Paradigm Shift-Part Two-- Every Believer Goes Thru Dark Seasons

If you missed the first part, it is here:

Paradigm Shift: A Message When Least Expected

Now to what the Lord led me to write…

Garden of Gethsemane

then Jesus said to His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me.

For whosever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it. [Mat 16:24, 25]

As in the processes of dying and birthing, a paradigm shift is occurring, from that which was, to that which must be. It begins in your own garden of Gethsemane. Here is where great darkness falls upon the soul and spirit and the travailing begins. The flesh cries out, not desiring to suffer and die.  

This is the point where many give up; they will only go so far, for as the rich man who could not part with his riches, so there are things that many of My people refuse to surrender. Therefore, in love and mercy, I send forth chastisement, to see if they will endure correction. Yet again, I shall purge My people and prune away many branches, to see if fruit will come forth in a new season.

This is where everything and everyone will seem to be against you; and things only seem to get worse – and darker; like a horrible pit full of miry (swampy) clay. This is where you will either cry out to Me, or turn away. Press in, endure, keep in the race, cling to Me, for I AM with you.

Immovable Faith

You will feel shaken, horribly shaken, but fear not. Have I not said that all that can be shaken will be shaken? Yes, you have heard this and you have read it in My word. 

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 12:27] 

This is a good work, if you understand the purpose. The dross must be shaken loose, so it will surface, for dross is skimmed as it surfaces. Your faith must be immovable. Labor and travail, for it shall not be in vain.  Let your labor be done in fear and trembling. Trust Me. 

 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.  [Pro 25:4]

To those whose house is built upon the rock, though the winds blow and the house is shaken, it shall not fall. Remain steadfast and unmovable in faith.  Lo, I AM doing a good work.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. [1Cor 15:58]

 

Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  [Phil 2:28]

Who has not gone through these dark times? All My people have gone through great darkness; yet in great travailing, weeping and praying, they persevere and go through. In the shaking, your eyes shall be opened and you shall see all that is not of Me. Will you trust Me through it all?

All that is not of Me shall surface and nothing shall remain secret. Let it go in repentance and believe in Me. Submit yourself to Me, resist the enemy who seeks to keep you in bondage and he must flee.[Jam 4:7] I have chosen this furnace of affliction for you, yet it is for good, as you cling to Me and follow the leading of My holy Spirit in you. Submit My child to the work I AM doing and fear not.

2012-sex and drug scandal
Ted Haggard

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  [Eccl 12:14]

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. [Mk 4:22]

Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.  [Is 48:10]

Cry out to Me and I hear you. My hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor is My ear heavy that it cannot hear. [Is 59:1]

Who is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of his servant, that walks in darkness, and has no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. [Is 50:10]

Forgiveness is Crucial

Let no bitterness, no strife, no hatred, no anger, no jealousy, no envying, let nothing that is not of Me be found in you. Let forgiveness pour out from your heart, for it shall be a healing balm to you. 

Think upon Saul and David. Even when David knew he was anointed to be king and Saul sought to kill David, did My servant David rise up in pride? Did he kill Saul when he had the chance?

No, he cut a piece of Saul’s robe one time, to let Saul know that he had the opportunity to kill him, but did not. He submitted himself to Saul, who was still king and trusted Me to work things out.

Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered you today into my hand in the cave: and some bade (told) me kill you: but my eye spared you; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.  [1Sam 24:10]

 

     And he (Saul) said to David, You are more righteous than I: for you have rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded you evil.

And you have shown this day how that you have dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into your hand, you killed me not.  [1Sam 24: 17,18]

Though he spoke fair words and understood the mercy David showed him, Saul did not genuinely repent. Therefore, I say unto you, do not be as Saul. Genuinely repent and believe, forgive and die to self; then shall you be raised up and become the new man. I shall have a holy people, without spot or blemish. Yea and if you fall, I say rise up, rise up again, and cry out to Me.

For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. [Pro24: 16]

Do Not Fear the Darkness

When the darkness comes upon you, as you go through the dark season, I shall shine My light upon your heart and reveal the secret things that you have not known are there. 

