Last night God gave me a dream where I was undergoing a teaching. It was on freedom. In the dream, the Holy Spirit showed me Romans 8:21:
"...that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."
Glorious freedom. Thank you Father. Do any of us really know what that's like? Do we understand what it means to possess glorious freedom? I don't think so, not yet. Not with a full measure, yet this is exactly what Yahshua has promised (Luke 6:38). He wants us to know; we're His family, kings in His kingdom (Proverbs 25:2)!
In my dream, there was such a liberation. I instantly knew that God had just given me a key to abide. When I heard Romans 8:21, it was written on my heart in a new way. It was so powerful, and the power was there to effortlessly provide.
That's what our Heavenly Father gives us power for -- to get closer to Him. It's not for our giftings or callings so much as it was for Him. From Him for me for Him!
It was an awesome experience of peace and contentment. If you haven't already, ask Elohim to give you heavenly dreams! He is faithful, and He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Let's all taste and see that Yahweh is good (Psalms 34:8).
Showing posts with label Heaven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heaven. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Sunday, March 13, 2016
You Have Received
A few days ago, the Spirit spoke to me, saying,
"Thomas, you have to realize that Christianity is a religion of receiving, not of giving."
Huh. That was an interesting way to put it; there was some context involved here! Recently I've been studying the major differences between Christianity and other belief systems. While the differences seem clear (and are!), it's been a good, important review of things.
We need to remember that Yahshua said, "freely you have received". We tend to overlook this message in our impulsive attempts to overemphasize the second half of it. We make His command more a message dictating us than an essence pointing to Him.
It's not about us, it's about Him (though He thinks you're wonderful, and you should too)! However, for things to be about Him, blessings must also be directed to you. Don't you realize that you're an extension of Him? It's about getting ourselves aligned with the perspective of God.
Once we're aligned, we'll realize that this reception of Yah's goodness will lead to thankfulness, joyfulness, happiness, peace, love. His mind couldn't lead to anything else.
If we focus on the receiving of Heaven from Him, then we'll be able to freely give. Why? Because we won't even think of it? We'll be so distracted by God that we can't help but give.
Other religions might be summed up like this:
Give to others, so that you may receive from God.
Or, Become Holy, so you can be like God.
Or, Pray as much as you can, so you can be near to God.
In true Christianity, this trend is reversed. It's time to take our focus off of ourselves and be overwhelmed by our Heavenly Father. It's time to focus more on receiving -- all that we have, will, and want to receive -- so that we can believe enough to have an overflow to give from. Christianity says
You are like God, so be holy.
Or, You are near God, so pray to your heart's delight!
Or, You have received, so continue receiving even while you give. It's not about your efforts, it's about His.
"Thomas, you have to realize that Christianity is a religion of receiving, not of giving."
Huh. That was an interesting way to put it; there was some context involved here! Recently I've been studying the major differences between Christianity and other belief systems. While the differences seem clear (and are!), it's been a good, important review of things.
We need to remember that Yahshua said, "freely you have received". We tend to overlook this message in our impulsive attempts to overemphasize the second half of it. We make His command more a message dictating us than an essence pointing to Him.
It's not about us, it's about Him (though He thinks you're wonderful, and you should too)! However, for things to be about Him, blessings must also be directed to you. Don't you realize that you're an extension of Him? It's about getting ourselves aligned with the perspective of God.
Once we're aligned, we'll realize that this reception of Yah's goodness will lead to thankfulness, joyfulness, happiness, peace, love. His mind couldn't lead to anything else.
If we focus on the receiving of Heaven from Him, then we'll be able to freely give. Why? Because we won't even think of it? We'll be so distracted by God that we can't help but give.
Other religions might be summed up like this:
Give to others, so that you may receive from God.
Or, Become Holy, so you can be like God.
Or, Pray as much as you can, so you can be near to God.
In true Christianity, this trend is reversed. It's time to take our focus off of ourselves and be overwhelmed by our Heavenly Father. It's time to focus more on receiving -- all that we have, will, and want to receive -- so that we can believe enough to have an overflow to give from. Christianity says
You are like God, so be holy.
Or, You are near God, so pray to your heart's delight!
Or, You have received, so continue receiving even while you give. It's not about your efforts, it's about His.
Friday, December 11, 2015
The Joy of Yahweh
"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’" ~Matthew 25:23
We all know that this verse relates to our graduation to Heaven. But like many verses in the Bible, this one can be taken both literally and symbolically, naturally and spiritually, personally and corporately. God often inserts two meanings into what He says (Psalm 62:11).
See, we can enter into the joy of our Master know! We may only experience a small measure of the joys of Heaven, but we can still experience Heaven on earth today. And that's a prerequisite to our calling here and now.
"This day is holy to our Elohim. Do not grieve, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength."
~Nehemiah 8:10
Living in Joy makes everything easier. Hope gives us joy, and joy gives us strength from God! I believe that the power of the Spirit actually gives tangible, physical strength and health. There was a period of time last year where I was not eating a nutrient dense diet. And every morning, when I went for a walk and sang to God, my legs became uncontrollably itchy. They would tingle all over. I'd experienced that before--as a cyclist taking high-dose vitamin B tablets. God was restoring my vitamins and minerals, and I felt it! All this was possible because I made the effort of believing to enter His Joy.
Forgiveness, repentance, boldness--it's all made easier by joy. If we have joy, our attempts to do things for God become a lot easier and a lot more fruitful. Joy is restful because it increases our confidence in our Heavenly Father.
