Lovingkindness

Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 

but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, 

that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.

 For in these I delight, says the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23, 24

To know the Lord...you must understand that a great part of His character is lovingkindness. 

So many churches and doctrines are teaching constantly about righteousness and judgment but have no teaching or understanding of God's lovingkindness. 

In this scripture from above, the lovingkindness is equal in parts to the other 2 parts. The three parts support one another wholly and equally.

You cannot know Him without experiencing His love. You cannot know Him by just demanding righteousness in yourself or others. You cannot know Him by demanding judgment in yourself or others. 

You can only know of righteousness by knowing His love first. Lovingkindness is first in all He has created and in all He does.

If you have been raised in a church which teaches you to "perform" acts of goodness and perfection so that God can draw near to you, let me tell you, they have the cart before the horse.

Righteousness and judgment can only come forth out of the human heart by knowing His love. Repentance comes out of knowing His love. Change and growth comes out of knowing His love.

This is why, Jesus, the Messiah, was sent- to demonstrate God's love. Scriptures tell us the law was a tutor; so that we might discover  our need for His love.

Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads to repentance? Romans 2:4

Teaching these judgment doctrines, alone, are like telling the story of the Ugly Duckling without the wonderful ending in which the ugly duckling becomes the beautiful swan. 

Gazing upon the lovingkindness of the Lord will cause you to discover the true you, the beautiful and graceful swan, loved and loving back....

Just as in the story....the ugly duckling did not see who he was until he gazed into the eyes of love. Before this, he saw himself as the others saw him.

His brood did not know who he was, since he was of a different origin. The story begins with an odd egg in the ducks nest.

The Creator knows your origins, your beginnings. He knows what formed you the way you are. He loves you because He loves and He is the origin of love. 

The Lord declares, in the top scripture, that it is His delight to show lovingkindness. 

I am declaring to you that you should not worry about fulfilling judgment or righteousness of some church or teaching unless you reach out for the lovingkindness of God, first. 

First things first and God is love, first.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7, 8

Can I tell you, He desires that you would love Him too! He delights in knowing that you would desire to draw near to Him too. Just as He desires to draw near to you. 

If you ask Him, He will reveal His love to you. He responds to, just an inkling...He is watching for that small sign that you might turn to Him in yearning, to discover His love. 

Requiring judgment and righteousness without love first is like requiring water, H20 to function without the 0. It just doesn't work that way. 

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what the Lord requires of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

He is God and He will express His love in His own creative way, it won't be the way you expect but it will meet every expectation you could possibly have. 

Does that make sense? You cannot tell Him how to go about love, cuz He is the originator of love. But love you, He does.

He will overflow your heart with His love, if you ask. 

Our Plans

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

We make our plans, we do our best to observe the way, in which, we are headed and we do our best to plan and to discern the outcome. 

Sometimes we really miss it. Sometimes everything around us goes haywire. We don't always have enough information to form- our own ultimate destiny. 

Sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking we have a plan but we are missing the basis and ingredients for a sound plan. 

Sometimes we just daydream... or we imagine... or we wish... or we manipulate. 

Sometimes we give it all we have and things don't go the way of "our plan".

Since we cannot really control the environment around us nor the reactions of other human beings....how can we truly say we create our own destiny? 

This really is where true prayer comes in. Since the Lord created us for His good pleasure, He will help us reach our goals if they are truly wise goals. If we are looking to Him and truly lookin for wisdom.

There is a sweet spot, in relationship with the Lord, in which you take full responsibility for your willfull outcomes... 

yet you yield and relinquish control of those things which you are not in control of. You yield and relinquish control to your Maker. 

It is a strange paradigm shift, in which, you find your faith in the One who is so trustworthy and faithful. 

Will relies upon will. Your choices become His choices. It is the ultimate harmony.

In this sweet spot, you are also able to pour out your heart about all the near misses, all the failures. 

You find a place of partnership between your will and His will. Your plan and His plan....they become One. 

It is like the yield in a true marriage and the resulting power which comes from this yield. Two wills become stronger by yielding through cooperation and unity. Its un-stoppable. 

This is why strife is so damaging...and so foreign to the Kingdom of God.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 5:12

Your plan, overshadowed by His plan, the third cord is the connector- Jesus Christ.

I find it comforting to know, when I pray, when I look to the Lord for wisdom outside of myself for each decision and each circumstance...