Fear not; neither be dismayed or confounded. Be strong and of good courage. I work in the darkness; I work in ways you cannot see.

Your emotional condition is not necessarily your heart condition. Allow this piercing of the heart, for out of the wound shall pour forth all that festers and infects you. 

Surrender it into My hands with genuine repentance, believe and I shall heal you; you shall have a new heart. I shall shine My light into the darkness, and shall shine light upon your heart.  Then shall you see clearly; then shall you know my glory in the face of My Son.

                                     

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [1Cor 4:6]

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon you, and his glory shall be seen upon you. [Is 60:2]

My people must go through these dark times. Many have despaired, been troubled, perplexed, cast down and cried out to Me. Those whom I have raised up mightily went through the darkness that came upon them. 

They cried out to Me, yet felt so helpless, alone and abandoned, not understanding the times of My silence. If you fall, rise back up again. Repent and believe and let your faith hold fast to Me.

Think upon My friend Abraham, after I told him about the son that he would have, and that he would be the father of many nations. What happened?

                                  

And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him.  [Gen 15:12]

 Did Moses fear the darkness or did he know that even in the darkness, he would find Me?

And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. [Ex 20:21]

 And you came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness

Think upon the apple of My eye, David. Did he not travail in times of the darkness that came upon his soul? Did he not feel so alone?

O LORD, why do you cast my soul away?  Why do you hide your face from me? Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless [Psalm 88:14,15]

You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Lover and friend have you put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness  [Ps 88:6, 18]

 Two godly men who feared and obeyed God wrote about their dark time - their dark night of the soul. Oswald Chambers wrote a poem called, ‘Dark Night of the Soul’, in his book, ‘Abandoned to God’.

[NOTE*: Title corrected. I had mistakenly put "by" instead of "to". It read "Abandoned BY God", instead of 'Abandoned TO God'.  [Words highlighted to show correction] - Hearty 'shout-out' and a sincere 'thank you' to Donna L. for noticing my mistake. Great catch, Donna! Heads up appreciated. Salute - BP2025]

Cut it off. My heart is bleeding,

And my spirit’s wrung in pain,

Yet I hear my Jesus pleading,

Cut it off or all is vain.

So I’ve stopped my ears in terror

Lest self-pity make me quail,

Lest at last I take the error

And God’s purpose thwart and fail.

I am bowed to death in sadness,

For the pain is all too great,

But the dear Lord must find pleasure

In the way He maketh straight.

In the late 1600s, François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon (please do not ask me to pronounce that), often called Francois Fenelon [that's better, easier] was a French Catholic archbishop, theologian, poet and writer.  

He wrote: His [God’s] transformation is done on the cross in darkness, poverty and death.

godly men

Think upon Elijah, Job, Moses and Paul. Have you felt as they did? Have you wanted Me to take you away from the earth? Have you despaired desperately? Yes, you have. Lo, I AM with you.

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he 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. [1Kings 19: 4]

 

What happened? A paradigm shift… An angel came, touched him and Elijah went on his journey with new strength (new hope) after eating ‘meat’ that I sent.

And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. [1Kings19: 7, 8] 

Depression is a reality
-
Job, Moses, Elijah, Saul, David, 
all suffered bouts of depression.
It is not always due to sin.

Moses, who was faithful and meek, despaired over the constant complaining and bitterness of the people. Now the Israelites were not satisfied with manna anymore; they wanted meat. It seemed more than Moses could bear because the people never seemed satisfied and were angry with him. He wanted to die.

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 You, out of hand, if I have found favour in Your sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. [Num11: 14,15]

What happened? A paradigm shift… I commanded Moses to gather seventy men of the elders of Israel, and I put the spirit that had been upon Moses upon them, so that Moses should not bear the burden of the people alone, and the seventy prophesied throughout the camp. Then I answered his prayer and sent meat to the people, but the lust of their flesh did anger me. [Num 11:25, 31-33]

Even the apostles despaired at times and desired to leave this life.

