Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
About a year after surrendering my life to the Lord, I was sitting in my room when all at once I experienced my first open vision. I saw a white scroll roll down the top right corner of the wall. This scene then played on it like a movie:
A distraught man was on his knees, bent over, stripped, and his face was buried in his hands. He wept bitterly in grief, despair, and self-loathing. His sobs were heart-wrenching. I felt desperate to help him, but I didn’t know what to do.
Suddenly, a hand appeared above him holding a burgundy-colored leather Bible. The man looked up in his broken state with hope in his eyes. He reached up accepting the gift being offered to him.
As he opened the Book, the words came off the pages like silk thread. The beautiful strand began to wrap around the man and encircle him until I couldn’t see anything but a large white cocoon. The cocoon was very still for a period of time. It then began to slowly rock back and forth, and soon there was more and more movement. I could tell inside there was a struggle occurring, but I was only to observe.
The cocoon began to split and suddenly it tore open. A huge butterfly adorned in stunning, heavenly colors came bursting out of the cocoon! The colors were not like the ones we see in the natural; they were so much more vibrant and seemed to have a metallic glimmer to the purples, blues, and reds. The man-sized butterfly quickly flew across the room directly in front of me and then out of my window! It was bigger and much more beautiful than anything I could have ever imagined. I looked back at the screen in the right corner of my room hoping for an instant replay, but the scroll rolled up and disappeared.
Reflections
This experience has spoken deeply to me over the years, and I am resharing this post because on Sunday, July 16, 2023, Tim Sheets, an apostle of the Lord and pastor of Oasis Church, made a reference in his sermon to seeing faith decrees and prayers being like a thread. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwdZ3R05OGs minute 39:28-46:02
I was at a conference where Janice VanChronkhite had her paintings displayed. When I saw the one called, “Healing the Brokenhearted,” I told her this was the closest thing I have ever seen that looked like this vision. Hallelujah for confirmation! https://jvcartworks.com/images/favorites/healingthebrokenhearted.jpg
Scriptures to Ponder: Acts 10:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 1:1-4
(The original Reflection comments and Scripture references leaning toward the prodigals coming home were removed for this post. If you would like those notes or Scriptures, please email me at thefatherslove@yahoo.com)
Posted by: Judy A Bauman AT 12:00 pm
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“AND THE NATIONS OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED SHALL WALK IN ITS LIGHT,
AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH BRING THEIR GLORY AND HONOR INTO IT.” REVELATION 21:24
THE DAZZLING LIGHT
While journaling, I suddenly see myself standing near a bend of the River. Everything is so electrically dazzling that the brilliance of this scene would blind my natural eyes! Each ripple in the water acts to magnify and reflect beams of light like the facets of a diamond, and though I see this with spiritual eyes, I have to allow them to adjust to the brightness. As I do, I sing aloud:
You are Beautiful, Marvelous, Excellent, Radiant
I am astounded by Your brilliance
The One who is Faithful and True are You
The One who is Faithful and True – are You
It sounds like many voices join me in singing, although I don’t see anyone. The Holy Spirit reveals these are His saints from all over the world worshipping God in spirit and truth. Looking at the River, I ponder how each light reflecting off the water represents individuals in Christ who carry His light. They are in the flow of the River – the flow of what God is saying and doing. These saints will go where He sends them because they love Jesus more than their own lives. I see the Lord tenderly caring for each light and testify that they represent those who carry God’s glory. They bring the Light of the World to the nations. They flow in the will of God, and they flow with the Word of God. They are able to rest in the current of the River, knowing He is the One who carries them.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR GOD’S LIGHT-CARRIERS
I ask the Lord if He might speak a word of encouragement to His Light-Carriers. The Father immediately declares, “Tell those who carry My light, My love, My hope, My peace, My righteousness, and My Word that they must stay in the middle of where I am flowing. If they don’t, a spiritual eddy will entrap them. Eddies run contrary to the flow of the River and represent living contrary to My will. It takes a huge amount of effort to free oneself from an eddy once entrapped. This is where debris is seen swirling about in the backward current. This symbolizes the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches. Such things capture and defile many.
“My Light-Carriers must stay in the midst of the flow of My River. If they do, they will shine with the light of My glory and continually be My Light-Bearers. They must also rest in Me and allow Me to carry them to the fulfillment of their destinies. There are individual and corporate destinies, and they work hand-in-hand. I say again, ‘Arise, shine for your light has come. The glory of the Lord rises upon you and appears around you. Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising.’” ~End Encounter
REFLECTIONS:
It always amazes me when the Lord gives me a word when I specifically ask for one! However, it’s much more likely that the Holy Spirit has been waiting for me to be ready and willing to receive the word to share with the Church, not the other way around. Since God has called us to be lights to the world, it’s His desire we reflect His will and ways to those around us. It’s been said, “Preach the Gospel, and if need be, use words.” Being a Light-Carrier, a Light-Bearer, is about how we live our daily lives, not merely what we espouse.
Posted by: Judy A Bauman AT 02:28 pm
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This morning I felt an urgency to release this encounter now because of the DAY AND HOUR we are IN!!! Awaken to the Revealing is a chapter in my first book, Jewels from the River.
Awaken to the Revealing!
In this vision, Jesus revealed Himself as the Captain of the heavenly hosts. I had such an overwhelming and intense sense of awe as I watched His interaction with His angels. He was commanding and powerful yet loving and respectful in all His mannerisms. As I sat journaling what I saw, I noticed there were no men or women in the huge number of troops – only angels. Some were dressed in armor, some wore diplomatic attire, others casual clothing, but they were all being given their orders for the day. The Lord lifted His voice to address the garrison and spoke in a language I didn’t know, yet understood what He was saying.
“This day marks a new day in the days of creation. Many cry out for My return, but the time is not yet. There is a fullness that must come to My own. They must be awakened. They are sleepy as if drugged – and drugged they are! They are drugged by the media. They are drugged by entertainment. They are hypnotized by the world’s governmental issues. They slumber because their hearts have grown weak from the continual diet of fear fed them.
“I Am sending you out in force to roust up the saints of God, My chosen and elect. I Am decreeing this day a mandate to call, call, call, beckon, beckon, beckon the sons of God – both male and female – to awaken to the revealing. Shake them out of their deep sleep and cause them to ARISE!
“Give heed to My orders and follow My voice and we will witness the great move you have heard of from old. Creation itself will also be set free from its slavery to corruption into freedom of the glory of the children of God. Cause them to awaken to the groaning that is deep within them for the adoption. Tell them: Your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is seen upon you! Yes, the light will shine brightly through even in the dimmest of lights because of the dark days that are upon them.”
The angels exuberantly cheer the Lord and worship Him. The air is electric, and I cannot help but stand and cheer with them in praise to the King of kings! He is glorious and marvelous – excellent in all His ways!
Then they individually come and stand in front of Jesus and salute Him. Each salute is unique and speaks of other missions and victories completed with the Lord. The angels show great respect and are full of awe, adoration, dedication and obedience of heart. Jesus hands each angel a scroll which holds their specific assignments and orders. They bow and depart. When they leave, these dedicated ones leave so fast I cannot tell if they fly, run or just disappear. In this multitude one would think this process would take too much time because of the sense of urgency in the Lord’s voice, but then I realize that God is Omnipresent. He is not in a hurry because in Him is the fullness of time!
The Beloved turns toward me. All the angels have gone, except for the ones that stand behind me. They each step forward salute Jesus and He hands each of them a scroll. They bow and then return to stand behind me. This shocks me because I didn’t know they were there! But then Jesus turns His gaze toward me and looks me in the eye. Everything else fades away and I feel my knees start to buckle. One of the angels touches my back and it gives me strength to stand. Looking at me Jesus says, “Be excited, dear one! The days you live in are full of promises fulfilled. Many have sought your day and never saw it. Tell My Church to pull their hearts away from their own worldly pursuits that keep them from My table of blessing. They must seek My face and there they will find their daily bread. There they will be sustained. There is where My kingdom will give them life and life more abundantly! Seek first My kingdom and My righteousness and all these things will be added to you.”
~End Vision~
*Roust=to make somebody get up, make a move, or take action, especially abruptly or roughly
Scriptures to ponder:
Romans 8:14, 18-22; 1 Peter 2:9-10, Ephesians 5:14-17; Isaiah 60:1-2; Hebrews 11:39-40; Matthew 6:33; Mark 4:18-19; Psalm 27:8; Revelation 4:11; 19:16; Matthew 6:11, 19-21, 24; John 10:10; Isaiah 9:6-7; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:37-39; Philippians 4:4-9; Psalm 46
Posted by: Judy A Bauman AT 08:33 pm
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The Hebraic calendar was not something I thought about until a few years ago; however, learning more about it has enriched my Biblical understanding and insight of God’s appointed times and seasons. The Lord has never chastised me for not knowing Jewish holidays, nor is He dogmatic in my following them. I’m sharing what I have learned about this season because it’s brought me joy, so please keep that in mind as you read this post!
I began exploring the Hebraic calendar because of a dream I had around 2005. This graphic dream had eight separate and intense segments to it, but one part put a question mark in my mind as to whether God uses a different timetable than we do. I didn’t investigate the Jewish calendar right away because the interpretation of the dream was so complicated.
In one segment, three grandfather clocks were highlighted. They were in an old farmhouse that was packed full of items like what you would see in a consignment shop or a secondhand store. When people heard the clock chime, they thought it was the more modern one that, interestingly, had occultic symbols all around the face of it. It disturbed me that they seemed in awe of that clock, not only because of the symbols on it, but because it didn’t actually keep time! The second one was made of a copper alloy that had turned green. It only worked part of the time and needed a key to wind it. Even though I found the key and wound it, I knew it needed to be reset. Again, I heard the chime ring out and looked behind the two tall clocks. This is when I realized this shorter one was chiming and was the only one that kept accurate time. The Lord let me know this beautiful, expertly made, hand-carved, wooden grandfather clock was His!
Each year since about 2007, the Lord has brought more understanding of His epochs (appointed times/eras) and I really appreciate the patience He has shown me. I have some amazing testimonies about things He has done to put me in the middle of them! (Like sending me to Uganda to teach them about Rosh Hashanah in 2009, to Israel for Passover 2011, then back again 5 years later in the midst of Sukkot…He is AMAZING!) Looking at the Judaism 101 website, I see there is much more to learn.
As we enter this New 5780 Year, Rosh Hashanah, on the Hebraic calendar, (sunset Sept 29 to nightfall Oct 1, 2019) it is my hope that you spend time seeking the Lord. Remember, the 10 Days of Awe (Ending with Yom Kippur sunset Oct 8 to Nightfall Oct 9, 2019), is a time to be reconciled to God and man. It is a time of introspection to reflect on the past year and judge your own actions, thoughts, and intentions. It is a time to be genuine in repentance and make plans to better your relationships.
I pray you seek the Father during these “10 Days of Awe” and that you are truly AWED by Him!
Do You Remember Where You Were On This Date 18 Years Ago?
Judy A Bauman
It was 18 years ago today that I was awoke by a phone call from one of the most vivid and horrific dreams I've ever had. It was of being an eyewitness to a terrible accident of a tanker truck. I can still see the man's face as his truck caught fire and smashed into a gas station! In the dream, I ran across the street to the 4th house (the first three had no chance) and pounded on the door and yelled for them to get out of the house. That's when I woke up to the phone ringing. A very good friend was calling me to chat (she had not turned on the news that day). I didn't know my husband had been trying to call the whole hour we talked. When he finally got through, he said, "Our country is under attack! Turn on the news!" He told me two planes had hit the WTC and I was thinking small airplane not jets. Like everyone else, I watched in complete shock and dismay!
After seeing the disturbing news, I called the high school my children attended and asked if I could come get them. From there we went to church where people had spontaneously gathered. That was where the Lord let me know there were martyrs on the unaccounted-for plane. I fell to the floor and wept. Once I could get back up, I told the others there and we prayed for their families because I knew they had already died.
I watched the news continually for 2 more days and saw something they Lord made clear. I knew I needed to get to NYC but had no clue how or what I would do once I got there. Though my husband was not happy with the prospect, the Lord opened the doors for me to help at the Family Assistance Center and dorm housing was provided. 11 days later, on September 22, 2001, I found myself walking around Ground Zero. The fires were still burning... 😢
The Lord showed me back in April that the enemy is planning an attack in what He called a “Curse Bomb.” He also gave a strategy of prayer in order to counter that attack. At that time, the Lord only showed me a handful of people to send the message, but now He has asked me to share what He showed me this morning.1
The Vision of the Evil Workers and the Explanation I saw people running to and fro, frantically working to finish a project by the deadline. I asked, “What is it they are working to complete, Lord?”
