Align the Sails

It's turning! Some said it could never happen. But here it is, happening. This huge, unwieldy ship we call America is turning and it's course is being changed. It's aiming for that light on the horizon, but there is storm to get through yet. And the winds and waves do not promise to be kind.

Keep praying, church. Keep appealing to heaven for this nation and our President. God placed exactly who He wanted at the helm, and He's standing there beside him. Oohhh, here it goes! Align the sails in that direction, just a little more. Hold on now! Hold on! God is righting us and returning us to the lost markers of our Founders. This ship America will once again yield to a King.

Artwork: At the Helm © Danny Hahlbohm
http://www.dannyhahlbohm.com/

All Our Cages

Freedom is right in front of you and the door is open even. You could just hop out and fly away, but you don't seem to realize you are caged. You're so used to bars around you, dear one, that your prison feels like home. It even feels safe. For many years it's all you've ever known.

Don't you ever wonder what your wings are for? Don't you ever look through those bars at the world outside them, at the grand wide sky where other birds are flying? That is what He made you for, you know. God created you and He formed you . . . and I can guarantee that you were not created for a cage. That is the enemy's doing, as all our cages are. Do not be afraid. Jesus died to open up those doors.

Artwork: Papa, Papa, Tell Me Why, Cage is Open, Bird Don't Fly © Peter Van Straten
http://www.petervanstraten.co.za/  

All Sleeping

"Why are we here?"

"Because He asked us to find one."

"One what?"

"One who is not sleeping."

"But they are all sleeping."

"Not all. There are awake-ones all over the earth. And they know the times and the seasons."

"Oh good! There is hope then."

"There is always hope! Now let us leave these ones to their sleep and go find the one He's asked us to find."

Artwork: Sleeping by Maxfield Parrish

Against the Mighty Lion

Xi Jinping, you cannot win. Like a foolish cub you stand against the mighty Lion of Judah. Jesus Christ is King . . . and you are not.

Christ reigns over all the rulers of the earth. And that includes you.

Flail and fight, small cub, you have found that you are powerless to stop the mighty Lion of heaven. You cannot out-roar him. You have tried. You cannot snatch His precious children from His hands. They only grow in number.

You are defeated, Xi Jinping. His Spirit is the wind that makes His children rise up on wings like eagles. Can you stop the wind from blowing or imprison it? No, you can't.

Jesus reigns forever! . . . and you do not.

Artwork: Lion of Judah © Esther Eunjoo Jun
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/esthereunjoo-jun

Warring Stance

There you are, warrior-woman, in your warring stance calling heaven down to earth. There you are, gentle-one of mighty faith. No one knows but Abba God what happens in your secret place. Your war room time brings changes to the earth and strength to him you love and serve. Just as he serves you and does his best to be the warrior-man that God has called him to.

The angels hear you as you speak the word of God. All heaven's in agreement when you speak the word and that's when mountains can be lifted.

Pray on, royal daughter of the King! Your voice is heard even in the courts of heaven.

Artwork: Behind Every Great Man © Kevin A. Williams (WAK)
https://www.wak-art.com/

I Can See the Angels

The wide world is before me. An unknown future where boundaries are enlarged and tent pegs are widened. That is what Christ does. He brings a largeness that stretches us: larger vision, larger faith, impossible circumstances. Hah! impossible for us but not for Him.

And if I look very carefully I can see the angels that walk before me. They set things up of which I cannot see - divine appointments, divine provision, help when needed, help when I do not know I need it. We are not alone when we venture into the wide world . . . not those who are his followers.

Artwork: Study for the Cross and the World by Thomas Cole

A Lot of Bodies

100 million is a lot of bodies. 100 million murdered, buried, and quite forgotten over the last century.

