The Days of Passover
They stood watching, witnessing the torment. The One they loved, now amid the vilest treatment. Accosted, the severity of their Rabbi’s crime was nowhere to be found. The depravation of hell fully downloaded into Purity’s flesh; before their tear-blurred eyes, He fell to the stony path. Sorrow engulfed these citizens of the land as each shifted her body’s weight in reaction to every sound demanding entry into her hearing. They silently wept, their courage that of a lioness—eyes of their heart upon He whom they loved. Aversions would not win today.
Every echo invaded their flesh, soul, spirit, and memory. They watched in wonder as He was hurled into the worst, unimaginable treatment a friend should ever face. Who is this Redeemer-unrecognizable? With all of heaven’s authority within Him, He chose not to protest nor default to the expected, but to allow lucifer to be used as the rod of judgment.
Branding Christ’s body as the Slain Lamb; fists and spitting upon the face of the Son of God, the Roman flagellum of leather bound with metal and bones used to scourge the King of kings, ripping His skin and muscle away from His bones, nails and thorns pierced through His head, hands, and feet, the sword of the centurion used to declare the birth of salvation as water and blood spewed out of His side. The women He healed and empowered stood courageously; maybe, somehow, their presence would nurture Yeshuah while in the greatest act of love, experiencing the most significant separation.
Who caused nature to respond to His ill-treatment and His finishing offering?! Can you see Him? He said, “satan has nothing in Me.” Yet, now, there is the pain of every human within Him; every moment to ever be experienced by man and earth now within Him — He was determined to finish the path — His eyes set on the mark. The systems of death would now and forever release the family of Father back to Him.
Vibrating through their numbness were the gyrations of mockery thrown at their Teacher. The straws falling to the earth—gambling for His priestly robe. He whom they had just ministered to one day earlier, now nailed to earth’s tree (He, His Father, and their Holy Spirit had created that tree). Stifled screams came from those separated in terror. His women, though, stood unmoved by the darkness. His love, steadfast and mightier than hell’s hate, kept them in sound mind. They would not turn from Him.
Their minds raced
grappling for memories of the mysteries spoken to them earlier that week,
while their soul now fought terror.
Their spirits stood in wonder and brokenness
as their emotions fought abandonment.
Their hearts warred to recall the light of love given to them,
and what this was that had transfixed the atmosphere over Jerusalem.
They unknowingly were witnesses to the changing of epochs.
Humanity, the earth, and the “religion” of the day would no longer hold the same power as they once did. Freedom’s cost was spilling out before their very eyes.
Traversing through their being was the sound of the rocks breaking into pieces as the earth shook and the skies grew black. Heaven left Him not alone. Neither would these women who called Him Rabbi. Thunder pealed through the darkness, announcing the voice of God, while arrows of lightning hit the ground, devastating the realms of death once and for all.
These women had given the last three years of their lives to the One who had delivered them from demons and brought them into His Kingdom of Love. The familiarity of the demonic foes sent shivers through their nerves. They held on to the Word made flesh.
They reminisced in silence. Yeshua, the Messiah, was worthy of all they had. He was The Christ who possessed the authority to help them uncover their eternal identity. With nothing left to lose, with everything to gain, women of many villages responded to Love and followed Him wherever He traveled. He was worthy of these sojourners who would wear the “sandals of the path.” The soles of these sandals gave access to witnessing the price of His journey. His sandals and their sandals moved in unison, pioneering the ground of the covenant of His Kingdom. Throughout northern Galilee, they walked. From the North to Nazareth, and from the Galilee to Jerusalem. From the City of David to Bethany. The stony dirt-filled pathways experienced the vibrations of His heart, the persecutions, the tensions—the life that Jesus was meant to face. Here, mercy, love, and grace flooded their lives, transforming their stature forever.
More than 2,000 years ago, this was not a “drama-filled” bible story; this was His sisters’ reality. Their flesh and blood stood on the same ground as Christ while He encountered all of hell’s demonic population. It was a long moment in history where all iniquity, infirmities, and keys of every evil door were given access to ravish His flesh and soul. However, nails attempting to enter His spirit-man were to no avail. For this place was immunity; none would dare enter. This was His place with His Father alone. This was the place of His strength—Holiness.
What these women encountered was not something small, something momentary, or philosophical. These women were the ones known as;
“There were also some women looking on from a distance,
among whom were Mary Magdalene,
and Mary, the mother of James the Less and Joses,
and Salome.
When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him;
and there were many other women
who came up with Him to Jerusalem.”
Mark 15:40–41
“Soon afterward, He began going from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God.
The twelve were with Him,
and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses:
Mary, who was called Magdalene,
from whom seven demons had gone out,
and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward,
and Susanna,
and many others
who were contributing to their support
out of their private means.”
Luke 8:1–3
And their conversion process was unlike ours. In person, they were there as the world transitioned—transformed into the womb of His resurrection power. What was the world like without the cross? What did it look like at the moment resurrection was “crowned,” bursting on the scene of the “now,” no longer the same?
🥀🥀🥀
No person in the presence of The Word who once heard His voice remains the way they were before His voice spoke. The very essence of who He is is the words and thoughts of His Father. In His presence and through His voice, we are changed.
Mary Magdalene, the woman who touched the hem of Messiah’s garment; Joanna, the wife of Chuza (Herod’s steward), Susanna, Messiah’s mother, the Samaritan woman; Elizabeth, Anna, the woman who washed Messiah’s feet with her tears and costly ointment, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and so many others were forever transformed through Jesus’ ministry. His love delivered them and set them each on the course of life enveloped with love; only a few understood. His words became flesh within them and lived.
These Daughters were chosen to be born in time to travel alongside the disciples; these men were selected, mentored, and disciplined by the very One. These women were chosen to minister to Jesus throughout His years in earthly ministry. Women who dared not reveal the inner chamber (priceless moments) moments of hosting Him, washing His feet, knowing that the power of God was exuding from the One they served. They mirrored the mother side of God towards the One who knew Him well. They write no book. No autobiography, but their hearts carried the inked scroll of their destiny fulfilled. They were not created for the value of commercialized commodities but for love purchased, not with the monies of the earth. They would not prostitute their moments with God for one moment of popularity or self-affirmation. Their heart-place with Him is hidden.
These women who walked with Jesus. Smelled the same dirt, wore the dust of the path on their sandaled feet, cooked His meals for Him and them…
What was engraved in their hearts, on their minds, burned in their spirit through this adventure? Being released into the fullness of who they were, “called” by Christ Himself, who was it that they became? What became their lifestyle, once “chosen” by God, His Father, through the embrace of His Light? Doesn’t it say, “Many are called, but few are chosen?” Their spirit embraced the Call, resulting in each one being chosen to minister to Jesus Christ in life, death, and resurrection.
Wow, Jesus. What does their home look like in the heavens? You have such a family surrounding You in the realms of Your throne. Women chosen to be born for such a time as when You were on the earth.
🥀🥀🥀
Who was Jesus on Earth? Wasn’t He the sacrifice, the Son of the Vinedresser, the Builder of the Kingdom of His Father, hope, love, mercy, truth, the path, the Last Adam, light in darkness, freedom to the enslaved, the Scape Goat, the Ram provided… to name a few? Each attribute He exuded would then become embedded within the soul and spirit of these faithful women. They would mirror His work within their lives. Even as He was sent, they would become builders of the Kingdom of God. My friend said of Mary of Magdala that she would be the first woman apostle (in the New Testament). Even so, the first Mary chosen to be Mother to the King of kings was the cultivator and facilitator of the ‘Word made flesh.’ We could speak of Anna, but what a beautiful priest in heart she was, bringing the presence of the Word into the Temple despite all evil taking place in that era of time; cultivating the earth with prayers, songs, and travails in preparation for the One.
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Three nights had passed since Yeshuah was sealed in the tomb; when all others were afraid, Mary of Magdala returned, searching for her Teacher.
But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'” Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her. So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Jn 20:11–18
She saw, touched, heard, smelled, and spoke to the resurrected Christ. This moment in time would forever transform her. What she saw was her Teacher in His sacrificial process; having volunteered Himself as the Lamb, all the consequences of hell would be infused within His body. And now, as this had taken place, He was on His way into the highest heavens to present Himself as the sacrifice. Heaven’s Temple was waiting for the Fullness of the Sacrifice to arrive. She heard the voice of her beloved making Himself known to her and giving her directions — He was “sending” her to His brothers with revelation. She clung onto her “Rabbi” and needed to be told to “wait, it wasn’t time.” What did she encounter with that touch? What was the atmosphere around them like? What was vibrating through Messiah’s being? She followed His instructions, running to her brothers, His brothers; she was the witness to the testimony of Jesus Christ. Jesus was about to travel to the highest heavens while she traversed the stony dirt paths, this time alone; she was the sole trumpeter.
My friend Hermana brought to my attention the reality that the message Mary was instructed to give was Apostolic in nature. “One of the church fathers called Mary Magdalene an apostle, a sent one. Indeed, when Jesus instructed her to go tell His disciples that he had risen, she became an apostle to the apostles” (“Magdala”; God really loves women; pg. 145). Jesus established that the disciples were His brothers and that God was their Father and God, as Yahweh was His.
Precious meditation on this topic continues for me …. Salvation had been purchased, and THE WAY had been made for His earthly family to come into the house of Father as sons and daughters of the Living God. Redemption flooded the earth with reconciliation. Mary of Magdala was the announcer of, “It is finished!” She a ‘sent one’ trumpeted the turning of the Key into the Kingdom of God. The Key of Life had invaded death, shutting its ancient gateway forever.
My life is forever changed and refined by this further meditation on the reality of the lives of the women who followed Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
God chose a woman delivered of seven demons to be His mouthpiece at the most pivotal time in history. Who God has joined together, no man can tear asunder. She was forever bound to her beloved, her deliverer, the one to whom she served—to her resurrected “Rabboni.”
No, she is not Messiah’s wife, for He is God. He was her Rabboni, and today, He is willing to disciple any woman who will surrender to His Lordship and Kingdom way.
🥀🥀🥀
Was it seven years ago already? The question was raised, “What do we do now?” The attending women wanted to stay.
Holy Spirit told me, “Tell them I’m looking for those who will wear the sandals of the journey like the women who walked with me during My time on earth.” While He was speaking, I could see the stony dirt-filled paths (with grown grass and brush along the road) on which Jesus and His sisters walked throughout the regions of Israel. Their feet were filled with dirt as they journeyed. Their robes move with the movement of their steps together in unison. Jesus was looking for the sisters alive on the earth now, who would do the same. We have been given a beautiful picture of what that looks like through the lives of those mentioned in the gospels. His fire is ready to engulf our very steps with life and authority. He has given us shoes shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which He is working out in our hearts. Even as Jesus completed His mission through the refiner’s fire, He will empower us to do the same, giving us the strength, authority, and power to deliver the ‘Word made flesh’ wherever we are called to travel.
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In the first garden, Eve rejected the Tree of Life and, while deceived, ate of the fruit of good and evil. In the second garden, the Greatest of Intercessors warred the mind and flesh as He approached the moment of fulfilling the scapegoat’s responsibility for all sin and disease. In the third garden, the resurrected Christ glowed with the glory of resurrection. Mary embraced the “Tree of Life”-the cherished Rabbi in this garden.
