Tuesday, January 6, 2015

God is Our Hope

Failed Report 

January 6, 2015  4:30 PM

I just got out of the hospital on this sixth day of a stay, having had (yet again) pneumonia. As I am on a borrowed computer at this time, I will spare the details, but suffice it to say that although I was given a most negative report of a health matter completely unrelated to what I went in for (and a most serious diagnosis), the LORD is Sovereign and He took care of it.  

Suffice it to say, a judgmental doctor ended up with a failed report.

When I was first given the diagnosis (and the severity of it), I truly thought my time on earth was over and suddenly everything seemed so different. Priorities change and my heart filled with gratitude for what the LORD has done for me all my life, even when I was not walking with Him.  

If there was fear, it was not so much about death as it was about deep reflection and searching my heart before GOD. I know that we all fall short…and believe me, I am well aware of all of my shortcomings and faults. I prayed about secret faults and presumptuous sins - I want none of it. That is where the Holy Spirit shines forth and does His work.

We can either be very tough on ourselves, showing no mercy, or we can justify all we think, say and do. I tend to be hard on myself, setting high standards. It is likely some hidden effort to compensate for all the wrong (sins, evil) that I did in life, but then, that takes away what Jesus did for me (for all who believe).

I digress...help me, Lord. It takes the most Holy Spirit to lead us and help us. So, I prayed many, many Psalms, such as:

Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from my secret faults. Keep back Thy servant from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  [Ps19:12]

I spoke to the Lord about many, many things as I sat hour after hour in the hospital. Then, slept on a two inch mat used on stretchers; in Emergency Overflow - Ambulatory Care. Thanksgiving to the LORD for the medical help finally, as I have been fighting illness since my arrival back in Canada in late September (now into the fourth month; it just keeps recycling).

I spoke to the Lord of the stigmatism attached to homelessness (also fourth month), and how I noticed different attitudes, comments and behaviours. I poured out my heart about many things, having pondered much. Having been seen by a doctor from Guatemala, and cared for by Filipino and Japanese nurses (among many others, of course), my heart considered the many nations of the world and the days ahead. 

Those three people (male doctor-Guatemala; male nurse-Filipino; female nurse-Japanese) all treated me as if I were royalty, so kind. Perhaps because they come from countries that know poverty, and know discrimination. Perhaps...

Or perhaps they were angels assigned by the Lord; or regular, yet real people handpicked by God to look after me in my weakened, very ill condition. The constant pneumonia had weakened me in every way. I know only Jesus has been my strength. But Jesus...

My heart ached for family, friends, brethren, the lost, the prodigals, those blinded from truth…amazing how we think when we believe we are on death's doorstep. I suppose that is when the real intent and condition of the heart is exposed. Perhaps - perhaps not... 

I am going to share what the LORD gave me in that dark hour, as I waited for the test results of the MRI and endoscopy. Even as the Holy Spirit gave me the words, I knew they were not just for me. I humbly share the words of the holy King -- it is for His glory alone. 

Just a note -- when He spoke of reports, I knew He was speaking to me about 'medical' reports. A middle-aged, white doctor had mentioned a pancreas problem, and asked if I drank, likely because I was in a shelter for the homeless.

When I told him that drinking was very rare, and that I may have a glass of wine or something, he indirectly suggested that I was lying. There was a dark spot on the pancreas, which was likely indicative of alcohol or drug use.

I explained again that drinking was rare, and drugs were a negative. "You never drank in excess or did drugs?" he asked in a rather snarky, condescending way. I quipped back, "Well, when I was younger, but I did a lot of foolish things when I was younger."

He put away his equipment, stating [roughly] that in the morning I would be taken down for an endoscopy. So yes, I knew the Lord was speaking of the medical 'reports' (which I would get the next day).

Yet I also was aware that it encompassed [personal] reports that others were going to receive, as well as reports that are coming (world events). Please take all things to the Lord; including this word.

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Outward Appearances

Do not fear the reports. You have wondered at My silence, yet I say to you I speak not when I am listening and observing. You have gone through the emotions, as Job, as Jonah, as David and Jeremiah, as even Simon Peter -- as all the forerunners. Yet again, I say to you, through it all you have held fast to your faith, trusting Me and obeying. Which of My people did not go through emotions; tell Me if you can.


