spirit (of Christ) [1Cor 12:8-10], but more often than not, seeing the physical realm with spiritual eyes is a learning process.

We learn through the Holy Scriptures (Word), through the Spirit of God, through pastors/preachers (shepherds) and teachers operating with a spirit of truth, and through prayer and practice. We learn to watch, but we MUST combine it with prayer. Yes, the Lord gives us a new heart and we become a new creation once we are born-again, but that does not make us superhuman. 

We can still be deceived, either by ourselves, others or the enemy. We need to see things through Yeshua’s eyes, that is, through the Word of God (YHWH). It is not easy, but we are exhorted to “be instant in prayer”. [Col 4:2] Sometimes by the grace of God, the Holy Spirit can abruptly (instantly) open our eyes or ears to a serious matter, whether straight away, or by word, letter, dream or vision.

Woke, Rise Up – The Counterfeit

Satan is a counterfeiter; the roaring lion roaming around seeking whom he may devour – taking the truth and wisdom of God (Yahweh) and presenting deception in its place (IF he can) and presenting foolishness as wisdom (and ‘knowledge’ – plenty of knowledge: remember the fruit that was eaten in Eden, from the tree of the “knowledge’’ of good and evil). [Gen 2:9]

Please note that I do not provide the following links expecting the reader to go to them. They are simply provided to: [1] confirm the counterfeit [2] as sources (or resources) that validate my statements, if the reader finds confirmation and validation to be necessary.

So, the counterfeiter, Satan and his minions, has yet again copied what God is doing; however, his motives are impure with evil intent. He has now caused the world to be in a “woke” state. 

The Oxford Dictionary blog explains the ‘woke’ meaning as: being ‘aware’ or ‘well informed’ in a political or cultural sense… stating it was “popularized through the lyrics of the 2008 song Master Teacher by Erykah Badu, in which the worlds’ ‘I stay woke’ serve as a refrain, and more recently through its association with the Black Lives Matter movement, especially on social media.” (End quote)

The definition of “woke” was expanded in 2017 by Oxford dictionary: “adj. (adjective): alert to injustice in society, especially racism”. Satan also imitated the order to “arise” or “rise up”, when the Lord instructed the sleeper to “awake and rise up”, (scripturally based as is Yeshua’s way), to seek Him, and spend time in His word. We are commanded many times to “watch and pray”. This is not a passive statement. It is an order; a command, soldier!

But with Satan, his “woke” and “rise up” are to divide the people, to open old wounds, to stir up hatred, racism (especially against whites now) and anti-Semitism [over all the masses, unbeknownst to them], with the ultimate, end-time goal to “divide and conquer”. 

Highlighting 2018, the Progressive Democrats of America were stirring the people to “rise up against injustice”. Satan works through people as surely as Yahweh does, but his goal is to steal, to kill and for destruction. [Jn 10:10]

The Democrats admonition was meant for “dedicated activists” to go forth in “marches and civil disobedience to fight poverty and the systemic racism that still plague our country.” Like Satan, they advocate “rebellion”. And although the Democrats make it sound like it is for righteous and noble causes, don’t believe that is their motive. 

One only has to scroll to the bottom to find that they end it with, “we rely on small DONATIONS from people like you (you know, people who were/are victims of slavery, torture, racism, separation, segregation, prejudicial injustices, murder, etc. Now’s the time for civil unrest so we can round you up with ‘just cause’ – BP). If you’ve donated before, now is the time to sign up to make AUOMATIC MONTHLY PAYMENTS.”

[NOTE**: Capitalization, highlighting and snide remark in brackets are this writer’s; it’s not on that website. However, it irks me when anyone [especially political or even religious figures like the Pharisees and Sadducees) takes advantage of people’s past or present pain and suffering, or that of loved ones, and exploit it for financial or personal gain. And you can surely bet that I am indeed…just saying!  BP2021]

(Is this the sound of the war horse? – civil unrest/disobedience – war from within – Middle East crisis – war from without, other nations – thundering hooves)

The First Domino Has Been Pushed – How Long Before God Lets Go and the PUSH Goes Forth?

This is a bloody war we are in, a spiritual war. We have to believe it; whether we like it or not makes no difference. It is reality; it is truth. That which we see in the visible physical realm is a manifestation of that which is going on in the invisible spiritual realm. 

A great conflict ensues, for Satan knows he has but a short time. [Rev 12:12] Yet, in that short time, the closer we come to Messiah’s second coming, the more the dark side in the spiritual realm is infiltrating and boldly manifesting their intent and actions into the physical realm.

Indeed, disciples of Christ, children of obedience have invisible as well as visible enemies. [Jn 15:18] We must be alert; watch and pray. We also need to keep in mind the Word of God (we need it written in our heart), and remember children of light, GREATER is Yeshua/Jesus the Christ in us than he (Satan, devil, serpent, dragon) that is in the world. It is one thing to sing it or speak it – but another to believe it and stand on the promises of YHWH.