"A necessary evil," say the Marxists. "The world will forgive us when we achieve our goal. To create our dreamed utopia we may need to kill one third of the world's population. It can't be helped! Don't blame us! Blame those unwashed masses, those sad deplorables who refuse to allow us to control them the way we think is best. Why, just look at our utopias in Russia, Cuba, and Venezuela. Look at China (but don't look at the prisons heaped with students, artists, Christians, and the like)."

So the Socialists march on in academia, Hollywood and the mainstream press, and in those closed-door backroom deals with socialist politicians in Brussels and the U.S. . . . yes, 100 million is a lot of bodies.

Artwork: The Hill of Slain (c) Ted Nasmith
https://www.tednasmith.com/

The Babe Doth Thank You

Blessed mother, courageous one, who protected the life of your unborn babe now birthed and in your arms. Angels smile upon you, dear, and stand beside to help, for you refused to bow to those who thought your babe should not be born.

You decided life is sacred above all. You said that babe inside your womb is not a chain and ball, is not a threat to happiness nor a hindrance to well-being. In fact, that babe's a joyful song that you were meant to hear. Dear blessed mother that you are, the babe doth thank you . . . and so does God.

Artwork: The Angel and the Mother by Louis Janmot

Revival's Flame

First one. Then two. Then three and four and five . . .

Just like that we'll see it happen - a solitary flame alights another and that second flame lights three more, and so it goes till millions more are brightly lit.

Revival's flame is coming.

Photograph: candlelight, unknown

Change Is Coming

I had a dream . . . I was working at a company and being paid $10/hr. It wasn't enough for my needs and I was about to quit. The owner of the company spoke to me. He said, "Don't quit. A change is coming. Something is going to happen very soon that will cause a huge flood of money to come pouring in and I'll be able to pay you $100/hour." Then I woke up.

What the dream meant . . . Money represents favor in dreams, especially the favor of God. Change is coming (Dutch Sheets also recently prophesied change), a great change that will bring such an outpouring of favor and blessing that an increase of tenfold ($10 to $100) will happen in many areas in the lives of God's children. So don't quit! Keep pressing in. Change is coming.

Artwork: Gold coins by unknown

A Stronghold

"What is that?"
"That is a stronghold."
"A stronghold?"
"Yes, a very old one."
"How long has he been in it?"
"Hmm . . . quite sometime. Years, in fact."
"But doesn't he know that he's captive?"
"No. Humans don't always know what is in their own minds."
"It is a very strong looking stronghold."
"Yes, and it will take a large amount of truth to pull it down."
"And what are we doing?"
"We are helping Holy Spirit by speaking truth to him."
"Then he shall be free?"
"Not immediately, but yes, I think he shall."
"They won't be happy about that."
"No, I dare say they won't. But the Glorious One has a hold on this one and nothing can snatch him out of His hands. Not even them. So, we better get to work."

Photograph: man behind bars, unknown

Your Girl

It is outrageous that a God so high and lifted up would care for such an ordinary soul as mine. But you do. And though I ponder it, I cannot fully understand.

It is not a doctrine that I love nor a religious system that has captured me. It is a Father, dear and perfect, gentle, fierce, and strong.

Praises spring from my mouth as I remember all the deeds that you have ever done. And your thoughts toward me are more than I can count. Who am I that you would love me so? . . . I am your girl, and that is quite enough.

Artwork: God the Father by Leon Frederic

Mr. Hyde

I wanted you to be my hero - my protector, even. But you could not. And I was not strong enough to stand against the rage when you would morph into that Mr. Hyde.

If only I were Wonder Woman I would have been strong enough to stand, to love, to persevere when the tide was proving not to change . . . but Wonder Woman I was not.

I needed Mr. Hyde to go away. Depart. Never dare return again; yet, leave my hero here, so he could cover me like Boaz did to Ruth. But after feet were cut and bleeding by the eggshells I was always walking on, I had to finally be the one to quietly depart. For Mr. Hyde chose not to leave, so I had to be the brave one. And God gave me strength to make the change when my hero found that he could not.

