Never Give Up HOPE

screenshot--credit_Yuang Xu

The Love that Strengthens and Never Fails

With the help of the precious and Holy Spirit, I put together a little heartfelt package to inspire, encourage and help others, God willing. It reflects where I’ve been spiritually, fighting hard – alone with Jesus. It is good to have a friend or two who understand, but Jesus is the friend we ALL need. He never wearies or tires of us…unless we are ungrateful complainers or worse.

Even then, He will draw us to steer us toward repentance so that He can forgive us. However, He never forces anyone, and He will not contend forever.

When darkness surrounds the soul, there is a silent knowing that other brethren are going through the same thing. It doesn’t need to be spoken, but it does help to talk things out. Sometimes everyone needs comfort, needs to be heard, needs to be understood.

We are in a real war, and the enemy is relentless. His fury is immeasurable; his hatred is bloodthirsty and insatiable. Yet, we have an Advocate who has overcome the enemy and has overcome the world [Jn 16:33] We all long for the days that this spiritual warfare with Satan/Lucifer and his legions is finally over. Christ is the Victor.

We are one ‘Body’ in Christ Jesus/Yeshua, who is the Head. The Body cannot exist or live without the Head – how beautiful and wise are the ways of the Lord.

A Raging Battle

I was looking for a song, one of the old-fashioned hymns, like the Old Rugged Cross, or It Is Well (With My Soul). There was a need to worship the Lord through music, and to focus upon Him. I wanted my heart to be grateful, not wallowing in self-pity. Amazing Grace popped up, a classic. However, just before I clicked on the familiar original version, an extended title caught my eye. “Amazing Grace Fell Like Rain” – intriguing.

I searched out the title and lyrics on Google, and in truth, I could easily have echoed the words for what I have been struggling with these past several months. How many times does one go through a dark night of the soul. I reckon it depends on the soul, depends on the number of times a tragedy in life has struck, or a spiritual crisis has taken place. It depends on several factors.

Now for a true confession. Depression is something I have fought for a long time, off and on throughout my life, but now there is Jesus. My Saviour makes all things bearable. I can run to Him with all my cares, concerns, hurts, frustrations, anger – everything.

The garment of praise is worn for the spirit of heaviness, yet like a trustworthy boomerang, and for reasons unknown, depression returns. Praise Jesus for His patience, understanding, and for being a solid Rock.

Despite the heaviness, there truly is a deep peace and an untouchable inner joy knowing Jesus and abiding in Him, clinging to Him like healthy grapes cling to a strong vine. He truly is an unexplainable strength, wholly reliable. He is our hope, our strong tower, our shield. He is everything good, pure and holy.

The name of the Lord [Adonai] is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and is safe. [Prov 18:10]

The lyrics that will be posted further below summed up a fair chunk of what has been going on within me, deep below the surface (or perhaps, not so deep), behind the sometimes-pasted smile and sometimes forced lighthearted-sounding words. I must say that I am extremely grateful to have a good friend in the flesh…two good friends, sisters in Christ.

Yet in the Spirit, Jesus is the best friend of anyone who will draw close and abide in Him (be one in Him, and He will be one in you), just as Jesus/Yeshua was in the Father, and Abba (the Father) was in Christ Jesus.

We Must Learn to Trust

Jesus is LORD Of the battle

When we pass through turbulent waters that churn up waves of hopelessness, or stand in the fiery furnace of the world's most heated troubles presented by vicious tyrants, we can be confident that the same Lord God [Adonai] who assured us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever [Heb 13:8] promises never to leave us. He stays very close to us, even when He is silent.

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

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

The flesh will remain imperfect until the day we are changed (all born-again, Spirit-filled believers), in the twinkling of the eye, on the day of resurrection or the rapture, whichever the Lord chooses.

The best thing I ever did was to finally surrender, wholly and gladly! Commitment was not surrender, but I did not differentiate for some time. I had to learn. Surrender would be the best move anyone, including you, can make.

If you already have, bravo! Whether I want to or not, I will let you down. Others will let you down (disappoint/fail), and you will let others down too. It is all part of the fallen, carnal nature. Even when we do not intend to ever let anyone down, it does happen in this life. It is the human factor. Yet, with great confidence I can assure you that Jesus (Yeshua) will never let you down.

