Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Season of Silence



A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time for silence, and a time to speak

Season of Silence

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: [Eccl 3:7 and 1]

I realize this post is a day later than anticipated, but the interruptions. Ah well... Nevertheless, let us begin.

Now What, Lord?

There were many times over the past months that I had planned to post an article, but it seemed each time that I planned to do so, the Holy Spirit held me back. It was as though there was a blockade in place. It was not yet to be. I had to wait on the Lord’s timing because I was about to enter into a season that I was not expecting.

However, the Lord had things He wanted to reveal, things I was to learn and to gain understanding of. I also had to fully comprehend what “suddenly” and “unexpectedly” really entailed. However, the lesson that occurred was only the beginning of a turbulent and dark season.

Many, if not all of God’s people go through dark nights of the soul, often more than once if they have been walking with the Lord for any length of time. Some seem to enter these times more than others (as evidenced in the Bible), but Christians do experience it.

Yet, God always brings his people through without fail, always…and it goes much easier if we can but look to Jesus. That sounds easy, but when circumstances and life overwhelms us, it can quickly become desperation of the heart, mind and soul, yet the men and women of God who were forerunners in the faith would humble themselves and cry out to God, holding nothing back, yet walking in appropriate fear of the Lord. They are our examples in scripture.

It was around the year 2010, give or take, that I wrote about a saying that is often quipped in Christian circles, which is: God never gives us more than we can bear [or handle]. The cliché was inspired by the scripture posted below.

There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer (cause) you to be tempted above what you are able (to handle); but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.  [1Cor 10:13]

What I had written was that that particular scripture clearly speaks of temptations and how God makes [offers] a way of escape so that we can bear [overcome] it. It does not speak about severe trials (tests) or tribulations that present in this life.

No, it does not say that God will not give us more than we can handle. I wrote that indeed, we WILL come across many situations and trials in life that will overwhelm us and definitely cause us to think we cannot handle it or that we will not make it through. A sad reality is that some commit suicide, whilst others still fall away or walk away from the faith.

However, the purpose behind it all is to cause us to run to Jesus; to understand our need to depend on God. It is to strengthen us, and to teach us to lean on and trust God in all things.

In August 2012, I wrote an article about the “Dark Night of the Soul”. 

(Excerpt):  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.”

Charles Spurgeon once wrote: “I bear willing witness that I owe more to the fire, and the hammer, and the file, than to anything else in my Lord’s workshop. I sometimes question whether I have ever learned anything except through the rod. When my schoolroom is darkened, I see most.

One only has to search the scriptures to see godly people suffering through staggering situations, pouring out their heart in prayer to God, in brokenness, despair and great distress. But this season has somehow been very different. It was like moving from challenging tests to the intense exams, tougher and yes, more taxing. It was as if the hardest portions of all the previous individual tests were extracted and put into the granddaddy of exams.

I know that I am not alone in this…there are others who have been feeling like a fish out of water, right on the edge of the tide. The water would splash over, just enough to keep one alive, yet somehow still just out of reach to escape into the relief of freedom. The sense of being out of place was overwhelming whilst fighting to get back in the flow of things – as if a fight for hope, destiny and life were being challenged as never before.

A Storm Brewing

At the beginning of August 2018 (eight months ago), the Lord first warned me of a storm brewing. Throughout August, the warning was repeated, yet the words “escalating” and “accelerating” were added near the end of the month. I still sensed no urgency in my spirit, but I certainly paid attention and yes, I wrote about it.

In September, the words were repeated, but added to it were the words: “A storm is brewing; it is on the horizon. Escalating, escalating, accelerating – darkness, darkness, foreboding, unprecedented.” By the end of September 2018, with the words being repeated, I felt that I was to post a message, but I procrastinated because I had no idea “what” was brewing; ‘’what” was on the horizon, or “what” foreboding darkness was escalating, accelerating.

Was the message personal? Was it corporate? I wrestled with these thoughts because I had no further details. I did not want to post anything if such words were not from the Lord. It was in the second week of October that the Lord rebuked me and said I was as Jonah, and asked me why I was running. What?! 

In my heart I argued that Jonah, firstly was a prophet, whereas I am only but one of countless watchmen. Secondly, Jonah’s message was strictly to warn the Assyrians (who carried out great evil and atrocities against Israel) who were in Nineveh to repent of their wickedness and turn back to the one, true living God.

Who was my message for? What storm was brewing and what great foreboding darkness was escalating and accelerating? I had no answers. For those reasons I did not want to write an article. But God is Sovereign and His will be done, so on October 14th last year (2018), I posted the message as led.

Deep in my spirit, I knew that the Lord did not want me to fear the darkness of the approaching storm. Many times before a storm hits, we experience heavy winds that come in sudden gusts, then die out, only to come again, as in waves.
At times we may feel drops of precipitation, but we know it is not yet the storm.

This season of darkness has been different than times before, but I posted a word in the above article. In that message, I shared something the Lord had given me. Excerpt below:

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]

(End excerpt)

The Unexpected Suddenlies

Some days after posting the message in October (2018), it was during morning prayers that the Lord once again reminded me about things happening “suddenly” and “unexpectedly”. 

The first time the Holy Spirit had spoken to me about “suddenly” was back in 2008 after all my belongings inside my purse had spilled out somewhere, unnoticed by me until I went to make a purchase. All my money (nearly $400 at the time, which was nearly every penny I had to my name), my identification, everything in my wallet was gone.

I had retraced my steps throughout the entire store and out into the parking lot. I went to Customer Service to see if anyone had at least turned in a wallet – nothing. At the time I was a foreigner in the United States (from Canada) and found myself without any identification; a frightening reality.

Although the Lord had caused me to take notice of things done ‘suddenly’ and revealed in his Word (Bible), that was the first time He had strongly impressed upon my spirit the importance of being aware of “suddenlies” that come “unexpectedly”. He drove it home with me with an example, stating that there coming events will be as sudden and unexpected as the loss of a wallet.

