Baptism by Fire

February 7, 2013 - [o2.o7.2o13] - 6:53 am

Baptism by Fire

Leave all in My competent hands.  I see what others do not see; I see all.  I AM He who tries the heart and the reins.  I know those who believe they are justified and walk in pride and those who cry out in true repentance and humility.  Leave all in My hands.  

I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.   [Jer 17:10]

Concern yourself with the things I AM teaching you, revealing to you and purging you of.  Dying to self is a lonely journey and no one can take your place.  Fear not this fire.  Trust Me through it.

The three Hebrew men did not long to go into the fire.  They were thrown into the fire because they trusted Me.  They stood against that which was wrong, for they trusted that I was with them.  In anger, the king rejected their words when they refused to accept that which the king had set up of his own volition.

Enraged within, the king ordered the fire seven times hotter.  His mightiest men were ordered to bind the three and cast them into the fiery furnace. The fire was not comfortable to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego .  Every second seemed an eternity.  Yet, I opened their eyes to see that I was with them.

Endure the Fire

They knew they had to endure, that they had no choice. In that fire, they were strengthened.  They witnessed My power that sustained them.  Their faith grew; their hope was established; their destiny was secure in My hands.

Did they want out of the fire?  Yes, at first they did, deep within they longed for release, yet they did not try to escape.  As soon as they understood that the fire was not consuming them, they walked through the fire.  They were not alone.

They were willing to lay down their lives unto death and for this reason, they overcame by My power.  I walked with them through the fire.  They felt the heat.  It was not comfortable to their flesh, yet it did not consume them.  It did not destroy them.  There was a further purging going on inside of them, yet outwardly, not even a hair was singed.

At the appointed time, they were brought forth out of the fire unharmed, yet stronger in faith, giving glory to Me.  They did not even smell of smoke.  Not one part of the fabric of their clothing was burned.  All who saw them afterwards feared, for those who saw them knew that I had been with them through it all.

Indeed, these men were strengthened in their faith.  They had endured the fire.  They had overcome, not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.

Fear Not the Fire

Do not fear the fire!  Allow this baptism of fire, for it shall cleanse and purge.  You prayed to be strengthened.  You prayed to overcome and love not your life unto death.  How I AM doing it is not how you had imagined.  Yea, but My thoughts are higher than your thoughts, as are My ways.  [Is 55:9]

You have laid down pride (which hurts the flesh), in order to truly forgive.  Let patience do its perfect work. 

But let patience (endurance) have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not (reproves sharply, scolds); and it shall be given him. [Jam 1:4, 5]

I know it is hard; I know the frailty of flesh.  I understand how flesh wars against (resists) the spirit.  Yea, but I see the motives and intentions of even the most awkward child.  Trust Me.  Yea, when you are willing and lay it down, do you see how I open your eyes now to reveal to you that I AM with you?  I did not leave or forsake you.

I AM walking with you through the fire. If you cannot see because of the flames of the fire, then at least be aware that you are not consumed.  You are still here.  Allow My peace that passes all understanding to reassure you of My presence.

In focusing on Me instead of the fire, instead of the circumstances and those that threw you into the fire, then you can rest, knowing that I AM indeed walking with you through this fiery time.  

The crowd sided with the king, declaring that he was justified in doing what he said and did.  He was wise and powerful.  It was said that he was a good king who cared for the people, presenting to them that which they wanted.  He presented to them a beautiful and glorious image of a god, made with the finest gold.

A False Image of God 

He set the image in a place where everyone could see the incredible image of the god that he created; a god that he knew and understood, a god that pleased the people.  How dare these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego not regard the king, the people asked.

They cheered when the Hebrews were thrown into the fire, until they saw the king's mightiest men, who were ordered to throw the three into the fire, consumed themselves by the intense heat.

Then the crowd waited, silently watching, expecting to hear the cries of defeat and destruction echo in their ears.  Yet, they heard not a thing but the roaring of the flames.  

They believed that the three Hebrews were properly punished for their words and their actions.  The king is justified, they murmured. Lo, but they did not know how I saw it all, nor did they expect the God of the three men to intervene.  Nor did they expect Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to survive.

Baptism by Fire 

This fire is a baptism of fire; fear it not.  You shall come forth as pure gold, for all My people must endure the fire.  You say, 'But Lord, I have been through fire before, more than once.  Is it not enough?'

Is not silver refined seven times?  Is gold not purged (more than once) to bring forth its purity?  Many of My people are going through severe trials right now, a fire of intense heat, yet they cry out to Me, expressing all that is within themselves.  

Remember I AM the Creator, who fully understands all that has been created.  My words are pure; know that I AM with you.