Artwork: angry superhero, angry superman, unknown

Right Before Our Eyes

"Why do they follow him? Why do they choose Jesus?" asks the clerics of Iran.

They pound on doors, imprison Christians, destroy house churches - yet, still, the people turn to Jesus from Islam by the thousands.

So hard-lined cleric Alava, in a speech to other clerics, vowed to find out why. "It's happening right before our eyes!" he lamented. "Mass conversions everywhere! Why are they embracing Christ?"

Dear sirs, do you not know? Jesus is the most beloved of them all. All heaven bows to him, how can we not also? All creation worships him, and so must we. His love cannot be stopped, as you have noticed. There's nothing you can do. Our hearts belong to One much higher than all others and His followers shall only grow.

Artwork: Called by Baron Arild Rosenkrantz

Not a Toy

I had a dream . . . 

I was holding a baby. The baby then turned into a kitten. I had this dream before, and in that prior dream the baby turned into a kitten and then into a doll.

Here is the meaning of the dream. God showed me years ago that the baby represents the prophetic gift. In the church, some treat the prophetic gift as a child treats a kitten or a doll. A child will play with a doll or kitten when they feel like it, when they want to be amused. Then they set it down, bored, only to come back again to play some more when their interest returns.

If we wish an increase in the gifting, it must be taken seriously. Press in, dig deep, take time in His presence and word. It is Father's wish to grow us up into all things - so we can be those who accurately handle and teach the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). It's not a toy, it's a discerning tool and a strategic weapon for His kingdom.

Artwork: Girl with doll and kitten, unknown

Afraid of Sheep

The Communists in China are afraid of sheep. So President Xi has rounded up their leaders, like Pastor Wang, and sent them off to prison. President Xi is shaking in his boots at what a flock of humble sheep can do.

Sheep can pray revival down - a fire that burns so quickly through a nation that nothing can put the fire out. Communists don't like that kind of fire. Once it gets inside a heart they are helpless against it.

Sheep have a shepherd who heals the sick and raises the dead and gives hope where there is none - and Communists do not. The Party doesn't have a lot to offer and they know it.

Sheep hear their shepherd's voice above all others - a great bone of contention to the Party. But the shepherd doesn't care and he speaks to his sheep anyway and they obey him first of all - because, after all, HE is their Lord, not President Xi.

No matter what the Communists of China do, they can NEVER tear the shepherd out of a sheep's heart.

And it infuriates them.

Photograph: sheep, unknown

The Rain is Coming

Does it look quiet to you, there on your knees? . . . It's Coming.

Do you feel the expectancy, there on your knees? . . . It's Coming.

Is your vision soaring higher, there on your knees? . . . It's Coming!

Do you feel the drops of water falling on your head, there on your knees? . . . IT'S COMING!!!

STRIKE THE GROUND AGAIN . . . it's coming. THE RAIN IS COMING . . . can you see that small cloud? Revival is coming and righteousness is being raised up.

HE . . . IS . . . SENDING . . . RAAAIIINNNN!!!

Photograph: kneeling in prayer, unknown

Shaken Ever Harder

It is a shaking, and holding on will do no good. It is a rumbling and groaning beneath our feet, our little worlds all torn asunder. And He has done it for a purpose.

All is being shaken ever harder: families, homes, the earth and seas, finances, careers and futures. Everything that cannot stand shall fall - so that what remains can stand, simply and honestly before Him. "Shake all of it!" He commands His angels on the earth. "Until the only thing remaining is a childlike faith, for that is all that can be taken into heaven."

And so it has begun.

Artwork: The Angels of Forgiveness (c) Howard David Johnson
http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/

Build!

Go forth, Israel, and build. Build! Prosper in the land that God gave you. Do not listen to contrary voices - there are many in the world who love you dearly.