He answered, “It is a weapon of mass destruction.”
I inquired again, “Is it a physical weapon or a spiritual one?”
He replied, “It is both. Satan desires to steal, kill and destroy in all realms, but this particular attack is aimed at a specific world leader. As you are aware, witches worldwide have unprecedentedly come together with one goal since Trump was elected, and that goal is to curse him on the New Moon each month until he is removed from office. They run to and fro because their curses (accusations, humiliations, badgering, mocking, threatening, etc…) have not succeeded. He remains in office by My hand. They have new orders and have been commissioned to assemble a ‘Curse Bomb’. Different covens and groups with evil intentions have orders to prepare this bomb’s components and bring them together at a specific time for assembly and detonation.”
Clear and Present Danger!
“I ask that the saints take this threat seriously because the time approaches for its assembly. While it is aimed at President Trump, its true target is the Church (Ekklesia). I have shown you the timing.”
“Yes, Lord,” I answer.
(Note: There are two New Moons in July! Similar to the second Full Moon being called a “Blue Moon,” the second New Moon is referred to as a “Black Moon”. I also noticed this coming New Moon is a “Supermoon” because of its proximity to the earth. This has a stronger effect on the ocean’s tides, and Scripture often depicts humanity as a sea. The second New Moon will occur at my location on July 31, 2019, at 11:11 p.m. This timestamp caught my eye for its prophetic meaning, but also because New Age diviners superstitiously believe this to be a very spiritual and powerful number. They believe it’s their spirit guides and/or the universe trying to contact them.)
The Holy Spirit affirms my findings and adds, “Yes, but the time and day does depend on where one is in the world. In some places, it will be on August 1st, and the second New Moon will be on August 30th. This is important to note since this is a global effort on behalf of Wickedness in High Places.2 This means they have a full lunar moon cycle to assemble this ‘curse bomb’ for detonation; however, let’s not get bogged down in the details.”
The Golden Bowls
Then the Lord shows me something exquisite! I see a huge golden bowl, and though I see nothing else, I know it is in the Throne Room. There is incense in the bowl, but it’s not full. This bowl represents prayers that have gone up specifically to protect the president, his family, staff, supporters, businesses, and innocent bystanders from the ‘Curse Bomb’. The fact that the bowl is not yet full concerns me, so I ask, “Lord, why is this not full?”
The Prayers of the Saints and the Three-Cord Strand
He answers, “Because many who call themselves ‘Christian’ feel that I will do whatever I will do whether they pray or not, so they idly standby and watch. They don’t realize the importance of their appeals to heaven and what it is that happens as a result of their prayer. You have not because you ask not. The reason some don’t ask is because of their personal political preferences, but I did not command that you only pray for leaders in whom you agree. Paul issued this decree3 and he was under cruel Roman rule. There is no excuse! Get into agreement with Me and be part of what I am doing in the earth!
“In 2016, the bowls were filled up and the incense was poured out at the precise moment because I heard the cries of My people. Prayers have been poured out for three very strategic election outcomes. These were in Israel, America, and England. A three-cord strand is not easily broken. There are other key nations, and they are vital to My plan, but if these three were not braided together, the others would fail for lack of support.”
Orders to Move Forward
“As I have told you before (in Bringing Down Wickedness in High Places and Awaken to the Revealing), My people must awaken and be rousted to pray for instruction. The enemy has assigned different posts to various covens and cults, but I am giving counter assignments to thwart the devil’s plans. Receive your assignments with gladness and conviction; receive them with confidence that I will open the way for you where there is no way. You are more than a conqueror. Nothing is impossible with Me! Your assignment in the coming days may not look like what you thought, but it is not uncommon during times of war to be assigned unusual duties. This applies to war in the natural but includes spiritual warfare. The ‘Curse Bomb’ can and will be stopped by the prayers and obedience of the saints. As I have said before, when you have done all you can do, stand! Stand firm!”
~End
If you would like me to send this to you, please email me.
Jewels from Judy: Bringing Down Wickedness in High Places
A word from Abba and an excerpt from Jewels from the River
Judy A Bauman
“There is a line being drawn in the sand, and unfortunately, many of my people have their heads buried in it! There is, and has been, a very deadly advancement being plotted against Israel, and the enemy is very antsy to see it unfold. The devil and his cohorts were shut down when they were felled from their high places in the White House.
“They believed they had it in the bag, but when Trump won, that plan crumbled. The wickedness in high places is not giving up or giving in, but he foiled their plans so exclusively that the hatred for him is unmatched. He has bought the Church (Ecclesia) some time to wake up and roust the troops, but it has not been easy. This is especially true when so many who are called by My name fail to see what I am doing through him. Do you remember what I said to My host of Angels and allowed you to record?”
I answered Him yes, and He asked me to share this specific part with you. This encounter was published in Jewels from the River, Awaken to the Revealing pages 162-163 under the subheadings “Jesus! Captain of the Angels” and “The Lord’s Orders:”
Jesus! Captain of the Angels
Reaching the base of the path, I see the Lord approaching. The Lord is wearing thick leather armor with a sword in its sheath. Though strong and fierce in appearance, it is also elegant and regal in its design. He’s taking long strides and there is an unusual urgency to His steps. As Jesus’ gait intensifies, the sword swings dramatically at His side in rhythm with His quickened pace. Beholding the glory and might of Jesus as the Captain of the army of heavenly hosts takes my breath away.[1] Following behind Him is a garrison of angels. I curtsey low at the sight of the King and this heavenly multitude approaching me and stay bowed. The Lord commands, “Arise, and come with Me.” I stand, take His hand, and Jesus escorts me to a place to sit, observe, and scribe as He addresses His angelic troops.
The Lord’s Orders:
Though He speaks in a language unknown to me, I understand exactly what He is saying to the angels and carefully record His words.[2] “This day marks a new day in the days of creation. Even rocks cry out for My return, but the time is not yet. Fullness must come to My own. They need time to awaken. They are sleepy as if drugged -- and drugged they are! Media has drugged them. Entertainment has drugged them. The world’s governmental issues have troubled the masses. They slumber because their hearts have grown weak from eating a continual diet of fear.[3]
“I Am sending you out in force to roust the saints of God, My chosen and elect. Call, call, call, beckon, beckon, beckon the sons of God, both male and female, to awaken to the revealing. Shake them out of their deep sleep and cause them to ARISE![4] Give heed to My orders and follow My voice. We will witness the great move you have heard of from old. Creation itself will also be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Cause My Church, My believers, to awaken to the groaning that is deep within them for the fulfillment of their adoption as sons.[5] Tell them, ‘Your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is seen upon you!’ Yes, the light will shine brightly, even dim lights, because of the dark days that are upon the earth.”[6] Angels numbering in the thousands cheer the Lord. I jump up from my seat and cheer along with them. He is majestic; there is none like Him![7]
It is my hope and prayer that you receive what the Holy Spirit is revealing to us through this word and encounter.
The Crosses Return – A Prophetic Dream 1-3-7, 7-3-1
Introduction
The night I had this dream, I had spoken to my brother who told me about a dream he had the night before. He was standing in a huge open field at night and saw many stars, but he knew there was something else in the night sky that he couldn't see. My brother said he asked the Lord what it was because he knew it was important, but awoke disappointed. He asked me to pray about it for him. Before I went to sleep that evening, I asked the Lord if He would show me what He was trying to show my brother. In His lovingkindness, and much to my surprise, He did!
My Dream
I was traveling with a group of people and we seemed to be a ministry team that knew each other very well; however, when I awoke I had no idea who they were. In the dream, I was exhausted and asked the person we were visiting if I could take a nap in the back room. The moment I put my head on the pillow, I immediately fell into a deep sleep.
A Dream within a Dream
I dreamt, as my brother had, that I was standing in a huge open field and the night sky was full of stars. I looked up and saw one star that looked very bright and was twinkling dynamically. I watched it carefully and noticed it seemed to get bigger. Trying to fathom and comprehend what the Lord was showing me, I realized the star appeared larger because it was actually moving toward me. It became so radiant that I could hardly look at it. As it came closer to me, I realized it was not a star at all, but an extremely bright and luminous gold cross!
1-3-7 then 7-3-1
As I observed it, I saw several reasons why it flickered as it spun. The cross was slowly spinning on its axis and light was reflecting off it. It not only flickered brightly, it also seemed to be pulsating. Though it was still a considerable distance from me, as it came closer, I could see an extraordinary phenomenon occur. The cross split into three crosses, then into seven and back again! They all rotated on their axis in unity, but one always remained in the center. The crosses on the right side went behind the center cross and the crosses on the left side went in front of it. They traveled in a straight line, and then moved in the opposite direction outwardly going from 1 to 3 to 7 crosses, and then from 7 to 3 and then back to 1. This is how the one became three crosses and the three became seven crosses, and then back into the one Cross. The crosses traveled in this seamlessly choreographed fashion the entire time they approached the earth.
Draped
Interestingly, as they came closer, I saw what looked to be leafy grapevines draped over the cross-sections of each identical cross. The leaves draped the crosses in a similar fashion as purple scarves adorn crosses for Holy Week. I understood if they didn’t have this covering, the intense brilliance of the crosses would have blinded me. It fascinated and stood out to me that I could still see the stars in the background. It was truly a magnificent and unforgettable sight!
Waking from the Dream While Still In the Dream
When I woke up from the 'nap' (I was still sleeping and dreaming), I went in and told my missionary friends about this dream. They each in turn shared with me what they thought the dream meant. I was a bit troubled because none of the interpretations bore witness to what I felt the Lord was revealing in the dream. Our conversation was not contentious in any way, but they all seemed to be guessing or relying on teachings they had heard and were not seeking the Lord for the interpretation. I then awoke from the dream.
INTERPRETATION
Christ is returning. He is coming in the power of the Godhead three in One and in the perfection of the seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit.
He is steadily moving toward us, and even though the crosses were still far off, there is an urgency to share and teach the Gospel of the kingdom of heaven.
His return is near, but not as near as some might think. (There’s still much to do! See Matthew 24:14)
We know in part and prophesy in part. We know not when He will return, only the Father knows (See Mark 13:32).
We must be obedient to carry out the Great Commission (See Matthew 28:18-20). We are to be aware that He is coming back as He promised He would do; however, we must also understand that He is slow in His return, as He doesn't desire anyone to perish. (See 2 Peter 3:1-18).
The First Cross
Symbolizes the instrument of Jesus’ death, the slain Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.
Represents the Godhead, His unity and primacy being the All-Sufficient One.
This symbol of Christianity should remind us to pick up our cross daily and follow Christ. This is not a platitude or cliché, but a serious command! (see Matthew 16:24-25; Mark 8:34-35; Luke 9:23-24)
Three Crosses
The Father and Jesus are one and come in fullness, strength, and the perfect power of the Holy Spirit.
Three is the number of divine completeness and perfection.
Jesus is The Way, The Truth, The Life. NO ONE can come to the Father except through Christ Jesus. Amen! (See John 14:6)
God is Omnipresent, Omniscient, and Omnipotent.
He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; Peter, James, and John.
Jonah was in the belly of the great fish three days, and he foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection on the third day. Jesus validated Jonah's testimony in Matthew 12:40 and again in 16:4.
“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. There are three who bear witness on the earth: the Spirit, the water and the blood. These agree as one." (See 1 John 5:7-8)
The Seven Crosses
The seven crosses represent spiritual perfection found in the Seven Spirits before His throne.
The Seven Spirits are the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge, and the Fear of the Lord.
Jesus the Messiah, the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, is the only One who is worthy to open the scroll and loosen its seven seals.
He has seven horns and seven eyes, which the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He alone is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing! Amen! These are the sevenfold ascriptions of Christ.
(See Isaiah 11:2; Revelations 1:4; 4:5; 5:1-14; 11:16-17; 12:10)
The Grape Vines
The brilliance of the gold crosses would have been like looking into the sun had the grape vines not been draped over them. It would have been impossible for me to observe and record the crosses movements without them.
They remind us that in order to develop the fruit of the Spirit, we are to wear Jesus’ yoke and to cloak ourselves in His humility. (See Matt 11:28-30; Galatians 5:22-25)
Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches. Grape leaves bring nourishment to the fruit of the vine.
Wine comes from grapes and represents Jesus' first miracle at Cana.
We drink from the Lord’s Cup and in remembrance of what Christ did for the remission of our sins.