No amount of searching would bring answers or satisfaction. People will become angry and blame each other, and many more will blame God. The article was called, “We Overcome”, written in early 2008. So in October, as I remembered what had transpired ten and a half years earlier, I understood that things that are quickly coming will indeed happen unexpectedly and suddenly.

At the same time, the Holy Spirit was letting me know that sinful people with corrupt hearts, influenced by Satan and his wicked hosts (some being literally demon-possessed) would be behind the overwhelming wickedness happening in the world, and that which is written about in God's word about the coming great tribulation. The holy Bible is full of warnings. As hard as it is for people to understand, it is all part of God’s perfect plan.

The one and only omnipotent God (Yhvh) forewarned mankind that this would all transpire. Satan does not always ask permission to wreak havoc, or to cause chaos, to test us as many people often claim that he does. They use the book of Job in the Bible to validate that statement.

Keep in mind though that Satan did not ask God if he could carry out a rebellion in heaven, nor did he ask God if he could tempt Eve in the Garden of Eden. However, at the same time, remember that God is Sovereign. Try as he may (and he does), Satan cannot overrule the will of God.  

We do not fully understand why God allowed the heavenly rebellion or the temptation in Eden. We try to reason it out and speculate with the information we have. But one thing we can be confident of, God is omniscient (all-wise; all-knowing, all-seeing). He is Sovereign and omnipotent (all-powerful, almighty). Our own wisdom is foolishness to God.

The very morning after (November 7, 2012) Obama was elected for a second term, I was led to write, Now It Begins. Below is an excerpt:

I have risen from My throne. The shaking increases – judgment falls, and has been falling for some time. It shall increase. It is moving over the lands as surely as death moved over Egypt at the time that the first born of both man and beast were slain [Ex11:5] when Pharaoh’s hard heart had no fear of the Creator of all things. 

(End excerpt)

A Sudden and Unexpected Occurrence

The Holy Spirit had spoken to me once again about how God does things suddenly and unexpectedly, yet cautioned me that the adversary (Satan) does the same, always seeking to counterfeit the things of God (Yhvh). On that same day, on a return home from running errands in town, I was waiting for a green light.

At that time of the year (October 20th) here in British Columbia, Canada the sun is right on the horizon at 4:30 in the afternoon, which is very challenging for drivers facing west. I had put the sun visor down, but the sun was still at such a degree that the visor was of no help.

I was in the left turning lane, awaiting a green light. There were only automobiles in the turning lane for oncoming traffic, but no vehicles in the lane for traffic that was going straight through. I saw no pedestrians waiting to cross the road.  When the light turned green, I proceeded to make my left hand turn. What happened next was completely unexpected and very sudden.

As I was in mid-turn, I saw a woman about three feet from the driver’s window. For an instant I thought she looked angry. About three seconds after I saw her, I heard a sudden thud. Horrified, I pulled over as soon as I made the turn, thinking the ‘thud’ may have been another person. I was shaking when I exited my vehicle. Books were strewn across two lanes. With great angst, I looked toward the back of my SUV, trembling at what I might see.

I saw two small wheels like those seen on a small folding shopping cart. I was relieved that I had struck an object and not a person! Yet I was not fully convinced in my mind, so I continued scanning the sidewalk and road. How grateful I was that no one was injured. I could not believe I had not seen any pedestrians. How could I not have seen her, if not on the sidewalk, then at least crossing the road...sun or no sun?

In shock, I paced back and forth between the woman and my SUV a couple of times, absorbing all that transpired. But it was less than thirty seconds when my mind finally was clear enough to ask the woman if she was alright. I knew she was because she was picking up the spilled books, but it was as though I had to hear the words come from her own lips.

She would not answer me, nor would she even look at me as she placed an armful of books down on the sidewalk. It was as if I were invisible. Is it possible she was deaf, I wondered. I asked again. Still no response – confused and guilt-ridden, I paced toward the vehicle and then back toward the elderly woman.

There was a tall man of Asian origin standing on the sidewalk that she had excitedly asked to be a witness. I interjected, stating that a witness was not necessary, as I was admittedly at fault and would be shouldering the responsibility. She again acted as though she did not hear me.

When I asked her a second time if she was alright she emphatically replied that she was calling the police. She asked the man again about being a witness, but he quietly said he knew no English. He was soon joined by a woman who exited the fast food restaurant and they got in a car and left the scene.

I realized the woman had not been injured, but for one last time, I asked if she was alright. She uttered a hasty, crisp ‘yes’, but still refused to look at me. I sat on a short wall on the sidewalk’s edge like a defeated soul.  A female employee from the restaurant came out with a takeout cup of cold water. She came directly to me, asking if I was alright. I nodded and thanked her as I took the cup and thirstily drank the cool drink.

I was shocked that she came to me first, as it was obvious that the woman standing by the two piles of books was the victim. A tear escaped one eye as I explained that the sun had blinded me and that I had not seen any pedestrians. She calmly stated in a matter-of-fact way that many people have a hard time seeing in that direction (west) at that time of day and year. She reminded me that it was an accident and not to beat myself up over it.

She placed a hand on my shoulder and told me to relax. I felt peace as she touched me and I sincerely thanked her, still amazed that she had come to me first. The pedestrian turned out to be a 74 year old woman, seemingly physically fit, but who certainly did not look her age. The employee said that she had just finished her shift as she re-entered the premises. She returned with another cup of water for the victim, offering to drive her to wherever she wanted to go.

It was in retrospect that I realized that in my state of shock I had never even helped the woman pick up the books. The elderly lady had wanted the employee to be a witness, but the Good Samaritan stated that she had only seen the aftermath. I do not know why, but I turned to the victim and suddenly blurted out, “God really loves you. He spared your life with no injuries!”

The employee agreed, saying, “Yes, God is good.” Well, that seemed to soften the old woman’s heart and finally she looked at me, smiled and said, “Yes, He does and I felt his light.”  

I felt further peace and gratitude for the kind employee. She was like a peacemaker, calming two different sides. The thought struck me that God saw to it that we were all Christians, but I would learn that I was wrong. The statement about God’s love brought a paradigm shift into the situation.

