New Year Prayer

Prayer for the Coming Year

Typically at this time of year, it is customary for people to wish each other a Happy New Year. But rather than follow traditional ways, I have offered a heartfelt, sincere prayer. 

As apostasy (falling away) has been increasing at alarming rates, my prayer is that this be the year that God's people, the true children of light, become absolutely inseparable from Yeshua (Jesus).

My prayer is that God (Yhvh) grant continuous strength to His people in moments of weakness and weariness threaten to bring them to a halt. As we wait upon the Lord, He promises to renew our strength so that we will rise up with wings as eagles. [Is 40:31] 

In waiting upon the Lord and being strengthened by Him, not one will be overwhelmed to the point of giving up or giving in!

May hearts burn with passion, compassion and love to bring in the lost and to do the will of the Father, no matter what - that courage and boldness be enveloped in humility; that forgiveness, mercy and grace flow from our being and stop the mouth of the slanderer, liar and accuser, Satan and all enemies of the cross.

May the Spirit of God so fill each vessel of the wise ones that they are wholly prepared for the return of the Bridegroom. As the wise virgins wait, may the glory of His light in each blind the eyes of the enemy and draw the unsaved to Yeshua (Jesus). 

May love so abound that each one humbly warns the unwise to get oil now, whilst there is still time, for the midnight hour fast approaches, and great is the darkness.

May not one of God's own touch His glory or take the glory for themselves, but rather exalt Him on high, with praise upon their lips, worshiping Him in Spirit and in truth. [Jn 4:24] May eyes be wide open and ears alert to hear the Good Shepherd's voice and follow His lead.

I ask the good Lord to grant to those who cleave to Him 2020 vision spiritually, thus having the ability, due to sharpened vision,  to recognize the true from the false, and the good from all manner of evil, no matter how masterfully the enemy blurs and camouflages reality in order to deceive the disciples of Christ.

Then Lord, when discernment is accurate and sure, grant the wisdom to know the best way to handle that which is discerned, so that the outcome is according to Your perfect will.

May we unite as one, strong in faith in Christ Yeshua/Jesus, fully armoured, fighting the good fight, and having done all, to stand. [Eph6:13] 

Let us encourage and pray for one another, including our enemies. [Jn13:34; Mat 5:44]

May each one realize that we are all called to be watchmen, and may each find strength not to fall asleep on their watch. Jesus said that no one knows the day or the hour, but He did tell us what to watch for. He also gave us the parable of the fig tree - we can surely see the budding.

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh: So likewise you, when you shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. [Mat 24:32, 33] (Words of Yeshua/Jesus)

 When it is evening, you say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering (threatening). O you hypocrites, you can discern the face of the sky; but can you not discern the signs of the times? [Mat 16:2, 3] (Messiah's words)

May the most Holy Spirit remind each child of light that indeed, we all have fallen short of God's glory (which is why we needed a Saviour in the first place, due to the fall of Adam); and that we all like sheep have gone astray. (Again, we needed a Saviour, the Good Shepherd.)

I do not ask this in prayer for the sake of condemnation, but rather, to keep us balanced, so that we do not think of ourselves more highly than we ought. Sometimes pride has gotten the better of me; it is subtle.

That in His mercy, God reminds us that we each were turned away from Him and went our own way; but He, as a good Shepherd, left (and leaves) the 99 who are safe, to go after the one who is lost. 

He gives (and gave) His life for His sheep. He knows his sheep, and His sheep know His voice.

May we remember that this is not a competition, but that the gifts and strengths we have each been given are meant to complement and help each other, that is...to add to, to enhance and to strengthen the Body of Christ. 

Through reminders from the Holy Spirit, keep each member of the Body free from the entanglements of pride and arrogance, as we acknowledge that all that is said and done is only through and because of Jesus (Yeshua) - to the glory of God alone!

May we boldly speak the truth with the agape love of God,, as our Saviour did, some with compassion, some with fear, to pull them safely out of the clutches of the enemy and out of the fire.