Build in Judea, Samaria, and that beautiful Jerusalem, and make it a pleasant place. You are a sovereign nation and so should behave sovereignly. Stand, and let not the leaders of the free world . . . free world? . . . freedom is something hard to find in Britain; freedom is something lost long ago in the EU . . .nevertheless, let not those who lead under the farce of their freedoms bully you into submission.

Brave Israel, you are not alone.

Artwork: Jerusalem by unknown

History Changer

"He is finally here. Such a little thing, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is."

"Will they realize what a gift he is to them?"

"Some will."

"It is incredible to think all the Glory of Himself is in that tiny frame!"

"I know, and that all the government is upon his innocent shoulders."

"Why would God wish to come into the world this way, to become one of them - to feel what they feel and suffer what they suffer? Do they deserve such a compassionate God?"

"Perhaps not. But then it is love that compels him. And this little babe shall show the world who God is . . . and men shall no longer have any excuse."

"He is a history maker!"

"No, he is a history changer." 

Artwork: Little Lamb (c) Jenedy Paige
http://jenedypaigepaintings.blogspot.com

As Brilliantly as Ever

No government or ideology can ever put out that light. Darkness has tried to overpower its seemingly small flame, but has found that it cannot. Communism tried, but failed. Islam wars against it daily, but cannot rip it from the people's hearts. Even ancient Rome lost their long, hard battle to smother it in their hope that just the stench of ash is all that would remain.

Yet, still it shines as brilliantly as ever . . . and it grows, every moment of the day, across the earth. That is why He came, to shine His light upon every man. It is a light that the darkness shall never overcome, as it spreads from heart to heart to heart, on and on and on . . .

Artwork: Jesus' light, unknown

His Aim is Chains

Beware of the enslavers in the main stream media and the Social Justice Warriors who are not just at all. Stand strong against their fascist tendencies to pressure and bully and shove us all into their thought corral. They wish to enslave us beneath their dictates. Like little emperors they rally their mob-ish troops to lynch their fellow humans who refuse to bow to them.

Stand strong, dear people. Stand fast against their ruthless sway . . . for their aim is chains. They would like nothing more than to see us beaten down and given in; for so they love to stand above and reign.

God loves liberty. He loves the freedom of thought and conscience that He gave us. He refused to enslave us and force us to follow Him. So stand strong, dear people! The Accuser is working overtime to bring his strife, his dark foment . . . for his aim is chains.

Artwork: Ixion by Ribera

The Great Breaking

"What was that sound?"
"It was the sound of the great Breaking."
"The great Breaking?"
"Yes, another chain has broken, another prisoner set free. We can hear it here."
"Every time?"
"Every time."
"And that's why I hear cheering?"
"Aha, yes! There is nothing like the sound of the great Breaking to get everyone rejoicing."
"Wait, there's another one!"
"O, they happen constantly. Sometimes thousands at one time. It's quite magnificent to hear, a cracking through the heavens like a thunderbolt."
"I never imagined it's a thing . . . to be heard."
"O, yes, there are many things we hear up here, which they cannot hear down there."

Artwork: chain breaking, unknown

Their Eyes Do Not Shine

What is it like to have chaos as your close companion? What is it like to have it whisper in your ear each morning upon rising? . . . persistent . . . never ending . . . cajoling until rage has thoroughly taken all command.

Look at them. Their eyes do not shine. They walk with a dreadful weight upon their frame, a cloud that follows overhead. All the time. Always on the brink of storm. How wearying . . . I am so glad I'm not an antifa!

I pray, Father, you help these ones who scream and hate and hurt, who are tossed violently by every wave like ships without an anchor. Help them, please, for they are not a happy people.  

Photograph: antifa protests, unknown

Golden

Here it is, child - your heart made new again. I could not have done it if you had not agreed. I am glad you did. You allowed me to go deeper than I have ever gone before and I have made it golden. What a long journey we have traversed together! Thank you for your trust. Thank you for saying, "Yes."