NOT a picture of the actual books

The woman said she had been on her way to the library to return the books (30 altogether). She was folding the damaged backpack that she had been pulling behind her. Unfortunately, the folding shopping cart was destroyed, but only four of the thirty books were damaged.

The backpack was ripped and the wheels were caught up under my rear bumper. Again, I mentioned the mercy of God and his love for the woman to spare her. Oddly, this time she looked at me, smiled and returned the hug I offered. We exchanged first names and phone numbers.  The police arrived.

The hazard lights were flashing on my SUV, so traffic moved into the other lane. As I moved the vehicle into a nearby alley, the wheels dislodged from the bumper immediately and fell to the ground. The officer picked them up and placed them on the sidewalk. The female employee then took the fragments, along with the books, to her car. She waited in her vehicle as the officer got the other woman’s information.

Handcuffs

Within five minutes, the accident victim was gone. The officer got my information next. He said something that startled me, so I repeated his words. “Handcuffs?!” He looked at me momentarily puzzled. After a moment, he laughed.

 “No! I said, ‘hang tough’.” He added, “I will be back in a minute. I have to get a case number.”  He was still chuckling as he headed for the police car.

I felt like a donkey, but thank goodness! I had thought I was going to be handcuffed and placed under arrest. The whole thing took less than ten minutes since the officer’s arrival. He returned from his vehicle and actually apologized for having to give me a ticket, but stated that he had no choice since the woman had called the accident in.

Then, after he wrote the ticket up, he informed me that I did not have to sign it, but if I did it meant that I was taking full responsibility. I quickly grabbed the pen stating that I was at fault, so yes, I accepted responsibility. It was a bit of a steep fine, but to me, it was a small price to pay. 

No one was hurt or worse yet, killed. He smiled as he handed me the signed ticket, shook my hand and wished me well. “I’m free to go?” I asked.  Chuckling again, he joked. “Yes, no handcuffs today. Go home and relax!”

As I drove away heading home, the whole thing seemed so profound. Why had I not seen the woman at all, not on the sidewalk and not even when I began my turn? Was this the storm that had been brewing on the "horizon"?

Why did the female employee come to me first to see if I was alright, knowing that I was the driver and not the victim? Why did a police officer literally apologize for having to ticket me? Why shake my hand, wishing me well? It seemed so surreal.

Witchcraft and the Subtlety of the Enemy

I will not go into all the details, but a couple of hours after the accident, I called the woman to make sure that she was alright (mentally, emotionally). She assured me that she was fine, adding that her son, who she said was a Christian agreed with me that God had spared her. Again I mentioned the love of Jesus and how he had intervened. She agreed adding that the “light and love shone in the darkness; love and light were the guides.”

Over the course of the next two weeks, we spoke a total of three more times. What I learned during our short conversations proved to me that I had to pray for increased discernment because I had not expected the information I gleaned from our talks.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works. [2Cor 11:14, 15]

The books that the woman had, all thirty of them, were books about Hallowe’en, its origin, history and how to celebrate the ‘high holy day’ (her words).  She had intended to teach her grandchildren all about the "special day" by reading them the books. Hallowe’en was coming up in only 11 days from the day of the accident.

When I stated that Christians do not celebrate that day as witches or occultists do, she stated that there were countless “good witches” that were slaughtered by Christians. Even Christians were burned at the stake or hung, she added. She was not pleased when I said that there was no such thing as a good witch and that witchcraft is witchcraft and seen akin to rebellion in God’s eyes. [1Sam 15:23]

Let love and light be our guides again”. 

So, although the woman from the accident (yes, I know her name) said the words with a slight twist (typical of Satan), it comes from the Rede of the Celtic Wiccans. However, I found in my research that there is more than one Wiccan Rede.

Yet only the Celtic one mentions “love and light”. The others mention “perfect trust and perfect love”. However, nothing that comes from Satan is love or light, nor does he have anything to do with “perfect trust and perfect love”. He is the father of lies, counterfeiting everything that originated with the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is within them.

I also learned that the reason I hit the cart or backpack on wheels that she was pulling is because she admitted that she “let it go” (pushed it).It was understandable, but I had momentarily questioned within myself if a Christian would do that. I reasoned that none of us is perfect in our walk (including myself) and that it was likely done spontaneously out of anger because I had come so close to her. 

That is why there was a delay (three or so seconds) in the “thud” I heard after I saw her about three feet away from my driver’s side window. The bag was certainly not three feet long.  It all was beginning to make sense.

At one point, my insurance broker told me that I was being sued for three million dollars. I was flabbergasted because I had not even touched so much as a hair on her. The only damage was to the backpack on wheels that she was pulling and four of the books and my insurance covered the cost of replacement.

She had, however, told me that she had been to a doctor to have her eyes tested, but he had told her there was no change in them. So it became apparent that she was trying to find something wrong with her, but her doctor found nothing in his examination of her. Praise God for honest doctors!

The information about a three million dollar claim came from an insurance broker when I had stopped in to see if my insurance rates were going to increase. The info was given to me at the end of a business day, so I had to wait overnight before I could place a call to get more information. 

Meanwhile, I took the matter to the Lord. In prayer, I understood that the enemy was trying to cause stress, doubt and fear, but I was to have peace and trust God.

To confirm that which the Holy Spirit put on my heart, I placed a call to ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) the next morning. Insurance in the province of BC is a monopoly controlled by the government – it is the only for-profit public auto insurance in Canada.

Sovereign God

God rules! An agent at ICBC assured me that the case was closed, the damaged items were paid for and there was no claim to sue for three million dollars. Two weeks had passed already since the time of the accident. Also, my insurance rates would not increase, despite losing points. Even with three points deducted, I was still in the safe driver range. Indeed, the enemy had tried to put a spirit of fear upon me, but God’s word proves true.

Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace that passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. [Phil 4:6, 7]

I did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. [2Tim 1:7]

Satan can be subtle or aggressive. What happened was indeed an example of Satan’s aggression and how he counterfeits God by doing things suddenly and unexpectedly. When we write things down that the Lord speaks to us, Satan's watchers (demons) see it and report back to him.