I find it comforting to know... course corrections will be made by the One looking out for my benefit.

He will intervene on my behalf to get my course on solid ground and will show me the wonderful outcome on the horizon.

 He is for you not against you.

Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools. Proverbs 16:22

The Holy Spirit will comfort, guide and readjust our path if we are acknowledging our need and desire for His wisdom. 

I find that being still, being quiet, will often bring forth the wisdom which is waiting inside for us to grasp. 

In Isaiah 11, scripture describe the benefits of the Lord's Spirit within us; the Spirit of wisdom will rest within us, if we quiet ourselves. 

This is one of the most desirable treasures we receive when we receive Jesus Christ into our hearts....for wisdom rests upon Him.

The spirit of the Lord will rest on Him-- 

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, 

the Spirit of counsel and of power, 

the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord-- 

and He will delight in the fear of the Lord. 

He will not judge by what He sees with His eyes, or decide by what He hears with His ears; 

but with righteousness He will judge the needy, 

with justice He will give decisions for the poor of the earth. 

Isaiah 11:2, 3, 4

It is good to have wise counsel from someone whom we trust. However, the ultimate counsel comes from the Lord in our times of quiet prayer and in times of quiet reading and listening. 

If we are always talking to everyone and always sounding off about all of our needs and issues, we cannot get quiet to hear from the Lord. 

There are, available, volumes and volumes of wisdom which we have never tapped because we are not listening, not asking, not ready to receive.

What if every word we spoke was a word of peace, formed from wisdom, from the wellspring, from within? 

Wow!  What a wonderful place this world would be. When you have experienced this wonderful quiet place, in His presence, every word is chosen with relish, like tasting a fine wine. 

You have no desire to rush the process. You have no need to talk the problem. You know the solution is on the way. He has wonderful plans for us and He will help us get to our destination. 

Would you like to know His plan for you? Just ask and then take time to listen. 

Here's a wonderful word of encouragement from our Maker. This scripture declares His ultimate plan for our planet...our world.

They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9

So, can you imagine the new, better plans He has for your life? It really is never too late to find this sweet spot of trust. 

He wants you to be a part of His ultimate plan too. You were created and planned to be a part of His plan. 

We have our plans but I think I like His plan better. I think I will rest my plan inside of His plan. I think I will listen and yield and let our plans synchronize by the Spirit.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord and will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29: 11

Light Is Sweet

    Light is sweet. Ecclesiastes 11:7

Basking in the glow of a warm fire in the cold of winter.

Laying on your back on cool plush grass, watching as light flickers on thousands of leaves in the tree above. 

Sitting in a Chapel and watching the light flow through stained glass as you meditate. 

This is when light is sweet.

Watching a sunset break through the sculpture of clouds on a warm summer evening. Sitting quietly in wonder, with a friend. 

Lounging on a floating raft and lazily watching the light patterns in a tranquil pool.

Watching the first shafts of light break through a curtain after a difficult, restless night. 

This is when light is sweet.

Driving around to the Christmas streets, with Grandchildren in tow; looking for houses celebrating with every color of Christmas cheer. 

This is when light is sweet.

Jesus said, I am the light of the world. John 9:15

Light was made to heal and restore. 

In the Genesis, light was released to bring order to the new creation. 

The first order of business 

was to release light. 

Not the light of the sun or stars or moon...but the light of Creation. 

Genesis 1:3. This is the light of Messiah's countenance. 

He is light.

His light is sweet.

Physicians use laser lights to heal but The Great Physician has been using light to heal forever. 

Nothing grows without light. 

Often when we have areas of hurt, offence, or trauma-

we hide them, just as Adam and Eve hid from God in the Garden. 

Even when our pain is not of our own choosing or cause,

 still we hide from the light. 

Why do we do this? 

Light can be like an antiseptic on a cut or scrape. It stings a little but without it, the wound may become infected and worse than its inception. 

But the light of God is sweet. 

Put on the armor of light. 

Romans 13:12

Not only is light healing and restorative, light can protect us. 

We know that more crimes are committed in dark places 

than in well lit places? 

The Messiah would sit upon a hill and tell wonderful parables to the thousands who came to hear Him. 

He was causing them to bask in the light of His countenance. He allowed them the joy of discovery. 

They could come into the full light if they so desired. 

Following a storytelling event, 

Some would press into His light; 

they would ask Him to explain the parables. They came into the full protection  of His light. 