Guaranteed there will be times in this life that stuff happens and we do not get why God has allowed it, why He did not stop it… especially when we know He surely could have. He is God after all. We read the Word and we think we understand and know God. Yet when something happens in our life that tears us apart, or that we do not want to happen, more often than not, we cry out, “Why?! Why didn’t You do something? Why did You allow this? What kind of loving God allows this?”

We might wonder what we did to deserve this punishment. Surely it must be punishment for something, or else it just seems cruel. It might ‘feel’ like Yahweh is displeased with us and that is why the tragedy happened. We try to rationalize, try to make sense out of tragedy or calamity.

We will search the heart for sin, any sin, all sin. He must be punishing us. Why else must we suffer this pain (whether external (physical), internal (mental, emotional, spiritual), or both).

Why else are some of us unable to walk, or some unable to move, or others still unable to see, or hear. Why else did this marriage fall apart? Why else did this person get sick, or that person die, or, or, or…? We may accuse Jesus/God of being unfair, unjust, or worse – unloving.

We may ask Him to bring a certain person back and to take us, but God does not roll that way. El Shaddai, God Almighty – Yahweh – He is good and His mercy endures forever. The day will come when we will understand, but perhaps not now.

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to the Lord [Adonai], and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God [Yahweh], for He will abundantly pardon.

For My thoughts are not our thoughts; neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. [Is 55:8]

Perhaps you have not had anything happen to you in life that would bring you to that desperate, frustrated, and perhaps even momentarily angry point in time with your Creator, the true living God that you have loved and served.

Guard your healthy fear of the Lord. Respect that He is GOD, and there is no other. He is the true, living God and He always has a remnant, always. Ask forgiveness if your emotions caused you to be rude, disrespectful, or a complainer and grumbler. Turn away from bitterness; destroy any bitter root.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ [2Cor 10:5]

Sweet Surrender

Jesus IS merciful. When we repent with godly sorrow, He will forgive and not bring it back up to remembrance. [Micah 7:19] As people, we tend to ‘forgive’, but we do not forget. It is true that some things are hard to forget. We were given a memory for a reason.

I have heard people say they ‘forgive’ someone who did a great trespass against them, but if their name comes up, their countenance appears angry. Neither do their words align with how they look.

If one still has any animosity at all toward the person, the forgiveness is in their head but not their heart. Jesus told us to forgive seventy times seven, which means we will tire of counting long before we arrive 490 times. Either that, or we will lose track.

Animosity: it come from the Latin word ‘animus’, meaning spirit, mind, or high passion; a strong feeling of dislike or hatred: ill will or resentment tending toward active hostility: an antagonistic attitude – synonyms: bitterness, enmity, bad blood, hostility SOURCE: Merriam-Webster

Hatred in the heart is as a murderer in the heart. [1Jn 3:15] Let it go, and truly trust God to take care of things, in His way, and in His timing. That can be most difficult, especially when it comes to serious violations, I know. But our faith and our heart will be tried. This life is temporal. All will have to stand before a holy and just God.

We may learn ‘why’ further up the road, or we may not learn why until we meet Jesus in heaven. Will anything on earth seem important once we leave these earthen vessels, and leave the only ‘home’ (earth) that we have ever known?

Jesus can be trusted to do what is best for us in the long-run. That is where trust must stand. And remember, it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains (of trouble). God is the God of the impossible.

These are not just ear-tickling, fluffy expressions to give false hope. They are the core, the foundation that establishes REAL hope faith through Jesus the Christ.

Now for the lyrics to the song.

Amazing Grace Fell Like Rain

by Mikhail Bennett, Rose Bennett, Christian Grace

I was carrying a thousand worries like stones inside my chest

Smiling through the pain of living, but my soul could find no rest

I had wandered through the silence, far from who I used to be

Then a quiet voice in darkness said, “My child, come back to Me.”

And when the night felt endless, I felt mercy hold my hand.

 

Amazing grace fell like rain on the driest parts of me

When my heart forgot its purpose, You still saw what I could be

Amazing grace gave me peace, when my world was torn apart

And the love I could not find here, You planted in my heart

 

There were battles no one noticed hidden deep behind my smile

I was losing faith in tomorrow, walking empty mile by mile

But You never stopped pursuing even when I turned away

Through the sorrow and confusion, You were lighting up my way

When I thought the road was over, heaven whispered through my pain

 

Amazing grace fell like rain on the driest parts of me

When my heart forgot its purpose, You still saw what I could be

Amazing grace gave me peace when my world was torn apart

And the love I could not find her, You planted in my heart

 