I am fully persuaded that what happened that day was no accident, but a plot by the enemy to do great harm not only to me, but to a person who ‘worshipped’ him through witchcraft. But God! I am convinced that God intervened.  

Case in point – I went back to the fast food restaurant to personally thank the female employee that brought out the cups of cold water for both of us, and who went out of her way to drive the victim to the library and then home. 

Guess what? No such person worked there. I described the woman to a regular daytime staff member (I did not have a name). There was only one woman who might fit the description, but I would have to return as she was not there at the time of my inquiry. 

The person I met when I returned was not the employee who came to the aid of us both that day. There are only three women and three men that work at that particular establishment full-time and four part-time students. The manager is a male. There was no woman there that fit the description I gave. So, who was the mysterious employee? No one knows…Hebrews 13 verse 2 speaks of entertaining angels unaware.

Secondly, I have been to that corner countless times in the past five months since the accident. I was the first vehicle in the turning lane. There was no music on to distract me, neither was I lost in any deep thought. I was focused and alert. For the life of me I cannot understand how I did not see the woman at the corner waiting for the walk signal, even with the blinding sun.

And I do know I looked for pedestrians, as always. Now I am not one to blame every bad thing on Satan. Accidents do happen, typically through human error. Only four months earlier, a relative very close to me was driving home when he struck a pedestrian.  The woman succumbed to her injuries a few hours later.

This hard-working, dedicated father of a toddler not quite two, who was driving home from work, is now awaiting trial. He broke down in tears as the charges were read against him in court because his heart breaks that he was responsible for the death of someone. It also is broken for the family that lost a loved one. He has no criminal record but now his entire life is altered. I pray to God for a miracle for him. Perhaps the Lord will use this to draw the young man to Jesus. He is only twenty-seven years old.

So yes, accidents happen. Human error occurs. And when my accident happened, I was greatly shaken at the reality of what “could have been”, with the memory of the young man's accident still fresh in my mind. The only thing I can ascertain is that the enemy blinded me so that I did not see her and that God allowed it as an object lesson to show me the reality of the “clash of the kingdoms” Is upon the world now, and how the enemy also moves “suddenly” and “unexpectedly”.


It was the very morning of the accident that the Lord had been speaking to me about how He works suddenly and unexpectedly, such as the parting of the Red Sea, the destruction of Jericho and its tumbling walls, the great flood, or as on the day of Pentecost, or as in miracles.

One thing the Lord asked me, as he had once before when I came across those practicing witchcraft. What would I do, knowing that the victim was into witchcraft? Answer: I prayed for her deliverance and salvation and have several times over the past months, as she is getting up there in age. That is what we are to do, to pray for the lost, but never are we to compromise in order to win them to Christ.

Witchcraft in the Neighbourhood


It was only about a month and a half or so after the accident that the handyman of “someone in the neighbourhood” (names and details are withheld to protect the identity of those involved), who knows I am a Christian, knocked at my door extremely distraught.

Winter was nigh and it was cold, so I invited him in. He had discovered a book on a certain property that had been negligently been forgotten by someone we both know. Although he thought it was just a notebook, it was actually what is known as a Book of Shadows, which is a witchcraft book that contains rituals, spells, pagan “sabbat” days (days that are celebrated and considered sacred by witches), recipes, private writings, astrology, charts and more. It is a personal book.

He was greatly upset by the spells (which were descriptive as to the candles needed (colour and number), items required, what moon phase a spell was to be done under, incantations, whether a sacrifice was needed and if so, what etc). Spells for revenge, sickness, calamity, curses, hexes, healing, sudden death and much more were detailed in the book. Some of the language in a couple of portions was extremely vulgar. Great fear was upon him.

He wondered if he should return the book. I did not think that was a good idea because then the person involved would know that he knew who they really were and what they were up to in secret. 

The owner of the Book of Shadows involved calling on Bel (master, lord aka demons), at times naming Baphomet and/or various gods and goddesses to carry out an evil act. The person also relied on the elements, earth, air, wind and fire. 

It seemed that the person is more of what is known as an eclectic witch (one who draws upon many sources and has their own form of practice). There are different types of witches. They do not consider themselves all the same, not in beliefs or in practices of the 'craft'.

Although I remember the person once expressed interest in finding a coven, they had not done so yet to my knowledge, as they prefer seclusion. It matters not because witchcraft is witchcraft, though some have been deceived to believe the ‘craft’ they practice is for good and not evil. However, the owner of the book stepped over the boundary with some nasty spells that were written.

He calmed down when I told him that I would fast and pray, not only for protection for him and others (a couple of individuals named in the book), but also for wisdom. He later told me that he burned the book, but unfortunately he unwisely told someone who is a friend of the witch involved. Not a good thing – yet more lost and deceived souls that need prayers for deliverance and salvation.

Witchcraft is on the increase, just as the Lord forewarned me back in 2010 and again in early 2012 (article I wrote was called Now It Begins). That was the third time in a year that I have come face to face with people who are blatantly or secretly practicing witchcraft. (I personally know the owner of the Book of Shadows. The person claims to be Wiccan, but denied that they practice witchcraft. They profess to be merely a lover of nature.)

I have never said a word to this day, yet oddly, that person has avoided me, likely tipped off by a spirit of divination, or possibly the man who made the discovery of the book mentioned to the witch’s friend that he had shown the book to me. Each time the Lord asked me what I would do now that it was revealed. Each time my response was the same, to pray with fasting for their lost souls – (deliverance and salvation). I continue to pray for the person(s).

I understand that some Christians go to extremes blaming Satan for everything that goes wrong, without admitting that some things that occur are direct results of sin. However, the reality is that darkness, gross darkness is covering the earth today. Witchcraft is promoted and even encouraged. Satanic rituals are carried out in public and glorified in the music industry, in sports, movies, opening ceremonies and dedications…the list goes on.

