“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.

   

“Just Haven’t Seen it Yet”

 A song to encourage your heart this morning...

https://youtu.be/X1eMZiOJ0a0

Fireworks with two-fold significance

I saw fireworks before my eyes and believe I heard:

1) revelations, confessions, and exposures will come so fast that one will still be happening as the next begins. They will be seen far and wide. 

2) We, His faithful remnant, will be celebrating the manifestation of His Victory for us, using them to rejoice around the world.

Two pictures to warm your soul (to be remembered in the days ahead)

It is often when we are just drifting off to sleep or just waking up that we are especially open to Holy Spirit’s messages for us.  Last night as I lay under the covers, He gave me these comforting images, especially delightful to me in the midst of America’s evilly-engendered turmoil:

The Father tucks us (His believing, beloved children) into bed, pulling the covers up to our chins. We turn to the side, snuggling in. He brushes His hand tenderly over our hair, full of love for us, and tells us to sleep well. We hear noises outside the window, but He says not to be afraid...it is just the wind. There is a scratching at the front door, but He tells us again not to be fearful because He is our Protector and Guard, and His arm is strong. “Rest well, My precious ones. ABBA is near.”

We are surrounded by a circle of vicious enemies who are agitated and threatening us in various ways, but the Father is just chuckling. He even has His back to them as He goes about preparing a magnificent table for us, with an array of luscious-looking foods. The wine stands ready at each end, and the bread is fresh from the oven. “Eat! Enjoy!” He says. “Don’t be concerned about them. They cannot touch you.” As I pull the 🥖 apart, steam rises from it, and I lather yellow Irish butter across the end. A soft light is shining on our table, creating a lovely ambience for our celebratory feast...the Feast He has personally and lavishly laid for us, under His Tabernacle Tent.

"His Truth is marching on..."

 After 'praying 15' with Dutch Sheets today* https://youtu.be/fhqhRakLKuo (1/11/20), take a look at these two lesser known verses in Julia Howe's original poem:

 “ I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel, 

Since God is marching on

He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is Wisdom to the mighty, He is Succour to the brave,
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of Time His slave,
Our God is marching on!”

Glory, Glory Hallelujah; Glory, Glory Hallelujah

Glory, Glory Hallelujah, His Truth is marching on!”

Sing it out, my friends!

*******

See also the update God had me add to the 'Stand' post from Jan 9. From the sublime to the ridiculous. I love His humor. 🤣

Do not be afraid!

 Isaiah 41:10-14.....believe, pray, and see it come to pass before your eyes 

Stay, stand, fight and take a seat

In the early morning I hungrily seek out God’s encouragement, including through His prophets, to persevere in prayer, believing...wearing my combat boots over my ‘feet shod with the gospel of Shalom.’ During the night, when I am more vulnerable, the fear and unbelief try to supersede that firm stand. I know it is crucial to stay in the fight believing, praying, affirming, and decreeing God’s will be manifested in this land.  When we believe and declare what is  naturally impossible, yet already shown accomplished in God’s Reality, He is delighted with is. He applauds us, and the crinkles of His eyes spread wide on His face. 

The believing Church is finally coming together and being the true Ecclesia.  It wouldn’t have come forth without the spiritual battle, I realize. Now, when every conceivable human option is totally exhausted, God says, “Ok, now is when I love baring my arm and putting on a show for You!  Ha ha! Make your popcorn with lots of butter and salt [Himalayan, of course] and take a seat, while continuing to stand. The curtains are opening. Enjoy the show

Isaiah 52:10

Isaiah 40:26-31

Ha ha...God had me add this today (1/11): https://youtu.be/F-t8PngHgWY

Cleaning your windshield

This is an image and word God gave me early Sunday morning:

   I woke up this morning with an image in my mind from the Lord. I know it was from Him. I was in a convertible and there was a very dirty windshield in front of me. It was cloudy and covered with grime. You couldn't see through it, but I could see that they were presents piled up on the right-hand side on the frame of the car, to the right of the windshield, and the Lord was laughing.

   “Clean your windshield,” He said. “Your windshield is cloudy.  How can you see where you are going when your windshield is cloudy? Clean it with vinegar and with water.  Make it sparkle. I am piling my gifts up high. Make sure they are up high.  You need to proclaim and help distribute them from a higher place. We are picking up speed.  Rejoice! I am laughing with joy flinging those gifts.  I am flinging those gifts through you [the believing Church] out to the people of your nation, to the people the world.