The Lord came and designed such a magnificent finish.
🥀🥀🥀
Salted Waters:
Is there any location in the world where tears are unknown? If so, it would take most people by surprise. For even in the scriptures, God emphasized the reality and treasure of tears. Every tear spilled from one’s ‘room of tears’, which He noticed and responded to. Is there such a room in heaven named “the room of tears?” Was the salt added to preserve the tears?
This tear represents the salty tears of women worldwide who have added to the treasured vessels cherished in the heavens. Growth, pain, grief, trauma, travail, rejoicings, His presence, love released towards another… tears have been spent in so many ways and within so many different locations upon this earth.
This tear-filled wave is particularly for those who have walked with Jesus and shed tears on His behalf and on behalf of the breaking they encountered as a result of their submission to His love. A breakthrough has come through these tears, and the golden harvest has been watered.
I believe with all of my heart that women and men worldwide, who have aligned themselves to the Lord, have been part of the womb, birthing the plans of heaven on the earth. Their tears are an essential part of the watering of the soil, for the crowning of the purposes of heaven. The golden harvest is upon us. His ways will be known.
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It was in the very moment of the earthquake that the veil rent in two, that the effects of sin no longer carried the verdict of death, no longer would the longing of women be for man alone, but now the desire of their hearts would turn to their Savior and King.
Eve’s repentance would now be responded to, and God would release both males and females back into the Garden of Life in preparation to embrace the Tree of Life. They were now given the bread of life and the wine of His blood as a life-giving force.
Interestingly, the disciple who would betray the Messiah dipped his bread simultaneously with Christ. Jesus led the way by tearing the bread and offering it to Judas. Judas chose to bring the Roman Cohort, the Commander, and the Officers of the Jews into Yeshuah’s presence to begin His persecution. Judas dipped the bread representing Christ’s body, which Christ served him simultaneously in the oil, one the betrayer, the other the Sacrifice.
The Cup was not permitted to be given to Judas, for in the Blood of Jesus was found the New Covenant about to be released upon the earth. No one in the flesh could endure or walk through the travail Jesus was about to engage. Jesus said, “Satan would find no room in Him.” There was nothing in Jesus’ life that made room for Satan; hence, He could declare that. Judas was different. Judas had already embraced Satan, and judgment was released once the torn bread was consumed; Satan took the room already given to him. The Blood of the Lamb was off limits.
May we all be found with the Sandals of the Journey intact and pulsating with the substance of faith, advancing us further into the Kingdom of the Son of God.
Pondering possibilities, briskilla emil zananiri
April and May, 2017
Watercolor: by briskilla zananiri
Sandal photos: taken by B. Zananiri in Magdala
Oil Paintings displayed in Magdala in the Galilee Region
For the following few articles, I will break down the article “Amidst The Turbulence, Seek the Face of God.” You will find the bold paragraph to be a copy and paste of one of the paragraphs from the previous article. A few weeks ago, our home was filled with young people. They wanted to learn the Kingdom Protocol regarding those who had been accused or those who had fallen; hence, these articles. The goal is to expound on each of the main topics written in the above article. “Inspired Word Of God” is the second installment of this project. I pray you are blessed. Let’s begin.
“The Bible, written through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reveals the victories and failures of men and women, tribes and nations, and in so doing, does not contain or release to the reader any measure of the spirit of accusation.”
That’s right. A compilation of sixty-six separate books scribed by over forty authors throughout several thousands of years, containing actual historical events such as the incredible creation and systems of nature, blueprints for righteous government structures, the revealing of the Son of God, betrayals, the rise and fall of men assigned to the highest offices, horrific wars and destructions, weddings and funerals, evils of murder, child sacrifice, rape, and otherwise, deceptions, the demise of lucifer, disobediences — the list goes on*. Yet, it is impossible for anyone who has ever read the Bible to have experienced accusations from God towards the one mentioned within the pages, neither towards themselves as the reader. Conviction and judgment leading to repentance and freedom, yes. Shame? No. Amidst all of the conflicts, worshipping of other gods, and adulteress affairs, which are rebellions against God’s righteous judgments, God’s Blood Covenant is present to respond to repentance and rescue the fallen, not to accuse.
Let’s touch on shame for just a moment. Shame will come when the one amidst rebellion refuses to turn from the ways of wickedness, and even then, it is the result of choosing to reject God; therefore, they will encounter personal shame. In Scripture, shame is described as nakedness. For example, in Revelation 3:18, God instructed the Church of Laodicea to buy from Him white garments (acts of righteousness) to cloth themselves so that their wretchedness, blindness, poverty, and misery would not reveal their nakedness. The wilderness place of sin carries that sound and slime of “baring all to society.” It is that place of the wilderness of the flesh, manifesting dryness-disconcerted heaviness-confounded in confusion-pride-humiliation–shame. Hell’s domain carries that echo chamber. When the actions of sin remain, the consequence releases subsequent emotions and delusions that often feel like ‘slime’ stuck on one’s soul, reviving the seed of the fallen nature bare for all to see. The absence of God in the midst does that. The devil does that. God does not instruct His sons and daughters to shame nor accuse another; instead, God says, “Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not destroy his resting place; For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.” Proverbs 24:15-16
The scriptures contain at least two types of convictions; the first concerns the endowment of conviction every writer experienced. They walked in a God-given confidence (conviction) to fully express the message intended and were empowered to carry through to the end (accomplish) the task given to present the fullness of the Gospel. With such confidence due to the dependence on God, the power and spirit of God was demonstrated. Such conviction of spirit is witnessed by those who read.
“For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake….” 1 Thessalonians 1:5
“And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:4-6
The other type of conviction that the reader experiences is evidence that the Holy Spirit is present, inviting the reader into the realms of the Holiness necessary to reign and rule amidst the Kingdom of God upon the earth. Such conviction is to continue to grow in the way of truth directed by the Holy Spirit or change directions from wrongdoings to The Way, The Truth, and the Life. Thus, to love God and hate sin.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16
“And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.” John 16:8-11
Accusations in different capacities carry contrasting actions, all opposing and resisting, in other words, enmity. There are false accusations or slander, as there are true accusations. In friendship, David cried out that men had rendered evil for good towards him. (ps.38:20). In Zechariah 3, satan brought a true judicial accusation against the high priest Joshua. During the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, during the days of Ezra, the people of the land brought a written false accusation against the Jewish builders (Ezra 4:6). Regarding Daniel, the soothsayers presented a true accusation against Daniel (Daniel 6:2). Prophet Nathan visited David with the word of the Lord in time to awaken him to his actions through a true judgment, rebuke and discipline, with the intent to restore. The difference between a rebuke and an accusation is reproof versus hatred, mercy extended versus the motive to devour unto destruction. The contrast between conviction and accusation is that Father God corrects and disciplines the convicted, bringing to light and illuminating what is against God’s ways.
We cannot find satan’s ways equal to God’s heart or intentions; the accuser applauds the wounds of sinners, celebrating the result of sin. According to one Akkadian and Aramaic idiom, the Hebrew word ‘akal’ –the accusation is “to eat a piece of me;” in other words, ‘to destroy.’ In Zechariah, we see what the actions of sin and iniquity did to the mantels given to the priests. The material of the garment was filthy. This Hebrew word for filth, ‘tsow-ah’, includes the definition of ‘human excrement-dung.’ Satan mocks as the weight of sin’s dung soaks into the skin of the wayward one.
God commanded His messenger angel to remove the filthy garment in God’s courtroom and cloak Joshua with a new robe. Only then was Joshua given instructions on a repented life of Holiness. Can you imagine garments created with heavenly substance? Such mantles cause me to think of the robes of righteousness awaiting each of us. Whatever God has created in heaven comes with the substance of heaven, filled with the sustaining power of faith to walk it out.
God’s conviction bestowed upon a son or daughter of God comes with removing sin’s excrements, giving a new robe and turban, and the instructions for returning to a walk of salvation, redemption, and holiness. The kindness of God the Father reveals to the sinners where He was in proximity to them throughout their lives and how His character was available to them, and in so doing, they realize just how far they have fallen. As such convictions lead to repentance, God will pick them up and return them to His embrace. He often describes the ‘why’ of their creation, reminding them of their purpose-filled destiny. God is a good Father. He reminds us of His Trustworthiness and Faithfulness. Such recovery is the kindness of the Lord, which leads to repentance.
We must see that God’s correction is an extension of His mercy through the perfected work of Jesus Christ. His life on earth is the plum line, the Cornerstone, the measuring line, the example of how to live. He suffered so that we live. Jesus Christ’s obedience perfected His soul, and so, through our embracing Christ’s finished work and walking in obedience, our soul will come to perfection–maturity. Yes, we are perfected not by living our opinion but by accepting the gift prepared through the high price of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. To follow His direction is to receive His mercy. For this reason, God will discipline His own.
“You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him; For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives.” It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his Father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His Holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Hebrews 12:4-11
It is so interesting that even as we are now at the end of this age, that 2 Timothy 3, the chapter which speaks of the Inspired Word of God, begins with Paul saying, “But realize this, that in the last days, difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these…Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
The Word of God is not just for reference purposes but for “eating” and “dressing.” The Bible reveals the Bread of Life and presents us with the battlement’s apparel. I learned something a long time ago. A friend said, “Isn’t it funny that the Apostle Paul in the book of Ephesians established the need for the Armor of God right after teaching the church about family protocol?” Isn’t that wonderful!? Such a truth shows us the importance of relationships.
Relationships are foundational in the Kingdom of God, and the enemy strives to destroy the gift of love, respect, and honor meant to be reciprocated among humanity. Satan overplays his hand, yet the Armor of God was made available before the conniving ways of the devil.
Salvation covers the mind (helmet), while righteousness empowers the heart(breastplate). Truth holds together the anointing and affects the emotions in the innermost part of our being (belt). Our feet are to be covered with the Gospel of Jesus, the King of Peace (shoes), while we minister, bringing awakening and wholeness to the soul and spirit (sword). The God-design of such armor guides us where there is calm or conflict in the family, both in natural and Kingdom families. In these last days, covenant relationships will be crucial amidst war. The power of unity will thrust us into that secret place as a whole, where the Trinity awaits the Body of Christ. The Word and Spirit of God endow us with wisdom, counsel, might, knowledge, the fear of the Lord, and the understanding of God. We must eat the Word. We must make room for God’s Word to dress us daily with His Spirit of Truth and Righteousness.
God has commanded us to follow His ordinances. God’s actions and responses trumpet Holiness. We must learn and take action to what He has proclaimed holy, evident in the sixty-six books authored by over 40 authors throughout several thousands of years. In so doing, we do not find enmity in God’s heart towards humankind. Where His wrath was, we find the mercy seat of His heart and the Resurrected One–The Slain Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
“He who has not sinned throw the first stone.”
or
“Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.”
Each must choose.
Footnote:
*An edited version of a quote found in “Learn the Bible in 24 Hours” by Dr. Chuck Missler: pages ix and 1.
ix: We will encounter the greatest evil – betrayals, revenge, deceptions, and the ultimate Prince of Darkness.
1: First, although the Bible consists of sixty-six books penned by over forty authors over a period of several thousand years, it is an integrated message system.
The Bible, written through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reveals the victories and failures of men and women, tribes and nations, and in so doing, does not contain or release to the reader any measure of the spirit of accusation.