Evil itself is escalating and accelerating. Witchcraft is very much a part of it as the world readies itself for the Antichrist and the beast system. The younger generation is being taught through Harry Potter books, movies, music and lyrics, and other venues, making evil look attractive, calling it good. It is not my intention to delve into the topic here and now; however, I am beginning to unpack what has been going on in these past few months.

There has been some backlash occurring in my life, which I believe has been a direct result of my interaction with those mentioned above. Obvious demonic attacks began a little over a year ago at a church I was attending. I felt that I had walked into a witch’s coven the very day I first entered the church, but because there were true believers in attendance, confusion fell upon me.

The Lord moved on me to stay for almost a year, but I could never shake the sense that witches were also attending. It was a year of confusion, attacks, fasting and much prayer.  After a 31 day fast, the Lord opened my eyes, ears and understanding. He instructed me to confront the two leaders of the church (a husband and wife team) who were operating in witchcraft and a spirit of divination.

The man refused to call himself a pastor, instead calling himself a ‘shepherd’. The wife called herself an evangelist, although she occasionally preached and led in worship. Even as I walked up the sidewalk leading to the small storefront church, I had no idea what I was to say.

The Holy Spirit reminded me of scripture where Jesus was sending out his disciples to preach the gospel, cast out unclean spirits and heal the sick. He foretold them that when they went into the houses of kings and governors not to be anxious or take any thought about what they should say because the Holy Spirit would give the words in that hour. It would not be them that speak but the Spirit of the Father that would speak through them. [See Mat 10:18-20]

The Lord did give me the words at the exact time. He had me begin the rebuke and warning with the words: “God loves you.” 

Those were the first words the Lord put in my mouth to speak, so I know it is true. That got their attention and some huge smiles, but the next statement, which called them to repentance, was countered with a rebuke to me. They had such a bitter root of unforgiveness and anger towards people, and anyone who opposed or questioned them were called witches.  I wrote about it previously and will not rehash it here.

Sadly, only a few months after the Lord had me warn them and inform them of the Lord’s willingness to forgive if they would repent, they sold the church and their home and left the province. How tragic! I earnestly prayed that they would be delivered and restored. I do not know what has happened to them since they left.

But They Talk like Christians


New agers (who now often refer to themselves as ‘spiritual beings’), witches (not all witches practice the craft the same), Satanists (who oddly, most do not worship Satan) and Luciferians  (there is a difference between Satanists and Luciferians, although both believe humans are ‘gods’ – the original lie the serpent told in the Garden of Eden) will use words that sound “Christian”. They will even use quotes from the Bible.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. [2Cor 11:14, 15]

That should come as no surprise since Satan, who took the form of a serpent in the Garden of Eden, took God’s Word but twisted it to cause doubt and to present a different meaning. Satan spoke scripture in the temptation of Jesus Christ in the desert wilderness before Jesus began his ministry. Jesus countered it with scripture spoken in proper context.

Words such as light, love, evil and darkness, forgiveness etc will flow freely from the mouths of those who dabble in the occult. Every time that I came in contact with someone who practiced witchcraft, the words they used sounded Christian, but that should be no surprise since Satan is the author of confusion.

The person who owned the Book of Shadows would on rare occasion use the name of Jesus, but the Jesus spoken of was not the Jesus written about in the gospel; neither was the ‘god’ referred to the true, living God, Creator of heaven and earth and all that is therein.  They speak of a false Christ and idols (false gods).

It is because of the language used that I initially thought that the woman involved in the accident was a Christian. It was only after a few conversations with her that the truth was revealed. It is why I not only pray for increased discernment, but also the wisdom to know what to do once truth is revealed.

I wanted to share what began slowly in August 2018 when I was hesitant and procrastinating about putting a message out about a storm that was brewing, even on the horizon. Even though things happened like a storm in my personal life, I do believe that the message is for the Body of Christ.

The subject of witchcraft and the different types of witches has been the subject of many books. What I wanted to say has been said, with no intention of delving deeper into it here. We cannot ignore the reality of the occult, demons, witches and Satan, even though many do, but neither can we walk in fear. 

Jesus defeated Satan on the cross when he offered up his life as the perfect Lamb slain, spilling his precious blood and dying, being buried and resurrected. Jesus Christ has all power and authority over Satan and his demonic realm and we have the victory over him through Christ Jesus.


For they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and loved not their lives unto death. [Rev 12:11]

However, it takes no genius to see that we are indeed living in the days where evil is called good and good is called evil.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  [Is 5:20, 21]

It is getting late and I want to post this, but later tomorrow I will post a word about great waters, great earthquake, Damascus and Gaza, Washington, NYC, coastal lands and more.

for His glory alone

Bonita                            dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Saturday, May 30, 2015

The Lord Speaks Through Whomsoever He Chooses



Today is moving day for me, which will mean time away organizing and doing what needs to be done. Just two days ago, the pain from my leg subsided. Praise be to God; it was a long three weeks, but I am grateful for His healing. His timing is impeccable.


In between packing and taking care of business that comes with moving, I have also been organizing articles to put on the new website (categorizing). Going through old files has been amazing.  I would like to share a couple of articles that where filed away, which I hope will bless the reader.


I have tried to find links, but some I could not find or else the domain was up for sale. With that being said, may the following cause you to draw nearer to our Lord. It is being posted exactly as it was written by the person who wrote it. The only thing that I have done differently is section up long paragraphs, making them shorter for easier reading and add pictures.


May the shalom of Christ Jesus/Yeshua be upon you.



Matt Sorger – September 2009

I feel strongly to share some things with the body of Christ as well as revisit a prophetic word the Lord gave me earlier in 2008. I feel it applies to some of the things we have seen take place within this past year as well as to where the church is at in this present moment.

A word was given to me from the Lord early in 2008 concerning the shakings that would occur in the body of Christ and what God was preparing the church for. This message was called There's a Shaking.

I have found that each year our ministry goes through a season of transition, shifting and divine alignment around the August/September time frame. Spiritually this has always been an important time for us. It is again this year. As I wait upon the Lord I sense a new shifting taking place. 