If we are in a state of really believing, then joy will be evident. Remember that Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit convicts us of belief (John 16:8). If we believe, then any thought about Jesus, any thought about His sacrifice, any thought about His plans for us will bring us joy! The reality of living in God has to become greater than anything else, so His Joy can our be our joy and His contentment our contentment.
What was the joy that Jesus had? Joy should not be confused with happiness. In fact, it is an insult to Jesus Christ to use the word happiness in connection with Him. The joy of Jesus was His absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to His Father— the joy of doing that which the Father sent Him to do— “…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2). “I delight to do Your will, O my God…” (Psalm 40:8). Jesus prayed that our joy might continue fulfilling itself until it becomes the same joy as His. Have I allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy to me?
~Oswald Chambers
We all know that this verse relates to our graduation to Heaven. But like many verses in the Bible, this one can be taken both literally and symbolically, naturally and spiritually, personally and corporately. God often inserts two meanings into what He says (Psalm 62:11).
See, we can enter into the joy of our Master know! We may only experience a small measure of the joys of Heaven, but we can still experience Heaven on earth today. And that's a prerequisite to our calling here and now.
"This day is holy to our Elohim. Do not grieve, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength."
~Nehemiah 8:10
Living in Joy makes everything easier. Hope gives us joy, and joy gives us strength from God! I believe that the power of the Spirit actually gives tangible, physical strength and health. There was a period of time last year where I was not eating a nutrient dense diet. And every morning, when I went for a walk and sang to God, my legs became uncontrollably itchy. They would tingle all over. I'd experienced that before--as a cyclist taking high-dose vitamin B tablets. God was restoring my vitamins and minerals, and I felt it! All this was possible because I made the effort of believing to enter His Joy.
Forgiveness, repentance, boldness--it's all made easier by joy. If we have joy, our attempts to do things for God become a lot easier and a lot more fruitful. Joy is restful because it increases our confidence in our Heavenly Father.
If we are in a state of really believing, then joy will be evident. Remember that Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit convicts us of belief (John 16:8). If we believe, then any thought about Jesus, any thought about His sacrifice, any thought about His plans for us will bring us joy! The reality of living in God has to become greater than anything else, so His Joy can our be our joy and His contentment our contentment.
What was the joy that Jesus had? Joy should not be confused with happiness. In fact, it is an insult to Jesus Christ to use the word happiness in connection with Him. The joy of Jesus was His absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to His Father— the joy of doing that which the Father sent Him to do— “…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2). “I delight to do Your will, O my God…” (Psalm 40:8). Jesus prayed that our joy might continue fulfilling itself until it becomes the same joy as His. Have I allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy to me?
~Oswald Chambers
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Just an Update: Rest
Back to the blog. Vanessa and I have both been busy since my last post back in September! She's working on a music video, and I'm trying to learn guitar, so I can play with her in the future. Fun!
God's been teaching us to rest. He's showing us that what we do doesn't really matter--at least not compared to what He did. It's a fresh measure of grace. He's showing us how to switch from a work mentality to a rest mentality.
"Yahshua answered: this is the work of Elohim: to believe in the One He has sent"
John 6:29
That's the work of God! See, the only work we do is having faith in His Son. And at the point that we have faith, we can enter into His rest (Hebrews 4:1). The only work we have to do is enter into the promised land, and since we're already there in God's eyes, all we have to do is believe it. Anyone who chooses to believe can live in Heaven on earth. You have already arrived.
I'm not saying that life is easy or perfect. I've had a very up and down last few months. There have been times when I'm not joyful, when I don't feel like praying, or when I feel depressed. And those things are unusual for me. But the difference is that the pressure is off.
Yahweh has been luring me back in (Hosea 2:14). Even though many days I haven't tried to 'press in' or pray in tongues all day, God is still there. He's speaking to me more clearly than ever, showing me things to come. He's giving me beautiful dreams and visions.
All this is not because of me. All I've done is get bogged down in my weaknesses. But God sees His Son in me. I don't have to impress Him; I get to be impressed by Him!
The future is still bright. It's brighter than ever! Our hope is in His Glory--which is Christ in us. (Colossians 1:27)
From now on, I'll continue updating the blog. Hopefully almost every day. God's always doing something amazing, so I'll try to document some of that!
Thursday, August 20, 2015
The Gift of Faith in Prayer, Part Four
How do we walk in the gift of faith? Well...
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17
"...Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise." John 5:19
"For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak." John 12:49
In order to operate in the gift of faith, we need to draw closer to the Lord. We need to hear His will and act only based on that. This is a trust thing!
God wants us to operate in the creative gift of faith. This is a place of prophetic inspiration and declaration. We pray according to His will on heaven, in order to see His will happen on earth!
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17
"...Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise." John 5:19
"For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak." John 12:49
In order to operate in the gift of faith, we need to draw closer to the Lord. We need to hear His will and act only based on that. This is a trust thing!
God wants us to operate in the creative gift of faith. This is a place of prophetic inspiration and declaration. We pray according to His will on heaven, in order to see His will happen on earth!
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Dream: The Importance of Feast Days
"And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever." Genesis 12:17
"And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever." Exodus 12:14
I've been thinking about Old Testament regulations a lot recently. Vanessa and I feel that it's been the Lord who's brought such things to our attention.
See, when God is speaking to Moses about feast days, celebration days, etc...He tends to use the words, 'for ever'.... quite frequently. And I think there's significance to that. God didn't say to keep such rules until His Son came. He could have specified that, but He didn't. There are many such Old Testament commemorations that God instructed His children to keep, for ever.
"For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
Matthew 5:18
Even a few things Jesus said have made us think. Heaven and earth have not yet passed away! Though I don't have even close to a full revelation on all this, yet, I feel that some of aspects of the Word here just can't be discounted. To summarize, I'd say that the Law is good (1 Timothy 1:8).