As more uncovering occurs, determine what Holiness permits to come through your eye and ear gates. First, listen, view, and read what God says about His daughter or son, asking God’s Holy Spirit to speak to you. Ask God for His heart – – His wisdom as you receive communications from those in God-given authority, and in so doing, refrain from allowing the sound of unwholesome posts to have room through your phone screen, laptops, or around your dining tables. Do not partner with bitterness, accusation, or pride from self or social media posts and platforms, most of whom do not carry Kingdom governmental authority for such times.
In such moments of God releasing righteous judgments, find a low posture, most powerfully in travailing prayer for the Body of Jesus.
If we have not been on our faces praying for the fallen, I wonder if we have the wisdom and opinion of God to speak to the standing.
A note-worthy example of one who travailed for the Body of Christ’s spiritual growth was the Apostle Paul. To the church of Galatia, he wrote, “My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” Galatians 4:19 A commendable way for the courageous to come into maturity in how to handle difficult situations found amidst the Bride of Christ is through time spent on our knees praying for the Inheritance of Jesus to arise, transformed into the beauty of the Array of Holiness intended for her, His Bride. After all, King Jesus agonized in prayer for His Bride and carried out the fullness of intercession through His body and soul. It says in Isaiah 53:11-12
“As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors.”
God said His Awe was returning to the church. He told us He was coming. With the nearness of God’s presence comes an automatic ‘house cleaning’—cleaned by the One who desires to dwell within and among us. He is Holiness, and the fiery presence of His Holiness cleans. Without such an attribute of His identity, we would not be able to behold Him—He is God, the One and True God who longs for us to be face-to-face with Him.
“Who may ascend to the hill of the Lord?” Psalm 24:3
Part Two
“Behold, I will send My Messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.…” Malachi 3:2
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came and made a way for us to come boldly before the Throne of Grace. In so doing, we are learning to honor Him and the shedding of His blood, the Holiness of His Spirit, and the command to repent and forgive. I remember the story of a man taken to heaven. The angel sent by God to bring him into heaven was speaking to him about the blood of the Lamb. The angel replied, “It is only on earth that people do not bow before God at the mention of the blood of His Son.”
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
“It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31 In His hands, we find that death defeated, and within Him is all that is life. Opposing God, in the hand of the accuser, is a scroll of shame against each saint. One of satan’s main strategies is to throw a deceptive temptation right as God is about to enroll one of His own into the theater of battle in time for a Kingdom victory, using against the soul of the chosen a weakness yet unsuspected or undealt with. It is best to yield to and obey the voice of God in such moments. The holy determination of Jesus must be sought after, for God is looking throughout the whole earth for those who will volunteer on the day of His power. We are in those days.
“Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew.” Psalm 110:3
While pondering these things, the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) brought to the forefront of my thoughts ‘Christ’s holy determination’ and how tempted in every area of life, He would not yield to hell’s structured path. He was making it real for me. Jesus, the Great High Priest, encountered every active sin known to humankind, passing the test unto the perfection of His soul.
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:16
What was built in His Kingdom as He won such a war? So much for sure, but let’s focus on this one thing for now. For every temptation we have passed through, Jesus, as Redeemer, has built a highway of escape for us. Jesus built this highway by passing through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Jesus is the Revealer of the higher way for us. He is the more excellent way, and the road is the Highway of Holiness. We can overcome temptations if we invite Him into the moment, yielding to Him as He reveals the Highway of Holiness built for us by Him to walk on.
These last few days, while in “class” with the Holy Spirit, He made room for me to walk through the road of memories of many temptations encountered. My thoughts made a list. I remembered the ones I passed through and those I fell into the trap of. I could see the demonic fog presented to cause deception. God’s Holy Spirit (Holiness) is always present as The Convictor of Sin.
God expects us to grow into the perfecting of our souls through the Holy Spirit’s assistance, always bringing us into the power of Jesus’ blood spilled and presented to God. Christ the Messiah stated, “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin.” Hebrews 12:4 Who are we to think sin is not crouching at the door? Are we better than Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God? Jesus was presented and resisted every action that would lead to failure–the systems of hell created by life’s thief. Jesus did this to fulfill His Father’s righteous laws and champion our victory.
I thought that if we could create a homework assignment that would bring to life the power of God’s opportunity granted to us daily to glorify His Son and, in so doing, seal the defeat of the evil nature of the enemy, it would help many bring to Christ their crown of victory. I wanted to look and remember where I honored and dishonored God. I wanted to see where I could present Jesus with my crown. God’s conviction and forgiveness are His incredible and supernatural gifts released to us by the Giver of Life.
It may help you to form a list of times when you strived against sin and its temptation. Such a practical application could remove the sting of death’s shame by devaluing the power of temptation over Christ’s victorious win. I created mine and am still working on it. Fifty-one years of following the Messiah came with many opportunities for victories while choosing many failures and opportunities to try again.
A portion of my list is here. These are some of the temptations I have come face to face with. Disobedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit, idolizing another over God, bitterness, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, love of money, lying, pride in many areas, self-righteousness, envy, doubting God, faithlessness, unbelief, fear of rejection, dishonoring parents, using God-given gifts outside of God’s time, jealousy, gossip, unloving, unholy, lover of pleasures, choosing not to accept the ‘way of escape,’ choosing comfort over the hard road of obedience, not loving another even unto death, rejecting the directives of the angel sent to assist, anger, unforgiveness, dishonoring God found in another, hatred, not waiting on God’s timing, rebellion as the sin of witchcraft, offense, defilement, giving honor to counsel which opposed God’s way for me, dishonoring the value of God-given revelation by sharing too soon–the sin of Esau that God hated, not taking God seriously through instant obedience, knowing faith but not adding the works. The list goes on.
I wished I had listened to the voice of a prophet years ago who instructed me to pray through Psalms 23 every night. He said, “Before you sleep, pray through Psalms 23. It is a Psalm of repentance and forgiveness.” I couldn’t see it then. ‘Yea though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for Thou are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.’ To close one’s day out through the work of the cross and washing by the waters of the Word of God, cleansing the soul and body from the “journey’s dust” of the day is crucial for the human spirit’s well-being. Make room for the Blood Covenant of Christ Jesus to execute His judiciary authority over your “list.” Whether accusations or acts of sin have overcome you, yield to the power of the cross and the voice of the Redeemer’s blood.
What you read in this paragraph will take another article to address it, but I want to bring it to our attention. Sin finds room in us in many ways. Some are self-inflicted according to the rebellious seed of the flesh. Some are fruits of sin acted out in previous generations, and they are still alive through four generations; in such cases, God’s people must recall the power of the blessings of God that flow to one thousand generations. Some temptations creep up on those who were previously sexually abused. The effects of sexual abuse often include the forming of a second personality, which helps the abused cope with life. Until that fractured soul encounters healing through the salvation and blood of Jesus, the hidden “child” within, while ‘asleep’ will carry out sin even though they love Jesus. Whether it is rebellion or a fractured reality, all must come to the Cross of Christ for deliverance and restoration of life.
Ignited obedience confirms the presence of God, who is Love. Ignited obedience confirms our love for God. Sin, whether knowingly or unknowingly, leads to death and finds room through the power of fear. It is good to ask God to teach us how to love His Son. Within our flesh, we cannot. We have to choose this day whom we will serve. For those still struggling, let today be a quick turnaround day, for it is best to fall into the hands of our Living God–for He is the Lord of Hosts.
Part Three
When we recognize God has come to release His fire upon us, our response of repentance is the kindest gift from God.
Remember that God IS the I AM, and He WAS even before He formed heaven. Before any human had an opinion, God was. For just a moment, ponder His reality. Before anything else was, He was. What could stand before His breath and not burn? What is the power of His determined will like? What does the groan of His love sound like in the eternal river of time? Can you hear the sound of our God? The terrifying reality of God is foreign to many. Who is God? What does the true identity of God feel like up close? He was/is before all things. He is God, Holy and Just.
In God and through Him, the blood of His Son is held, treasured, and cherished. The fire of God was released upon all generations through the life of His Son’s blood sacrifice (Isaiah 52:10-15). Malachi 3:2-3 For we are cleansed and granted freedom through Messiah’s sacrifice. Within His blood and fire is found the road to Holiness.
Seek the face of God.
Part Four
Our position as God’s sons and daughters is to behold Him as the only way of truth and life. Mothers and Fathers of faith have, through the fire of consecration, gained the passion to champion Jesus’s cross and resurrection, which has resulted in a compassionate zeal to see every man and woman fully reconciled to God. Due to the Fear of the Lord, which becomes embedded in a soul touched by God’s fire, tears flow when a brother or sister falls into the trap of temptation. On their knees, they remain until God reveals His opinion and wisdom.
“And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” Revelation 12:9-11
The Apostle John gave the clarion call. In the Last Days, believers would overcome because of the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. If the “book ends,” are the battles encountered through the valleys on one side and the saints’ victories on the other, one realizes that the in-between place is intentional as the place of opportunity to walk out the path of life. That path of life is to not love one’s own life even unto death. Laying down one’s life for the accused is what Christ Jesus did; this is a reality we are to mirror.
While Christ was on the cross, he remained with the cursed, even as He became the curse for us, and embraced the repentant transgressor even while He was engaged in the war of wars. As the transgressor turned in repentance, Christ embraced his spirit, and within moments, they would be together in paradise. Christ’s throne at that moment did not look like a high throne made of natural gold; instead, the cross carried the most excellent example of Kingly servitude. Jesus, the Champion of champions, did not love His life even unto death. What does the life of a disciple of the Champion of champions look like? May we be empowered to find our knees under the weight of God’s Holiness and embrace God-given strength in our limbs to arise and surround the fallen, for our testimony will be that we have wept for the ones found in the deceptions of pride or the false accusations of sin; with the understanding that they too were created to be a portion of the inheritance of Jesus Christ.
Remember that satan will, with one last ditch effort in these last days, attempt to connive his way in by harassing the Body of Christ with accusations. Within chapter twelve, it is foretold, through the definition of “accuser,” that satan would scheme to advance by being the adversary who would resist, oppose, and bring verbal charges against God’s children. He would not only accuse in a private setting but would accelerate the accusation into the judiciary and social realms. He would not only press to accomplish his will once but instead, reveal his role as the hostile one who would relentlessly accuse anyone who dared to follow God. The accuser is ruthless, and such an identity is not to be mirrored by anyone who desires to join the symphony of Bride and Spirit crying, “Come Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:17.
Through the inspired Word of God, we have access to the 66 books, from the revealing of the seven days of creation to the coming of the New Jerusalem and the second coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus is coming for His perfected-matured bride. Within these 66 scrolls known as the Bible, the spirit of accusation is not imparted to any reader; instead, a passion to become like Jesus becomes like fire in our bones. So, take heed; whether God is involved in the current day’s exposure or if satan is advocating for the demise of the redeemed soul, we must ask God what He requires of us.
Those endowed with the power and authority of the Kingdom of God are sons and daughters who have yielded to the holy love, discipline, salvation, and ways of God’s heart and learned to walk through the cross into His Governmental systems as we endeavor to reconcile man to God. Such will be our testimony if we adhere to the Mind of God.