Deep Sleep, A Dream within a Dream, God’s Grace
The dream within the dream is symbolic of going deeper for revelation. Deep calls unto deep!
My exhaustion was tangible in the dream, and reminds me of what the Lord spoke to Paul as recorded in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness."
God showed His grace in a personal way because I asked Him to show He was trying to reveal to my brother, and for Him to do it, is truly an amazing example of His love and grace!
Five months prior, I had surrendered my life to the Lord and five is the number of grace.
The Date of the Dream
This dream occurred on July 14,1997. (It’s come of age being re-released 21 years later!) July 14th, or 7/14, is relevant to what many believers have been praying from 2 Chronicles 7:14. "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land."
The year is significant Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
The Interpretations of the Dream from the Others
God is the ultimate Interpreter of dreams (see Genesis 40:8).
Listen to the Holy Spirit for interpretation. It is the anointing in us that teaches us all things. (See 1 John 2:27)
While it’s easier and feels safe to go along with other people’s interpretation, God wants us to press in and wait on Him to reveal it. When God gives us a dream (either by His Spirit or through the mouth of another), we will have a deeper knowing in our spirit if what we are hearing is a correct interpretation.
If we will seek His interpretation, He may give us the gift of interpretation of dreams. This is a gift given by God to help others to understand what He is revealing.
Final Observation
At the time of this dream, I was unaware of teachings concerning Christ’s return. Only now, as I update and edit this dream, do I see how the Lord was teaching me to trust Him and His established Holy Scriptures to reveal what He was and is saying to His Church (Ekklesia) concerning His return. Jesus asked in Luke 18:8, “...when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” He is not looking for people who put their faith in theories, God’s looking for those who put their faith in Christ Jesus, and Him crucified. He knows who belongs to Him, so we should be about our Father’s business until He returns. (See Matthew 24:46)
Arise, shine! Amen!
In the Father’s love,
Judy A Bauman
It is my prayer this dream has edified you. Please feel free to email me with any comments or questions at thefatherslove@yahoo.com.
Posted by: Judy A Bauman AT 10:28 am
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Are You Hungry for the Things of the Lord? It’s time to Eat!
By Judy A Bauman
August 31, 2016
After a productive week working on “Jewels from the River II,” I had a very vivid dream. There was a tiny house that I evidently owned and had rented. The occupant had moved out and the house was empty except for two aquariums filled with fish. One tank was big for the tiny house and stretched nearly the full width of it; the other was an average sized fish tank. The numerous fish in the larger tank were big (4-5”) for fresh-water aquarium fish. They were healthy, but hungry. (I have had reoccurring dreams for years where I realize I have fish that I have forgotten to feed. There is always food for them; I just have to give it to them. I have asked the Lord repeatedly what these dreams mean, but for the most part, I haven’t had clear understanding.)
There was something really wonderful and remarkable about the fish in the large tank of this particular dream. These fish had the faces of animals! They weren’t named after animals, like the lionfish, but actually had a miniature version of the face of an animal on a fish body. They were truly unique and beautiful. The first fish I saw in the large tank had the face of a male lion with a furry mane! I saw face of a bighorn ram on a fish – complete with large curled horns. There was an eagle’s face that had feathers, a zebra whose face and body were striped, but it had a long zebra nose. One looked like a goat and had such a sweet, innocent looking face. There were many more, but the last one I saw had the face of a horse with brown eyes, and long mane. They were all so amazing!!! The tank was full beyond capacity and each fish was different; however, they all seemed to live in unity.
I knew they were hungry, but was unsure what to feed them. They looked like they would each need a specialized diet. Then I looked over at the smaller aquarium and saw hundreds of goldfish in it. They were also hungry so I gave them flake food and they all readily ate it. I turned back to the fish in the large tank and saw feeding pellets on top of the hood. I put a good amount in because I knew there were a lot of them and they were ravenous. While contemplating whether I should give them some more, I woke up.
I shared this dream with my husband and a couple of friends, mainly because it was so vivid and amusing. However, through this dream, the Holy Spirit gave me a revelation about these “aquarium” dreams I’ve had over the years. Jesus used fish as an analogy for believers. (“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” Matthew 4:19)
Here is what I believe the Lord showed me: The reason these fish were so vivid and unique in the dream is that they represent us, the Church. God’s people are to be spiritually vivid and unique. We need the Father’s “daily bread” to sustain us. (Through food in the natural, the food that feeds us by studying Scripture, teaching of the Word, prophetic words that speak directly into our lives, and last but certainly not least, the promise of God’s covenant through remembering the Lord’s sacrifice by taking the Lord’s Supper. This is not so much about taking elements of communion as it is receiving JESUS. We must have a personal relationship with Him. We do not want to hear the Lord say, “Depart from Me, I never knew you...”)
The Fish (us) that I saw in this dream were vastly unique and marvelous creations of God, waiting for something they could eat that would give them sustenance. They were God’s delight and eager to receive something that would give them strength for the day. All I had to do was to put food in the water and they would eat what they needed. (We all have those we are called to feed, and others who are called to feed us.)
One Scripture that has always stood out to me, is found in Revelation 3:2, where the Lord admonishes, “strengthen the things which remain”. I do take the whole of that Scripture very seriously and I hope you do too. God is strengthening each of us by the power of His Spirit, but He doesn’t strengthen us void of the Church. He has called each of us into His service. Will we choose to put our hand to the plow, or lay back and assume someone else will do it? Remember, the foolish virgins in Matthew 25 did not go in because they did not invest in the needed oil. We need to be generous with our resources when it comes to the things of God.
There are seasons of rest and rejuvenation, but there are also seasons of clearing the land, weeding, uprooting, tearing down, building up, planting, watering, and harvesting. I am seeing and experiencing the change of the spiritual season we are in and rejoice for it! So many are losing hope, and we need rise up, dust ourselves off, and say, “Not on my watch!”
Let me pose some simple but very important questions inspired by a message my pastor recently gave:
How can you use those gifts to build the kingdom of heaven?
What do you love doing?
What are your skills?
What is your personality? Some people are more comfortable being behind the scenes, where others want to be personally involved. Whatever your personality, God has a place for you.
How can you incorporate your life’s experiences to best serve God’s people?
God is building something and we need to focus on what unites us and not what divides us. We live in a time that people are very polarized, but it is important we keep our eyes and ears in tune with the Lord. His ways are not our ways, and to Him, obedience is better than sacrifice. Be like the wise virgins and invest your time, talent, and resources into the work of the kingdom. Do not miss the opportunities that come your way to feed the Body of Christ and those who don’t yet know Jesus. We are all hungry, we all need to eat!
About a year after surrendering my life to the Lord, I was sitting in my room when all at once I saw a white scroll roll half way down the top, right corner of the wall. This scene played on it like a movie:
I saw a man who was distraught and weeping bitterly. He was bent down on one knee and his face was buried in his hands as he wept bitterly. He writhed in grief, despair and self-loathing. His sobs were heart-wrenching. I felt desperate to help him, but I didn’t know what to do.
Suddenly, a hand appeared above him holding out a Bible. The man looked up in his broken state and with hope in his eyes he reached up and accepted the gift being offered to him. As he opened the Book, the words came off the pages like silk thread. The beautiful strand began to wrap around the man and encircled him until I couldn’t see anything but a large white cocoon. The cocoon was very still for a period of time. Then it slowly began to rock back and forth, and soon there was more and more movement. I could tell there was a struggle going on inside. The cocoon began to split and then suddenly it tore open. A huge butterfly adorned in stunning, heavenly colors came bursting out; it quickly flew across the room in front of me and out my window! It was bigger, more vibrant, exquisite and beautiful than anything I could have ever imagined. I looked back at the screen in the right corner of my room hoping for an instant replay, but the scroll rolled up and disappeared.
This experience spoke deeply to me. The silk thread is symbolic of how God’s word can ‘cocoon’ and transform us from a wretched state of being to a new creation. The butterfly represents our being reborn of the Holy Spirit and our ability to take flight in Him.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
This is not possible without having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus and accepting the gift offered to us by the Father. When we receive Jesus, the word made flesh, as our Savior we have promises that the Father will fulfill in us. Like the butterfly, our transformation is unmistakable!
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Without God’s Spirit working to transform us, we are broken, naked, wretched, miserable, poor, blind and lost. When we allow ourselves to be transformed by His word, we become whole, clothed, joyful, loved, and rich with wisdom and hope!
Until we come to that broken place, we can never know how much we truly need God. When the Word of God is opened up to a broken heart, then the Lord can make miraculous changes in even the most miserable of souls. His Word will accomplish the purpose for which He sent it.
“Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
It takes time to make a transition into a life IN CHRIST, but the beauty of being a new creation is worth the struggle that occurs on the inside of the ‘cocoon’. Without the struggle, the butterfly, like us, would not be made strong enough to take flight.
As we invest in other people’s lives by ‘handing’ them a Bible in God’s timing, may we bring the transforming power of the Father’s love into their lives. It is well worth it to invest our own resources to get Bibles into the hands of those who need it.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” Luke 12:34
Will we be ready and willing to give what is needed to bring the Father’s prodigals home when they have ‘come to themselves’? If we do, we might just see the transforming power of God’s cocoon!
Scriptures to Ponder: Acts 10:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 1:1-4, 3:16; 6:44; 14:6; Luke 15:11-32; Psalms 107:10-16, 19-22; 119:105
In Worship the Lord allowed me to see the most exquisite scene unfold from His Throne of Grace!
His Train Fills the Temple!
As the Church came before the Throne to worship the King of kings, I see the Lord Jesus seated on His Throne watching His beloved worship in spirit and truth.
A song rings out:
It’s my fragrant oil
It’s my costly perfume
Take my alabaster box – break it open
Let the fragrance arise
Jesus watches those who worship Him willingly and without reservation with eyes of love, compassion and joy. He watches them with delight for a long time, but then He can take it no longer! He rises up, steps down onto the floor, and joins one worshiper in dance. The dance is elegant, graceful and lovely.
He then dances with each of the worshippers. Jesus weaves Himself through His people, He takes His time to love and minister to each one. He is not in a hurry with anyone. Some continue in the spirit of the dance as Jesus moves to the next person; others weep and fall to their knees – others fall to their face. There are only tears of joy; there is no sorrow, no shame, no condemnation, nor tears of pain. A gentle wind blows through the great hall and some swoon to its touch. All the worshippers then sway to and fro like wheat blowing in the wind. They are so beautiful as they worship their King.
Another song pours forth:
I see Your face
You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful!
I see Your face
You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful!
The Lord slowly made His way back to His Throne; He turns so gracefully and sits down. He is so majestic and beautiful. His every move is intentional and filled with purpose.
It is at this time that I see His train. (See Isaiah 6:1). I had not noticed it before, but my eyes were opened to see that when Jesus danced with and held each worshipper, He wrapped His train around every soul He touched!
I look out over the great hall and enjoy seeing every worshippers basking in His train which now surrounds them like a warm blanket. It cleanses them and covers them. It comforts and warms them; it blesses them in ways they could never imagine. They are literally being cuddled in His train!
The Beloved looks at the joy and peace on each face and He looks so content and full of love for every worshipper. I sit overwhelmed as one who records this joy of His – as we come before Him worshipping in spirit and in truth.
Then I realize I am suddenly seeing this vision not from the perspective of an observing scribe, but I am now within the great hall of worshippers. I weep with great joy before my King! I feel the warmth and comfort of His train as it surrounds me. His love is somehow wrapped up in this garment! It is overwhelming. I am overwhelmed with love for the Lord Jesus and His great love for me. I am warm and comfortable and SAFE! At this point I have such a deep revelation of my being safe with Him and begin to declare my joy at being safe – truly safe in Jesus. Hallelujah!
I bask in it and share it with you so that you know that He is surrounding you with His love!
Glory!
In His love ~Jewels
(See 1 John 4:17-19)
Ministry Note: If these posts are a blessing to you, please prayerfully consider helping to bring the healing power of the Father’s love to the nations. Jesus’ heart is for the nations and it is also the very heart of this ministry! (See Mission News) You may give an offering online by credit card at www.thefathersloveim.org or send a check or money order to:
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
2727 Brookhaven Lane Suite B
Buford, GA 30518
May you be blessed in the Father’s love!
*Artwork by Janice VanCronkhite. Please visit her website http://jvcartworks.com to get prophetic art for your home or office. In the memo put “Jewels” and a portion will go into the work of the ministry.