The unfolding of your Word gives light. Psalm 119:130

Oh come and draw near to His light, Bask in His countenance. 

There is grace and comfort in the touch of His light. 

There is release from grief and restoration of hope in His light. 

His light will fill your heart with joy beyond explanation. 

His light is sweet like honey and pierces the heart. The Word says,

Oh Taste and See that the Lord, 

He is good. Psalm 34:8

Merry Christmas 

from our home to yours!

Pray In the Stream

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

 

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled....and has become higher than the heavens. Hebrews 7:25, 26

When we pray, it is fitting that we pray in the stream of His wisdom.

It is imperative that we pray by the Word and through the Holy Spirit so we are indeed praying the will and purpose of heaven. 

How do we pray His way? He is currently, right now, praying for us. 

There is a stream of prayer from heaven which we have been invited to join our hearts to. How do we do this?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

Do not quench the Spirit. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

There is a cloud and rain, a wellspring and stream, provided for us, to join with Him, in our prayers. 

He would not command us to pray without ceasing if this was an impossible task. He has provided the resources.

We hide the Word of God within our hearts and we pray by the unction of the Holy Spirit. 

He has provided all the provisions we will ever need to pray His way. To pray in agreement with His will. 

His kingdom come and His will be done!

Cloud and rain- Isaiah 55:10

Wellspring- Isaiah 12:3

Stream- Revelation 22:1-4

Praying in the stream will cause us to pray with ease. Effortless. He has made a way for us to address the courts of heaven. 

We have been given legal and certified standing as if we are attorneys within the courts of heaven. 

We take our "Bar Exam" by reading His Word, Hiding His Word in our hearts.

We depend upon the Holy Spirit to guide and facilitate our prayers. This means we pray His way, we pray His royal Word and we pray by unction of the Holy Spirit. 

Though we pray with our understanding, though we pray what is on our hearts and minds, we don't pray by our limited intellect.

We most certainly don't pray our emotions, our panic, our worry, our own limited expectations- we pray in faith.

We don't pray the news-we pray His Good News.

As we sing and worship, giving thanksgiving, our hearts are freed to see things from His perspective.

This is why the Word admonishes us to enter His gates with thanksgiving. Enter His Courts with praise- to join the River from His Throne.

We pray with His understanding by praying in the stream. The stream provides His vast supply of wealth, health and superior knowledge and wisdom.  

He created all things for His pleasure, therefore prayer itself is wondrous and filled with Living Waters.  These waters flow to and from heaven's vast storehouse of joy and reconciliation. 

Our prayers are unctioned by delight through a generous Holy Spirit.

What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with understanding. 

I will sing with the spirit and I will also sing with the understanding. 

1 Corinthians 14:15 

Beloved, if you ask, He will teach you how to pray His way. The disciples asked and now we have the beautiful "Our Father" known as The Lord's Prayer. 

This prayer has saved lives over the centuries. However, this is not the end all of prayers, this was just the beginning.

Messiah will show you the way to pray in the stream. The joy filled stream which flows from the depths of Messiah, right now. It's never ending.

I Need You !

When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. 

When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Psalm 104: 29

SONG-I NEED YOU 

I need you like a cloud needs a sky,

I need you like a mountain needs a high.

I need you like a tear needs a cheek,

I need you like a child needs to speak.

I need you like an eagle needs the sun,

I need you like a cocoon needs to be spun.

I need you like a baby needs a breast,

I need you like hope needs a chest.

I need you like a melody needs to be sung,

I need you like a race needs to be run. 

I need you like a canoe needs to float,

I need you like a president needs a vote.

I need you like a fountain needs a spring,

I need you like a bride needs a ring.

I need you like a rainbow needs the light,

I need you like a wrong needs a right.

I need you like a Father needs a Son,

I need you like lovers need to be One. 

I need you Lord.

I delight in My Beloved, He overshadows my need

like a tree amidst the forest, His fruit is sweet

I delight in My Beloved, He spreads His fragrance over me

You will see my beloved, the forest through The Tree. 

Abide in Me.

✨️See Song of Solomon/ Canticles 1:13-16

Also listen to  my song on- You Tube, 

Roar of your waterfall - 

I Need You!

Joy Carrier

Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3

You can be a joy carrier. You can pour living waters on others, even in the midst of your own troubles. 

You can be an extravagant giver and in the process of pouring out on others, you will summon the flow of a fountain of Living Water. 