Today, even some of My own people long to sugarcoat My Word and serve it on a politically correct tray, dripping with the stench of pride and religion. Any emotion beyond calm and soft (gentle) is considered drama or aggressive.


Why were the prophets hated? Why was My own Son Y'shua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) of Nazareth scorned and crucified? Was Elijah gentle in his approach to Jezebel and her false prophets? Was Jeremiah gentle in his approach when speaking to his own people and authorities? 
 

Ah, yet there would be those who say that was before Christ. Yet, did the prophets I chose not speak through the power of My Spirit and did not those who did marvellous works not do so by My power, by My Spirit - or did they do such and speak such by their own power and righteousness?

What of John the Baptist, was he gentle in his approach to Herod? Was My Son gentle in His anger with the Pharisees and Sadducees? When Y'shua spoke with the multitudes regarding John, He asked them who they went out to see - a reed shaken in the wind? Or did they go to see a man clothed in soft raiment (fine clothes)?  

Yet, He went on to say that John was a messenger sent to prepare the way before Him. He further stated that among those born among women, there was none greater than John the Baptist, except he who was least in the kingdom is greater than him. [Mat 11:7-11]

Fear not what others think of you, for it is written that man looks upon the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart.
 [1Sam 16:7]  Even My own people oft judge each other on their countenance (looks, beauty) and height (build). They judge one's position, gender, race, possessions, clothing, yet they will not believe a messenger of God would come to them disheveled, poorly dressed or even homeless, nor would they believe if I sent a mere child.

Rebuke when I move you to rebuke; show mercy when I move you to show mercy, but be not surprised at those who will not hear. Do your part and I will do Mine. I am the potter, you are the clay - so are they.  


Remember the words written about the last generation and observe wisely.  Many have warned for decades and the people sigh and say; "We've heard it all before - where is the promise of His coming?"


Keep strong in your faith, yet remember, you cannot do all in your own strength, for when you are weak, I am strong. Though many of My people are worn out and discouraged, beaten down by life, they hold fast to their faith.  

Forgive those who wallow in pride and lack understanding. Remember that it is written:
 Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ [Phil 1:6]  Only believe!

Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might [Eph 6:10]

Prepare, Watch and Pray


Reports will come, as they always do, but be not soon shaken (not by word, or by letter).  All of this is preparation, to bring you to the place I would have you to be. Revival will come upon North America and many dry places globally, but not the way people think. 

 

(Note: I understood that revival will come in waves (not tidal waves, not tsunamis). The Lord made it clear to me that it begins within each of us - we must be revived first. Repentance where necessary, forgiveness...the cross; for this reason Christ shed His precious blood for mankind, and on the third day He rose in victory! BP)

 

Healing miracles; restoration miracles (healing and restoration), salvation and deliverances coming in such volume upon multitudes that none shall be able to stop the reports (though they will try to). 

Leave all up to Me. I guide My people (direction), as they trust in Me. Keep your focus on Me and watch and see what I will do. I shall make a way. Stand back and watch; hold fast and pray. Much is coming, but My people have been being prepared. The preparation has not been easy; it has been challenging, frustrating, difficult, yet My people will stand when others will fall away, and others still will have failing hearts for fear.


Yea, I am the Sovereign God. Fear not. I am with you. I have chosen you as a vessel unto honour.


Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour and another unto dishonour?  [Rom 9:21]

Let the beauty of the LORD our GOD be upon us: and establish You the work of our hands upon us: Yea, the work of our hands, establish it.  [Ps 90:17] - Moses]

(Update: The smug, unbelieving doctor returned the next day with the test results. He was almost apologetic. His entire attitude toward me was different. Why? Because the test result on the pancreas came back – all was healthy and well. He had looked down on what he believed was an alcoholic homeless, middle-aged woman. He judged by outward appearances. BP)

Before destruction, a man is haughty, And before honour is humility. [Prov 18:12]


for His glory alone
Bonita                           dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Are You in God's Will?


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

It has been over three months since I have written on the blog, but due to many factors, it has been challenging (to say the least) to accomplish posting. Many of you have written, inquiring about how I am doing.  Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude for the emails.  Thank you from the inner chambers of my heart! (I do not have time to write each of you individually. This will be explained further on - partially.)  Thanks for understanding (in advance).

My last post and radio program explained why I was led to leave the United States.  I know that the Lord was with me and ordering my steps, despite outward appearances.  The journey was incredibly long (six days on a bus); however, it was a safe trip and blessed.

