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| Every Christian must bear their own cross following in the Master's bloodstained footsteps, but few want to admit there is a cost! Yet, those who do move past admission, be like Jesus...pay it! meaning, die to self (flesh) [desires, passions, lust, greed, idolatry>> sinful nature] [Gal 5:24; Col 3:5] |
Pivotal Year 2020 –
Baptism by Fire
Many Christians know that 2020 is 5780 on the Hebrew calendar. Like Roman numerals, the Hebrew letters have numerical value also. The number 80 is the numerical value for the letter "Pey" , which means "mouth". It began September 29, 2019. It was preceded by 70, the numerical value of "Ayin", which means "eye [to see]", (to enlarge this meaning, "eye" (to see) is to understand (discern) and obey).
Some of the people in the Friday night meetings are into the Hebrew years and their meanings. I admit it is interesting, but I know little about it. So with this year having the meaning of 'mouth' behind it, one would speculate that we are to watch what we speak.
No prophet needed for that, just a teacher of the Hebrew language and the meanings of their letters, along with an understanding of their numeric value. The intrigue comes from it being the pure language of God
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it will eat the fruit thereof. [Prov 18:21]
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it will eat the fruit thereof. [Prov 18:21]
(The prosperity preachers are going to have a 'heyday'! Be on guard [shields up!]). But I was caught up in some of their teachings, and perhaps a little rubbed off on you too, though undetected. Pray for others to come out of deception.
He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. [Micah6:8]
It's a given. It is written that we are to be "quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger". [Jam 1:19] I need divine help with that one because there are more times than I care to admit to (or even remember) when I spoke from emotions and not logic or wisdom. Too quick to react...
My last name in Bulgarian [Petroff], which means 'Peter's son'. I could always relate to the apostle Peter, and I do not know if the ways I relate are the best (sorry, Peter). But Peter acted with a kneejerk reaction at times, or spoke before he thought things through. What is your reason (excuse)?
Our sinful nature...
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| Jesus/Yeshua rebuked Peter at his action - then he healed Malchus' ear |
Peter hastily cut off the ear of the high priest's servant, Malchus, at the Gethsemane, when Judas led the soldiers and the Pharisees there to arrest Jesus. The Messiah had to gently rebuke Peter to put his sword back in the sheath whilst healing the poor man's ear. [Jn 18:10, 11] He knew Peter's loyalty and love.
Peter had also promised he would die with Jesus before he would ever deny him (professing that love and loyalty). He meant it when he spoke it. Yet, after Christ's arrest, Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed three times. [See John 18, after Jesus' arrest]
This is why it is imperative in this pivotal year to seek God, wait upon Him to know His will in a matter (get confirmation as only God can do); know the Word and speak it according to the Lord's direction.
This isn't about 'do's' and 'don'ts' to please God, but like any relationship, there are guidelines to keep intimacy alive, and to meet expectations out of love.
From October to December 2019, certain words kept presenting
themselves. It had been months of prayer, much prayer, as it was also a time of
being quite unwell. When Christians are unwell, they often find themselves
drawing closer to God.
Perhaps that is why He allows it. Romans 8:28
promises: For we know all things work
together for God (Yhwh/Yhvh) to those
who love God and are the called, according to His purpose.
It was well understood by me that 2020 would be a pivotal
year, the beginning of a new decade. Yet, I understood it not only to be
pivotal, but also a year of crucial (critical) importance, a year in the clash of the
kingdoms (God's vs Satan's; good vs evil - both physical and spiritual. We KNOW whose Victor!).
This first month of January 2020 is almost past and I will state that for me (and others), it has
been like an angry lion coming in! Satan did not come in roaring; he crept in silently, deceptively...stalking his prey - waiting, then pouncing, unexpectedly, at an opportune moment. Crafty, Satan is crafty!
Everything that I believe the Lord for (for decades) seems to have taken an about-face (the opposite has happened). Take heed, warriors. Take heed, children of light and salt. Take heed!
Shields up! Shields up, people of God! (shields of faith) Do NOT be moved by what you SEE if this is happening to you. No, it is NOT easy, not even for the toughest soldier of God. It is why we need the Holy Spirit. We need Jesus (the HEAD) and fellow believers (Body of Christ). It is extremely hard to do alone.
Satan is the master of illusion, but do not turn a blind eye either. We walk by FAITH and not by sight. [2Cor 5:7]
I have laid everything down in sweet surrender, after a great struggle with my flesh (pride, fear, doubt, and other things not of God), and brought everything into obedience to His will to the best of my knowledge. At least, I truly and sincerely try to die to self daily - there are days though... where I fall short.
I have laid everything down in sweet surrender, after a great struggle with my flesh (pride, fear, doubt, and other things not of God), and brought everything into obedience to His will to the best of my knowledge. At least, I truly and sincerely try to die to self daily - there are days though... where I fall short.
(It is a 'daily' thing - the picking up of our cross. Flesh will fight us.) I do not want to deceive myself (or anyone else) either. God will help us (born-again believers), through Jesus. He will help anyone who cries out to Him.
Jesus is a gentleman. He waits for us - He never forces us. Did you know false humility is actually inverted pride? Kind of like "twisted", "twisted sister" of pride. It is still "all about self". Loving (putting) God FIRST, and surrender is KEY.
It is tough when it comes to the impossible in my life (promises, which You have steadfastly revealed and were consistent with, just as you always have been with all of Your people). Forgive my unbelief, precious Abba! Yes, it's true. I am still learning. Is it level by level, Lord? Is it step by step?"
If we are to resist the devil, that ancient serpent in the Garden of Eden, we must FIRST SUBMIT to God (YHWH)!
If we are to resist the devil, that ancient serpent in the Garden of Eden, we must FIRST SUBMIT to God (YHWH)!
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. [Jam 4:7]
Some Christians, but not all, ignore that part of scripture (submission to God) but it is one of the KEY strategies to overcoming. See James 4:7 - Our victory is assured when we obey direction.
Some Christians, but not all, ignore that part of scripture (submission to God) but it is one of the KEY strategies to overcoming. See James 4:7 - Our victory is assured when we obey direction.
Jesus is the victorious one. His authority granted to us, through HIM. Are you submitted to Him? We must be submitted, then the devil flees. The false teachers quote part of the scripture: resist the devil and he must flee.
They leave off the first part, which twists or distorts context. Where is the fear of the Lord? We need to submit to Jesus. Satan is clever, crafty. He knows God. He was the cherub that 'covered' the holiest of holy - the very throne of Yahweh! He recognized a soul who is submitted from one who is not.