In the finding of small, hidden, discreet places to give to others, you too will be the recipient of restoration. 

You don't realize how much you can change another's life, just by a simple smile, a kind gesture, a simple question with 3 or 4 words....

Are you okay? Can I pray for you? It will be okay. This will pass. I hear you. I see your pain.

How precious is your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings. 

They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your pleasures. 

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Psalm 37:7-9

Certainly the following promise given by Messiah is a key- a 'breakthrough promise'

of new life even in the midst of trial or heartache.

Give and it will be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together and running over shall men give unto your bosom.

If you are in a rut, in a place of... 'stuck in grief'

or feeling sorry for yourself...

there is no better way-to get free-

force yourself off the couch and find a place to pour out onto others. 

Even if you are going through extensive medical check up and treatments....finding some way to give into another's life will set you free. 

This is the way the living waters flow through you to others. As you increase the flow, this wonderful fountain of life will also refresh as it pours, through you, into another's situation or crisis.

It is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Keep it simple. You don't have to study to be a minister or a social worker, just take your eyes off of self, look around and find a simple need. 

As you do this, you will see other simple places to fill up with Living Water. The disciples did not go to Bible College, they simply watched Messiah as the compassion flowed through Him. 

Who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of waters. Psalm 114:8

Start small, it will increase all of its own. It is a law of nature, a law of spiritual promise. Others will join in, it will amaze you.

Giving has a life all its own, you cannot stop the cascading effect. Its similar to the law of supply and demand. If you put a demand on the fountain, it will pour out more and more. 

If you stay static in your present situation, you will stay static in the limitations and boundaries set by the past. 

Make it a game of child's play. Remember your child-like desire to play in the sprinkler?  Remember the challenge of "cross the bridge" as you walk across the rocks at a nearby creek? 

Remember playing in the small waves at the beach or splashing water on a friend? Just try a little sprinkle of joy on someone who is not expecting anything kind or thoughtful. 

Keep it to yourself, keep it a secret between you and the Lord and between you and the recipient; 

that is the best way to increase the flow of His presence within the fountain of joy.

Worship God

Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

Then he said to me, See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God. Revelation 22: 8, 9

Worship is the way

we communicate with God.

A wellspring bubbles up from within, in Holy faith.

We pour out our love in selfless and sacrificial abandon.

In return, He pours out His heart to us, in joy!

He responds to our love within rivers of living water.

He pours Himself, His Spirit, over us,

within streams of delight and pleasure.

Worship God.

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; 

for the Father is seeking those who worship in spirit and truth. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:23, 24

Access Granted

Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting fire? 

He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly. He who despises the gain of oppressions... His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; 

Bread will be given him, his water will be sure. Your eyes will see the King in His beauty. Isaiah 33:15-17

The entertainment industry is flooding the big screen with super heroes who fight for us, who rescue us. 

We depict superheroes who can turn themselves into flames of fire. What is this desire for power and super human strength? 

We all have this innate desire to access power. Some for good and some for our own fulfillment. These superheroes take by force but our access is granted in just the opposite way. 

Messiah gave up His life, we access heaven's courts in a similar way. The way up to the highest place is bowing low. Let me explain.

Therefore since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, 

by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 

For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28, 29 (Deuteronomy 4:24)

So, if our God is likened to a fire, how do we have access to His courts? 

If this is the way to commune with the Lord, receive answers to our prayers, and receive power to change hearts and lives...

how on earth can we ever get where we need to go? We are not superheroes who can turn ourselves into flames of fire? Are we?

Access: Permission , liberty or ability to enter, approach, communicate with or pass to and from.

Just as there is a code to enter a computer file, just as there is a key to open a door, just as there is a protocol to enter the presence of a President, Head of State or King or Queen;

there is a protocol for entering heaven's courts. Remember the flaming sword which guards the way into Eden? 

Protocol: a code of diplomatic or military etiquette or precedent.

There are two key ways in which we access heaven. We have a garden place of prayer which we enter through the door in our hearts.

Messiah is the gate, the garden gate. When we open this door, He promises to come into us and commune with us. 

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Our garden of prayer, is a place of communion and fellowship. We feast on the presence of the Lord because, when He enters in, He brings heaven with Him. 

There is another gate and this is the gateway into His courts. 

In the garden setting, we bring our personal request to the Lord as a friend. We can sit on a bench with Him, near the fountain. He meets with us as the Son of Man. 