I believe God will solidify some things that He has been doing. I also feel people's hearts will go through another wave of sifting as motives, attitudes and ambitions are revealed by the Spirit of God. God can not bless selfish ambition. 

He can only bless the ambition to lift up the name of Jesus and make His name known. Self needs to be taken to the cross so that our spiritual foundations can be rock solid.

TESTED AND REFINED VESSELS


We must exalt and lift up the name of Jesus and Him alone. As we do, God will come in power and might and release His glorious manifest presence in our midst. Jesus longs to be glorified in the earth and He is looking for pure vessels that have been tested by fire. 

Pure-hearted people who will truly worship and exalt Jesus in everything they say and do, a people whose hearts are completely surrendered and given to God. God is sifting through all division within the heart and is allowing weak areas to be tested so that we will turn to Him with ALL our hearts and allow Him to fully rule upon the seat of authority within us -- our free will! 

As He takes rulership over every area of our heart and free will, our lives will become filled with His righteousness, peace and joy.

Here's a prophetic word the Lord gave me early in 2008. (Matt Sorger)

It's called There's a Shaking.


Recently, I had a dream in which I was preaching. In this dream, I'm shouting at the top of my lungs, "Everything that can be shaken will be shaken!" And I'm saying it over and over again. "Everything that can be shaken will be shaken! Everything that can be shaken will be shaken!" I'm booming this out in my sleep and I wake up hearing myself say, "Everything that can be shaken will be shaken!"

Another word God spoke to me at the beginning of this year was that there is "A Greater Sifting" still to come in the Body of Christ. This came to me in a vision in one of our meetings. 

A woman was standing in the back of the sanctuary and I suddenly saw her in a vision dressed as a bride. I saw a dove coming and landing upon her. Then I saw the dove driving the bride into the wilderness.

The Lord spoke to me and said, "Tell My people not to be shaken by the shaking that's coming." If there is a faulty foundation, it will be shaken, corporately and individually. If there is something not built by the Spirit of God, it will be shaken down to its foundations. 

Another time, the Lord spoke to me during a meeting in Texas and said, "It's time to re-strengthen the foundations."

The Lord is going to allow everything that needs to be uncovered and stripped away to be stripped. God is shaking local houses. God is shaking the corporate church. God is shaking individual lives. He's shaking everything that has not been built by Him. 

We can rejoice in this because the shaking produces a deeper level of purity. When that deeper level of purity is produced, like the olives being squeezed and pressed, it produces a pure oil. And as this purity is released, we become ready for the greater glory.


     1. God is about to invade His church. Jesus is inspecting His Father's temple. Some tables are going to be overturned this year. Don't be dismayed when you see this happen. It is the hand of the Lord. God is refining the inward motives of the heart. Any work done with a selfish, self-seeking motive will not survive the refining fire. Key Scriptures: Mt 21:12; 1 Cor 3:13, 4:5
 
     2. God is calling the church to return to and re-strengthen the foundations of our faith and personal walk with Him and our ministries. A refining fire is coming and anything not built on a foundation of love will not stand the testing. God is inspecting our works. He wants work motivated by first love, not empty activity. Some lampstands will be removed this year. Anything not built on love will be shaken. Key Scripture: Rev 2:4-5


God truly is allowing a deep sifting to take place in many of our hearts. I have been finding myself crying out to Him during times of prayer for the light of His Spirit to shine in every area of my heart. God allows this to happen to test our quality. God cannot build with materials that have not been tested and tried. 

His house cannot be built with wood, hay and stubble. It must be built with solid gold and precious jewels. We become that gold as we allow the refining fires of His Spirit to purge every area of our hearts and lives. 

This can be a painful process, especially when God reveals to us what has been deep inside of our hearts. This process brings a purging and a cleansing. But this must happen so that we can continue to move higher in God and carry the weight of His glory upon our lives.

If we are to truly carry the substance of heaven and move in His authority and power, our hearts must be tested and true. Our hearts must come forth as pure gold. There is no quick, easy way to do this. 

The process is the same for all of us. We must go through the fire and let God purge out everything that offends Him. We must allow the Holy Spirit to raise up the standards and set the plumb line in our personal lives and ministries.

Do not be disillusioned by what you see happening in the body of Christ. Don't be shaken by the shaking. Don't let it rob you of your confidence in God and your faith and trust in Him. Man may fail you, but God never will. Just as the Lord allowed us to learn from the mistakes of Israel, so too can we learn from the mistakes, weaknesses and even sins of others. We can learn many things

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE MISTAKES OF OTHERS?


We learn to take heed lest we also fall. We learn to humble ourselves before God and allow Him to search our own hearts, rather than pointing an accusing finger. We learn that anointing does not always equal character and that God chooses and uses imperfect vessels. 

We learn the importance of developing character and personal integrity in order to run the race for the long haul. We learn that gifting cannot take precedence over character. We learn that the enemy is truly looking for people to seize upon and devour. We learn that we must take every precaution and shut every open door to the enemy in our lives. 

We learn that we must deal even with the small cracks in our foundation. If we don't, the enemy will eventually find his way in to steal, kill and destroy. The only thing that will keep us for the long haul is a life of daily surrender, hiding His word in our hearts, staying filled with the Spirit, having a sense of both love and awe for God as well as keeping our lives open for godly counsel and input.


We learn that the church must be baptized in such a deep Christ-like love, that we can be transparent with one another and truly reach out for help when help is needed, rather than placing people on untouchable pedestals that set them up for a fall. We learn the importance of having sound, solid doctrine and theology. 

Not only is it enough to have personal integrity, but we must also have our lives deeply rooted in God's word so that we can rightly discern and divide the word of God. We learn the power of the simplicity of the gospel and keeping first things first: that Jesus died on a cross, was buried and was then raised from the dead for our salvation and has given us the wonderful Holy Spirit to empower us to live the life He has called us to live. 

We learn to keep the gospel centered on Jesus and keep the word as our solid foundation. We learn that we must never get puffed up with pride and think more of ourselves than we are.

As I said, we can learn a lot!