Remember the shofar I heard, and the two open visions I shared? We must spend time in the presence of God and in His Word to hear and know His will, just as Yeshua knew the will of the Father.
I have to admit, there have been times where it has been...well, not top priority to get up and spend time with God. There would be valid reasons - and sometimes, I was just tired...tired of waiting, tired of trying to do good, only to fall short with a cussword or attitude, or some knee-jerk response - just 'off' days.
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| Elle Varne - Perfectly Imperfect R&B _ Hip-hop 2012 |
Yep, perfectly imperfect - as the song goes.
When we belong to Jesus, we can speak with power and authority (not our authority or power, but Christ in us - HIS power, HIS authority). We are not God; we are not little 'gods'. Do not be deceived by the false teachers and false prophets, who claim we are 'little gods' or 'little Jesus' '. That is a lie, and it is not what is meant by 'molded in His image, but that is a different lesson - not now.
The Lord is with us in battle. He will tell us when to fight and when to stand down (stand). He will let us know when His angels are fighting on our behalf, as they did in Sodom, or with the prince of Persia when Daniel was fasting, or as the time when the angel slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in Sennacherib's army.
Jesus Christ (Yeshua Messiah) is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. [Heb 13:8]
That was the reason I had the open visions (see above link) and why I was to share it, knowing it was for the true believers, the committed. In prayer, in the quiet place, in the presence of our King, we will be told and understand what to do. We search the Word. The Holy Spirit will lead us, or an anointed dream will come, or a vision. Pray about it, even when they come. Not every dream that seems holy is from God. Satan is a counterfeiter.
About 14 years ago, I had the dream of the "Two Christs". One was the true Messiah, one was (obviously) the counterfeiter (imitator, master of illusion), Satan. This is the condensed version, but in the dream, they looked identical.
Both spoke scripture, such as: I AM the way, the truth and the life; no one goes to the Father except through Me. (Yeshua) [Jn 14:6] Because it is written, Be holy; for I AM holy. [1Pet 1:16, 15]
(Satan is not afraid to use scripture, and he does NOT stop on the stairs at the entrance door of a church or stadium. He will enter in - boldly, and with pride, as one who appears to have authority, but not God's.)
So, in my dream I was confused, since they looked and spoke identically. Then, the Holy Spirit instructed me to filter everything through the blood of the Lamb because only TRUTH can pass through the blood line - lies and deception are blocked. the blood of Jesus/Yeshua is not some magic potion.
So, in my dream I was confused, since they looked and spoke identically. Then, the Holy Spirit instructed me to filter everything through the blood of the Lamb because only TRUTH can pass through the blood line - lies and deception are blocked. the blood of Jesus/Yeshua is not some magic potion.
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| Seattle - 2019 |
Satan uses magic, but what he presents are illusions, false appearances, or counterfeit duplicates.. Nevertheless, his illusions, as false appearances can be persuasive and convincing to the innocent, naive, and undiscerning
He has power, indeed, or he would not have followers. His power is limited and temporal because God overrules. It pales in strength and authority. compared to Almighty God's power.- there is no actual comparison as it is far below El Shaddai's, YHWH [Yahweh], who is Sovereign and Providential!
It is the precious blood of the spotless Lamb of God who went to the cross, sacrificing His very life willingly, out of love for the Father, and love for mankind. His blood was atonement for our sins; the forgiveness of sins - to redeem us and to reconcile us, to restore the severed relationship (sin separates us from the Holy and righteous God).
I asked these two identical looking Christs, "Through the blood of the Lamb (who is Jesus), which side of the Father do you sit on?" They both answered instantaneously. One said, "On the right-hand side." The other said, "On the left."
Immediately, the one who said "on the left" turned into the dragon. And Yeshua (Jesus) fought him for me [for us, for mankind] and [in the dream] I watched him fall. Of course, it was a dream and I did not actually see Lucifer fall, and not like lightning, as Jesus witnessed.
I was never witness to that, of course. My presence in the dream was merely symbolic, a metaphor, not actuality. I saw (in the dream), the dragon stumble backwards.
He then fell downward, as if over the edge of an invisible cliff, falling under the power of Jesus Christ Almighty Lord! I am no one of consequence, but each one of us is noticed by the Creator. He knows all of His creation.
The dream was a lesson for me, which the Lord knew I would share. He speaks to people in dreams [night visions], and through His Word [
We are in such a time of deception that even the secular world is calling many things "fake". It was a few years back that the Lord (who always gives advance notice) declared that it is: 'the time of revealing' [His time; His exposure/reveal]
We are in such a time of deception that even the secular world is calling many things "fake". It was a few years back that the Lord (who always gives advance notice) declared that it is: 'the time of revealing' [His time; His exposure/reveal]
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| Shutterstock 2014 |
For nothing is secret that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid that shall not be known and come abroad.
For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. [Lk 8:17; 12:2]
Yeshua/Jesus IS the way, the TRUTH and the life and the ONLY way back to the Father (to be reconciled with our Creator). Beloved saints, have faith and trust El Shaddai, Almighty God, no matter what!
I do believe many are going to see astounding miracles this year by the grace and mercy of YHWH (God). A miracle is anything that cannot be explained by natural reasoning or scientific laws, according to Oxford dictionary.
I do believe many are going to see astounding miracles this year by the grace and mercy of YHWH (God). A miracle is anything that cannot be explained by natural reasoning or scientific laws, according to Oxford dictionary.
But one reason prosperity preachers catch flack (well, there are countless - firstly because it is a false doctrine) is because a miracle can be as simple as receiving enough money unexpectedly to pay for a major bill or rent, and sometimes even simpler - getting a good meal when one is living on the street.
The prosperity preachers neglect to remind people also that mankind is living in a fallen state, in a fallen world. Each year will also bring its tragedies, in various forms. It will be a year of both (but I reckon most years are like that), some more than others.
Nothing prophetic about that. It is common sense. However, what I do believe is that in some way profound, this will be a pivotal year. That is how I have understood the most precious and Holy Spirit.
It is a big world, so where will the miracles take place I do not know, nor do I know how many, but I believe it begins this year (rolling out over time-globally)! It must be said though that miracles happen to whomsoever, believers and unbelievers alike.
Many, but not all, who have held fast to Yeshua as hard as it has been (they have not given up), will see their promises come to fruition. But the timing of anything is strictly God's.
Many, but not all, who have held fast to Yeshua as hard as it has been (they have not given up), will see their promises come to fruition. But the timing of anything is strictly God's.
