After the angels left

      

     For the first time in my annual reading of the Christmas story in Luke, it occurred to me that the shepherds must have been discouraged to see nothing change after their spectacular experience. They must have gone back to their scorned occupation in excited expectation. Yet days, years, decades passed and nothing was any different. Did they wonder if it had all been just their imagination? 

     Supernatural experiences can fade in our memory and their impact dull in the passing of time. Our testimony dims. We may relegate them to some sort of exaggerated emotional high. Daily realities take over our perspective…the here and now, our five senses, our intellectual rationalizations, become paramount once again. 

     How could someone see angels break open the heavens and then doubt their experience? They never would, right? In the same way, spectacular, supernatural experiences like witnessing someone raised from the dead would be something one couldn’t ever deny or forget. Right? Yet it happens. Jesus said that with a dulled heart, even if someone were raised from the dead in front of them, some would still not believe. [Luke 16:31]

     We know from our hindsight perspective that the shepherds were not ultimately disappointed. Yet I wonder if all of them believed in Jesus as the Messiah years later when His personhood was revealed. How many kept their faith through all the years of Jesus’ childhood and young adulthood, still anticipating, still expecting?  

     One of the meanings of Yeshua’s name is “Rescuer”.Our country is living in darkness. It has much company, unfortunately.  ADONAI has promised to rescue us, to shine His light on us, to save His people, to save our nation, and, through us, the world. His remnant has been crying out and He, in His mercy, has answered….is answering.…will answer. 

   We have seen His light, read His Word, heard His Rhema through His prophets, heard and experienced testimony after testimony of His goodness and mercy and lovingkindness. Though day passes to day with things appearing unchanged and even worsening, I KNOW He is working. I KNOW He is coming to rescue us in THIS life. NOW. Yes, also for eternity, when it comes time. But this rescue will be in the NOW! A reset, a re-formation, a revolution, a restoration, a restitution here on this earth. It is coming. I believe it. I’m expecting it. I’m grateful for it. I will not be dissuaded. Are you with me? I am a shepherd who still believes she will see the Messiah come forth. A leper who returns. A prisoner who praises. A barren woman who trusts for a full home. A child who reaches out in simple faith. He has said it, I believe it. I know it is true.  Glory be to God in the highest heavens. Alleluia! 

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“The splendor-light of heaven’s glorious sunrise is about to break upon us in holy visitation, all because the merciful heart of our God is so very tender. The word from heaven will come to us with dazzling light to shine upon those who live in darkness, near death’s dark shadow. Luke 1:78-79 TPT

Keeping His promise

         

     As I sit here at 70 reading once again the story of Elizabeth, Zechariah, and John; the tears come unbidden. I remember wanting a child so desperately, with doctors not at all optimistic. I remember each month praying and hoping and then being disappointed. 

     I  recall sitting, unable to keep from weeping, at a springtime clergy wives conference in which someone gave an anointed presentation about Mary. Back in my room, i asked the Lord, “Why was I weeping through her whole teaching?”  I thought I then heard so clearly the Lord promising me that I would have a child at Christmas. The annunciation and birth fell in symbolic line so perfectly with the current month, and I was happy beyond words. 

     However, by the next month I was once again disappointed….and devastated. Not just because I wasn’t ‘with child,’ but also because I thought I had heard Him so very clearly. I began to question whether I had ever heard Him in past times correctly at all. Month after month went by, then another two years, until one day I was sitting in a Bible study with friends and I heard Him (did I?) tell me to ask the group to pray over me for a child. I argued with Him: “Lord, they’ve prayed with me many times before. I don’t want to ask them again.” Silence. Then, “Ask them.”  So with nothing but the tiniest mustard seed of faith, I did.  

     To my ecstatic joy, I found I was carrying a baby soon after. We decided to name him Joshua, “Yahweh is salvation, restoration, and deliverance.”* When my obstetrician examined his turnwheel calendar to give me my expected due date, a huge smile lit his face. “Guess what your due-date is? Christmas!” It wasn’t until months later that it struck me that I had indeed heard Holy Spirit that spring day, and God had indeed fulfilled His promise. I just had the wrong year! 