In prayer I saw a large oak tree and the Lord told me to climb it. I climbed up and sat on the first big limb. Then He told me, "Go out to the end of the limb."
I scooted out until I knew the limb couldn't hold my weight and stopped. The Lord said again, "Go out to the end of the limb."
I scooted out a little more, but I knew in my mind that there was no way that I could go any further without the limb breaking. Though I was on the bottom limb, it would have been at least a 20 foot fall, so I stopped.
Again the Lord spoke to me, "Go out to the end of the limb."
I protested and told Him that there was no way that branch, which was as smaller than my pinkie finger, was going to hold me up.
He said, "If I have called you to go out on a limb, then I will hold it up. Just then I saw the tree and me in it as though I was watching the whole thing from afar. When he said, "I will hold it up' I saw a huge angel standing underneath the branch holding it up!
The Lord further cautioned me that I was not to go out on just any limb. I was to only go out on the limbs which He had called me to go out on. He said that those He had not called me to go out on - He was not obligated to support.
In this dream I was coming out of a building with a group of people. We had been at some sort of seminar, but I didn't recognize anyone in the group. As we were walking out under a long awning, I saw right in front of us a large but thin and mangy looking male lion prowling down the middle of street. He saw the group, but paid no attention to us. As he looked for prey, the lion saw some children playing unsupervised. They were directly in front of him and to our left. As he started to stalk them, they all scattered to get away from him. The lion picked out one young boy as his victim and I could see that he would quickly kill the child if someone didn't stop him. I yelled really loud; not a word, but a noise. The lion turned toward us and the group groaned, gasped in fear, and shirked back. It was clear that they were distraught by my bringing the lion's attention to our position. When the lion saw the group was not going to stop him, he quickly turned back to his original course and again went after the child.
The lion had nearly caught the child when I yelled really loud for a second time. Again the agitated lion turned from his pursuit of the boy and came toward us. The group had the exact same cowardly reaction as the first time. The large animal seeing we were no real threat turned back towards the boy and again began hunting him down. I felt I had to do something to distract the lion away from the child. Since the people didn't seem to share my conviction to help him, and I felt that I shouldn't endanger them further, I decided I needed to leave the group and divert the lion on my own. However, as I stepped out from under the awning and began to cross the street, I immediately became the mangy lion's targeted prey! It had become increasingly aggravated by my diverting it from its intended victim and swiftly came at me. I hurried back into the group under the awning and the mangy lion turned back to attack the boy for the fourth and surely final time. I felt if I yelled another time the group might abandon me to the lion, but if I didn't the boy would be devoured right in front of us. I had no idea what to do to save him.
Suddenly, from out of nowhere, another lion leaped in with a man riding on his back. This lion was majestic! He was very fit, had clean gracefully flowing fur, and was adorned with a beautifully jeweled, golden saddle. The man riding the magnificent lion swiftly withdrew his sword and killed the mangy lion before it could come any closer to the child. Praise God! I woke up feeling such deep relief and joy! I was thanking God for that child's salvation. As we know, God is rarely early but He is always on time!
Interpretation:
The group of people 'under an awning' would appear to represent an assembly of people under the same protection. Most likely a church group, but there was no clear leader. It may have been because we had come together for a seminar. We had been inside learning, but when we came out and were faced with the enemy, we as a group did not know what to do. [2 Tim 3:7] It could be that the group is more symbolic of the 'church' in general. (Referring here to believers of all Christian denominational backgrounds.)
The mangy lion would be Satan roaming the earth to see who he can devour. [1 Peter 5:8] He was boldly walking down the middle of the street for anyone to see which exposes that he has been left unchallenged for the most part. When he was only slightly confronted, the lion threatened the group in such a manner that not only frighten them, but also caused them turn on the person who exposed the enemy's ploy. (Kill the messenger!) Theirs was a typical human reaction when comfort and safety are threatened. The lion never really made a truly aggressive attack toward the group. The way he came skulking towards us was more to intimidate us to inaction than to actually harm us. I believe he was making sure we were not going to get between him and his intended victim. He was concealing that he was, in reality, afraid of the group and stopped us from confronting him by using intimidation. This would reveal that many demonic attacks are designed to frighten us just enough to keep us at bay, so they are free to ravage the weak. Satan hopes he can seem so menacing that we will totally withdraw our assault against him and his cohorts. We are further led to believe (by our own flesh), that if we don't challenge the approaching lion and stay in our area of comfort, we will be alright. To me, this borders on debauchery. We do need to stay together, and there is comfort in that, however, we also need to come together to protect those who are too weak to protect themselves. The lion was distracted from his intended kill by only one voice. Can you imagine how quickly he would have fled the scene had everyone joined together and started yelling at him? If he would have gotten that child, he surely would have returned for more! (This may have been why he was so bold in the first place.) We need to learn to attack the enemy on a united front and protect God's children!
The unsupervised children seem to be symbolic of; A) lost sheep [Luke 15:4-7 and Matt 18:10-14] B) Those who are young or immature in the Lord and have yet to find spiritual covering - orphans of the Lord so to speak. [1 Co 4:15] C) The children that some have forbid to come to Christ [Matt 19:13]
The boy singled out by the lion seems symbolic of one of these children at their weakest, but I believe any of those children would have been an easy target.
I believe that yelling was a type of intercession the man of God heard and understood that he needed to take action. [Rom 8:26, 27] It being a noise was more like a trumpet was blown or an alarm was sounded. [Joel 2:1]
My choosing to leave the group while the enemy was afoot was a foolish and dangerous thing to do. Much to my dismay, even though the enemy was thin and mangy, I was no match against him on my own. [Jude 9] Though I recognized something had to be done, in the end I realized I was not going to be able to save that child without help. This reveals that when we get outside a group of believers we become easy prey for the enemy. God does not call us out in the middle of a battle. If we are to leave a group we are not to leave during times of conflict but during times of peace. Even though the group did not come to the aid of the child or react the way I thought they should, I became the target when I stepped away from the safety of fellowship. [Proverbs 11:14, Heb 10:25] I was protected when I came back under the awning and stood with them. [Eph 6:13]
At first I thought the man and the lion were both Jesus. However, as I reflect on this dream I believe that the regal lion is Jesus; the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and the man is one who has been chosen to serve the Lord as a protector of His flock. This man of God is symbolic of those who ride or operate in the power of God, who have been chosen by Him, have learned to wield the sword of the Spirit, and know how and when to protect the lost sheep. When the majestic Lion of the Tribe of Judah came in carrying the man of God, he withdrew his sword, which is the word of God, and he killed the enemy! [Eph 6:17] Christ, the word made flesh, in the man is what brought the victory! It takes men and women of God who not only know how to wield the sword to beat such a foe, but they must be given the authority by God to ride atop the Lion of Judah to lead Christ's church. It would be dangerous to sit in that saddle presumptuously. This is a place only the King of kings can grant! It would also seem prudent to point out that it would be unwise to be in direct opposition to such a God-appointed person.
I believe the ending of this dream reveals that it will take strong leaders who operate in godly power to teach the body of Christ how to wield the sword and to show that the body of Christ that we are already more than conquerors. [Rom 8:37] This way it won't matter what we are engaged in doing or what group we are among when attacks come. We will all (Christians of all denominations) know what to do and we will be more than able to stand victorious in Christ. [Matt 11:12] The enemy being utterly destroyed, not just distracted, was the work of a true commander. Those who ride in Christ's authority take note.
The other night I had a vivid dream that has troubled me. I asked the Father its meaning because it is far outside my realm of influence. I believe it is significant enough to share the word I received through the Holy Spirit, as well as some other insights. I submit it for your consideration.
Part I – The Dream:
I was in a huge open courtroom that could seat 500+ people and it seemed full. The walls were oak with huge glass windows so the courtroom could be observed from the outside. Its sides were abnormally shaped. (I looked up shapes and it ends up being a perfect pentagon.)
In the morning session the judge came out, but on the way to his bench he stumbled a little; he quickly recovered, sat and presided. He seemed to be someone I knew as a friend and respected. Later we all broke for a late lunch/dinner. I had been invited to attend the luncheon with the judge and his supporters. There were people eating and making connections with one another. This seemed to take a lot of time.
Then we all went back to the courtroom for the evening session. Everyone was dressed more formally. We all stood as the judge came in. He was walking headlong and very fast – too fast for the short distance to his bench. Again he stumbled. He tried to catch himself several times but couldn’t. As he went down, 3 or 4 men who appeared to be deputies of the court ran to catch him. They were not in uniforms; they were dressed in black dinner jackets with gold badges, but none could reach him in time to break his fall. The judge hit the floor very hard and most people in the courtroom – including me were aghast and horrified as we stood by helplessly and witnessed his fall.
Shockingly, the sound of snickering from young men seated near where the judge fell could be heard. It grieved me deeply. Their mocking laughter and snide comments seemed not only inappropriate in this place of honor, but terribly insensitive to the judge as he lay on the floor in pain. I felt his enemies would use this to ridicule the good judge and his fall would likely be played again and again on news reels and you-tube. This small group of disrespectful voices would end up being loud and vocal, making a mockery out of him and overwhelm the feelings of compassion that was due this good judge.
For whatever reason, I had already planned to leave the courtroom early, so I quietly stepped out. There were plenty of people attending the judge, and while I would have liked to help, it wasn’t appropriate for me to come to his aid. As I left the courtroom, it occurred to me that the judge had stumbled both that morning and again that evening; I knew this was very significant because he was a surefooted man. I felt there could be something medically wrong with him.
Alarmed, I went to two large men dressed in black jackets and gold badges who were walking toward the courtroom. I told one of them I thought the judge may have fallen because of a medical condition and that they needed to get him to a doctor. As I exclaimed to the man, “He stumbled twice today!” he looked at me like I was crazy and walked on. My thought was I was wasting my time with this guy anyway as he was only an “usher”. I felt the judge’s life was in jeopardy and somehow I needed to find someone who had real authority to get him the help he needed. ~ End Dream
Part II – The Prayer:
“Father, interpretation belongs to You. What does this mean?” (See Genesis 40:8; Daniel 2:20-23)
Part III – The Interpretation:
After praying the Lord immediately spoke this to my heart:
“Judy, it is actually very simple. You admire and look up to righteous judgment. It is, in a sense, your friend. But you have seen it stumble and now it is moving in a manner that it cannot remain upright. No matter how many men run to its aid, justice is falling. The mockers are there. Mockery has become normal in the land. There is little respect for dignitaries.
“Everything is in travail – the governments, the earth, the people. Remember this – though a righteous man falls, he will rise seven times.”
“It is time to arise and shine! It is time to roust the troops! It is time to sound the alarm for justice - because righteous judgment has stumbled and fallen! Judgment is ill. Its equilibrium is off. Judgment comes first to the house of the Lord! Strengthen that which remains. Do not run away, but face the enemies of your God and protect the downtrodden of the nations.
“The weapons of your warfare are not natural. They are love and hope, praise and thanksgiving, peace and joy. Let My weapons rise and watch your enemies be scattered; but use the weapons I give with purposeful understanding. Skillfully use My sword on the devil and his cohorts to remove their teeth and talons from the flesh of My Church. Be vigilant. My word is a sword and should never be used to harm those I gave My life to save. Scripture is first a mirror to see your own reflection and conform your image to Mine, and second as a tool to build up My Body. If needed, use My sword on people more like a scalpel in the hands of a skilled surgeon. It is a delicate procedure to surgically remove disease and avoid causing deep scarring to My beloved. My word must be applied carefully and with My heart of compassion. Follow My lead. Do not misuse Scripture to bring harm to another or you will be found in contempt!
“Discern the signs of the times. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. Endure to the end and receive My power to be My witnesses to the ends of the earth.
“John baptized with water, but I baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. I am bringing a fire to burn up the chaff. Stand fast at your position on the wall. Do not run, but stand and behold the salvation of your King and Righteous Judge. I will not stumble but will bring swift and precise judgments in My timing. Do not fear! Remember, all this must happen before I return.”
After pondering this further, clearly the “pentagon” shape of a courtroom speaks of government; and the seating for a large crown and the big windows speaks of the public being able to view the goings on there.
My impression on the time frame between the judge’s first and the second stumble seems the time period from when America became a country in 1776 to 2011. There were small stumbles in the nation’s beginning that mostly went unnoticed, but now the US government is running head-long and its fall will be great unless the Lord steps in to catch us. This reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 7:24-27 about building on sand or rock. It’s not just a matter of hearing the words of Jesus, but acting on the words of the Master out of a heart of obedience. Justice is stumbling – America and needs the Great Physician!
