Victory through Repentance

This morning, I surrendered some things to God.  Honestly I was long overdue in doing this.  So, I surrendered to God and repented for the things I had been clinging to.   "Pet sins" are very dangerous.  Fleeing from sin is the best response to it.  We need God's help to do this.

"Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the LORD's house."  Isaiah 52:11

God spoke to my heart that I was forgiven and restored to Him.  I had come out of my sin, and then He made me pure.  It is His grace that does this.

I was instructed to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance"  (Matthew 3:8).  Repentance to me means turning away from one thing and changing mindsets.  It means looking down on sins that separate from God, and looking forward to His new opportunities.

God gives us grace so that we can return to Him.  As long as we want to and repent of our past sin, we can return.  After returning, obedience is especially important.  It is a yielding to His Spirit that allows us to bear fruit "in keeping with", or worthy of, repentance.  If we are not bearing good fruit, we probably aren't fully repentant.

Once forgiven, I felt an influx of God's love.  It feels so good to be accepted and redeemed!  It feels to good to partake of the heavenly gift.   It feels so good to be judged righteous.

The Lord God gave me a vision of a person standing victorious.  This person had a large diamond planted behind them, but only the top quarter was showing.  So the only part of the diamond exposed to the outer world was a small triangle. They were victorious through their belonging to God, which demonstrated itself in true change.  Victory was found in bearing fruit!

Diamond Representation:  Represents our portion in Christ, our spiritual origin.  God polishes us as diamonds in the rough, glorifying and reflecting Himself through His good works in us.  There are so may unseen treasures stored up for a child of God.  "All creation" has been groaning "for the revealing of the sons of God" (Romans 8:19-22).  The Holy Spirit wants to reveal Jesus in all of us.

"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn".  Isaiah 51:1

Small Triangle Representation:  This was the top of the diamond, the "tip of the iceberg".  Seen things are only a small portion of the glory of God's Spirit living in us all!  And there's a price to pay for more of God to unveil itself through in us.  So, this small triangle is the fruit of the Spirit, that "fruit worthy of repentance", that other people see.  Remember that a triangle represents change.  Change follows repentance, if we belong to God.

Put together the pieces of this vision, and you'll see a clear message unveiled.  True Victory comes from true change, which comes from true repentance, which is made possible by our inheritance and belonging to God.  Glory to God!

God's Perspective

"Remember His marvelous works that He has done."  Psalm 105:5

Sometimes it helps to look back at God's grace in the past, so that we can have hope for the future.  He's taken us out of the wilderness and revived us!  We need to see the forest for the trees.  We need to realize that God has had His strong hand upon us until this point.  And He is just the same today.  He is still willing to redeem.

Let's learn to treasure God's love, just as it was shown in our past.  Let's remember the works He has done for us on behalf of His name.  Let's believe that His feelings towards us now can be just as great, and let's believe we can return to His presence.

God has taken me through so much.  He has loved me from the start, and He wants me to be "set in high places" as one of His children.  It is the same with all who call on Him.  His light has shown on us.  We must stay close to Him so that we can have oiled lamps, having been trained in godliness.  His light needs to encompass our every step, and it needs to be clear in our past with God, too.

When in doubt, remember the things that God has spoken.  Doubt and fear can choke out His Words if left unchecked.  The implanted Word can be overgrown by weeds, then thorns.  There is a way out.  Meditate and consider God's character in the past.  He still feels the same about us.  He is not a "son of man, that He should change His mind".  He is faithful.  Glory to God!

God's Wisdom

Wisdom has been a strong theme recently.  We need wisdom to know how to align with God.  What would He have us do?  What would He have us say?  What would He have us think?  Wisdom is personified by the Holy Spirit.  Wisdom is godly, truthful knowledge.

James 3:13:  "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show his works out of good conduct and with the meekness of wisdom."

So once we have wisdom, we can show it by demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit.  We can do good, and also be humble enough that we can be generous with our right hand, while not letting the left hand know what we're doing (Matthew 6:3).

I've also been reading Proverbs.  This morning, I received a vision of a highway, long and narrow.  I knew it symbolized the focused path the Lord God wants we on.  A few moments after this, I read Proverbs 15:19.

"The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway."