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” Hebrews 12:22-24
“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord was standing by. And the angel of the Lord solemnly assured Joshua, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. In that day, declares the Lord of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.” Zechariah 3
When the broadcasting of evil intentions by unjust governments, peoples, or individuals intimidates us, causing our hearts to panic, we must realize we have lost sight of our all-consuming God. When our response is to expatiate–replay the intimidations, wicked actions, unthinkable laws, and unjust perils, we have lost sight of The All Consuming One –The Only True God.
When Israel followed after God, nations far and near were trembling from fear at the thought of Israel and their God coming into their proximity. Nations panicked because they knew the God of Heaven was with the Israelites, for they had witnessed or heard of the God of Israel’s acts on behalf of His name and people.
God taught His people to embrace, surrender to, and be mantled by His Spirit of Fear–Awe and Reverence. He did this by revealing His mighty acts–His kindness and severity. Obeying God’s directives was an overflow of experiencing the Fear of God—the Israelite leadership directed the people to embrace such a gift from God. Anxiety and panic were not an option for the family of God.
Those who walked in the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord inquired of God, gaining His perspective, plan, and permission to advance to take out the menacing intimidations. God’s answer became their focus. Courageous obedience ensued, causing God to come with His angels, demonstrating His Power. The enemy trembles and terrified runs-silenced as Father and Family work together. Such a reality is possible where the mantle of the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord is in action.
On the other hand, consider the effects of abandoning the mantle of His Spirit of Fear. The righteous have already laid down trust and fear in God when panic and anxiety hook one’s soul, causing one to echo the threats of intimidation and plans of those walking in the powers of the dark ages. The righteous have turned the eyes of their heart to the muddy miry clay of rebellion’s doubt and unbelief.
Are we advertising evil actions more than the power of God?
Are we expatiating the threats of governments overrun by the spirit of the Dark Ages more than proclaiming the identity and intentions of the Ancient of Days?
Are we rendering to the evil passions of governments when we permit them to hook our souls and drain our emotions and energy more than turning our hearts, souls, and strength to The One God who deserves our worship and success?
“Choose this day whom we will serve.” The invitation is there.
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. [2] “For behold, darkness will cover the earth And deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you, And His glory will appear upon you. [3] “Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. [4] “Lift up your eyes round about and see; They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, And your daughters will be carried in the arms.”
Isaiah 60:1-4
One concern I have pondered is how much Righteous Standing media has been advertising evil’s actions. Perverted videos are displayed for our eyes to take in. We spend our lives deciding not to follow the ways of baal; then, we create unintentional adverts to broadcast the lusts and perversions of darkness. The righteous do not trust in the strength of iron chariots and mighty horses, but we are called to remember the power and might found in the names of our Lord!
It is good to keep the following as a reminder:
Within the constitution of every evil spirit and stronghold are their name’s characteristics, energy, and vibrations within them. They ARE what they are named.
A good example is ‘fear.’ When the evil spirit named ‘fear’ enters a room, the discerning or naive individual present begins to feel ‘enslaved in a small space,’ alone, intimidated, weak, mentally unstable, and/or dreadful. These adjectives are the very DNA of the evil spirit’s life. Within the evil spirit or demon of fear, there is no sense of being adopted by God, confidence, strong in might, strong in mind, or victorious in life. Fear’s fear causes one to drop from their hands the very thing God gave them to do.
Romans. 8:15 is clear. “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
God never intended for His children to idolize evil spirits. One-third of heaven’s angels chose to follow lucifer out of heaven. We do not know how many that is, but we do know that Jesus has won the victory over their authority.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.”
Colossians 2:8-15
We, the family of God–the body of Christ Jesus are to take a position in step with–leaning heavily into the identity of God. He is the banner under which we stand. When the Awe of God reveals Himself to us, we will see that HE will act on behalf of the integrity of His holy name!
“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. “I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord,” declares the Lord God, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight. “For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”
Ezekiel 36:22-27
Recovery of All Things
The One God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the One and Only True God who has adopted us, and to Him, we honor by enthroning upon our emotions, energy, thoughts, will, body, and spirit. Our privilege is to bring Glory to the Holy Name of God.
Demons know their demise. Let them fall by the wayside, paying no attention to their struggle to find room in us. Demand them to “face the Blood of Jesus Christ”, then You walk on. Blood of Jesus has caused a great divide between the current and future of evil spirits and our sanctified spirits.
We are building our current day, future, and eternity now. We do not want the threads of demon’s constitutions to twist into our foundations or walls. We must lose the fear of evil spirits, disconnect from the emotional response to their vibrating characteristics, learn to war them off through the blood, power, and knowledge and understanding of the name of Jesus Christ, and rise into the victorious cry of Everlasting Life present now in the form of God’s Victorious Son; in whom all things consist and hold together, – – He God’s Dreaded Champion. He is calling us to arise as Champions in His might. Recover all!
Many of us are now coming out of an intense time of shaking, a discipline from the Lord that comes to those He loves. He has instructed those He has disciplined to arise in strength and prepare to strengthen those around them. Such a time of shaking has come with the Sword of the Lord. The dynamic dunamis power of His love circumcises our hearts. Where we allowed the powers of the demonic to trumpet in us, His word has come, silencing those entities as we repent, receiving His life. His Father heart decrees, “No more.”
“Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.”
Hebrews 12:12-13
“…but I (Jesus) have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32
“For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power and love and sound judgment.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory….Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful…
Colossians 3:1-4, 14-15
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you!”
Colossians 3:16a
The realms—constitutions of evil spirits WILL lose their grip even as we proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9). The commissioning of the Lord’s Apostles was to travel worldwide, PROCLAIMING the Gospel of Jesus, delivering people from demons, and baptizing them in the waters of repentance and the fire of the Holy Spirit.
“Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”
Revelation 11:15
If you sense that you have slumbered through fear of the unknown or through lust, these are days of repentance and recovery, receiving from God what was lost. For only God can restore the power and authority He has designated for each one reading this. Through His breath, by His fire, and for the sake of His name and inheritance.
Remembering
Remember, God is Spirit; we must worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Our spirit yields to the Spirit of God as He comes in His wisdom in conversation, through our worship, as we posture ourselves in teachableness (Mark 4:24). Yielding in all things which keep us under the mantle of the Spirit of the Lord, His Spirit of the Fear of the Lord; for the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is Understanding (Provers 9:10) which directs us into all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Since the Word of God was made Flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1) can we say that His constitution is within us? Obliterate the torment and worship of any evil characteristics, which came to deceitfully comfort our flesh. Confess, “I am crucified with Christ!” “My flesh will not receive comfort but instead will be crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Receive-adjust that tilted crown of adoption as son and daughter, and rest in the finished work of the Word of Life who is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1, Romans 8:15-17)
Confess that The Word is the Bread of Life. The Seeds of Wheat are ready to be seeded through the broadcasting of righteous intentions for just governments, peoples, or individuals will cause humanity’s hearts to be strong. The power of the All-Consuming God is humanities hope, sight and peace. When our response to His “I AM THAT I AM” is to expatiate–replay the invitation into righteousness acts promising recovery of all that was lost, we will remember to , like Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, bow only to The All Consuming One –The Only True God.
Written during Passover Season
A particular “foundational stone” of Passover addresses the maturing of God’s people into the identity Christ has identified as “His friends.” This identity adds awareness to one of the privileges found within the Blood Covenant for all His disciples throughout the generations. During Jesus’ time with His eleven disciples, right before revealing Himself as The Passover Lamb, as the apostle of their faith, He exemplified and taught the integrity of friendship, putting the purity of such a bond into place.
Not long before the events at Gethsemane and after His betrayer was identified, Jesus explained the depth of true friendship with His eleven disciples. Jesus took the time to personally communicate the depth of His love for the eleven and defined the actions of genuine Kingdom love.
The disciples listened as Jesus said, “As My Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His Love.
These things I have spoken to you, that My Joy may REMAIN IN you, and that your joy may be full.
This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.”
Christ Jesus was setting up the expectation of selflessness among this circle of friends. He was revealing the gold of His Kingdom. He was ushering them into the “space” of He and His Father’s relationship. They were about to be revealed as sons of God. Such an identity as friends of Christ reveals the profound place in the Spirit as sons of His Father who choose to walk in service and accept God’s opinion of them as sons adopted, working in tandem with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. “My life is My Fathers. Im going to give my life for your sake, and you will give your life for My name’s sake; in the same token, you will give your life for one another.”
“Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” Jesus reminds them that they are His friends and expects them to come into the fullness of “For the joy set before them, they will endure their “cross” – drink their cup – become one with Me!”
Jesus was their greatest Intercessor, Mentor, Rabbi, and Brother, Lord, Messiah ….. He would ascend only when all things were prepared for them in the Spirit. He prayed to His Father, “I am no longer in the world; yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.” John 17:11
In Christ’s conversation, the mystery of sustaining strength was revealed to be JOY. As the disciples were about to embark on the most incredible Apostolic trek in their lives, their commitment would contain the endeavor of courageous obedience as Holy Spirit reminded them of their Rabbi’s’ exchanges. Jesus, their Rabbi’s way of life, would always be before them. The memories would be substantial. The disciples would soon find out that every act of obedience (manifesting love) would release the reality that Jesus was within them, as His emotion of joy would burst forth from their spirits, strengthening them, for Christ in them is the hope of glory and His joy their strength. (Colossians 1:27/Nehemiah 8:10)
The Potter And The Cup
Jesus Christ, also their Potter, was about to drink a cup that no human could. Yet, He, as the Potter, had already begun to prepare individualized cups of suffering for His disciples. During this night, Jesus told them it was time to prepare for the cup’s delivery to each of their hearts. They would watch Jesus suffer. It’s not like they hadn’t already, but the suffering would converge tonight, revealing Christ as the Ultimate Gift of Love, darkness for the first time given permission to invade His flesh, but would have no entrance into His Spirit. For the devil had nothing in Him.
Jesus equipped the disciples’ spirits by revealing their future, “”If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this, the world hates you. “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. “But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake because they do not know the One who sent Me.” (John 15)
Many of us have not known suffering or persecution to the point of bloodshed. While looking at this photograph of the Potter molding this cup, the question came to me, “How far along in the development of my cup into maturity by the hand of the Potter is my cup? How about yours?
Becoming a friend,
briskilla
On the fourteenth day of Abib, the first month of the new year, Israelites and those who would adhere to God’s Way followed His commands of “This is My Way for you to be delivered,” consumed the spotless lamb. Moses, commissioned by God to be the nation’s deliverer, had guided each family to bring a lamb into the house, and on the 14th day, all were to eat. The lamb’s slaughter provided each family with the blood necessary for the placement of the blood upon the thresholds, while also, the eating of the lamb the night before meant as they passed through the waters of the Red Sea, WITHIN them was the lamb. Exodus 12:21
Previous days were filled with powerful activities and declarations by God and His angels manifesting His Will and Win. Believers and unbelievers alike witnessed God’s Glory and Power. The strength of God’s arm — His existence and authority riveted Egypt. The “I AM That I AM” was introduced to Egypt. Even God’s people alive at the time of the Exodus met Him this way for the first time.
