Over the last few months, I have felt the overwhelming idea of preparation in my spirit and soul. Realizing the level of preparation required to be the Bride of Christ is an eye-opener, and it can bring feelings of excitement as well as uneasiness and fear of not being ready. This is absolutely not the type of preparation that we can attain in our own work and power. It is He, the God of Israel, who has put this in us and who will accomplish it in us unto completion. Our part requires the realization, acceptance, and submission to this along with our full surrender and commitment, which will open the door for our Father to do His wonderful work. Then we can simply rest in knowing He will finish! Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ... Philippians 1:6 While this preparation encompasses much, one large part of it is a staunch pressing in and endurance. As we are being refined, buying gold tried in the fire, garments that we may be covered, and eye salve that we may see (Revelation 3:18), we are going to have constant opportunities to realize our areas of weakness and then rise above them to be strengthened. This strengthening comes when we endure, when we press in, and when we battle in the spirit with the power of Yahusha (Jesus Christ) and His Word! I made a visit to Louisiana this past week and was blessed with beautiful landscape, peaceful quiet, and even fellowship with a new friend. Two times on two different days while I while driving, I saw a billboard that stated, "Rise Above It". The second time I saw it, I knew there was a message for me, and I spoke it out loud and received it into my spirit.
It is only our surrender to the power of our Savior and our acceptance of His great love and compassion for us that will get us past these types of situations. He knows how we are truly seeking Him and trying to stand in these last days of great deception, confusion, and chaos; and He knows the pain that comes along with our refining during this time. He is so gracious to strengthen us and even carry us when needed; we only must trust and rise above all the obstacles, distractions, and negative feelings the enemy attempts to sow. So after I got home and settled and was doing my reading before bed, I came across something amazing in a devotional I am currently reading called, "Being Made Ready" by Wade Taylor. Wow is this book a wonderful guide during this time of readiness and preparation, and it was given to me at this perfect appointed time. This is what I read: The varied struggles that each of us face are very real. However, it is not the "struggle" that is important, but rather the way we view and respond to it. We live in a worldly environment where all sorts of things war against us, and many times, it seems that there is more against us than for us. This gives us ample opportunity to either feel sorry for ourselves and fall into despair, or to rise above these things and meet our Lord, as an overcomer. I know it is no coincidence that I read this on the same night after the second time of seeing the "Rise Above It" sign. I know it was a loving reminder from my Father to help me keep going strong during this difficult phase of preparation! And I know that this is not just for me but for all of us who love our Lord and Savior, Yahusha ha Maschiach (Jesus Christ) with all our being and who long to be His beloved Bride. It is encouragement for all of us to keep going!!! As we all move forward knowing that the day of being united to our Faithful Bridegroom is growing nearer and nearer, it is so very important that we STAND in faith in His strength, with His mind, and in the power and authority He has given to us. When we stand, then we RISE UP from a position of sitting or inferiority or defeat into a higher place in Him! This is a oneness with our Savior that will take us from standing to rising to flying and soaring with Him in victory! Be encouraged all ye who are weary and heavy burdened in the midst of preparation, for our Beloved Bridegroom will take our burdens and give us rest and continue to perfect us and prepare us to be with Him! Wow, rejoice in this and be glad knowing that He will.......... ... appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 Blessed be the holy and faithful name of Yahuah, the great I AM, through his Son, Yahusha ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ)!!! And how blessed are we who have been called to know Him in such a time as this!