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: [2Cor 1:8]

   We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; [2Cor4:8,9]

Yet again, a paradigm shift took place, as once again My people were strengthened…

But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  [2Cor 15: 57]

So shall it be with My people who persevere, who go through the dark seasons, who cry out in repentance, if there be need in any area for repentance. Yea, cry out to Me and I shall strengthen you as you go through purging and purification. 

End of Part 2 - Paradigm Shift

Tomorrow will conclude with Part 3

for His glory

Bonita                        dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Beware the Days

Seeding in Night's Darkness

It is a time of great darkness upon the lands, globally. It does not take a prophet to see that; it simply takes a holy Spirit-filled child of obedience, a child of salt and light, holding fast to God through his Son, Jesus Christ.

Have you noticed how many people these past several years state that they do not want to be identified as "Christian" anymore because Satan and his ilk have muddied the waters, and smudged the defining lines? 

I went through it myself. The new buzz word being 'non-denominational'. A demonic entity named Abaddon (Apollyon: Grk), meaning 'destroyer' or "place of destruction" [Heb]. [Rev 9:11]

The words of Yeshua (our Jesus) come back to mind. When the darkness is discerned [by the fruit], it is as the Lord forewarned. We are now living in the days described as being similar to the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, and yes, as in the final days of Noah.

The people were rebellious, and they are now too. They had no fear of the Lord; everyone did as they pleased. That is happening on many levels and in many arenas today. Violence, lawlessness, perversion, hatred, deception, chaos, savage [mercilessness], continuous abominations - it all cover the lands (globally).

It is no secret; it takes little discernment; however, many are in denial. Even children are becoming more violent. Multitudes are searching, angry, feeling hopeless, hungry for truth and for heroes. The stage is set for a famine to come upon the land. Scripture twisted, misconstrued, portions left off in order to 'fit' a false teaching.

Multitudes are ignoring the correction of straight shooters (the true men of God who stand strong against the naysayers and preach the sound doctrine of the gospel. The Lord warned through Amos that a famine would come over the land if people continued chasing after the false prophets, false apostles and false teachers.

Jesus is faithful. He has solid teachers on the social media platforms, but people are upset when they speak against their idols (false prophets/apostles/teachers). 

Something has happened, and it has happened in the good master's fields. It was soon discerned that an enemy has intentionally brought in bad seed. What to do, what to do? The faithful servants ran to their master, very upset and not knowing what to do. Trust Jesus [Yeshua].

Do not panic. Do not fear, our Lord gently and calmly states. The master knew who was responsible for the 'mixture' in the field. The servants want to know if they should go out to the fields and gather up all the tares.

Our wisdom is foolishness to Yahweh (Almighty God), but His wisdom is magnificent! The master patiently instructs them further. The Lord speaks through His Word in the message I will write below.

Remember, even in the darkness, there is hope because Light always overcomes darkness - yet there are times it requires patience in the waiting...

All things were made by him [the Word/Jesus-Yeshua]; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness has not overcome it. [Jn1:5] ESV

Each One of Us Can Be a Watchman [Ezek 33:1-9]

Imagine sitting around a big table or relaxing in the living room with brothers and sisters in Christ [true brethren], discussing what is going on. We all have something to share. It is a time of sobriety and alertness...serious times, but not a time to fear - it is more of a time to wait upon the Lord.

We recognize our need for one another, as each part of the true body appreciates each member. We discern our need for one another, and the part each one is assigned to. We move harmoniously as the Head of the Body directs.

Healthy grapes cling to the Vine - if grapes separate
from the vine, they will perish. Hold fast!

It is a no-brainer (pardon the pun) > Without the Head, the body will perish. If the Body is separated from the Head, it would perish as surely as grapes would wither and perish when separated from the Vine.

When I write, I normally envision that I am speaking to my sisters in Christ because I am more at ease, at least, at this time in my life. Yet, what I have to say is for any who have ears to hear, and who are willing to take matters to the Lord in prayer.