However, the Lord had a plan in mind that I never would have agreed to IF He had asked me to agree ... well, obviously I would eventually agree (He IS King and LORD God after all), but there would have been some "discussion" between us, amidst my protests, undoubtedly.

His ways truly are not our ways and I have been reminded of that fact in a way that I will not soon forget.  I will withhold many details at this time for a future program (Lord willing) on BlogTalk radio, but for now, suffice it to say that this post is being written at a coffee shop with Wifi.  

When I arrived at my destination (B.C.) in Canada, I had $20 left.  It cost $18.50 to go from the bus depot to a homeless shelter.  Yes, this was indeed the Lord's will.  Now you understand why I clearly said that I would have had a "discussion" with the Father, with some protesting (trying to persuade Him that there was a better way) and why I state that yes indeed...His ways are NOT our ways.  Having to leave the United States due to circumstances left me little time to prepare financially, meaning there surely was not enough to secure a home.

Yes, yes...I know. We are all taught to have everything in order 'before' we embark on a move, yet again, the LORD's ways are not our ways.  There have been those who thought (or think) I am out of the LORD's will and advice abounded.  I must say that these nearly three months in the homeless shelter have been an eye-opening experience.  Again, I cannot share all the details at this time, but what a mixed bag of events.

As Our Forerunners



If Joseph (Jacob's son) was alive today, it is quite likely that many folks today would think he was out of God's will too when he went through those seventeen years of incredulous events.  After all, his father was a man who had been blessed by God.  The Almighty Creator had given Joseph prophetic dreams, but woe to Joseph, he must have been too proud in telling his brothers and father.  Or perhaps he had hidden sin that only God could see.  Well surely there must be "some" reason all that 'trouble' came upon Joseph.

He made his father angry with his dreams (sun, moon and stars bowing down to him) [though his father did ponder the dreams silently in his heart] and made his brothers jealous (all the sheaves of wheat bowed to Joseph's sheave).   Genesis 37 tells the story. Joseph was hated, sold, his feet bruised from shackles (Psalm 105:16-22), became a slave [servant], falsely accused and imprisoned.  Years and years passed... Was Joseph being chastised or was he out of God's will? Nope.



Of course, another popular character in the Word of God is Job.  So much befell him.  He lost everything, from family to possessions.  His grieving wife snapped at him, challenging his faith.  His friends had all kinds of "helpful advice" (facetious comment).  Yes, Job erred with self-righteousness, but I would like to see us go through what he went through and not try to justify why it was all "so wrong" to happen.  Would we not be self-righteous too, defending ourselves against the injustices done to us?  I think, given our sinful nature, we would.

Yet, we have the advantage of reading what happened to Joseph and Job.  We see and understand God's wisdom, the trying of faith, the purging - all - we can see and understand it all.  But, when the trials come upon us, we feel much like Job and our friends...more often than not, sound just like Job's friends.  "Just repent"..."God sees the heart and motives (repent)"..."You're out of God's will (repent) - get back into His will".  

It matters not how it's worded, fellow believers often think something has gone wrong with us if we are being "punished".  Yet, we are not God and as the "created", as His creation, we cannot possibly understand His wisdom fully or know all of His ways.  He is far too vast for us to comprehend.  It is like an ant trying to understand the ways and wisdom of mankind. Impossible!

How Long, Lord?




I have been in Canada thirteen weeks today.  I was in pain physically after the six day bus ride.  Then, the second week here (in the shelter), a flu came in with one of the women and people began to get sick (self included).  I had no medical coverage (any Canadian that leaves Canada longer than seven months loses their health benefits - I was gone seven years.  There is a three month waiting period upon return to Canada before benefits are reinstated).  For two weeks, I tried to fight the 'flu' on my own, but I became so ill that I had to go to hospital emergency to be checked out.

To make it brief, I had pneumonia, then got pleurisy, then got pneumonia again (as of two and a half weeks ago).  I'm on the mend after 42 days of antibiotics and 5 days of steroids.  Now the doctor says that I may have a hernia from all the coughing (ultrasound booked for January - earliest available time).  Is God with me?  Yes!  Although I had my moments of doubt (who would not?), I know that I know He is with me.