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In the last three months or so, I have noticed that the Father has begun speaking to many in my fellowship circle about the Bride of His Beloved Son and His soon coming. I remember when it happened to me and what I began to feel. My first reaction was one of fear that I am not ready! I did not feel joy and anticipation but so desired to! I wanted to be excited and know that I am ready, but I felt the opposite. Since the initial prompting on this topic, so much has happened, and it is evident and crystal clear that the Father Yahuah, the only true God, has a message for me – just as He does for all those who are called to be a part of the Bride of Christ. So much is being shown to me about this, and I believe I am to share it for the edification and encouragement of others who may be in a similar place. It is a heart-quickening message, but it is also a message of faithfulness, hope, and the great, great love of the Father for those who He has chosen to be a part of His family! A little over a week ago, I had a dream. In this dream, I was about to get married. I stood at the wedding in a beautiful white dress, and my husband-to-be was there (although I could not see him), and the guests were there (and I could not see them either). Just before the wedding was to begin, I realized that there was no one to marry us, and we had no vows prepared. I had that sick feeling in my
Needless to say, it shook me up, because I knew it was a message from the Father that I am not yet prepared to be part of the Bride who has been set apart for His Son (please note that I have no doubt about my salvation -- the Bride of Christ is much more!). As I prayed off and on and the day wore on, I began to feel peace and just pondered more and more about the fact that the Father was gracious enough to show me that I am not ready, while there still appears to be time left to get ready! As I pondered more, I wondered what it meant that we had no vows and no one to marry us in the dream. Actually, it was pretty easy to figure that part out. I believe this to be indicative of the fact that MY vows to the Father/Son are not yet solidified nor fully proven and tested, and therefore, the Father was absent from the wedding (as the One who would marry us). He did not show up to officiate this wedding, because I was not yet fit to be His Son’s wife. Yes, this was a hard pill to swallow; but all I can do is swallow it, take heed, and follow His lead to get ready, knowing that He showed me this in love so that I can get ready while there is still time! So the story continues… Just before bed the next night after having had the dream the night before, I was feeling “concerned” again and just began to cry out to the Father. “I don’t want to be an unprepared Bride! You are my life, and I live for you! Your Son came to me 27 years ago when I was at my worst deserving judgment and death, and He graciously and gently blew into me the Breath of Life that changed me forever. I know Him, and I love Him, and my desire is to be His Bride!” Immediately after, I felt lead to go to a website of a teacher and author I have been following for many years and whose work has truly sown into me (I will list all of his information below so his work can bless you too!). I thought I was going to look for a teaching or book on hearing God’s voice, but as soon as I reached the Books page of the site, the very first book listed was titled, “Remnant Bride”. Wow! And after reading the short summary, I knew this was what I was supposed to read. I was overjoyed that my Father heard me!! He first showed me that I am not yet ready to be the Bride of His Son and then immediately lead me to a resource to help me prepare! Needless to say, I started reading the book right away and finished it within a few days. And yes, it was exactly what I needed to get me started. This book is direct, scriptural, provocative (in provoking all who are not ready to get ready!), loving, and greatly encouraging! I recommend this book to all who desire to be THE BRIDE! (And please note, it seems many are quite uninformed as to what it takes to be this Bride!!) You can find the book here. Through this experience, I see even more how that the Father and His Son love me (and this means a great deal having battled doubt for a great while)!! I believe I have been called to be a part of the Bride of Christ; and now I must continue to prepare in all seriousness, diligence, and love for them – all in the strength of the Holy Spirit and as He leads! Also, and in addition, I didn’t even realize that the Father had actually started this preparation in me some time ago, as I have been praying for years now to be filled with more of His Spirit to the point that I only speak, think, do, and act as He leads (how wonderful to finally be in this place of full surrender!) – just like His Bride! I have yearned for this for so long, and now He has begun the process of taking me on the rest of my journey to get there! As I type this, I am reminded of something I read in a wonderful book by Walter Beuttler called, “The Manifest Presence of God”. This one little statement gave me so much hope the day I read it: If God gives us a hunger for Himself, this desire has been produced by the Spirit of God, because that for which we hunger is capable of being attained. The very hunger that we have for more of God is not only God’s call to get us to move in that direction, but it is also the guarantee that we can attain to that for which we hunger, if we will keep following in the direction of the hunger. There’s something else… I feel