You are of God (Yahweh/Jehovah) little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. [1Jn 4:4]

We do not know how long it will be before the dominoes begin falling fast and furious and the climax to the great and final tribulation begins. Personally, and it’s only a personal opinion, I believe the first domino has been pushed, but the Lord Himself is (and has been) holding it back until the time appointed, but once He lets go, all hell breaks loose, just as it is written in the Holy Book.

Things will move like an onslaught, steadily and nonstop until all that is written in the Word of God (Adonai) is fulfilled. We do not know how long it will be before the one who fiercely opposes Christ (Messiah) rules (yes, there have always been many “antichrists”, but there will be the one arise out of all antichrists, called the lawless one, the Wicked one, as it is written. [1Jn2:18; 2Thes 2:3-4; 8]), proclaiming ‘god status’ and demanding pledges of allegiance globally (or be executed/martyred).

But we can see the rise of evil and how the readily the majority of the world itself is accepting and embracing the switch from good to evil.  “We go along so things will return to “normal”, they parrot each other, not seeing the nefarious agenda behind what is happening. But it is never going back to the old way, the ‘normal’ before 2020. This has all been planned for decades and decades. Persecution is rising too as previously presented.

Listen closely – can you hear the thundering hooves of the approaching horses in the distance? Our Warrior King is soon returning. [Rev 19.11, 14 – read ch. 19] All of His can hardly wait for His return! Did you feel a raindrop? I am almost positive that I felt a raindrop. Judgment is about to be seen in full force. The time is almost upon this world, a time like never before.

Haggai and Ezra Ask – No Time?

Starting in Haggai 1, Haggai and Ezra were prophets at the same time. Zerubabbel is called Sheshbazzar in Ezra1. His name changes just like Abram became Abraham [Gen 17:5], Sarai to Sarah [Gen 17:15], Joseph’s name was changed to Zaphnath-Paaneah [Gen 41:45], Simon to Cepha (rock, Peter) et al. Zerubbabel was of the royal line of David. He was appointed the governor of Judah by king Cyrus. Josedech is the son of Jerusalem’s high priest and all were taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar.

People of Israel felt that they did not have the time; to them it was “not time” for the Lord’s house to be built, so Yahweh spoke through Haggai the prophet.

Is it time for you, O you, to dwell in paneled houses, and this house [God’s] lay in waste? Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. [Hag 1:3, 4]

You (plural) have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but you have not enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earns wages earns wages to put it into a bag with holes. [Hag 1:6]

Basically, everything that the people did was NOT satisfying them in any way, and they were impoverished. Again, the Lord said, Consider your ways. [vs 7] The returned exiles had been experiencing a succession of bad seasons. They had sown much and reaped little; their money ran out of the bag as quickly as they put it in.

A drought lay on all the land, and the reason for it was to be found in the neglected and unfinished temple. How frequently do our disasters and losses in business arise from our failure to remember God’s cause first (or our nation’s rebellion and sin)?

Consider Your Ways

Look at the disasters many nations are now facing. Many are suffering drought and wildfires (some for years, such as my country, Canada). Yes, there are also floods, earthquakes and much else happening. The entire earth is groaning. What will it take for people (nations) of the world to repent? 

Well, the Bible spells it out, and not one of us will like it, but what is written in the Holy Scriptures shall be, and honestly, I am sure it has begun. In 2012 I clearly remember and yes, wrote about it, after day after Obama was elected the second time (November 7, 2012), the Lord said, “Now it begins…” 

Only God knows the future and how fast things will unfold. Look how much has happened from November 2012 until now, August 2021 (approximately nine years).

Are we also guilty of saying that we have not the time to build our temples upon the foundation that has been laid? Are we being neglectful? Do we say that we cannot afford to set apart even more time, or designate a daily period for early morning, increased time with Yeshua FIRST, dedicating ourselves to read the Word, pray, praise and worship? Or will we continue on being distracted, continuing on with routines, habits and other “pressing” things of interest?

I am not in the class that says, “We have not the time", but this message is for me too. Every day I pray to the Lord off and on throughout the day. I read some kind of scripture daily. Yet where I am guilty is shuffling the time throughout the day and not being consistent in “first thing in the morning”. 

For a few days, I’m determined to begin the time and day with the Lord, and I do. Those days go very well, and peace rules over my spirit and my mind the entire day. Not to mention, everything else seems to fall into place wonderfully and the days do not seem to go “so fast”. It is pretty hard to explain, but definitely a difference.

Then the days crop up where I have an 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM appointment. Or the garbage has to go out early, and then I get involved in other chores. Or I realize that I have not checked my emails for a couple of days, and realize I’ve fallen behind. 