My message is a sobering one; one of concern. Have you noticed how many hearts are waxing cold? Have you noticed evil exalted, witchcraft is now entertainment? 

Back in the 70s, there was a show called Bewitched, with a family of witches, a mixture of good, bad, and mischievous. Then, there was the spinoff of Tabitha, the good witch. In the 80s there was Buffy, the Vampire Slayer and Charmed (about three 'good' witches - the 'power of three')

Then the book series of Harry Potter came out. In the 90s, my son had to study the books, part of the curriculum. If they refused to do the studies or tests, it would be an automatic 'fail'.

We are literally in the days where good is being called evil, and evil good. 

Woe unto them that call evil good, and evil good; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. [Is 5:20]

Violence is increasing, fueled by hatred. Sin around the world multiplies, and wickedness rules with lawlessness and spiritual depravity.

Ukraine Gay Pride Parade 
erupted into violence
June 6, 2015

Once again sin has grossly corrupted mankind to such a degree that rebellion, spiritual blindness, and pride reject the living God [El Shaddai] and Jesus, the only begotten Son born of a virgin.

Yet, we are not without hope. Jesus/Yeshua is calling people, a call to repentance, a call to holiness, a time to take a stand. The line is drawn and the Lord is calling those of us who are His to abide; choose this day, then stand strong. 

I have planned to be reading the Word more thoughtfully. I need to be more disciplined because some days I tend to be lackadaisical, allowing my flesh to rob me of enthusiasm and hope. Nevertheless, giving up is never an option. 

view from my living room window 
Coldstream, B.C.
June 2015

I do love the Word of God. It contains everything: wisdom, comfort, correction, guidance, humour, fear of the Lord,  instruction, rebuke, warning, love, mercy, grace, hope...everything. 

The picture above was taken at 5:50 (heading for six in the morning). I had had a good night's sleep. I opened my blinds. The morning sun was at just at the brink of the mountaintops. Low-lying clouds rested just above the lake. I could hear the mourning doves and other little birds.

It was so calm and serene; my heart just filled with thanksgiving to God, the Creator...and it seemed like the perfect picture as the beauty was doubled by the reflection in the Kalamalka Lake waters. II am glad I took a picture that day.

Sometimes... sometimes loneliness is like a shroud, but it can be removed. We have the privilege of being able to go to our Creator, our Saviour and Redeemer. It really is something all of us can be a part of...it is why Jesus/Yeshua came- so that we could repent and be forgiven of our sins, and escape thehorrific lake of fire, and be reconciled back to our heavenly Father. I exalt You, King Jesus - thank You!

Christ meets my spiritual loneliness, but when it tempts my flesh... perhaps I should drive down to the lake. I can see the beauty outside my apartment window, but it is always nice to just  go and sit right down by the water.

One can listen to the waves, and the melody of the birds, and listen to the interesting sounds other creatures of nature make - feel the cool breeze, and then,

...swat away mosquitoes, and quickly head back to the car (chuckles). Time for a hot cup of coffee for me...tea or juice for others perhaps.

A Message:

Be a voice, a messenger of a simple message...one child speaking to the others, to the brethren, to all who have ears to hear and are listening, and who have pure hearts.

Hearts purged and purified in the fires [of trial and affliction], washed in the precious blood of the Lamb and filled with the Holy Spirit who leads us in obedience to the commandments, and helps us in doing the will of the Lord - hearts filled with the love of God. Selah

A man went into the fields at night and sowed tares amongst the wheat.

Open your eyes and abide deeper in Christ Jesus/Yeshua. Doubt is a 'tare-type' of seed. It is a truth that all people have doubts at times. Do not feed and water [unhealthy] doubt, or it will turn into a harvest of unbelief.

Open your ears to hear before the man (adversary) in the dark night plants seeds of doubt. Stay alert. Pray to be awakened, and [to be] awake when you must be.

