Who Turned the World Upside Down?

Apples everywhere - much to learn

The Upsetting of the Apple Cart

When something comes along in our lives that deeply affects us because it is intensely personal, is it the proverbial upsetting of the apple cart, or is it the righteousness of God who humbles us, to see what is in our heart, and whether we would still obey Him [His Word]? [Deut 8:2]

This happens to whomsoever the living God chooses, and it has nothing to do with chastening (punishment/discipline), judgment, or consequences. It is a test, period. Being under grace does not mean that Abba will not test our heart, or our faith. He has every right too.

Not everything negative that comes at us is a test or trial; nor is it necessarily an attack from Satan or his demonic forces. It may not be a result of sin, whether yours or someone else’s. It may just be the result of human error, natural calamities, or simply the unfairness of life in a fallen, corrupted world.

The great tribulation is already rearing its horned, beastly head upon the horizon, and its shadow has enveloped the entire earth in foreboding [spiritual] darkness. Evil has accelerated at high-hypersonic speed. Abominations, rebellion, violence, and lawlessness are everywhere. The Lord wants us prepared for what is coming.

We keep watching and praying, doing our best to align things with the Word of God. We trust God, but can we be trusted? It is said that despite good intentions, we do not really know what a person is like until they are in a crisis. Then, the heart of the person is exposed, and their real character comes forth.

Brethren [saints] around the world are already suffering persecution, torture, kidnapping, human trafficking, all manner of atrocities, including death, all for believing in Jesus/Yeshua. They stand fast, refusing to let go of their Saviour. 

Would you? Would I? If the Lord tarries, we may find out. It has already begun in North America and it shall increase. It is time to make a stand, and make it sure.

It is a given that every person has inner struggles, things of the flesh, negative thoughts that must be cast down or attitudes that must be subdued. Sometimes we ourselves are unaware of certain things that can cause us to sin, lurking in the caves, in the hidden crevices of the soul, until God brings something to our attention, or puts us to the test, as a loving Father and as a Good Shepherd.

Children of darkness, or people of pride [powerful emotion] do not concern themselves with the things of God. It is foolishness to them. If you oppose them, they may become violent or verbally abusive (or both). If you do not accept them for who they are, that is ‘on you’; you are ‘nothing’ to them.

It is hard to believe evil people like that exist, but we must face the reality that there are reprobate people in this world, completely sold out to Satan, who love their sins, who despise most people, yet professing to ‘love’. Those sins (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the ‘pride’ of life [1Jn2:16]) will be carefully guarded and protected at all cost.

Why else would Jesus, the most merciful, kindest, and wisest of all say to most of the Pharisees (but not all), “You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father, you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning and did not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him.”? [Jn 8:44] He said it because He knew evil when it stared Him in the face.

Smoldering Embers

I realize that few people need me to inform them of such things, but I need to remind myself because I tend to forget the harsh reality that not everyone walks in compassion, mercy, or love, even though they may parrot ‘love you’ (as the world has done for the past decade). It is fleshly, not the love of Christ. I have seen my own heart turn as cold as ice; it is frightening. I never want to see it again!

It is common to hear people say ‘love you’ and they do not know you. It has become as common an expression as ‘have a good day’. That kind of love is made from plastic materials, not natural ones. Satan is a counterfeiter, a copycat. Satan does not ‘love’; he hates. He is the father of lies, a master illusionist. However, if God instructs us to love others, then Satan will follow suit by counterfeiting – even appearing as an angel of light. [2Cor11:14]

Merciless fires may have once fiercely burned in your heart from the fiery darts of abuse, injustices, betrayal, lies, slander, and deception, whether from the adversary or from people [yes, even Christians], which directly affected your life.

Embers lay silently smoldering in the dark recesses of the soul, perhaps hidden under a bitter root, or lingering in the rubble of unforgiveness and pride. Smoldering under the ruins and ashes remaining from past battles, hidden ambers may be reignited by a such a trial, as the Almighty God silently stirs up the ashes.

The testing is individually unique, custom-made for each saint. The more mature we become as sheep, the closer we walk with Jesus, the more difficult and challenging the tests become. It seems Jesus has more confidence in you than you have in yourself to put you through such potent and extreme testing.

Houston...we have lift-off!

I have said before that the trying of our heart is never what we expect, and never what we would choose for ourselves. It may escalate to where it seems like more than we can bear. It will seem cruel because it stretches us beyond measure. 