And I had a dream last week that really convicted me. You know when you have a dream that you just know is from God? This was one of those. So, in the dream, I was being shown a pamphlet full of Heavenly revelation. And I was reading a page that was titled something along the lines of, "The Importance of Feast Days".
On this page, there were several bullet points, and under each bullet there was an awesome description of why God ordained dates and calendars to be the way they were. As I read more and more, the amount of wisdom and revelation coming through was astonishing. I realized what God intended when He made things the way He did. And I read all about the specific reasons for the feast days He established. Reading through that page was pretty amazing, and I had God's heart for the ancient Israelites conveyed to me in a way that's hard to describe. I realized in a new way just how meticulous, thoughtful, and wise God is in the things that He does--the things that He does for our own good.
I woke up the next morning remembering the dream, but having completely forgotten the specifics of what I'd read. And I think that's what God intended. Some of the stuff I read probably wasn't meant to be made known! But this dream convicted me of the tremendous physical and spiritual benefits that will come by following God's calendar of religious feasts and fasts.
Like I said, I don't have all this figured out yet. But I feel like there is something to it. For now, I'll liken keeping the Old Testament Law--whether by observing feast days, religious fasts, the Sabbath, or dietary rules--to icing on the cake, so to speak. The Law cannot save you! Nonetheless, I think it pleases God if His children show a conviction for the Law. I think it pleases Him if we show our interest and appreciate His workings of the past. I think that the ancient Hebrew calendar, which God first made for His chosen people and continues to work by, is worth researching.
"And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever." Exodus 12:14
I've been thinking about Old Testament regulations a lot recently. Vanessa and I feel that it's been the Lord who's brought such things to our attention.
See, when God is speaking to Moses about feast days, celebration days, etc...He tends to use the words, 'for ever'.... quite frequently. And I think there's significance to that. God didn't say to keep such rules until His Son came. He could have specified that, but He didn't. There are many such Old Testament commemorations that God instructed His children to keep, for ever.
"For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
Matthew 5:18
Even a few things Jesus said have made us think. Heaven and earth have not yet passed away! Though I don't have even close to a full revelation on all this, yet, I feel that some of aspects of the Word here just can't be discounted. To summarize, I'd say that the Law is good (1 Timothy 1:8).
And I had a dream last week that really convicted me. You know when you have a dream that you just know is from God? This was one of those. So, in the dream, I was being shown a pamphlet full of Heavenly revelation. And I was reading a page that was titled something along the lines of, "The Importance of Feast Days".
On this page, there were several bullet points, and under each bullet there was an awesome description of why God ordained dates and calendars to be the way they were. As I read more and more, the amount of wisdom and revelation coming through was astonishing. I realized what God intended when He made things the way He did. And I read all about the specific reasons for the feast days He established. Reading through that page was pretty amazing, and I had God's heart for the ancient Israelites conveyed to me in a way that's hard to describe. I realized in a new way just how meticulous, thoughtful, and wise God is in the things that He does--the things that He does for our own good.
I woke up the next morning remembering the dream, but having completely forgotten the specifics of what I'd read. And I think that's what God intended. Some of the stuff I read probably wasn't meant to be made known! But this dream convicted me of the tremendous physical and spiritual benefits that will come by following God's calendar of religious feasts and fasts.
Like I said, I don't have all this figured out yet. But I feel like there is something to it. For now, I'll liken keeping the Old Testament Law--whether by observing feast days, religious fasts, the Sabbath, or dietary rules--to icing on the cake, so to speak. The Law cannot save you! Nonetheless, I think it pleases God if His children show a conviction for the Law. I think it pleases Him if we show our interest and appreciate His workings of the past. I think that the ancient Hebrew calendar, which God first made for His chosen people and continues to work by, is worth researching.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Snapshot: Ascending Up To Breakthrough
A few days ago, the Lord showed me a vision of an open door in Heaven. There was a ladder that led up to this door--a ladder built to ascend upwards on. And He was saying that we need to ascend up to Him to walk through that door and come to that breakthrough. I needed to draw nearer to God in order to experience a full blessing, a full revelation, and a full future.
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." Revelation 4:1
Confirmed: That same day, I saw a new article on the Elijah list by Doug Addison called "Contend For Your Breakthrough". What a confirmation! It really is the same Holy Spirit that gives each personal the ability to see in part.
Confirmed: Also that same day, I stepped out the front door and noticed a shadow that looked just like the ladder and ascension that God had shown me earlier. Hey, He's in the the little things, too! God's Spirit quickened that shadow to me...He's funny sometimes.
Confirmed: Today, a friend of mine was showing me her flower garden. And she was saying that there was a lot of 'Jacob's Ladder' flowers springing up. I knew what God was saying...
"He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." Genesis 28:12
When we spend time in the presence of the Lord, we should be expectant. We should be hungering and thirsting for Him. We should boldly approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16)! God wants us to come up near Him and receive from Him more than enough wisdom for the day.
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." Revelation 4:1
Confirmed: That same day, I saw a new article on the Elijah list by Doug Addison called "Contend For Your Breakthrough". What a confirmation! It really is the same Holy Spirit that gives each personal the ability to see in part.
Confirmed: Also that same day, I stepped out the front door and noticed a shadow that looked just like the ladder and ascension that God had shown me earlier. Hey, He's in the the little things, too! God's Spirit quickened that shadow to me...He's funny sometimes.
Confirmed: Today, a friend of mine was showing me her flower garden. And she was saying that there was a lot of 'Jacob's Ladder' flowers springing up. I knew what God was saying...