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal lie. And of some have compassion, making a difference:

And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. [Jude 1:21-23]

I offer this prayer with love in the name above all names and with God's love because the Lord has shown me what is good, and what He requires of me (and all who are His), which is: [...]...to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly before your God. [Micah 6:8]

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. [Jude 1:25]

(Note* - As it is my prayer from the heart, I added a couple of things to it today that I have prayed privately in the past, but forgot to include when posting it yesterday (January 1, 2020). I was actually praying the prayer aloud as I was writing it on this blog. I feel it is now complete. BP - Jan 2, 2020)

Diligently Writing

Over eight weeks ago I began the next article, only to delete most and keep portions. Again I would start. Then it was halted as I became unwell. I began writing again about five or six weeks ago, but could not stay at it for long periods, as the battle over my health continued.

I have neared completion of the next writing; it is lengthy and will be in parts. It will be up within the next few days. I will say that 2020 will be a "pivotal year" [this the LORD revealed to me, not any wisdom of my own]. 

In fact, that is the title of the piece - 
"2020 - Pivotal Year in Clash of the Kingdoms"

...the dominoes are being aligned; and when they are, it will only take one push to start the rapid fall. 

The Sovereign God has put the words "clash of the kingdoms" in my spirit for years now, but the time is near upon us. There is good to look forward to, but also bad to prepare for. The next writing will expound on these things. It may not be what you expect, as things are not as they appear to be. I sincerely hope that you will return and read it in a few days.

May the joy of the Lord be your strength.

for His glory

Bonita                            dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Believe - I Do Things Suddenly

 (I am unsure when this was first published, but as I read and prayed, the Lord added some to it. Take all things in prayer to the Lord -BP 2017)

Believe - I Do Things Suddenly

O LORD, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear! even cry out unto You of violence, and You will not save! Why do You show me iniquity (injustice), and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.

Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment does never go forth: for the wicked does compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceeds. (justice perverted)  [Hab 1:2-4]

Many question My Sovereignty in this hour when faith is being tried as never before. "Where is justice? Why do you You stand afar off and allow such horrors to take place?"  Many of My people are crushed in spirit at all that is happening, yet I promise you that I am with you, even now.

Hearts filled with sorrow, grief, anger, doubts; confusion abounds and the enemy whispers, "Where is your God now?"  Shut out the voice of the adversary, for only I know the reason behind all things. Sin abounds in this world; human error and choices between doing what is right and what is wrong is still a reality.

When things happen that do not make sense, you must trust that nothing has escaped Me. I DO work all things together for good [Romans 8:28], but in the midst of pain and sorrow, nothing makes sense. I know your frame; I remember that you are but dust. Yet, I say to you, will you trust Me through this?

Multitudes whisper, "Nothing happens that God does not allow." They readily lay even the consequences of sin at My feet, indirectly blaming Me for all that goes wrong in this world.

There is truth in the statement, yet does what I allow mean that everything is My will? Are abortions, murders, suicides, illegal drug use, incest, adultery, fornication, betrayals, false doctrines, witchcraft and much more…are these such things My will? Consider carefully!

If I intervened and intercepted every vile word, action or deed (all sins), most, if not all, would accuse Me of reneging on the gift of the power to choose. I promise you that justice shall be served in the end. 

I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgement was set, and the books were opened. [Dan 7:9, 10]

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the book were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to his works.  [Rev 20:11-13]

The hearing and knowledge of that will not satisfy most in their darkest hours, yet I assure you that if you will but trust Me through all situations, no matter how mysterious, unfounded, unfair or seemingly untimely, the day will come when you will see that in My wisdom and omniscience, I allowed what I allowed for good reason and purpose.

I can handle your outbursts of anger, frustration and all else that you may bring to Me in your emotional turbulence. Be careful not to murmur and complain, but find it within yourself to thank Me that I consider you worthy to face these trials and challenges (as I did My servant Job, Joseph and others).

It is better to approach Me in honesty than hypocrisy. When the storm passes and you calm yourself once again, you will repent and turn from everything that you know is not of Me, if you truly love Me and I am ever ready to forgive.  

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. he that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him. [Ps 126:5-6]

Indeed, I will hear and forgive, and My compassion will be upon you. I will cast all your sins into the depths of the sea.

Who is a God like unto you, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retains not his anger forever because he delights in mercy.