MAKE A CHOICE TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY DISTRACTIONS


As we draw near to God, allowing Him to search our hearts, I encourage you to remove every unnecessary distraction from your life. Technology can be great and used for many useful things. However, it also has a way of making our lives busier than ever before. 


With cell phones, text messaging, emails and more, it's easy for our minds to become so cluttered that we are no longer hearing the still small voice of God speaking to our hearts. 

I recently made a decision not to get emails through my cell phone. When I first set my phone up to monitor my emails it seemed like a helpful thing, until I became addicted to looking at my cell phone 24/7. When I woke up in the morning the first thing I would do is check my emails. 


At night before bed, checking emails. During prayer time, checking emails. One day I realized that my relationship with God was being affected. So I decided to simplify and limit my email viewing to my office computer. About a week after not receiving emails through my cell phone I realized my mind was clearer, my prayer time much less disturbed and my spirit more sensitive to God's Spirit. 


Whatever your clutter may be, clear it out of the way so you can build a strong relationship with God.

A WORD ON BIBLICAL RESTORATION AND HEALING

With the rise and fall of many public figures and Christian ministers, we need to embrace the biblical perspective of accountability and restoration. In a day where it seems biblical standards and morals are being tossed out the window and we are finding our Christian "heroes" aren't as heroic as we thought, we must ask ourselves the question, "What should our response be?" 

While working through feelings of disappointment, confusion, betrayal, sadness and even anger, we must rise to the occasion and respond in true godliness. I have spoken with several major leaders in the body of Christ, each with different personalities, temperaments and responses. Some say, "Off with their head! It's about time that heretic was exposed!" 

While others say, "We need to love and embrace and let them know we care." But what does the Bible say? It is clear that a standard of holiness, integrity and accountability needs to be upheld at all costs. But at the same time, our hearts must be for personal restoration in life of the fallen believer. 

While we uphold truth, we never stop loving, praying and bringing godly correction where needed. Scripture gives us a very clear guideline for our response. Galatians 6:1-5: You should read it. It instructs that those who are spiritual should restore the one in sin without a sense of superiority, lest you also be tempted. 


It's easy to point a finger. But you always have three pointing back at yourself. We are to help carry one another's troublesome, moral faults and scrutinize our own conduct. Another person's failure should cause you to search your own heart. If it doesn't, that's a good indication that you are operating in spiritual pride.

While we hold a person to a standard of righteousness, we also believe for God to bring restoration through true heartfelt repentance. We need to hold each other accountable in love, not a condemning spirit. 

Remember, the measure of judgment you give out to others is what will come back to you (Matt. 7:2). That being said, ministers who open doors to the enemy and influence the body of Christ in sinful ways need to sit down and allow God to sort through the issues of their heart. 

Something needs to be said when a major public figure goes through a time of personal devastation in an area of morality and simply continues on with their public ministry. Something is wrong here folks. Wrong examples are being set and Christians are starting to believe, "well if my spouse doesn't suit me anymore, I will just turn them in for a new one and carry on." 

Is anybody else shaking their heads in disbelief like I am? I am all for restoration, but there needs to be acknowledgment of wrong first and a sense of heartfelt repentance. Not, "My best days are yet ahead." God help us. We really do need a revival of the fear of the Lord.

CLOSING THOUGHTS


Allow the Holy Spirit in this time to search your heart in a new, fresh way. Allow Him to expose any areas of weakness and any open doors or cracks in your foundation. Allow Him to truly deal with the root issues within your heart so the enemy can have no legal access way. 

As you spend time in His word and presence, I believe many will find healing from past offenses as bitterness and anger are repented of and turned away from. Many of you will find freedom from besetting sins as you take the measures you need to take to cut sin out of your life. 

Many will find freedom from the devil's lies as your mind is soaked in God's word. Many will find areas of your soul being restored as pains from the past are released and new life enters into you. Total healing and freedom require deep surrender of the heart to God to allow Him into every area. 


But as God causes your foundation to be solid and your heart to be as pure gold, you will be empowered to carry a new weight of His glory on your lives. Prepare yourself for His coming. Expect Him to draw near in your private prayer time. With a strong foundation of integrity, character and a deep relationship with God, there will be no limits to where God can take you!

(Matt Sorger - 2008)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON'S ANGELIC VISITATION AT VALLEY FORGE
AND THE VISION OF THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED STATES


This article is a reprint of a newspaper article first published in the NATIONAL TRIBUNE in 1859 and reprinted in 1880 (vol. 4, no. 12, Dec. 1880). Later reprinted in THE STARS AND STRIPES newspaper owned by the NATIONAL TRIBUNE, in 1931 and the latest printing on December 21, 1950. 

This article is printed in its entirety by permission of the NATIONAL TRIBUNE. The vision was related to a reporter named Wesley Bradshaw by an officer who served under General Washington at Valley Forge, named Anthony Sherman. In the vision, Washington sees three great trials to overtake the Union. 


These were the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the greatest threat, a war fought on the soil of the United States near the time of Jesus' return to reign on the earth. It is this third battle, that hold's our interest as the day draws near.

Washington Had Vision of Trials Facing Nation

For many years copies of Washington's vision at Valley Forge as related by one Wesley Bradshaw, told to him by Anthony Sherman, have been in existence. The earliest publication was in 1859, 1880, in 1931 and is being printed once more. THE STARS AND STRIPES, December 21, 1950.

The last time I ever saw Anthony Sherman was on the Fourth of July, 1859, in Independence Square. He was then ninety-nine years old, and becoming very feeble. But though so old, his dimming eyes rekindled as he gazed upon Independence Hall, which he came to visit once more. 

"Let us go into the hall," he said. "I want to tell you of an incident of Washington's life -- one which no one alive knows of except myself; and if you live, you will before long see it verified.

"From the opening of the Revolution we experienced all phases of fortune, now good and now ill, one time victorious and another conquered. The darkest period we had, I think, was when Washington, after several reverses, retreated to Valley Forge, where he resolved to spend the winter of 1777. 