The Lord confounds the wicked, but those who have wisdom are set above.  Narrow is the path we need to stay on to keep following wisdom.  If we walk humbly with God and His wisdom, He will guide us along this Highway.  He will guide us with such accuracy; He will even number our steps for us!  This can all happen because God has pre-ordained things before time began.  When we get away from God, He often frustrates our efforts and takes our rest.  Return to Him!

"Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known."  Proverbs 14:33

Wisdom is kept in the hearts of those who follow God.  That's because the Holy Spirit, our seal, gives us this wisdom.  If we yield to the Spirit, we are those called "discerning", and wisdom will not be taken from us.  We need to keep the Spirit, and it's wisdom, at all costs.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  Proverbs 9:10

Fear of the Lord, reverence and awe of Him, is where wisdom starts.  There is so much knowledge out there, and not all of it magnifies God.  We need to fear God, and stay under Him, to stay safe from lies and false ideas.  If we fear Him in the right way, He can then reveal to us hidden knowledge.  Knowledge is only useful from His perspective.  His knowledge is called wisdom!  And we cannot expect to have true wisdom without first relying on our Creator.  We need to hold onto His love as we are taught more and more.  God's perspective is the only one that counts.

Synchronicity: How to Read The Word

God gave us His Word for many reasons. The Word is our hope and our encouragement, our "ever-present hope in times of trouble." We cannot forget or underestimate the Word. It is alive and active, and by the Holy Spirit it is made real to us.

The Bible gives us commands to keep us pure in the eyes of God, and it also gives us moment by moment direction. There are a few names for the Word's present-time guidance. I like to call this kind of direction "rhema" or "navigational commands". These things come from the Word as we read it led by the Holy Spirit.

So, how to get specific commands from the bible? There are certainly times when it's good to read long passages of scripture at once, but the Lord has given us faster ways to discern His answers to specific questions. When we are led by the Spirit and operating out of a place of faith, random bible reading is often miraculously on topic. Try randomly opening a bible up and you'll see what I mean. As long as we precede this by trust and reliance on God, He gives specific direction through the Word, in ways that are sometimes totally unrelated to the context of that scripture section.

For example, last night I had a warning-type dream. It related to discipline that was painful. I felt it was from God, and this dream really helped me understand His might in disciplining those He loves. His discipline, and His commands to stay blameless, are designed for our protection, "lest some worse thing happen". After asking for His help, I open up the Word to Proverbs 19:18:

"Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction."

So this verse synchronously confirmed the topic and message of last night's dream. God is always faithful to His Word. The Bible is unlike any other book, and because of that, it is reliable to direct us when opened at random. So, often, I open my Bible at random and the first thing my eyes see totally relates to the day's events. Sometimes the first passage I read relates to things that happened just minutes ago. These synchronistic happenings are not just coincidences! No, those who are near God need to acknowledge His power (Isaiah 33:13).

 In the last month or so, the Holy Spirit has been teaching me how to get specific instruction from God on behalf of others. I don't mean prophecy here, but more so selecting timely bible verses, that often have a prophetic meaning. It all starts by hearing God's voice. The further you go along with God, the less and less you can do things, even spiritual things, according to your own will.

This new method is very efficient, but like I said, it must be strongly guided by God. So, most mornings I seek God on behalf of my wife. I acknowledge His ability, and His power, and then open my Bible at random. I may have my eyes closed, and point to a spot on the page, before opening my eyes and reading the selected verse. Or, I might just "know" that I'm meant to keep my eyes open, and immediately look on near the top left corner of the page. Direction such as this is a benefit of "keeping in step" with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

 Once again, distinct guidance is critical here! The Lord directs me when I do these random, finger-pointing readings...it is He that gives me protection and wisdom. Often He speaks with that "still, small voice" and tells me where to point my finger, which side of the page to gaze at, or where in the Word I should first open. When I do read as directed, God always gives me a passage whose message couldn't be a bit better. This is my one of my favorite ways to get specific direction from God.