However, when we enter the courts of heaven, we must understand the protocol of heaven's courts. 

The courts of heaven can be likened to a court room in our realm.

There is a bailiff- Holy Spirit,

a Judge at the center bench- 

Messiah-Who fills each role 5 fold,

a witness stand called The Well- this is where we stand. 

There is a table or bench for the accuser- enemy of our souls. 

There is a table or bench for the attorney for our defense- The Word of God and The Blood of the Lamb. 

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,

by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 

and having a High Priest over the house of God,

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,

having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 

Hebrews 12:19, 20, 21

Messiah holds the access code and keys to both The Garden and The Courts of Heaven. The garden is a more personal space but the courts of heaven are that much more sacred, full of glory and fire.

He is seated there as the King and the Judge. His presence and power is revealed, there, in full brilliance of fire, holy fire.

He is no longer appearing as the Lamb or friend, as within our garden. In the courts of heaven, He is fully revealed as the fiery One and as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

This place is a rip roaring fire of glory. There is majesty and beauty in the courts of heaven... beyond our ability to endure. Except for His grace.

To access His grace, we humble ourselves, we put on the Garments of the Lamb. Daniel 7 reveals those who minister directly within the River of Fire. We have an invitation to minister unto Him. We minister with worship.

I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. 

His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered before Him. 

Daniel 7:9, 10

As with top security files, we must have the access code, so it is in the heavenly courts, we must understand the protocol. 

There is no hacking heaven. Yet, He Himself, within His Word, has clearly invited us to approach this all consuming fire. Remember Moses and the burning bush?

So then, will He not provide the very Garments of the Lamb in order for us to enter in? He is the Promise Keeper. He Himself is our access code.

He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters; who makes the clouds His chariot, who walks on the wings of the wind, 

who makes His messengers spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. Psalm 104:3, 4

We need a protocol for access, we need a protocol for addressing the Sovereign, and we need a protocol for exchange and communication.

This is true, even here, on the earth, if we desire to speak to a person in a position of authority. 

Is not my word like a fire? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29

He has given us the royal word to speak within His courts. He has given us garments of praise instead of garments of grief. He has given us the code for entry, the matchless Name of Jesus. 

Rain Storm- Ezekiel

Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain of the earth. Hosea 6:3

Today is Thanksgiving Day. It is pouring down rain. It's wonderful but not so good for travelers. This winter storm has been named...Ezekiel. What does this mean? So I went to Ezekiel, the book, to find rain scriptures. Strong's concordance lists 2 scriptures. 

Hmmm? Often, the Lord speaks through current events. He is always speaking.... but, sometimes we are not listening. In the book of Job, it says, God sends the rain so mankind will stop and listen; stop and take note, cease all activity (Job 37:7). 

Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. 

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and heard the voice of One speaking. Ezekiel 1:28

I could stop right there and rest in that word. Stop talking and writing and just bask in the glory of that scripture. 

Fall on your face and allow the glory of the Lord to speak to all of our circumstance, all of our current events, all of who we are as believers, wherever we are living.

In scripture, the rain speaks of glory, righteousness and blessing. The enforcement, the enacting of justice is inferred as a part of righteousness. The rain of God can fall as mercy and it can fall as judgment.

It is a washing, watering, cleansing, life giving kind of rain. Always, in the end, rain brings goodness and life as in Isaiah 55: 8-12. I encourage you to read this in its entirety. Here's just a hint:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts....For as the rain comes down.....so shall my Word be that goes forth from my mouth.

So what is on the Lord's mind right now? What is He telling us? You know He has a plan! There are two scriptures in Ezekiel regarding the rain. 

The second scripture is Ezekiel 38:22 and it is about judgment toward Gog and Magog. Verse 20 speaks of a great shaking within the earth for the sake of His people, Israel. His people includes us because we are engrafted into the original olive tree.

and all men who are on the face of the earth shall shake at my presence. The mountains shall be thrown down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. 

Mountains speak of governmental places and strongholds and powerful authorities in the earth. I looked up Gog and Magog and it is interesting to note, this refers to mountains and areas somewhat north of Israel. Gog literally means- mountain.

I realize there have been speculations and interpretations (well studied and well thought out) which have been taught, applied and widely circulated on this very subject of Gog and Magog. I personally think we should take a step back from some of those.