A strong, loving heart I have restored to you. And now, are you ready for whatever I should bring your way? . . . I think so . . . Yes, I think you are.

Photograph: hand holding heart, unknown

Your Trump Card

Papa God, you did it. You put the man in power that you hand-chose. So many thought it could not be done, forgetting that it's you who decides the fates of nations, who gives and takes away the power of men.

Thank you for your Trump card! Thank you for the hand you played in our country's affairs. Thank you for deciding to put the globalists on "pause" for this next season. You raised up this disrupter, this Cyrus for our modern day, and I am ever thankful to see such mercy showered on us.

Thank you for President Trump, dear Father. My heart is filled with joy to see your hand at play . . . I cannot wait to see the next card that you lay.

Artwork: Trump Card, unknown

Still He Has a Plan

By candlelight, by lamplight, the words came tumbling out. Holy Spirit rested on the men who wrote them. Line by line, thought after thought, Holy Spirit led their pens and hearts to write.

God chose each man for the task, and what a daunting task it was - to found a nation, to write the permanent precepts upon which this nation walks.

For millennia He waited for the moment, the birth to happen, quite excited at the prospect. Like a joyful father who can hardly wait to see his newborn child, every detail He planned out, making sure the birth was not aborted. "It's time!" God roared out across the heavens, and the angels scattered o'er this fledgling land to help.

How God loves this nation! He loved it then, He loves it now, with a love that can't be shaken nor will ever cease . . . and still He has a plan for it.

Artwork: Keeper of the Flame (c) Maureen Thompson
www.maureenthompson.com

Princes, Knights, and Kings

Some say they don't exist . . . yet, I know they do.

I have heard them singing loudly, worshipping with heart abandoned. I have watched them weep when Holy Spirit fell upon them. I have seen them working long, hard days to faithfully provide for wife and children. I have admired them as they knelt in earnest prayer, interceding for another. I have noticed them honoring women as fellow members of the royal court who walk in equal giftedness. I have beheld them loving with wild hearts, unafraid to take that love to pubs to streets to distant lands, fearlessly wielding His light against the darkness. I have seen their warrior, fighting selves suddenly turn gentle when a woman's heart is in their hands, treating it as a treasure that needs to be protected.  

I have met such princes, knights, and kings . . . and I know that they exist.

Artwork: Praying Knight, unknown

Feathers Are a Fortress

I seek it as my shelter. And I recommend the same to any who need shelter. How strange that feathers are a fortress, but so they are. I am delivered from snares when under here . . . and from terror . . . even from destruction that can turn a life into a wasteland.

And here I hope to keep myself, to make it my home, even. Here, under His wings, where He promises it shall always be a refuge . . . covered by feathers . . . the only place in this world that is truly safe.

Artwork: In the Shadow of Your Wings (c) Daniel F. Gerhartz
www.danielgerhartz.com

Halt the Dark

There is a snake loose in our nation, a twisting serpent spirit that's trying to twist everything President Trump says or does. It is a battle between darkness and light, and we must pray, Church, for the President that we elected. All hell is in a rage. They scream! They scheme! They cannot stand that Trump won this election and God put His chosen man in place.

They pound their fists against the light, enraged the more that they cannot pound it into dust. But they cannot. Pray! Pray hard, Church. Declare the opposite of what you see. Release truth, and peace, and mercy into our land. Pray protection for our President. Pray wisdom to be given him. Pray that God surrounds him with Daniels and with Josephs. Pray especially for his life and that angels surround him to keep him safe from harm. Cry out! For a great battle is upon us and we must stand and halt the dark.

Artwork: spiritual warfare hands, unknown

He is There

"I'm here, I'm here, I'm here!" Do you hear it, mother-dear?

"I'm here, I'm here, I'm here!" Shhh, listen very closely. Can you hear his tiny self reaching out to you? He has a soul . . . he has a beating heart. He wishes you to know that he is there.