Do you see how easy it is for life, the world…everything, to distract us and pull us away from that early, “first thing” quality time with our precious King? It would be harder if I had a steady job perhaps. Or it might just mean getting up earlier. That annoying expression, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions…” comes to mind. “If the shoe fits” kind of thing…

Then guilt, insecurities, shame and a plethora of negative thoughts and “feelings” surface and the imbalance becomes more dominant. I live alone, but I remember the days when I did not – about 13 years ago. My children lived with me. Distractions and demands on my time would have been even stronger. But I only committed in 2005, so there was only about three years before the youngest child left home.

It is a battle, but look around. We have to face the reality of what is happening in the world. It is spiraling out of control whilst the globalists, the ‘elites’ are fighting for control, power and dominance. They will not quit. We are watching Bible prophecy unfold faster, whether we want to admit it or not. Perhaps you do not realize it because:

[1] you do not read the Bible or study the prophecies 

[2] you are in denial 

[3] you are in a spiritual stupor, slumber or coma.

Open rebuke is better than hidden (secret) love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. [Prov 27:5-6] The truth is not always comfortable, but it is still the truth. Love speaks truth at all costs. I find myself falling short of honouring my FIRST LOVE, and see the need to discipline myself in a more consistent and dedicated way. I have to be a doer, and not just a “hearer” of the Word, or I deceive myself. [Jam 1:22]  

Since I am the one giving the message, I have more responsibility to act, and shall be held accountable. I know the ways of the Lord well enough to know that if He repeats things, it is for good reason and I best pay keen attention. He does not waste words or time. And woe to me if I act as a hypocrite. We surely can fool others, but we can never fool Yahweh (God). Never!

And when I sense a firm urgency, it is the Creator WARNING of approaching trouble, danger or change. He cannot direct our paths if we do not listen and obey. He is Faithful and True. FACT! It is time to consider our ways and it needs to be tout suite (French – right now, immediately, as quickly as possible).

The last time I received urgent messages was in the timeframe of October to December 2019. I had two open visions; one of warriors, a lion, a chariot and “Commander” upon a mountaintop, and the second of an Israelite blowing a ram’s horn (shofar/trumpet). I had heard in my spirit the sound of a shofar in October, which was an alarm to PRAY against witchcraft. 

This blowing of the shofar/trumpet was different, but it was also a warning, a call to the people.  For the latter visions, two close friends (a married Christian couple) who had several people over to celebrate Hanukkah in December 2019 urged me to share the visions and announce that the Lord was calling for us to awake from our slumber; something (trouble) is coming.

My friends were sensitive to the Holy Spirit. I know that now, but I am don’t think I was as aware of it then. It was around the 29^th we were celebrating Hanukkah (it was just before the feast ended). 

Days later, China announced that a coronavirus disease had broken out (COVID-19) In Wuhan, December 2019. My Lord had not given me that information beforehand. I had no idea what was coming, and I certainly had no idea that China was about to make such a riveting, world-changing announcement.

I only knew that the vision of the warriors and Commander meant that the Lord and His host would be warring on our behalf. The sounding of the shofar, which I have heard in my spirit man (not audibly but deep within), has been heard less than 10 times in my entire life. 

It is something I take very seriously. So much was happening for me in 2019. My legs were still not fully recovered from what I believe to this day to be damage done by a D.E.W. (Direct Energy Weapon) that was being tested for crowd control.

Not only did I live at a place that was surrounded by military land on one side at that time, but I had witnessed an early morning “drill” with a dozen soldiers dressed in full combat gear, strategically placed who had assumed low and medium crawl positions, or kneeling or full standing position. They appeared to be going through the fundamentals, but I was driving on the highway and did not have time to take it all in. 

I also saw a "red flag" flying in 2020, just before I moved (after five years living there; never saw such a thing before). The Lord tells us consistently to watch and pray. “Watch” is a military term, which means “to keep awake, be vigilant, be watchful”.  Watchmen ‘watch’ (one who looks out; one who spies; one who watches, who scouts, who guards).

The Divide

A commenter from the 1800s named F.B. Meyer pointed out: The reaper does not waste time when he stops to whet his scythe. Simply put, no great amount of time was lost when the reaper stopped to sharpen the scythe. In other words, our time is not going to be wasted if we set that time apart for the Lord first, even if it is just a half hour of quality time before work, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead. If Yeshua is our first love, we can arrange our schedule to make him FIRST in starting our day…especially considering the times we are in.

I do not want to be in the crowd, in the multitudes that say IT’S NOT TIME and WE HAVE NOT THE TIME. Neither do I want to be a hypocrite that says, “Let’s do this”, and then secretly NOT do it. God sees all, but not only that. He does not ask much of us. When He does instruct us, we best listen.

Jesus/Yeshua said, “As in the days of Noah, so it shall also be in the days of the Son of man.” [Lk 17:26], the people did not believe it was TIME for God’s judgment – until the rain began to fall. They wanted to continue on with life as usual, eating, drinking, getting married. 