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.  [Micah 7:18, 19]

If you will find the strength to lay all your life down upon the altar (hopes, dreams, plans, emotions, feelings...your very life) and TRUST Me enough to WAIT upon Me (my timing), and OBEY My instructions in FAITH, then I shall indeed give you beauty for ashes. 

I shall turn your sorrow into joy and clothe you in robes of righteousness. You shall be as a tree planted by the waters...if you will but hold fast to your faith, despite all the outward circumstances. Indeed, I shall avenge. I AM a God of grace, mercy and love, but also of justice, judgment and righteousness. Selah

To appoint unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.  [Is 61:3]

Shut not your eyes as one blind, nor harden your heart against Me in your dark hour, for I will yet come and bless you if you will surrender all, lay it all down, and trust and wait upon Me.

This is the time to turn your eyes toward Me and not away from Me. There is a very real adversary that hates all of mankind, but particularly My people, those who follow after Me and seek Me in earnest, willing to abide, trust and obey, even when their faith is shaken. 

Do not go by your feelings or emotions. Do not go by outward appearances, for in the twinkling of the eye, it can all change. Hold fast to your shield of faith. I AM your shield, your strong tower, your refuge.

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]

If My people would only know what is around the corner, they would be stronger. Yes, horrific things are coming, as foretold, yet I say to you, the Bride is being prepared - and astounding things not heard of are about to take place.

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither has the eye seen, O God, beside You, what He has prepared for him that waits for Him. [Is 64:4]

Set your face as a flint. Repent where you know you must, yea, but do not be a victim of condemnation when you walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh.

Keep on your armour; fast and pray, be alert! Give thanks and praise even when you do not feel like it, for great is the reward after humility is expressed. Above all, faith, trust and obedience!

But now, O LORD, You are our father; we are the clay, and Your our potter; and we all are the work of Your hand.  [Is 64:8]

But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.  [Jn 4:23, 24]

I am moving on your behalf. This battle is Mine and I have commanded My holy angels to do My bidding.  

For it is written, He will give his angels charge over you, to keep you:

For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.  [Lk 4:10; Ps 91:11]

Wait, I say, wait upon My timing, for that which you have long awaited is upon you. It does not tarry.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.  [Hab 2:3]

Breakthrough is coming by My hand alone.  

And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The Lord has broken forth upon my enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.  [2 Sam 5:20; see also 1 Chron 14:11]  
Baalperazim means "Lord of bursting through"; "Lord of breaking through". 

It shall come suddenly, swiftly and without warning, for I often move in such manner. 

And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly.  [2Chron 29:36]

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  [Acts 2:2]

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bands were loosed.  [Act 16:26]

You have waited long, but I say wait a little longer, for it shall come upon you suddenly. Hold fast to faith, keeping your eyes upon My Son Jesus (Yeshua), trust and obey.  Only believe and be patient...just a little longer. It is time. The time is upon you -  I shall do it suddenly!

Jesus said unto him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.  [Mk 9:23]

I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of My mouth, and I showed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.  [Is 48:3]

for His glory alone

penned by Bonita                   dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

God Moves Suddenly

                                
Seek God's Face

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not (rebukes, scolds); and it shall be given him.  [Jam 1:3-5] 

If My people, who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Now My eyes shall be open, and My ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place [2 Chron 7:14, 15]

A close friend of mine, who is also a sister in Christ, asked me what it meant to seek God's face. My quick answer was, "To seek His face and not His hand means to enter into His presence, looking to His face for who He is, and not to His hand for what He can do for us."  This dear sister knew that already, but merely sought confirmation.

In the verses above, when we follow the wise words contained within verse 14, we see that we must first humble ourselves. We must fully acknowledge that we are the created, not the Creator.

In a position of humility, we recognize our sinful ways, all the ways in which we fall short or are out of alignment to His will and/or commandments. This is not to approach God under a heavy hand of condemnation (which comes only from the devil or flesh), but rather under the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Condemnation presents the problem, but conviction presents the solution. Condemnation points to self, conviction points to Jesus. Condemnation brings fear and hardens our hearts, which leads to rebellion (resistance to God, disobedience, pride), keeping us in the flesh and bondage of sin. 

