Did You Feel a Raindrop?

 

Did You Feel a Raindrop?

Trying the Heart, Testing the Faith and Baptism of Fire

I must tell you that this has been one "helluva" year - like none I've experienced before. As most who have walked any length of time with the Lord, there have been "dark nights of the soul", but this was far beyond that.

The fires were seven times hotter (and I thought they had been that degree before, but I erred), and the waters, exceedingly strong and high. I can promise you, in retrospect and most assuredly, even in times of silence, the Lord was there. He never once deserted me. Just as YHVH (God) promised all who are His, and echoed by His Son when he came in the flesh, Jesus/Yeshua, he NEVER left or forsook me. And that promise is for all His. It would be us who has to leave and forsake him, turn away, fall away.

There was an awareness that it was a trying of the heart, a testing of my faith, but that is easy to forget when things get super intense and overwhelming. Thank God for sending His Holy Spirit. If it were not for His precious and Holy Spirit, I do not think I would be here writing this.

Ah! But I am here and I promise, PROMISE you dear reader, in truth, our darling Creator will do the same for all who love and trust Him. I came to learn precisely what it means to trust...and then what it is to be baptized with FIRE. [Mat 3:11]

People in churches call down "fire" or say "more fire" and they have no idea what the true meaning is. These pastors or evangelical leaders teach the people error. Perhaps they were taught wrongly, and carry it on, never searching the Word of God or taking it to the Lord in prayer, or even experiencing the baptism of fire for themselves...because it's not an experience people welcome gladly.

When the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, asked the Messiah (Christ) if her sons could sit one on the right and the other on the left, he said that she knew not what she asked, and what he said next are words that I myself read and yet did not grasp the full meaning.

But Jesus (Yeshua) answered and said, You know not what you ask. Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? [Mat 20:22]

I was not committed to the Lord yet when I read that, but do remember pondering it deeply. Knowing that Christ Jesus was crucified, I had thought that is what he meant, his suffering by being betrayed, arrested under false accusations, brutally whipped with a cat-o-nine-tails, his beard pulled out, spit upon, and well, I will not go into it here, but Isaiah 50 describes it clearly.

So believing that I would not go through all Jesus/Yeshua suffered, I finally said within myself that I could go through the same baptism. And even still, it was about another seven years before I fully committed, with no turning back (2005).

And like James and John (Zebedee's sons), I too said that I was able [vs 22] Only now do I understand what baptism with fire is. It is different than being baptized in water. When we repent and choose to walk in obedience, a trying of the heart will come.

Dross is purged with fire; fire burns up wood, hay and stubble. It is a good thing, but it is uncomfortable and at times, will seem overwhelming, even more than one can bear. Yet, that is where the Lord comes in. He strengthens, He encourages, exhorts, corrects, disciplines and when/if necessary, will even carry us. But our heart has to long for Him, be dependent on Him, trust Him.

In an upcoming post, I will share some of what has transpired in the past four months; however, if there was ever anything I would want to say is this. No matter how weary, no matter how discouraged, confused or without strength you feel, Jesus is right here with you. We are in incredible times. Hold fast - hold strong - hold onto God through Yeshua/Jesus! Victory!

A Message the Holy Spirit Laid Upon My Heart to the Glory of Jesus/Yeshua Alone!

Indeed, I have done great things, but I intend to do greater things. In truth, trouble beyond reason fast approaches, and the world’s people shall reel in fear and dread. Those who trust in Me shall not be afraid (deep within), but shall know what is coming – not too soon; not too late – shall those who abide in Me know, for My Spirit shall direct (guide) them.

Woe to those who channel and trust in “spirit guides”, for such are spirits of evil (demons) and shall lead people astray, into deception and betrayal, and for many, into destruction and/or death. Fortune tellers, astrologers will not help you. Only through Yeshua (Jesus) can truth be heard by My Spirit.

I AM coming soon, but beware of the lawless one lurking in the shadows. Much of what is happening now is but a precursor(s) to that great evil/tribulation, which is about to occur. The whole world is in upheaval, chaos, anger, hatred, fear and violence. Then shall one come to bring “order out of chaos” and promise “peace and security”. Such a one is a liar – a deceiver. So it is written; so it shall be. Selah

Cling (cleave) to Me, those who love Me – wait patiently. (I hear the sighs of the multitudes – yes, wait).

