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 surely is not the first time, but I pray it is the last. This dark night is a time when a war-weary soul hits a dark period, completely exhausted – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually – tired from the battles this life presents. 

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 (I call it 'seasons' like the Bible) when a mask is at times put on because few, if any, can see past what is usually expressed as anger, or stress, or busyness...or even depression. 

A forced smile and acting like all is okay is what I am calling a mask (for me, not judging others). It convinces observers that everything is okay. Some may call the mask 'hypocritical', but it is a form of 'survival', self-preservation, keeping out of the trenches of self-pity that can avalanche upon a lone soul desiring to keep away from despair and cling to any hope remaining, and that tiny mustard seed of faith (that is said to move mountains). [Mat 17:20]

We may share events or things that are happening with a trusted friend, but downplay or hide the heavy turmoil churning inside. If we mask our depression or pain and keep it strictly to ourselves, is that not caring for others?

It's 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 removal of cumbersome things (dross?), a deep searching of the soul - a painful purging. 

Pass the Test

Important- people need to know God is good and that the Creator definitely loves that which He created, 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.

Again, we do not want to be a hypocrite [I speak for myself], 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. Sometimes I have failed in that. So, we learn to carry the burden alone, not knowing what to say to anyone in full, except to our precious Lord. Thank God for Jesus!

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 (not to be confused with turning or falling away from Abba, but feeling alone and lost in the pain of not understanding Jesus' silence when hearing from Him is needed). Is it a test? 

We might feel crazy with the mixture of emotions and pretending to be stronger than we are. To me, it does not mean the person is crazy, but I am rather fairly convinced that it means the soul is going through a purging. Things that are not of God are being exposed, and the dross is surfacing so it can be removed.

Indeed, growing pains are a reality. It is not a physical pain, but it is a very deep, harsh [spiritual] pain. Our faith is also 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) tried him. (tested) [Ps 105:17-19]

Many give up at this point, right before the victory comes to fruition. I know I almost did. Again, I must emphasize: 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 will come to fruition, or even staying strong to the end.

Help me, Lord, in the times when I feel that I cannot take any more. I do ask why, why must I go through this? Forgive me, but... 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, disappointment, betrayal), or a curse word slips out [just being real]. I hate when my mouth shames me.

I am surrounded by those who cuss, but it’s not a valid excuse. I need to exercise self-control. I grew up with swearing all around me, at home, at school. And yes, I spoke it sometimes too (not around parents). 

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 I do it even when they trespass against me?   

I love you, Lord... ALL Your people do. You are good, and Your mercy does endure forever. You have done much for me (and [unspoken], the silent tears fall freely). Perhaps save me from myself, Lord. Help me to be strong.

The pain is daily, unable to walk far without assistance [walker, cane]. I grew up around violence, but I chose not to be violent... That is Your doing, Lord. I know.  Jesus, I know many others suffer more, some way more, but I cannot possibly compare myself to others. I just can't; 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, they 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. I have learned that 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 in a letter:

Ministering to Our Own 

In life, it is first God, then spouse, family, friends, others. That is what I believe and practice - God/Jesus first, in all things.

The following is the letter:

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 is different, yet each of you is 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 to 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 was 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 somewhere; 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[ren]. I love you forever; I like you for always. As long as I’m living, my baby, you'll 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

love mama

 for His glory alone

Bonita                     dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

To Those Who Have Cried Out

 

[NOTE*: I have been working hard ever since the last post. Sorting through, polishing, and praying over 59-60 pages, which of course, not all will be posted.

Thank goodness, sigh some readers think...that would be overkill! lol BP]

There have been days lost due to medicinal adjustments, withdrawal from certain (prescribed) medicines (hallelujah - gone is the Tylenol #4s and #3s after seven [7] long years of the pain med.) That is what I thought - at first - but they want to try me on Fentanyl, a patch. The idea is quite unsettling...but it's temporary.

We All Need Jesus/Yeshua

be healed
Every knee will bow
all will confess
Jesus Christ is LORD

Step by step, God is healing me. I believe it. There are countless testimonies where the healing took place over time and not instantly, but i note changes. There is unbelief around me by those I live with (my adult children, but it is because of the way it is being done by Jesus/Yeshua. A lot is wrong with me also, so they look at that).

But faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God [Rom 10:17], so I have to stay immersed. God is good; He is helping us all.

The distractions and interruptions (again) have become surprisingly astronomical. Well, not so surprising...it is the times we are in. Friends, distractions are part of the devil's arsenal. Now hold up, some are definitely just life, and some we bring on ourselves, but you want to believe that the enemy will distract us majorly with things going on in the world. I just have to put that out there while I think of it.

Be prepared and alert. (Jesus said it best - Watch and pray!)

Many brethren are running into problems (technical and otherwise), trying to get out videos, blogs, supplies - whatever it is they are accomplishing for the Lord, directed by him.

We have need of each other. People are needing encouragement, prayer...Pray for the Body of Christ to remain strong. God has been doing a cleansing for some time, and it shall continue. 