Every imagination of the thoughts of the heart were evil continually. Lawlessness abounded; there was violence, hostility and corruption throughout the earth. People did what was right in their own eyes, and the Creator grieved. [Gen 6]

There are differing opinions on this, but I am of the opinion that judgment has started, and it began/begins in Yahweh’s own house. So many churches are scrambling to get an online presence now that COVID has hit. Some are fighting to keep their physical churches open. All over the globe, people are dividing over the restrictions, the mandate for masks, but even more so, the great divide over inoculation and vac-cine passports.

Families are even at odds with each other over what is happening with masks and vac-cines and all. Employment is threatened, and freedoms are being stripped away if people refused to take the jab. “No jab, no job” some U.S. government leaders threaten. The medical establishment is divided. Some countries are refusing to grant medical attention or hospital entry to the unvaccinated. Deadlines are being given. Protests are cropping up globally. It is mayhem.

We all need to make the time first thing in the day for the Lord. How long the time spent with the Lord is will be between them and the Lord. May God help us all not to make excuses or disobey His leading. I do not even want to consider what the future days, starting right now, would be like without Yeshua/Jesus. He is everything to me, and nothing means anything without Him – nothing! Is it not interesting that many lands today are suffering from drought, whilst other lands are suffering from floods, and earthquakes and wildfires, and swarms of insects?

 

Even the Secular are Now Announcing a “Wakeup Call”

 

Where I live, Okanagan Valley in B.C. (British Columbia), Canada, we suffered the highest temperatures ever in our country’s recorded history, with the peak hitting 47° C (just shy of 120°F). The OK [Okanagan] Valley village of Lytton, BC. (three and a half hours west of me) was completely destroyed by wildfire beginning on June 30^th and wreaking havoc into July, 2021.These temperatures are unheard of in the Canada, even though B.C. is the warmest province in the country. The spinoff is multiple wildfires as a result of drought conditions.

 

According to agriculture.canada.ca, all 10 provinces have been hit with abnormally dry weather, but N.W.T. (Northwest Territories), Yukon, B.C. (particularly the Island and the Interior [Okanagan]), Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland are all suffering from severe to extreme drought. Many provinces have also been hit with wildfires. 

Now farmers are saying grasshoppers plague are destroying crops. Between the high temperatures, drought, wildfires and grasshoppers, grasslands are barren, forcing many farmers to sell off their cattle because they cannot feed them. Crops are diminished in size or utterly destroyed.

 

On July 15, 2021, Camille Bains, The Canadian Press reporter, gave her report a “prophetic” title, but she was actually parroting the words of the chairwoman of CTSB, Kathy Fox. Yahweh speaks through many voices, but just like Balaam’s donkey, they may not even realize God has made them a temporary instrument. “Lytton wildfire a ‘wake up call’ to take precautions, says head of Canada’s Transportation Safety Board” – (Kathy Fox).

Even secular journalists reporting on the higher case count in B.C. are sounding the “alarm” in a manner of speaking. A journalist for CBC Vancouver, Justin McElroy recently wrote about the higher (COVID) case counts spreading to Metro Vancouver and the push for all BC residents to get vaccinated ended his article with: “I hope people take this as a wake-up call.”

 

Indeed, Yeshua’s messages to “awake” and “arise” is now sounding to the secular world. Of course, the urgent calling of Adonai to seek Him and wait longer in His presence is NOT being echoed. Since the secular does not believe in Christ/Messiah, their call is simply a “wake up call”. 

I am certain people will see similar messages for various reasons right around the globe. Yeshua’s desire is that all would be saved, but sadly, as we can see in the written word, not all will be.

Pestilence (disease, pandemic) is said to grip the whole earth, yet we insist the earth is not under Yahweh’s judgment. Do not confuse the Lord’s judgment with His wrath. This is nowhere near His wrath, not yet, but His wrath will arrive. When that time comes, it is called the day of the Lord. No one alive now is going to want to see the day of the Lord. [see Zeph 1:14-18] It is very sobering.

 

Same Yesterday, Today and Forever

It is interesting that the holy Spirit led me to Ezra, yet moved me quickly to first read Haggai. In truth, I was not overly familiar with either of the two books. I have read them over the years, but had forgotten their content. Yet, beginning in the first chapter, the Lord said through the prophet:

You (plural, not singular) looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? says the LORD of hosts. Because of My house that is waste, and you run every man unto his own house. Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit. 

And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground brings forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.  [Hag 1:9-11]

 

No dew was found upon the ground, and no crops of fruit or corn came forth. The Lord had sent a drought so that everything, including people and cattle were affected. There is already talk about how floods, drought, wildfires and grasshoppers have affected cattle in places such as Manitoba, Canada and Idaho, United States. In B.C., water is scarce and crops are suffering.

If we are not under God’s judgment, we are most certainly observing the precursor. Just like the vac-cine agenda and all the restrictions. I am not convinced this is the mark of the beast. Yet, I am convinced that this is a trial run, a testing of the waters, a precursor for the time of the great tribulation and the ‘mark of the beast’.