Fear not for I AM with you. The trials have been grievous, the testing brutal, but such is the way of the adversary (Satan). Many of My people have been accused of only loving Me for My goodness to them, and just as Job, the trial became more than many could bear, but the enemy could not take you out.

Not all is due to a challenge or actions of the enemy. There is a purging that is necessary, where the dross is loosed and comes to the surface, to be skimmed away. This is a purifying, most necessary indeed. There is also a circumcision of the heart (the cutting away of the flesh – the world and its ways; the carnal nature that remains overbearing until it is cut away, where the flesh of the cutting dies).

Then there is the baptism of My Spirit and fire…the fires try the heart; test the soul. Yea, yet My promises remain true and steadfast.

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. [Lk 3:16]

But fear not, for I have also spoken to My people, not only Israel, but those who are Mine through My Son Yeshua (Jesus the Messiah).

But now thus says the Lord that created you, O Jacob, and He that formed you, O Israel; Fear not: for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: and when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle against you. [Is 43:2]

The choice to quit or even to curse Me with a shaking fist raised toward the heavens has to be (remains) an individual choice. O but how I strengthen(ed) those who cry out for strength, even if it is day by day – or moment by moment.

Rejoice beloved children, beloved of your God, for I shall bring you into your promised destiny. You had to know truly where you stand (for I already know). Your faith has been tried; indeed, your very heart was deeply searched – that is why the pain and discomfort; the anguish and travailing. Dross had crusted heavily in areas, having hidden in darkness for years unnoticed. Yea, but it has been loosed, surfaced and skimmed away.

Lo! I do good work. Yea, indeed, your faith has been tried – you have NOT been found unfaithful. O, if only you could see as I do, you would not scold yourself so much. I am the Father who corrects out of My love. If I do not correct you, then why do you scold yourself? Why are you so hard on yourself?

(*note*: as I wrote this down, I understood that the Lord word's here pertained to some area of our personality that bugs us, not a sin, just a quirk we don't like...because we know that He corrects his children, all of us)

My faithful one, be still; be at peace within. During this time of testing (the trying of the heart and of faith), many have fallen away, but you, My beloved child, you have stayed. Even though you do not understand many times, you never let go; you never gave up. O yes, I notice.

Yea, but for those who have already fallen away, refusing to return, full of anger and rebellion, for such as these I grieve, for many more shall do the same, shaking the proverbial fist toward the heavens, blaming Me for failing them.

Ah, broken and contrite, through bitter tears and a crushed spirit, have many cried out to Me to take them home. They have wearied of pain, betrayal, disappointments, battle after battle, loneliness, misunderstandings, accusations, overwhelming circumstances, unexplained happenings, waiting and waiting on promises received – the list goes on.

For multitudes, it has been too long, even years, yet the remnant hang on, not giving up, trusting and waiting upon Me, fighting the enemy, fighting the “doubting Thomas’”, fighting their own flesh.

“Lord, take Me home or bring forth your promises – please do one or the other. I believe Lord; you know I believe…but I cannot go on forever; I cannot take more, yet I cannot give up. Mercy, Father – please!”

Ω - Just as Moses: “[…] I’m not able to bear all this…it’s too much…[…]. […]… if this is what you’re going to force me to handle, then, kill me please…[…]

Moses’ actual words:

I am not able to bear all this people alone because it is too heavy for me. And if You deal thus with me, kill me, I pray, out of hand, if I have found favour in Your sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. [Num 11:14, 15]

Ω - Just as Elijah: “[…] it’s enough; take my life…I’m not any better than my father or his father, or any of my relatives…[…]

Elijah’s actual words:

But he (Elijah) went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 

[1 Kings 19:4]

Ω - Just as David: “…Lord, I am alone and in great pain and sorrow…distressed…[…] this is so cruel, like torture…the enemy hates me […] I’m trusting you Lord, don’t let Satan laugh at me, to my shame…[…] if this is due to my sins…please Lord, forgive me - see my heart that I am trusting you; it’s just so hard[…]

David’s actual words:

Turn [Lord] unto me and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring me out of my distresses. Look upon my affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Consider my enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in You. [Ps 25:16-20]

Ω - Just as Yeshua (Jesus): “[…] why have You forsaken me? […]”

Yeshua’s (Jesus’) actual words:

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? Which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? [Mk 15:34]

Yes, just as those who went before today’s children, so do those who are Mine today travail. The apostle Peter forewarned:

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. [1Pet 4:12, 13]

O My people, those who held fast, praising and thanking me after they poured out their complaint, your faith has come forth as pure gold. O the cost – how intense the fires; how overwhelming the waters – yet you came through it all.