Ah! I have often seen the tears coursing down our dear commander's care-worn cheeks, as he would be conversing with a confidential officer about the condition of his poor soldiers. You have doubtless heard the story of Washington's going into the thicket to pray. 

Well, it was not only true, but he used often to pray in secret for aid and comfort from God, the interposition of whose Divine Providence brought us safely through the darkest days of tribulation.

"One day, I remember it well, the chilly winds whistled through the leafless trees, though the sky was cloudless and the sun shone brightly, he remained in his quarters nearly all the afternoon alone. When he came out, I noticed that his face was a shade paler than usual, and there seemed to be something on his mind of more than ordinary importance. 

Returning just after dusk, he dispatched an orderly to the quarters of the officer I mention, who was presently in attendance. After a preliminary conversation of about half an hour, Washington, gazing upon his companion with that strange look of dignity which he alone could command, said to the latter:

The Vision

"I do not know whether it is owing to the anxiety of my mind, or what, but this afternoon, as I was sitting at this table engaged in preparing a dispatch, something seemed to disturb me. Looking up, I beheld standing opposite me a singularly beautiful female. 

So astonished was I, for I had given strict orders not to be disturbed, that it was some moments before I found language to inquire into the cause of her presence. A second, a third, and even a fourth time did I repeat my question, but received no answer from my mysterious visitor except a slight raising of her eyes. By this time I felt strange sentiments spreading through me. I would have risen, but the riveted gaze of the being before me rendered volition impossible.

 I assayed once more to address her, but my tongue had become useless, even thought itself had become paralyzed. A new influence, mysterious, potent, irresistible, took possession of me. All I could do was to gaze steadily, vacantly at my unknown visitor. Gradually, the surrounding atmosphere seemed as though becoming filled with sensations and luminous. 

Everything about me seemed to rarify, the mysterious visitor herself becoming more airy, and yet more distinct to my sight than before. I now began to feel as one dying, or rather to experience the sensations which I have sometimes imagined accompany dissolution. I did not think, I did not reason, I did not move; all were alike impossible. I was only conscious of gazing fixedly, vacantly at my companion.

"Presently I heard a voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn,' while at the same time my visitor extended her arm eastwardly. I now beheld a heavy white vapor at some distance rising fold upon fold. This gradually dissipated, and I looked upon a strange scene. 

Before me lay spread out in one vast plain all the countries of the world -- Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. I saw rolling and tossing between Europe and America the billows of the Atlantic, and between Asia and America lay the Pacific. 'Son of the Republic,' said the same mysterious voice as before, 'look and learn.'

"At that moment I beheld a dark, shadowy being, like an angel floating in mid-air, between Europe and America, dipping water out of the ocean in the hollow of each hand. He sprinkled some upon America with his right hand, while with his left hand he cast some on Europe. 

Immediately a dark cloud raised from these countries and joined in mid-ocean. For a while it remained stationary, and then moved slowly westward, until it enveloped America in its murky folds. Sharp flashes of lightning passed through it at intervals, and I heard the smothered groans and cries of the American people.

"A second time the angel dipped water from the ocean, and sprinkled it out as before. The dark cloud was then drawn back to the ocean, in whose heaving billows it sank from view. A third time I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' 

I cast my eyes upon America and beheld villages and towns and cities springing up one after another until the whole land from the Atlantic to the Pacific was dotted with them. Again I heard the mysterious voice say, 'Son of the Republic, the end of the century cometh, look and learn.'


"At this the dark, shadowy angel turned his face southward, and from Africa I saw an ill-omened spectre approach our land. It flitted slowly over every town and city. The inhabitants presently set themselves in battle array against each other. 

As I continued looking, I saw a bright angel, on whose brow rested a crown of light, on which was traced the word "Union," bearing the American flag, which he placed between the divided nation, and said, 'Remember ye are brethren.' Instantly the inhabitants, casting from them their weapons, became friends once more and united around the National Standard.


"And again I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' At this the dark, shadowy angel placed a trumpet to his mouth and blew three distinct blasts; and taking water from the ocean, he sprinkled it upon Europe, Asia, and Africa. Then my eyes beheld a fearful scene: from each of these countries arose thick, black clouds that were joined into one. 

And throughout this mass there gleamed a dark red light by which I saw hordes of armed men, who, moving with the cloud, marched by land and sailed by sea to America, which country was enveloped in the volume of the cloud. And I dimly saw these vast armies devastate the whole country and burn the villages, towns, and cities that I beheld were springing up. 

As my ears listened to the thundering of the cannon, clashing of swords, and the shouts and cries of millions in mortal combat, I heard again the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' When the voice had ceased, the dark, shadowy angel placed his trumpet once more to his mouth and blew a long and fearful blast.

"Instantly a light as of a thousand suns shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud which enveloped America. At the same moment the angel, upon whose head still shone the word "Union," and who bore our national flag in one hand and a sword in the other, descended from the heavens, attended by legions of white spirits. 

These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were well-nigh overcome, but who immediately taking courage again, closed up their broken ranks and renewed the battle. Again, amid the fearful noise of the conflict, I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' 

As the voice ceased, the shadowy angel for the last time dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it upon America. Instantly the dark cloud rolled back, together with the armies it had brought, leaving the inhabitants of the land victorious.

"Then once more I beheld the villages, towns, and cities springing up where I had seen them before, while the bright angel, planting the azure standard he had brought in the midst of them, cried with a loud voice, 'While the stars remain, and the heavens send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the Union last.' And taking from his brow the crown on which was blazoned the word "Union," he placed it upon the Standard, while the people, kneeling down, said, 'Amen.'

"The scene instantly began to fade and dissolve, and I at last saw nothing but the rising, curling vapor I at first beheld. This also disappearing, I found myself once more gazing upon the mysterious visitor, who, in the same voice I had heard before, said, 'Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted: Three great perils will come upon the Republic. 

The most fearful is the third, passing which the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land, and the Union.' With these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat, and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown me the birth, progress, and destiny of the United States."

"Such, my friends," concluded the venerable narrator, "were the words I heard from General Washington's own lips, and America will do well to profit by them."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

for His glory
Bonita                                  dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com