it important to share that just prior to my dream, about a month ago, something else happened as a precursor to get me to where I am now. This experience included an encounter that could have only been orchestrated by the Father and definitely included a message for me. Basically, He had redirection in mind for me, and it was clear and it was concise. This redirection resulted in me basically stopping everything I was doing, which I thought I was doing for Him and was on the right track (and there were quite a few things). He wanted me unoccupied, undistracted, and in a state of listening. When I understood the message He had for me, I immediately obeyed. Since then, He has been very quick and consistent to show me why. This encounter was the wake-up call that prepared me to hear Him and perceive what He wanted. It lead perfectly to my Bride dream and where things are headed now! And to add some wonderful icing on this beautiful cake, this encounter I speak of came 7 years to the exact date after another encounter I had where He had given me 7 dictionary words about where He was taking me at that time (that was back on 4/14/13, and this recent encounter took place on 4/14/20). He has now shown me that this last 7 years of my walk was a wilderness journey of preparation (which included more death and tribulation than I care to talk about), and now He is taking me on a continued journey of preparation that will be different. If He will do this for me, then He will do it for ALL of those who are seeking Him and want to be fully His. I stand amazed thinking about how He works with us! We are so absolutely precious to Him, so much more than we can comprehend. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. Psalm 139:13-16 Since the initial encounter up until now, He has been showing me things that are 100% correlated to being the Bride of Christ, some of which I didn’t even realize initially. I am learning to hear His voice more clearly and to heed His leading in all things, and I am learning a great deal about prayer and worship – so much so that I perceive future posts on those two topics. These two things alone, which are beautifully powerful gifts, are significantly underutilized by the body and are two things every Bride will do in full surrender and consistency (and I need work on both!!). I am amazed at the things He is showing me and teaching me at this late hour, and I am so overwhelmingly thankful! Before I close, I feel it I important to be reminded that the current times we live in include immense challenge. I believe that we sit smack dab in the midst of the last church… the Laodicean church who basically cannot make up her mind. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked… Revelation 3:15-17 For this particular church, there are many other scriptures that I believe explain her behavior and characteristics: For this people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. Matthew 15:8 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:2-7 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 2 Peter 3:3-4 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud…. Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. Psalm 94:2, 7 Because we live in the midst of such a lukewarm church as well as directly exposed to a great beast system, we can be influenced by it all and not even realize it. We can become lax, lazy, compromising, and even spoiled, resulting in lack of consistent intimacy with the Father, lack of truly watching and waiting for the return of His Son, lack of prayer that can make a difference in every aspect of life, and an impatient and murmuring attitude. All of these things do not reflect the activities of a passionate Bride awaiting the return of her Bridegroom, and quite frankly, they are unacceptable for her in any aspect. In all transparency, I have allowed some of these things to creep into my life and walk, and I absolutely abhor the thought. The Father has made it loud and clear that we are running out of time, and our focus should be our submission and operation of the fullness of His Spirit and gifts while yet it is still day! I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4 In closing, I am truly honored to be able to share this journey, in prayerful hope that it will help and encourage others! This blog and the writings I share has been the one steady thing that I know is inspired by the Father and that He has allowed to continue. I give all praises to Him that I can be used, even in some small way. I share for His glory, proclaiming His faithfulness and mercy to lead us and to finish what He has started in conforming us to the image of His Son – that we will be fully ready to be that beautiful, spotless and blameless Bride who is anxiously awaiting His return! Remember, we can be absolutely confident and rest knowing that He is faithful to prepare us! Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ… Philippians 1:6 And one final note of importance... There are many in our country and all over the world who are not concerned about being the Bride of Christ, nor do they even possess the salvation that the Savior, Yahusha ha Machiach (Jesus Christ), so freely offers. While those of us who do and continue to seek the reward of being a part of the Bride of Christ, let us not forget our foundational calling to be His ambassadors and share the gospel of life with those who are lost in our dying world. Let us not be so consumed with our own desires that we forget those who are perishing. This is a heaviness and burden that we should all carry, because it is the very heart of our Father and His Son.