We are sure we will snap unless the pressure is not lessened. The potency and hardship of it may seem like we are doomed to fail. The stirring goes deep, and deeper still. Not a pebble, not one stone is left unturned.

Have you gotten to the point in your walk where you felt confident that you are in God’s will and doing alright? I strongly doubt that there are many Christians that have the attitude that they have ‘arrived’ or are ‘all that’, but they finally began to gain confidence. Nothing wrong with that. Confidence is not pride.

 

I think I can; I think I can; I think I can...
I knew I could; I knew I could; I knew I could!
All because of Jesus! :)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! [Phil 4:13] (Confidence!)

Yet, this is a historical time period. Narcissism in all age groups is increasing at an alarming rate globally. We were forewarned that the last days would be perilous times where people would be lovers of self, covetous, unholy, boastful, proud, blasphemers, etc. [2Tim 3:2-5]

Things seem to be going steadily along, no drama, a reprieve from spiritual warfare, then, suddenly, a circumstance happens, or a person comes into your life, and all ‘sinless’ moments flee; all the hard work threatens to come undone; all calm becomes upheaved– that person or circumstance produces such a negative impact on you that it completely blindsides you.  

Has that happened to you? Has anything happened in your life that came up suddenly and unexpectedly, and caught you off-guard? Is there something that has happened that is so personal that it threatens to destroy all your good fruit, or that brought something out in you that you did not even know was within, something that was totally unexpected?

The Accuser

Satan, the accuser lurks in shadows;
evil cloaks him.

You recognize the enemy’s smirk as he hisses, ‘Where is your God now?’ You watch him prowl around like a roaring lion, taunting you, getting ready to devour. Satan snarls, ‘You hate them, do you not? That makes you a murderer in your heart!”

Surprise! I am ba-ack!

I already felt unworthy…but the Lord forgave all my past sins. They are under the blood. All is forgiven…that is, until the next sin. Why, why is sin so easy? I hate this flesh; just when I think I have overcome, flesh pops out like a ‘jack-in-the-box’, with a Cheshire cat grin: “Surprise! I am ba-ack!”

As a child of light, we will grieve at the reality of such discovery. Just when we thought the hardest test was long over. No further hard testing was expected. It has been a long, hard life for so many saints, but there is so much to be grateful for, so much to sincerely thank God for.

What happened? Purging has loosened hardened dross that was buried so deep and affixed to the heart so securely that it blended in and appeared as part of the ‘natural’ surroundings. Fastened in place by a camouflage of past insecurities, rejections, abandonment, outright lies, betrayals – and pride…

The Lord cranks the heat, seven times hotter [again]. The heat must become so intense that hardened dross will soften and thus, loosen itself so that it floats to the surface. Once it ‘surfaces’ we see what the refiner sees, the impurities that must be skimmed off. What a filthy sight. It is a most uncomfortable, but necessary process.

Suddenly, we see how far the fall of mankind was that day in the Garden of Eden. I see the corruption of my own flesh, which greatly humbles me. The corruption of our carnal nature became a bottomless pit in the fall of man; irreparable.

Now we clearly see what is meant by: “[…] …this corruptible must put on incorruptible; and this mortal must put on immortality.” [1Cor15:52] Only Jesus…! Nothing is impossible with God.

Others Went Before Us

Abraham endured multiple tests – with kings that desired his wife; with Lot choosing the best land between them; with the capture of Lot by Mesopotamian kings, and his rescue by Abraham and the army he raised up; pleading for any who may be righteous when judgment was about to fall upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

However, the prime test, as we from Abraham’s future know, the hardest and most difficult one was when YHWH told him to sacrifice his son of promise, Isaac. He obeyed, and the Lord blessed him by not only sparing Isaac, but by fulfilling His promise to make Abraham the father of many nations.

And in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because you have obeyed My voice. [Gen 22:18]

After Joseph’s two prophetic dreams, along with the many-coloured coat Jacob gave to him (a sign of his love and favour for Rachel’s firstborn), his jealous brothers caused Joseph to suffer many things, all of which stemmed from their hatred (highlighting will be understood shortly).

His many years of slavery in Egypt brought further suffering and trials, yet there was one final test that could have ended both his physical life and his right-standing with God, depending on his choice.

Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of attempted rape. Joseph chose well. He did not give in to the alluring temptation, but fled so quickly that the seductress was left with the garment in her hand, when she had grabbed hold of him forcefully. His resistance left him free to flee, but left her to explain why his clothing was in her possession.