I will tell you right now, I don't subscribe to any of the "last day" or "end time" interpretations of scripture which have been propagated in both the secular and Christian media. I don't subscribe to doom and gloom. Believers are not under the anger of the Lord. 

Revelation tells us He is angry with the "destroyers of the earth". That would include those who are destroying people and species and life giving aspects of our planet. 

Now I do realize we will be affected due to these judgments but differently than those under His scrutiny. But this blog is not about last days, its about new beginnings.

That's just my view but I am not a scholar or specialist in last day prophecy or theology. I don't really believe anyone is....a specialist....or authority.... because of the example we have in the New Testament. 

Those most learned men of bible days, had no clue, they were missing the relationship  and intimacy with the Lord of the Word. Yet they knew the language and the scripture better than we ever will. Can our modern day scholars compete with the learned men of Bible days?

The learned men of Jesus' time knew all the prophecies and they knew all the biblical warnings yet they did not know how to interpret them. 

I am not faulting them because the disciples did not know after 3 1/2 years; they needed the resurrected Lord to encounter them and teach them.

They all needed the Lord to open their eyes just as He did for the blind man. I think this mystery is of design, divine design.

The Bible speaks of mysteries... 12 times. There is a reason for this: it was planned this way, so the enemy doesn't know the outcome or ultimate plans of the Captain of the Host.

He does tell us He won't do anything without letting us know. Without letting His listening ones know. Prophecy is for our sign posts but we cannot put them all together until the last puzzle piece goes into its place.

It is important to know them and to attentively look to the Lord for the understanding and interpretation. Are you okay with living in the flux, living in the Mystery?

It's okay if you are leaning on Him. We are kept on a "need to know" basis because it is more about getting to know Him rather than His plan alone.

So, I said all that to turn our attention back to reading the scriptures and listening with fresh ears. I just want us to take a step back and stop interpreting all we hear through old teaching and old mind sets.

 We can sometimes be so "programed" that we stop resting and listening to the fresh sound of the rain. The rain represents His new sound, His life giving Words. 

This is what I think the Winter Storm- Ezekiel, is saying to us right now....

Fall on your face and listen to His magnificent voice. You can hear it in the rain. 

I am listening to it right now, typing next to my window, in the front of my house near the street. I can see it and hear it, what a beautiful sight and what a  magnificent sound. 

It causes me to stop, look and listen for His glory and His voice. There is nothing more refreshing than the sound of the rain. There is nothing more refreshing than hearing the sound of His voice.

Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till he comes and rains righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12

Holy Conversation

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies pour forth speech. Night after night they display knowledge. 

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the earth. Psalm 19:1-4

Conversation. Dialogue. Communication. Discourse. Speech. Talk. Interchange.

Fellowship. Companionship. Encounter. Comradeship. Intimacy. Communion.

We long to be heard. We long to receive affirmation. We long to give others validation and affirmation. We long for substance within our encounters. 

All around us, there is a conversation going on- some of it in words- some of it in information, noise,  even frequencies we cannot hear or discern.

Beyond the natural and man made sounds are a myriad of voices from our own mind; parents, friends, enemies, celebrities, media, teachers and on and on. 

The voices never seem to stop. Birds sing, traffic hums, leaves rustle in the wind, customers demand and the voices continue. 

Some are aware there is a voice, outside of ourselves, which condemns, harasses, confuses, pushes, prods and lies. 

Others are aware of a voice outside of ourselves which speaks through inspiration and quickens toward goodness, truth and life.

Our heart has a language as well, one engrafted into us within the womb. When a mother holds her newborn, she talks to her little one and the infant does everything within its power to respond with a like sound. 

The desire for language, especially love language, is engrained within our very fiber, our very being. Language and all its expression, is foundational to our human growth, development and well being.

Within this cacophony of sounds, all around us, within us, where is that wonderful affirmation which transmits love and acceptance?

Is there a holy conversation for us to employ? The biblical Babel represents the constant stream of noise, which is opposing or opposite of  a conversation which brings life. 

Babel is a flow of words which is destructive, dark and negative in nature. Babel. Confusion.

Early on, within the biblical account of Babel, we see the Lord chooses to confound and confuse the language spoken by fallen man. Such an interesting story! 

That is in the Old Testament but when the New Testament is established, in the book of Acts,  Messiah releases a unifying love language.

A mighty rushing wind releases tongues of fire and the unlearned men from Galilee begin to worship and speak of the wonders of  Creation.