Can we imagine the atmosphere over the land? The Rod Aaron gave Moses now possessed the snakes purposed to harm Moses by Pharoah. All the Hebrew firstborns in Goshen, who partook of the lamb, were alive and running along the way to the sea with family. Goshen, the city inhabited by the Israelites, was untouched by the strikes against the gods of Egypt. Not one of the plaques had come near the dwellings of those who followed God. Imagining what the emptied city looked like amazes me. Was there a residue of peace, healthy wheat fields yet not ready to harvest, flaxseed fields harvested, and thresholds covered in the blood of the slain lambs? Glory had gone before the Israelites while they were known as enslaved people, and God’s Glory now moved as their rear guard as they left their enslavers. The key would be for the rescued to keep their eyes on the Glory; for every experience of Glory would be God’s way of healing their souls from the trauma of slavery.
“The Kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent men take it by force.” Matthew 11:12
Despite dictatorship, intimidation, forced labor, death threats, and amidst the Glory of God, Moses directed the Israelites and those who joined onto the sea’s dry ground. Violently, the waters of the Red Sea tore apart to receive and deliver those who yielded to God’s sound of freedom as Moses elevated his staff over the sea. Rolling upwards and away from the Army (nation) of Israel were the waters that would one day be recognizable as the prophetic depiction of the Waters of Repentance.
Upon Jesus’ entrance into the earth as the Son of Man, repentance was introduced first through John the Baptizer; soon afterward, Jesus would present to the wedding guests what follows the waters of deliverance through repentance by changing the water to wine. But the ultimate reality of the wine would be known as He, who was the Living Water and The Way, would be violently torn apart, making way for Israel and all nations to receive deliverance and resurrection life passing from the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of the Son of God’s Love.
Partaking of the slain lamb, thresholds were covered with the lamb’s blood, allowing Israel to exit and pass through the Red Sea. The Slain Lamb stands at the door of every heart who believes in Him (Rev 3) with the desire to come in to dine with and feed the one who receives Him. The Way is open for Israel and the nations to pass from the slavery of darkness to come into the resurrection power and life of He, the Messiah.
John introduced us to repentance, and Messiah introduced us to the activity of the Spirit of conviction, the conviction of sin, righteousness, and of judgment. (John 16) Holy Spirit would introduce us to the power of truth and mantle us with Himself, His Wisdom, Counsel, Might, Knowledge, Understanding, and the Fear of the Lord.
Obedience empowered with God’s Holy Spirit power will rip open veils daily, making room for the truth of righteousness and justice to find a home within the heart of another soul. John the Baptizer prepared the way of Christ’s first come. Blazing the path for the Lord’s second coming is our privilege.
The invitation is open for all to believe.
Passover (Pesach) week is almost here. The thousands of lambs Moses, while in Egypt, was commanded to instruct all of Israel to gather was prophesy of the coming of the Mighty Slain Lamb of God. Jumping to the final Passover in Jerusalem, one of the poignant interactions during such a Holy and Conquering moment was while Jesus’ soul was being sacrificed (Isaiah 53). He, the Pesach Lamb, considered His mother.
What about Mary’s motherhood caught Messiah’s attention amid such heightened spiritual and natural warfare? For hours medical traumas were sounding alarms throughout Messiah’s physical, psychological, and spiritual body. There was no physician on earth with the expertise to “restore” Jesus’ body to health after such a level of abuse. Messiah of Israel and the nations was indeed slain and torn open, revealing His identity as The Way into the Father’s Heart (Revelation 5:6). Yet amidst such a depth of anguish, Messiah looked down from the sacrificial tree and saw His mother and John. Turning to John, He said, “Behold your mother.” And to His mother, He said, “Woman, behold your son.” (John 19:25-27)
What was seen through the eyes of Love causing Messiah to stop amidst the severity of moments to make room for mother?
Was it the 5th Commandment? “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” Exodus 20:12
Was it the power and authority His Father God had given women, now fulfilled through this woman? “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.” Genesis 3:15-16
The enmity between ‘the cursed to the dirt crawling on his belly forever devil’ would always exist between him and woman. That ingredient of hate found between foes would be lodged permanently BETWEEN the devil and woman. (Selah)
Why did He honor His mother at that moment?
Was He acknowledging this day as fulfilling the plumbline Word His Father “tent pegged” into the ground that day in the Garden? Was He saying, “this cross and this sacrifice is the tent-peg manifestation of what My Father revealed that day in the Garden?” It is true Messiah’s cross was pierced into a hill called “the skull” right there outside Jerusalem’s walls. Was Messiah saying, “Woman, you who are highly blessed and favored are the servant Father chose to usher Me into this world? You made room for Me to come through your “YES” to My Father. Your womb held me as Father formed me while I was yet in that dark place unseen by the eyes of humanity. You agonized, prayed, and nurtured me into the fullness of My humanity. You empowered Me, as did My Father in Heaven, as I matured into the Dreaded Champion revealed in this very moment. You travailed, making way for Me to come and crush the serpent’s head. Your heart was pierced, watching as My heel was bruised. I honor you as you now witness the fulfillment of the Scroll written of Me. Mother, the scroll of your life is now being fulfilled in the sight of humankind; those who loved Me and those who hated Me. My Father found you faithful. Thank you! Woman, I now release you to your earthly son John. My Father’s Will is now finished! Thank you, Ima!”
The crescendo of prophecy and fulfillment filled the earth in those moments. God, who had become man, known as the Son of Man, in that very moment, was again experiencing the transition as the Son of God-Slain Lamb. Son of Man – Son of God fulfilling all that was needed for His Father to now receive Him back into glory, even as He opened The Way for Father’s many sons and daughters to now come into glory. One mother, One Son, One Father. Both the natural and the supernatural came together to tear open He, who is The Way, so that all humankind could be saved.
“For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believed in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!” John 3:16
During this Last Passover, no human being needed to bring spotless lambs into their homes, for the Father of heaven and earth provided the most incredible Spotless Lamb of All Time! So, Eat and Drink, proclaiming His death until He returns!
On a lighter note:
Is anyone else curious about the depth of Mary and John’s conversations? Did she share with John about the piercing of her heart? Did she reveal the persecution she endured as a young pregnant virgin? Did John speak of the enlightening moment he knew Jesus was Christ? Did she laugh with John at the fact that he announced he was Christ”s favorite? Did Mary explain moments in Jesus’ life where the light was so bright, confirming His identity as the Son of God? Did she ever eavesdrop while, in the night hours, young Jesus upon his bed conversed with Heavenly Father? Were His conversations with Him beyond her understanding at times?
Could Christ’s transferring responsibility to John as a son to Mary be the swiftest “adoption process” known to man?
Does God choosing John to reveal His love (1-3 John) and end-time plans (Revelation) have anything to do with John’s faithfulness to the woman He called “Highly favored and blessed?”
Six of the twelve books of the New Testament mentioning sexual immorality that I could find are Pauline Epistles. Reading through these six scrolls, one can wonder, “Why amid powerful topics written, such as born by the free woman, we are the righteousness of God in Christ, the Lord directing hearts into the love of God, inheritance in Christ, persevering through persecution, above all earnestly desiring to prophesy, the power of loving one another, fight the good fight of faith with the prophesies spoken over you, why Paul consistently addressed sexual immorality?”
Paul, the Emissary of Christ, understood his task was to preach the Gospel revealing the mysteries hidden from long ago. One of those mysteries is Christ in us, the Hope of Glory. The promise through water baptism in Christ and God’s Holy Spirit and fire tabernacling within us caused every convert’s spirit to be awakened into a life led by the Spirit, putting to death the old self–the old nature. As Paul proclaimed to Colosse, “Christ has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of the Son of His Love.” Paul wrote to those in Galatia, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live, but Christ lives in me.”
As this personal journal entry continues, it will be evident that much scripture has salted this entry, highlighted to me while reading and listening to the scriptures. They will come across as thoughts, but you will recognize them as portions of scripture, some referenced and some not. Let’s continue.
Paul, the disciples, and other followers of Jesus were in the throws of nations receiving the Good News for the first time. They were encountering God and receiving revelation from His Holy Spirit, equipped to preach. Amidst broadcasting this Good News of the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, the current state of society’s tradition accepted sexual immorality as standard. The Good News of Jesus would naturally be confronting this tradition. Since Christ was inviting humanity into a new nature, the fruit (immorality) of the old self, alive within the soul, spirit, and body of humankind, would now need to respond. Those not rescued from the fire were captive to the deceiver; therefore, the power of such captivity still cultivated sinner’s lives through the prideful lusts of their flesh.
This thought may sound crazy, but in the spirit realm, what the demonic and its theology puts the souls of humankind through can fall under the heading of “human trafficking.” True love buried within a human soul created in the image of God longs for worship, love, holiness, and to walk in the power of choice towards honor and life. Humankind was formed not for the captivity of lifeless darkness but for the Love of God.
Around 2007, a theologian and historian taught me that the immorality found in Rome at the time of Paul was worse than what we witnessed in 2007. I wonder if his observations would differ today. Altars to baal and other false gods always demand the blood and purity of children and the enslavement of men and women into perverted false worship and love, and the Good News of Jesus would naturally be confronting such tradition.
Paul taught those rescued and transferred into Messiah’s Kingdom, in Thessaloniki, about the fruit of their lives to be one of resurrection into sanctification and stewarding their body in honor. Paul speaks of the new nature of man that would not transgress or defraud another member of Christ’s body through sexual immorality. He acknowledges the fruit of one walking in the power of holiness, which is the identity of the Spirit of God.
The incredible reality is that we have died and are hidden in Him, the resurrected Christ in God, seated with Christ in heavenly places. Daily we are to consider the members of our earthly body to be dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry; instead, alive in the Spirit through the knowledge of the One who created us.
To Colosse, Paul said, The expression of holiness would be to receive the heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other.
To those in Ephesus, he instructs to “walk as Children of Light, and the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth.”
To the Galatians, he wrote, “If we live by the Spirit, we should walk by the Spirit.” That living fruit activated will taste and empower one into “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
He wrote to those in Corinth, “The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body…and those who join their body to Christ are one with Him.” Any activity outside of such a faithful union is idolatry in the eyes of God. It is the way of the sword of the Lord to receive the truth that immorality is like uniting with a prostitute. Not only is that against Christ in us, but also a defrauding of the one we engage in corruption.
We live in days where deception is near to even the very elect. In this era, the harvest is upon us in our generations. Not only of souls coming into the Kingdom of God, but also tares revealing themselves. Such a moment empowered by God can lead to the pulling out of the tares and throwing them into the fire of the Holy Spirit. A sign that old nature has awakened into its fullness is if the “tare” is not given to God but instead met with yieldedness. Wisdom cries for us to return to truth and rejoices amidst the baptism of fire from Father God. He is worthy of a pure and spotless bride yielded to Him alone. Tares found in the inner man oft come with the need for healing and deliverance. God’s Spirit reminds us of what Jesus has spoken to us, recovering all that was previously lost. Deception cannot take hold where God’s fire dwells.
I remember the day Christ came with an alert regarding an assignment of satan coming against someone I loved. He said, “Satan is coming to tempt through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” It is through our gates of life and the windows of the eyes of our hearts that pride’s greed attempts to come in and walk the paths within our souls. Hearing from Jesus such warnings empowers one to have compassion for the targeted one. Strength to stand and watch, praying in the Spirit until victory wins.