Had his master believed his wife, Joseph would have been executed immediately, but Potiphar knew Joseph, and he knew his wife as well. To the humiliation of his wife, instead of a death sentence, Potiphar had the young man imprisoned [Gen 39:20]

The shackles were so tight they hurt his feet, and the iron collar clamped around his neck was heavy and too snug. [Ps 105:18] What mixed feelings Joseph must have had. He would have recognized God’s mercy through Potiphar sparing his life.

Yet, he still had to suffer punishment for the woman’s attempt at character assassination and prideful revenge on Joseph with her outright lies. She was humiliated because Potiphar’s judgment revealed to people that he had doubts about the story his wife told.

How discouraged Joseph must have been at that point, suffering for rejecting temptation and its seductions, as well as being faithful/loyal to his earthly master. The test proved Joseph’s faithfulness to God and his reverential fear of the Lord. [Prov 9:10] God noticed.

The Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the eyes of the keeper of the prison. [Gen 39:21]

Mercy was granted by God a second time, for Joseph was therefore loosed from his shackles and neck iron by the prison’s keeper, who then put Joseph in charge of the prisoners. God’s favour came through the keeper.

It should be noted that God allowed a sinful woman to seemingly get away with her lies and deception, but He was preparing Joseph further for his destiny. The two prophetic dreams Joseph had in his youth were about to come true, yet all Joseph saw around him was hopelessness.

Passing the test of both the heart condition and his faith brought Joseph El Shaddai’s blessing, in His perfect timing. In the end, Joseph was freed from slavery, and given a position in Egypt that was second only to Pharaoh in all of Egypt. [see Gen 41:37-44]

Our faith and hearts are tried; God knows all about our heart, as well as our faith, but we need to know.

Hatred in the Heart is Murder

Hatred in the heart is murder.
[1Jn 3:26]

The corruption of the fallen nature is endless. Confidence arises as we make headway, step by slow step in our faith walk, hopeful each time we overcome a stubborn sin, or an addiction, with the help of Jesus and the gracious Holy Spirit.

I have written about mankind being in a spiritual war even before being on the net. This is not my revelation. It is written in the Word of God. (Gen3: Satan, the serpent; Eph6, 2Cor10: updates us; Revelation20:10: the dragon, that ancient serpent, thrown into the lake of fire) It is a war against God and against His creation, particularly mankind.

My heart has been offered out of love for God, and love for people, over the last 17 years on the net, 15 years on this site. I have given my best, and shared my worst, all for the purpose of pointing people to Christ Jesus, and hopefully showing the way to salvation, healing, deliverance, restoration, reversals, through Jesus (Yeshua) alone. Nothing is impossible with God. [Lk 1:37]

In the transparent sharing of the good, bad, and ugly of myself, a lost soul can see that if Jesus can save the likes of me, He can save anyone. Hope is found in Jesus, forgiveness and salvation is readily available now…

Literally, you can come as you are: salvation is a gift, bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus. If any of us waited until we were ‘good enough’, we would still be waiting. None of us will ever be good enough in these earthen vessels. We all need a Saviour. [See John 3:16,17]

Do you know what an amazing part is? The angels rejoice over you.

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents. [Lk 25:10]

Yeshua, our precious Jesus, is the only One who can reconcile us back to a holy God, the only One whose agape love was sacrificial, the One whose return all the saints anticipate.

I was sure my testing was over; there have been plenty of trials, but I was wrong. This last one threw me. Never did I think I had such ugliness in me because hatred [now you understand why that word was highlighted previously) is ugliness; it is sin. It is murder in the heart to God. It will keep us out of an eternal life with our magnificent Creator, a holy King and Lord.

Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. Hereby we perceive the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. [1Jn 3:15-16]

Recently, in anger, I verbalized my feelings aloud to the walls. The sound of my own words resonated deep within my spirit, and echoed [spiritually] in my ears. It hit me hard and I instantly broke down in tears. I broke a commandment.

a scribe wanted to know about
the first commandment [Mk 12:28]

A scribe showed up at one of the gatherings where Jesus was speaking to the people. After a while, he asked Jesus what the first commandment was.

And Jesus answered him; The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord: And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment.

And the second is like this, You shall love your neighbour as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. [Mk 12:28-31]

The scribe agreed wholeheartedly. He was likely aware of the commandment in Leviticus.

You shall not hate your brother in your heart: you shall in no wise rebuke your neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. You shall not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I AM the Lord. [Lev 19:17,18]

The word of God came to mind: [Jesus said]: “[…] out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” [Mat 12:34] My heart pounded. O no, not after all that the Lord and I have been through; am I going to blow it now?