     In the past few years God has been promising us deliverance from an evil national/international regime, as well as a revival with an incomprehensible billion soul harvest. Most of us, including the prophets themselves, thought He meant that very first or second year. The fact that longer gestation has been necessary to root out the depths of entrenched evil doesn’t mean He will not fulfill His promises. His Word NEVER comes back void. Sometimes we just have the timing wrong.  

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*For those who don’t know me personally, I now have three amazing, Adonai-loving children and 3 beautiful grandchildren. God is so o Good! 

**The name Zechariah means “God has remembered.” The name Elizabeth means “oath” or “covenant of God.” He is always faithful, even when we aren’t. Zechariah questioned God’s faithfulness, but God blessed him anyway. How merciful and kind is our loving Father. 

***Remember, Jesus/Joshua/Yeshua, versions from the Greek and Hebrew….include Rescue, Deliverance, and Restoration, as well as eternal salvation, which are all missions of our Lord in THIS life, not just in the next.

 

A Tender Advent

 

     Years ago, I suggested our family exchange gifts on Epiphany and keep the Advent and Christmas seasons as worshipful and focused as possible on our Saviour. Although their hearts were with me, the logistics weren’t. Between geography and timing, it became apparent this plan wouldn’t fly. This year, however, new geography and timing have paved the way. We have set our celebration together for Epiphany weekend (not that we don’t also have fun events like cookie baking in between). 

     My part time hours at the store have shrunk, and I have put away my easel and art supplies, which normally live where the Christmas tree now stands. Nativity scenes, angels, and candles now light our living/dining area, and quiet Christian carols are calling me to worship in His Spirit of deep joy and rest. This brings Him pleasure. (I know because He just told me so,) 

     Brian Simmons (The Passion Translation) has a new Advent devotional which I purchased on Kindle. I am going to use this to supplement my daily Bible reading and prayer/decree time this season. I am excited to go deeper. Today the Lord told me “not to be reluctant to ‘camp out’ on just one part of His Word.. Treasures are to be found there,” He whispered. I’m taking the time to click on each of Brian’s notes in His Passion Translation, as I reread the Christmas story in the gospels. I have been taking longer to ponder the impact of each comment on specific words and verses. Sometimes I don’t even make it through a whole chapter. I put my head back and close my eyes, asking Holy Spirit to share what He wants me to glean, to see anew in these oh so familiar passages.

     Earlier today, I was doing errands, cleaning, attending a Zoom meeting, and trying to be faithful to my exercise program. Prayer time & Bible study had been sandwiched here and there. When I sat back down to get quiet again and listen, He chuckled and didn’t really need to comment further. I got it. This lesson has been repeated for me through the decades. You would think I’d have it mastered by now, but He knows better. I am thankful for His patience. He did, however, lovingly remind me to realign my priorities with His. He knows how the most important things can get put aside, despite our best intentions, when addressed in the wrong order.

     I want to live His priorities out this year, not just cocooning myself away to experience a truly holy season in His Presence, but also dedicating significant time in serving others in ways that please Him. Learning to both give and receive well. A holy Advent season doesn’t have to be a totally quiet one, but when His good pleasure is the motivation for both types of joyful experiences—-the peaceful and the busy—-we can be assured of a blessed Advent lived under the tender gaze of His joyful countenance. Let’s ask Him, “Lord, how would You have me spend the time You’ve given me this Advent season? Help me go deeper and farther, both inwardly and outwardly, in ways that please Your heart..”

Deeply Rooted

 

 This week the Lord stopped me in my tracks as I was reading The Passion Translation of 1 Timothy 3:16:: "The mystery of righteousness is Jesus Christ within the believer." In his note on this verse, Brian Simmons stated, "We must faithfully embrace the mysteries of our faith, while keeping a clean conscience." He also noted that the Aramaic translation of 'mystery' in this verse is 'arza,' or cedar tree. His comment made things further come alive for me: "A cedar tree has deep, firm roots. So must our faith be rooted inside these mysteries." 

     Holy Spirit spoke further:  "In these times ahead My people MUST be deeply rooted in order not to be blown away by the coming storm." According to multiple prophetic words over a significant period of time, this month (and possibly beyond) promises to be extremely challenging. However, God has told us not to be afraid. Yet he has also told us to prepare and STAND. Even those of us who have been long-term believers, grounded in the Word, must at this time go even deeper, not only for ourselves, but to help others whose roots may be relatively shallow....not particularly grounded either in Scripture or in their personal relationship with the Lord.  Are we strong enough in these times to be a cedar or oak upon which others can lean for truth, guidance, and assurance?