 For your adversary, the devil, is like a roaring lion, prowling around, seeking whom he may devour. [1Pet 5:8]

On the other hand: (Keep in mind, it has been the last days since the days of the apostles)

The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

 

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. [Mat 13:24-26; 30]

Harvest time approaches. Did you ever notice how the heads of the tares stand proudly above all the wheat at harvest time, yet the wheat bows humbly in the mighty wind.

Cast down the imaginations that torment [fear has torment] and toss your faith around like a ball in a tennis court. There must be no [unhealthy] doubt. Fight it. Resist the strongman who presents deception. Pray. Bind up the tares together - Then cast out doubt, confusion, any and all fear.

[End of message]

What I understand:

For a season, I got caught up in the "binding" and "loosing" doctrine because the first church I went to after the orphanage was a Word of Faith. I do not remember any other name by which it was called.

My first prophetic dream was about me entering a literal longhouse. I was going down a very long hallway that had many doors. Some I did not enter, some I did. But unfortunately I got a very wet foot, and when I looked down, much to my chagrin, I was almost ankle deep with one foot in urine.

That dream is over two decades old, and I still do not have full understanding of all of it. But the 'doors' represent either churches I visited or teachings I was taught. The urine means "waste". 

In other words, I ran into some bad teaching, false doctrines, which are a complete 'waste' of time, and of no spiritual use. Binding and loosing was one of those teachings.

An interesting piece of trivia. In my dream, I entered into a very long house. In reality, the Vikings were known to build longhouses, but so were the indigenous peoples of Ontario and Quebec. In particular were the Haudenosaunee [Iroquois-On] and Huron-Wendat [NE]; actually known as Northeastern Natives, so that would include the Northeastern part of the U.S. also.

The longhouses were used for shelter, communal living, keeping livestock and crops, and more. In my dream, it was a longhouse, yet the interior looked more modern with modern doors and drywalled walls. It was not a bright walk at the beginning - interestingly enough. I do know at first I was walking in darkness, as the Lord did deliver me from legion. I have so much to be grateful for - so much.

Binding and Loosing

One of the things that was taught at the Word of Faith church was the idea of binding and loosing demonic activity. I knew absolutely nothing when I went to the church. It was across the street from the fourplex I lived in at the time in Maple Ridge, BC, over 45 years ago. There was not much to the town back then.

All I knew was that Jesus was born of a virgin named Mary and was called the Son of God, fully God, fully man - sinless, perfect in every way. He was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day He was resurrected by the precious and Holy Spirit of God - He was seen by hundreds of witnesses, some of whom were also resurrected when He was (Christ being the first fruits). 

He walked amongst the people for 40 days and then ascended into heaven. He is coming again at a time appointed, that no one knows but God the Father alone.

That is it. I was completely open to being taught beyond that. 

In the orphanage, all the masses were in Latin. What I learned about Christianity was from Herbie, a Volkswagen car that spoke about Jesus and angels. The headlights were the eyes, the grill was the mouth, the side mirrors were his ears. He loved Jesus and he loved children. The microphone was hidden, but someone heard the children's questions and answered them. We 'all' loved Herbie, and he loved the children, as did Jesus.

I do not know what organization sponsored Herbie to come and teach us (the orphans), but two times is all that I remember. Jesus sounded like a very nice person. Not all of us were orphans. In fact, most of us had one or two living parents, but for one reason or another, they could not keep us. 

My two older brothers went to foster homes. Terrified that I would end up in a foster home and be lost to the system, my mother paid $100/month to Heathfield, in exchange for me staying there. That was a lot of money in the late 50s, early 60s.

The teaching of binding and loosing any demon and their activity was taught at a church in a small town where I lived with my boyfriend for a short time. Sometimes I saw results for this method (demonic activity stopped, or what was perceived as demonic) stopped. Whether the Lord stepped in and took over, I do not know, but other times, the battle seemed relentless.

But I do know that tithing 10% was also taught, then above that, we were to give if we wanted God to bless us. So many times I would be broke, unable to pay a bill because the ten percent of the 'gross' pay was to be paid, not the net.