"He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." Genesis 28:12
When we spend time in the presence of the Lord, we should be expectant. We should be hungering and thirsting for Him. We should boldly approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16)! God wants us to come up near Him and receive from Him more than enough wisdom for the day.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Snapshot: A better Connection
A few days ago, the Lord spoke to me very clearly and said, "you need a better connection" I knew what He meant.
"For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:5-6
The connection here is a person. That person is Jesus, and He is our mediator and our path to the Father. He lives to help us and make intercession for us . He lives to bring us nearer to God, and draw us nearer to Him.
"Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" Hebrews 7:25
Jesus stands between us and God's wrath, and He stands between us and God's affection. The Father's view of us is filtered through Jesus. He sees His Son in each and every true believer. He sees Jesus in us. This is our hope of glory, and it is reveals to us His Glory, too (Colossians 1:27). If we connect to Jesus, we can be connected to the Father. If we acknowledge Him as Immanuel, God with us, then we can always connect with the Father. We can please Him by going through His son. There is no other way.
Yeshua said to him, “I AM THE LIVING GOD, The Way and The Truth and The Life; no man comes to my Father but by me alone.” John 14:6
Confirmed: The morning after I was shown this, internet connection in our house went out. God knows how to prove a point. Connection with Him is intentional, and for many that means dedicated time in the morning.
Confirmed: Today, a new post on the Quickened Word described Jesus as a bridge between us and the throne. His death bridged the gap between our sinful hopeless condition and the Holiness of God. Jesus is the way we get to Heaven, and He is the way that we can live in the Kingdom of Heaven even while on earth. He is the way that we live live to the fullest, all the time connected to the Father God through a lifeline of awareness of Him.
"For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:5-6
The connection here is a person. That person is Jesus, and He is our mediator and our path to the Father. He lives to help us and make intercession for us . He lives to bring us nearer to God, and draw us nearer to Him.
"Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" Hebrews 7:25
Jesus stands between us and God's wrath, and He stands between us and God's affection. The Father's view of us is filtered through Jesus. He sees His Son in each and every true believer. He sees Jesus in us. This is our hope of glory, and it is reveals to us His Glory, too (Colossians 1:27). If we connect to Jesus, we can be connected to the Father. If we acknowledge Him as Immanuel, God with us, then we can always connect with the Father. We can please Him by going through His son. There is no other way.
Yeshua said to him, “I AM THE LIVING GOD, The Way and The Truth and The Life; no man comes to my Father but by me alone.” John 14:6
Confirmed: The morning after I was shown this, internet connection in our house went out. God knows how to prove a point. Connection with Him is intentional, and for many that means dedicated time in the morning.
Confirmed: Today, a new post on the Quickened Word described Jesus as a bridge between us and the throne. His death bridged the gap between our sinful hopeless condition and the Holiness of God. Jesus is the way we get to Heaven, and He is the way that we can live in the Kingdom of Heaven even while on earth. He is the way that we live live to the fullest, all the time connected to the Father God through a lifeline of awareness of Him.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Snapshot: Heavenly Downloads
"Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning." James 1:17
When I became saved in the Spring of 2013 the Lord gave me many dreams that helped me understand who He is. He was my main teacher during those amazing first few months. Spring was a time of rebirth and growing in trust and childlike faith. And as I've said in a recent post, now I am thankful to receive beautiful songs in my dreams from the Lord.
"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets"
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
God has so many things in His storehouse. He has so many things awaiting us way up in Heaven. And we are instructed to test Him, and see if He doesn't give to us!
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10
Bill Johnson said that the Kingdom of Heaven is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. How true! To outsiders Jesus says, "narrow is the path" (Matthew 7:14). But David, a friend of God, praised the Lord for broadening the path for his sake (Psalms 18:36). Once inside the Kingdom, once you have sought God, that's when He gives you the desires of your heart. That's when He can redeem your creativity! That's when you can embrace a download from Heaven.
This download may be a dream. It may be a vision. It may mean making artwork, or a song, or a writing. It will come surrounded by a gift of wisdom--more on this in a future post. God wants to give each of us a portion of His imagination to apply to our respective fields. Seek first His Kingdom, and see if He doesn't transform your life.
When I became saved in the Spring of 2013 the Lord gave me many dreams that helped me understand who He is. He was my main teacher during those amazing first few months. Spring was a time of rebirth and growing in trust and childlike faith. And as I've said in a recent post, now I am thankful to receive beautiful songs in my dreams from the Lord.
"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets"
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
God has so many things in His storehouse. He has so many things awaiting us way up in Heaven. And we are instructed to test Him, and see if He doesn't give to us!
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10
Bill Johnson said that the Kingdom of Heaven is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. How true! To outsiders Jesus says, "narrow is the path" (Matthew 7:14). But David, a friend of God, praised the Lord for broadening the path for his sake (Psalms 18:36). Once inside the Kingdom, once you have sought God, that's when He gives you the desires of your heart. That's when He can redeem your creativity! That's when you can embrace a download from Heaven.
This download may be a dream. It may be a vision. It may mean making artwork, or a song, or a writing. It will come surrounded by a gift of wisdom--more on this in a future post. God wants to give each of us a portion of His imagination to apply to our respective fields. Seek first His Kingdom, and see if He doesn't transform your life.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Snapshot: Power Like Lightening
Jesus came set people free. He came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). How does He do it? By the power of the Holy Spirit. By power like lightening. God's power is mighty beyond our comprehension, and used for the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). It is used for setting the oppressed free. God is the only person entitled to put on a show.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free..." Luke 4:18
Many people out there are just looking for a flash of light. They are looking for the power of Jesus, they just don't know it yet. So many are led astray by false religions. And so many are led astray by their own pride...they have a form of godliness, but deny it's power (2 Timothy 3:5). Thankfully, though, there are many who will be saved who have not yet been taken to that point. These people are in need of a demonstration of God's power. They need to find the truth, and they need the One true God to take them there. Only the force of God can break through the powers of darkness that exist between us and God.