     Below are some Scriptures and insights I was given regarding the state of our root system.  [I am happy to email the entire PowerPoint presentation I gave at church last Sunday, if anyone would like it. It is much more extensive and visual than this post.]

     Let's recall a few Scriptures that should further enlighten us with God's 'tree' metaphors.  

• "Remain deeply rooted in Him, built up in Him and confirmed in your trust, the way you were taught, so that you overflow with thanksgiving." --Colossians 2:7
• "...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. The will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor."  --Isaiah 61:3
• "that we may be no longer children (spiritually immature) tossed back and forth (like ships on a stormy sea) and carried about by every wind of (shifting) doctrine, by the cunning and trickery of (unscrupulous men, by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything (for personal profit)."  --Ephesians 4:14 AMP
• "What delight comes to the one who follows God's ways! He won't walk in step with the wicked, nor share the sinner's way, nor be found sitting in the scorner's seat. His passion is to remain true to the Word of 'I AM,' meditating day and night on the true revelation of light [Torah]. He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God's design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of life."  --Psalm 1::1-3

As we look at the upcoming months, we must stand firm against all oppression from any of the seven pillars of our culture, including our current government. 

• "Fear of human beings is a snare, but he who trusts in ADONAI will be raised high (above danger). --Proverbs 29:25 CJB
• "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."
• "Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand." --Ephesians 6: 10+
• "But the evil men...will progress from bad to worse, deceived and deceiving, as they lead the people further from the truth. But you must continue to advance in strength with the truth wrapped around your heart." --2 Timothy 3: 13-14 TPT

What follows is a condensed version of suggested ways to remain (or become) 'deeply rooted.:

• Draw close to the Lord (even more so than ever before). Spend dedicated daily time in both prayer and listening. Turn off your electronic devices and put aside other distractions. 
• Study (don't just read) His Word
• Listen to His Rhema word through His prophets so that you will be both aware and encouraged 
• Speak forth (decree) His Word (both Logos and Rhema). Partner with Him to declare His Will....His Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven
• Keep a clean conscience
• Forgive
• Run from idolatry (including superstitious gestures and apostate phrases and pursuits (crossing your fingers, knocking on wood, referring to  'karma,' .studying horoscopes, gambling..... All these seemingly harmless actions are a form of idolatry.
• Watch what you 'eat,' what you take into your soul for 'entertainment' or 'information'.  These can also pull up your roots.  Test question:  "Would Yeshua be pleased with your choices? Ask Him.

"Whatever builds up your faith and deepens your love must become your holy pursuit."  -1 Timothy 2:22b

"God has transmitted His very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. Then you will be God's servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you."  --2 Timothy 3:16

We need strong faith beyond our circumstances, what we see, hear, feel, and experience.  

• "Without faith it is impossible to please God."  --Hebrews 11:6
• "Believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established; believe His prophets and you shall prosper."  --2 Chronicles 20:20

Lastly, how do we both STAND and MOVE, deeply rooted? Remember the trees in Narnia who joined the battle against evil when called by Aslan? Here are some suggestions:

• Praise and Worship (bring down strongholds) in English and in the Spirit
• Decree God's will and plans . Say what He says out loud...both Logos and Rhema.* ("Decree a thing and it will be established." Job 20
• Know the power and authority the Lord has given you as a believer
• Speak up and speak out in our culture!
• Hold your position without flinching. Be bold and courageous, yet personally humble (tricky)
• Refuse to give in, bow, or comply with evil or unjust orders.
• Join in the re-covenanting of our nation with God Almighty
• 
  

Do not be afraid!  God is with us and He is for us!  Stand firm, deeply rooted, and don't forget to move!  He has awesome plans for our nation and for the world.!

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*To be encouraged by God's Rhema words and receive suggestions for decrees in this time in history, I recommend listening to Elijah Streams. on Rumble or at elijahstreams.com, especially Tim Sheets, Donna Rigney, Barry Wunsch, Amanda Grace, Charlie Shamp, etc,. Also Julie Green on Rumble and other messages via Tim Sheets on YouTube. Dutch Sheets has also published a Give Him 15 devotional with decrees for each day (Kindle or print).