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

(Note* - I must add this note here. For the past few weeks (August/September 2020), I keep getting the words: “purge”, as well as “time”, “it is time”, “appointed time”, “now is the time”, etc. That’s why I highlighted those words in this scripture that the Holy Spirit gave me for this portion of the message. 

Hold fast beloved, we are on the verge (yes, many of us know we are on the verge of the terrible (tribulation), but we are also on the verge of the “great” (God’s promises)). Remember? The clash of the kingdoms that the Lord began mentioning a decade ago? Well, it’s going down, but brethren, we are almost there…at our long-awaited destinies; our Lord’s promises. HalleluYah, glory to God! BP - 2020)

But he knows the way I take: when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. [Job 23:10]

I walked with you in the fires. I upheld you in the raging waters

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them. as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.  [Zech 13:9]

Just as the samurai swords are molded and shaped in the fires and hardened by the waters, it comes forth worthy and prepared, having been expertly formed and then proven. Yea, it comes forth worthy to be effective in the hands of a valiant warrior, not failing him in the heat of intense battles.

So are those who endure the fires and waters proven worthy and effective in My hands, trustworthy in all battles of intensity against a relentless enemy. This has been an intense time for many of My people, and I am not speaking only about COVID-19 and its consequences, but I speak of the intensity of the adversary’s strategies (carried out plans, ploys, intended goals) , stratagems (wiles) and attacks.

Put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…[…] [Eph 6:11, 12]

(Note* - Please read verse 12 of Eph 6.Thx – BP)

Some of these have been physically (illness, disease, accidents, pain etc); some has been mental (onslaught of negative (and for some) suicidal thoughts or a longing for death, ofttimes, to cause double-mindedness, bombardment of discouragements, depression, angst etc).

For some, it has been emotional and for all, spiritual. For the majority, it has encompassed every arena: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Bravo dear souls who persevered! The appointed time has approached. To every thing there is a time and a season. [Eccl 3:1] Sadly, too many threw up their hands, turned and walked away, giving up on Me and on My promises with bitterness, tears and hopelessness.

Remember, Daniel warned of a "wearing down of the saints" in the end times. He spoke of the lawless one, but we know Satan is already at work doing all he can to take out the saints, whatever way he can get away with.

Having grown weary and aching from hearing “soon”, they would no longer trust Me to perform that which I have spoken. Yet, just as Noah had to wait for the appointed time, so have you (yes, you, the reader) and the remnant of My people.

Even in the beginning, before the first plank was in place, Noah heard, “[…] soon the rain shall come.” Did I lie? I am not man that I should lie (nor the son of man that I should repent). [Num 23:19] Yet, a thousand years is as a day to Me [2Pet 3:8], but it is hard for man to comprehend that, even though to him who believes my word.

Year after year passed, and Noah continued on persevering, waiting upon Me. Near the end, he wearied. Mockery, ridicule, rejection, loneliness, fleeting thoughts of doubt – he suffered it all, just as you. (“What if I heard wrong?” he asked himself.)

But as you, he convinced himself that if he was wrong, surely the One who sees the heart and knows the thoughts of man would tell him if he had deceived himself or believed a lie from the enemy.

Trusting Me to guide him in all truth, he kept on, even when weary physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, as year after year ticked by, ever so burdened by the knowledge of what was coming and by everyone refusing to listen or believe him.

Noah pondered: “Have I failed God? I’ve brought no one to Him, not even one soul.” Silent tears etched a trail upon Noah’s aging face as the heaviness of that truth crushed his spirit. Noah had not failed Me. He listened; he obeyed.