O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard: Which holds our soul in life, and suffers not our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have proved us: 

You have tried us, as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction upon our loins. You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but You brought us out into a wealthy place. [Ps 66:8-12]

The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.  [Ps 12:6]

Answered Prayers

You prayed to be purified and purged, to be without spot or blemish.  You prayed that all unrighteousness and unclean things would be removed from you; that you would be strengthened to endure all the evil that is coming, so that you would endure to the end.  

You admitted that your wisdom is foolishness and sought (asked for) My wisdom; that your faith would be made strong and that I would teach you by My power and by My Spirit.

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.  [1Cor 2:5]

You prayed to know My will so that you could obey; that you would overcome all that is of this world and all that is not of Me; that you would not love your life unto death.  I AM answering your prayers.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. [Jn 14:26]

Do not be taken aback or fearful of the ways I answer.  Trust Me to bring you through, nothing wavering.  Dying to self is excruciating to the flesh.  Demons, all principalities and powers, rulers of darkness of this world and all spiritual wickedness mock, taunt and torment you upon your cross, as you endure in your dying to self.

Bitter Cup

A spirit of error has influenced many, but those who truly seek truth shall find it.  Look to Me, for I AM the one who shuts the mouths of the lions.  You drink from the same bitter cup as your Master, though He did not sin.

The drinking of this bitter cup will bring you to your cross, yes, but it will lead you to endure the cross on a daily basis.  All who are Mine continue to die daily by crucifying the flesh.  All sin, even that which has hidden, shall be purged and you shall be cleansed.  

Embrace My love for you, for those that I chastise are Mine.  All My people need reminding of that which they were taught. 

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? [Heb 12:7]


Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered  [Heb 5:8]

Every branch in Me that bears not fruit He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  [Jn 15:2]

Fiery Trial

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.  But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad with exceeding joy. [1Pet 4:12, 13]

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  [1Pet 1:7]

I have seen the intentions and motives of your heart, fear not. I love the awkward foal as much as the strong horse.

But He knows the way I take: when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  [Job 23:10]

Rejoice, for I AM with you.  Rejoice, for I AM He that formed you.  I AM He, the Potter, that forms and molds the clay.  Rejoice, for this fire has an appointed end.  Be strong - I AM with you.

Go through, go through, go through.  Shut out all the voices but Mine alone.  Woe to the wise man that glories in his wisdom, or the mighty man who glories in his might, or the rich man who glories in his riches.  These things should not be, for I delight in lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness. [see Jeremiah 9:24]

Fear not!  This is for your good, but for My glory!  Take upon you the whole armor that I provided.  Stand strong in this time; stand strong with Me.  Do not fear that which is happening.  It is indeed to strengthen you for that which is fast approaching.  

Truth Divides

I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened (restricted) till it be accomplished!  

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.  [Lk 12:49-52]

My grace is sufficient for you.  Trust Me in all that concerns you...ALL that concerns you.  Though the enemy hates all people, he targets the most those who walk close to Me the most.  Wait, obey, be strong.  Patience...not much longer!

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought (nothing) things that are: 

That no flesh should glory in His presence. 

Prepare for Victory

Prepare yourself for victory, as you obey and go through. I AM the Lord of the battle.  Victory is in My hand and My banner over you is love.  Be not troubled or afraid; receive My peace and My love.  Yes, again I say, embrace the fire, for it is indeed for your good, but for My glory!  Selah

 

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [Jn 14:27]

for His glory alone

Bonita                    dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Saint's Prayers and God's Mercy

Saint’s Prayers and God’s Mercy

Feb 1 2013

I have been granted permission to share with readers the situation that resulted in my requesting prayer for a sister in Christ.  I join her in thanking those who prayed on her behalf. 

This sister’s testimony spoke to me as well.  It seemed that we were both facing ‘giants’, howbeit, under different circumstances.  The Lord is glorified through her testimony. The title of this article was inspired by the her letter.

Excerpts from email:

“As you know from my last email, I was hospitalized this past weekend due to heart palpitations and a racing heart.  As it turned out, the cancerous tumor in my breast became infected and that infection spread to my blood.  This is why my heart was going erratic.  To resolve the issue with my heart, they had to first resolve the infection.  My body had become what they call sepsis.

During my hospital stay, I was being seen by seven doctors: Internal medicine doctors, infectious disease doctors, cardiologists, etc.  One big draw was that (as one doctor shared) it is very rare that they see cancerous tumors developed to the extent that mine is (because most people use surgery & chemo to resolve them before it gets to that point)."