Conviction brings hope, brokenness and a contrite heart, leading us to pray and to repent (having faith in God's love, mercy and grace through Jesus). We rejoice in Christ's forgiveness, peace and freedom from bondage. 

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
[Rom 8:1, 6, 7, 15]

Think upon the very first ones to be deceived and to disobey, who by their choices were first to sin against God. Eve, the one who was deceived, blamed the serpent. Adam, the one who disobeyed, blamed the woman and God (And the man said, The woman that YOU gave me; she gave me of the tree [...]) [Gen 3:12]

As soon as Eve listened and became deceived by the lies of the serpent and ate the fruit, she sinned and then convinced Adam to disobey God's command as well. They hid from God and covered themselves, feeling shame, guilt and fear.

Each placed blame on another (and in Adam's case, even God), but they did not blame themselves. They did not take responsibility for their choices, having been deceived and disobedient. They chose to satisfy the flesh, rather than to walk in the Spirit, as they always had before.

If we accept conviction with a humble heart, we pray (as verse 14 instructs), looking to God as we repent. There is a godly sorrow, a broken and contrite heart that accompanies repentance (a change of heart and mind that rejects sin and turns from it). 

We seek God's face. We long for Him to look upon us, to hear what we have to say and to speak to us. He promises to do so when we enter into His presence, worshipping Him in Spirit and in truth. 

Now My eyes shall be open, and My ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. [1 Chron 7:15]  

Now do you understand what it means to seek God's face (eyes (to see), ears (to hear), mouth (to speak), rather than His hand (what He will give or do for us)?  

In our humility, God looks upon us, hears us and speaks to us. When we repent, gratitude fills us as we receive His forgiveness. It will lead us into thanksgiving and praise, as we worship the Living God, our Creator.

Enter into the gates with thanksgiving and into the courts with praise; be thankful unto Him and bless His name. [Ps 100:4]

Temptations will Come

When temptations come (and they will), we must hold fast to faith and resist fear and doubts. We must resist the devil and he will flee. He will put up a good fight, as he did when he brought every temptation to Christ Jesus in the desert wilderness, but he must and will leave (flee) if we stand firm on the Word, as Jesus did.

Yes, it is hard. The Bible does not give us every single detail regarding the temptations brought to Jesus. For example, Jesus was fasting those forty days and nights when Satan came to Him.

One of the temptations was to break the fast, when he first challenged Jesus about who He was (IF you are the Son of God) and when he enticed Jesus to turn the stones into bread [Mat 4:3]

It is highly likely that Satan produced the aroma of freshly baked bread, or even brought illusions (false visions) of bread for Jesus to look upon and to smell. When Satan tempts, he does so with grandeur. Yet Jesus was well aware of the nature, tactics and strategies of the enemy.

Satan tempted every area in Jesus. He tempted the body (lust of the flesh); the soul (lust of the eyes) and His Spirit (pride of life).  Example: bread (lust of flesh); kingdoms (lust of the eyes). 

He may even presented an attractive, naked woman standing in one of those kingdoms, complete with an attractive and welcoming smile, holding a feathered fan and a bowl of peeled grapes (lust of the eyes and lust of the flesh). The Word of God says Jesus was tempted in every way [Heb 4:15], but did not sin.

He tried to bring doubt to Jesus about who He was and thus tempted His Spirit. "IF you are the Son of God, [...] (pride of life).  Jesus answered: It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. [Mat 4:4]

Satan even attempted to get Jesus to commit suicide. Taking Christ to the pinnacle (highest point, loft peak) of the temple, Satan told Him to throw himself down (kill himself, commit suicide).

Of course, Satan added that God would order His angels to protect Him, so that Jesus/Yeshua would be unharmed (his foot would not even dash against a stone). Just like he lied to Eve: [...] you shall not surely die. [Gen 3:4]

 [Mat 9:4; Mat 12:25; Jn 13:5The enemy will assault (attack) us in every way. He will tempt every area, body, soul and spirit. He believes (by observation) that he knows our weaknesses. Satan is not omnipresent (everywhere) as God is, but he does have a demonic army that report back to him.

He realizes that due to the fall of mankind, we have a propensity to sin, so he believes that he knows how we think. I do not believe he can read our minds, but he can fire suggestions (fiery darts) into our mind.