"I'm here, I'm here, I'm here!" He hopes to make it out into the world of sun and wind and sky. He wants you to know that, though invisible to you, he is alive. He holds a destiny within his little soul. He is trying, with all his strength, to let you know he has a name. He is not a lump of tissue as some would wish you to believe. He is not a glob of cells to be flushed out.

Close your eyes, quiet your soul, and listen . . . "I'm here, I'm here, I'm here!"

Photograph: unborn baby, fetus, unknown

Fights and Bites

"Stupid, stupid humans! We've done it! We've gots them now, haven'ts we? Right where we wants them? Look at them fights and bites and tear at ones another. Such a sweetsy thing to see!"

"Yes, but not enough. They must destroy each other. Release Chaos in the land. He is very powerful and should do the job."

"Chaos? Ooohhh, Chaos is a nasty ones. Good! Good! We can'ts wait to see Chaos come! Make those stupid humans devour each others. Hee-hee, spits and gnaws and claws! Humans are so easy, easy-peasy to divide. Namesy-calling blind ones. Blind as batsies! See them hates each other!"

"We need to keep them in the dark for Chaos to reign."

"Yes, yes sir, we wills. We will keeps them blind as batsies! Hee-hee, cover their hearts, cover their eyes, no seeing light, no hopes, no truths. We wills!"

Artwork: Dante and Virgil in Hell by William Bouguereau

Alive Again!

It's awake. It is, truly! It is breathing again - large, gulping breaths. And to think I believed that dream was dead, never to awaken. But here it is, as pulsing with life as the first moment it landed in my heart.

His Spirit whispered hope into me so quietly that I did not know it. He brought forth life from what was buried in a grave: bones, dry and dead and quite forgotten. And I was surprised to feel a stirring deep within. I was astonished when I recognized its joyful presence.

I thought it was forever dead. Yet here it is, a dream alive again!

Artwork: resurrecting from the dead, unknown

Weapons Given to Me

I fight for my children with weapons given to me from heaven - powerful ones, breaker ones, ones that free captives from their prisons.

I fight for the lost with a passion given to me from heaven - a fiery thing, a stubborn thing, a thing so soaked with love that the gates of hell cannot prevail against it.

I fight for this world with angels who join me from heaven - ministering ones, worship ones, ones who war until the ending of the battle.

I fight and will not stop. Not until all those I know (and those I do not know yet) are delivered from the bonds of death to become children of my loving Father.

Artwork: spiritual warfare praying, angels, unknown

Out In the Deep

Are we out in the deep now? No sight of land at all? My . . . a curious position to be in. And on top of that, I see a fog has come, one of those sight-stealing brumes that lurk over the water.

I say, Bravo! . . . I say, well done to push out from the shore into that realm where He alone must be your wind, your sail, even the very current that will guide you to your new land. It took quite a bit of courage to face your fear and do it, choosing to place all you have, and all your hope, into His hands.

Yet, I can see the questions flitting through your mind. Those little 'what ifs' that tenaciously pester trying to find a hold: What if a storm should come? What if land is never found? What if I sink to the bottom of the sea? . . . what if, what if, what if.

Do not be afraid . . . He rules the mist . . . He directs the wind . . . He owns the sea. He will get you there.

Artwork: boat in the fog, sea,  unknown

Who You Are

This is a reminder. You need a reminder. Now and then we all do. When you have forgotten your name we shall remind you who you are. And so now we do:

You are Grace-carrier, extending mercy to those in need.

You are Light-bringer to those who dwell in darkness.

You are Truth-bearer who speaks the words that free men's hearts.

You are Lion-heart who does not cower in the face of fear.

You are Warring-child equipped with weapons that pull down strongholds.

You are Loving-song, worshipper of the most Beloved of them all.

You are New-creation, a citizen of a better city.