The choice was mine to make. Now that the Holy Spirit pointed more out to me, I was without excuse. My cross was waiting…

The Subtilty of Deception

It began months ago when I was pointed toward a place as encouragement. At first, I was unsure what was troubling me on that first visit; or what seemed off. I could not pinpoint it. Truth was being presented for the most part, although there were ‘parts’ or ‘pieces’ of a prophetic word that were not fully scriptural; there was a twist. Certain understandings or interpretations seemed inaccurate.

The truth that was spoken was appreciated, and a comfort, but something seemed wrong. I shrugged it off, not expecting to think more of it. But I did, something about it was troubling me and I could not understand what the big deal was.

Why was it affecting me so much when there was truth being presented? Perhaps the devil was taunting me, so I had decided to dismiss my thoughts as overthinking, with random negative thoughts that had to be cast down. [2Cor10:5]

After another month or so passed, I decided to return. Surely whatever it was would turn out to be nothing. I desired to be pragmatic. The world is desperate for truth, as I have said before. So, if truth was there, what was my issue?

I decided that perhaps it was because there seemed to be mixture. Truth and a sleight of hand, a slight variation of scripture. Perhaps that was it, I had thought. No, although there can be no ‘mixture’ in the things of the gospel, there was something else troubling me.

In going back yet again in yet another month’s time or more, the presentation hit me, and suddenly it all became clear. I had been praying about what was bothering me, and had asked the Lord for help.

My apple cart had been upset and all the lovely fruit was scattered all over the place. My desire is to always be in God’s will to the best of my ability [the Lord places that desire in us, then develops it]. There is a desperation deep within me to see things as Jesus sees them, which is a pure, untarnished perspective.

When I suddenly understood what was troubling me all along, I do not know what came first, shock or denial, as I found the truth of the matter extremely difficult to believe. I must be wrong. I began to dig deeper.

I prayed that the Lord would either confirm me, or show me the error of my ways. The Lord did indeed lead me and revealed the truth to me; however, how I was allowing it to affect me was threatening to poison the good fruit.

The War Within

This matter goes back to about five months ago now, perhaps longer. As much as I tried to carry on with my life, I was struggling. My writing was affected. Blockage after blockage kept hitting my writing. I could not put anything forward because it is crucial that the Holy Spirit approves what I write, and that for His name’s sake, He leads and guides me. [Ps 31:3]

Until I was certain of that, so much time kept passing. The Holy Spirit moved on me late February, early March, to be vigilant in prayer. For as long as I can remember, decades ago, even before I was committed to the Lord, He started me as an intercessor, and drove home the importance of prayer.

Consistently, we are told to watch and pray. The two-part series, ‘Prayer Can Change Anything’ was birthed from the gentle, yet persistent (daily) urging of the Holy Spirit to pray. Still, writing was hindered. I tore up one ‘invisible’ page of writing after another (also known as ‘heavy on the backspace’ or ‘delete’ buttons).

Days kept rolling by, weeks, and I could not seem to put the articles together easily. Prayer kept going up. I wanted to be obedient, yet I did not feel like much of a ‘Christian’. Emotions were raw, and sadly negative.

I needed the Holy Spirit to be in my words; the anointing had to be there to benefit the readers. ‘Lord, is this you? Are you passing my mantle on? Are you done with me?” Many nights were restless sleep, and tearful solitude.

Yet deep within my spirit, I knew the Lord would not answer the folly in my questions, and He did not. I know my Abba and He knows me. He is far from done with me. Satan is a liar, and the flesh can whine too much!

Finally, a couple of months ago, I asked the Lord if I was imagining things or if He was indeed revealing things to me. More fell into place, and I knew He was exposing the truth of the matter to me. Now the ball was in my court. What would I do with the information?

An inner war began between my emotions and doing what the Word of God instructs us to do. Pick up your cross and die to ‘self’. It will hurt; there is no comfort when dying. The enemy taunts; the flesh cries out for mercy. Birth and death are two journeys done alone.

It is written to pray for those who do us wrong, just as Job prayed for his three ‘well-meaning’ friends. We know Job was hurt by their accusations and their lack of faith in him, but we also know that in the end, he obediently prayed to God for them. [Job 42:8-10]

As with any kind of loss, the grieving over the matter came in waves. I took it to the Lord. I knew I had to release it into His hands, and I did – but when the next wave hit, it was not long before I took it right back. It was not nailed to the [spiritual] cross – and neither was I.