Paul admonishes us to #1,” Keep the faith,” and #2, “keep a good conscience.” One who has had their conscience burned has lost trusting faith, consequently suffering shipwreck. The superiority of title or position opposes faith and does not manifest Christ’s way, nor does it work amidst the war of temptation. For what do we have that we did not receive from God? Temptation is active, it is to our advantage to turn to God and the power of His Word walking in humility and boasting about the Lord and Him alone. In this present age, there is an acceleration of darkness with the nearer coming of Christ; hence immorality “seems’ rampant. Be on the alert, even as Christ required of His disciples. Pray without ceasing.
I found interesting the definition of immorality in the Torah writings. Zimmah is the Hebrew word for Immorality, which comes from Zamam. Zimmah means wicked mind, lewdness, and mischief. Zamam means thought, to consider, and to plan. Before the debauchery of immorality captivates one, there is always a thought. Quiet or loud, there is a thought and emotion to be recognized and responded to in either agreement or rebuke. God the Father knew what He was doing as He empowered Paul to write to us, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. The battle is in the mind, and God has given the strategy for a victorious win toward holiness.
A noticeable battle is often expected before we define the moment as “Warfare.” A ‘thought’ entering one’s mind usually does not come with alarm bells announcing, “Warfare!!” or “Incoming assault!!” With a chuckle, I write this next portion. As someone from the Mideast, when warfare is impending, we do not look for a thought; instead, we often passionately look for arrows or maybe a javelin. On second thought, that is biblical. God instructed, “Take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” The original thought was the assault; therefore, it is good and wise to remember that the onslaught often begins with a deceptive view of thought. Example: Joseph disagreed with Potiphar’s wife’s thoughts. Potiphar’s wife lusted after what she saw with her eyes. This woman’s societal standing puffed her up as she postured herself in the pride of her life situation. She demanded a response to the sensuality of her flesh.
Like Joseph (manager of Potiphar’s estate), although we are amidst a God-permitted assignment, we too cannot be drawn through the lust (energy) of the flesh, the desire of the eye, nor the pride of life (the position). If temptation comes, it doesn’t matter if the tempter has hold of the collar of our rightfully given mantle, turn around and run. It is better to lose a mantle temporarily than to lose our ability to please the Lord.
Please permit me to address lust for a moment. Humanism’s throning of self-worship through demonic doctrine has enthroned lust to manifest its pinnacle once again. Lust demands the sensuality of the flesh to be fed, holding the notion that self-acknowledgment, applause, and fulfillment are the goal and gospel of the generations. “Follow your heart” or “Do whatever makes you happy” are dangerous to those who strive to follow Truth. Yes, we are family to God, but we are not the author of life.
God began all things with and through His Son. If we could take seven steps back and look at the entrance into Life, we would not see ourselves as the framework of the ancient gate; instead, we would see Jesus covered in His Father’s mantle of love. The veil tore open, welcoming all who believe into their life created by THEM–He who is the One True God. The Author of Life invites us to come in and become what was written of Him upon the tablets of our hearts.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men… And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-4, 14
Draw close to the love and fear of the Lord into holiness. Vessels of honor are baptized into the newness of life through repentance, chosen to be found faithful, and embracing union with Christ. For it is true of what Paul proclaims of Christ Jesus. “Great beyond all question is the formerly hidden truth underlying our faith: He was manifested physically and proved righteous spiritually, seen by angels and proclaimed among the nations, trusted throughout the world and raised up in glory to heaven.” 1 Timothy 3:16
“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason, I found mercy so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17
Desolation’s Thirst:
Known as the wilderness.
Realm outside of God’s glory.
The cursed place.
The plains which have rejected God and His dominion,
for one drop of cold water, desolation groans.
Lifeless and absent of the power of creativity,
desolation is the absence of light.
Burnt seeds within its domain
demand to be watered with lusts of the old nature
found within humankind created in the image of God.
Not able to trespass into the Garden of Life
to feast on its trees and drink from its river beds,
desolation’s soul lusts.
Slithering on its belly along the walls of empty cisterns,
greedy for mankind’s flesh to produce lusts fit for one second of reprieve.
It hunts for sensuality as it tempts humankind’s flesh, eyes, and life
with the very pride which rebelled against The Living Water of Life.
This rebellious place is known as hell –
the powers of its darkness mock as it craves the nectar of profligate living, harlotry, and sensualities.
Desolation’s double-pointed tongue covets to pierce the purity of the image of God in mankind.
The wine of immoralities dripping from its very jaws would satisfy its groaning even for a moment.
The fruit of desolation will be slain by the breath of the Lord Yeshua, and through the Slain Lamb’s blood poured out.
In the Grace of God, one daughter redeemed by the King of kings.
She.
Mother.
Ima.
Mama.
Ama.
Carriers of living beings.
Comforter.
Nurturer.
Dreamer.
Lover.
Travailing and Groaning in labor for birth and for dreams.
Crowning of the breaking waters.
Emerging of the Generations.
Watcher in prayer.
Dealer with the weighty issues.
Wrestles with time.
Recollects memories of life.
Spontaneous Judge.
Warrior Woman.
Seeks to perceive understanding of truth.
Doctor of the soul.eagle in intuitive insights,
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,
,,
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.She is comfortable now because she took 2 minutes to breathe with Jesus or feels far from Him due to forgetfulness. She’s stunned by the choices chosen, grieved due to losing one’s time, and even resistant to truth. She is awakened in the night hours to intercede for her children; she herself needs God’s Mother-heart to pass through such fires. To love is to laugh, cry, celebrate, achieve, be silent, stand firm, and give through those god-awful or god-gifted ‘try again’ moments.
The 20th of April will always be a day of testimony for our family. On this day (3 years ago), God breathed life into Emil again. He was brought back from death and given life here on earth. A testimony meant to bring Glory to the Lord and a prophecy to the Body of Christ, our family experienced a true Passover.
The first day of April’s Passover in 2019 was from sunset on the 19th to sunset on the 20th. During these hours, Life’s win was witnessed in our home. Emil began his fight for life on this side of heaven, experiencing two heart conditions at one time (cardiac arrest and heart attack).
Our youngest son was placed in the right place at the right time. He is known among nurses and doctors in the hospital as “The 18-year-old son who saved his father’s life.” Malakey came into agreement with God’s roar over his father, commanding his father to ‘roar’ as God breathed into him again.
Three years ago and twelve hours into Passover, God gently began to warn me of what was to come, yet my mind could not understand His conversation with me until nine hours later. I would describe the language God was using with me as that of Exodus 12 and 13. Without fully comprehending the present-day meaning or relevance, I did what I knew to do; I called Emil on the phone and asked him to come home. Thank God Emil returned and was near us on this eventful day.
Passover 2019 took place from the eve of the 19th to the eve of the 27th, and within these 8 days of Passover, Emil warred for the restoration of his heart. On the heels of Passover’s completion, Emil was brought out of sedation fully, and his first word was, “Dimensions.” There is no doubt Emil was shown much by God. Yet, until today Emil’s physical memory does not recall these encounters, the glorious presence of God which surrounded him, or the traumatic events due to the medications given to remove all traumatic memories. Yes, this is a common medical practice. A few days ago, Emil reminded us of one of his current prayers, that he would be permitted by God to see again all the understanding of ‘dimensions’ he was shown during his FIGHT FOR A RESTORED HEART.
Emil’s hospital room was a room filled with a cloud of God’s Glory. I remember the moment God instructed me to lay my head against His Glory while others warred for Emil’s life. Was it the chest of God? Was it His attribute of Psalms 91:4? I believe it was. Emil’s room was so filled with heaven’s activity. Whenever God would open my eyes to see beyond the natural, there were three constant things. The first was the angel known to be one created for the Middle East, a “Heavenly Prince,” sent from God to be present at the head of Emil’s bed guarding him while many levels of healing took place. The second was the larger than life “desert map” of the Middle East, extending far past the boundaries of Emil’s room which covered the tiled floor of his ICU room. The third was the Cloud of God’s Glory.
The medical staff reported to us of the spreading of the news throughout the hospital that we were the family permitting only words of life to be spoken in the hearing of Emil. Every doctor and nurse knew that once they crossed the threshold of his room, every diagnosis and conversation had to consist of hope for Emil’s life and complete recovery. Negative words of death were not allowed. The 25+ nurses and many doctors were all aware of this standard. Every conflict they found in his body (many) was spoken with a strategy to reverse the problem. It is true; I learned during those days how ICU staff are taught an ‘art’ of how to administer medications at the right time with the proper doses to do the best for a patient on the brink. They were the best!
Emil’s cardiologist is one of the best in this state. He understood medicine and that God created the physical body with the potential to “speak,” letting the physicians know the best time to operate successfully. This cardiologist trusted God and waited for Emil’s heart to “communicate” with him. The wisdom and skill of this doctor will never be forgotten. Vietnam, we will forever love you, as one of your sons was Emil’s surgeon and speaker of life over Emil.
Even after we were discharged from the hospital’s care, our expectation of full recovery and attitude toward life were reminisced by staff. Weeks later, while visiting for physical therapy, I was surprised as we were asked if we were the family who allowed only words of life to be spoken in Emil’s room. It is true, “Hope in Jesus who is LIFE impacts the hearts of humanity.”
We are humbled by God’s Will, allowing Emil to live a life resounding with the fruit of Christ’s resurrection. God’s intentions are still “Greater Faith.”
While Emil was in the first hospital before his “life flight” helicopter ride to one of the best hospitals for cardiology issues, the children and I were in the waiting room with about fifteen of our friends. I was shocked, as we had just completed 8 Days of Communion. These days initiated out of obedience to God’s instruction to re-introduce Communion to His church threw us into 8 Days of God’s heavy presence. The Glory of God was still all over us from sharing Communion with people far and wide over the last 8 days, yet now we sat in the waiting room having witnessed the spirit of death. Such a paradox. I cannot say I was happy. I turned to my friend and said, “What is Communion if death like this can occur?” Her response, “What would have happened if you had not partaken of Christ’s Communion?” Even as I write this, it is 4:30a.m., and no one is outside on our street, yet I just heard the loudest whistling from outdoors. This whistle was so loud and sounded like it came from down the hall inside a large building.
Yes, indeed, what would have happened if our home was not filled with the activation of the blood covenant of Jesus Christ? This is the prophecy for the Body of Christ, released in the Spirit beginning January 2019.
While all of our friends were praying in the waiting room for Emil, the doctor called for emergency surgery to implant an Impella into Emil’s heart. An “Impella” is a mechanism implanted into the heart which supports the heart’s pumping function, providing blood and oxygen to vital organs. Due to cardiogenic shock, which is a life-threatening situation that occurs when the heart’s inability to function causes organs in the body to begin to fail, the Impella was very useful for Emil. The hospital purchased this product for the first time just 3 months prior. The only physician at this hospital with knowledge of the product was there on that day. She was not scheduled for work but was called in hours earlier to take the Physicians shift. No coincidence at all; instead, the sovereign hand of God.
He would undergo a quadruple bypass three days later, and four days later, he would wake up into a new season of recovery. It was on that first day that God pronounced LIFE over Emil. All of the days which followed were days of fighting for the restored heart. The Lord invites His Body to recover all that was lost and come into the resurrected life of a heart no longer stone but a heart of flesh. This is possible as one passes through the blood covenant of Jesus Christ. He said, “As you eat this bread and drink this cup, remember the Lord’s death until He returns.” Crucified and Resurrected, His covenant is forever.
On the 14th day of Abib (Nisan), Emil experienced the hand and breath of God! Life passed over, inciting us all into a lifestyle endowed with greater faith.