We will often perceive such thoughts as our own because Satan will speak in the first person (I need (want, desire) that person, place or thing; emphasis on "I"). However, our Lord Jesus can see all and does know our thoughts, intents and motives.[Mat 9:4; Mat 12:25; Jn 13:5]

Satan will tempt us by appealing to our weaknesses and enticing us through the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life, all of which are of the world and not of God. 

Satan will try to pervert the good gifts of God and cause us to place them before our love for God (idolatry) and disobey God (rebellion). We must resist these things that Satan and the world offers and strive to do God's will.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever. [1 Jn2: 17]

We are warned that Satan (whose very name means adversary, enemy) seeks to devour us as a roaring lion. We are instructed to humble ourselves, giving all our cares (concerns) to God; to be sober and vigilant (self-controlled). We are to remain steadfast in our faith, resisting Satan. 

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour. [1Pet5:5-8]

We are encouraged when we are read that Satan afflicts all the brethren across the globe, in the world. We come to realize and should remember that others suffer the same afflictions. That does not mean that we are pleased or glad that others are suffering. 

No! But rather we are encouraged, strengthened, knowing that we are not alone in our suffering. We are to pray one for another. With understanding, we can counter Satan's lies when he tells us that we are in these trials, tribulations or afflictions due to our lack of faith.

Neither is it because God (Yhvh) is punishing us, or that He has left us (Ichabod). Jesus (Yeshua) promised that He would never leave or forsake us. [Heb 13:5, 6] Satan is the father of lies, and a murderer from the beginning. [Jn 8:44] 

God is perfecting and strengthening us; He prunes away the dead branches (unproductive parts). He purges away the dross and purifies us a silver and gold. When we are overwhelmed and undone, He will carry us. 

Cry out to God, in truth and humility. Keep strong and steady in your faith. Our King and Lord is well aware of our suffering, but He knows that His work is for our good, not for our destruction.

Whom resist (the adversary) steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [1 Pet 5:9]

And in the wilderness, where you have seen how that the Lord your God bare you (carried you), as a man does bear (carry) his son, in all the way that you went (walked), until you came into this place. [Deut 1:31]

He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are young..

Hearken (listen) to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by Me in the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs (gray hairs) will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry and will deliver you. [Is 40:11; Is 46:3, 4]

Yet, at the same time, we must also be careful not to blame the consequences of our sin on others. Neither blame Satan, the devil, for our own sinful choices, and most importantly, do not blame God. We alone are responsible for our actions, our choices, and we will be held accountable for sins that we do not repent of. Judgment does indeed begin in the house of God.

Resist Not the Trials (Testing) of Faith

When trials and tribulation come, our first reaction is resistance. We tend to be confused by what is happening and question 'why'. We strive to quickly find solutions and answers, and become frustrated when none are forthcoming. 


If and when God is silent during such times, we may question His Sovereignty, His love, His care and His mercy. Fear will tempt us and doubts will taunt our flesh, endeavouring to bring us into dregs of despair. Satan will try to steal our hope, kill our faith and destroy our love (for God, for Jesus).

When Herod saw that the Jews were pleased at James' (brother of John) death, he had Peter arrested to be tried and executed. Peter was well-guarded, but suddenly a bright light entered into the prison. God had sent one of His angels.

It did not look good for Peter, but the faithful brethren were fervently interceding on his behalf. Peter's chains were loosed by the angel. Not only did they get past the first and second guards, but the iron gate that was tightly shut swung open and they walked through and down the street. Then the angel disappeared. [Act 12:1-10]

Even though that particular test of faith (trial) of Peter's was short, he still must have been hard-pressed to hold fast to his faith. After all, the apostle James had just been executed with a sword [Acts 12:2]

Peter had no way of knowing what God had planned for him. There he was, shackled in chains, with guards on either side of him. There was no way of escape as far as he could see. Yet, God is Sovereign and made a way where there seemed to be no way.

After the angel disappeared and Peter went to the house where the brethren had been praying, they did not believe it was him at first, but thought perhaps it was his guardian angel. The miracles of God do indeed defy logic!