He did not give up despite the naysayers, despite the seemingly, never-ending WAIT; despite the doubts that tempted him to fall into unbelief. Even if he stood upon shaky legs at times, he STOOD because deep within, he trusted his God.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, STAND. [Eph 6:13] (Emphasis mine)

I did not disappoint him. At the time appointed, after his long and tiring wait, the rains came. His faithfulness and obedience were rewarded. He was saved alive, along with seven others. [1Pet 3:20]

So shall it be for those who have come this far believing in My promises (both corporate and personal). The appointed time has come, faithful one. Keep following My instructions…trust, obey, wait. Not much longer, faithful ones, it is time.

Did you feel a soft mist? Did you feel a raindrop?

(End of message)

Penned by one of God’s many messengers

Bonita

Not a Time to Speculate - Take All to the Lord in Prayer

The Holy Spirit had me write this yesterday, September 23, 2020. It rained here in Okanagan Valley, B.C. It has not rained for some time, and in three or four months, it has only rained perhaps three times? (approximation); at least, in my area.

I state this because I had no idea what the Lord would speak to me through His precious and holy Spirit. That is our God, who does EVERYTHING decently and in order. Such is Sovereignty, and He surely IS the Sovereign, true living God! Bless the Lord!

The other important reason I rejoiced is that outside of His usual direction deep within my spirit, it had been awhile since I had gotten a message. How beautiful He is to grant me one to write for all of us; so great is His love! Thank you Yeshua (Jesus). Thank You Abba (Father). Thank you, beautiful Holy Spirit. I love how you divide yourself for our sakes, Father God.

After this was written, well, this morning actually, the Lord led me to pick up a certain bible. I have two pocket-sized ones that I picked up in Georgia in 2008 (had to peek at one of the front pages to remember the date). The book is tattered, aged, stained (see picture below)

Ichabod

In the front I had written:

Jer 7:29 (then an arrow pointing to 31 (verse 31) with the words: “fire”, “abortion/fire US” (look to 31)

Then I had written (which I had not remembered):

Do not be dismayed or downtrodden, nor look around in terror, for the day of Christ is at hand.

Put away the unclean thing and walk holy, then shall you be sons and daughters of Mine. Stand fast. Seek good and not evil that ye may live, so the Lord God of hosts shall be with you as you have spoken (see Amos 5:14, 16 and Jer 7:23)

In the picture, you can perhaps make out the above which was written on the page.

Allow me to explain this. Although I purchased the little bible in 2008, I looked up the first verse I had written down, which was Jer 7:29 (Jeremiah). When I read the verse, I realized that I had to have written that little message after April 6, 2012 because it speaks of “cutting off the hair”.

On Passover, in April 2012, the Lord had me cut my hair. I remember it so well, and with sadness. My hair was down to the middle of my back at that time. I have always liked long hair, but I remember at the time I knew I had to obey the Lord to cut it, and with a heavy heart, I did. Let’s look at the verse:

Cut off your hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the Lord has rejected and forsaken the generation of His wrath. [Jer 7:29]

I know people disagree and that’s okay, but the message was that I was to cut off my hair…and the word “Ichabod” was placed in my spirit. That’s the part where people disagree. They do not believe “Ichabod” to America.

In 2012, that verse was linked to 1 Samuel 4 verses 21 and 22. The words came from Phinehas’ wife, just before she gave birth to their son. Her husband had been killed in battle with the Philistines, who took the ark of God into their possession after they defeated Israel in battle.

Then, when Eli, her father-in-law heard the news regarding his two sons, Hopni and Phinehas (their death) and the ark of God, he too fell over dead.

And she named the child Ichabod, saying, the glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of god was taken, and because of her father-in-law and her husband. And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.

I will not go into all the details, as I have written about it back in 2012, but also mentioned it a few times over the years, including more recently (within past year). The Lord was angered at the modern-day child sacrifice, not just in occultic rituals involving witchcraft, but in the millions upon millions of abortions.

Evil is Being Accepted as "Rights" 

In the little bible, I had noted “31” – Jeremiah 7:31

And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.

My words won't be welcomed by many, but there is no room for compromise. We must return to the ancient path, the one Yeshua and the prophets of old walked - the straight and narrow path.

Abortions, same-sex marriage, genetic (DNA) manipulation, transhumanism, witchcraft and so much, much more has brought us to times similar to the days of Noah, and the days of Sodom and Gomorrah. So, the Lord had me cut off my hair, which was symbolic.