To those who are looking for the KEY to finding the open heavens; otherwise known as the portals into the heavens, …the KEY which ushers access through the portal is ….
… prayer …
This is a Holy Place; where the activity of such a KEY can be found amidst the dusty gravel where a desperate soul tripped up, or along the marble corridors of a king’s chambers where he seeks the advice of his King, or within the closed closet doors of fathers and mothers who maneuver space between shoeboxes finding solid ground to stand on the promises of God for the future of their children, or atop of the grassy hills of nations as eyes of the enlightened run with Jesus while He visits regions, or riding along the busy highways with music decibels loud as the faith driven saint visits with the Lord of lords. Prayer is accessed and is the audience of one (us) with The ONE, Jesus Christ the slain and resurrected Messiah!
Hunger to be included in the activity of heaven has not be withheld from God’s people; instead the invitation is always waiting. Human formulations and strategies are sub to the invitation already presented. Once that KEY is turned and God’s servants the angels join in the movements of our prayers, in obedience to God’s nod, nothing can change the outcome of God’s response.
“… The Lamb who was slaughtered stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. And when He took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and THEY held gold bowls FILLED with INCENSE, which ARE the PRAYERS of God’s people. And they sang a new song with these words; “ You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For You were slaughtered, and Your blood has ransomed people for God for every tribe and language and people and nation. And You have caused them to become a Kingdom of Priests for our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
Revelation 5:6-10
Where there is a desire to be used of God: a desire to obey God and work alongside angels as they fulfill God’s plans with authority and power within earth and heaven; YES, right there in the presence of God and of His Will, prayer is the KEY. What is foolishness to the world is often the greatest of wisdoms in God’s world.
Often times the statement is made, “I am not called to be a watchman or intercessor.” I regret that this fallacy has caused much flesh work with little outcome. Every prophet was a watchman, every judge an intercessor, every individual desires audience with their Creator. Prayer is just that.
Every child of God has been invited into the realms of the open heavens through prayer.
A self-discipline or control needed in this sphere will be meekness. Meekness and humility will need cultivation in such a place because little to no accolades carry clout in the theater of prayer. The simplicity of this most powerful place of engaging through the portals of heaven to earth is the conversations, the listening, and the agreement with the Messiah who sits before us in this Most Holy Place. This KEY to the Holy place opens such an invitation to humankind to join with the hosts of heaven in agreement. The only One who receives laud and glory, in this place, is King Jesus!
” Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessings.”
Revelation 5:12
“If you have run with the footman and they have tired you out,
then how can you compete with horses?
If you fall down in a land of peace,
how will you do in the pride of the Jordan?”
Jeremiah 12:5
Let’s recall history for a moment, a portion of Jeremiah the Prophet and Priest’s story….
Jeremiah the prophet was the son of Hilkiah, priests in Judah, living in Anathoth of the land of Benjamin (Jer 1:1). Jeremiah’s life was an insignia of God’s jealous love for the northern and southern tribes (Jer 33:20-22). He knew Jeremiah before he was born (Jer 1:5) and sent him to earth right on time for the international shifting of eras, placing him above kingdoms and nations (Jer 1:10).
Jerusalem refused to love God, forsaking Him they sacrificed to false gods and worshipped the work of their hands (Jer 1:16). This young priest received his life commission and assignment directly from God to confront such a forsaking, and to give directives on how to survive the unbelieved captivity coming.
While God was ordaining Jeremiah He addressed the difficulty of the assignment and fathered him into personal fortitude and inner character. Jeremiah wasn’t created to cower. God equips Jeremiah with fortitude saying,
“Now, gird up your loins and arise,
and speak to them all which I command you.
Do not be dismayed before them,
or I will dismay you before them.”
Jeremiah 1:17
Then God establishes Jeremiah’s inner character, and brings to light Jeremiah’s inner design.
“Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city
and as a pillar of iron and
as walls of bronze against the whole land,
to the kings of Judah, to its princes,
to its priests and to the people of the land.”
Jeremiah 1:18
One can tell the impact God’s conversation had on Jeremiah. The 7-Spirits of God were released to him, as God spoke:
The scriptures do not directly state the impact the Spirits of God had on Jeremiah, but who Jeremiah became with his audacity, compassion, perseverance to truth, and insistence makes this clear. Scripture confirms the Spirits of God reside where God sits on the throne. Where God is there we will find His Spirits (Revelation 4:5, 5:6, 1 Corinthians 2:12). When appointed, God equips, empowers, envelops with His Spirit.
Jeremiah, God’s trumpet, would be preserved as long as he did not yield to dismay. Jeremiah’s preparation included being mantled with the power of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11: 1-3) – Holiness. God constantly spoke His wisdom into Jeremiah releasing understanding of the past, current consequences, and future outcomes. His counsel strengthened Jeremiah. As Jeremiah experienced the Knowledge of God he grew in the fear of God. This “7-fold Spirit baptism” sustained Jeremiah as he pass through the trials of persecution, empowering him to see beyond the present circumstance, and what was the popular thought wrongfully fed to the masses.
Jeremiah’s appointment mantled him as he Watched over Israel and Witnessed the scrolls of prophesy come to pass over the hills of Judeah. He was directed to prophesy God’s future plans, and often demonstrate the plans literally (Jer 32). Many thought this outlandish. He remained on course.
Truth will cause conflict:
One couldn’t cross paths with Jeremiah without a confrontation to their conscience. The distance and time they drifted away from God caused His truth to sound foreign in their ears. Could they recognize God’s invitation to them, as He called them bride and family? Even though they were spiritually blind, would they slow down, listen, and allow the vibrations of truth to speak to their hearts, and even change course?
The Southern Tribes’ (Judah and Benjamin) rebellion against God and persecutions against Jeremiah would not shatter God’s motives nor permanently devastate His Covenant Of Salt sealed with David and his land (2 Chronicles 13:5, Ezekiel 37:24-27).
Love always came where God was, for He is Love. Amidst devastating circumstance God did not abandon His own; instead He instructed Jeremiah on the necessary requirements to be adhered if the nation desired to prosper amidst captivity (ie. Jer. 34). These steps came with courage and Jeremiah sought those who dared to heed.
“Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit.
Take wives and beget sons and daughters;
and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands,
so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there,
and not diminished.
And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive,
and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.”
Jeremiah 29:5-7
A thought. Why were the people perplexed and in doubt to Jeremiah’s prophesies? …
Judah was known to be favored. Every Judean King and his people knew of the promises God decreed into Abraham and more recent to David and his lineage. The pattern of turning away from God, being rebuked, repenting , and returning was constant. What would cause God to pronounce a more severe judgment now? Wouldn’t, yet again, their soul be granted permission to repeat cycles? What would cause the “gate” to open allowing foreign invasions? Jeremiah stood in the nation as The Key which unlocked the new era of time.
Let’s briefly dive into Jeremiah’s need for a fortified personal constitution of soul and spirit, a little more …
God’s desire to deliver His people through repentance was strong and the consequence of their choice was imminent. The measure of sin had accumulated. His love was ready to discipline knowing the future held promise.
Jeremiah must prepare for severe deception on the people to manifest against him as a rejection. This young man’s prophesies were about to cause the soul of humanity to manifest, empowered by the spirits of unfaithfulness. Anger, mockery, and death threats would spew. This force of betrayal would bruise Jeremiah, calling him ludicrous for counseling them to yield to their enemies. The responses of governmental leaders and the citizens of the land, as wicked as they were, most likely paled in comparison to the difficulty of being betrayed by the local priesthood – his own family. The political and religious spirits were set against him; as was, the ‘energy’ of the nation (the peoples).
Let’s implement another piece of history here. This will begin to take us into the motivation for this writing.
Jeremiah’s priestly lineage came with responsibilities of history keeping. The priests and prophets through the assistance of Israel’s scribes, kept accounts of all that God said and did through previous generations. So, when God spoke to Jeremiah in metaphors (Jer. 12:5), this specific metaphor of ‘the thicket/the pride of Jordan,’ would cause him to reminisce of the mighty acts of God in yesteryears.
The work of the Priest:
The priests of the Lord were always meant to lead the people into obedience, therefore victory. They were ordained to always walk ahead—amidst the terrain creating a safe path for the people. God had spoken to Jeremiah about the path and the strategies.
What Jeremiah was up against was that he was the only priest-prophet who was carrying out his responsibility as a righteous priest. Everyone else had jumped ship. Maybe one of Jeremiah’s reminiscing’s would have been the story of Joshua.
“…and when those who carried the ark came into the Jordan,
and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water
for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest,
the waters which were flowing down from above stood
and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at Adam,
the city that is beside Zarethan; and those which were
flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea,
were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho.
And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord
stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan
while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation
had finished crossing the Jordan.”
Joshua 3:15–17
The priests knew their roles. Worship in Spirit and Truth always opened the door to revelation and directives for the prophets and priests. Jeremiah’s days were no different. Jeremiah knew his place; however, his kinsmen the priests of Judah had chosen to forget. Who would be on the Lord’s side and direct the peoples to pass through the Jordan? This time not into the promised land but into captivity. Yahweh, You did not give Jeremiah an easy task.
Jeremiah’s Complaint:
Jeremiah’s difficulties swelled. The frequency of Jeremiah approaching God is evident throughout his writings. Always! Whether in praise or complaint he kept his face towards Gods. One of these face to face moments is found in Jeremiah 11 and 12.
“Moreover, the Lord made it known to me and I knew it;
Then You showed me their deeds.
But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter;
And I did not know that they had devised plots against me, saying,
“Let us destroy the tree with its fruit,
And let us cut him off from the land of the living,
That his name be remembered no more.”
But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously,
Who tries the feelings and the heart,
Let me see Your vengeance on them,
For to You have I committed my cause.”
…..
“Righteous are You, O Lord, that I would plead my case with You;
Indeed I would discuss matters of justice with You:
Why has the way of the wicked prospered?
Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease?
You have planted them, they have also taken root;
They grow, they have even produced fruit.
You are near to their lips
But far from their mind.
But You know me, O Lord;
You see me;
And You examine my heart’s attitude toward You.
Drag them off like sheep for the slaughter
And set them apart for a day of carnage!
How long is the land to mourn
And the vegetation of the countryside to wither?
For the wickedness of those who dwell in it,
Animals and birds have been snatched away,
Because men have said, “He will not see our latter ending .”
Jeremiah 11:18-20, 12:1-4
God’s Response:
God’s response to Jeremiah’s complaint was to contrast the common everyday occurrence of footmen walking in a land of peace to the tension of keeping up with speed and strength of horses, all of this while surviving the “pride of Jordan.’ He was calling Jeremiah’s current pressures amidst the men of his hometown (Anathoth) to be a mild “scrimmage” in comparison to the violence which would soon occur. “Jeremiah remember, you are fortified in Me!”
The atmosphere taking place during a prophesy is often times different to when the word is actually being fulfilled. Dark days were ahead. The thundering of horse-hooves coming from the North and East would not come with compassion, but with a sword.