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on
snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However,
do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:17-20
As Christians, we are responsible to play a part in this. We have been given the power and authority of God. And we need to use it to destroy whatever might get between others and God. Are you willing to do God's work and release others from the enemy's oppression? Then you need God's power and the full force of His Spirit. Are you willing to pay the price for it? There was a wonderful confirmation of this thematic message on the Quickened Word recently. I won't link to it here. Just know that if you haven't already, you really should check this website out!
"I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:49
Jesus told His disciples to stay within themselves until they received power from Heaven. This is so telling--we need His power to accomplish anything meaningful for Him. No amount of our hard work can meaningfully touch others. Our effort cannot heal hearts or bodies. But God within us can. He wants to give us power like lightening.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free..." Luke 4:18
Many people out there are just looking for a flash of light. They are looking for the power of Jesus, they just don't know it yet. So many are led astray by false religions. And so many are led astray by their own pride...they have a form of godliness, but deny it's power (2 Timothy 3:5). Thankfully, though, there are many who will be saved who have not yet been taken to that point. These people are in need of a demonstration of God's power. They need to find the truth, and they need the One true God to take them there. Only the force of God can break through the powers of darkness that exist between us and God.
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on
snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However,
do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:17-20
As Christians, we are responsible to play a part in this. We have been given the power and authority of God. And we need to use it to destroy whatever might get between others and God. Are you willing to do God's work and release others from the enemy's oppression? Then you need God's power and the full force of His Spirit. Are you willing to pay the price for it? There was a wonderful confirmation of this thematic message on the Quickened Word recently. I won't link to it here. Just know that if you haven't already, you really should check this website out!
"I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:49
Jesus told His disciples to stay within themselves until they received power from Heaven. This is so telling--we need His power to accomplish anything meaningful for Him. No amount of our hard work can meaningfully touch others. Our effort cannot heal hearts or bodies. But God within us can. He wants to give us power like lightening.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Snapshot: Music From Heaven
Over the past several months, I've been having some interesting dreams. God's been giving me songs and harmonies in my sleep. These songs are downloaded from Heaven. Sometimes they are gospel songs, sometimes they are blue's based--last night, I even heard a Christian rap song. I don't like rap, but this one was very anointed.
I'm not always a fan of modern Christian radio--some of the songs just sound like pop to me. And they all sound the same! But the songs I hear in my dreams are always so creative. Some incorporate awesome rock riffs; others beautiful harp music. In addition, they carry such a spiritual weight to them. It's hard to explain, but this dream-music carries the presence and splendor of Heaven.
"Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath." Isaiah 44:23
You can probably think of a few songs that personally bring you close to God. You might have a few favorite Christian songs that are especially anointed. The songs God's given in my dreams are kind of like this, but just spiritually intensified. Like I said, they make such a testimony to God's nature. They really, really usher in the presence of God. In essence, they are perfect in every way.
I'm not wanting to brag here. These songs have been given from God, and they are of His inspiration. They haven't been my doing! But I think they are representative of something important. God wants to give us supernatural ideas and downloads. I'm not even a musician, but God knows I have a passion for worshipful music, and He has seen it fit to give me such things. He wants to give all of us something good from the storehouses of Heaven.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
Confirmed: Yesterday on the Quickened Word there was a word about God releasing new sounds that would reveal His knowledge. These songs will be similar to the Psalms in that they prophecy into our spirits a powerful experience with the Lord. These sounds are designed to stir us up, to allow us to reach new spiritual heights. They are designed to take us to the mountaintop with God.
"They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD-- the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more." Jeremiah 31:12
I'm not always a fan of modern Christian radio--some of the songs just sound like pop to me. And they all sound the same! But the songs I hear in my dreams are always so creative. Some incorporate awesome rock riffs; others beautiful harp music. In addition, they carry such a spiritual weight to them. It's hard to explain, but this dream-music carries the presence and splendor of Heaven.
"Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath." Isaiah 44:23
You can probably think of a few songs that personally bring you close to God. You might have a few favorite Christian songs that are especially anointed. The songs God's given in my dreams are kind of like this, but just spiritually intensified. Like I said, they make such a testimony to God's nature. They really, really usher in the presence of God. In essence, they are perfect in every way.
I'm not wanting to brag here. These songs have been given from God, and they are of His inspiration. They haven't been my doing! But I think they are representative of something important. God wants to give us supernatural ideas and downloads. I'm not even a musician, but God knows I have a passion for worshipful music, and He has seen it fit to give me such things. He wants to give all of us something good from the storehouses of Heaven.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
Confirmed: Yesterday on the Quickened Word there was a word about God releasing new sounds that would reveal His knowledge. These songs will be similar to the Psalms in that they prophecy into our spirits a powerful experience with the Lord. These sounds are designed to stir us up, to allow us to reach new spiritual heights. They are designed to take us to the mountaintop with God.
"They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD-- the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more." Jeremiah 31:12
Friday, December 26, 2014
Snapshot: An Eternal Perspective
God has a different relationship to time than we do. In fact, He operates outside of time and space altogether!