The time came when Peter was executed by crucifixion, but not until his mission was complete and his appointed time had come. He still had to endure other trials and tribulation.

There was another man of God whose faith was tested much longer. Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel) had been sold as a slave by his jealous and envious brothers. 

In Egypt, Joseph served in Potiphar's (an officer of Pharaoh) house, until Potiphar's lustful wife, angered because Joseph had refused her advances and fled her presence, falsely accused Joseph of attempted rape.

God granted Joseph mercy and he had favour with the keeper of the prison, who put him in charge of the other prisoners. When Pharaoh's baker and butler were accused of theft, they were thrown into the prison whilst an investigation was conducted. Both men had dreams, which Joseph accurately interpreted.

The interpretation was accurate. The baker was found guilty of theft and executed, and the chief butler was set free. Despite his promises to favourably mention Joseph to Pharaoh, the butler soon forgot and Joseph remained in prison for yet another two full years. [Gen 39 - 41]

It was only when Pharaoh was distraught due to a disturbing dream, which none could interpret, that the butler remembered. Joseph was sure to not take any credit. He would only give God the glory when he told Pharaoh, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. [Gen 41:16] 

He then proceeded to give Pharaoh the meaning of his dream. The king of Egypt knew that the Spirit of God was in Joseph.  Therefore, he made him ruler over the land, second only to Pharaoh. Unlike Peter, Joseph's trial lasted approximately thirteen years, with the last two or so years being in prison. 

Neither Peter or Joseph resisted the trial of their faith, but that does not mean they did not wrestle mightily with their thoughts and emotions. They both still had to go through, but they remained steadfast in their faith and trust in God.

When our time of trials and tribulations come, we too must remain steadfast in our faith. We too will wrestle with our emotions and thoughts. How long we must endure the trial is entirely up to God. 

We do not know all of His plans, or His thoughts, or the ways He will carry or work His plans. Sometimes the Lord will reveal our destinies to us, through dreams, visions, or a spoken word from the Holy Spirit when we pray. Jesus had forewarned Peter regarding how he would die. [Jn21:18, 19] 

Joseph had two dreams that foretold his future. [Gen 37:5 -11] The prophetic dreams given to him angered his father, but even more so his brothers. They hated Joseph because of his dreams, which is why they sold him into slavery. 

They compounded their treachery with a lie, stating that perhaps a wild animal had killed Joseph. [Gen 39] Jacob tore his garments and wept bitterly when he saw the blood on Joseph's coat of many colours and heard his brothers' words.

The one particular trial of Peter's, when he was arrested, shackled in chains and heavily guarded by Roman soldiers, lasted one night. Joseph's trial lasted from the time he was 17 until he was 30 years of age. 

We too do not know how long our trials will be, but like Joseph and Peter (and others) before us, we must endure and keep faith, trust God and wait...wait patiently, despite outward appearances. Yes, it can be extremely hard, but God is with us and for us.

When Least Expected God Moves Suddenly

Peter surely did not expect God to move suddenly, in the way He worked (sent an angel) and when He did (that night of Peter's arrest). [Acts 12] Even though Joseph continued to hope in his prophetic dreams, after thirteen long years, he was likely very surprised when Pharaoh gave him such a high position within the kingdom, all due to the interpretation of the king's dream which God had given.

When I posted the previous part of this article, I had stated that I was still in my trial, and I am. However, like Joseph (forgive the comparison), God has granted me mercy and favour as well.

God moves suddenly - when least expected, in astounding ways, in His timing.

The very next day after I had mentioned all the things that happened in the past year of this present trial, I had stated that I was down to six eggs and butter. That was a truth.

However, suddenly the next day, I was able to buy some meat and bread because some money came in. I was very grateful and gave thanks to God. The day was not yet over. Late afternoon, I received a phone call from my landlord. 

He told me that he and his wife had purchased a car for me. I could hardly believe my ears. The day before yesterday (Thursday), he and his wife picked me up to drive me to the next town, which is about 35 minutes away approximately.

The car is now registered, plated and on the road. It is an old beater, but it runs! It is a 1998 Nissan Altima. The paint is peeling on the roof and the hood, but the car works. 