The wonders of Redemption, the wonder of love language reborn.

In Acts 2:9 It says the disciples spoke in at least 17 different dialects, languages which were the birth languages of the guests at Pentecost. 

This was a traditional gathering of Jewish converts from everywhere in the known world. These were the familiar and common languages of this bustling metropolis.

It was a cross roads of trade and learning for their day.

We hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God. Acts 2:11

Ears are opened, hearts are opened by this new language of love, adoration and wonder. A language carried like a rushing wind with fire, joy, peace abounding and over flowing. A language of affirmation, recognition and reconciliation.

We have books about finding the love language of your spouse, friends or children. 

Have you found your love language with your Creator?

I so desire for you to find your love language from heaven. Heaven is speaking to you directly, intimately, lovingly....right now, has been all along. Will you pursue this dialogue? 

I know there are times you have heard the whisper! You may have thought...who's talking to me? Where is this coming from? Who is this? Am I imagining this?

Even celestial bodies, the planets and stars are giving off a frequency and a significant, meaningful sound. 

We have just forgotten how to listen, how to dialogue. We have forgotten how to respond in like manner but creation never forgot this wondrous sound.

One of the many titles or names of Messiah (like Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, Immanuel) is His Name... 

The Word of God. He is the divine communicator. The voice and the sound of heaven.

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 were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made. John 1:1-3

And His name is called The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Revelation 19:13b

Knowing the nature of His being.... He is The Word....He is a creative, communicating, affirming God....how can we assume He is silent, just an observer in our lives? 

Does He not desire to dialogue with us? Many voices compete for our attention but which voice should we strive to hear above the clamor? 

Of course, we should place, as priority, the voice which builds up, lifts up, affirms in love and promotes our life.

It is a two way dialogue of wonder, devotion and it is exhilarating! It is a conversation with life itself. It flows through all languages, all sounds, which resonate with life. 

Any voice which raises itself up above this voice of life may need a little reflection and reconsideration.

His is the voice of original love language. He speaks your birth language. New birth. New creation. New thought and focus.

Find your voice and your love language. Find your listening ears, those of wonder and awe. The very sound of His voice will heal you and set you in your rightful place. 

In Psalm 19, which is quoted at the beginning of this piece, it speaks of a voice heard within the spirit of a man. This is the voice you were destined to listen for, to commune with, to bask in the love it transmits.

So much download within this heavenly sound. There is no more joyful reward than to hear the sound of His voice.

Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 

Let my teaching drop as the rain, my speech as the dew, as raindrops on the tender herb, and as showers on the grass. Deuteronomy 32:2

Records Room

Over the years I have sought to learn all I could about different types and levels of prayer. 

There is private prayer in your prayer closet. There is corporate prayer in the local upper room, whatever church or organization may be involved. 

In each of these, there are a variety of prayer types which we experience:

supplication, intercession, deep groanings of the Holy Spirit (when we just don't have the words). 

I could go on and on because the Bible lists so many different kinds of prayer.

Each believer has a unique call to whichever type of prayer fits their ministry. Each level and layer is precious to the Lord. It is His special time alone with you. 

One of the most telling documents we have is the record of Jesus' prayer, given to His disciples when they asked Him how to pray. 

Having worked in a catholic school, I am aware of how the "Our Father" or "The Lord's Prayer", can sometimes be used as a formula prayer. 

Even in other believers circles I have observed this type of formula prayer being used. 

Yet, Jesus was present with the disciples, they were in deep and personal fellowship, when He shared His heart with them. 

So, we need to unpack scriptures like this in the light of relationship. In the light of dialogue, two way conversation. 

Speaking and listening, responding and releasing situations with our prayers. Prayers of forgiveness.

He begins with "Our Father" because He is inviting the disciples into a closer walk with His Father. 

It is the aspect of forgiveness which I want to focus upon in this blog. 

It is in the light or revelation of forgiveness, I was shown a room in heaven, called The Records Room.

And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Luke 11:4

One of the many classes I have taken was Contemplative Prayer with Pastor Ed P. and Kent L. at our local Vineyard. 

I hesitate to call any prayer class....

a class.....its more like a workshop. 

We discuss the scriptures and share testimonies and then we go home and seek the Lord for more understanding as we pray. 

This was like that....a workshop...we had as one of our special speakers, a Priest, who had been trained in contemplative prayer within the Saint Francis of Assisi order. 