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." 2 Peter 3:8
And I was thinking about this a few days ago, and realizing that one day we will look back at our momentary troubles and realize how insignificant they were. We will look back and see how God worked our suffering into His Redemption plan. And someday we'll be in Heaven with Him, fully understanding the causes of things that caused confusion back while we were alive on the earth.
I realized in that moment, that our trials only make sense if we view time from an eternal perspective.
If we realize that God has already designed the end from the beginning, if we realize that He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, if we realize the eternal nature of His Love, then we can retain His Joy throughout any earthly difficulties. We can welcome any of the "light and momentary troubles" that Jesus promised would come (John 16:33).
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:17
Glory to God. He has promised us eternal Glory. Not only that, but this heavenly state has already been set in place for us!
"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus..." Ephesians 2:6
In order to live this life to the fullest we need to have an eternal perspective. We need to really live in believing that we have a tremendous joy set before us. There is so much joy set before us! God has been storing it up for us since the beginning. Lord, I believe! Hallelujah.
Confirmed: After thinking on this topic for a while, I got on my Kindle and saw a notification that struck me as odd. The message said, "It looks like you have changed time zones". This would normally only happen if I had actually traveled west to the next time zone.
Right after seeing this uncanny notification, I got onto the Quickened Word website and saw a new post...Here it is. I knew what God was saying. He had directed my thoughts, and I had indeed changed 'time zones' to and aligned with His eternal, timeless perspective!
And that's exactly what God wants! He wants us to know the truth that His calling had, even from before time began. He wants us to know that our this life is not eternal, and even this short life is not our own. We need to realize that this world in it's present form is passing away (1 John 2:17). So let's live as if we believed this. Let's live life from an eternal perspective. Our calling is awesome, so let's accept whatever trials He desires to take us through. Let's keep our eyes fixed on the Savior.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Snapshot: A Heavenly House
Yesterday I was in church and there was a scripture reading on John 14. Of course, this was made more personal for me because the disciple Thomas was talking with Jesus in that passage. Thomas was concerned--He wanted to stay with Jesus, when Jesus was talking about a future paradigm with which the disciples felt very much out of concern. But Jesus doesn't want our hearts to be troubled.
So God began laying some specific things on my heart. He began reminding me about the house He's prepared for me in heaven. He's prepared for us a holy house, a glorious house. And He showed me I can get more than a foretaste now.
Can this life get better? It can.
Will this life get better? It will, but we need to aggressively seek the Lord.
He will not punish us for coming to close. As long as we come through faith in Jesus, we don't need to be afraid. We can live under an open heaven RIGHT NOW. We can experience a taste of that Day today. We can have our spirits set in high places at this very moment.
God wants to reward us. He wants to lavish His love upon us. He wants us to be full of Glory. He wants us to count the cost for this, then gladly obey all. You'd be surprised about just how much God wants to give to us. I've been, at least. No eye has seen, and no ear has heard, exactly how great our riches in Him will be (1 Corinthians 2:9). And we can start receiving this now. But we have to really want it. We have to have Jesus as our mediator. We have to follow Him all the way to the Father, and with every surmounted obstacle He will strip our sinful flesh away.
Confirmed: Today I overheard a scripture lesson on Christian radio on John 14. John 14:2 says, "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" Jesus wants to take us to the very same place that He is going.
So God began laying some specific things on my heart. He began reminding me about the house He's prepared for me in heaven. He's prepared for us a holy house, a glorious house. And He showed me I can get more than a foretaste now.
Can this life get better? It can.
Will this life get better? It will, but we need to aggressively seek the Lord.
He will not punish us for coming to close. As long as we come through faith in Jesus, we don't need to be afraid. We can live under an open heaven RIGHT NOW. We can experience a taste of that Day today. We can have our spirits set in high places at this very moment.
God wants to reward us. He wants to lavish His love upon us. He wants us to be full of Glory. He wants us to count the cost for this, then gladly obey all. You'd be surprised about just how much God wants to give to us. I've been, at least. No eye has seen, and no ear has heard, exactly how great our riches in Him will be (1 Corinthians 2:9). And we can start receiving this now. But we have to really want it. We have to have Jesus as our mediator. We have to follow Him all the way to the Father, and with every surmounted obstacle He will strip our sinful flesh away.
Confirmed: Today I overheard a scripture lesson on Christian radio on John 14. John 14:2 says, "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" Jesus wants to take us to the very same place that He is going.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Snapshot: "T"
Yesterday I was working on something and took some time to focus on God. I saw a stairway leading upwards to heaven, then a massive "T". I felt the lovingkindness of God's presence, then heard Him say, "It's time to take a time out". This caught me off guard, but I felt Him confirm it as a good thing--it's time to take some "time out" for Him! The Lord was telling me to draw near to Him, be renewed, and become built upwards in the most holy faith (Jude 1:20). Glory to God. He wants us to access it and partake of it with Him.
Confirmed: About a half hour later I saw a license plate on a parked car that said, "TWORDME". Wow! God makes His messages clear over time...He is the God of order, and not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). He wants me to take "time outs" and fellowship towards Him! I know the spelling was off on the plate, but the wording there only made the message stronger in my mind. Let's go "TWORD" God and His "WORD".
Confirmed: There was also a business sign that said something remarkably on-topic about "time outs". This happened just before I saw the plate. Unfortunately, I didn't write it down at the time and soon forgot it. Sometimes I feel that God makes me forget confirmations very quickly. I think He does this so we can these signs simply as a tool, and not glorify them in themselves. As soon as God delivers the message and accompanying confirmations, it's probably best to move onwards with Him and not continue distracted by this or that sign. Paul said he did this--forgetting what was behind and pressing on in the faith (Philippians 3:13). For God's sake, sometimes forgetting signs is good. We should not be overwhelmed or fixated on them, but only the heart of God that they demonstrate.
"Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David." Isaiah 55:3
Confirmed: About a half hour later I saw a license plate on a parked car that said, "TWORDME". Wow! God makes His messages clear over time...He is the God of order, and not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). He wants me to take "time outs" and fellowship towards Him! I know the spelling was off on the plate, but the wording there only made the message stronger in my mind. Let's go "TWORD" God and His "WORD".
Confirmed: There was also a business sign that said something remarkably on-topic about "time outs". This happened just before I saw the plate. Unfortunately, I didn't write it down at the time and soon forgot it. Sometimes I feel that God makes me forget confirmations very quickly. I think He does this so we can these signs simply as a tool, and not glorify them in themselves. As soon as God delivers the message and accompanying confirmations, it's probably best to move onwards with Him and not continue distracted by this or that sign. Paul said he did this--forgetting what was behind and pressing on in the faith (Philippians 3:13). For God's sake, sometimes forgetting signs is good. We should not be overwhelmed or fixated on them, but only the heart of God that they demonstrate.
"Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David." Isaiah 55:3
Monday, November 10, 2014
Vision: Heavenly Doors
Last week I started receiving visions of gates opening. These gates and doors were intricately carved and had been tightly shut. I sensed they were spiritual doors that directed physical events. God gives us open doors when we prove faithful.
"because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." 1 Corinthians 16:9
We need to stay focused on the Lord Jesus to pass through doors, and we must prize spiritual doors above worldly ones. Once we can "count everything else as loss" (Philippians 3:8), the Lord will give us spiritual gifts. We need to eagerly desire these things, and seek them. Above all, seek God's face. God rewards a hunger for Him.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6
Satisfaction is guaranteed if we humbly ask from God. And spiritual satisfaction means going from "strength to strength" and from "glory to glory". It means passing through trials within a hedge of protection. It means that God goes before us and opens the doors. Glory to God! Seeking Him keeps us from impatience--we cannot press ahead of His steps. He needs to be our light and our inspiration.
"But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment." Isaiah 50:11
Humility and reverence will never lead us into prying open our own doors. Sometimes we need to ask and then receive, not ask and then receive. Sometimes the Spirit will lead us to step aside and see the hand of God move on our behalf. Let's pray for God's guidance to direct us to the right doors. If it's His Will, He will guide the path. We need to be discerning and warfare God's way. God does not fail, and we can ask to pass through opened doors in faith in God's goodness.
"because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." 1 Corinthians 16:9
We need to stay focused on the Lord Jesus to pass through doors, and we must prize spiritual doors above worldly ones. Once we can "count everything else as loss" (Philippians 3:8), the Lord will give us spiritual gifts. We need to eagerly desire these things, and seek them. Above all, seek God's face. God rewards a hunger for Him.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6
Satisfaction is guaranteed if we humbly ask from God. And spiritual satisfaction means going from "strength to strength" and from "glory to glory". It means passing through trials within a hedge of protection. It means that God goes before us and opens the doors. Glory to God! Seeking Him keeps us from impatience--we cannot press ahead of His steps. He needs to be our light and our inspiration.
"But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment." Isaiah 50:11
Humility and reverence will never lead us into prying open our own doors. Sometimes we need to ask and then receive, not ask and then receive. Sometimes the Spirit will lead us to step aside and see the hand of God move on our behalf. Let's pray for God's guidance to direct us to the right doors. If it's His Will, He will guide the path. We need to be discerning and warfare God's way. God does not fail, and we can ask to pass through opened doors in faith in God's goodness.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Dream: Galaxy at War
This summer God gave me an interesting dream. I was prompted to share it here, by an advertisement on my Kindle called "Galaxy at War". The Lord speaks to me through random things quite often. Kindle advertisements included...
Anyways, in the dream I was on top of a wall in a populated area. I was fleeing something, when a series of chaotic events was set off. The ground shook and this wall I was walking on began to twist and shake. I heard thunder and the sky seemed to turn red. Everything felt very apocalyptic. I instinctively knew that I would not be staying on earth much longer.
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:7-8
I felt scared and thought, 'God save me!' After I said this, a light blue, transparent triangular object burst out of the sky. It was spinning as it flew downwards. Instinctively I knew that it was a galaxy. Three huge tubes were conjoined by complex geometric shapes. Like I said, I just knew it was a galaxy. Sometimes in dreams you just know. I've read it's the same for people caught up to heaven.
This galaxy came crashing into the earth and caused an enormous explosion. Just before the fireball from this collision consumed me, I was lifted up to a heavenly place. Everything was still and quiet--quite a change from the calamity on earth. I knew I had been rescued.
So, I realize that this new place is very still and very dark. I felt there was a giant expanse below me. Alone and vulnerable, I curled into the fetal position and waited. This got kind of scary, too! I was so out of control.
Soon, though, this beautiful music began playing. I can't quite describe it; the sound was on a very different wavelength than anything I'd heard on earth. I felt like I was being transported to Heaven, and my mind was at rest. As I traveled up, the darkness faded. I was approaching these angels who were singing this song. As I got closer, the music overwhelmed me. I felt God's presence surround me....and then I woke up.
What a creative God we have. I find that if we keep ourselves pure while awake, He gives us Godly dreams when we ask. And of course He surprises us, too, by giving even when we don't ask!
Confirming scripture:
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and it's works will be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10
"He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds." Job 33:15
"And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps." Revelation 14:2
Anyways, in the dream I was on top of a wall in a populated area. I was fleeing something, when a series of chaotic events was set off. The ground shook and this wall I was walking on began to twist and shake. I heard thunder and the sky seemed to turn red. Everything felt very apocalyptic. I instinctively knew that I would not be staying on earth much longer.