“However, my temperature was increasing and my breast was still red and hot from infection.  When I asked yesterday, they told me they could not discharge me until the infection was under control.  I asked if they could just send me home with an antibiotic prescription, but the doctor said that the antibiotic goes into our system better via IV.  They said I would need to stay as long as it takes until the infection was gone, even a week more possibly.”

“Yet, starting at around 11:00 am today, the doctors started coming to me one by one and giving me permission to leave!!!  The redness of my breast had gone and my vitals and blood work were back within normal range in terms of the infection and heart function.  I was elated!!!!! 

Thank you so much for your prayers!!!  If you could, please also share my immense gratitude and appreciation for the brethren who interceded on my behalf.  I know it is the prayer of the saints and the mercy of God which prevailed and heard my plea.”

“As I talked to the Lord on my hospital bed this morning, I asked Him why I had to go through this.  I was dumbfounded when He revealed the answer to me: FEAR.  There were 2 things I was fearful of and the Lord was putting His finger on those things.

I had never verbalized it nor really acknowledged it, but deep within I had formed the belief that the moment I would have to go to the hospital, it would be the beginning of the end for me.  I felt that having to be hospitalized would mean that I was going to die and not live; that God was not going to heal me.”  

“Therefore, when my husband kept insisting that we go to the Emergency Room this weekend, I kept resisting.  I wanted to just wait on the Lord to take care of the situation and not go to the hospital.  I was afraid to go, somehow believing that would mean my death.  Yet here I was, sitting on the hospital bed, and I was not dead.  

Instead, the doctors were going to let me go home.  My fears (although I was not really aware of them until this morning) were proven unfounded.  The hospital had not been a sign that God was letting me die.  Rather, He was with me through the whole thing, even through my worst fears.  I had let fear create a reality for me that God had to show me was not true.”

“Second, I was fearful of the ridicule of men; and that was pride.  When God told me not to take chemo or radiation 5 years ago, the doctors all assumed I was some sort of nut.  They documented in my medical records that I would not take the treatments necessary because I "believed that God told me not to".  

Their assessment of me and of my God as reflected in those records was nothing short of mocking.  While it was easy to stand against this when the cancer was gone, once the cancer came back, it became harder.  I felt like a fool under the glare of medical professionals telling them about my God and the importance of me being obedient to Him when I was standing there with a body deformed by cancer."

“I didn't want anyone to see my breast, to see the tumor, and start pressuring me again about the chemo.  I was trying desperately to believe the Lord and did not feel that I could stand under the repeated assaults of doctors telling me I would die if I did not do as they stated.  So what did God do about this fear?  He had doctor after doctor and nurse after nurse come examine me and look at the breast.  

While I never became comfortable with it, after a while it just didn't hurt as much as it did initially.  I explained again and again during my hospital stay why I had not done the chemo/radiation and why I was not willing to consider it now.  I had to obey the Lord and trust Him, no matter what.  They all stared at me in disbelief as if I was not right in my mind.  

Yet, I told the Lord this morning, "God, what else can I say?  What I have told them is the truth.  Yet, it makes me look like a fool."  That is when God asked me, "Did my Son care that He had no reputation amongst men?  That He was despised and rejected?  Is the servant greater than his Master?"  Then I felt ashamed.  

I realized that my problem was not wanting to be despised by men (pride).  I wanted my healing from cancer to be a testimony to the Glory of God, but I had not been willing to be mocked while waiting for that healing to be manifested.  I thought of how the men and women likely mocked Noah as he built the ark.  

I thought about how Moses' people likely mocked him when he first came back with a message of being their deliverer. I understood that humility was of the utmost importance if the power of God is going to be available to me (for healing) and through me (to help reach others). 

It is necessary for me to experience the ridicule, the mocking, the being made a fool of for the sake of the Gospel so that every ounce of flesh and the pride of life can be put to death (so that I do not pervert the gifts of God).

I just wanted to say how relevant your recent post on fear was for me.  It always truly amazes me when God puts the same thing on His children's hearts.  When He showed me how He let this hospitalization occur to address my fear in these areas, I thought about your story of the caterpillar.  

God had to knock into these fears if He is to use me in the days to come.  As I spoke with Him this morning, I felt Him saying, "Now what else do you think I am unable to do?"  Clearly the answer is, "Nothing, Lord." 

(End of first excerpts)

My answer back to her was brief, but I did share that she was not alone.  Below are excerpts from correspondence (permission granted to post as led).  I wrote:

“He is faithful...listen sister, the 'reason' the Lord led me to post about Faith (the caterpillar) who had to 'overcome' the mountains of 'fear' and 'unbelief' is because I too, had fallen into both of those myself.  I understood why He was telling me to post them...the messenger gets the message first!  I had to repent of these...yes, our faith is being tried but the enemy is seeking to steal/kill/destroy faith.”