While fellowship and networking is good, a lot of it is for self-promotion. There has been a lot of filling our bellies and “hobnobbing” – this is true not only in the US government but governments around the world as well as the global Church. Divine connections are important in every arena in life, but much of it is man trying to elevate himself.
As I pondered the United States celebrating her 235th year of independence this month, the Lord led me to Luke 2:35. This records when Simeon prophesied over Mary. It causes me great trepidation – as it seems to relate to my beloved country. “A sword shall pass through your own soul – so that the reasonings of many hearts may be revealed.”
As Christ’s Church and remnant, we must pray for those in authority as Scripture has commanded us to do. I have long held the belief that our governments are failing because the Church has not taken serious the command to pray for world leaders. We seem happy to belly-ache about it, but refuse to lay down our own agendas and pray. First Timothy 2:1-7 is very clear on this matter.
Please consider what a colleague of mine wrote in regards to the “luncheon/dinner” portion of the dream:
“Are we as a body spending too much time placing too much importance on surrounding ourselves with supporters and making the "right" connections to the detriment of "letting our light so shine in the world”? Have we so encapsulated ourselves or "separated" ourselves within the Christian world that we have contributed to Justice falling? There have been and always will be mockers. However, to what extent have our own actions/hypocrisies rightly provided fodder for mockery? There are those who connect for the sake of connecting and name-dropping and those that do the same to facilitate action. And what's even crazier is there will be a mixture of both in any network. May we all be found promoting the kingdom agenda and not promoting our own position or beliefs! Prophets will know/discern what God is about to do – using Elijah's departure as an example in II Kings 2, but how many will actually seek to be a part of it?”
If you believe the Lord has shown you something further about this dream (or any of my writings) feel free to contact me.
Important Scriptures to ponder on this subject: Proverbs 24:16, 17; Isaiah 1:16-19; 60:2; Joel 2:1; Judges4:6; Matthew 3:11; 24:3-51; Romans 8:22; Second Corinthians 10:3-5; First Peter 4:17; Jude 9-16, 19-25; Revelations 3:1-3; 19:11
Please remember this ministry in your prayers and giving as you are led by the Holy Spirit. Thank you.
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On April 8, 2002, I had a dream that I believe holds important insight for the Body of Christ at this critical time. While the world would have us focus on it and its troubles, I believe the Lord desires to have an audience with us.
Dream:
In this dream I was in a third world country as a missionary with three other women. We planned to be there for some time as we had rented a place close to where we were to minister. The dwelling was connected to others like it; all of them were dilapidated and surrounded by a chain-link fence. As I walked to a local café for a job interview, I saw clothing and bed sheets hanging above the street drying. The clothes were dull in color, but one sheet was light blue. When I came into the café I noticed a puddle of fetid water in the middle of the dining room floor. I went out to the alley where earlier I had seen a mop and brought it into the café and cleaned up the mess. There was no bucket to rinse out the mop, so I took it back out to the alley.
A frail, old man walked toward me in the alley. It was now night. He looked as if he had expected to find me there. With broken English and a weak voice I barely heard him say, "My life's work is about to be confirmed." He slumped over and looked as though he were about to die. I moved to catch him, but he was not as concerned about his failing health as he was to relay the message. I leaned in closely to listen.
He looked directly into my eyes with determination and declared, "We must seek His face!" He reached toward me gently taking my hands and placed them on either side of his cheeks so that his face was cradled between them. He had deep lines in his face like the lines in Mother Teresa's face. As I held his face, he intently looked into my eyes and asked, "Where is my face?" I answered, "It is on your head." He then asked, "Where is my head?" I replied, "It is on your body." Then he resolutely stated, "Remember this!"
His eyes remained fixed on mine and his face was still resting between my hands. Suddenly, his eyes turned into lion's eyes and his face morphed from a man's face into a male lion's face!!! I could feel his thick mane in my hands! Everything faded from view and all I could see were the lion's eyes and face. For a moment terror hit me, but just as quickly I knew I was safe. I realized that this was not the lion that seeks to devour, but rather the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! (See 1 Peter 5:8 and Revelation 5:5). Slowly the Lion's face faded, but the Lion's eyes remained and stared directly into my eyes without breaking its intense gaze.
I awoke, but as I lay there in the darkness I could still see the Lion's golden eyes piercing my soul. The Holy Spirit said, "Get up and write it down." I assured the Lord I would not forget it. He asked me four times before I got up and wrote down this dream. (See 1 Samuel 15:22; Habakkuk. 2:2)
Interpretation:
Location And Componants:
Third world country - While this was clearly a poverty stricken area, earthly poverty can also be viewed as Jesus revealed in Revelation 2:9 and 3:17. We can think we are rich when we are poor in the Lord's eyes, and on the other hand we can think we are poor but actually be rich.
Three women - May be symbolic of Christ's 'inner circle' of friends.
The Missionary - In this dream I believe I represent believers willing to go where the Lord sends them. (See Isaiah 6:8). Note: At the first posting of this dream in 2004, I was not yet sent out as a missionary; in the past two years the Lord has sent me to Uganda five times and India once. Missionaries should never send themselves into the field or go because they are being pressured by well-meaning invitations. We need the Lord to open the door and send us.
Fences Dwelling Place - Denotes a protected close-knit community. It was clear that we were to live and work (dwell) with the people to whom we were sent. (See Acts 18:3 and 1 Corinthians 16:19). It reflects the Lord's example throughout the Gospels of living everyday life with His disciples. My sense was that we had signed a lease to stay for three to six months.
Dull Clothing - The people had not yet exchanged their earthly garments for heavenly ones. (See Isaiah 61:3; Colossians 3:12-17; Revelation 19:7-9).
Blue Sheet - Its significance confirms this dream holds heavenly revelation.
A Café - A favorite and familiar place to me. When I was young, my parents owned and operated a café, hotel, and restaurant. I love the fellowship of a small café where locals gather, and I see it as a place to minister outside of the church building.
Job interview - The apostle Paul was a good example of working in marketplace ministries. My goal was not so much to make a living there as it was to be positioned to meet the local people who frequented the café. (See 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10).
Fetid water - This puddle of filthy water seemed symbolic of a lack of excellence in the workplace and places of fellowship - just accepting a mess rather than taking action to clean it.
The Mop - Was already filthy, but it was the only tool available to clean where the people ate.
No Bucket - Not having all the tools needed to do the job with excellence.
Cleaning - I remember feeling compelled to clean the mess on the floor even though I had not yet been hired. Over the years the Lord has trained me to be obedient to clean a mess even when I have not made it. Because of this act of obedience, I was in position to make a divine connection and receive kingdom impartation.
Alley - Although it would seem to symbolize a place of fear (meeting someone in a dark alley) to me an alley representsa place of discovery. I spent a great deal of my childhood in exploration in the alley behind my parent's hotel. Many treasures can be found in an alley if you know where to look! (We must be careful giving universal meanings for places and things in dream interpretation.)
Nighttime - Speaks to me that the "hour is late". This fact is daily becoming more and more evident. Below is a link to a word the Lord gave me for the Church concerning this hour. This is a meaty word and is not for the faint of heart (see Hebrews 12:4-11):
Old Man - As a rule I respect the elderly and lookout for their wellbeing when it is within my power to do so. The old man looked and sounded like the older of "the two witnesses" in the movie, The Omega Code. Symbolic of the "witness" of the church as it exists today; the old man had refined the most important truth he had learned in his entire life into one final statement. I detected a hint of regret in his voice as he spoke, yet he was determined to make sure I understood. I had the impression that he had known and even served the Lord for years, but had not fully understood this simple but profound truth until the very end of his life. He may have been busy doing the work of the Lord, but did not spend time developing a intimate relationship with Jesus. Because he had specifically shared this revelation with me - I have felt a great sense of responsibility to clearly convey this message.
We are to seek God's face then pass that wisdom onto the next generation like a runner who passes a baton in a relay race. He relayed the purest and most simple truth - "We must seek His face!" It is very important wereceive and live out the impartation from the passing generation, and then prepare to relay it to the next. However, we must be careful not to mix the new wine and the old wine skins. (See Psalms 78:5-8; Matthew 9:17 and Hebrews 12:1)
Near Death - Represents the "old way" of doing things in the church is dying. The admonition given to us by the church now passing is: "WE MUST SEEK HIS FACE!" If we hold dear this charge, this new emerging church will be known around the world by the intimacy it shares with the Father, the Bridegroom our Lord Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit. (See Isaiah 43:19)
Holding His Face - The old man dynamically illustrated that when we seek God's face we are to hold on and not let go of Him even when it looks scary. We have to learn to recognize and discern the Lord in all situations. In Revelations 19:12 it states that Jesus will come back bearing a name that no one knows but Himself. This means thatwe must know Him by the Spirit. God reveals Himself and His ways through His names. What is this name that we do not know? That is the point, we do not know and we will not know. We must passionately pursue Jesus to intimately know Him by His Spirit. We need to understand the significance of the warning Jesus gave through the parable of the five foolish virgins. (See Matthew 25:1-13).
The Order of His Questions - To get to the face I had to look to the Head, to find the Head I had to locate the Body. In interpreting this dream the Lord instructed me to, "Go to your husband and then to the Body of Christ and ask what it means to them personally when they hear, 'We must seek His face.'" I have now compiled those insights and incorporated them into this interpretation. More than that I knew it had to do with true submission as God meant it, not man.
THE HEAD - Has two significant parts:
Christ is the Head of the Church -Jesus is the Head of His Body! We tend to look at those in ministry as the head, but this is biblically incorrect. Ministers are more like a hand that grooms, tends and cares for the Body of Christ. Let the "hand" not obscure "the face"! We as the Church are to be subject to Christ to attain unity of the faith. Anyone trying to take Jesus' place as Head will be removed. (See 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:11-13; 2 Peter 2).
The husband is head of his wife. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Wives are to be subject to their husbands as the Church is subject to Jesus. When the old man asked me where his face was I knew he was referring to both Christ as the head of the church and my husband as my head. (See Ephesians 5:21-33 and Colossians 3:18-21).
THE BODY
The Body of Christ - Are the individuals who believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He was born of a virgin, was crucified, died, buried, and on the third day He was resurrected. Those who believe in Him and have called upon His name are born anew into the Body of Christ and make up The Church. Each member, whether male or female, is part of the Body of Christ, and is in effect, a son, a friend, a soldier, an ambassador of Jesus Christ, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. (See Galatians 3:28; 4:4-7; Matthew 5:9; Ephesians 2:18-22; 5:32; 2 Timothy 2:3; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:20).
The Lion's Eyes and Face - Because I spiritually recognized Who was piercing my soul, and because I know His great love for me as a believer, the natural fear passed through me. Perfect Love casts out fear! (See Hebrews 4:13;Revelation 1:14; 1 Corinthians 3:9-16; 1 John 4:18).
Obedience - When the Lord asked me to get up and write this dream, I was lazy and slow to obey. I was certain I would remember it. Three days after the dream I wanted to prove this to the Lord, so without looking at my notebook I typed the dream in a word document. Feeling sure of myself that I remembered all the details I then consulted my notes. I did recall most of it, but much to my dismay I had forgotten the whole sequence of the man's face turning into a lion! How could I have forgotten this? Pride! I thought I knew better than God! In this, the Lord showed me that I need to be - and we as a Body need to be - quick to humble ourselves and obey the Lord immediately when He asks us to do something. I believe it is important to be transparent and include this as obedience is vital to our being positioned to receive impartation from the Father. (Daniel 4:37; Romans 7:19; Hebrews12:6-11; Habakkuk 2:1).
We Must Seek His Face, Church!
In the Father's love,
Rev. Judy Bauman
Note 1: Four months after I had this dream the Lord put a book into my hands written by Dr. Dale A. Fife, The Secret Place; Passionately Pursuing His Presence. I highly recommend this book and to follow it up with his second book, The Hidden Kingdom. If you are serious about seeking God's face, these books will bring fullness to your search. I want to encourage you to take time with the Scriptures referenced both here in this article as well as Dr. Dale's books. God's Word holds the key and is The Standard.
Note 2: Four years after reading, The Secret Place, I was ordained into Mountain Top Global Ministries headed by Dr. Dale Fife! God's ways are so awesome! He is full of surprises when we seek His face!