Many fights with my then-boyfriend, who refused church, would erupt, and physical abuse was the result. At times, I had to neglect the Lord, but when I chose to "honour God first", the 'missing money' meant I was 'stealing' again and boom - unacceptable!

It was a tough call. In order to be obedient to God, tithing and giving, I had to deceive and lie. If I did not there was trouble to pay. When the boyfriend got drunk (yes, I drank in those days too), he would pass out. That was the only difference. 

Then I could take money out of his wallet (to tithe), and he would think he spent it. He would not say anything to me, nor did I. Needless to say, I did not go to church very often.

It was with great earnest that I would bind the adversary and his wicked armies. I also 'loosed' the Holy Spirit to intervene. Without going into all the details, it was several years (off and on - financially, I could not afford to be consistent) before I stopped binding and loosing.

Firstly, I only went to that church for eight or nine months before we moved back to Vancouver. It was the following year that the office Christmas party fiasco happened, and I was beaten beyond recognition.

The church was an hour's drive away. I hitchhiked there, desperately needing comfort and direction. My boyfriend had fled the province the morning after he beat me up because I was in such bad shape he knew that he would be charged by the police (not me). He also knew that there would not be a warrant for his arrest issued for physical assault causing bodily harm.

I cleaned up and hitchhiked to the church, waiting until everyone left the service. Only the two pastors were there, but when I went in only the youth pastor was in the sanctuary. He was five years younger than me, married.

He had just asked me what happened to me. Not knowing what to say, I simply said, "Life." He questioned, "Life?" - not knowing what I meant. Just then, the senior pastor came rushing into the church through a hallway side door.

Before I knew what was happening, he had grabbed my arm and was quickly escorting me out. I was on my tiptoes trying to keep up. He took me to the building's side door, opened it, and literally threw me out. No 'demons' were allowed in his church. The glasses on my face flew off - I could not see them.

I knocked on the door, then I saw them on the ground. No one answered the door. I picked up the glasses and slowly walked to the road. At that moment, I was sure that God himself threw me out of His church. 

It seemed as if God was agreeing with the pastor. Was it okay that my boyfriend had beaten me up? Maybe it was because I drank and smoked herb. Then I show up at a church. I probably should have skipped church.

God was obviously not pleased. I was kicked out of the church that taught me that we could bind and loose demons. We could command the angels. God was showing me that I did not belong to the family. 

Jesus had rejected me. He showed me that through one of his people, the pastor at that church. It would be 13 years before I ever set foot in a church again, and it would only be because (once again), I had no one to turn to.

False Doctrine

This post is not about that teaching. Please search it out. I will say this but I urge the reader to please PRAY if you have been taught the doctrine of binding and loosing. Find a godly preacher who sticks to sound doctrine, and learn what he says.

We are told to "resist the devil", but even that is not some magic formula as some make it out to be. We cannot even RESIST the devil unless we are FIRST submitted to God. Yahweh is the one who commands angels (holy and unholy alike), not us. 

Search the scriptures. I do not see Paul, Peter, James, John or any apostle 'binding' or 'loosing' demons. Paul commanded the spirit of divination (python) to come out of the maiden, and it did, much to the hatred and anger of her handlers...

They made a fortune off of her prophesying. She was a false prophet, yet her prophecies came true. Why? Because of Satan. What fruit did she bear? Multitudes would say she had good fruit, but it was rotten to the core...

But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

Fruit - The blade sprung up and brought forth fruit. It struck me; I had not noticed it before. We are told that we shall know them by their fruit. We cannot know the heart because only God can know it.

It is true, God gives us a new heart when we are born again; however, it is a process PLUS we have the carnal nature within us until the day these fallen, earthly vessels die. So, yes, we are a new creation when we are born-again, but it is a process, back tp

But the fruit is there for all to see. It may look perfect and beautiful, but it is plastic (not real, of not [nutritional] worth - it is for "looks" only (outward appearances)].

Gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles

Call out the false teachers, false prophets, false apostles, false brethren(is that not like 'binding them' together in bundles? The Lord with his holy angels will do the rest. We do our part; the Lord does His. 