There will be some who may say it is convenient that I say "some" and not "all", or "believers" and "unbelievers" alike.No, not really, there were people in the Bible, whole towns, where Jesus did not heal. Was it always due to unbelief?
Most often, in those extremes, yes (offhand, I only remember one town where that was mentioned one time in the NT). But, how about the widow that was provided for during the famine, when she made her last cake for Elijah?
There were many widows in the land. It is written that she was in Zarephath, Yet interestingly, it was a Gentile widow the prophet Elijah was sent to, not Israelis. [Lk 4:25-26] It also is written that Elisha healed Naaman, a Syrian, and not all the other lepers in Israel [vs 27]
It simply proves that God's miracles were/are not only for His people. It is for "whomsoever" He decides to pour His gave and mercy out upon. So yes, I do say, miracles are coming to some, but not all. We need to get into prayer, spend more quiet time with the Lord, in His very presence waiting upon Him, the Holy Spirit will tell you what He hears Jesus/Yeshua says.
Please do not interpret that to mean that we have to "fix ourselves" or be "good enough" for God to heal us or help us. That is the same as people saying they need to quit cigarettes, drinking, drugs ,gambling, coveting, lusts, witchcraft, etc. (name your addiction or sin) before you can be saved.
Those are lies from the devil, Satan, and the pit of hell. If that were the case, NONE of us, including the holiest or the top "good person" you can think of - NO ONE, none of us are good enough to be saved.
This flesh is the original "never-ending story". We are delivered from one thing and something else presents itself. We overcome that and something else pops up. There is no end because the flesh was corrupted when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. It was an immediate death of the spirit, a separation from the Creator our heavenly Father.
Once we are resurrected, and if we go to be with Jesus/Yeshua for eternity, then finally, we are forever free with new bodies (none of us know exactly what it will be like, but we will be sin-free). Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. [Jn 16:13]
Have faith in God. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen. [Heb 11:1]
God's Glory Alone
It is easy to get distracted these days, so much going on with Fauci, Gates, on bio-threats, and Trump speaking about NAFTA - many distractions. It will probably get worse. It will bring on the Great Tribulation and the judgment Jesus warned us about. See Matthew 24.
It is all part of it, confuse the people, keep them distracted, have them look one way and do all the dirty work behind their backs. We need Jesus to guide us. Those warnings in the visions and dreams I shared Once
Upon a Mountaintop-Part 1 (and then>> Part
two (2)) were serious warnings.
I was moved to share them at a group dinner of about 25 people, on Sunday, December 22 j(ending Dec.30, 2019), at a celebration of Hanukkah. Some in the group celebrate it the Jewish tradition, rather than Christmas.
I don't know if the warnings was taken to heart. I hope so...yet I met with a lot of blank stares (deer gaze into the car headlights kind of look). I ended with suggesting that people at least take it to the Lord in prayer. Something is coming...something very serious, but I do not know what.
We all need to stay close to Jesus and pray. The warnings are shared in the links above (2 parts)
Our Maker can be trusted...He is Faithful and True. Yet this is a pivotal year, and many critical things will be noticed, as God's Word (prophecy) continues to unfold quickly.
The (turbulent) winds are picking up...and when God orders things at their appointed time, one powerful gust of wind, one BLAST from His nostrils, will knock the first domino down ... and the rest is history, as it is written in the Holy Bible.
Things are escalating - accelerating. Trust God. He can be trusted, even when we do not understand. He is concerned for our eternity more than the temporal, but trust Him for the things He has told you personally, and corporately...
He is faithful to lead us when we lean on Him and wait. Do NOT fear. This is a pivotal year, as we align ourselves with God's will, and with His Word...and the world aligns itself with Satan's will. Keep your eyes on Israel...and compare what is happening in the world with prophecy that is written in the Word of God (Holy Scriptures/Bible)
He can be trusted, even when all is so dark that we cannot see far ahead at all. Grab hold of Yeshua's hand (spiritually) and He will lead you. Do not fear. Do not let the spirit of fear stand like a giant before you. He is like the silent lion lurking in the tall grass, watching, waiting, eyeing his prey, ready to devour. He whispers lies in the wind and is a master at illusion.
He is a trickster like the fox. He is cunning and clever like the wolf, ready to chase its prey until they are tired out. In wildlife documentaries, that strategy is called "endurance hunting".
Then Satan is called a lion who goes around seeking whom he may devour. It is fitting to mention the lion, who is known for his "pride" (that is a play on words). Satan's 'pride' took him down.
Nonetheless, YHWH is greater than all of His creation ..the enemy is defeated.
They overcame him [Satan, the ancient serpent, the old dragon] by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony, and they loved not their life unto death. [Rev 12:11]
BELIEVE what the Lord has spoken to you in His Word, and in your spirit by His precious and Holy Spirit. Wait.
If you know you are in God's will, then wait. If you know you are not, then repent and turn in the right direction, Yeshua is merciful and ready to forgive and heal. If you do not know, read the Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you as He promised to do. [Prov 3:6] Tomorrow is not ours to take for granted.
BELIEVE what the Lord has spoken to you in His Word, and in your spirit by His precious and Holy Spirit. Wait.
If you know you are in God's will, then wait. If you know you are not, then repent and turn in the right direction, Yeshua is merciful and ready to forgive and heal. If you do not know, read the Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you as He promised to do. [Prov 3:6] Tomorrow is not ours to take for granted.
None of us are promised tomorrow. We all just take it for granted. It is part of our carnal nature. God speaks to His people today...ALL who are born-again. He always has. It is not one person is more special than another, and yet, He will show favour to whom He so chooses [Moses, Elijah, Samuel, David et al.].
But do not take His grace for granted. God is NOT mocked. Whatever we sow, we will reap. And yet, He shows grace. I am not the only one who realizes that there are times I should have gotten punished, but instead was given a chance to repent, be forgiven, and escape the consequences...countless (innumerable) numbers of people have received this grace. Personal testimonies reveal it.
There are things He hates, and even in the Bible, there were people He hated. It is taught that that hatred is not as human hatred, it means rejection. Esau was not favoured over Jacob. It was the other way around.
Who can tell God what to do? He hates sin, and He hates evil. God is good, but there are those who want to find fault with everything and everyone, including God. Read the Word, pray and listen - deep, deep within, you will hear His still small voice...but at times He thunders! [Job 37:5]
God will give us grace and strength to go through whatever we must go through. Let Him be glorified through you. Will you resign to hopelessness, or will you rise up and trust the living God who formed you in the womb, and holds your life in His hands? Rejoice...get to the place where you can rejoice, even if at first, it is on wobbly legs and tear-stained cheeks. Cast down bitterness (unforgiveness, resentment, bitter roots).