Recently, I have felt prompted to release specific dreams and visions from when I first committed my life to the Lord. The night I had this dream I had spoken to my brother on the phone. He was in a terrible place at the time and told me that he had a dream the night before that he was standing in a huge open field at night and could see many stars, but he knew there was something else there. My brother said he asked the Lord what it was He was trying to show him, but he couldn't see it. He reported awaking from that dream disappointed. Before I went to sleep that evening, I asked the Lord if He would show me what He was trying to show my brother. In His graciousness - He did. Praise Him!
July 14, 1997
I dreamed that I was traveling with a group of people. It seemed to me that we were a ministry team and knew each other very well in the dream, but when I awoke I had no idea who they were. In the dream, I was exhausted and asked the person we were visiting if I could take a nap in the back room. I went to lie down and soon was in a deep sleep.
While I took this nap, I began to dream. (So it was a dream within a dream) As with my brother, I was standing in a huge open field and the night sky was full with stars. I looked up and saw one star that looked very bright and was twinkling in a dynamic manner. I carefully watched it and noticed that it was getting larger. I concentrated on this star trying to fathom and comprehend what the Lord was showing me. Then I realized the star appeared to be getting larger because it was actually moving closer to the earth. It got to be so radiant that I could hardly look at it. As it came nearer to me, I realized it was not a star at all, but an extremely bright and luminous gold cross.
One reason it flickered was because it was rotating on its axis. I could see there was something wrapped around it, but I couldn't tell what it was at first. Then I realized the only reason I could gaze at the cross at all was because it had grape leaves draped over it. It reminded me of South Dakota Gold. (See a similar example cross My cross was solid gold.)
The grape leaves kept me from being blinded by the intense brilliance of the cross. The other reason it flickered brightly at times was that as it was coming towards the earth, it also seemed to be growing larger and then getting smaller. Even though it was a considerable distance from me, as it came closer, I could see that it split from being just one cross, to three crosses, then to seven crosses and back again! The One Cross was always in the center. The crosses on the right side went behind the center cross and the crosses on the left side went in front of it in a straight line. They then moved in the opposite direction outwardly. This is how the three became seven crosses, and then they became three crosses again, then back into the One Cross. The whole time they were each spinning on their own axis. The crosses moved in this fashion the entire time they approached the earth. They each had grape leaves draped over them and I could see the stars in the background. It was a magnificent sight!
When I woke up from the 'nap' (I was still sleeping and dreaming) I went in and told my missionary friends about this dream. They each in turn shared with me what they thought the dream meant. I was a bit troubled because none of the interpretations bore witness to what I was feeling about the dream. It was not contentious in any way, but they all seemed to be guessing and my sense was that they were guessing incorrectly. Then I awoke from the dream.
Interpretation:
I do believe the simplest interpretation of this dream is that Christ is returning to the earth. He is steadily moving towards us and even though the crosses were still far off, I could see their approach and felt the urgency of teaching the Gospel before Jesus' return. Since I had this dream only five days after totally surrendering my life to Jesus, looking back on it I see His will in calling me to the mission field.
God Almighty is symbolized in the One Cross representing Unity and Primacy as the All Sufficient One. The cross is symbolic of the method used to slay the Lamb of God. It is the instrument of death to the flesh.
The Three Crosses reflect God's divine completeness and perfection. He is The Way, The Truth, The Life. Three represents the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is Omnipresent, Omniscient, and Omnipotent. He completes all time in the past, present and future. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; Peter, James, and John. Jonah was in the belly of the great fish three days, and he foreshadowed Christ's resurrection on the third day. Jesus validated Jonah's testimony in Matthew 12:40 and again in 16:4. It also states in 1 John 5:7-8, "For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. There are three who bear witness on the earth: the Spirit, the water and the blood. These agree as one."
The Seven Crosses denote spiritual perfection found in the Seven Spirits before his throne, and signify He is coming in fullness, strength and perfect power. The Seven Spirits are the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge and the Fear of the Lord. This is the sevenfold anointing of the Messiah. The Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world, the Lion of the tribe of Judah is the only One who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals. He was seen having seven horns and seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He alone is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing! Amen! These are the sevenfold ascriptions to Christ (See Isaiah 11:2 and Revelations 1:4; 4:5, 5:1-14).
For greater understanding of what this means in our time I recommend Johnny Enlow's book which came out in 2008, "The Seven Mountain Prophecy."
In this dream, the grape leaves were used to veil the brilliance of God, so that I could see His return is near. The crosses were draped and shielded from full view to keep from blinding me. We know in part and prophesy in part. We know not when He will return, only the Father knows (See Mark 13:32). We are to be doing our part, but only in obedience, carrying out the Great Commission (See Matthew 28:18-20). We are to be aware that He is coming back as He promised He would do; however, we must also understand that He is slow in His return, as He doesn't desire anyone to perish. (See 2 Peter 3:1-18). We are each responsible to be about our Father's business until Christ's return. The key is to walk in obedience and wisdom. Even Jesus had to wait and grow up before He could walk fully in His ministry.
Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches. Grape leaves bring nourishment to the fruit of the vine. Grapes are the fruit which Jesus used in proclamation of the new covenant. We drink from the cup in remembrance of what Christ did for the remission of our sins. The grapes also represent Jesus' first miracle and the fruit of the Spirit.
The dream within a dream seems to be symbolic of going deeper for revelation. In this part of the dream I was so exhausted. To this day I remember how tired my body felt as I asked the host if I could take a nap and how deeply I was sleeping. This brings to mind when Jesus said to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (See 2 Corinthians 12:9). This also reminds me of when Jesus (the Carpenter) told His disciples (the fishermen) after an exhausting night of fishing to let out the nets and get ready for a haul. Deep calls unto deep! (See Luke 5:4-10 and Psalm 42:7)
The Lord revealed His grace to me in a personal way through this dream. To ask God to show me something - and for Him to do it - seems an amazing example of His love and grace. I just realized that I had been serving Christ for about five months when I had this dream, and it is interesting to me, as five is the number of Grace! All glory and honor to our God!
Another thing that I now see that I had not seen before is the significance of the date of this dream. July 14th or 7/14 is relevant to the Scripture that has been an essential word for our day found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land."
The people on the team were people I had not met. Not surprising, since at that time I knew very few Christians. Now I have met many people since being in ministry and love their company. However, I ran into one consistent block which is that the Lord did not allow others to interpret the dreams He gave me. Then in 2004 when I asked the Lord what He wanted me to do, He told me to get out my journals, beginning from 1997. I was then to type them and afterward He would be the One to give the interpretation. This lines up with Genesis 40:8. It is my belief that you cannot operate in the gift of interpretation of dreams if you seek others to do it for you - as I did for many years! After allowing the Lord to develop this gift, He has led me to different believers, not only for confirmation, but to help others understand their dreams. (See Proverbs 11:14). For the most part I am to sit with Him in the Secret Place and let Him tell me what their meaning. Praise God!
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and our Lord Jesus Christ,
While journaling I felt an unusual mantle upon me. I began to write, "Come Lord Jesus - the Spirit and the bride call to You. I call to You - COME! Come and reclaim us from destruction. Come and deliver us from the evil darkness covering the earth and the gross darkness over the people."
The Vision:
Suddenly I saw myself with a wash cloth in my hand - a divine wash cloth. It was pure white. I walk amongst a large group of filthy people; all of them are sitting down looking despondent. I lean down and wash a person's face and hands. The cloth became black with filth and even human excrement. I lifted it up to heaven and a divine wash bowl poured water over it and me cleansing us both. The cloth is again pure white and I am refreshed. The person I have washed is washed clean - completely clean and is now wearing white raiment. I look down and see that I am also in a white robe. The person I washed now has a divine wash cloth and we both go through the crowd of filthy people washing them clean. [This is not done by our power but is the Holy Spirit's doing. We know we were also just like all of these at one time, so this is a humble privilege for us.] We only wash those who are shown to us. They become clean and then get up and do likewise. Those who have been cleansed and wear white are such a stark difference to those who are dirty. They glow and light up the areas they go into.
But some hate the light; they growl and wave away those that are light. They want nothing to do with the light. They scoff and get up from their place of slothfulness and begin to incite the people to riot against the light. Their claims are that they like living in the darkness and none shall take it or their filth from them. They claim it is their right to keep it. Those in the light have not done anything against these nor have they forced their will upon them, but they are attacked by the riotous crowd stirred up by the darkness.
However, no matter how much they try, those of the darkness cannot prevail over the light ones - even hundreds against one because light always prevails over darkness. So the dark ones devise a new plan and whisper to each other in the darkness, "We cannot beat the light unless we make them filthy again." So enticements and intrigues were sent to lure the light ones back into the darkness.
The Light shines and waits to see who will listen, believe, obey and abide in Him. He will not call His army together until they have been tested by the dark kings and queen. When He mounts up with the army of the angels and the saints, He will only mount up with those whose hearts have been tested and tried in the fire. Only those whose hearts have been forged in the fires of affliction shall ride with the King of kings. Jesus is His name and none can come to the One and Only True God, the Creator of heaven and earth, but through Him and by His Spirit. Jah is One!
The darkness will not prevail, though for a time it will seem so. The believing shall stand to the end, but the faint of heart will be turned back to the filth and none shall be able to wash it away. The Light will prevail! The Light will shine and His glory will be seen around and about those who trust in and adhere to the name of the Lord. Jesus, Yeshua is His name.
A Vision In The Night Followed By A Word From The Lord: Bound To Unforgiveness
Vision:
In a vision of the night I saw a woman sitting in Sheol. I knew she was a professing Christian, so I was greatly troubled to see her in hell. She sat in a gloomy corner looking dejected and tormented. As I looked closer, I saw a shadowy figure lurking in the darkness to her left. My attention was then drawn to her wrist. As she pulled her hand forward, she looked at me with hopeless eyes. I could see that she was hand-cuffed to the menacing figure. In life this man had been her abuser. Because she had refused the Lord's repeated promptings to forgive him, she was forever chained to him.
I awoke and the Lord said that this scene is a warning to those still living in unforgiveness to an abuser.
Word:
Child, I love you. You are Mine and no one can take you away from Me. You are given the choice to walk with Me or not, but no one can take you from Me. Again I will tell you I love you.
You have doubted this because of the "dark thing" that happened, but I was there and saw and wept with you. It did not go unnoticed or unpunished.
Release forgiveness as it will free you. Right now you are chained to that which you hate, but as you forgive the chains will drop off. You will be as the three men in the fiery furnace - you will come out with only the ropes that bound you burned. You will not smell like smoke and no hair on your head will be singed. (See Daniel 3)
Trust Me, Beloved, trust Me. Forgive and gain your freedom.
[The Lord gave me very specific directions about releasing this word to the church. I believe this woman was symbolic of every believer, regardless of gender, that has withheld forgiveness. It was her act of unforgiveness that caused her bondage. This did not mean the abuser could not have been forgiven by God, but that she was in bondage to unforgiveness. This is about her and not him. "Vengeance is Mine," says the Lord.
If there is a person you will not forgive, then the warning of this vision and this word is for you. If you have been praying and asking the Lord why you have felt so far from Him, He is telling you right now. Do not think this is for someone else when you know there is someone you refuse to forgive for what they did to you. Please read the Lord's priceless words in Matthew 6:14-15; 7:21-27 and 18:21-35. There are many more examples, but read these Scriptures, then release forgiveness and walk away free! Jesus is praying for you right now. Read His words in Matthew and you will be set free. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!]
I was in a coffee house and sitting with a Christian friend, though I have no idea who it was, when we noticed that there were a number of men together at a table next to us. One of the men from another table came over and gave us each a pen with JESUS written on it. Then they gave us four more. I was excited and put them in my purse. Then they started singing some Christian songs that were very energetic. I knew them and sang along.
This young man got up to preach, but said he was not sure if he was to give the message, and was waiting on the Holy Spirit. The Lord spoke to my heart and I said softly at first but then more loudly so they could all hear me, "The Lord played the cross like an instrument. He played it like a violin." At this many of the people in the coffee house began to pretend play an instrument (like violins, flutes and horns). I went on, "He played the cross as a song for our salvation. He took what was a horrible death and played it for our benefit."
At this the people were applauding saying, "Yeah!" They played their 'instruments' and I continued to explain that His sacrifice thundered like a bass drum, it rang like a cymbal, it sounded like a group of (3) trumpets," and so on. (With each instrument mentioned it was played.) The whole group of people in the coffee shop were all clapping and cheering forChrist and His victory at the cross.
The Lord showed me an orchestra. All the players were warming up and fine tuning their instruments. It was a loud and cacophonous uproar. While anticipation and excitement filled the air, the clamor was over-whelming. Finally all the musicians in the orchestra had their instrument in tune. They stopped everything they were doing and gave the conductor their full attention. He raised his baton and they began to play in beautiful harmony as he led them. It was beautiful.