Feeling Refurbished?

 

     Have you ever bought a computer or tablet that has been ‘refurbished’? They’ve taken it apart, cleaned it up, and theoretically fixed what wasn’t working properly. You can save quite a bit of money that way, but you also wonder how long it will last. Does it have a warranty? On Amazon, they now call these ‘renewed’. 

     I was pondering this concept after I read one of Brian Simmons (Passion Translation) comments on us as New Creations.  This morning his comment on Galatians 6:15 stopped me again. “What really matters is the transforming power of the new creation life.”  God’s word says He makes us ‘new creations’ when we receive Yeshua as our Savior and entrust our lives to Him. New Creations. That’s not rehabilitation or refurbishment, or reconstruction. It’s total transformation into a new creature.  He doesn’t just ‘reboot’ us or take us apart, as my mechanical engineer sons do, laying our pieces on a table, cleaning them, oiling them, fixing broken parts, and then putting everything back together, ‘good as new’.

     Although I’m a great fan of rehabilitation (and God is all about the ‘re’* words), it is not a true image of the work of our Creator’s hands. Although we may at times feel simply rehabilitated, reconstructed, or even more like a jumble of parts struggling to function together; that is not who we are. That is not how He sees us, either. His eyes light up at His stunning new creation, made in the likeness of His Son. 

     In his 51st psalm, David asked the Father to ‘create in [him]a new heart. A new heart. Not to just clean up and fix the old, broken, soiled one. Hmmmm.

     Lately, my nearly 70 year-old-body (and sometimes soul) is feeling in need of refurbishment and renewal. Yet, even renewal is not an adequate term for the transforming power of God in and over those who ‘have died with Him and will one day be resurrected like Him.’ In fact, God’s word says that ‘the same power that conquered the grave lives in us….now!*** Start seeing what God sees. Picture yourself not just rebuilt or even simply injected’ by His Holy Spirit, but totally transformed into a new creation. Tell the struggling ‘members’ of your body, soul, and spirit who they really are. Instruct them to ‘hop to it’ and run that race set before you with new creation zeal! 

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“We have become His poetry, a re-created people, that will fulfill the destiny He has given each of us.” —Ephesians 2: 10 (TPT)

*Renewal, Restitution, Redemption, Revival, Revolution, Reinvigoration, Reassurance, Reawakening, Rebirth, Recoupment, Recovery, Rectification,, Recuperation, Re-establishment, Regeneration, Reformation, Refreshment, Refuge, Rejuvenation, Rejoicing,… (I could keep going, but I will spare you.)

** See the Passion Translation’s comment on Psalm 51:

***Ephesians 1: 19-20

1 Thessalonians 3:10

Sound of Freedom…Rescuing the Children

     Yesterday, my husband and I went to see the movie, Sound of Freedom. I was reluctant to go, despite my desire to support its creators and the cause for which the movie was produced. I didn’t think I could bear watching. Yet what are the children bearing? All I had to do was watch the movie. “Sound of Freedom” was actually made 5 years ago, but every possible roadblock came against it, so that it didn’t come out until now. 

     I can’t really describe its impact. The power of it, including the message from Jim Caviezel following it, was profound. [Jim gave a phenomenal performance of this true story, by the way.]

     I have been aware for many years of the trafficking of children. I have supported Life Outreach International’s Rescue Life ministry off and on through the years. They share the realities of the horrific plight of these children on their programs.  More recently I have heard of the pervasive, mind-boggling increase of pedophilia in our own country and the multi-billion dollar ‘industry’ woven throughout all seven mountains of our culture, including our government. I thought to myself, ‘What can I do? After the movie, I prayed, ‘Lord, what do you WANT me to do?  Truly a different question.  

     His first step for me? “Share about the movie and about ministries for which your friends can both pray, as well as support financially.” So that is what you’ll find below. Please go see the movie in the theater, if you haven’t already.. Don’t wait. Share with your friends, in turn. Then support people ‘on the ground’ who are committed to helping these little ones. and the adults who have been trafficked since their robbed childhoods.. That is my plan, also, for today, each month, and whenever God prompts me to do so.

     Lastly, pray and decree for exposure and justice for traffickers at every level, as well as for freedom, healing, and restoration of body, soul, and spirit for the victims.of these despicable crimes.