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:105

The Word is a light for the feet, not a spotlight into the distant future. So many people miss this! The Word guides us step by step. If we could do more than just "see in part" (1 Corinthians 13:9), we would not need to fully rely on God, nor have faith in the unseen! The synchronistic things God directs to us often fall around our feet, as He turns our "darkness into light" and guides us moment by moment. God's Spirit aligns us with converging events, through the Word, that guide our path. Glory to God! He really is so creative. Synchronicity through the word keep us "in step" better than almost anything. Reading the Bible at random is such a faith builder. Like I said, though, we must begin reading in faith that "the Lord is God, shining upon us". Or else, we are in serious danger of our faith being hurt even more:

"...Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them." Matthew 13:12

So, let's read the word with faith to receive, and faith to believe the rhema word that God wants to speak. Let's desire clear and specific instruction, so that we can walk on His path for us, and not resort to lighting our own fires. Let's acknowledge God's power to move through synchronistic events, and give Him the Glory for it!

"For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36

Our calling: Compassion

The past few days I've been reminded by the Lord about my purpose in life. The Holy Spirit brought 3 verses to remembrance:

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

"Jesus replied: “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'" Matthew 22:37

"And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"Matthew 22:39

And I realized how simple everything really should be. I realized again that no worldly achievements can impress God. This world in its present form is "passing away" (1 Corinthians 7:31). That makes our purpose much more simple, if we meditate and then act on this perspective.

How did Jesus act? He saw the people and He was moved with compassion. Not just human compassion, but the compassion of God. He responded with powerful demonstrations of His Father's love. He walked humbly with the Father, even though He was God Himself. He came "not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many". Let's commit to focusing on God, and focusing on His heart. Let's love what He loves and hate what He hates.

Confirmed: When talking about different callings in the car today, my eyes were directed to a license plate that said, "CMPSSHN". The timing as perfect. I didn't say it...my calling is to show people God's compassion!

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.

Our Wedding!

Wow, it's been one of the most amazing months of the most incredible year of my life. Thomas and I got married in October, and after the wedding, we took a short honeymoon to Bar Harbor. Many thanks to our relatives who got together and surprised us with the gift! We had the time of our lives  there.  It was a magical time and we hope to revisit for future anniversaries. After honeymooning, going to North Carolina for a second ceremony and reception, and transitioning back to normal life amidst cleaning up post wedding things and getting a few "thank you's" out every day, and after leaving blog life some years ago, I am "making time"(!) to write about one of the most beautiful days of my life!

The Morning Of

Saturday, October 11th, began peacefully as family (Thomas' and my own) trickled into the kitchen for coffee, breakfast, and discussion of the "Day of" tasks. Everyone desired to help in some way, and we found jobs for everyone, including Thomas' youngest brothers, Winston and Houston! Thomas' step-mom, Tina, was able to snap all these photos amidst the other duties she had. 

Moms were busy in the morning cooking, bringing out dinner tables (which they had set the night before inside the barn,) and goodness knows what the many other things I saw them heartily doing were. 

My mom, Pam, mashing potatoes from a 50lb bag of red-skin potatoes a farmer friend gave.

Most of our work for the wedding was done prior to Saturday morning, and Friday was a huge day of preparation inside for the moms (Pam, Tina, and Pam) arranging wild flowers for tables, table schemes in general, and cutting fabrics and ribbons. The dads (Brian, Jeff, and Doug) were, amongst other things, putting up tons of white lights in a magnificent tent shape suspended by my dad's crane. 

On Saturday morning, the men were busy setting up hay bales, buffet tables, signage, and I'm sure other things I did not see when I was inside! 

Thomas' step-dad, Brian,  Thomas' brothers, Cooper & Winston,  and my cousin, Erik

Thomas and I watched in amazement as we saw all of our family working so hard to make this day beautiful for us. They have been so incredibly supportive of our decision to marry, and to have an at home wedding... a quick one too! We announced it 6 weeks out, and really began to plan it 4 weeks out. Everyone helped so much and it wouldn't have been possible without our family, neighbors, and community. We received so much help from local friends who wanted to help in our idea of doing a wedding that costed nearly nothing. We were humbled, excited, and grateful! (I want to make a blog called "How to do a Wedding on the Cheap" to encourage people to DIY and get away from the Wedding Industry System that is financially raping them.)

Our cake was done by my incredibly gifted and beautiful cousin, Grace. She worked so hard on this and it had to be one of the best cakes Thomas and I have ever had! Lemon and vanilla- yum!! More on the cake coming in a blog I want to make called "Our Wedding: The Details."