Rest in the Lord in sweet surrender. When He allows us to be put in the furnace of affliction, He is with us,, and He WILL bring us out. Yeshua will be glorified. Hold fast and trust the faithfulness of our Creator; He will bring us through all troubles! HalleluYah! I saw hallelujah spelled like that once - made me think of Yahweh.
THEN, watch as He allows the dross to surface; how He wonderfully removes it; how He forgives, heals and strengthens us. Magnificent Saviour, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, everlasting Father. Did you know the process that brings up the dross (impurities, waste) happens more than once. Some things are buried deep, under layers of denial, fear, unforgiveness, etc.) Be prepared.
Thank You Yeshua! Thank you Father for allowing me to vent and get it all out, as David, as Job, as Jeremiah, as Daniel, as Peter, as many, if not all of our forerunners have done... as ALL people do or will do eventually.
Be glorified in this pivotal year Abba, through Yeshua. All is in Your most competent hands! Trust God in your time of pain, suffering and brokenness. He will strengthen us to endure and to come through victorious!
We will yet again say: Our Lord, Yeshua/Jesus is Faithful and True God is Sovereign and has everything under His control. Beautiful, magnificent Creator!
These are some of the key words for 2020:
• alignment: (The Lord has always given ample warnings and
a fair time slot to repent and turn from wicked unrighteous ways.) This is
one word that the Holy Spirit first put upon my heart in early 2016, then again around, October 2018 – repetition increasing in 2019 and now 2020.) The Lord is aligning things both in the spiritual
and the physical – so is Satan and his legions (counterfeiter, imitator,
illusionist)
• accelerate and escalate – repeatedly these three words repeatedly getting my attention: over
the years these words have presented themselves, naturally; however, the
repetition of these words in frequency and seemingly in nearly every topic and
event globally certainly gets one’s attention: alignment, accelerate,
escalate (this pertains to what God is doing,
but also what’s going on around the globe)
(Maybe, just maybe, you are one of the lost, one of the wayward, one of the prodigals...like I was. He leaves the 99, you know. He truly does. He pursues us to draw us to Himself, but He will not force us. People may push us, but not Jesus.
● deception increasing, increasing (see the Bible) right to and including the Great Tribulation - illusions - lying signs and wonders
● deception increasing, increasing (see the Bible) right to and including the Great Tribulation - illusions - lying signs and wonders
• betrayals (Judas
spirit), treachery, sabotage, spirit of
Jezebel (evil spirit, python/divination, seducing spirits (leading people to doctrines of devils), that means increase of false teachers and false prophets
A time of great treachery and betrayals is coming. Sabotage - when my good friend in Virginia had the dream about the black cat named Sabotage, I posted it. The Lord gave her a prophetic dream.
This pivotal year will reveal sabotage of some sort. It is a big world. I am not sure where exactly, but knowing the Lord, He is speaking to many around the world because His people are sprinkled throughout the globe.
• idolatry (occult rituals, "Christian witches" (no such thing, but there are 'witches' that call themselves Christian), spirit ‘guides’, false gods/goddesses, spirit
of divination, which is called python - it is not how some false teachers and false prophets carry on about python; go back to the Hebrew and Greek original sources. The spirit of python was connected to the false god Apollo.
Python is not some spirit that chokes the spiritual life out of you. Satan does all he can to bring spiritual death through temptations and abominations. Python spirit had to do totally with divination (witchcraft/sorcery). [Acts 16:16-18]
In Acts 16:16, the fortune teller's [oracle] masters were in the business of selling statues of this false god, and python was a serpent linked to Apollo, and the Oracle of Delphi. Silversmithing [making idols of Diana]was a very lucrative occupation, which was the direct result of the slave girl's fortune-telling. She was possessed by the spirit of divination (python spirit) Not everything can be said here
• child sacrifice (endorses abortion, ritual sacrifices of people of all ages, male and female alike), manipulating and
controlling multitudes (feminism, sexual perversions (rape or molestation) before, during, or after sacrifice);
• homosexuality (gender lines blurred [lesbianism], abominations, confusion, dominance, control); promiscuity (immorality, nakedness), other perverse behaviour
● witchcraft
(exalted) (child sacrifice was rampant) sacrifice (rituals, molestation, blood drinking) cannibalism, greater
darkness (embraced), [people now calling good evil and evil good],
increased persecution globally, spells, rituals, incantations, murmuring and more
• diseases (resurrected); plagues introduced, biological
warfare (in 2013 when living in Georgia,
I saw a vision of a stagecoach and a team of 6-8 horses (in silhouette) speeding eastward from the west. I
understood that:
- old diseases would be resurrected, and new plagues introduced.)
●
AI, invisibility, weaponry, military aircraft/spacecraft (Artificial
Intelligence; certain technologies (holograms, lasers, invisibility, zero
gravity aircraft, space stations and more), used as part of deception, signs
and lying wonders), cloning, cloaking
●
locusts (literal, demonic, weaponry), earthquakes, volcanoes (that which lays dormant; sleeping giants awaken globally - I have a
strong sense this is physical and spiritual) – great eruptions, toxic
● poisoned waters; famine
● sword upon the land, God's judgment or Satan's fury - discern
● civil unrest
increased, rebellion – more deaths via militarized police, martial law, violence, lawlessness, racism, division
● spirit of slumber,
spirit of fear (fear has torment; only God's perfect love casts it out) [1Jn4:18]
● illusions, deception –
the counterfeit will appear real – Satan is the prince of the power of the air;
keep it in mind – that which is seen is not always what it appears to be; the
father of lies and the master of illusions is busily at work; stay in prayer,
repent if deceived, ask protection, increased discernment and wisdom
Glory
of God
● Sovereignty of God - remember WHO is in control of all things;
● remember WHO leads you in the way that you should go;
● remember WHO has brought you this far, strengthening you in the furnace of affliction;
● remember WHO has shown you signs as confirmation, even when you did not ask (whether a timely word, a special sign in nature (rainbow, dove, eagle...you and Father know); creative answers to your prayers)
● remember, He is bringing the true ones together all around the globe (His people are sprinkled throughout the nations) (family in Messiah Yeshua/Jesus)
For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His (Yeshua/Jesus) shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father,, the Prince of Peace. [Is 9:6]
● shofar (ram’s horn)
– call to repentance
– call to obedience
– call to holiness
This is a very serious wake-up call; more important than any other in past times– the HOUR IS LATE!