   As “Sound of Freedom” declares: God’s children are not for sale!  

VOLUNTEER at an anti-trafficking organization near you. For example I found one in my area which needs volunteers to help at fundraising events and to help out at their sanctuary homes for rescued children.

GIVE

1) Life Outreach International [Rescue LIFE]

https://lifetoday.org/outreaches/rescuelife/

They “Reach, Rescue, Restore” trafficked children, going into dangerous areas where there is high trafficking, rescuing individuals and then providing safe homes, orphanages, education, and training so they can support themselves.

2) Tim Tebow Foundation’s Rescue Team

https://timtebowfoundation.org/rescue-team

“The Rescue Team is an army of people committed to emgaging, inspiring, and equipping others in the fight against human trafficking.”

3) Joyce Meyer Hand of Hope anti-trafficking ministry

They work to rescue women and children “in the U.S., Australia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Greece, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.” Once rescued, the chi,ldren and adults “receive love, housing, schooling, job skill training, and biblical counseling to help build and restore their lives.”

https://joycemeyer.org/handofhope/categories/anti-human-trafficking

BRIDGING FREEDOM (bridgingfreedom.org)

I know there are many other organizations, but these are three I trust implicitly. Be careful to whom you donate. Our current government publicizes anti-trafficking materials,, but behind the scenes………

    If you know personally of other good organizations to support, please add a comment to this post.  While you’re at it, enrage the Enemy by singing this “children’s” song aloud:: 

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world; Red and yellow black and white, they are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world..  

In His love, Julie

“…and whoever ensnares one of these little ones who trust me, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the open sea!” —Matthew 18:16

Rest Assured

         

 Have you ever thought about the term “rest assured”? For example, “rest assured that our company will take care of this for you.”   Or “Be assured that this will take place.” Do you then actually enter a place of peace and rest, leaving the issue in their hands? Or have you experienced such promises becoming empty words, discovering nothing was ever done to address your problem?

     I certainly have, especially in the last few years, when we’ve been told over and over that someone will ‘take care of it,’ only to discover absolutely nothing was done. Integrity related to one’s word no longer seems necessary for many in our country’s current ethical climate.

     Yet If we entrust something to our Beloved Father, we can truly ‘rest assured’ that He will address it. While always in the context of His will and what He knows to be best for us and for others, our concerns are never relegated to a pile labeled, “if I get around to it after more important concerns.’ Or, ‘if I happen to feel like it.’ Or, ‘if I think you’re worthy of my energy and attention’.

    “Rest assured,”:He says, “knowing that nothing you care about is out of My care”. What peace, what joy to know that everything that concerns us, concerns Him. There is nothing too small or insignificant in His eyes, if it’s on our hearts. He’s so BIG that nothing is too small.

    If your faith has been leaking lately, pump up your heart by singing the children’s song:

My God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do….for You! 

Flex your arm muscle, shout it out, and 

…rest assured.

Believe

 Forgive me, dear friends, for taking. So long to write again.There were issues with my blogspot link, which was somehow considered ‘insecure’ and kept people from reading my blog. We seem to be back on track once again. Thank you for persevering with me.

—Julie

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     I wanted to write and encourage you, to give you hope for 2023. If you have not been a follower of Elijah Streams or any modern day prophets, you might see nothing but gloom ahead. Or even if you have been faithfully listening to God’s words of encouragement over the past 2 years, you might be wondering if any of these rhema messages were truly from God. It seems to be taking so much longer than we all thought. .

     However, let me speak as strongly as I possibly can: Do not give up believing that these messages have been from Him and that they SHALL come to pass. There has been so much radical cleanup necessary, deeper and farther and more widespread than we even imagined.. We truly had no idea how bad things were.

     The Ekklesia, the (remnant) governmental Church, is praying, believing, and decreeing, and it must continue to do so. We are partnering with Him in the greatest move of history ever. We musn’t let the enemy convince us that it was all for naught. He’s desperate to get us to stop believing God and stop decreeing, especially his own downfall.

     We must stand up and SPEAK forth from both God’s LOGOS word and His currently spoken RHEMA word: what He says HAS already happened, what IS happening, what He says WILL happen, and what His WILL is for us, for this nation, and for the world. [Romans 4:17] We must know who we are as warriors. Our shoes aren’t just shod with ‘the gospel of peace’, they are shod in combat boots! [Proverbs 22:22]

     Let’s not be like the Israelites in the desert who whined, complained, and refused to believe where God was taking them. They maligned God’s character and doubted His word, because all they could ‘see’ was what was right in front of them, what they were currently experiencing.