We are propelling quickly toward the Great Tribulation, but we who believe keep looking up for our redemption draws nigh.

I was discouraged when I pushed hard all day to complete the second post of Test of Faith (hopefully, Part Two tomorrow). Many are being tested in their faith right now because of the things that are coming. 

There is going to be carnage, kind of like people who litter the highways and cities, things purposefully being thrown our way by the enemy. A mess - a chaotic mess. Faith is being tested and the tests will come fast. They will be challenging and difficult, and come unexpectedly!

Preparing all the while to post, there were things I had to check into along the way. Meanwhile I prayed, and opened a file folder I have and this title jumped out at me.

It is from an article from a series. This one is excerpted from Rise Up! Woe to the Shepherds [link at end of this piece] posted September 16, 2017

May it ministered to all, in ways each one needs individually. Amen

END Note-BPJuly20, 2025]

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. [Eph 5:16-17]

(Below is a message from the Lord given) [Sept 2017]

Many have cried out to be purged, to be made clean. Many have wondered what is wrong with them, and why they have not been able to trust, why they struggle in their mind. They thought they had let go of the past, but they have struggled with their moods, their emotions and feelings. 

They have questioned their very sanity, battling constantly, not knowing if they fight Satan or their flesh. In desperation, they have cried out to Me, seeking truth and desiring to be free. 

we all struggle at times
but we can do all things thru Christ
who strengthens us

To those who have sincerely cried out, I have now opened the eyes to see, and broadened the understanding. This I have done by opening ears so that hearing is no longer distorted. 

When My people do not fully trust Me, they cannot truly trust others, especially those who have suffered various forms of abuse (physical, verbal, emotional, mental, spiritual). There are times that I must allow the rug to be pulled out from under the feet of My people. When there is nowhere else to turn for help or answers, multitudes will indeed cry out to Me. [Ps 34:7]

click any pic to enlarge
ALL will be shaken
so that only what is of God
will remain-hold fast to faith!

Did I not foretell that I would be shaking all that could be shaken, and the things that cannot be shaken will remain?  [Heb 12:27] This pertains not only to the physical realm but to the spiritual realm as well. 

This is not something to fear, for I have also said that all things work together for good, to those who love [Me] and are the called according to My purpose. [Rom 8:28]

Many have repented, but there remains still more to repent of. Lo! I am doing a quick work for the times that are at hand are dangerous times, though many make excuses and explain away all that is happening globally.

Others laugh at the warnings, often because of the false prophecies that have been told down through the course of history. People will continue eating, drinking and carrying out business as usual, uninterested in what I would say to them. They have no time for Me in their busy schedules; others do not even believe I exist.

Few are searching their hearts to see what is hidden there. Fewer still cry out to Me to help them see all that is not of Me, hidden away in the deep crevices of their heart – crevices that are covered over, hidden from sight.

I the Lord will uncover that which covers the deep crevices. An opening shall be made. There are hidden things unseen in the crevices, due to the depth and   darkness. Many have built strong and high walls, even placing a covering over the walls, to ensure nothing disturbs the hidden things.

It is as a vault of steel, protected and impenetrable. Yea, but I have come to destroy the covering and to tear down the walls, to crumble every carefully placed brick to dust.  Then I shall burn up even the dust (chaff) so that when one looks for evidence of the walls that once stood so strong and bold, none will be found.

 I will shake the very foundation in order to bring to the surface that which was hidden in darkness and secrecy.  I will break up the hard ground of the heart, and pull up the mighty root with all its taproots. I shall reveal that which was hidden so that it may be seen and acknowledged.

I have opened the blind eyes to see and unstopped the ears that the enemy has hindered and halted. Humble yourself and pray, seek My face (and not My hand).  Turn from all that is not of Me. Do not be surprised at that which is revealed, for the building of the walls and the covering took many years to build.

When you humble yourself and pray, and seek My face, and turn away from that which is revealed (repentance), then I shall hear your prayer and forgive your sins, and heal your land.  [2Chron 7:14, 15] 

A call to repentance

For I sent locusts into the land devouring until in your desperation, you would humble yourself and cry out to Me. So many are into idolatry and they are completely unaware, totally blind to it. Yea, but when you come to see, you discover that you must turn away (repent) from the idolatry of “self”.

Smash the idol of self, then I the Lord will destroy the debris left behind; burning it up, so that not even the ashes remain.  I am close to a broken and contrite spirit and I hear the plea for help when you cried out in distress, not understanding, completely oblivious to the core problem.

Hear the prophecy spoken: You are as one trapped in a cage, not realizing that the door is wide open. But when you humble yourself, pray and repent, your eyes shall be opened to see that I, Jesus (Yeshua), provided a way out. The door is open, eagle; it is time to fly and be made free.

Those who WAIT upon the Lord
shall rise up with wings as eagles

                                                    [Is 40:31]

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

Overcome fear with faith; let go of unbelief and replace it with trust.  Move to the open door. When you repent, I strengthen you as you look to Me, for I have risen from the grave to set the captives free.  My blood was not spilled in vain (for nothing), for there lies the victory!