It is so personal, so intimate, I did not want to let it go…

I went through a gamut of emotions, with weeping being the most dominant. However, when anger, bitterness and hatred caused me to verbalize my feelings with three short, but powerful words a few days ago, it brought me to an abrupt halt.

The words echoed loudly all the way through me, until it resonated deep within my spirit. This had to stop if I am to call myself a child of God. “O Father, I am unworthy of the precious blood spilled; so much wrong, so much corruption is in my flesh.” I felt sick in my heart at grieving such a good Father.

Then, to disappoint the King who time after time goes to bat for us as our Advocate, against the accuser who can measure enough truth in his accusations to present a valid case, but his wisdom is no match to that of Jesus the Christ.

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. [2Cor7:10,11]

I had allowed the sins of another to be the reason behind my sinning; and thereby justify the reason. Well, that is wrong! The blame is NOT on them. I had to own my own sin because no one, not even the devil himself, can force us to sin.

He can strongly tempt us by appealing to the flesh, but he cannot force us to give into that temptation. I knew in my heart that God loves this person too. That was the part I had to accept. He was not going to overlook my sin, or justify it for any reason. Sin is sin.

Shame overtook me as I realized my sin was no light thing. Murder in the heart is a serious matter; eternity with Yeshua, my Jesus, could be forever lost. [1Jn 3:15] It was my call, my choice. (Choose this day whom you will serve.) “It’s not fair!” I reason, but life itself is not fair. Again, that is no excuse.

I had to face the excellent King and Lord of my life. Words were not readily upon my lips. There was no excuse for my reaction. I was to be self-controlled (one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit); to walk humbly with God; to love Him, and to love my neighbour as myself.

I was not loving myself too much at the time, but feelings do not define me. Feelings and emotions can betray us, deceive us; they can let us down. My sins of spiteful anger, bitterness and hatred did grieve the Holy Spirit indwelling in me.

There is a cross to bear. It was up to me to pick up mine, and surrender to the perfect will of the Creator. There was sin that had to be nailed to it. My arms had to be open upon my own cross in order to be wholly washed in the Lamb’s blood. Then, when I prayed, the Sovereign Lord brought a story to my remembrance.

The Wisdom of God

Two women went before Solomon, both claiming that the one baby was theirs, each insisting that it was the ‘other’ woman who had rolled over on her baby when it was three days old and accidentally killed it. They both lived in the same house.

The woman whose baby died had switched babies with the woman whose son was alive, whilst the mother was asleep at night. They both went before the king to solve the problem. Both showed determination that the child was theirs, and that the other woman was lying.

There was no DNA testing available in those days; however, Solomon was known for his great wisdom. He demanded a sword, and stated that he would cut the child in half, and give each mother half the baby.

One mother approved the king’s judgment, proclaiming that the baby should neither be hers or the other woman’s child. “Divide it,” she agreed. But the other woman cried out to the king not to slay the child, but to let it live by giving it to the other mother.

Immediately Solomon knew who the genuine and true mother was when she tearfully revealed that she would rather surrender her child to another so that her son could live, than to have the child killed. He gave the child to the real mother.

And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment. [1Kings 3:16-28]

Call to Repentance, Be Holy, A Warning

I understood what the Holy Spirit was saying. Everything belongs to the Lord; it is His to give and His to take. Shame consumed me. I was so grieved in my heart, so ashamed of myself for allowing hatred to manifest in the core of my being, that I knew I had to get down on my knees and repent.

We are to be holy as God is holy. Holy – taken from the Hebrew word ‘kadosh’. According to one study, it means ‘separated’, and ends meaning ‘special’, ‘sacred’, ‘elevated’. I had learned long ago that to be ‘holy’ meant ‘set apart’, which was understood as ‘set apart from the world, and under the leadership of the Shepherd, the Lord God’.

Without going into depth here about ‘being holy’, my desire was to confess my sin and to turn away from it, die to self (crucify the flesh/carnal nature), and to humbly ask God to forgive me. In order to be forgiven, I knew I had to forgive. In order to forgive for real, hatred had to be replaced by love. For love to rule once again, I had to genuinely pray for the soul of the one who I was offended by.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you. [Eph4:31,32]

Everything God does is done decently and in order. To do this right, I had to follow God’s protocol, which is written clearly throughout the Bible. I needed the help of the Holy Spirit. Godly sorrow consumed me, and the Lord Himself drew me with a spirit of repentance. I had to humble myself before a holy God, my Abba, by getting down on my knees to pray.