The Lord has “lifted his glory” from the USA – and that country (USA) was highlighted, NOT because I lived there at the time, but because it has been the “ruling”, the country of “power and prestige” for a couple of hundred years; the world “police”, the “Rome” of the day, as it were. Therefore, judgment has fallen.

Why? Simple…prayer was taken out of schools, any statues or plaques pertaining to the true, living God, such as the 10 commandments have been ordered removed. Abortion continues on as acceptable, as does homosexuality. Those who stand with God are called “homophobic” (Satan deceives the world.)

It is not just the USA that has fallen into gross sin, abominations and rebellion against God. It is the entire world, but sadly, it is the US (America) that has been prominent and basically ruled the world, in a manner of speaking. Even their dollar is crashing.

Vile witchcraft has been on the rise, but I noticed an increase especially since the end of 2012, after the Mayans crossed the country to raise up the “ancient spirits of the land”. What ancient spirits? Little did they know – evil, unclean spirits, Nephilim, unholy angels, demons. Combine that with churches that are compromising, pastors, worship leaders and many others who are falling away from the faith and the Lord (or have proudly announced that they have already), and society (though globally – as a whole) are falling deeper and deeper into sin, calling good evil and evil good.

I remember the Lord specifically telling me not to pray for the country, as it was under judgment, but He “strongly instructed” me to pray for the PEOPLE! I (we) was (are) not to give up on the people. 

Therefore, the country is under judgment and it shall be and is being carried out, yet the heart of the Lord is still for the people, so I was to PRAY for them, which I have done and still continue to do as led.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance. [2Pet 3:9]

THAT is still, and always has been, the Lord’s heart, just as it was in the days of Noah. It is why Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) was sent to us, to redeem us, to pave a way back to the Father for us. Bless the Lord!

In 2012, the Lord was urging people, self included, to put away anything and everything “unclean”, or not of Him, any bad habit, any hidden sin, any unforgiveness (bitterness), all unrighteous anger etc. to “put it away” – get rid of all that was/is not of Him, for the days are numbered and time short.

We will never reach perfection in these vessels we live in with its fallen nature. That is a no-brainer, although there are a few who actually look in the mirror and see perfection - deception blinds its followers. 

However, as I very recently shared with a beloved sister in Christ, when we are told to “be perfect”, in the Hebrew it means to be “complete”, “whole”, “mature”. In due process with the Lord, we can manage that. Just as in the natural, we mature…and we can only be whole and complete in Christ Jesus (Yeshua). There is NO OTHER WAY – no shortcuts. We have to go through the straight and narrow gate; no climbing over the wall. It is unacceptable! Period.

I had said to see Amos 5:14, 16 –

Seek good, and not evil, that you may live: and so the Lord the God of hosts shall be with you, as you have spoken. [14]

Therefore the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord, says thus; Wailing shall be in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! Alas! And they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skillful of lamentation to wailing. [16]

God Always Offers A Way 

But is it not like the Lord to always speak of judgment, yet offer a way out (grace and mercy)? –  we repent, and He, through Jesus/Yeshua the Christ, is gracious and merciful in granting forgiveness, and a promise to be with us, watching over all that concerns us. He expresses it in many different ways, but he “always” offers hope when genuine repentance occurs. I reckon that is why Jeremiah 7:23 was written at the very end of the page of the little bible I have.

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people: and walk you in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

Sadly, verse 24 states that they would not hear or listen, but walked in the counsels and in the imaginations of their own (evil) heart, and went backward and not forward. Tragically, society globally is doing that again. Our necks have been stiffened, hearts have been hardened, love is waxing cold, ears are not listening, and anger and rebellion are on the rise.

There is still a way out. It is still through repentance, but only upon believing Jesus is the Messiah, the Word come in the flesh, who walked amongst us. He was crucified, died and was buried, but the good news is that He arose again, seen by hundreds of witnesses and is ever ready to forgive whosoever.

He gave His life willingly so that all “could” return to the Father (personal choice, not forced, but keep in mind that salvation is a free gift – not for sale, can’t be bought).

The Lord is warning us, and yes, go ahead and call it fearmongering if you so choose; however, we are being warned that things are at a critical point, and we are to press in to our Lord and pray. God guides us by His Spirit through Jesus/Yeshua – He uses various ways and means, but the written Word still speaks to us today. 