   See the astounding grace of my gifts! Use your muscle to clean that windshield. Use the muscle of My Spirit to clean that windshield. Make it shiny squeaky clean so you can see where I am taking you and where you need to go as you help me distribute my gifts, gifts that will astound. Proclaim them, speak them forth. Do not be afraid to proclaim them; proclaim them from up high above the circumstances. They must be proclaimed from up high above the circumstances that people see and hear and feel and touch because my gifts are coming from the heavens. Believe and do not doubt; do not resign yourself to circumstances which seem to be beyond your control. Speak forth what I say, trust in what I say, see what I see, hear what I am telling you, hear my voice and proclaim my truth, my Reality. Receive what I have for you in faith and believing the truth without doubting that I am doing a new and amazing thing. Watch in wonder as it breaks forth! Be a part of it, be a part of it, Ecclesia. Be a part of it.  Don't speak against it; don't deny it; don't carry doubt in your heart but believe that I am able to do this, that nothing is impossible for Me. I am doing an amazing thing for you, a great gift. The big gift contains many smaller gifts. Rejoice and Merry Christmas! Your windshield is cloudy and grimy with dirt and deception, with the lies of many which you have believed. Clean the windshield to see what I see and believe what I am telling you… to not be deluded. Do not be deceived. Do not believe a lie but my Truth. You must clean the windshield. I cannot clean it for you. You must make a choice to clean the windshield. Partner with me to distribute my gifts. I have chosen to partner with those who believe and who trust in me. I have shared my authority with you. Those who believe partner with me to distribute the gifts.”

    He wanted me to fling them out as we travelled but told me we couldn’t go until I could see clearly:

“You must clean your windshield. Without cleaning your windshield you'll crash and burn.” That's what our nation (and the world) will do without Him, but he has a much better plan. He doesn't want us to crash and burn; he wants us to reflect his glory to the world, to speak forth His truth and demonstrate, manifest to the nations. We must clean our windshields to see what He sees, to hear what He says, to do what He wants us to do.  We must believe what He is telling us and act on that.

   “If you don't clean your windshields you will just sit in your car and be taken where you don't want to go. Your nation will be taken to very bad places, instead of to where I want you to go. The paths are diametrically different from one another.  You don't have to stay in the car with the dirty windshield and be driven by others where I don't want you to go. I want you to be free. The Truth, as I have told you, will set you free.

My gifts are Victory and Triumph, gifts of Mercy, gifts of Resetting to the original Covenant of your nation with Me. Gifts of Deliverance, gifts of Revival, gifts of Justice and and Vindication. Fling them from on high,” says the Lord.  Rejoice, rejoice, believers and let your light appear! Proclaim from the rooftops, from the highest places, that I am delivering you.  I am freeing you in the name of my Son, Jesus Christ! Proclaim my truth, proclaim my gifts and see me flinging them from high places, flinging them out, seeing them burst open to the people.  Receive them, believe them, and rejoice!” 

 

Another kind of seeing

So this morning, the joke was on me. I was thanking the Lord for so many blessings, especially having children and their spouses who love Him and one another. I do not take that for granted in any way, especially when I listen to the heartbreaking stories of other mothers and fathers, for whom I pray. 

After I write my prayers, I usually take another color pen 🖊 and listen, trying to accurately record what He wants to say to me. I know that I don’t always get it right. I sometimes write what I think He’s going to say. When I realize that (pretty quickly), I cross it out and get quiet,waiting. He often then says something that makes me laugh, and I know, then, it’s from Him. I don’t make myself laugh.

Today, after I erased what I had first written, He said He wasn’t offended but was glad I was Seeing what I was doing and He was happy that I was  Seeing the blessings He had sent. He always wants me to See His Reality over and above the ‘masked’ world I am going in and out of each day....like walking through a cloudy curtain from a clear, sparkling world and back again.

You have to read my previous blog post to get the Seeing joke. I hope you will, if you haven’t already. A good laugh ‘does good like medicine,’ especially when it’s from your ABBA.

Seeing what God sees

A dear friend needs prayer for the healing of her lungs. The Lord told me to picture her breathing in His Holy Spirit and being healed while doing so. I heard about her need for prayer as I was praying for our nation. After guiding me to picture her healed by breathing Him in, the Lord showed me an analogous prayer for our wounded and suffering land:

“In the same way you are now picturing Mary breathing in My Holy Spirit and being healed, picture your nation breathing in My Spirit and being restored and redeemed; healed of fractures, treachery, lies, and immorality, of evil fruit of all kinds...delivered, pure, and at peace.”

I have learned from Andrew Wommack’s teachings, including his series on Imagination, that He calls us to picture in our minds what He sees, to picture His will accomplished. Biblical meditation can also be translated imagination. Not the fantasy, wishful-thinking of current parlor, but a means of decreeing and asserting His Word and His Will. 

In order to accomplish this, we cannot spend time watching, seeing and listening to what man says, or we will be like two horses pulling in opposite directions, getting nowhere. Let’s turn off our televisions, close our mouths to rehearsing what is wrong, and close our apps, except those prophetic visions, testimonies, and intercessions which foster His Reality. As difficult as it is to hold not only faith in our hearts but belief in our minds, we are called to persevere, to persistently speak forth, both in the Spirit and in Our native language. To  see and say what Adonai Elohim...the Great I Am says, sees, and wills.

Amen and amen, to the ages of ages...Amen