Yes, it is in need of some repair but it is nothing too urgent. Outside of the one repair, it only needs the general maintenance all vehicles need. It also has low kilometers (miles) for the year of it.

My other car, a 2000 Grand Am is sitting in the apartment parking lot. It has a brand new battery which I plan to keep and I am hoping to sell the new tires that I had purchased just prior to blowing the motor. The tires are a bit too large for the new car, so selling them is the other option.

The car cost $800 and the landlord is willing to take payments. Glory to God! He and his wife are snowbirds; they travel south in the States for the winter, so they wanted to be sure I had a vehicle for the winter.

That astounds me, as I have only lived in the apartment for a year and four months. Truly, I believe God moved on their hearts. He tested my attitude when the other car had to be taken off the road. He tried my faith. How good is God.

Yes, I will not pretend. I certainly do wish this trial was over, but like those who went before us and like many even today, I must wait patiently on God's timing and continue trusting Him. We all must wait patiently, and learn from our trials. Allow the purifying and refining; offer up thanksgiving and praise.

Below are pictures of the Grand Am (white car) that is waiting to go to the car graveyard (scrap yard). Then under that are a couple of pictures of the "new' car (maroon but it looks brown).

May this further encourage others in knowing that even in the midst of the storm, even as the fire rages, Christ Jesus is with us through it all.

2000 Grand Am - waiting to go to scrap yard

1998 Nissan Altima

God will keep His promise to His people, those who are His through Jesus the Messiah. He moves suddenly and unexpectedly, to perform what He declares He will do. He is ever faithful. We must trust Him in all things (even if they seem insignificant) and most of all, wait upon Him for His timing, no matter how difficult it is. 

Obey Him in the things He commands of you, even if it defies logic. Remember, He will not go against His Word. Be on guard when you hear God's voice. Filter everything through the Blood of Jesus.

I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of My mouth, and I showed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass. [Is 48:3]

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  [Acts 2:2]

So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  [Is 55:11]

For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations.  [Ps 100:5]

It has been a long year in this trial, but the day will come when it shall all be over. Alleluia! Truly, God is good and His mercy endures forever. 

All things have been created...

for His glory alone!

Bonita                        dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Addendum:

To the glory of God, it should be added that there is enough food in my fridge to last a couple of weeks. If someone came over unexpectedly at meal time, it would not be a problem. 

God has provided. The food supply did not trouble me at all, as I, like many of you, realize that there are those who truly do not know where their next meal is coming from...think of those in Venezuela and many, many other countries in the world. Woe to us if we take things for granted! 

Some people stock freezers full of food, have a root cellar fully loaded and a pantry that is plentiful. There is nothing wrong with that, so long as the heart attitude is not hoarding, but to share and to give as needs are revealed.

Otherwise, we are no better than the world that is stocking up for anticipated calamities (floods, earthquakes, tornadoes/hurricanes, asteroids/meteors etc). Others are stockpiling goods, ammo, water, medicines and other necessities in the event of an economic collapse, plagues, martial law, war, EMP attack etc.

If the Lord has positioned and instructed you to do so, then, by all means, be obedient. As He instructed Pharaoh through Joseph, He could well do today. The intent would be to help others in dire need and not for the purpose of hoarding.

Of course, one does not need me to tell them that, but it is good that others know where I stand. As for me, the Lord provides my needs. Like those mentioned in the Word of God, I have learned to be satisfied in times of plenty and in times of lack.

Have I ever gone hungry? Yes, I have. Have I ever been without a home and slept out on the street? Yes, I have. There has been three times in my lifetime that I have slept in a vehicle also, not for longer than a month, but I have. I can honestly say that being without does not put me in the grips of despair. My belly might angrily protest with loud growls, but my mouth will not utter such.

I have not been put in the position, nor have I been instructed to stockpile. There is no gold or silver put away or anything with which to barter. The Lord provides what I need when I need it, and if He does not, I will still praise Him.

In fact, for me, I have always been one to move. The longest so far that I have resided at one place is in the orphanage and that was approximately seven years. It is just the way life has gone. One gets used to it, but since I have been a disciple of Christ, I move as instructed by the Lord. 