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:7-8
I felt scared and thought, 'God save me!' After I said this, a light blue, transparent triangular object burst out of the sky. It was spinning as it flew downwards. Instinctively I knew that it was a galaxy. Three huge tubes were conjoined by complex geometric shapes. Like I said, I just knew it was a galaxy. Sometimes in dreams you just know. I've read it's the same for people caught up to heaven.
This galaxy came crashing into the earth and caused an enormous explosion. Just before the fireball from this collision consumed me, I was lifted up to a heavenly place. Everything was still and quiet--quite a change from the calamity on earth. I knew I had been rescued.
So, I realize that this new place is very still and very dark. I felt there was a giant expanse below me. Alone and vulnerable, I curled into the fetal position and waited. This got kind of scary, too! I was so out of control.
Soon, though, this beautiful music began playing. I can't quite describe it; the sound was on a very different wavelength than anything I'd heard on earth. I felt like I was being transported to Heaven, and my mind was at rest. As I traveled up, the darkness faded. I was approaching these angels who were singing this song. As I got closer, the music overwhelmed me. I felt God's presence surround me....and then I woke up.
What a creative God we have. I find that if we keep ourselves pure while awake, He gives us Godly dreams when we ask. And of course He surprises us, too, by giving even when we don't ask!
Confirming scripture:
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and it's works will be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10
"He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds." Job 33:15
"And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps." Revelation 14:2
Saturday, October 18, 2014
"Be Bold"
Yesterday's morning the Lord spoke to me. This is what He said:
"Thomas, receive My Words. I will be here for for eternity, and so will you, so learn to treasure My Words. Thomas, I adore you. Thomas, you are a pleasing sound to Me. Thomas, let yourself be bold for Me, to accomplish My missions for you. Go now and magnify My rest!"
As you can see, there was a lot about receiving God in this word. God is a giver of good gifts, and by faith in His goodness we can open open ourselves up to receive them. We need to treasure and delight in the things He tells us...we need to "humbly accept the implanted word". (See James 1:21). We need to accept the grace of God that is still being given to us, and we need to move accordingly into His power. All it takes is repentance and humility, and then by faith we can be justified by God--then we can please Him!
It only took a few hours for God to confirm these words. You will find that He enjoys showing Himself true--His Word will not return to Him void.
Confirmed: Quickened phrase from Richard Sigmund's book on Heaven: 'The Lord loves mission-minded people'.
Confirmed: After I had been reading in the car for a while, the Lord prompted me to look up. Just as I did my eyes saw a sign that read, "Die Bold'. I have no idea what it was for, but I know what God spoke to me through it. When we are bold for His purposes, we are called to crucify the flesh and die daily. It is in this suffering that we can receive and partake in His Glory. Glory to God!
Keep in mind that it is the Holy Spirit who brings things to remembrance. And because He within is greater than he who's in the world, we can be confident that the Holy Spirit can use many means to glorify Jesus and the Word that glorifies Him. God uses the Bible and random street signs to confirm the things He's told me. All things are His servants.
"Thomas, receive My Words. I will be here for for eternity, and so will you, so learn to treasure My Words. Thomas, I adore you. Thomas, you are a pleasing sound to Me. Thomas, let yourself be bold for Me, to accomplish My missions for you. Go now and magnify My rest!"
As you can see, there was a lot about receiving God in this word. God is a giver of good gifts, and by faith in His goodness we can open open ourselves up to receive them. We need to treasure and delight in the things He tells us...we need to "humbly accept the implanted word". (See James 1:21). We need to accept the grace of God that is still being given to us, and we need to move accordingly into His power. All it takes is repentance and humility, and then by faith we can be justified by God--then we can please Him!
It only took a few hours for God to confirm these words. You will find that He enjoys showing Himself true--His Word will not return to Him void.
Confirmed: Quickened phrase from Richard Sigmund's book on Heaven: 'The Lord loves mission-minded people'.
Confirmed: After I had been reading in the car for a while, the Lord prompted me to look up. Just as I did my eyes saw a sign that read, "Die Bold'. I have no idea what it was for, but I know what God spoke to me through it. When we are bold for His purposes, we are called to crucify the flesh and die daily. It is in this suffering that we can receive and partake in His Glory. Glory to God!
Keep in mind that it is the Holy Spirit who brings things to remembrance. And because He within is greater than he who's in the world, we can be confident that the Holy Spirit can use many means to glorify Jesus and the Word that glorifies Him. God uses the Bible and random street signs to confirm the things He's told me. All things are His servants.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Snapshot: Only One Road Leads to Heaven
This post marks the start of a new kind of blog entry...the snapshot. These entries will be pretty short, and they will document the smaller scale themes that the Lord speaks to me. Many of these themes are not much more than simple reminders of the truth, and many of them only have a few confirmations. If they're important enough for God, though, they're important enough for me!
When writing this kind of post, I will try to abbreviate things...expect these snapshots to evolve over time.
Message: Only one road leads to Heaven
Confirmed:
- Benny Hinn video I watched yesterday. In it, He stated his frustration for pastors who do not testify to Jesus as the world's only savior.
- Gmail: Newsletter from the Christian Post... "Harvest America: All Roads Lead to God But Only One Road Leads to Heaven, Through Jesus Christ"
- Gmail: random inbox add..."Give rides, get cash". This one may take a little interpretation; it came up just as I was looking at the Christian Post headline above.
Confirming Scripture: "Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6
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