Thank You Holy Spirit - for eyes to see; for correction, for understanding. You are high and lifted it Messiah, be glorified.

What We are Being Shown

not playing

It is no game and the adversary is not playing. Just as Judas, the enemy approaches with a smile, smooth words and a kiss of betrayal. Such will eat with you, walk with you, and even appear to be a disciple of Jesus.

Their words are most convincing, but their heart is not truly for God. It is for their own personal gain - position, power, monetary.

Once again - once again. These are the days of the Judas', be aware!  

It is a time for those with a spirit as Jezebel, one who will prophesy, telling people what they want to hear, turning people [slowly, yet cleverly] to a false god (a false Jesus). It is one who will assassinate the characters of God's Holy Spirit-filled people and any who stand in her way. 

These are the days of seducing spirits, be aware! They will lure you away from God if they can, with temptations that are seductive to your weaknesses. Demons do not tempt you where you are strong, but where you are weak.

Look for the Balaam of today. Test every spirit to see if it is of God. Balaam did hear from God, but he was not His prophet of God; he was a diviner. Balaam could only speak what God had told him to say. 

Remember, he WAS a prophet, but money, that was what he wanted  Yet, he still devised a plan to go around what God spoke (blessings upon His people) to lead the Lord's people into worshipping false gods (idols) and into sexual immorality.

He was a double agent, untrustworthy, but he likely had a charismatic smile. He  His wickedness was all in order to gain the filthy lucre promised by king Balak. He sought worldly reward, to be well-known, sought after...rubbing shoulders with the "kings" -   

Balaam was a soothsayer, a diviner. He betrayed God's people (Israelites) for money, for position (favour with the king). God saw the heart of the 

These are the days of those like Balaam, ready to deceive or lead astray for personal gain. There is no fear of the living God, and the ways certain 
'Christians' try to get around God's will is as Balaam (to get what they want). 

Even their prayers are to bend God's will to their will, so they can get what they want and not what God sees as best. They excuse their sins.  After all, they repeat, "God understands. He made me. I'm a born-again believer, under grace."  This is referred to as "charismatic witchcraft". 

Beware of those who walk as Balaam did.

Seducing spirits that deceive (is there any evil spirit that does not deceive?) are rampant in the world. As Jesus forewarned, "Take heed no man (person) deceive you."  [Mat 24:4]

When people hear the word "lust", they automatically think sexually. It is true that sexual immorality is at an all-time high. People literally go through "the motions" on the dance floor, particularly sodomy. 

Clothes for men and of course women, leave nothing to the imagination. In fact, today's fashions are mostly see-through, or the material covers just enough to tempt and stir up the sexual lusts of others, or that you will not be arrested for indecent exposure. 

Yet, nowadays, with the way the courts and the laws are going, that charge may not even exist, or it is rarely implemented. These days, sex outside of marriage is taken for granted. 

There are also far too many married people today who forget their vows and sneak around in adulterous relationships, and the birth of the internet makes it so much easier to deceive a spouse and others.  

Just as the Israelites in the days of Moses, hearts became hardened and some of the people "tired" of their spouses and wanted "something new". It mattered not who was put to shame, what families were torn apart, or who was hurt in the process, so long as the "two" lusting after each other were happy, that is all that mattered. 

In anger, Moses finally permitted what became known as 'a writing of divorcement' (the first original divorce certificate).  However, that does not mean that God agreed with the choice of certain individuals. Self-centered, proud, covetous (often), ungrateful, uncommitted...the list goes on.

They (Pharisees) say unto Him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?  He (Jesus/Yeshua) said to them, Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

And I say to you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoso marries her which is put away does commit adultery.  [Mat 19:7-9]

(Note* - I must add that I do believe that if a man (yes, it sometimes happens), or a woman and/or children are being beaten or worse that God would not insist that those in danger should stay in such a place, and to leave for safety at the first opportunity.