The Lord revealed that the orchestra is His prophets. In times past we have each gone through the process to fine tune our ears to hear His voice. We have learned that we have to engage all our senses to hear the Holy Spirit. We have spent time practicing and tuning our 'instruments'. Sometimes it has been clamorous. In times past many voices often sounded like they were all saying different things, but we have come into a new season.
This is a season of harmony. In this season if something is out of tune, it will be much easier to discern. Let us proclaim with one voice, by One Spirit, the heart of the Father. May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. It is time for Jesus' prayer in John 17 to be conducted. It is time to play the same song together in the same key, rhythm, and pitch, on tempo, and in harmony. It is a time for synchronization to be realized in the prophetic. It is a time for our voices to become one in Christ. It is time to come under Godly authority and allow His leadership to orchestrate the song of the Lord. Let us "Be still and know that He is God."
Please see Ephesians 2:18-22
Since I know very little about an orchestra I looked up some terms and found these interesting:
Conductor - One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo, phrasing, dynamics, and style by gestures and facial expressions.
Temperament - Refers to the tuning of an instrument.
Cadence - A sequence of chords that brings an end to a phrase, either in the middle or the end of a composition.
Deceptive cadence - A chord progression that seems to lead to resolving itself on the final chord; but does not.
Dissonance - Harsh, discordant, and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.
Harmony - Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.
Hymn - A song of praise and glorification. Most often to honor God.
During worship while we reverently sung over and over again, "Come, Lord Jesus, Come;" I had a vision about a fountain. In the beginning of singing this song it had begun with the words, "There is a fountain." When I heard the word 'fountain' my mind wandered to a difficult time in my life. I asked the Lord to take away my, 'Fountain of Sorrow' and completely restore His Fountain in my life.
The vision the Lord showed me unfolded in parts and I submit it for your discernment. There was a fountain in the middle of a street. In America nearly all fountains have a pool that catches the water, but many of the fountains in Europe spray down onto the street and then drain underneath. This fountain was like that. It had no borders. It was very simple with three tiers that looked somewhat like a worn down monument.
This simple fountain was slowly replaced. First the head of a lion came up the middle. It was a regal lion and he looked me squarely in the eye. I was captured by its majesty. Water then began to gush out of His mouth and cascaded down onto the lowest pier where there lay a small Lamb - white and perfect and dead. It almost looked asleep, but it wasn't. It lay motionless on top of the Lion's feet as though when it died it had collapsed there and the Lion hadn't moved. I looked back up at the Lion's face and saw the fountain's water trickle from His eyes as tears.
Rising above the Lion to the left was an Eagle. I could see its piecing left eye and formidable beak. The Eagle had water flowing through the top of its talons. It looked to be a Golden Eagle.
Standing to the right in front of the Lion and the Lamb was a large white male sheep. It looked exactly like a Colorado Ram with its horns curling under - only pure white. This animal stood on the street and the water ran under his feet.
To the right came forward a Rider on a beautiful white horse. He was a regal Man with a sword extending from His mouth, yet it was as water. (The thought came to me last night after reading Revelation 4:6, 7 that the sword could have been made out of crystal with water running over its blade. This passage seems to describe some of what I saw.) The sword was forceful and deadly, yet it was the defense of the weak and hopeless. He was dressed in a type of armor and was clearly a force to be reckoned with. He was a lovely sight and a terrifying one at the same time.
His grace and peace,
Judy
January 7, 2006 Vision given December 18, 2005
These are the best examples that I can find of what I saw. click on each one for link:
lion
lamb
eagle
sheep
Horse and man (though the man is clearly not as majestic as the Lord!)
horse
For the record, I have not been in an earthquake or lived in an active area where this has been a major threat.
In this dream I was walking with my brother along the Cache La Poudre River northwest of our hometown of Fort Collins, Colorado. Since neither of us has lived there for years, it would seem we were there visiting at the same time. We were fondly talking about his grown son, Tom. As we spoke I couldn't help but notice how beautiful the scenery was. The dry mountain air was cool and crisp. The sky was an exquisite deep blue, the trees were bright green, the river's water was clear, and the tall granite cliffs were brown and red in color. It was breathtaking and looked exactly as I remember Northwestern Colorado in the early summer. There were many vacationers by the river who were picnicking and enjoying the beautiful warm weather. As we talked I was looking at the river and it dawned on me that I had never seen so much water in it before.
Suddenly, and without warning, the earth began to tremble. I saw the mountains shake and felt the earth move beneath my feet. Prior to this I hadn't even noticed all the people enjoying the beautiful day. They hadn't caught my attention until the earthquake hit. I became fully aware of them because they began to scream and run wild when the trembling began. Even with all the screaming and chaos happening all around us, I was totally at peace. My brother looked at me as if to ask what we should do. I reassured him that we would be alright if we dodged the rocks as we saw them roll down the mountain. We turned our attention to the high mountain cliff that was set back away from the river's edge where we stood. What we saw shook us to the core. Unexpectedly, huge sections of the rock wall were being shaken loose from the steep rim, and the fractured cliff walls began to topple! They quickly began to make their trek down the mountain straight toward us. We realized that there was no possible way we could avoid so many of them, so we took off running as fast as we could uphill towards the closer mountain cliffs. We hoped that if we could tuck into an overhang, the rolling boulders would bounce over and around us. We were sprinting up the mountain towards a tall rock ledge, but I knew I was not going to make it. Seeing that it was my only choice, I headed for a smaller but closer ridge hoping I could find an overhang to shield me. I turned to see if my brother would make it. I yelled, "MIKE! I LOVE YOU!" He yelled back, "I LOVE YOU TOO!" I felt we both knew that this catastrophic event was going to separate us, but we also knew we weren't going to be separated forever.
I continued to run for cover when out of the blue a huge boulder bounced right in front of me. Much to my surprise there was a young man riding on top it! He had harnessed it and was riding it down the mountain! He wore colorful safety gear - a red and white striped helmet and knee pads. Somehow I jumped up onto the boulder as it flew by, and stood behind him and rode it too. End
Interpretation:
Brother
My brother seems symbolic of loved ones, and not only family, but brethren in Christ. Though we may get separated we have assurance that we are seated together in Christ Jesus. See Ephesians 2:6.
Conversation
Talking about his son would seem to point to blessing future generations. See Genesis 9:12-17 and Psalm 78:1-7.
The Scenery
I believe this river's name is significant. The name, "Cache La Poudre" is French for "Stash the Powder". There is a local story that says the river got its name when some French travelers hid some gun powder in the canyon one winter because it had gotten too heavy to carry over the mountains. Dunamis is Greek for "Power." It is where we get the word, "dynamite." So this river may have been chosen by the Holy Spirit in this dream to reveal God's hidden power (stashed gun powder) at work. See Psalm 46 and 97. Though dynamite and gun powder have different chemical compounds, they are both have explosive qualities. The deep blue sky is symbolic to me for heavenly revelation from the Lord. When I see blue in a dream I know I need to pay attention. The bright green foliage is evidence of new life budding forth. God has given us, who believe in our hearts that Jesus is the Lord, to know the hidden mysteries of His kingdom. The fact that it was early summer I think is significant. I believe the Lord is granting us a growing season like no other. It is a time for planting the Word into those around us who are lost. The brown and red rock seems to point to humanity in need of salvation. The river being fuller than I had seen it would point to the fullness of God's Living Water being poured out on the earth before His return. Clear water is common for Rocky Mountain rivers, but it is somewhat unusual to be so clear during heavy runoff. That would suggest that the runoff was consistent and maybe had been occurring for some time. This may be the flow of the prophetic. The clear fast moving water would seem symbolic of Jesus, The Living Water. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. See Revelation 19:10 and John 4:10-14. God's word is CLEAR to us that His blood is what cleanses us from sin and all unrighteousness. The earthquake itself is both symbolic of the shaking going on in the earth both spiritual and physical. It is also prophetic of things to come. The Lord reveals this a number of times in the Gospels and the Revelation of John.
The Man on the Boulder
The "youthfulness" of the man standing on the boulder wasn't necessarily representative of his age. It may have been, but it seemed to point more toward his ability, agility and creative technique of leading. To me this symbolizes his ability to stand on The ROCK -Christ Jesus in times of crisis and to lead others to do the same. He was using what could have caused him destruction to keep from being destroyed. He harnessed the power of this cataclysmic event and rode it out. His youthfulness may have very well have been the anointing of the upcoming generation of men and women who are creative in there walk with the Lord and their willingness to give it all and to never bow to the enemy. See Daniel 3. His safety helmet was red and white which seem to be colors symbolic ofsalvation (the blood of the Lamb) and purity. Red also symbolizes fire - he would represent one who is zealous for the things of God. His knee pads would suggest he spends a lot of time on his knees in prayer. He wasn't controlling the boulder but was holding onto it with the reigns. This indicated that he reigns with Christ, the Rock of our salvation. I also got the impression that this man, who represents true leadership in Christ, is of the same spirit of the man in a different dream that saved a child from a mangy lion. This dream and its interpretation are found at http://thefathersloveim.org/child_threatened_by_mangy_lion.
This dream also reminds me of how eagles mount up on the thermal winds that approach before a storm, and uses that energy to soar above the storm until it has passed. It USES the destructive force of the storm to take it higher! Also see what Joseph said in Genesis 50:20 for another application.
Dream 2 - Inner and Outer Shaking
This dream took place in my childhood church. I didn't recognize anyone sitting there. My pastor and his (spiritual) father were up giving announcements. When he began to talk his voice became like thunder. I was so shaken on the inside that I couldn't even hear what was being said. First my shoulders began to tremble, then my arms, and then my entire body shook violently. What he was saying was not anything of great consequence, only things going on at the church. At first I couldn't tell if it was a physical earthquake, a move of the Holy Spirit in the church, or something going on just inside of me. The shaking subsided and I looked around. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. The congregation was sitting there listening to the announcements like we normally would. That is when I determined what was happening was taking place internally. I tried to sit back and relax. The pastor and his (spiritual) father were talking, and though they were talking in normal voices, the shaking in me began again just as it had before. The thunderous sounds I heard from their voices reverberated powerfully on me. I began to shake so hard I grabbed a hold of the pew in front of me, and cried out to the Lord. In a loud shaking voice I yelled out, "OHHHHH! JESUS!" Everyone was startled. They turned and looked disdainfully at me bewildered that I would just shout like that for no apparent reason. Deep within me I felt an impending doom approaching the earth - like a catastrophic earthquake. It was so overwhelming I couldn't help but to cry out!
It subsided again. While I was struggling to regain my composure so I could hear what was being said, I turned around and looked ?through' the huge church doors and saw mayhem taking place just outside. People were screaming and running for cover as buildings and rocks were falling on them. Inside the church we were all sitting there just listening to announcements; it was very calm. Outside it was pandemonium. End
Interpretation:
Childhood church
A familiar place. My pastors being in my childhood church was very odd because their styles (denominations) are so different. Like opposites being congruent.
Pastor(s)
I believe the pastor and the spiritual father represent the leadership of Christ - specifically that of a pastor and an apostle. There seems to be a powerful resonance that reverberates in the spirit realm when the anointing of a pastor and the anointing of an apostle come together. It is a strength and a force that causes things to move.
The Shaking
This may sound strange, but it seemed like I was actually the earth and the pastor and his spiritual father's voice was that of the Lord. Like the shaking going on in me is what happens in the earth at the sound of the Lord's voice - even when He speaks something simple. Please do not misunderstand that I think my leaders speak as God. It is only a type and a shadow I suggest here. The pastors in the dream are not perfect. Christ is perfect. No others are. The word also tells us "a person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT The shaking that took place in me at the sound of their voices would seem to symbolize the pastoral, apostolic, and prophetic anointing that coming together creates. See Matthew 18:20.
An odd thing for me personally was that every time the shaking in me stopped, I longed to feel it again. It was frightening because of the magnitude of it; however, because it was a shaking I received from God, it was also euphoric. See Psalms 97:5 and 114:7
The People Inside
Though the people looked at me the way they did when I cried out, it wasn't an unusual response to my outburst. One thing I have noticed in dreams - as in real life is that something that is out of the ordinary isn't usually met with open arms. Even though I had to suffer their disapproving glances, I was still safer with them inside than outside the church with the mayhem. This was also shown to be true in the dream at http://www.etpv.org/2005/cltb.html This would tell me that though we may disagree in the Body of Christ, we have protection with each other. It's the ?safety in numbers' idea. The 3rd dream confirms this too.