And we? We are that great cloud of witnesses who have gone before you. It is we who remind you who you are. The enemy of your soul will not relent; but God is greater. And His plans shall happen in your life. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE!!!

Artwork: female angel warrior, unknown

Tomorrow the Sun

Again the sun has risen and the earth is still quietly revolving happily in its course. If ever I boast of anything let it be of how good and great my Father up in heaven is. What a loving God who created this revolving earth! He made it all for us, us small beings who are the apple of His eye.

What made this God of glorious nature fall in love with us? We cannot earn this love, yet it is heaped upon us when we have done nothing but look up and acknowledge Him who gives it freely.

And tomorrow the sun shall rise again . . . and tomorrow His mercy shall be freshly given. I can only shake my head in wonder.

Artwork by George Elgar Hicks

Son of Joy

Georgian's learned it well. No one laughs and loves quite the way that Georgian Banov does. Show us again, lover of God, show us again how it's done! How do you love so well? You are contagious, son of joy. You are outright crazy with love.

Let me be so crazy! Let me follow in your steps . . . it is a good day to be drunk with joy . . . it is a good day to be rocked by love.

Photograph: Georgian Banov in Africa

Still I Thirst

I want more. Truly, I want more. Will it cost me? I do not care, for I want more. It is a growing thirst within me - I could drink all day and night and still I thirst. You have done this to me, wrecked me with your love. But it is a good wrecking, a good undoing, a much needed realigning of my soul.

I want more!! Such a thirst within me that I must drink . . . all night long. Jesus, I want more.

Artwork: Living Water © Jessica Oart
https://www.etsy.com/people/jessicaoart

Until the Darkness Has No Place

You can't hold onto it, you know. It wasn't meant for that - it will fade away if you try. I know it is beautiful, quite brilliant, but there is far more where that came from. Did you know it multiplies when you share it? In fact, it doesn't just multiply, it grows - larger and larger until it fills a home, a neighborhood, a city.

His light is not meant to be bottled up or hidden under a basket. It's meant to be set out on a hill, spread through every street, brought into every home, until the darkness has no place to be.

You'd be surprised what one tiny, flittering flame can do; it can start an entire fire. So take off that lid . . . I dare you!

Artwork: (c) Emilia Wilk
http://emiliawilk.com/all.htm

It Is Time

GLORY (it is in the air) . . . GLORY (like a mist over the earth) . . . GLORY (breathe it in) . . . GLORY (angels are declaring, can you hear it?) . . . GLORY (His presence, shattering the gates of hell!) . . . GLORY (it is time, it is a change of season) GLORY (men shall fall before it) . . .GLORY (Glory of the only One, the true God, the everlasting Father . . . and all creation bows, groaning for the sons of God to be revealed)

It is time.

Photograph: tree in sun, unknown

Til You're All Worn Out

You can let go of that old thing, you know. No more tug-of-wars . . . unless you choose it. And why in the world would you? He offers you liberty! Your choice, His power. But . . . you have to be willing to let go, move on, turn a different direction (repent, even).

Think about it. Do you really want that old thing? There are so many better things, joyful things, eternal things that He wishes to give you, now that you're His child. But you must let go of that. Or . . . you could continue fighting with it 'til you're all worn out, for years maybe.

Come on now, just let go.

Artwork: Woman Walking Dog by Edward Robert Hughes

Not a Cinder-girl

It begins with you, my girl:

If you truly understand your value, how you are treasured by your Papa God, then you will only choose a man who understands the same and who'll treasure you.

If you truly believe you are a holy vessel, one who should be honored and respected, then you will only choose a man who believes the same and who'll honor you.

If you demand to be known, first and foremost, heart and soul and depth of thoughts, then you will only choose a man who wishes to get to know you first before he ever touches you.

If you look in the mirror and truly see a princess of the royal courts of heaven, an heir to the riches of her Father's kingdom - then only a man who sees the same shall be worthy of you and you will make sure that you have no other.