God speaks through His word, although he can speak through any one and in any way he so chooses. We must look to God, not man. Man will fail you; I will fail you - God (Yeshua/Jesus) will never fail, never!

We need to individually be led of the Lord. He promised to do so, BUT we cannot lean on our own understanding. Our understanding and reason will fail us in these deceptive, “every man for himself” mentality days. God (YHVH) is bringing the true followers of Christ together, and in touch with each other.

Let us obey the words of wisdom and instruction: Study the Word; pray instantly and pray for one another.

Sincere Prayer

How far we have strayed as nations, as people, Lord. I am pricked in my heart, and bow my head with a clenched fist over my heart, for the uncleanness we have allowed our flesh to enjoy.

O Lord, forgive us for feasting on:

* - temptations that satisfy our souls

* - for the unclean things we have allowed our eyes to see

* - for the unclean things we have allowed our ears to hear

* - for the lusts, ungodly desires and wants our flesh hungers and longs for

* - for the impure thoughts we have allowed ourselves to entertain in our minds

O Lord, O Lord, who will save us from ourselves? Yeshua/Jesus, you did more for us than I think we even understand or comprehend. Thank You, be glorified and exalted on high.

Forgive us for coveting or hoarding things we find pleasant to our souls. We covet houses and fill them with all kinds of comforts and pleasantries. We covet fast and attractive transportation, fine linens and materials to clothe ourselves in, piercings of all kinds and in any desired area on our bodies to draw attention to ourselves, fine jewelry to attract the eyes of others.

You do not forbid such, but you warn us against covetousness and greed. Are these things more important to us than You? God forbid.

Forgive us for exalting man above Your Son and Your Word - celebrities, singers, actors/actresses, inspirational speakers, political figures and even religious leaders with charisma, eloquent and smooth words and flattering lips, tickling the ears of the listeners and causing us to love the creation or created more than the Creator, the one, true Living God. Yeshua/Jesus - the WORD come in the flesh.

Forgive us Lord! Forgive me...for anything or any one that I ever put before you. I repent and ask your forgiveness if I have done this - and if I have done that now (or do it), take away any blindness and cause these things to be exposed.

Our leaders have led the people astray; our country is filled with idols, abominations, lusts, witchcraft and all manner of evil. We have forsaken God; everyone doing what is right in their own eyes. Turn hearts around Lord...many are lost, blind, deaf, deceived.

Heal the blind and deaf. Bring people out of deception, offering them yet another chance to repent. O Lord, in judgment, remember mercy. I know Your Word will be carried out and not return void...bring Your people even closer to you Lord, as we cry out to You.

Help us to lay down all that is not of you. Help us to place that which we hold dear upon the altar, trusting you to do what you see as best. May we decrease and Christ Jesus/Yeshua increase. May You (Yeshua/Jesus) be our first love, and not our last thought.

As those (we) who love you pick up their (our) own crosses, wash us of any uncleanness and be glorified, precious Lamb of God. May the putrid stench of sins and corruption of the flesh be done away with and may Jesus shine through us, lifted up on high and exalted!

Create in us a clean heart, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Circumcise our hearts so no unnecessary flesh rules. Circumcise our ears so that we only hear the true Shepherd, for your sheep hear your voice and another we will not follow.

Take your rightful place on the throne of our hearts and may Your pure light shine forth drawing others out of gross darkness and unto Yourself. Teach us to walk in true humility and love; not the false, superficial "love" the world gives, but the love that abhors sins and speaks truth.

Set a guard upon our lips, so that like Yeshua/Jesus, we speak when we should speak, and be silent when we should be silent, so that You alone are glorified in these vessels. It is so hard to tame the tongue, Lord. We need your help. We are but one out of billions, even trillions, when counting those who went before us. Help us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought.

Protect the brethren; guide us surely; shine forth in us and by your precious and Holy Spirit, help us to be all that you created us to be, so that through it all, You are glorified through Jesus/Yeshua Messiah.

for His glory

Bonita                           dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Addendum: I realize it has been a few months since I've blogged, but I see blogspot changed its format somewhat (in set up), but surreal, what a hard time I had posting this -- mind boggling!