You were there inside the silence; You were there inside the storm

When I thought that I was broken, You were making something more

Not perfection, not religion, just a love that set me free

And the mercy I was chasing was already chasing me

 

Amazing grace lead me home when these tired eyes finally see

That the peace I searched forever was You walking next to me

Was You walking next to me

Amazing grace, You never stopped loving me

Never stopped loving me…

Never stopped loving me…

(Released July 2026) – AI-generated

True Confession – And That’s Okay

I shared some things I do not typically share (depression), but there are others who suffer silently too. Thanks in part to the prosperity gospel, there are those who believe that a Christian is not meant to be depressed (tell that to Job, Moses, Jacob’s son, Joseph, and David).

A Christian is not meant to have any sickness (Hezekiah, David, Timothy – three examples of sickness); not meant to be depressed (Job and David both suffered depression), not meant to live at poverty level (being poor is not a sin), not ever to question their faith or any do any critical thinking or ask any critical questions. (lies from Satan)

It is not realistic to think a true Christian will not suffer any of these things. Prosperity teachers (false doctrine) and wolves in sheep’s clothing teach that. The enemies of the cross plant their seeds of deception as well. But we serve the most incredible God. There are no adequate words to describe either Jesus or the Sovereign, Providential Yahweh (God).

For a couple of decades, I have tried to describe God and Jesus, but this writer has not been successful in it (smiles – I am in good company, I hear). The living God is holy, dependable, and always has a listening ear, unless one is stiff-necked and refuses to turn from their sin.

click any pic to enlarge

Dark Night of the Soul

That being said, I recently went through what has been named for centuries as a “dark night of the soul”. It is surely is not the first time, but I pray it is the last. This dark night is a time when a war0weary soul hits a dark period, completely exhausted – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually – from life’s battles, which are at time daily.

The struggles deep within are confusing and painful, a time that one goes through very much alone (more often than not), feeling abandoned by a world void of understanding or compassion. It is a time that a mask might go on, one that convinces observers that everything is okay. We may share events or things that are happening with a trusted friend, but keep the heavy turmoil churning inside, strictly to ourselves so that we do not trip anyone else up, or shake up their faith. God forbid!

Pass the Test

It is important that people know God is good, and He definitely loves us, but we may still struggle with hopelessness and misunderstanding of the Lord’s ways, which is devastating to our spirit. We want to appear strong, but feel the weakest we have ever felt.

We do not want to be a hypocrite, but at the same time, we do not want to complain, or worse yet, we do not want to trip others up, and discourage them. So, we carry the burden alone, not knowing what to ay to our precious Lord.

People believe you are strong, when inside, you feel so weak. As a Christian, we do not want people to see us stressed, upset, angry, or even depressed. Few see it as the crisis it is, where the soul is experiencing a type of dismantling, a deep emotional pain, a disconnect from the world, from others, and – even from God.

We might feel crazy with the mixture of emotions and pretending to be stronger than we are, but we are not crazy… at least, we hope we are not. What it does mean is that we are going through a purging. Things that are not of God are being exposed and the dross is surfacing.

Growing pains are a reality. It is not a physical pain, but it is a very deep, harsh pain. Our faith is being tested. It is being tried more than it ever has been before. I have spoken in the past about Job, and Abraham, and Moses, and Joseph.

Faith Will Be Tested

I posted a scripture some time back that helps us to remember the testing of our faith. Just like a Samurai sword must be proven (tested) to see if it is worthy to be in the hands of a skilled warrior in a battle, so must our faith be proven (tested) to see if we love God first above all things, and having gone through many tests, and having done all – to stand.

He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word (promise) came: the Word of the Lord (Adonai/Yahweh) tried (tested) him [Ps 105:17-19]

Many give up at this point, right before the victory comes to fruition. I know I almost did. I did not almost give up on Jesus, nor on God, but on any hope of glorifying Him, or doing something that will please Him, or the promises I believe to come to fruition, or even staying strong to the end.

Help me, Lord, in the times where I feel that I cannot take any more. I do ask why, why must I go through this? Is there no other way for me to learn what it is you want me to learn? Why won’t it end?? It seems never-ending. I know I am not being punished for something, but it sure feels like it.

I know I have an attitude sometimes (frustration, disappointed, betrayal); or a curse word slips out. I hate when my mouth shames me.

I am surrounded by those who cuss, but it’s not an excuse. I need to exercise self-control. I grew up with it, spoke it sometimes. Ahh Lord, help me to be what You want me to be. Help me to make it to the end, to put others first. Do Ido it even when they trespass against me?   