How He instructs me may well be different to how He instructs another. He knows the beginning from the end. He knew us in our mother's womb. He is well able to direct us, if we will obey His lead, His direction. He knows all things. When God points the way, it is my intention to obey.

Now, the reason for the addendum was to show how God provides. He moves suddenly and unexpectedly. Think of history. We may know what is coming, if the Lord reveals a matter to us, but the timing is forever His.

Noah knew a flood of destruction was coming. He did not know how or when the Lord would carry out His judgment, but he heard and he believed God. Obediently, he carried out the Lord's instructions. 

Moses knew God would deliver the Israelites. How or when He would fulfill His promise, Moses did not know. He continued to obey God's instructions, despite every outward appearance of the Pharaoh's hardheartedness and resistance.

Joshua was given peculiar instructions for the takedown of Jericho. As odd as it must have seemed to the mighty warrior, he believed God and followed His instructions. He had no idea how or exactly when God would tumble Jericho's walls, but he obeyed, even though it defied logic and common sense.

Throughout the Holy Scriptures we see examples of God instructing His people, followed by their obedience to His will. The miracles described in the Word of God are hard to fathom or comprehend in our minds that demand logic.

As each obeyed, God fulfilled His promises, but most often they were accomplished suddenly and when least expected.  Yes, the people had faith to carry out God's will, but their trust must have been greatly tried when all outward appearances seemed in direct opposition of God's promise.

Paul and Silas in prison sing praises
at midnight-shackles and chains broke

Jesus (Yeshua) forgave the woman caught in adultery

Jesus knows all that we are facing. He knows it takes faith to believe Him when everything seems to be the exact opposite of what He has told us. We know that we must hold fast to our faith because we know that it is impossible to please God without it.

Tribulations will be in this world until the end of time as we know it. We are living in a fallen, corrupted world that is being temporarily ruled by Satan and his evil cohorts and wicked people. 

Trials/tests will come, but God will see us through it all, if we stand firm in our faith and trust Him, obeying His direction for each of us individually and corporately. 

Even when we are in a hard trial, the Lord provides and still grants grace and mercy. Do not let go of your hope or your faith. Each day is a new day, a day when God can do things suddenly. 

The reality is that this life is filled with hardships, persecution, disappointments and difficulties, even without the help of the adversary. It is a fallen world and we often suffer the consequences of other people's sins and resulting choices. 

As the Lord told me, "Not everything is a test..."  That is true because there is a physical and spiritual reality. Sin abounds and is increasing; hearts are waxing cold; the adversary is displaying his wrath.

Satan's time is short and his fury is becoming more obvious with each passing day. The times we are in are like no other. We have entered into the days that are worse than the days of Noah and the days of Sodom and Gomorrah.

It does not take a highly intelligent person to come to such conclusion. Keep your focus on the Lord and keep hoping and trusting.  He will not disappoint. He promises to be with us through all tribulation, and yes, through the trials that do come. That is what we must rest in - Christ Jesus. 

This life is temporal, but as long as we breathe, we still must live it. Let us choose wisely. Each one of us must work out our salvation with fear and trembling; it is an ongoing process.

God is still Sovereign, even though many are shouting accusations that He must not be real because He is allowing all this evil to happen. Multitudes will continue to ignore, mock, ridicule or reject Jesus. As Messiah forewarned, it shall become increasingly worse.

The whole earth is groaning.  We look up, waiting, ever waiting for the day that all things are fulfilled, looking forward to the day of Messiah's return and we will live with our Creator for eternity. Keep strong, stay faithful. Watch and pray.

Even if nothing has any rhyme or reason, or nothing seems to make sense, hold fast to your faith. Even when we cannot see the purpose in a thing, do not give up your faith, love or trust in our Redeemer. 

The reality is that even though the Lord has blessed me with food and a running vehicle, I am not out of this trial yet. I wish I was, but for now, He is walking with me and in that, I am secure.

He is still doing a work in me. I rejoice knowing this world is not my home, but for now, it is where I reside. I must go through what I must go through, just as you must do the same. He is our Rock, a constant Companion, our very life.

Keep strong in Christ! 

Be you strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for you work ahall be rewarded. [2 Chron 15:7]

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for Me? [Jer 32:27]

for His glory

Bonita          dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com