My mom caught this action shot of my strong & spirit-filled cousin, Grace, putting the finishing touches (fresh wildflowers) on her work of art! The cake topper belongs to our neighbor's antique store. It was one of the many things he let us borrow right out of his store! Again, we felt so blessed from everyone's help!

After most of the "important things" were taken care of, Thomas and I were able to go get ourselves ready for photos, a quick run-through of the ceremony, and the actual ceremony. 

Deep in thought as usual :)   *Wow, maybe this is how she sees me all the time...it's all starting to make sense.*

Note to self: lipstick on AFTER the dress! Note to others: Julia saved me the day before when Tina was shooting Thomas and I. I had done my make-up first, including lipstick, and then put the dress on. The ironic part is that I got lipstick on the dress when I was taking the hanger down from the high hook in my room, not even when I was putting the dress over my head! Julia looked up a remedy for this later that afternoon and delivered the message, "Not a spot left!" Thank you Julia and thank you Lord!

Last minute girl time! My sister, Julia, put in a button-and-hole for the train of my dress to stay up while dancing.
My dad had picked the dress up in the 70s from a friend who owned the dry-cleaners where the dress showed up one day. My dad's friend told him it had been there for several weeks unclaimed, and asked him if he wanted it for $25.00.  My dad accepted the offer and in turn, bought my wedding dress 40 years ago. I found it hanging in the attic, still in the plastic, a few weeks before the wedding. 

After we took family photos and had a brief rehearsal, it was time to get ready to do what we all came together for. To walk down that aisle and make our marriage vows!

Going over some last minute reminders with my good friend from high school, Josiah, who was marrying us.

The wedding party, Josiah, and Thomas' dad gathering together to ask Yahweh to bless the ceremony.

The Ceremony

Thomas and I parted for a few moments as he and Josiah went out to the front field where all the guests were seated, and out the side doors of the house the rest of us went, filing ourselves down the side of the street, as to not let any of our guests see us before we all entered the place of the ceremony, the front field of our farm, where Thomas and I were married on October 11th, 2014 at 3:00 pm.

My dad, Doug, escorted me as we approached rows of smiling faces, all there to celebrate with me my union to Thomas. Surreal as you can imagine... surreal. 

I saw Thomas waiting for me at the end of the aisle, and as I walked slower and slower, time seemed to stand stiller and stiller, and I recalled moments from when we were planning all of this, to back when we had our first date. I was being reminded of all of special moments I knew had led up to this one, connecting the dots with such peace and knowingness, as I realized, "my life makes the most sense it has made in 7 years." *written as the house phone begins to "Ring."*

Placing my Vow Ring on Thomas' hand, "for the rest of our time on Earth."

Our first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wrona!

One of the most lovely things about the day was that just 30 minutes before our ceremony began, the sun began to come out, as it had been overcast all day. We did photos at 12pm, so we actually needed those clouds to prevent hard lighting, so I was thankful at the time for them, but asked Yahweh to move them off before the ceremony. He has allowed me to have greater faith for weather supplications than usual, by a few times this summer and fall that He granted prayers to move small and big weather systems off. I had a lot of faith on my wedding day to ask for a few clouds to go elsewhere, and He was so wonderful to again perform the request. (Thank you!)

Our "to the point" ceremony lasted less than 15 minutes, and we had finished doing what we had been working towards, really since we had met. Then it was time to celebrate!

The Celebration

After visiting with our guests for a short time, we all formed a line to begin our dinner feast! Everyone who attended the wedding brought a dish of their choice (we had thought about doing a food theme, but decided variety is nice) and my dad had made food heaters out of sternos surrounded by bricks; there were many crock pots and cold salads as well! Again we were in awe of our family, friends, and  neighbors all helping us put this wedding together. There was plenty of food for all!

Thomas' mom, Pam, being a sweetie and slicing the pork from our local farmer/butcher (he gave us a wonderful deal that helped with our goal to not spend too much!) 

There were SO many delicious dishes that were brought by guests. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who spent time and money to bring something to our wedding celebration!

Then it was time for some dancing. Thomas and I have had the Bert Keampfort station on Pandora where we had been hearing the song, "Sleepwalk." We practiced a little in the kitchen from time to time- on all sorts of stations! I think our dancing turned out pretty well that night; we did a couple turns and spins. I even surprised him by telling him to dip me at the end, which we had never tried before. The worst thing to happen was that I lost my hat... so not bad!