     Let’s make God’s heart glad by thanking Him for what He has done, is doing, and will do. Believe Him! Speak forth what He is speaking. Rejoice in His goodness. Trust Him with our whole hearts.

     Besides listening to Elijah Streams on Rumble (they were banned by YouTube) or at Elijahstreams.com, listen to people like Julie Green and Tim Sheets. Tim has a new book (print or Kindle) called Prayers and Decrees, as well as a slightly older one called Angel Armies. I have both and have been specifically decreeing from them. 

     We musn’t allow ourselves to be weighed down by discouragement. Let’s listen to God’s streaming instead of secular media sources. Our whole understanding of what is real will be radically altered. We’ll see before us the vision of His plans.

     If you’ve already been listening, and doubt has crept in, banish it right now in Jesus’ Name. Rejoice and be thankful that everything He has said IS coming to pass. Don’t be concerned about individual misunderstandings of particular prophecies. He IS rescuing our world, and NOTHING can stop Him. Nothing is impossible for Him. Stand up, cheer and shout! 

“God is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures from generation to generation.” Hallelujah! 

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If you’d like more resources to encourage you, please email me at: julieddywales@gmail.com.  Decrees are also

available from people like Patricia King, Brenda Kunneman (Daily Decree YT*) and Wanda Alger, and I have put some together myself…from God’s written word, as well as those which have come via trustworthy prophetic people with a track record of prophecies fulfilled. “Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say, Rejoice!”

*Daily Decree (Brenda Kunneman, YouTube) on January 3, 2023 contains a good explanation of why we decree.

Turn Around, Look at Me

 

Do song lyrics pop in your head from time to time, even ones you wish wouldn’t appear there?  As I stop to really think about particular songs that pop up in my mind, the love-or-die lyrics make me chuckle. Actually, more seriously, the ‘can’t live  without you’ messages are downright idolatrous. As teens, we were susceptible to them, however, stuck in what the Lee Ezell referred to as The Cinderella Syndrome. 

   As I grew older and my faith and relationship with the Lord deepened, I began to see the deceptive nature of these songs (old and new). So when tunes popped into my head, I began creating Christian lyrics for them…or I sang the love songs directly to the Lord. Here’s an old one the Lettermen used to sing in my teenage years

“ There is someone walking behind you. 

Turn around, look at me.

There is someone watching your footsteps

Turn around, look at me..
There is someone, who really loves you...
Here's my heart, in my hand..
Turn around, Look at me..
Understand, ...
That there's someone..
To stand beside you..

Turn around, look at me..
There's someone to love and guide you,
Turn around, look at me...
I've been waiting,
But I'll wait forever..
For you to come to me...
Look at someone, who really loves you..
Turn around, look at me.”

     When we lived in Cape Canaveral, the Disney ship would play the beginning of “When you wish upon a star” as they were leaving port. I do not wish on stars, and didn’t want to find myself unconsciously singing that song when it lodged itself in my head. So I created new lyrics for the tune:

“When you pray to God above, you will meet a heart of love

When you pray to God above, He’ll answer you.

If your heart is in your prayers, you will never need despair

When you pray to God above, He’ll answer you.”

Go ahead, try it. 

   Since then I’ve found numerous songs I can sing directly to Jesus, to the Father, and to Holy Spirit…or at least adapt for the purpose. Ever watch the musical ‘The Fantasticks’?  There’s a song that begins, Love, you are love, better far than any metaphor can ever, ever be. Love, you are love, my mystery of love.” 

   When you hear oldies (or ‘newies’) on the air, or get a song stuck in your head that glorifies humans, see if you can turn it into a love song for Yeshua. He’ll get a kick out of it.

“And a hug around the neck...”

 

  I can’t even remember the title of this song I remember my mom singing, but it ended with “and a hug around the neck”.  [Ok, it’s “A Bushel and a Peck,”]  This morning in my “listening time,” the Lord sent me a mental picture of my granddaughter’s hug. It’s difficult to imagine anything much more wonderful on this earth. I love when she lingers there, with her head tucked in the crook of my neck, instead of remaining only a few seconds before running off. 