I love you, Lord. You are good. You have done much for me (and the tears appear endless. Perhaps save me from myself, Lord.

The pain is daily, unable to walk far without assistance. I grew up around violence, but I chose not to be violent...                                                                           Lord, I know others suffer more, but I cannot possibly compare myself to others, it’s too much. But like Paul, I do things I do not want to do, and do not do the things I should.

I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. [Rom 7:15-18] ESV

Fight the Good Fight

It is a dark night where it is hard to see anything clearly. A wondering of purpose, an aloneness, a sense that no one understands, a horribly lonely feeling. It is a type of inner breakdown, a deep searching of the soul – a painful purging.

When a person is in that dark night, they deal with thoughts and feelings of guilt, shame, fear, and yes, anger. It is not meant to be a time of destruction, but a time of new beginnings, new strength, new wisdom, new growth…no matter the age.      

A loving parent longs to help their child, if they even suspect their child is going through a dark night of the soul. But it is like the butterfly struggling to come out of the cocoon. If the butterfly is helped out, or if someone peels open the chrysalis early, the limbs can be torn or become deformed on the new butterfly.

When the butterfly breaks free, it has to hang upside down immediately. It is so their little heart can pump fluid into the wings so they will expand. If someone handles the butterfly as soon as it comes out, the could cause it to die because without hanging upside down, the wings will dry and harden, causing them to shrivel up. That would mean the butterfly will never fly. Instead, it will die.

When a person comes out of a dark night of the soul, they may feel slightly disoriented (like things are upside down), but it is for our own good. That is usually when God is quiet…and some may think He does not care. Others may think He is not real. Listen, please. God does care. He is real!    

I sent this to each of my children (now  grown adults, two in their 30s and one early 40s), and said to them:

I believe you can relate to this song. As your mother, I want you to know that I love you deeply, ever since the moment you came out of my womb and I first laid eyes upon you, and held you gently in my arms. You have become a fine person – each one of you are different, yet each of you are such a gift to me (an undeserved gift, but I am grateful)!

I made so many mistakes, but I did my best with no backup. It is too bad because I believed in God/Jesus all my life, but I did not have any solid relationship with Him. It is written that even the demons believe and tremble.

Yet know this. I am here to be your backup, if and when you ever need any. When I lost all of you in 1994 when I ended up in the hospital for a month after one night of abuse with your father, I did turn to Jesus, but I had the wrong motive. I did not turn to Him to repent of my sins. I still had no fear of the Lord, nor was I filled with godly sorrow for my sins. I turned to Jesus because I wanted to get my children back from an alcoholic who would neglect and abuse all of you.

Jesus is so patient, so good. He had to work on the inside of each of us, so He could cleanse us, and dress us in robes of righteousness. He put people in our path who helped us at that time. Jesus never forces Himself on us. He desires people come willingly and gladly. Incredibly good, kind Jesus!

May this song minister to each of you as it did for me. May it move you to thank Jesus for His great love, care, salvation, forgiveness, deliverance, everything. Even though I was not saved at the time, each one of you were dedicated to the Lord when you were just weeks old. It was not done in a church, but I did get on my knees, lift each of you in the air, thank God for you, and acknowledged that you were His. I must have seen it or heard of it, I know not but now that I know Jesus, I believe that He led that action. I give Him the glory alone.

The ‘names’ of the artists/musicians of this song are all fictitious characters, AI-generated characters. They are not real people. And the video that someone put together is completely AI-generated. Once created, it was posted on YouTube, on a YouTube channel. It likely got posted on TikTok, Facebook, Rumble, or whatever…

AI characters and AI videos annoy me. It is artificial indeed, and I strongly dislike AI films.

However, I do like the song. My prayer is that it ministers to you all, as it did me. Be much blessed, my child. I love you forever, I like you for always. As long as I’m living, my baby you will be. (heart)

The Lord taught me patience, although I still blow it sometimes; He really and truly is an ever-present help in trouble.

You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusted in you. Trust in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah [YHVH] is everlasting strength. [Is 26:4] KJV

 for His glory alone

Bonita                     dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

We Overcome

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 
And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. 

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. 

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. [Rev 12:1-7]

Below is an article I posted in 2008 about this time of year. I believe that it needs to be read at this time. The Lord is calling His people to be a holy people, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people. 