God met with Jeremiah to evaluate his growth and to fine-tune his perspective on the current conflicts. “Larger conflicts are ahead Jeremiah so gird up your loins – tuck in your robe and get ready to run into tougher terrain.“ Do not be on the defensive and react. The offensive means you know who I am, what your assignment is, and how to respond to the threats soon to come. Jeremiah had a choice. God understood the human form (psalms 103). The price Jeremiah would pay would be greater. He would either walk steadfast into the fire or be dragged in. The foreign invaders were on their way. God conversed with him saying,
“If you have run with the footman and they have tired you out, then how can you compete with the horses?
If you fall down in the land of peace, how will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?”
Jeremiah 12:5
What is the “Pride / Thickets of Jordan?”
The geographic location of the thickets/pride of the Jordan River rests between Israel and Jordan. The thickets and the river receive fresh waters from Mount Hermon. As the waters fill the river and marshlands the waters continue down into the Dead Sea.
The River is historically known for its marshy surroundings, it’s reeds, and all that grows in the underbrush; hence, ‘the Pride/Thickets of the Jordan’. In biblical times the Jordan River and surrounding marsh (thickets) was known for the wild creatures which called this place either their watering hole or home. This region known as the Thickets or Pride of Jordan (the Ghor) is included within the Syrio-African Rift Valley which flows from Syria all the way to Mozambique.
“In harvest-time (Spring time, April and May) the river overflows its banks, and fills the valley (the Ghor) or, “the pride of Jordan,” namely its wooded banks abounding with lions and other wild beasts. It is said that between the Sea of Tiberias and Lake Merom the banks are so wooded that the traveller could not see the river at all without first passing through the woods. ‘If in the campaign country (alone) thou art secure, how wilt thou do when thou fallest into the wooded haunts of wild beasts?’” * (footnote available)
Remember the job of the priests?:
The conflicts of Judah were about to play out on a military theater resembling the “Thickets/Pride of Jordan” in the time of harvest and the swelling waters.
This was a different kind of Harvest Time, not one for dancing and laughter instead weeping and groaning.
Side Note for a moment:
Imagine for a moment the sounds of the Joshua crossings. Remember when thousands and even millions were crossing the river while angels held the waters up to one side? Consider the sound of the children, of the wagon wheels, the military forces marching, the animals, the shofars of the priests blowing. What about the vibrations of excitement and fears of the unknown?
Tensions worse then Joshua would now occur for Judah. This time foreign invaders would be coming to take captive God’s children once again. The first time 400 years in Egypt, and this time 70 years in Iraq.
The Job of the Priests continue:
Jeremiah stood in the land of what was once peace, working to keep up with the speed of what was coming through the delusion and rebellion resting on the citizens of his nation. Jeremiah was about to dip his toes into the swelling floods of the “Thickets/Pride of Jordan” to witness strongholds of foreign nations coming into the land promised to the Israelites, as he continued to pronounce God’s messages.
As the watchman over Judah Jeremiah witnessed one of the hardest things for a watchmen to endure. On his watch he witnessed an outcome opposing God’s best for a People. God had given dominion to humankind and now the results of self-driven choices were about to produce fruit. Jeremiah’s honest anguish caused him to be known throughout the ages as “the weeping prophet.”
One would think Jeremiah would be cherished by the people as the Watchman who sacrificed his life for the safety of the nation, instead he was consistently berated and beaten to the ground:
Jeremiah experienced the dungeons. His body ached as he hit that ground so hard while beaten and left to die. His stomach growled from hunger while he battled the spirit of rejection. The few friends he had were unable to assist him. He stood face to face with family members and peers in the temple as they betrayed and abandoned him. This all part of the experience of the “running with the horses.” The “Pride/Thickets of Jordan” experience was on it’s way.
We can use this advise today:
God’s instruction was “not to flinch in the face of adversity.” “Yes, such hostility will come our way, BUT, do not yield to the confusion – do not allow the actions of deception or depravity to play with nor shatter your soul nor spirit. Do not lose faith nor your trust in Me. Do not alter the message I have given you.”
Jeremiah’s decision to yield into ‘trust in God’ unified, recalibrated, and fortitude his spirit and soul. Yes, his future would be filled with loneliness and assault against his convictions; however, yielding to God’s protocol would keep him in perfect form, strength, and peace – a fortified city, pillars of iron , and walls of bronze.
Coming into the NOW:
To the Kingdom of priests (Revelation 1) of the Lord, the Watchmen, the Intercessors; therefore, all who are the children of God! It’s Harvest Time! The waters of the Jordan are about to swell. “The yielded trumpeters of the Lord carry a firm sound. The trumpeters of the Lord stands with a face set stronger than flint as the determined winds of change reveal both the Light and the darkness.”
Be Encouraged:
The shakings which are coming are meant to shake that which opposes God’s people. Yes, His love is that extreme. The commerce and trade of nations accepted the deception of the world systems becoming seduced by her powers (Isaiah 23:8, Revelation 6:15, Nahum 3:4). The scroll of Revelation is clear. God takes note when there is persecution. He has acknowledged to Apostle John 2000 years ago that a time was coming when He would avenge the spilled blood of His bondservants (Revelation 16:5,6).
This type of shaking is meant for those who are covenanted to the world systems (1 John 2:15-17). This type of judgment is coming to the rulers of the world who have done harm to their citizens (Revelation 18:23,24).
During the shakings we will find ourselves on solid ground hidden in the refuge of God (Psalms 62, 1 John 3), if we are of God and of the Kingdom of The Son of God’s love (Colossians 1:13). This is the place of immunity. And yes, in the place of the increase of God awareness of “left-over world” in us can be shaken off (Revelation 18:4).
It is time to turn our faces towards God and be awakened-commissioned as priests before the Lord worshipping in Spirit and Truth. The “Thickets/Pride of Jordan” is upon us. “Arise and Shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” (Is 60, 1 John 2:8). God will look for 50 righteous in your regions (Genesis 18:26-33). There is going to be a remnant, no doubt about His plans (Isaiah 11:11).
Back to History, and the relevance of this powerful place for the mighty acts of God, “Thickets/Pride of Jordan”:
Jeremiah’s prophesies were accurate and fulfilled. Israel crossed the Jordan Eastward into captivity, followed by Daniels work of repentance (post 70 years) according to the instructions of Jeremiah regarding the forgotten sabbaths (Jer 17:19-27, Jer. 25).
Ezra and Nehemiah, with those who recognized the time of captivity was over, crossed back over the Jordan disconnecting themselves from the systems of captivity into a new freedom. They rebuilt Jerusalem on the land and in their hearts. Such a courageous priesthood emerged. (Ezra and Nehemiah)
New Covenant Priest and Prophet spends a lot of time at the ‘thickets/pride of Jordan’:
Hundreds of years later another priest and prophet by the name of John the Baptizer, the son of Zecharias of Abijah and Elizabeth of Aaron, stood within the waters of the Jordan (Luke 1:5, 3:1-19). He prepared the way (the terrain) for the One coming soon (Isaiah 40). He did this by preparing a way for the people to come out of the captivities of darkness through the waters of baptism into repentance, there at the Jordan.
Pondering as I Reminisce :
Men and women of Israel followed John into the waters of repentance, but did they understand that their preparation was just in time to receive the Living Ark of the Covenant – the carrier of the Glory of God (Luke 3:16,17)? Oh, the mysteries of heaven were being revealed. Scrolls opened. Yes, the One who John was not worthy to tie His sandal.
Take a moment to recall this. It was the Ark which was carried into the Jordan the first time in the spring time, for the waters were swelled causing the Pride of the Jordan to be a unsettling location (Joshua 3:15-17). This priest, John, stood in same waters of the Jordan surrounded by the ‘wild creatures found in the thickets/pride of Jordan’ (Luke 3:3, 20). He knew his battle was the Sadducees, Pharisees, and governmental leaders.
It was at this time through the ministry of John and his cousin that the promised land was no longer just a place on the earthly map, instead access was being prepared right there and then for all peoples to enter through the open heavens right into eternal life (Luke 3:22). Right there at the Thickets/Pride of the Jordan.
A short time later The Great High Priest intentionally found His way into those same waters while John His cousin ministered. As He stepped into the waters He was declaring His agreement to His Father of His earthly purpose. Two priests in the Jordan together now (Matthew 3:14,15). Two cousins six months apart in age. Now the Great High Priest Jesus Christ – Yeshua would go before the peoples in all things making a way for them into the New and Living Way. Followers of the Messiah would be welcomed as a Kingdom of Priests to His God and Father.
The ‘wild beasts’ found along the Thickets/Pride of Jordan which Yeshua would endure would be the magnitude of all of hell and earth itself. Heaven and earth’s Dread Champion and Conquering King did not bow to dismay, nor was dismayed before the people nor before hell. He did not cower.
Salvation:
The invitation given to all people of all nations was and is, “For God so love the world.” “Repent and be baptized” is celebrated and is followed by the cleaning out of the thresholds through the fire of holiness, right into the baptism of The Holy Spirit. The empowering force into victory and the circumcision out of the world (Matthew 3:11,12). I like what Bishop Garlington says, “The baptism of water and of the Holy Spirit cuts the umbilical cord which connects us to the world, separating us unto God and His Kingdom.” (November, 2021)
Jesus would take captivity captive releasing His people from the bondage of the law and death, right into the promised land – the heavenly Temple of The Lord not made with the hands of humankind (Ephesians 4:8, Daniel 2:34,35).
Today:
The Thickets/Pride of the Jordan has swelled again. Nations are raging. Kings are bewildered into injustice acts of unrighteousness. People are afraid. Rulers are playing with the pawns on the Chess Board of nations. False altars are being served. The list goes on. BUT, the Lord is looking for those who will dare to step into the Jordan stirring up the Waters of Repentance and The Waters of Life, for the New Era of time is upon us.
“Later, as they were eating,
Jesus appeared to the Eleven
and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart,
because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,
but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
And these signs will accompany those who believe:
In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
they will pick up snakes with their hands,
and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them;
they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”
Mark 16:14-18
A beautiful mystery about God. He plays in the River:
God Himself loves to step into the River of Life and literally stir up the waters of His Will for all people. The Triune Deity stirs up these Waters of Life sending to earth all that is needed. An ever flowing river providing God’s Will, from heaven to earth!
Along this river are the trees bearing the healing leaves with monthly provision (Revelation 21:1,2). Such inheritance is stirred up in the Waters of Life. There at His river I witness the exuberant Joy in our God towards us as He provides such waters. Such Fulfillment! He watches over the waters of His Word to complete it (Jer 1:12, Isaiah 55)! Jump into the River of God’s life and watch the wild beasts found amidst the thickets pale in comparison.
Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal,
coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street.
On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit,
yielding its fruit every month;
and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Revelation 22:1,2
As the Watchmen over nations and Kingdoms Jeremiah was used to proclaim and “midwife” Judah and Israel from the horrors of invasion to the restoration of the promise. He was called to live as if the Lord’s words were already fulfilled. What are you being called to watch over and to walk through? Where are you along the Jordan River and it’s thickets?
“Be strong and courageous!!
Do NOT tremble or be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Much Love, P. Zananiri
Footnote for second part of “What is the Thickets/Pride of Jordan“: (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 518). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”
Word definitions for those who read English as a 2nd language.
Era: a long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic
Cower: crouch down in fear
Dismay: to be in panic, to shatter, afraid, abolished.
Conscience: an inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one’s behavior.
Scrimmage: a confused struggle or fight. In American Football a scrimmage is a session in which teams practice by playing a simulated game.
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