For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death. [2Cor 7:10]

I was unsure if I could even get down on my knees because I do not have any cartilage in either knee; it is bone on bone. I walk with a cane. Yet, we serve a magnificent God, and He does see the heart. It should have been more painful getting down on my knees, but it was not.

Yes, I was being careful and slow, but there was no pain. The Lord helped me down. It took a few minutes to settle my tears. I was in the presence of a holy God who loved the other person just as much as He loved me, and I had to really get that down in my heart.

Once I did, my sin was confessed in all humility, and I asked for forgiveness. The story of Job (yes) was then brought to my remembrance by the Holy Spirit at this point, which is why Job was mentioned previously. If we say that we love God, then we must accept His chastening, His correction – and His discipline. He is good, and His mercy truly does endure.

Once I prayed in all sincerity for the person, the hatred melted away under the flood of love that came rushing in. ONLY Jesus! When I was done, it seemed the Lord lifted me up because as I pushed on the mattresses of my bed to help me up, it seemed no real effort, which is not common when one has no cartilage in their knees. Such is the kindness and grace of the Lord.

There was one more thing I had to do. We are to be accountable to the brethren for our behaviour, for sins. It took several starts, due to numerous ‘deletes’, but I finally managed to text a beloved sister in Christ, and a treasured and close friend.

She is the beloved soul who originally sent me to the site months ago, with the intention of encouraging me. Her motive was pure. I had voiced my concern months back, and even then, she stood by me in prayer like the beautiful saint of God that she is.

In all humility, I poured out my heart by making confession of my shameful sin. There was no sugarcoating or whitewashing, no justifying or excusing on my part. As I saw the reality of my sin put into words, I broke down yet again in tears.

It was important to give God glory, and I hope I managed to do that when I explained getting down on my knees. I cannot remember if I told her that I prayed for the person or not, but I do know the reason now behind taking these necessary steps.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. [Jam 5:18]

My friend sent words of comfort, and promised to pray for me. I believe she did because of the peace that passes all understanding that has now enveloped me. Now I am no longer troubled by what I was troubled by. I exalt Jesus the Christ (Messiah) on high!

As hard as it was to confess my sins to anyone, it had to be done. And even to the dear readers that come to this site. If anything is troubling the heart of a reader, I pray that this testimony re-enforces the truth of the faithfulness, love and discipline of the Lord.

If we are His, He will discipline us…and I am so grateful. I need His correction; we all do if we go astray. I can promise you He will not disappoint. Things may not be understood as He does His work, but if you can practice patience and ‘wait’ upon the Lord, He comes through, in perfect ways, and perfect timing.

rescued by a caring shepherd

The Lord goes ahead of us always. If we find ourselves tangled in a thorny thicket on a narrow ledge, halfway down a steep cliff, the Good Shepherd will find us and rescue us. 

It is understood now why the Lord had me prepare a two-part series over six weeks ago. The first part was posted March 15, and today, as I write this post, it is April 17, 2023. 

He was ahead of me by a tad over a month. He knew how He was going to correct me, and He knew precisely how to order the steps. The mini-series is appropriately called: Prayer Can Change Anything

Only God can orchestrate such a thing; He is a God of order. I did not clue in at the time, but He truly does order our steps. To God alone be the glory, who, as a holy and righteous Father, and as a Good Shepherd, will correct and discipline, then forgive, heal and cleanse.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us. [1Jn 1:9,10]

This testimony was given out of love to show those who may stumble in the time of trying the heart and our faith, that to obey God [His Word] and Jesus’ leading, will give you the strength to rise back up again [Prov 24:16] (face your sin, confess it, and discover the grace and mercy of the Lord for yourself!)

It was also given because I am accountable and responsible to the body of Christ [Col 3:13; Gal 6:3]

But the most important reason for the testimony dear reader, is to glorify God through His Son Yeshua (my Jesus). I am but one ‘today’ witness [modern-day] who testifies to the truth of God’s Word, and to the faithfulness, mercy and grace of the Redeemer, Jesus/Yeshua.

I testify to you, dear soul, that the Lord changes not [Mal 3:6]; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever [Heb 13:8], AND He is good; His steadfast love and His mercy endures forever! [Ps 136:1-26]

Perhaps now it is understood why articles were so scanty thus far, but the Lord did say, it is not a competition. We can relax and leave the outcome of anything in His competent hands.

This article was not planned, but when a site belongs to the Lord, it should be expected. May the reader be blessed, and the Lord glorified!