Yea and amen, but this requires having clean heart (pure) and a right spirit, done only thru repentance through Jesus Christ (Y'shua Messiah) and HIS help. We need God's help...all of us.  It is a critical time...look around you. Watch and pray! It's almost time for the second Exodus (globally) and going into the wilderness...I don't know the fullness of the 'second exodus' at this time.
-                        -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

We Overcome May 26, 2008 5:44 pm (revised 2009)

We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony... 

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

Suddenlies 

Things coming will be as unexpected and sudden as a lost wallet that disappears immediately after a purchase. No amount of searching will restore it, bring understanding or closure. Many people will blame themselves. Most will blame others, but the multitudes will blame God. 

People will be suspicious of each other and accusations will arise beyond measure. Countless will feel helpless and without hope. Things will begin slowly and build momentum, like a domino effect. 

Life will be frightening to people and they will not know where to turn. Hard lessons will be learned. Some will cry out to God and repent in spirit and in truth. 

For there is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ and walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [Rom 8:1] 

But they who have prepared ahead have already repented and keep a repentant spirit in their heart. They who put their trust in the Lord shall be saved. The peace that passes all understanding will sweep over them and they will offer up thanksgiving, despite all outward appearances. 

They who keep a repentant heart and trust in the Lord will not fear nor be soon shaken. They will rise up in His power and might. In times of trouble, He draws them closer and delivers them. 

For they have heeded the warnings and have received chastisement and correction, as obedient children of the most High Almighty God and One TRUE Holy Father.

Preparing for the Passover and the Exodus

For they prepared their hearts for the 'suddenlies' and the unexpected. 

For He, who loves His children will teach them, then test them. He will lead them and guide them. He will forewarn and protect them. 

Things that are coming will be positioned like dominoes, with intent, strategically placed, with precision. For He, who loves His children will teach them, then test them. Things coming will have the 'domino effect', but God prepares His people.

They will sing to their Savior through tears, in the day of their affliction, knowing that they are His. For who are they that are obedient? It is they who were willing to learn obedience through the things that they suffer, as did their holy Savior, Christ Jesus - He who learned obedience unto death. 

It is they who pick up their cross daily and willingly to crucify flesh. Though they stumble, they will rise again and again. [Prov 24:16] It is they who abide in Christ, knowing that it is not they who live, but Christ Jesus, [Y'shua] our Messiah, who lives in them. 

They consider not their own lives, but lay it all down, believing that He who commanded them to crucify self, would also come with His resurrection power. (All this takes time to learn...)

Against hope, they believe in hope. They believe in the words of their Messiah, Y'shua / Jesus who said, With MAN it is impossible but with GOD, ALL things are possible.

Walk By Faith, Not by Sight 

Yea indeed, to walk by faith and NOT by sight, simple faith as a child. It is they who understand the authority of His name, the power of His blood and all that He did accomplish by being crucified, buried, resurrected and ascended by the power of His Father, the Most High Almighty God. 

Yes, the true sons of God [those hidden in Jesus the Christ] are manifesting, being united as one body [His body, His bride, the ekklesia (called out)] through the Holy Spirit of the Most High. [Rom 8:19]

(Note* - I believe the "true sons of God" are all those who are truly committed to Christ - not head knowledge, but heart service. BP2016)

Simultaneously, the tares are gathering, united as one in the 'spirit of antichrist - [the false Christ], (anti is "against, instead of, opposed to'...Christ') because their 'father' (Satan aka Lucifer, the dragon) counterfeits [mirrors] all that he sees the Almighty do, for he is the father of lies, a murderer from the beginning - the roaring lion who roams around seeking whom he may devour. 

These are the days to prepare.  No time to delay.

These are the days of testing and trying the heart to see if you love the Lord your God, and to purge [purify] us of all that is not of Him, to remove the dross in the refining; to remove every spot and every blemish, for He will have a holy people. Do not fear the days ahead, which you were forewarned would come suddenly and unexpectedly. 

Trust Jesus/Y'shua, King of kings and Lord of lords. Keep watch for His return. Pray for others and all the Holy Spirit leads you to pray for.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 

Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  [Mat 7:13-14]

Narrow is the road and strait is the gate; and few there are that find it.

For the narrow road is difficult with many trials and tribulations. Yet by not trusting and obeying the King and Lord, the love of many has waxed cold and many will fall away. This is already happening, it shall increase just as Jesus [Y'shua] foretold.