• alarm sounded
– (God's people are all called to be watchmen Ezek 33:3) - Watch and pray, Yeshua said - the messages (globally) will not conflict, nor are they competitive - nameless, faceless - all glory to the King of kings and Lord of lords
- How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that says unto Zion, Thy God reigns!
Your watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing": for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. [Is 52:7, 9]
The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. [vs 10]
- call to awaken
– call to arise
(wake up, rise up and prepare [watch, pray])
Your watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing": for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. [Is 52:7, 9]
The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. [vs 10]
- call to awaken
– call to arise
(wake up, rise up and prepare [watch, pray])
● imperative to ask the Lord to keep a guard over our mouth - to let us know in a very strong way when to speak (boldly, confidently, open mouth) and when to be silent (humble, closed mouth)
• paradigm (shift); God is accelerating, balancing - escalation - great trouble is coming (see the articles (2):Once Upon a Mountaintop – part 1 -- and 2 (two) I urge people again to see the warnings, take it to the Lord in prayer, but please at least consider them. I have never had open visions such as these before.
• we must know God's will (YHWH, YHVH) in matters and move accordingly; we do not stray from the Word of God - Without Yeshua, we can do nothing - we do NOT tell God what is going down; He will instruct us and tell us HIS WILL, as surely as He did for His son in the Garden of Gethsemane
• birthing aka
baptism by fire – (God’s promises, dreams, visions preceded by faith, trust, obedience
and patience) – birthing simply means to bring forth, travail, conflict (push
through, no matter how hard, no
turning back [remember Lot’s wife])
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. [Heb 11:6]
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. [Heb 11:6]
● prophecy, unity, love, mercy, forgiveness, justice seen in the children of light, the disciples of Yeshua/Jesus
● deliverance, salvation, healing, restoration
● true miracles, dreams, visions, prophetic words coming to pass (seek God individually - His will not man's will; He will lead you to truth)
● speak forth what GOD (YHWH) has spoken over you (whether through His holy Word, dream, vision, prophetic word) - It will not go against God's character or His Word; but God still does creative miracles. Glory, praise, honour to Adonai
● true miracles, dreams, visions, prophetic words coming to pass (seek God individually - His will not man's will; He will lead you to truth)
● speak forth what GOD (YHWH) has spoken over you (whether through His holy Word, dream, vision, prophetic word) - It will not go against God's character or His Word; but God still does creative miracles. Glory, praise, honour to Adonai
● reversal(s) (physical
and spiritual) – God’s favour; a jubilee-type season for some (not all) – hearing God’s voice clearly;
discernment
● angelic
intervention and protection (spiritual
warfare), by God’s command alone angels are fighting on behalf of many,
especially over ISRAEL
It may seem overwhelming to read, but much of it has been
going on all along (of course), but
it is now increasing, escalating…accelerating (aligning with scriptures; falling into place; keep your eyes on Israel, people of
God!).
Things are ramping up. There must be utter chaos globally
that will call for a divine solution; hence, the welcoming of the Antichrist (though he will not be recognized by the
world as such). People are already embracing witchcraft, especially in the entertainment industry, calling good evil and evil good
People do not want to own their sin, meaning the old "blame game" (someone else's fault or sin) That is deception. Either a person who believes that is either deceiving themselves or being deceived by false teachers/prophets or demons.
Yet, it is true that the demonic realm (locusts, spirit guides, witch doctors (various titles), gateways, portals) is
bolder now in their manifestations for people to see, as witchcraft and the occult is embraced (witchcraft, sorcery, dark arts, enchantments–
occult, esoteric spirituality, various religions, rituals, ceremonies)
- the world is preparing for one world order with Antichrist; his rule will be for a short time; God (YHWH) is fully in control; scriptures explain this clash of kingdoms; Yeshua is Victor
- the world is preparing for one world order with Antichrist; his rule will be for a short time; God (YHWH) is fully in control; scriptures explain this clash of kingdoms; Yeshua is Victor
Some have endured years of tribulations and trials and have
not given up, but feel like they are hanging on with a mustard seed of faith,
yet giving God the glory for even that!
There are many now who feel that the hardships and
afflictions have gone on so long that they are not sure if they can go on
waiting; yet their face is set as flint whilst they cry out to YHWH (God). I was in that crowd, asking, “How long, O Lord?” Apostasy or giving up is NOT an option for God's children. Period. You can do this, with the help of the Holy Spirit and El Shaddai.
But now, I give thanks knowing His timing is perfect. When we are weak, he is our refuge; He strengthens us and we rise up and endure to the end.
The enemy laughs, hasn't He promised that those who wait on Him “would not be put to shame” [Is 49:23]
and “obedience is better than sacrifice,
and hearkening (hearing, obeying God’s voice) better than the fat of rams.” [1Sam 15:22]
"Your shame is on you!" (Satan accuses, which is why he is called, the accuser- the devil). He is a liar; the father of lies. His condemnation is a counterfeit conviction. Condemnation births guilt and shame, and leads to hopelessness, and possibly a falling away. Conviction births change, repentance. It brings forgiveness, restores hope.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Christ Jesus (Yeshua)) [Rom 8:37]
"Your shame is on you!" (Satan accuses, which is why he is called, the accuser- the devil). He is a liar; the father of lies. His condemnation is a counterfeit conviction. Condemnation births guilt and shame, and leads to hopelessness, and possibly a falling away. Conviction births change, repentance. It brings forgiveness, restores hope.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Christ Jesus (Yeshua)) [Rom 8:37]
The first time I remember the Lord speaking about ‘alignment’ in a strong way was
in March 2016. I wrote an article called “Time of Alignment” and posted it just
shy of four years ago. At that time, it was strongly impressed upon me that
Abba was telling us to bring ourselves (thought,
word, deed) into alignment with His will and His Word.
Excerpt from ‘Time of
Alignment’:
All the world senses a
foreboding, yet what exactly will happen next, we do not know, but we all feel
that something is about to break loose. God’s judgments are coming upon the
earth. He is positioning His people. Preparation is a long process.
Meanwhile, Satan the
counterfeiter is aligning his people, to deceive, if possible, God’s remnant.