That is all I will say on it at this time, but I still exhort each and all, to take everything to the Lord. Everyone has an opinion, but God's wisdom and direction surpasses all. He knows what is best and will guide those who trust Him to lead. - BP)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.  [Prov 3:5, 6]

Watch for seducing spirits. They are not just out in the world, but seducing spirits have even entered the churches. In fact, they love to tempt the followers/disciples of Christ Jesus (Christians) the most. 

seducing spirits are in the churches
many prophesy

Be sober. Be vigilant because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour. [1Pet 5:8]

They will lead you away from God, away from Jesus/Yeshua. If you are a Christian and you give in to seducing spirits, you may try to justify it with the doctrines of devils. These spirits will lead you away from the faith. All of us have to be on guard.

It can start with flatteries or compliments, smooth words, charismatic smiles, or stroking a person's ego with smooth words and a type of admiration. Laughter and fun times will be thrown in to spice things up. Then before one knows it, they are over their heads in sin. If they enjoy the sin, guaranteed that it all will be justified, even to the point to saying it is God's will.

Divorce is never God's will. In today's society, nearly everything is throwaway or replaceable, including relationships. Do not be deceived. Stay very close to God. 

                                     

Flee fornication; flee from temptation. Flee. All of us must be careful. Beware, least you fall. Do not be as David with Bathsheba. 

Be as Joseph with Potiphar's wife. David paid the consequences the rest of his life; Joseph reaped great reward.  Trust God!

These are the days of seducing spirits...and every kind of evil and deception. Stay close to God, no matter what. Stay in the Word. Sins have consequences. We all have sinned, but we must crucify the flesh daily...cry out to God to help if it is too much.

Finally, beware of deception. It will come in unexpected ways and forms.  That is why it is called deception. It is never as one expects, and often, not through people or means that we expect either.

I bring deception up lastly because most people, even unbelievers, are aware of the falsehoods, the deception and lies so magnified in the world today. Since the 2016 elections, the phrase "fake news" has become the newest buzzword. 

When His disciples asked Jesus what they should look for and what would be the sign of His return, the Lord Jesus Christ began His warning with "deception".
Take heed no man deceives you. The Messiah did not waste words, yet He spoke of deception three or four times in a very short time period.

In the latter days, which we are heavily into now, Jesus (Yeshua) went on to mention deception four more times in His warning and prophesying.  It seems only appropriate to mention it here as well, since our Saviour (Messiah) felt it necessary to mention it so many times in His talk regarding the last days just before His return.

Take heed that no man (or woman - no one) deceive you. [Jesus/Yeshua]

Beware the days and time we are in!
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Time Flies

Three months ago (March 6), I was discharged from hospital. A day or two after that I came upon Isaiah 40 (my Bible immediately opened there, without a bookmark). I trust Jesus - no other! It begins:

Comfort you, comfort My people, says your God. Speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she has received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins.

The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  [Is 40:1-3]

Three or four more times over the next couple of weeks the Bible kept opening there, without bookmark or wear and tear that would immediately open the book there.  From the first time and right through, I asked the Lord, "How? How do I ...or even, how can I comfort your people, Lord?"

I felt the Lord was asking the wrong person to comfort the brethren. As I searched for the answers to the "hows", life continued and searching the heart was heavy and deep. How? Simple - point to the cross, the blood-stained cross.

This whole life means nothing without Jesus. Keep a repentant heart. He is what all of us need, whether we know it or not, or believe it or not. I laid down pride...Lord help me to die to self. Flesh ---

Faith became shaken, but not done away with. I know that I know that I know, I am not the only one whose faith is shaken and tried...and more than once. What could I possibly say, and why is He asking me at my lowest point?

Perhaps in the writing, it will help another. Because when one part of the Body hurts, we all hurt. When one part rejoices, we rejoice. May the Holy Spirit help me to say that which God would have me say, and may He be glorified.

It may be a few days, but it will not be a month. Shalom in Christ

It is a process - step by step, from glory to glory and it is all-- for Jesus' glory!

for His glory
Bonita                    dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com