 

The love that waxes cold not only leaves its first love [Christ Jesus], but it also lacks compassion and love for fellow brethren and the unsaved. They have become desensitized as daily reports of lawlessness and brutal travesties fill their ears, and as sin increases (lust of eyes, lust of flesh and pride of life).  
 

Some walk with praise on their lips, but their hearts far from God, whilst others are fooled by delusion for they did not seek truth (strong delusion comes [2Thes 2:9-12]), and others still just simply abandon their faith. Dark, dark are these days, but they are only a shadow of the greater darkness that soon covers this world. Sin overwhelms the world.

God’s (Yhvh) children walk by FAITH and not by sight. They have learned not to fear man (what he will do), but to only fear [revere, honor, respect, be in awe] their Father God, [fear/know]understanding His great power, authority, and might. Their HOPE is in the Word of God; they walk in the Spirit of LOVE - His Spirit, His love.  

Yet, love is also justice and judgment.  Love judges righteous judgment.  We will love what God loves and hate what God hates. Many in the Body of Christ are deceived, believing what they want to believe, without heart-searching repentance, praying, seeking, and waiting for the counsel of the Lord. (Pray for people's eyes to be open to see false teachers and the wolves in sheep's clothing, and ears opened to hear [discern] false doctrines and for the strength to depart from such.

Instead, many blindly follow after lies that have been cleverly disguised and hold fast to secret, willful, or presumptuous sin(s).  There is a mixture as clay and iron. Satan began his deception in the Garden of Eden, but he did not stop there. Flesh and Satan work hand in hand. 

(The spirit wars against the flesh and flesh against the spirit [Gal 5:16-21])  

Truth has been twisted and lies are brilliantly presented.  Satan is subtle, crafty, and clever.  

Ah, may the LORD, ALMIGHTY GOD (Yhvh), the Great Spirit Chief keep us ever so humble and help US to endure how and in all that is coming. May WE be considered worthy to escape these things, yet we must love not our lives unto death. This world is not our home. Father, help us all.

We must repent.  Indeed, we must ever humble ourselves with repentant hearts, confessing our sins, then will He hear, forgive, and help us to endure now and in all that is coming.

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Now Mine eyes shall be open, and Mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there for ever: and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually. [2Chron 7:13-16]

May WE be considered worthy to escape these things (NOT as in pre-trib rapture but by Sovereign protection), yet we must love not our lives unto death. This world is not our home.  

It is a narrow path; a narrow way. Few find it because few want to let go of all sin, all unrighteousness that the Father reveals to us (a humbling, painful process).  (He is still purging me, pruning...) Repent whilst we still can.  There is a way and that (one and only) way is through Jesus Christ (Y’shua Ha’Masiach) of Nazareth. 

For the strait gate, where few willingly enter in, can only be entered in by through Jesus the Christ (Y'shua the Messiah), and by the OBEDIENCE of those who TRUST their GOD.  Get ready.  It time to prepare for the suddenlies and the unexpected that shall come soon enough (more than ever).  Time is almost up. Abide in Christ and He in you.

Selah

(Lord, please show me all the areas where I fall short and things that are not right in me. Forgive me Lord... I don't want to backslide or be 'holier-than-thou' and meanwhile, far from you. Correct me, Father.)

Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence O Lord. Take not Your Holy Spirit from me; restore unto me the joy of my salvation. [Ps 51:10-19]

Help me Holy Spirit to be better at praying.

For HIS glory†

Bonita                          dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

(NOTE* This part is not in the original - it has been added in further reposts: 

I have matured and grown in faith since this was first written in 2008. I have learned that the Lord is faithful to correct and discipline His children. It is up to us individually to receive (willingly, gladly) any discipline and correction that He gives us. It is always for our good but for His glory.

A 'holier-than-thou' attitude is religious pride. A prime example of that is the Pharisee who thanked God that he was not sinful like the publican standing near him, whose head was bowed in silent godly sorrow as he humbly prayed.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank You, that I am not as other men are - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess. 

And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes unto heaven, but beat upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 

[Lk 18:11-13] NKJV

Psalm 51 was written after David's sin with Bathsheba. If Jesus had already come, the king would have known that Jesus promised never to leave or forsake the children of God. Also when we are born again, we are given a new heart.

The 'right spirit' is the Holy Spirit who will help our spirit man be molded into Christ's image. When we are born again, we become a new creation; all things become new. The old man has passed away. [2Cor 5:17]  -BP)

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