Your (spiritual) armour is covered in My blood and the glory of the Father is upon My blood. The Father’s glory blinds the eyes of the enemies of the cross and sends confusion into their camps.

Artist - Kevin Carden

Now rise up!  Leave the past behind; leave Egypt; leave Babylon.  Forgive yourself, yes, truly forgive yourself. Are you greater than Me? You say, “Lord, I have forgiven myself…long ago.”  Yet, I say to you, if you had truly forgiven yourself, you would not have had hidden things deep within.

(I understood that the Lord meant 'shame' and 'guilt' seek to hide things. BP)

Satan is the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning [Jn 8:44], who will shoot forth fiery darts at such speed that one feels they are losing their mind.  When one has not forgiven themselves in fullness, the result will end up idolatry, constantly thinking about self, and circumstances, and others.

 

Greater love has no man than this,
that a man lay down his life
for his friends. [Jn 15:13]

Receive My love, so that fear which has torment, will leave.  Much has been purged, yet just a little more, for I shall have a holy people. Trust Me and you will find that you can offer trust to others. Receive My love and you will find that you will see others through My eyes, and love with My love.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. [1Jn 4:18]

Rise up with wings as eagles, for I am indeed the wind beneath your wings. Rise above the world, for it is not your home.

I sent the army...
you repented with godly sorrow
I will restore the years...

And I will restore the years the locust has eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, My great army that I sent among you.  

And you shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that has dealt wondrously with you: and My people shall never be ashamed. [Joel 2: 25-27]

Some things are hard to admit to, but those who desire to be fully purged will humbly acknowledge all sin and allow themselves to be completely cleansed and set free. 

Behold, great is My love. The time is now; rise up My people.  Eagles, as you wait upon Me, you shall see the open door. It is time to fly, for dangerous are the days.  I am making My people ready.

And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit.  [Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:17]

He Promised and It is Happening - It Will Increase

God is moving. Repeatedly He reminds me of something I seem to either forget or misunderstand the process (being molded into the image of Christ is a work, indeed, but it takes time). He reminded me of a post from 2016. We should keep an expectant heart when we think of our Creator. God Moves Suddenly (2016)

The Lord moved upon me to name my testimony, "First the Inside the Cup". He has been working. Jesus said to clean INSIDE first, then the outside will follow. [Mat 23:26] People look at the outward appearance - (drawn to riches and good looks), but Jesus is more concerned about the deep inner spiritual state.

One can appear outwardly righteous and be rotten inside, or one can look like unappealing outwardly, but inwardly is the righteousness of Christ (God's work). None is perfect; the Holy Spirit has been doing a work inside myself...and all God's people. He has brought us to a place where we can choose to surrender, or compromise. So many are in or coming in to the valley of decisions.

What we choose is going to be paramount and pivotal. Things are coming quickly. Remember when He had me post: God Does He mentioned revival coming in waves. It is; it is happening on campuses with outbreaks since Asbury revival. 

After my first child passed, it took almost 10 years for me to get pregnant again. I thought I was being punished. Sadly, being in my late 20s, I used a spell (a ritual) to conceive. I did not expect it to work. It did, and ironically, the baby was born on October 31. 

Even though I was not saved, I always believed in God and Jesus, and I never wanted the child to be born on that day. I was in rebellion, which is akin Christ Jesus took this wretched sinner and saved me, even after breaking every commandment.

And Samuel declared, Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and to attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.

For rebellion is like the sin of divination [witchcraft], and arrogance [stubbornness] is like the wickedness of idolatry. [1Sam15:22-23] BSB  - (Berean Standard Bible)

My three children were born in the Millennial generation. My youngest, a son, almost made it to Gen Z. In my heart for the Lord, truth is at the core of my desire. These past generations are hungry for truth.

From young to old, there are those who are starving for the true Word The desperation has grown as surely as deception has grown.

Jesus foretold these days would come. They are here. When the Lord told me that revival would come in waves, I thought He meant slowly but surely. I also understood it would built momentum.

However, there is a young woman named Kayla Gabbard, who has a team (including her husband who is the ministry's camera man) that travel with her to various states and locations to carry out water baptisms. It has been building in momentum.

She calls the events "Meet Me in the Water". This Christ-centered ministry has watched thousands be healed and delivered. Many have repented with bitter tears and made first-time commitments to Jesus, while others had their faith renewed or restored. The move of God can be seen in the videos that show the baptisms.

They feed the crowd at no charge to the people, just as Jesus did. God is moving across the land, and literally, revival is coming in waves. I posted about revival not coming all at once, but in waves. (I would have to search the archives and perhaps put it in a future article, Lord willing.)

Well, the waves have been happening, just not in the way I quite understood at the time. "We see in part...and prophesy in part." Will the 'waves pull back' and bring in a tsunami. It is an exciting time.

This water baptism took place either late May or June this year.  Indiana baptism

for His glory alone

penned by Bonita                 dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

This is an excerpt found at the very end of an article posted in September 2017. If one would like to, it can be read in its entirety at: Rise Up-Woe to the Shepherds