"I too was in fear and He showed me recently as well...
My fear began with thoughts of 'doubt', it became fear and fear held hands with unbelief.  I was doubting that I had ever heard from God; questioning if I am even a true child...it goes deeper, but the Lord had to reveal things in me.

It's a purging time sister and I now welcome it...I have repented truly. 

He's been doing a work inside me, purging etc and I've had to take time off the computer and more in prayer and listening.  However, i will be continuing on about deception.  I am grateful to Him for His purging; it has not been easy; been rather painful to open my eyes to some of my hidden faults that must be purged!”

The sister and friend responded back:

“Your fear Sister was the same as mine.  I was not afraid of dying if going to the Hospital, but it was the fear that this confirmed I had not heard the Lord.  He was not going to heal me and I was not His child.

The hospital was like being turned over to the hands of man, representing to me that the Father did not consider me His own.  "See, you do not know the Lord and He does not know you.  He is not going to heal you, because you do not belong to Him, but rather you will die."  

These are the words that the enemy whispered to me time and again.  It was such a heart wrenching joy when the Lord made me realize those words had sown down into my soul and that they were LIES!  Every since then I have tried to be very vigilant in casting down those false accusations from the accuser of the brethren.”

(End of excerpts)

Many that I have spoken with (and I do mean many) are expressing how they have been experiencing what many say (in various ways) is a test of their sanity, as well as fear on different levels.  Faith is being challenged as never before.  The Lord, in His wisdom and sovereignty is exposing our weaknesses.

It is more of the refiner’s fire, and the intensity of the fire has been increased seven times more.  It is necessary because as we grow, there are parts that must be pruned, cut away, so new growth may bring forth good fruit.  The beauty of this fire, as uncomfortable as it may be, is to correct, cleanse and purify us.

Flesh is a great pretender.  Just when you think it is dead, it rises up, ‘Surprise! I’m back.’  We will fight flesh until the day we leave these temporary vessels. It is why we are told to pick up our cross daily and die to self.  Whether we are as babes in Christ or mature believers, we will make mistakes.  

Every single one of us have areas that must be purged, whether we admit it or not.  None of us have arrived, yet we strive to overcome.  The Lord is faithful to help us, particularly if we lay down pride and admit we have fallen short of His glory.

The Lord is purging His people, revealing things in us that we would rather not be there at all.  It is not something to be ashamed of, unless of course, we refuse the work He is doing in us.  I think pride is something we all must overcome, as it is part of the fallen nature. 

There are far too many of us experiencing the same kind of turmoil to pass it off as an individual shortcoming.  The Father is purging His people, answering our prayers to be without spot or blemish. He knows what He is doing and it is good.  

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon You.  [Ps 86:5]

Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part You shall make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. [Ps 51:6, 7]

I present this in closing, from one of the writings the Lord gave me.

Do Not Fear the Darkness

You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Lover and friend have You put far from me, and my acquaintance into darkness.  [Ps 88:6, 18]

When the darkness comes upon you, as you go through the dark season, I shall shine My light upon your heart and reveal the secret things that you have not known are there. Fear not; neither be dismayed or confounded. Be strong and of good courage. I work in the darkness; I work in ways you cannot see.

Your emotional condition is not necessarily your heart condition. Allow this piercing of the heart, for out of the wound shall pour forth all that festers and infects you. Surrender it into My hands and I cleanse, purify and heal you; you shall have a new heart.   

I shall shine My light into the darkness, and shall shine light upon your heart. Light overpowers darkness. Then shall you see clearly; then shall you know My glory in the face of My Son.

My people must go through these dark times. Many have despaired, been troubled, perplexed, cast down and cried out to Me. Those whom I have raised up mightily (in days gone by) went through the darkness that came upon them. They cried out to Me, yet felt so helpless, alone and abandoned, not understanding the times of My silence. If you fall, rise back up again. Repent and believe; let your faith hold fast to Me.

Genuinely repent and believe, forgive and die to self; then shall you be raised up and become the new man. I shall have a holy people, without spot or blemish. Yea and if you fall, I say rise up, rise up again, and cry out to Me.

For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. [Pro24: 16]

So shall it be with My people who persevere, who go through the dark seasons, who cry out in repentance, if there be need in any area for repentance. Yea, cry out to Me and I shall strengthen you as you go through purging and purification.

But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2Cor 15: 57]

for His glory

Bonita               dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

(UPDATE- NOTE* - On the prayer request, as well as this article, I am adding the update. As of AUGUST 2013, in speaking with Mia, she is HEALED of cancer, not in remission but HEALED, no sign of cancer. Glory to God alone!)