You are not a cinder-girl any longer . . . no, no, you were pulled from the ashes long ago!

Artwork: Cinderella by Valentine Cameron Prinsep

Lop It Off!

Were you surprised when He cut it off? It had to be done, and He is just the one to do it for He knows exactly where to cut.

You have good roots - but one branch grew wrong. That's alright. Do not worry yourself about it. It happens to us all, quite regularly. God loves our growth. If we never grew, He would never need to prune. And He must prune if we are to continue to grow and bear more fruit.

So let Him do it, even when it's painful. Let Him lop it off! Be glad that branch grew out - whether it was bad, dead, unfruitful, or even sickly - be thankful that it grew enough for Him to cut it. Oh, happy day, when you see next season's fruit!

Photograph: tree, unknown

Washed By Water

Dear Bride of Christ,

You are being washed by water. You are being soaked in Glory. Sometimes it rains. Sometimes it's a shallow pool. But always you are in it.

And why does Father God take so much care in cleansing you? Because He loves His son. He promised Him a bride that's pure. And how the bridegroom loves His promised bride.

Another stain is gone . . . another wrinkle smoothed . . . another wound is healed. Soon you'll be ready for a wedding! And all of heaven shall attend it!

Artwork: prophetic art bride in water, unknown

Not Just Another Storm

It is about to break . . . you are almost there, almost at the end of this testing place, this trial by storm. Stand strong! Stand fast! Gird up and plant your feet solidly on that rock! This is not the time to allow thoughts to stray or lose your hope.

This is not just about you, and this is not just another storm - this is about His destined plans!!! And this storm is from the enemy of your soul who senses the time is near for you to step across into that higher place for the sake of others that need to see. 

With a longing out of your own heart, he planned to fell you. With a good desire you have hoped upon, he has tried to break your spirit. No greater storm has ever come against you. No harder thing has ever warred against your mind. It has been a sifting time - but you shall make it. Hold on . . . you are almost there . . . it is time for crossing over.

Arwork: My Deliverer (c) Jeanette Sthamaan
http://www.brushedbythespirit.com/

Gazing on the Right Thing

That is good . . . stay focused . . . look neither left nor right. Shhhh, keep very calm and still your heart. Keep your gaze upon His face.

 . . . and there it is. I see it. I see His glory on your face. There are still storm clouds black and rumbling round you, but not within you, child. Not within you any longer.

What peace is found when gazing on the right thing.

Artwork: woman praying, unknown

Breaker Is Your Name

You will dance again. You think that you may not - but He has other plans. And one day you'll forget the past, and rise above, and simply dance.

Breaker is your name, dear one. Breaker is your destiny! Dancing on the pain . . . dancing on the fear . . . crushing the enemy beneath your warring, graceful feet.

And so you'll break the others free - the prisoners who sleep. They shall be awakened by the dance!

Artwork: Raise From Gold (c) Van Renselar
http://www.van-renselar.com/

A Fiercer Route

Oh, I am ready for it! This trek has been a long appointed thing, God of All-consuming Fire.

I AM READY FOR IT! Not round the mountain this time; you have a shorter path - a fiercer route, more courage needed - but more freedom will be found.

And the enemy of my soul? . . . he . . . has . . . lost.

A season for acceleration. It is through the mountain this time. Then out to the other side . . . my destiny is calling.

Artwork: Expulsion, Moon and Firelight by Thomas Cole

From His Very Heart

They burn quite hot - a brilliant, gleaming white. And from His very heart they come.

It is time. He holds them ready - another son or daughter has been crying out for more: More fire! A heart renewed! A new love! Let it come!

And so He reaches into His heart, into that inner fire, and plucks out the holy embers. It's time to set a fire afresh in yet another heart . . . Hahahahaha! He's even laughing when He does it. I think it's one of His most favorite things to do.

Artwork: prophetic art, God's hands, unknown