The following is the information about the author I mentioned towards the beginning of this post: Joseph Herrin Home page of website Books page I recently drove to Fort Worth with my niece to see my sons. As we were driving back south to come home through Huntsville, something caught my eye. I've travelled this route now for over 30 years (and I don't like it), and it's become rather "robotic", causing me to not sightsee or really pay attention. I've basically seen it all after having driven it probably close to 200 times. However, this time something caught my attention, and it was quickly obvious to me there was a message. The first thing I noticed was the back of a semi truck directly in front of me with a black horse jumping up on his hind feet, and then the words, Black Horse Carriers. I immediately thought of the black horse of Revelation 6 and was intrigued enough that I had my niece take a picture of it. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. Revelation 6:5
You may be wondering about this black horse of Revelation 6. In addition to verse 5 above, it goes on to state the following in verse 6: And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. Many of us who have walked with Christ and studied the bible have been taught that this black horse represents famine, and I have basically come to the same conclusion in my own studies. Because of the uncertain times in which we currently live, I feel the need to elaborate on this just a little bit. There is much talk in the mainstream news as well as alternative news about upcoming food shortages. We've heard stories of farmers having to destroy their crops and even kill their livestock because of the current pandemic and all its effects. In addition, how many of these scenes (below) have we seen on the news or on the internet? (This picture actually includes a related article - simply click on the picture to access it.)
So rather than close our minds or stick our heads in the sand, or rather panic and become fearful, let's just prepare. We can ask for understanding and wisdom to prepare both our homes and our hearts for what may lie ahead in the very near future. And where do we get this understanding and wisdom? Obviously from the one and only place we can trust - the word of God and His Holy Spirit. For a bit more understanding... in verse 5 above where it states that the rider of the horse had a pair of balances in his hands, I believe it is safe to assume that these are scales in which to weigh food sources, especially since verse 6 mentions wheat and barley as well as the payment amount for each. In times of plenty, we are not typically worried about measuring our food amounts, but in a time a scarcity, that would make complete sense. Then in verse 6 it states that one measure of wheat and three measures of barley are both a penny. In looking up this word "penny", the Greek meaning is much more than the American penny we think of today. It is actually a denarius, which is a Roman silver coin, which around the time Revelation was written was the equivalent of ten donkeys! So in essence, one measure of wheat or three measures of barley will cost the equivalent of ten donkeys (for each!). There is no doubt that this shows us that this black horse represents a time of great inflation which is likely due to lack and famine. Take a look at these other scriptures that are cross references to Revelation 6 (each of the horses and what they represent are laid out in these scriptures, but we are primarily focusing on the black horse and famine). For thus saith the Lord God; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword (red horse - Rev 6:4), and the famine (black horse - Rev 6:5-6), and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast (pale horse - Rev 6:8)? Ezekiel 14:21 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? ... And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom (red horse): and there shall be famines (black horse), and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places (pale horse). Matthew 6:3, 6-7 All these are the beginning of sorrows.. Matthew 6:8 Watching many of these things play out before our eyes, in addition to the other things we are witnessing in our world (deadly weather, violence, utter perversion, mass murders, extreme deceit in all aspects of life, and the list goes on and on); it is not abnormal to be concerned and wondering what the future holds for us. But most importantly, we must be awake and aware of what is going on and what to expect and apply the wisdom of God's word on how to be prepared and navigate through it. Without this, we will be fearful, confused, and extremely vulnerable to the enemy. And specifically with regard to the black horse of famine that may be coming very swiftly upon us, we can initially take some basic precautions to ensure that we have a decent food supply for our families, as well as learn to preserve food, cease wasting, and even practice fasting so we know what to expect if we have to go without! This is simple preparation and application of wisdom. Then applying spiritual wisdom of the Word will bring us the peace and certainty we need, knowing that our Father will meet every single need, just as He does the birds and all other living creatures. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Matthew 6:26 All in all, we have tumultuous times coming. If we haven't already, we should pray ask as the Father to help us prepare and take heed to what the Savior warned in His word of truth. He gave us signs to look for, which are His loving warnings to us to help us prepare! Although it appears we may be witnessing the beginning of the sorrows as He stated in verse 8 of Matthew 24, we prepare ourselves for more to come and in greater intensity, and we prepare for the possibility that we will see it and experience it. So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Matthew 24:33-34 Most importantly above all, we must prepare for the return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Are you ready for this?? There is a very good chance that we are of this generation who will see this most blessed and incredible event -- the one event that the saints of God have waited upon for thousands of years!! May we all be waiting and watching with great expectation and anticipation, preparing to be found spotless and pure and overflowing with hope! Remember, He said that He will come quickly and at a time when we expect Him not; therefore, preparation is paramount! Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Revelation 22:12 So having shared a bit of bitterness in this post, there is ALWAYS sweet hope to share when you are a child of the living God! I leave you with just a few of the many, many promises He has for those who fear Him and love Him and receive the perfect work of reconciliation of His Son, Yahusha ha Machiach (Jesus Christ)! Remember, He is not a man that He should lie!! He is faithful to His word and not one word will return void! I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalm 37:25
Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:18-19 And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8
Reading this excited me, simply because this topic was coming up yet again; I know this means I am to revisit it and consider it. This is a wonderful topic, because I too have experienced it in my walk; but I will admit, it has been some time since it happened. About seven to eight years ago, it happened to me more than once, and it was so profound at the time that I wrote about it. As I read again this morning what I had written years ago (which I know was inspired by the Holy Spirit, because I do not have this type of knowledge in my own self), it spoke to me and reassured me and ignited a desire in me to hear this wonderful knock again. As I read the words, I prayed to the Father that I understood it more now and I even know better how to respond, and I asked Him to please come and knock again! Then as I read in one of my devotionals today (what are the chances?!), it is completely settled in my spirit: I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled.... Song of Solomon 5:2 I would like to share this little writing I wrote years ago about this "knocking", and as always, I pray that it blesses you in some way. And if you have ever been woken up to a knock in your spirit, take heed!! It is the Father of Glory knocking on your heart. He wants to come in and commune with you for whatever purposes He has for you. It's so simple; just get up and respond and let Him have His way. You will surely be in for a great refreshing, revelation, and experience of His beautiful presence. And we can rest assured that the more we answer His knock, the more He will come knocking! Praise Him for He is greatly faithful!! A Knock at the Door
Have you ever heard loud knocks while you are sleeping or even while awake? Some of the Father's children have had this happen to them. What could it be? The knock on the door. Have you heard it? Has it awakened you? Could it be on the door of your heart? Is a door in your heart closed? Ask yourself this question. My heart knocks on your heart. A knock says, "I am here at your door. I am seeking you." He is seeking to enter the door of your heart that is still closed. Seek your own self, and ask His Spirit to show you this door. There are many doors just like there are chambers. He wants full access to all. And when you open the door, He comes in and abides; He does not leave. When you hear this knock, how do you respond? With child-like anxiety or a lazy thought? Do you know that it is Him? Don't you remember that He said He would knock, and if you open the door, Hewould come in and sup with you? It is He who knocks. The One who holds the very key to your heart. You belong to Him; He has the key. He does not use the key, because He desires your surrender. The knock requests your surrender. In His mercy and grace, He knocks. In His sovereignty, He knocks. Will you answer Him with your child-like surrender? You must answer before He can come in. Next time you hear the knock, know that it is Him. If you love Him, open the door. Allow Him to come in. Heed the knock, for it is truly Him. What about our hearts? Obedience begins in the heart. Is there a door closed that keeps you from total obedience? Is there a physical need more important than obeying Him? Is there a person more important? Ask His spirit to show you. If there is anything at all, no matter how small, it is a closed door in your heart. He will knock and request your surrender. He will also give you the strength to do so. Ask Him, and you shall have what you ask. But first, hear His knock and open the door. |
Special NoteThese writings are written in love and a spirit of servitude. They are not designed to judge but make us think. We are all sinners in need of saving, and we all need encouragement and absolute truth to endure on the narrow road to sanctification and ultimately eternal life. Categories
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