This is an admonition to get into alignment or face the judgment of God. Even
in God’s judgment, His desire is to bring people to repentance. Come into
alignment, please. Everything God does is done decently and in order, but no one can
say that He does not warn. He has His voices all over the earth, and many means
at His disposal. He has been warning since the Garden, and then since the Flood; then since Sodom and Gomorrah, and Christ's cross...and onward
(End excerpt) March 2016 “Time
of Alignment” (Note* -
counterfeiting is often mirroring what God is doing – BP2020)
It seems that the messages the Lord has placed upon my heart
for the past decade plus (15 years since I committed my life to the Lord in
2005) have been consistent, but that would be the Lord, not me. It's His faithfulness and love shining
brightly to draw people to Himself and bring them out of their bondage, to be
free and forgiven. It begins with repentance.
It starts with understanding our desperate need for God, seeing our sin for what it is and confessing it, admitting the need
for forgiveness, and freedom from the wretchedness, stench and weight of our sins.
By grace we are saved through faith in Yeshua/Jesus. Sometimes He has to pull the carpet out from under us to get our attention. His desire is that all should come to repentance, be born-again through Yeshua and gain eternal life.
I will expound more on these key words in the next post.
He Shall Baptize you
with Holy Ghost and Fire
John answered, saying
unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I comes,
the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you
with the Holy Ghost and with fire: [Lk 3:16]
Strong’s Greek 4442:
Fire, the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire.
Commentary: The fire which was to enter into Messiah’s
baptism was rather the flame of purification. So we read of the coal of fire
taken from off the altar and laid on the mouth of Isaiah the prophet. [Is 6:6,
7] “With fire, to purify, illumine, transform, inflame with holy fervor and
zeal, and carry upward, as Elijah was carried up to heaven in a chariot of
fire.” (Bishop Wordsworth)
Message from the Lord:
Baptism by Fire
Leave all in My competent hands. I see what others do not
see; I see all. I AM He who tries the heart and the reins. I know those who
believe they are justified and walk in pride and those who cry out in true repentance
and humility. Leave all in My hands.
I the Lord search the
heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and
according to the fruit of his doings. [Jer 17:10]
Concern yourself with the things I AM teaching you,
revealing to you and purging you of. Dying to self is a lonely journey and no
one can take your place. Fear not this fire. Trust Me through it.
The three Hebrew men did not long to go into the fire. They were
thrown into the fire because they trusted Me. They stood against that which was
wrong, for they trusted that I was with them. In anger, the king rejected their
words when they refused to accept that which the king had set up of his own
volition.
Enraged within, the king ordered the fire SEVEN TIMES HOTTER. His mightiest men
were ordered to bind the three and cast them into the fiery furnace. The fire
was not comfortable to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Every second seemed an
eternity. Yet, I opened their eyes to see that I was with them.
Endure the Fire
They knew they had to endure, that they had no choice. In
that fire, they were strengthened. They witnessed My power that sustained them.
Their faith grew; their hope was established; their destiny was secure in My
hands.
Did they want out of the fire? Yes, at first they did, deep
within they longed for release, yet they did not try to escape. As soon as they
understood [registered in their brain] that the fire was not consuming them, they walked through the fire.
They were not alone.
They were willing to lay down their lives unto death and for
this reason, they overcame by My power. I walked with them through the fire.
They felt the heat. It was not comfortable to their flesh, yet it did not
consume them. It did not destroy them. There was a further purging going on
inside of them, yet outwardly, not even a hair was singed.
At the appointed time, they were brought forth out of the
fire unharmed, yet stronger in faith, giving glory to Me. They did not even
smell of smoke. Not one part of the fabric of their clothing was burned. All
who saw them afterwards feared, for those who saw them knew that I had been
with them through it all.
Indeed, these men were strengthened in their faith. They had
endured the fire. They had overcome, not by might, nor by power, but by My
Spirit.
Fear Not the Fire
Do not fear the fire!
Allow this baptism of fire, for it shall cleanse and purge (purify). You
prayed to be strengthened. You prayed to overcome and love not your life unto
death. How I AM doing it is not how you had imagined. Yea, but My thoughts are
higher than your thoughts, so are my ways. [Is 55:9]
You have laid down pride (which hurts the flesh), in order to truly forgive. Let patience do
its perfect work.
But let patience
(endurance) have her perfect work that
you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let
him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids (reproves
sharply, scolds) not; and it shall be given
him. [Jam 1:4, 5]
I know it is hard; I know the frailty of flesh. I understand
how flesh wars against (resists) the spirit. Yea, but I see the motives and intentions
of the most awkward child. Trust Me. Yea, when you are willing and lay it down,
do you see how I open your eyes now to reveal to you that I AM with you? I did
not leave or forsake you.
I AM walking with you through the fire. If you cannot see
because of the flames of the fire, then, at least be aware that you are not
consumed. You are still here. Allow My peace that passes all understanding to
reassure you of My presence.
In focusing on Me instead of the fire, instead of the circumstances
and those that threw you into the fire, then you can rest, knowing that I AM
indeed walking with you through this fiery time.
The crowd sided with the king, declaring that he was justified
in doing what he said and did. He was wise and powerful. It was said that he
was a good king who cared for the people, presenting to them that which they
wanted. He presented to them a beautiful and glorious image of a god, made with
the finest gold.
A False Image of God
He set the image in a place where everyone could see the
incredible image of the god that he created; a god that he knew and understood,
a god that pleased the people. How dare these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego not regard the king?, the people asked.
They cheered when the Hebrews were thrown into the fire,
until they saw the king’s mightiest men, who were ordered to throw the three
into the fire, were consumed themselves by the intense heat.
Then the crowd waited, silently watching, expecting to hear
the cries of the defeat and destruction echo in their ears. Yet, they heard not
a thing but the roaring of the flames.
They believed the three Hebrews were properly punished for
their words and their actions. The king is justified, they murmured. Lo, but
they did not know how I saw it all, nor did they expect the God of the three
men to intervene. Nor did they expect Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to
survive.
Baptism by Fire
This fire is a baptism of fire; fear it not. You shall come
forth as pure gold, for all My people must endure the fire. You say, ‘But Lord, I have been through fire before,
more than once. Is it not enough?’
Is not silver refined seven times? Is gold not purged (more
than once) to bring forth its purity? Many of My people are going through
severe trials right now, a fire of intense heat, yet they cry out to Me,
expressing all that is within themselves.
Remember I AM the Creator, who fully understands all that
has been created. My words are pure; know that I AM with you.
O bless our God, ye
people, and make the voice of His
praise to be heard: Which holds our
soul in life, and suffers not our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have proved us: You have tried us, as silver is tried. You brought us into
the net; You laid affliction upon our loins. You have caused men to ride
over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but
You brought us out into a wealthy place. [Ps 66:8-12]
The words of the Lord
are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. [Ps 12:6]
Answered Prayers
You prayed to be purified and purged, to be without spot or
blemish. You prayed that all unrighteousness and unclean things would be
removed from you; that you would be strengthened to endure all the evil that is
coming, so that you would endure to the end.