Father Joseph was a wonderful example of a man of prayer. I know, because I went on to pray with this man of God at the Mission where he lived.

During this workshop- My husband and I, along with a couple of friends, would sit in our living room and worship. Then, we would go quiet until the profound quiet of the Lord would completely engulf us. 

We set aside enough time, as long as was needed, and sometimes it would be 20 minutes before all the mind noise would stop. 

We were taught to have a specific scripture, to keep our mind tethered to, when the noise and distractions started (which you know will almost always happen). 

Each time we would repeat the scripture to focus and return to listening for the Lord's voice. 

After tarrying there for at least 40 minutes to an hour, after we felt the quiet lift, we would each share what we heard or saw. Amazingly, never failing, what each of us spoke, would fit together. This would show us the assignment we were to pray for. 

Its like going into the Courts of heaven and receiving a verdict from the Holy and Sovereign judge. We wanted to pray His way. He was willing to sign our request.

So.....having explained the process...this is what happened one day when we were praying in this manner. Instead of being invited into the garden of prayer, I was taken into a Records Room. 

I knew I had been lifted out of my body into a record room within the heavens. I sensed an angel present and the atmosphere was very serious, very somber. 

It was not at all like the dramatic and beautiful Courts of Praise.  First,  I had looked around at the never ending shelves of books which were records of peoples lives.  After I took time to admire and appreciate the immaculate handiwork of the entire room, I found myself focusing in on the center of the room. 

I was drawn in to the desk in the center of the room with an open book in the center of the desk. It looked much like this photo (above) but the room was massive. 

Somehow, I just knew that it was an incredible honor to be allowed even a glimpse into this place, it was holy and it was terrifying due to its contents.

You see, I had been praying, why are our prayers not more effective? Why are we not seeing more break through? 

Our church had a 24/7 prayer room. We were basically a church made up of prayer warriors and evangelist on the move, in the streets and malls. 

We were passionate about our walk with the Lord. We were dedicated to our cause, like none I had known. Yes, we did see mighty break throughs yet sometimes we were shocked at the lack of outcome in certain areas of our prayer focus. 

We were all determined to continue to seek the Lord fervently, until we knew why. 

The entire book of Matthew 18 was basically downloaded into my heart by contact with that book on the desk and the angel directing me to focus on The Book.

How the Lord does this, I do not understand but He is indeed The Word, so when you ask, sincerely, He will answer you. 

Sometimes we understand better with pictures than with just words. He knows our make up.

Even so it is not the will of the Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:14

In this passage the Lord goes on to speak of reconciliation with your brother, removing offenses and binding and loosing. 

These powerful passages are often taken out of context. I was guilty of this as I stood in this terrifying room. Life happens and broken and hurting people often hurt the ones whom they are closest to. 

After a while, offence sets in and we want compensation. 

The angel, who was my escort, had a message to deliver, once the down load of scripture was complete. 

The angel stood by as I took it all in, then the message began to unfold itself.

"If you desire to be a powerful prayer warrior, you must release forgiveness to these records which are a part of your experience.

 Only the records which the Holy Spirit reveals and which you are withholding forgiveness. 

Release them to the Father, so that His holy angels can go on assignment to help those recipients enter into their blessing, their life, their potential, their grace from above.

Just as Jesus released you and some loved one also released you in their prayers.

You have the authority but you hold back due to lack of understanding of the vastness of His forgiveness and provision. "

During the Passion, the quiet Lamb of God, withheld His voice and His tongue through all He suffered, which was so unjust. 

(understatement if ever there was one)

Yet, when He did pray on the cross, it was a prayer of forgiveness.

Father forgive them for they know not what they do. 

Relationship and forgiveness is linked to all verses in Matthew 18. 

I encourage you to read it all in the light of the records room. We can only do this with the help of the Holy Spirit and the Lord of forgiveness upholding our tender and aching hearts. 

If He requires it, He will help you do this. It may be the most important prayer you have ever prayed.

Release the records which He shows you to release. This does not mean you are excusing anything, you simply are sending them back to the Courts of Heaven so the Almighty can work His works of  redemption. 

He is the Sovereign Judge of all records. This is what happened in Job 42, Job was required to pray for His friends who had misunderstood him, and had misunderstood the Lord's purpose as well. 

Job was required to release the records, then and only then was he restored to his place of authority. 

All else was restored as well, for he had lost it all.