Our first dance, the original version of Santo & Johnny's "Sleepwalk."

Thomas dancing with his mom, Pam,  to "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.

Dancing with my dad to a later version of  "Some Enchanted Evening" (Tozzi.)

Thomas' mom, Pam, made some very artsy and cute banners for us to hang around! They said things like, "Blessed," "XOXOXO," and "Mr. & Mrs." Here's one of them on the cake table!

At the cake table, I found myself reminded of the fact that usually at this point of the wedding, a bride has the decision to feed her husband quietly and peacefully a piece of wedding cake, or not. I found myself contemplating, but as time went on, and I kept bouncing back and forth in my mind whether I wanted to do it or not, I realized that the end decision was going to be whatever my mind landed on when my hand was close to his face. It happened to be on, "Smush." 

I got a kick out of it. Then he fed me nicely.

After dinner and traditional wedding dancing, we had a square-dance caller rounding us all up for an hour of dosados, promenades, and up-to-the-middle-and-backs! Oh, and the easy part, "Circle to the left, to the left, to the left left left."

This was amazing, to have people from my long past, people from my family, and people I've meet along the way, all together in a big circle with me at the same moment. I felt known and loved.

The sun went down during square-dancing, so most of us went into the heated garage for coffee and conversation. I say us, but T and I actually stayed outside to keep square dancing! We didn't mind the cool air- it was too much fun!

We visited for a little while as friends slowly left for the evening, and family sat around a fire out back.

Cousin Grace captured this camera phone shot from the pavement. The colors & light came out magical; no editing needed!

When it was over, Thomas and I just gave each other a big hug and said, "We did it!" Mission accomplished. Now to move on to bigger missions! 

Love,

Vanessa

This is part I of III blogs on our wedding! More details of the day and photos of family in those. I hope to also do a blog on the Honeymoon, the NC Blessing Ceremony & Reception, and "How to do a Wedding on the Cheap."

Snapshot: Praising God

This morning I received from God a vision of a trumpet. Then at church a few hours later, I saw another horn instrument.

As far as interpretation goes, here are a few verses on the subject:

"Blow the trumpets in times of gladness, too, sounding them at your annual festivals and at the beginning of each month. And blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and peace offerings. The trumpets will remind the LORD your God of his covenant with you. I am the LORD your God." Numbers 10:10

"And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets." 2 Chronicles 29:26

"Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre..." Psalm 150:3

"They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lyres and trumpets." 2 Chronicles 20:28

We need to be bold and intentional in coming to worship and praise the Lord...we don't want to have "believed in vain". To me, the trumpet I saw symbolized the importance of bold worship. Let's praise the Lord with the instrument He's given us! Praise is a great way to enter in to God. He accepts the worship of those made pure. He loves it!

And because He wants to be worshipped purely, "in spirit and in truth", the act of praising Him often leads to sanctification, as well. Through worship, the Holy Spirit makes us yielded to Himself and softens our heart. Our heart is softened and shaped pure, until the point comes when we realize that the poor in heart will see God.

Confirmed: This morning, after receiving the vision, a friend kept texting us recommending a Christian radio station.

Confirmed: Psalm 150 was read in Church today. Followed by a great worship service!

Confirmed: After worship, the Lord prompted a church friend to read 2nd Samuel, where David worships the Lord and becomes "even more undignified than this". Glory to God for a shameless love for Him!

Synchronicity: Prophecy Confirmed

As I said in prior posts, God can and does use synchronicity to confirm Himself. By bringing together an array of events, He can develop for us a new message, or confirm an older one. God's timing is perfect, and if we walk in His will, He can manufacture our future and bring to us aligning circumstances that show us the way.

Synchronicity in Group Prophecy

God uses synchronicity both to produce and confirm the prophetic Word. He validates Himself through bringing together the same messages to different people. When prophesying over someone in a group setting, God often brings to mind similar things to those doing the prophesying.

"...Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." 2 Corinthians 13:1

While prophesying in a group setting, you will find that God always establishes a common theme. He gives a vision of a tree to one person, while giving the phrase, "oaks of righteousness" to another. He brings these things together in a synchronistic way. One person gets one puzzle peace, another gets a glimpse of the final project.