In six days I have to leave the shelter.  We are only allowed 90 days out of a year.  Still, I have not found a place.  Under pressure?  Oh yeah!  When I arrived here, I was astounded at the cost of living.  A studio apartment (bachelor) MIGHT be found for $550/month plus and a one bedroom is typically $650 and up in this area.  So, I have been trying to find a place out of town, which sometimes offers more for less.  It turns out that British Columbia has the highest cost of living in Canada.

Shaky Legs

To turn to Social Services (welfare) for a helping hand until I can get re-established, a person is allowed $375 for rent. One cannot even find a room to rent for that price.  Am I depending on God?  Most assuredly - when there is nowhere else to turn, where do any of us turn?  We are told to walk by faith and not by sight and we must, but we are greatly challenged when circumstances scream opposition and impossibilities at us.  Yet, time and time again, the LORD has often come in at the last minute.



If worse comes to worse, or push comes to shove, there is another shelter about 45 - 60 minutes from here.  I can only go a step at a time and even if I walk on shaky legs, seeing only one lit step on the path each moment, I will still trust my Lord. He has not let me down yet. Yes, He has led me through many trials and fires, but He IS "ever-faithful".  I will not renege on the statement, no matter who says what to me.

Let us encourage each other in these dark days.  This life is temporary and I do believe that no matter how discouraged we get; no matter how doubts nag us; no matter the sorrows and bitter experiences, Roman 8:28 is as true as ever...and so is Proverbs 3:5, 6

For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are the called, according to His purpose. [Rom 8:28]

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

Have I cried out, "How long, o Lord?"  Yes.  I have had my times of discouragement, desperation, hopelessness and more. I cannot pretend - I surely have.  Yet, the very Spirit of Christ (the Holy Spirit) brings me back around.  Sometimes, fellow believers would have us deny the emotions and feelings that are 'natural' because in their minds, well, it's just not spiritual.  But nothing will convince me that it's not 'okay' to go through such things. The Word of God convinces me that it is okay.

I must leave the cafe now, but yet again, I ask for prayer - for a place to live, for finances, for restored health - however the LORD's precious Spirit leads you to pray.  We all need prayer - every one of us.

So many times over the years, I have written and spoken about encouraging each other to endure to the end, to keep strong and of good courage (even if it means humbly allowing the LORD to carry us awhile in our weak times); keep the armour of God on; remember the precious, costly Blood of Christ covers us and the holy angels are at the Father's command to help us.  He will never leave or forsake us, as long as we remain faithful - it is written.

 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that does go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. [Deu 31:8] 

We, who are His, have a work to do.  We do not have to be some "big name" with a great following.  We do not have to have an impressive "title". We, His people (His children) all have a mission and to our Father, it is all important.  Even if few amongst the seven billion plus souls on earth know us, so long as we remain faithful and trust Him and not turn away (fall away) and forsake not His mercy, then, by His Spirit, He will direct (lead) us.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. [Heb13:5]

He Prophecies to Us

About ten months ago, the Lord gave me a word called "Baptism by Fire" and I just 'happened' upon it when I went to post this blog (another story, another time).  

Here are a couple of excerpts:


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.
 

And this:

As you trust in Me, holding fast to your faith, I shall bring you through.  Despise not this furnace of affliction, for again I say to you, this is My will and My great love for you and I shall bring you through.  Though others may think they know the end of a matter, fear not, for they know not My mind, nor can they counsel Me.

Yea, let him who is without sin cast the first stone.  Now you go deeper, pressing in closer to Me, along the narrow path, learning further obedience by the things you suffer, even unto death.  Those whose intentions are pure, will surrender to My hand which does the shaking and they shall endure.

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

And...

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]

Although I removed many articles to transfer to my new website (which has been on hold all this time - sigh), the above mentioned post can be read in its entirety by clicking:

Yes, despite outward appearances, I do believe I am in God's will.  Through this trial, I have seen my failures, shortcomings and weaknesses, but I also have learned more about my strengths and God's goodness. He is marvelous in every way!  Forever, I will praise Him (and I mean that with all that I am)!

I would like to thank my brethern, friends and readers of the blog for taking the time to email me and ask me how I am.  It truly warmed my heart and gave me strength.  Lord bless you all.  Keep strong, stay faithful and armoured - keep trusting and DON'T GIVE UP!  Much love...

for His glory
Bonita                            dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com