I do have the article, Judgement Comes from the North almost done. It looks like it is a two-part series too. Should have it up ‘hopefully’ on Friday (best not to hold your breath though lol – life has a way of ‘getting in the way’)

A prophetic word is going to be shared now, written on April 2, 2023. It is when I was still struggling with many emotions, confusion, and a feeling of ‘unworthiness’. You will get a sense of how the Lord was weaving the tapestry beautifully.

[Message begins]

April 2, 2023

My hand stays [stops/overpowers] the actions of mankind, if I so choose.

Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away: for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice.  [Is59:14-15]

Deception is carried out openly, for there are those who think that if they use My name and My word [scriptures] that I will overlook the ways they are deceiving My people. Yet My people will see clearly when they open themselves up by humbling themselves before Me, wholly prostrate spiritually, fully surrendered. They have learned and do their best to practice bringing all things to Me, especially if there is any doubt.

I lift up the humble, and subdue the proud.

Bitter tears have been the portion of My dedicated people as they travail over the condition of the world and of the flesh, including their own flesh (a daily battle). They especially grieve over brethren who have compromised, gone astray for their own reputation, for their own gain, for their own name’s sake.

There are those who come in My name, and with false humility and forced tears, they deceive the multitudes by grand illusion and theatrics. I have given them room to repent, but so far, they have not.

Those who are Mine have wrestled strongly with flesh to lay aside pride, asking for My light to expose anything in them that is not of Me. If a thought, word or deed is exposed, a spirit of repentance is welcomed, as their broken and contrite heart falls into My righteous hands, their Potter – He who breaths life into each vessel. They are brought to repentance by My love for them.

They wait…they wait…they wait upon Me.

Stolen words do no justice, for if the fruit is stolen, then the sweetness turns from organic to artificial. Unless they repent, they will be amongst those who question Me:

Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? and in Your name have cast out devils? And in Your name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, you that work iniquity. [Mat 7:22-23]

You used My name, and You spoke the words I spoke, but they were [rhema] words I spoke to another, one who sought Me in prayer, and at times, with fasting. Have you humbled yourself to seek Me before you went forth with My words, and even used those written in the Holy Scriptures?

Your interpretations are wrong: you bring false hope to tickle the ears of the listeners. You speak of the future as if you know it, and even dare to change the way I said things [in My logos – My written Word]. I do not delight in a falling away, but would rather that all should come to repentance.

Therefore, My patience is often mistaken for leniency and ‘nonjudgmental’ ways. It is misinterpreted as ‘blessing’ and ‘mercy’, when in fact it is My patience, as I wait for you to acknowledge your thievery and repent.

You who are offended, will you stand in the gap and pray for those who have stolen from you? Will you intercede for the lost soul, or will your heart wax cold? You who discerned rightly, do you pray for the false prophet to change? Do you pray for justice for the one whose life’s work was trampled upon?

You who are offended, you speak of trust. Will you now trust Me to handle this situation in due season, as surely as Solomon handled the situation of the two women who both claim a baby was their own? When that which is yours is returned to you, will you add to the shame of the other, or will you stand in the gap and pray for the wayward soul?

Yes, I understand how difficult some things are to the flesh, but I have done good work in you. Let now your spirit overcome your flesh in that ‘dying to self’. You can and will do this, I know the heart I formed in you. I see how you strive to obey and remain in My will.

He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede. Then His own arm brought Him salvation, and His righteousness upheld him.

He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon His head: He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped Himself in zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, so He will repay, wrath to His adversaries, repayment to His enemies: to the coastlands He will render repayment.

So they shall fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun [east]; for He will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the Lord drives.

And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression, declares the Lord. [Is 59:16-20]

For a long time now, a clarion call went out to those who would hear and come to Me. I in them, and they in Me. Deep calls out to deep – hold fast to Me, and to My Word, and by My Spirit and Word you shall know how to go, for I AM the Good Shepherd who faithfully leads My sheep upon the right path. [Prov 3:5-6]

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world THROUGH HIM (Jesus/Yeshua) might be saved.

He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the NAME of the ONLY begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [Jn 3:16-19]

For the Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering (patient) toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [2Pet3:9]

[End of message]

I added the rest later that same day after prayer...trying to get myself to do the right thing, talking to myself in the words below...So, if anything above has repeated what is written below, that would be why. The message from the Lord was over two weeks ago. He is so patient. What a good, good Father!

Whether saved or unsaved, SIN separates us from God. Yes, there are saved people who sin: it could be thoughts, cruel words or lies, or dishonest actions. A repentant heart must be kept, ready to turn away from such things.