 

FEAR OF THE LORD

 

Shockingly, so few today have the fear of the Lord – OBEDIENCE (people cringe at that word); “I’m no slave”, they retort). Yet look! The Lord is so good and so ready to forgive, but we are a stubborn and stiff-necked people. Because the people had the fear of the Lord and obeyed, Yahweh said…Then spoke Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message to the people, saying, I AM with you, says the LORD. [vs 1:13]

 

Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, Joshua and the remnant of the people so that they wanted to obey. Then, they worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, in the second year of king Darius. (They people were now AWAKE, and they glowed – confident that God was with them and that they had His favour, for He had strengthened them.)

 

F. B Meyer ---> Let a fire glow in our hearts, and it will spread. Assured of God’s presence and favor, within three weeks the whole land was awake. Note the cooperation of God’s Spirit with the message of His servant, “the Lord stirred up.” Let us ever seek and rely on His cooperation! so also is the Holy Spirit!”

 

(NOTE - We can do this by seeking Adonai and by being in His presence, waiting upon Him for direction - BP)

 

F.B. Meyer: “Three prophecies occupy the following chapter. In the first, Haggai 1:1-9, the Jews are encouraged to persevere. Although there was no comparison between the glory of Solomon’s Temple and the splendor of this, they must not be discouraged. Though they might deplore the absence of the sacred fire of the Shekinah, of the Ark with its cherubim, of the Urim and Thummim, and of the spirit of prophecy, yet the Messiah’s presence, which would be associated with the second Temple would more than compensate for their deficiency, since He was the antitype of them all.”

 

And be it always remembered that Christian worship seeks to realize the presence of Him who said: “I am in the midst.” (See Heb 12:28 – reverence and godly fear) Worship God!

 

See that you (plural; all of us) refuse not him that speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape, if we turn away from Him that speaks from heaven: 

Whose voice then shook the earth: but now He has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.  [Heb 12:25-27]

 

Reverent fear of the Lord – We tremble at His holiness, His power, His Sovereignty. ONE WORD is all He has to speak to accomplish whatever He so desires, ONE word! – Therefore, pant little ant, squirm little worm, tremble grasshopper.

 

F.B. Meyer: Sinai rocked with an earthquake and burned with fire. None might touch it without incurring the death penalty. How much better our Christian heritage! Not a lonely mountain, but a city and commonwealth of holy souls. Not bands of worshipers gathered from the land of Canaan, but hosts of angels, the spirits of just men and our blessed Lord Himself. Around us the most stable structures are being tested and some are crumbling to the ground. As they fall they show that their service was transient. But as the scaffolding is taken down, the true building-the City of God-emerges.

 

Yet now be strong, O [Zerubbabel], says the LORD; and be strong, O [Joshua], and be strong, all you people of the land, says the LORD, and work: for I am with you, says the LORD of hosts: According to the word that I covenanted with you [when you came out of Egypt], so my spirit remains among you: fear not. [Hag 2:4-7] See also Hebrews 12:25-27 as above (decently and in order; that is how Abba works)

 

For thus says the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. 

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, says the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, says the LORD of hosts. [Hag 2:6- 9]

I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet you did not turn to Me, says the LORD. [Hag 2:17]

 

In other words, the Lord allows hard things to come against His people. He does not do this out of cruelty, but out of love. He beckons, no, He strongly urges that we take the time with Him, but have we? We have to. Please hear me on this. The watchman is sounding the alarm. 

Great trouble is coming. Yeshua is exhorting us to take time in His Word, in prayer, in silence before Him – waiting patiently upon the holy King. The Lord is displeased at the neglect of us and the lukewarmness of others.

(I have this against you … that you have left your first love.) [Rev 2:4]

 

Return, return unto Me…repent and return; My arms are open and I am pleased to forgive.

 

(An urgency, not compunction [which is anxiety arising from the awareness of guilt]):

 

I repeat. Great trouble is coming. I do not know when. War – about a year ago, end of August sometime, 2020, just before I moved to the RV, I saw a red flag flying on the military land. Five years I had lived there and never did I see a red flag flying before. Thunder is heard…it is getting deafening. I am trying to find the pictures I took on my external hard drive, but I haven't had much time lately.

The Lord is doing a work in ALL of us still, but we need to be in His will, and following His instructions. Our Maker cherishes us like rare treasure. We are indeed under His divine watch and care, but we must let Him properly care for us, without resisting.

 

(I may be repeating myself to ensure that I obey the Holy Spirit's leading  - perhaps my way of "preparing". I live alone so I encourage myself often - the Lord helps all the time.)

FB Meyer:  All that cannot be shaken will remain; and as God remembered Noah amid the tossings of the deluge, He will care for us, not because of our deserts, but because of His grace. We did not choose Him, but He us.

Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, have not brought forth: from this day will I bless you. [Hag 2:19]

Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth; And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother. [Hag 2:21, 22]

 In that day, says the LORD of hosts, will I take you (singular), [O Zerubbabel, My servant, the son of Shealtiel], says the LORD, and will make you as a signet: for I have chosen you, says the LORD of hosts. [vs 23]

 

We are like the land that we stand upon and that is all around us, for even the land is travailing, groaning for the return of our Warrior King, our Saviour, Redeemer. Maranatha, come Adonai Yeshua. Be the strength and courage of Your people globally, Jesus (Yeshua).

Ezra – A Prophet

When I was in prayer I had asked the Holy Spirit where I should read in the Word. Ezra was impressed upon me, which interestingly linked me to Haggai in such a way that I read Haggai first. All this time and I had no idea that Zechariah and Haggai, Mordecai and Malachi, all knew each other. Ezra linked them as he told the history of the Babylonian exile. 

Ezra chapter one begins in the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia (whom Jeremiah prophesied about). It is written that Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout his kingdom and enforced it by putting it in writing. 

Cyrus declared that the God of heaven charged him to see to it that the house of God (Adonai) was completed being built in Jerusalem. [Ezra 1:2, 3] God always fulfills His promises – He will be (and is) ever mindful of his covenants. 

The eye of God is on those whose hearts are perfect towards Him; to show Himself strong.  [2Chron 16:9] Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy. [Ps 33:18] 

There is no fear in love; but PERFECT love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. [1Jn 4:18]

Meyer commentary: How clearly the minds of men are subject to His promptings! May we never be disobedient to the heavenly visions that visit us, but always on the alert to work out with fear and trembling whatsoever He may work in. Whenever we yield to the divine promptings, it is remarkable how everything seems to cooperate with us. The stars in their courses fight for us. All things serve the man who serves Christ. In the present instance, all that were round about strengthened their hands.

One word that keeps coming to me and often has in the past year is “drought”. Two other words heavily repetitive is “north” (God’s judgment always came/comes from the north – think Magog for example), and “push” (there is a huge PUSH in many arenas right now – think “dominoes”).  

[Meyer]: At the time of Ezra, a drought lay on all the land, and the reason for it was to be found in the neglected Temple. How frequently our disasters and losses in business arise from our failure to remember God’s cause. But when they were needed, God brought the builders out of their hiding place. Trust in Him; He makes no mistakes. Meyer goes on to say: We say that we have not the time, cannot afford the money, and see no necessity for setting apart the Lord’s Day or the daily period for meditation and prayer.

Now it would seem to me that Jesus led me to Ezra to connect this day to the ancient days back in Ezra’s time. Could it be that drought and wildfires are seen in so many lands around the world be because multitudes deny Christ, reject Him or are neglecting Him. Could it be that many are not putting Him first, but perhaps in-between distractions and busyness?

The Lord has been longsuffering (extremely patient), having made many a request over the years to spend more time with Him, and people are slow to act upon it. The Lord had to send a drought hundreds of years ago(according to Ezra’s report), in order to get the attention of the people and to see He was serious about the completion of the temple. Today the Lord has been getting the attention again of those who claim to be His, take heed and prioritize, bumping the time with Him to the first activity of the day.

He Speaks to His Friends

Henceforth I do not call you servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have call you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known to you. 

You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you. These things I command you, that you love one another. [Jn15:15-17]

So great is His love for us, and those who love Him are a treasure to Him. However, we must pay close attention. We must still honour Yeshua as Lord, King and Saviour – Sovereign and holy Yahweh (God). 

We must maintain the fear of the Lord and not disrespect or belittle who Yahweh is. God is God; Yahweh is Yahweh – our flesh will melt and tremble in just the “shadow” of His holiness. We must keep things in proper perspective.

Just as COVID-19 and the global lockdown came “suddenly” and “unexpectedly”; now the horrific disaster happening in Afghanistan has happened “suddenly” and “unexpectedly” (to those of us not nearby or in the know), Yahweh is urgently calling us to spend TIME (LONGER, more intimate, waiting in anticipation) in HIS PRESENCE.

This isn’t some ‘feel good’ encounter. It is not about feelings; it is about obedience and love. It is about praise, honour and worship. It is about getting directives, our marching orders. 

Our KING and LORD [Yahweh/YHWH], His holy Majesty, is calling us to ‘prepare’ us for what is fast approaching, to give us our “orders” (personally and corporately) [‘guide’ us] and to strengthen us.

There are many important reasons, which the enemy does not need to know about. Suffice it to say, that our Commander, the Great Spirit Chief, desires to speak privately with each one of us. 

Then, the true children of light shall be on the same page corporately. I believe healing, deliverance, salvations, miracles from the true, Living God (Yahweh) are coming, but we must keep things in balance with the Word of God (scripture)…we are forewarned that GREAT trouble is to come.

Yeshua/Jesus forewarned that when we see certain things begin to take place upon the nations, then we know that that trouble is nearly upon us. We do well to heed the promptings of the Most Holy Spirit NOW.