   Those times of complete resting on me in contented peace, with no place she’d rather be, are an image of eternity inside the Shalom of the Father. Many times, I give Him a quick hug at the end of my prayer time and then scamper off to my next activity. He smiles and sends me on my way, but He, too, loves best when I linger there, with no place I’d rather be than tucked into the crook of His neck. A place of complete rest and contentment.

   Many of us are loaded with swirling thoughts and concerns, anxieties about where circumstances are heading...questions about how we should be praying and what we should be doing or pursuing. He knows it all. He’s ready, willing, and delighted to give us His wisdom, discernment and direction, to prosper us as we go in response to His purposes and plans for us.  However, like the Parent and Grandparent that He is, He invites us first to linger, to go limp in His arms in utter abandon, with our arms entwined around His neck. Eternity lives there.

Listening for birds

      

When I’m in Oregon, I love to use my Birdnet app from Cornell University to try to identify the birds near me by their songs.. I wait patiently trying to capture that softer song in between the louder ones of crows and jays.  In this app, you record the sound and then highlight the section you want to ‘.analyze’. The loud ones are easy, but sometimes the program has a more difficult time identifying the subtler ones. If I persist, however, I can often discover who they are.

     I don’t know why I haven’t used this app in Florida before today. We have woods outside our door in the townhouse development. God chose our specific one so we would see (and hear) the trees and creatures of this habitat every day. (He is most certainly the Giver of every good and perfect gift.). This morning I recorded three voices: the Northern Cardinal, the Tufted Titmouse, and the Carolina Wren. It was the wren’s song which took patience to identify.

     Earlier this morning (still dark), I was listening to Elizabeth Enlow* discuss the various definitions of the Hebrew word Quavah,, usually translated ‘waiting.’  One meaning included the concept of ‘waiting prepared for something about to take place.’  Another contained the concept of weaving together a cord, or ‘entwining oneself with,’ a definition which The Passion Translation often uses in the Psalms for waiting on God.. We know that ‘waiting on’ can also mean as a waiter or waitress would do, which takes into another stream of mental images and concepts.

     Many of us have been waiting (often impatiently, I confess myself) for the manifestation of God’s promises for our nation spoken recently through more than a dozen of His true and reliable prophets.  We know and believe with all our hearts and minds that He will do what He has said he will do. His word (written or spoken) never comes back void. Some don't believe these prophets are truly speaking what God is saying, calling them 'false prophets,' which by the way is an inaccurate use of the term). But for those of us who do assuredly believe, we're standing firm, even though we haven't yet seen come to pass what was promised. [Oohh, that sound a little Abrahamish, doesn't it?]

     We have seen some prophesied events already take place via His Creation:  crazy, inexplicable winds around the country, a greater number of earthquakes around the world, 'inexplicable shaking' for weeks in south Florida, and widespread massive snowstorms across the country, especially in the northeast, which had previously been experiencing what meteorologists referred to as a 'snow drought.'  Those who haven't been listening and waiting (sometimes because they just were unaware, as I was in the past) could dismiss these events easily as interesting but insignificant.  However, those who have heard these things prophesied, as well as their meanings, and also heard the call to get ready in our spiritual armor (including our combat-boot-shod-feet ), wait like watchman for the morning, our eyes trained like a hawk's, knowing that the feet of God and His angels are already on the earth (also prophesied).  

     As we wait prepared like soldiers, however, we must fulfill another definition of 'to wait,' which is 'to linger.' We must linger in His Presence and in His rest.  Dutch Sheets* has just such a recent post from his "Praying 15" series, related to the prophesied coming worldwide revival. Amanda Grace, Rachel Hamm, Manuel Johnson, and Robin D. Bullock* (4 more prophetic voices) stress the importance of looking into His face, long and deeply, as our priority above all others, as we seek to fulfill our part in what the Lord has planned in our nation and on the earth.  As I have repeatedly affirmed, the Lord delights in our dedicated time to just be with Him.  His plans, and their fulfillment in us as His bride, come out of that relationship.  

     Listen for His birds; recognize the breeze on your face as the gentle touch of His hand; allow Him to give you insight through His creation by waiting, listening, and watching in the quiet of your heart.  Invite Him to sit in an adjoining chair and share His own heart with you. In Him we live and move and have our being.  In Him there is no fear or anxiety or worry of any kind, In Him we rediscover the trust of a child.  And that's how He said He wants it to be. 