I was guilty of sins – bitterness, anger, hatred, pride. Nothing justifies that in a child of God. The cross was before me. I had to pick it up and die to selfishness. It was never about me, but exalting the majesty of our King.

I came into this world with nothing, and I shall leave with nothing. (Thank you for the lesson, Job.) It is not my work, it is His… And this is HIS work in me, in us – He begins it, and He carries it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. [Phil 1:6]

There is no resurrection power without a death first. Flesh fights us. It wants down off the cross, but the Holy Spirit helps us.  He corrects His own; it is not for me to guess, or to suggest, or to dare counsel  – heaven forbid.

Hatred melted away under the brilliance of the pure love of Jesus. Flesh was dying. Bitterness was destroyed when the crushing power of forgiveness overtook it. I too needed forgiveness – have Your way, Lord.

Anger was replaced by love when sincere prayer went up for the person. And pride, o yes, that subtle enemy of our soul. Pride was obliterated and replaced by humility when I saw into the spiritual and observed the power and glory of the agape love of Jesus envelope that other soul.

His sacrifice upon the cross was for that one too. You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. [Jn 8:32] Our Maker will take care of it. I wait upon Him. I have finally let it go, after all these months. Thank You Jesus.  My spirit rejoices, and thanksgiving goes to the Lord! I could NOT have done it without Him – glorious Shepherd.

Call out to God who is an ever-present help in trouble. He is faithful. I speak from firsthand experience and knowledge. He begins the work; He completes it, but He will not force Himself upon us, nor will He force us to desire Him! Those of us who love Him do so because He loved us first. [Jn 4:19]

He instructs us in what to do. He helps us if we want to forgive a person, but struggle due to hurt and emotions. I need to be forgiven, so I must forgive. My friend, open your hand to the Lord and let Him take that pain; do not hang onto it. It will eventually crush you. It will paralyze you to the point where you cannot rise up and move onward.

Do not allow the enemy to have that power over you. Trust God to handle the human aspect. Jeremiah spoke of God’s displeasure with those who took words from others and called them their own. Patience in such matters is difficult, but look away from the pride and arrogance of that soul, and … PRAY for them. It is hard at first, getting started, but as we determine to do God’s will, it begins to flow.

No person alive wants danger or trouble in their lives, but since the Garden of Eden, since the day of Eve’s deception and Adam’s disobedience, since the day Cain killed Able, sin tore mankind apart down through the ages, separating us from God, without hope …until God sent Jesus into the world. Immanuel – God with us!

Jesus Christ (Yeshua Mashiach) is the ONLY way back to a holy God. He gave up His life, His family, everything…in order to be crucified, buried and resurrected, in order to reconcile us back to the Father, the holy, righteous, Sovereign God.

We cannot wait until the day we are ‘good enough’ because that day never comes –  for any of us. None of us are ‘good enough’.

And Jesus said unto him, Why do you call Me good? There is none good but one, that is, God. [Mk 10:18]

Although Jesus was God in the flesh, His point was that goodness only comes forth from God, not man.

Now is the time.

Repent, be holy, a warning

Rise up, warrior…

Forgive, dear saint…

Offer up the sacrifice of thanksgiving, child of light…

Having done all stand – watch and pray, overcomer… 

Presence of His glory

Bonita                          dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Addendum:

Sabotage - this will be spoken of again. It began with a sister in Christ having a dream about a Siamese cat named 'Sabotage', back in 2017. The Lord has brought it up a few times since. We have seen sabotage in action, but the powers that be are not done yet.

King Charles' coronation is in two weeks, three days - the man who has stood beside Klaus Schwab all these years, and the one who spoke of a great amount of money 'needed' for the 'one' who is going to set things in order (paraphrased). Nearly every Christian listening discerned 'who' he was speaking of.

The 'great tribulation' has been mentioned several times in the past few years. It would have to be checked but it was some years ago that 'the beginning of sorrows' was mentioned. The travailing of the saints and the groaning for Christ's return amongst the brethren leads me to think we are experiencing birth pangs.

Sins in the church and the government is a folder I have on my desktop and something I have been working on for some time. It is expounded upon in an upcoming article. Waves Are Rolling In is another article in the queue...it is all up to the Lord. There are many voices...may we discern the true with the help of the Holy Spirit.

I know Easter or "Resurrection Sunday" is past, but I have some interesting news. So much has been delayed but I wait upon the Lord...it is all I can do.

You will keep him in perfect peace, who mind is stayed on You: because he trusted in You. [Is 26:3]