You admitted that your wisdom is foolishness and sought
(asked for) My wisdom; that your faith would be made strong and that I would
teach you by My power and by My Spirit.
That your faith should
not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. [1Cor 2:5]
You prayed to know My will so that you could obey; that you
would overcome all that is of this world and that is not of Me; that you would
not love your life unto death. I AM answering your prayers.
But the Comforter
which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things,
and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto
you. [Jn 14:26]
Do not be taken aback or fearful of the ways I answer. Trust
Me to bring you through, nothing wavering. Dying to self is excruciating to the
flesh. Demons, all principalities and powers, rulers of darkness of this world
and spiritual wickedness in high places, ALL will mock, taunt and torment you upon your cross, as you
endure in your dying to self.
Bitter Cup
A spirit of error has influenced many, but those who truly
seek truth shall find it. Look to Me, for I AM the one who shuts the mouths of
the lions. You drink from the same bitter cup as Your Master though He [My Son] did not
sin.
The drinking of this bitter cup will bring you to your
cross, yes, but it will lead you to endure the cross on a daily basis. All who
are Mine continue to die daily by crucifying the flesh. All sin, even that which
has hidden, shall be purged and you shall be cleansed.
Embrace My love for you, for those that I chastise are Mine.
All My people need reminding of that which they were taught.
If you endure
chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father
chastens not? [Heb 12:7]
As you trust in Me, holding fast to your faith, I shall
bring you through. Despise not this furnace of affliction, for again I say to
you, this is My will and My great love for you and I shall bring you through.
Though others may think they know the end of a matter, fear not, for they know
not My mind, nor can they counsel Me.
Yea, let him who is without sin cast the first stone. Now
you go deeper, pressing in closer to Me, along the narrow path, learning
further obedience by the things you suffer, even unto death. Those whose
intentions are pure, will surrender to My hand which does the shaking and they
shall endure.
Though He were a Son,
yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. [Heb 5:8]
Every branch in Me
that bears not fruit He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He
purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [Jn 15:2]
Fiery Trial
Beloved, think it not
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange
thing happened unto you. But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s
sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad with exceeding
joy. [1Pet 4:12, 13]
That the trial of
your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might
be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: [1Pet
1:7]
I have seen the intentions and motives of your heart; fear
not. I love the awkward foal as much as the strong horse.
But He knows the way I
take: when He has tried me,
I shall forth as gold. [Job 23:10]
Rejoice, for I AM with you. Rejoice, for I AM He that
formed you. I AM He, the Potter that forms and molds the clay. Rejoice, for
this fire has an appointed end. Be strong – I AM with you.
Go through, go through, go through. Shut out all the voices
but Mine alone. Woe to the wise man that glories in his wisdom, or the mighty
man who glories in his might, or the rich man who glories in his riches. These
things should not be, for I delight in lovingkindness, judgment and
righteousness. [see Jeremiah 9:24]
Fear not! This is for your good, but for My glory! Take upon
you the whole armour that I provided. Stand strong in this time; stand strong
with Me. Do not fear that which is happening. It is indeed to strengthen you
for that which is fast approaching.
Truth Divides
I AM come to send fire
on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism
to be baptized with; and how am I straitened (restricted) till it be accomplished! Suppose ye that I
AM come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from
henceforth there shall be five in once house divided, three against two, and
two against three. [Lk 12:49-52]
My grace is sufficient for you. Trust Me in all that concerns
you…ALL that concerns you. Though the enemy hates all people, he targets those who walk close to Me the most. Wait, obey, be strong. Patience…not
much longer.
Because the
foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than
men. For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the
flesh, not many might, not many noble, are called:
But God has chosen the
foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak
things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of
the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which
are not, to bring to nothing that that are: That no flesh should
glory in His presence. [1Cor 1:25-29]
Prepare for Victory
Prepare yourself for victory, as you obey and go through. I
AM the Lord of the battle. Victory is in My hand and My banner over you is
love. Be not troubled or afraid; receive My peace and My love. Yes, again I
say, embrace the fire, for it is indeed for your good, but for My glory! Selah
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach) for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [Acts 2:38]
Peace I leave with
you; My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [Jn 14:27]
for His glory alone
penned by Bonita dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com
original post: Baptism
by Fire (February 2013)
Addendum: I came across this old file and believe it is a MUST for right now that people need to hear at this time, self included. The Holy Spirit had to take me gently by the shoulders and lift my chin upward (to take my eyes off of my circumstances)...
Addendum: I came across this old file and believe it is a MUST for right now that people need to hear at this time, self included. The Holy Spirit had to take me gently by the shoulders and lift my chin upward (to take my eyes off of my circumstances)...
"This is not the time to give up! It is time to...
STAND UP and FIGHT THE BATTLE
by David Wilkerson
How many Christians call themselves warriors but have never been
tested or trained? We hear about the many prayer warriors in this
nation. But the sad truth is, the vast majority of them have never
been trained -- they're not ready to fight. Many true believers refuse
to fight the devil or do battle against his kingdom.
When God does find a believer with a hunger and a desire for his
blessing, he puts him into the ring to learn to fight. The Lord is
going to need well-trained warriors who will prevail over all the
powers of hell in his last hour of warfare.
Right now God is doing a quick work in his remnant -- it's called
crisis training. These tested saints in this training are becoming
the captains of his last-day army. God is putting Holy Ghost fight
in them and he is bringing forth warriors who are tested and tried,
because they've wrestled with God, just as Jacob did (see Genesis 32:24-32).
This kind of training calls for physical discipline as well as spiritual.
Jacob threw his whole body into the battle, all his human ability.
A fighting spirit had risen up in him and, Scripture says, "He
struggled with the Angel and prevailed" (Hosea 12:4). This verse
has great meaning for all who want to prevail in prayer. It says
Jacob prevailed and won the battle. If you're going to prevail in
these last days, you're going to have to put all your strength into it.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks
about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him"
(1 Peter 5:8-9).
Many Christians expect God to somehow save their family,
reconcile relationships, do miracles, all at no cost to them. They
just want to rest in their rocking chair and "believe God for it all."
But this matter of prevailing in prayer --- "breaking through" to
God, getting answers and seeing results -- is going to cost your
flesh something.