"For we know in part and we prophecy in part". 1 Corinthians 13:9

We also prophesy in accordance with the measure of faith God's given us. By demonstrating a recurring theme through synchronistic downloads into many people, God builds collective faith of the group. The body then can build off of itself and release deeper and more accurate words. This is because it takes faith to prophecy! Then comes a blessing from the Lord as "each matter is established". This blessing is of faith, and this faith permits the flow of convicting prophecies.

For example, many times in our prophetic group back in North Carolina, two people will receive the same vision, at the same time, and for the same person. God is so faithful to create, confirm, and carry out His Word.

"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11

Synchronicity to confirm a Personal Prophecy

Even after a prophetic word is given, the person who receives it has to remain faithful to God and the implanted Word. It is the Holy Spirit who brings things to remembrance, and God will bring synchronous confirmations to us so that we can have hope for the future. God waters the Word in us, and feeds into the Holy Spirit, to give us faith and "the assurance of the things we hope for". Glory to God! Confirmational messages can be so fun.

For example, one day the Lord spoke to me about my wife. He said that today she would "always be right, no matter what". As it turns out, that day she introduced to me a controversial topic that I otherwise would've probably rejected. But God softened my heart, and renewed my mind, by bringing several confirmations of her opinion to my awareness. Because I was walking in His will, "the Word because flesh" and dwelt with me. God had His Hand in so many synchronous events that day..wherever I went--even if only to the grocery store--I received another sign that confirmed both His direction that morning and my wife's opinion.

"Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' whether to the right or to the left." Isaiah 30:21

God's Spirit will only highlight synchronistic events if they bear witness with the Word. In other words, signs should confirm the bible, personal prophecies, or both! If they do not, we need to realize that we may be acting out of fear. Synchronicity cannot trump the Word of God. That being said, we serve an all-powerful God who enjoys directing all events towards His will. A series of unlikely events may just be God's way to give us hope in a past Word, as means of giving us hope in the future.

Synchronicity: Prayer Confirmed

As I've mentioned in previous posts, God often uses synchronicity, a series of alike yet independent events, to confirm His message.  He uses it to speak to an individual, to aid in prophecy, and also to guide and confirm prayer.  This post will look at synchronicity in prayer.

Sometimes the Lord gives me mental images or visions when praying. He gives me these to instruct my prayer. Often I don't know how to pray according to God's will, so the Holy Spirit demonstrates it to me in a way I can understand.  These promptings are usually confirmed by synchronistic events.  Everything is intended for His glory.  If God created our conceptualization of time , who do you think He intended its usage for?  His sons and daughters!  Even events aligned in time should glorify God. Prayer becomes tangible as synchronicity confirms the responses of God on our behalf.

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."  Romans 8:26-27

The Spirit intercedes for us with wordless groans.  I believe this is refers to tongues, as well as other things.  I would consider visions a groaning of the Spirit.  Why not?  The Holy Spirit searches the mind of God, then reveals it to those entrusted, however He may please.

"For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.  What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding."  1 Corinthians 14:15-15

Visions give understanding and a "knowing" that aligns with God.  What better way to keep mind and spirit fruitful.  Visions can edify the person seeing them and other people, too.  Our minds can stay fruitful as God in His Grace works with our prayers and shows us hidden things.

For example, before dinner I was praying with my wife and saw us wrapped up in a giant, pure garment.  It wrapped itself around us slowly, from our feet up.  I had a "knowing" that the garment was the loving-kindness of God, (to us a King James bible term) so my prayer was changed and I said, "God, thank you for wrapping yourself around us..."  But I knew I needed to say more, so I continued, "...for wrapping us in your loving-kindness".

That prayer struck Vanessa and she told me that this morning that had prayed, "God, please wrap me in your love today".  As a result she'd been joyful all day, even as God spoke through me to confirm her prayers.  What a confirmation!  God hears the prayers of those who have been made pure.  He synchronized my words with what Vanessa had prayed many hours earlier.  "And the Lord will give you a sign".  He's so creative in manipulating believers who can be used as vessels.  He is so faithful to grant prayers, even manipulating time to work "all for the good", so we can know He has heard us.  Praise God!