If we procrastinate, or choose to sleep ‘just five more minutes’ it may be too late. May Jehovah help us all to hear what His precious and Holy Spirit, through Yeshua, is saying…All glory belongs to the Sovereign God, who gave us the Holy Scriptures, that laid out for us the plan for end times. We are now in the last of the last days…the final hour.

Believe it or not, it will not change the plans of El Elyon [Most High God]. The Mighty Warrior [Dread Champion] has risen from His throne. He is the Avenger who comes as a Consuming Fire. He is the Glory and the Strength of Israel, the Righteous Judge of all the earth.

He is King [Melek] and Lord [Adonai, Kyrios], the Rock Eternal, the Strong Fortress and Strong Tower. He is the Spring and Fountain of Living Water. He is Yahweh-Shammah [The Lord is there], Redeemer, Kinsman-Redeemer.

Gracious and Merciful God, full of compassion, yet the Shepherd of Israel, who rules with Judgment and Justice. He ever remains Yahweh-Tsidkenu [The Lord our Righteousness] Amen…

We Must NAIL It – Not Screw It!

We need to pray for each other, the remnant of believers that will not bow to any God but the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We bow to the King of kings and Lord of lords, the one begotten Son of Yahweh, our Saviour, Yeshua the Christ, Jesus the Messiah. We will not throw our hands in the air with the attitude of “screw it, whatever…”

We will “nail it” by picking up on own cross and following in the steps of the greatest Warrior this earth has ever seen, our Prince and King, Jesus (Yeshua)! Glory to our Messiah!

Remember I said I had prayed not to be a hypocrite, posting how we must all seek the Lord and spend more quality time in His presence? Well, I meant it. I do fear the Lord, and the precious and Holy Spirit helped me. I awoke and after a stretch and other things we all do when we awake, I went to check my emails. No sooner had I started when deep within, I swear I heard…”Oh no you don’t!”

BAM! Off the computer in an instant! What was I thinking? I wasn’t…so the Holy Spirit snapped me to attention. Thank You, Lord.

That being said, after time with the Lord, I wondered if there were any scriptures that Abba wanted me to be aware of. Something coming? Something I should do? What…

No kidding! I randomly flip the page (well, maybe grabbed a few all at once, so that I would not know where it lands – kind of thing).

First scripture:

† - (I can’t make this up – Father’s watching, but check this out. What I am about to share here was already underlined in my bible, and ONLY the following scriptures. Absolutely mind-boggling. Only Yahweh!)

Now it is speaking about how the Spirit of God came upon Azariah, son of Oded: and he went out to meet Asa, and he said to him, Now hear me, Asa, and all Judah, and Benjamin; (and then on was underlined…so […] is what I just typed, then I continue with the underlined portion).

[…] the Lord (Yahweh) is with you, while you be with Him; and if you seek Him, He will be found of you: but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. [15:2]

Scripture, verse 3, goes on to say that for a long season, Israel had been without the true God, and without a priest, and without law. Then the underlining began again. As per usual, any emphasis or highlighting is mine.

But when they, in their trouble, did turn to the Lord God (Adonai) of Israel, and sought Him, He was found of them. And in those times, there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. [2Chron 15:2-5]

Be strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. [vs 7]

Now the next column in the Bible also had only a few verses underlined, so I decided to read them too.

And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God (Adonai) of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; That whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.

And they swore unto the Lord (Yahweh) with a loud voice, and with shouting and with trumpets, and with cornets. And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heat, and sought Him with their whole desire; and He was found of them: and the Lord gave them rest round about. [2Chron 15:12-15]

Well, I have always stated that I do not believe in coincidences. I rest my case. I was admittedly astounded! Yes, I know. One would think that I have gotten used to His way of doing this by now, but honestly, it still amazes me. Nevertheless, I thought that I would just randomly pick one more page…just for the heck of it. This is what my eyes fell upon, and yes, it was underlined too.

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near: Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to 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. [Isaiah 54:6-9]

Yeshua truly does go before us. He is very involved in our lives, whether we realize it or not, or whether we believe that or not. We are not going to know everything in this lifetime, and we are not going to understand everything. That is where FAITH and TRUST come in, but our Father is FAITHFUL and TRUE, so we can rest in Him.

Awake, awake, awake. Rise up! Prepare…seek the Lord. Spend time with Him. He is worthy of praise, honour and worship. Great is His love for us. Let us love Him wholly, with all that we are…and let us pray one for another, and love our neighbour as ourself. So it is written: so it shall be.

for His glory alone

Bonita                               dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Addendum:

I am adding this word that was posted in January 2013; it fits here perfectly. Bless the Lord.

(Excerpts from Battle Above the Clouds - Part 2) [from 2013]

Fear not, yea, do not be dismayed.  You have not denied My name, the name by which you are saved.  You know the road gets narrower, the further you proceed along. You show obedience to My leading. Your heart and desire is to obey your Father.  I try the heart (reins). I do notice when no one else does.