God wants you to lay hold of Him because He loves you. He wants
you to claim all his blessings. Rise up in faith and lay hold of His
promises. Stand up and fight. You have his strength so use it!
STAND UP and FIGHT THE BATTLE
by David Wilkerson
How many Christians call themselves warriors but have never been
tested or trained? We hear about the many prayer warriors in this
nation. But the sad truth is, the vast majority of them have never
been trained -- they're not ready to fight. Many true believers refuse
to fight the devil or do battle against his kingdom.
When God does find a believer with a hunger and a desire for his
blessing, he puts him into the ring to learn to fight. The Lord is
going to need well-trained warriors who will prevail over all the
powers of hell in his last hour of warfare.
Right now God is doing a quick work in his remnant -- it's called
crisis training. These tested saints in this training are becoming
the captains of his last-day army. God is putting Holy Ghost fight
in them and he is bringing forth warriors who are tested and tried,
because they've wrestled with God, just as Jacob did (see Genesis 32:24-32).
This kind of training calls for physical discipline as well as spiritual.
Jacob threw his whole body into the battle, all his human ability.
A fighting spirit had risen up in him and, Scripture says, "He
struggled with the Angel and prevailed" (Hosea 12:4). This verse
has great meaning for all who want to prevail in prayer. It says
Jacob prevailed and won the battle. If you're going to prevail in
these last days, you're going to have to put all your strength into it.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks
about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him"
(1 Peter 5:8-9).
Many Christians expect God to somehow save their family,
reconcile relationships, do miracles, all at no cost to them. They
just want to rest in their rocking chair and "believe God for it all."
But this matter of prevailing in prayer --- "breaking through" to
God, getting answers and seeing results -- is going to cost your
flesh something.
God wants you to lay hold of Him because He loves you. He wants
you to claim all his blessings. Rise up in faith and lay hold of His
promises. Stand up and fight. You have his strength so use it!
Source-World Challenge
(NOTE: The highlighted words are my doing; they are not in World Challenge post. BP)
UPDATE: I shout HalleluYah! Fight indeed...a year for miracles, indeed! This report was totally unexpected. It is with great pleasure and utmost glory to God alone that I can report that FINALLY I have overcome cigarettes, as of May 25, 2020.
They overcome [him] (adversary, Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony, and they loved not their life unto death. [Rev 12:11]
FIFTY YEARS! - 50 years I smoked! [I am still in shock (chuckles)] Can you believe it? Half a century -- I am dating myself - shh lol It went by so quick. Our life really IS a vapour (excuse the expression [lol], but it says that in one of the Psalms.
I looked it up. The Lord really does go ahead of us. This is from the Amplified Bible [AMP]. It is the perfect version to use for here.
Behold, you have made my days as [short as] hand widths, And my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Surely every man at his best is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]!
This is my personal 'Jubilee' year. What a wonderful deliverer Jesus is! For years I tried to quit, especially the past year. Ask anyone who knew me. Over and over I would hear: "You don't want to quit or you would", or "You're never going to quit, it is your idol!"
(O dear reader, if you only knew the secret tears I cried with guilt and shame over my weakness, over my despised 'idol', over my lack of strength- yet deep down, my 'flesh' liked cigarettes, my spirit did not.
Over the years when the Lord was giving messages about 'not contending forever', or 'do your part and I will do mine'...I knew He was speaking to me too about the cigarettes.
Some people were sure I was hiding a sin, but to me, smoking was defiling my temple (for me personally). Actually, I reckon I was hiding something...FEAR, and the sin? Perhaps it was doubting the power of God for someone like me. I believed in the power of God. I had seen Jesus heal others and also myself.
He brought me back when I briefly died. He also delivered me from legion. He healed many little things in me, and even healed our golden retriever one time when I did not have the money for a vet.
He delivered me alive from the hands of kidnappers at 16 (although I did not know it was Jesus then) I did not give God glory for decades to come.
I am NOT speaking for others. It is between each person and the Lord. I do not know if smoking is a sin unless you are nudged strongly by the Holy Spirit to quit. It was made clear to me that I was to quit.
What is sin for one person may not be sin for another. Personally, I cannot see where any addiction glorifies the Lord, our deliverer. Can you?
Many times over the years I would write that the messenger gets the message first, whether it was a rebuke or admonition, a warning or an encouragement, I paid attention. Now the reader knows 'why' I said that so often.
Fasting and prayer; buying the cigarettes is...WAS [lol -- was, was, was] expensive (up to $12 for a pack of 20 in the year 2020, here in B.C.)
In efforts to quit, time and again, I would break them up; put them in a far away garbage bin. Or I would cut them up and flush them down the toilet. Or I would drive to the homeless shelter and give them away to the first people I saw smoking, or just go out on the street and give the pack away to homeless ones.
Yet, every time I would do these different ways, it was with sheer determination to quit. Who can afford to just toss the cigarettes away like that at $12 a pack? I was serious... but I kept failing - time after time again.
I was willing to pay the cost spiritually, battling against Satan or any demon keeping me captive in addiction. Finally, (sometime around May), with a broken and contrite heart I confessed that my flesh liked smoking, and it did not want to quit. In my heart (my spirit), the desire to quit was strong.
Indeed, the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak. I confessed that I could not do it...I had failed my Lord Jesus. I had failed my Father, for years and years. My promise was empty - I had promised I would quit back in 1999 or 2000 - on my knees, in front of three little children.
Unless God helped me, I simply could not do it. Every effort had been tried; all avenues exhausted. Then, one day, at the end of May (30th or 31st), I realized that I had not smoked for five or six days. Jesus did it!
The Lord delivered me because I could not do it! Hallelujah, glory to God! It is now September, nearly FOUR months! In the misery of the lockdowns, mask wearing, social distancing, and all the other craziness, a miracle happened for me.
O beloved saints, do not let this pandemic shake your faith or hope in God. Some may think the deliverance from smoking is no miracle because people do it all the time. Well, yes, but not 'this' person. I tried for years, and many Christians over those years, at different times, accused me of many things, such as disobedience, willful sin, and -- I can barely remember, but I wore condemnation as a shameful robe to cover what I was made to believe was my spiritual nakedness.
It is my miracle - 50 years of smoking - set free; it is my Jubilee!
Friends, God truly DOES see the heart. It was when I laid down pride, laid down independence, and humbly confessed my fear, and that I could not do it, it seemed that is when Jesus moved! He had opened the prison door, but I had to walk through. Fear was holding me back - glory, glory, glory to God who still saves, heals and DELIVERS!
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. [Heb 13:8]
(End update -BP2020)
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