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• "Qavah (Hebrew)..to wait actively with anticipation, hopefully watching for God to act." 
• Elizabeth Enlow: (waiting)  https://youtu.be/LQzaA69Olwc
• Dutch Sheets (lingering): https://youtu.be/6CoFgMKEf4M
• Amanda Grace and Rachel Hamm: (a variety of topics, including the our nation, the importance of time with the Lord, and the impact of parenting): https://youtu.be/0y5IlsvLVDQ 
• Manuel Johnson (Elijah Streams) love this man:  https://youtu.be/0-3M4m0VTp8
• Johnny Enlow:  Ellijah Streams, "Promises that make you stagger": https://youtu.be/yNL2KWuLOIE
• Prophecy regarding the winds (Dec 1 2020): Hank Kunneman

https://youtu.be/JhlJ1YAB590

• Snow prophecy (as a sign of cleansing of DC and NY...Hank Kunneman 1/24/21) https://youtu.be/Jf7dT3hEfjc
• Many, many others. Let me know if and when you want MORE! You can message me on Morning Manna's facebook page, if you like. 

Stepping on air

   

As I have recently been participating in prayer with thousands (correction, millions) of Christians around the world for the future of our nation and for the worldwide revival being prophesied by more than a dozen reliable prophets, I have had pause to ponder the role of intercession in a believer’s life.  This morning I asked the Lord to clarify two seemingly contradictory teachings on that topic, especially related to ‘standing in the gap.’ 

   Since Jesus is our Mediator, there is a radical difference between Old Testament and New Testament intercession., including the concept of ‘standing in the gap’.. it is Jesus Who truly ‘stands in the gap.’ Yet I know God has chosen to partner with us to pray His will be done ‘on earth as it is in Heaven.’ He wants us to intercede in all kinds of situations. We are not pleading with God to act, however. We are agreeing with Him, knowing He wants these things even more than we do. We are speaking forth what He says in His Word, both written and Rhema. IN JESUS’ NAME!

   However, I was still a little confused as I tried to reconcile some aspects of both sets of teaching, so I asked the Lord to clarify it for me. This is His answer, as best I could hear it:

 “I always love it when you ask Me questions. This is part of asking for wisdom, and you know know how I love and always answer that prayer in the affirmative. There is no real conflict, as you have said, although there is some misunderstanding involved on both parts. You are all always growing in maturity as you move forward in your walk with Me. I truly AM the 'Gap-Stander.' Your whole ability to connect with Me in a variety of forms--including eternity with Me--exists because I opened the Window and wedged Myself permanently inside so you could pass through.

Yet, I value your partnership in 'inter-ceding' for those things I desire to take place. It's rather like you're standing beside the window helping people step through it. I opened it and keep it open, but you lend a helping hand as people step up and through it without stumbling or falling backwards.  You point to the window when people don't see or notice it or even believe it is there, at least for them. You help them see the window and through it to the other side. That is part of the Seeing I had you write about in previous blog posts. 

You mentioned the dwarves in the hut in The Last Battle, in response to another person's C.S. Lewis quote. It is rather like that for some who have so far refused to believe there is another place outside the walls of their earthly hut. When you point to the window, some will believe you and search for the opening. As they do, it will become visible to them.

You referred to Indiana Jones and the Holy Grail recently in reference to the seemingly invisible bridge across the chasm. Desperation drove Indiana to place his foot 'on air,' where he found the ground solid beneath his feet. Desperately (spiritually) hungry people will do the same, if you have the courage to direct them in faith. Fear of man and man's opinion will try to thwart your efforts. Don't let it. You need to 'step on air,' too, to sincerely and earnestly share the pathway of My Evangel.

This Good News is not 'just' about eternity.  It is about Now.  My people need both Faith and Belief that I AM working, and that they will see the manifestation of it soon.  They, too, must 'walk on the air' of Faith in Me...that I would never abandon them at this time.  They need to believe and speak forth agreement with My Rhema Word spoken through My faithful prophets.  

Those who do so will never be disappointed..... This is the 'intercession' I am asking of you at this time, before you see with your eyes what I have said will be.