I know this hurts and you do not fully understand, but be patient alongside Me. Hear Me well and do not fear. Lo, I AM with you. I see how you resist temptation and look to me with eyes of faith. Although the battles rage around you, and confused noise, look to Me.  Look into My eyes for the flames of purity and holiness burn within. This is the time that you knew would come, for I alone have spoken it.

Hear and obey all that I instruct you to do. I will lead you through the raging waters; the giants and waters shall not overwhelm or overtake you. Be at peace in Me, for My peace is not as the world gives.

My people, trouble comes from within the country, controlled by the 'greater' outside the nation.  The harlotry and witchcraft of those who hide in darkness, who hide in secret, has not gone unnoticed by Me.

Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before Me.  [Jon 1:2]

Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the well-favoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that sells nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts. 

Behold, I am against you, says the LORD of hosts; and I will discover your skirts upon your face, and I will show the nations your nakedness, and the kingdoms your shame. [Nah 3:4, 5]

And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon you shall flee from you, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? where shall I seek comforters for you? Are you better than populous No, that was situate among the rivers, that had the waters round about it, whose rampart was the sea, and her wall was from the sea? [Nahum 3:7, 8]

A voice of crying shall be heard. Men of evil (pyramid inside of pyramid) have devised evil and plan to cut off a nation (USA). It shall be cut down and a sword (weaponry) shall pursue you.

There comes a spoiling and great destruction and a continual weeping.  For because you have trusted in your works and your treasures, you shall be taken.

Cursed be he that does the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keeps back his sword from blood. [Jer 48:10]

Many who call themselves by My name continue in doing 'the work of the Lord', but they hold back their sword from blood.

(NOTE* - spiritually, not physically - the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds [2Cor 10:4] We do not war against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places - [see Eph 6:12] - BP2014)

(They do not enter into spiritual warfare, resisting the enemy with their sword, which is My word, strengthened and powered by My Spirit and Truth.)

My people, keep on your armor and wield your sword against the enemy, for the attacks (spiritually) against My people have increased. Fear not, for I AM the Lord of the battle. I hold victory in My hand.

Beware, beware for those who call themselves gatekeepers have wickedly opened unholy places. They open to the forces of darkness, to those who shall set up kingdoms under one rule.  

Behold, they welcome the prince of darkness, the one they call the 'morning star' and his legions. He who has fallen now rises up, and he brings with him the 'sons of god'.

For the enemy imitates all that he sees; he is a counterfeiter; the father of lies, a murderer from the beginning. Now he arises!

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and you that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time. [Rev 12:12]

Stand fast and pray.  Those who pass through the gates be wicked, yet you were forewarned, for truly these are the last days.  For true sons are manifesting and the clash of the kingdoms begins. Woe to those who do not abide, but frolic with one foot in the world.  The dividing has begun, in the spiritual and in the physical.

(NOTE* - For "sons manifesting", I understand that the true are being separated from the false, that a dividing is going to occur. We will see it; it shall 'manifest' before our eyes as the Holy Spirit helps us to see. BP2013)

Watchmen, keep not silent.  Be not as the watchmen who are ignorant and blind, for they sleep as dumb dogs, never barking, loving to slumber.  [Is 56:10]

My enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O You most High. What time I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.  [Ps 56:2-6]

In God will I praise His word: in the LORD will I praise His word. 
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. [Ps 56:10, 11]

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure: 

[Is 46:10]

[End excerpt – Battle Above the Clouds – Prt 2 ]

http://crossinthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/battle-above-clouds-part-2.html

[Excerpt below from Part 4 - Battle Above the Clouds]

Today, President Obama was publicly sworn in; yesterday, he was privately sworn in. What special ceremony/ritual went on yesterday during the private swearing-in, before the few select reporters and photographers arrived?

There have been many events, much sacrifice and loss of lives between 9-11 and today, Jan 21, 2013.  Today begins the spiraling decline of America. The country is angry; completely divided over the loss of freedoms and rights (Constitution). It will worsen.

This has been planned, for they want the people divided; angry. They encourage a revolt (civil war) in the United States. It will help them bring in martial law (eventually); and ultimately, it will usher in the New World Order, but not until countless die defending their country and their constitution.

(End excerpt from Part 4 – Battle Above)

http://crossinthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/battle-above-clouds-part-4.html

Jan 22.2013 Obama was sworn in – Right after his election for second term in November 2012 (the next morning), I heard the Holy Spirit say: “Now it begins…” (I understood that it meant the undoing of the United States or the fall of the empire [every great empire before has fallen] – like my dream vision, a great divide is coming across the land. I do not know if it is a natural divide (earthquake), or division of states, or a division of the people, but it will be huge.) 

ALSO: Although I added the above paragraph to this article, which is now 2021 [August], the great divide and the comments were from when I lived in Winterville, Georgia, from a dream vision. I found it very upsetting at the time. I did not understand what the divide meant, but I posted it in 2013 (it was after the election as stated), and reposted it a few times after. I cannot find it at this time, but I will try to. [BP2021]

Bonita