The People Outside
They were in chaos because they were outside of the protection of the shed blood of Jesus. See Daniel 12:4; Revelation 6:14-17 and 9:4. They were open to sudden and complete destruction. The people inside Christ (not necessarily inside the church, but those IN CHRIST) were at peace. That peace is symbolic of the security we have when we are in Christ - who are seated with Him. All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Inside Christ there is peace. He is our Strong Tower that none can knock down. He is our Rock and our Fortress, our Shield, our Very Present Help in times of trouble! See Proverbs 18:2; Psalm 31:3; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 62; and Psalm 91.
Dream 3 - The ROCK
I walked into a restaurant to get a bite to eat. It was the type of place where you would order at the counter and then take your tray of food to a table. As I was walking through the line, I noticed a group of people all sitting together in the back right corner. It was like a separate area from the main dining room, but it was still open to the main dining room, there was no door separating them. The way they were sitting struck me as odd. They were not sitting facing each other like you would normally do in that scenario. They were all sitting facing the same direction and they were intently watching something. I thought there was a TV sitting on the floor or something like that that they were looking at. They were really into it. Not being the bashful type, I walked over by them to find out what they were doing. They were not looking at a TV at all, but were gazing at an upright slab of white granite. While they were attentively watching the rock, an earthquake hit. Everyone outside and in the restaurant were running around distraught, but this group stayed right where they were and didn't budge or even look up. Ceiling tiles were falling in the restaurant but not where this group was sitting. I became aware of this fact when a tile hit the side of my arm. It was the only part of me that was outside of the area where they were sitting. Everyone else in the restaurant was panicking and trying to run away, but they couldn't get away from the falling debris. They were so terror-stricken that they didn't even notice this group who were sitting completely unruffled and uninjured by what was going on around them. I moved in closer and stayed with this alert and vigilant group watching the rock. End
Interpretation:
The Restaurant and People
These would seem to be symbolic of ?the world' - common everyday life.
The Rock
What puzzled me when I woke up was that the granite slab looked like a tombstone or monument, but somehow I knew that wasn't right. It wasn't like this physical slab of rock was a god or idol. Then I realized it was a ROCK. It was THE ROCK- Jesus Christ! It was symbolic of Christ.
The People watching The Rock
Representative of the people in the Body of Christ who are really and truly focused on Him and on His direction. They stayed totally alert to The Rock. The peace they had made this apparent. They were unmoved, unshaken, and undistracted by what was occurring around them. They watched and waited and didn't react to the terror and hysteria. They were not shaken by those things that traumatized everyone else because they knew where their help came from.
My Arm
It is interesting that the only part of me outside of the shelter of the group got hit with a ceiling time. As soon as I moved it inside their area I was safe. This would signify the safety found in fellowship.
I do believe there is a hard shaking' coming. It could possibly be war inside the United States of America; possibly terrible earth movements, possibly life-changing shaking in the heavenlies. Maybe all of them. I truly don't know, I can only report what the Lord has shown me. I love the saying, "I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds my future." I believe we need to "Go and make disciples," as the Lord commanded in Matthew 28:18-20. He will clearly take care of us if we are focused on Him.
Scripture References For All Three Dreams:
Psalms 46:1God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Isaiah 2:10 Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, from the terror of the Lord and the glory of His majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.
Hebrews 12: 25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven." 27 Now this, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Ps 18:2 The Lord is my Rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Ps 18:31 For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a Rock, except our God?
Ps 18:46 The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Ps 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.
Ps 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."
1 Peter 2: 7-10 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone, a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Matt 21:44 "And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."
Remember there is another application for an earthquake found in Acts.
Acts 16:26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.
Thank you for your time and consideration and God bless you in your journey to seek the Lord's will and His ways,
Judy Bauman
Exhortation Concerning Earthquakes
August 30, 2005
My Child, do not become unsettled in your mind. I Am your Rock and Your Foundation. I am your Sure Foundation!
The shakings will come. Yes there are wars and rumors of wars just as there are shakings and rumors of shakings. But you are not to be rattled by what I have shown you. Tell those who have heard what you have seen not to be nervous or anxious by what I have shown you. Doesn't My word tell you that you will know, so that you will not be caught unaware?
Come, sit with Me. Come all you who labor and need rest! Come sit in My lap and let me show you that your security is in Me. Come and rest and learn of Me. I am meek and lowly of heart and you will find rest in My midst. I will show you what you must do and I will see you through it. You run here and there, but I want you to sit, My Little Ones. You wear yourselves out and quickly become distracted by the world and what is going on around you. Yes, I have called you to be My hands and feet. But wouldn't it be good to hear from your Head - Jesus - to know where it is that you are to take My hands and feet?!?
:::smile:::
I have sent My Holy Spirit to teach you and it will do you good to sit at My feet and hear what the Spirit says.
I Am your Prince of Peace. You will never find true rest unless you are resting in Me. So come! Come to Me, My child. Be still and know - KNOW - that I Am God!
First I want to say in the strongest way possible that this title came because of what was spoken in this dream, not because that is what I am proclaiming. I am not cursing America. I am not prophesying against her. The most important thing I have learned as a child of the Living God is that He is merciful and just. He gives us warnings so we know how to pray, and so we know what could come if we do not repent (turn away from doing wrong). This is a judgment that will be brought to a stand still if we will turn and seek God as is stated in 2 Chronicles 7:14. This mandate and promise is spoken to the ?people called by My name' NOT to the lost souls outside of God's word. God is true to His word and will do as He promised. His promiseand His word is that He will hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land. Will you pray for the sake of this country? I particularly sense this mandate to pray is for the Christian leaders. Just as Daniel prayed for Israel in Chapter 9, so must our church leaders do for America. I release this after much prayer and trepidation and long hours of wrestling with the Lord to gain understanding and wisdom in the sharing, but also to release it in the exact right season. I do believe this is the exact time to unfold this mystery.
There were two main locations but a number of scenes to this dream.
Dream: Judgement On America!
Location One - Inside the Theater
Taking Refuge Inside the Theater:
I was at a theater with a friend and we had come inside because of the terrible sandstorms outside. Someone kept opening a side door to let people in. Sand would blow in and it was harsh and painful. Everyone that was sitting near the door got up to sit somewhere else. The seats were wet like they had been hosed off. There were thick, brown paper towels near a door that we could use to wipe off our wet, sandy seats.
The Lamenting Man:
As I walked over to get some towels to dry our seats, I saw a man walking toward me carefully carrying a flat box or something like a wooden suitcase. He looked to be from the Middle-East and was lost in his own world of grief. He placed the box on the floor and began to set up a shrine. Another man had been killed - martyred perhaps - on that very spot. The mourning man then began to lament over this makeshift shrine and I was impressed that he did this every night at the same time. I am not sure how long this had gone on, but it seemed that in his religion it would normally call for the slain man's wife to lament in this manner. This is when I realized it was this grieving man's homosexual lover who had been slain.
Location Two - The Compound
The Three Clocks:
Then I came to be at a compound that seemed to be out in the country. I was in a large room off the main house with all kinds of old furniture and household décor items. These items looked to be haphazardly displayed; it may have been an antique store off of someone's home. I was walking around looking at all the items. Most of it looked like dilapidated junk. Amongst the furniture stood three upright floor clocks, but you could only readily see two of them. The two that could be seen stood about 5 ½ ft tall; one was decorated with ornate green metal, copper that had oxidized, and the other had the image of a witch along with other occult symbols on the clock face. The owner said it hadn't worked right since his daughter bought it. The green clock had a key to wind it to make it work. It was an unusual looking key - with about 3/8" square at the end. I found a key that resembled it athttp://www.woodlanddirect.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=UF-C-9161 I remember taking the key and sticking it into slot and turning it to see if I could get the clock to work. Then I put the key on a small shelf inside the clock. The owner had been keeping it somewhere else and said that it was better where I had put it as it wouldn't get misplaced. It seems this clock only worked part of the time because it depended on someone remembering to wind it. So it was unreliable as a time piece. The two clocks were in the same small area, and both were facing forward. There was a woman there who was also looking at the clocks, and I recognized her from a church I attended at the time. When we heard a clock chime, she thought it was the witch clock telling time. I didn't because it clearly wasn't working. After hearing the chiming, I walked behind it and discovered a simple looking wooden Grandfather clock sitting in the corner - hidden behind the witch clock. It was the one chiming. The woman from church was still looking to the witch-faced clock to see what time it was, and the way she was admiring it, I didn't think that she understood what the face or the symbols on the clock represented. The Grandfather clock was the only clock of the three that worked right.
The Discussion with My Aunts about Witchcraft:
I went out on the back porch where I was surprised to see my father's twin sisters. They were discussing Harry Potter. One said, "Oh, I have seen Harry Potter and there is nothing wrong with it." The other began to argue with her. Hearing their conversation, I looked at the first aunt and interjected, "You are setting yourself up against the mind of Christ. The Bible states that witchcraft is a sin." After I said this I felt a little uneasy to have made such a bold comment. I didn't want to be disrespectful to my aunt, but at the same time I wanted to respect God and state the truth of His word. I am not sure where this conversation went but I think I went back into the house.
The Blueprints of the Compound:
I went back into the house and began to pray and as I prayed, I became very light. I floated down through the floorboards. It was very vivid as I could see above the floor, the wood of the floor itself, and I could also see the ceiling of the room underneath! It was like Iwas in a cross-section view of the house. Then I was sitting at a table in the basement of the house. It was very clean and neat in this underground room. Unrolled in front of me were large blueprints of the entire compound. As I examined them, the Lord pointed out one small building in the middle of the compound.
The Goat:
The Lord then took me to this small building and said, "Look at The Goat." At first I looked for an animal. Then the Holy Spirit showed me a boiler (a heater) that was nicknamed, ?The Goat'. It was constructed of steel sheet metal that had been riveted together and it looked like a goat. ?The Goat' walked over to a feed bin, stuck its head inside the flap, and began to eat the grain that was in there. It required such low maintenance; no one even supervised it. The Lord pointed out its right shoulder leading to the goat's fore-shank (front leg). The sheet metal had pulled up slightly, but it was hard to see without looking closely. It had a leak. I understood it to be some kind of fuel that was a very compact and volatile material. The Lord showed me that it was about to blow and it would cause a catastrophic explosion.
The Little Boy:
Then suddenly I was in a room in the main house. (I don't think I ever physically left the house.) There was a little boy maybe 2-4 years old that I didn't know, but much to my surprise he immediately bonded to me. I believe it was unusual for this child to cling to someone he had just met the way he had done with me. Because his father knew he was safe, he left the boy with me and went to get food that he needed. The child had special needs. He had something wrong with his belly button. It could have been something else like a place for a feeding tube. He may have had a shunt or something like that for draining fluid. I really am uncertain what it was or what was wrong with him. Then this boy spoke and said something, but I could not understand him. The father had come back by then, and I asked him what the child said. He told me, "This [coming explosion from the fuel leak in this self-feeding goat] isjudgment on America for idolatry and the killing of the unborn babies. When I heard this I crumbled to the floor and went into deep travail. I was in such horrible agonizing pain that all I could do was wail, scream, moan and cry as I rolled back and forth on the floor. The woman from the church was suddenly there on the floor rolling around and imitating me. She kept rolling into me like she was trying to get my attention or let others know she was travailing too. It was very bizarre. I was extremely annoyed by this but was in such terrible pain, there wasn't much I could do about her close proximity to me. I screamed in such anguish it woke me up.
Interpretation:
Interpretation belongs to the Lord, so it is my prayer that He makes known the meaning of this multifaceted dream. Genesis 40:8
A Theater is a distraction from reality. It easily could represent the present-day church because so many come to be entertained. However, I was there to seek shelter from the sand storms. The sand-storms outside seem to be symbolic of dry, desolate, desert times - times of famine. The sand could also represent a sea of people being blown and tossed about by the wind. The sand could be a sea of people who are so abrasive that one needs to seek shelter from them. Wind in this dream was symbolic of struggles, devastating loss and catastrophes. The brown paper towels symbolize ordinary earthly provision; nothing extravagant. It being wet on the inside and dry outside may point to the world being backwards to God's ways.
The Lamenting Man struck me as particularly odd because I don't think I have ever seen a man who is a middle-eastern national who is overtly gay. This never dawned on me until this dream. What was more perplexing was that he brought together both his religious customs with the practice of homosexuality. So it seemed to reflect a clash between cultural norms. I don't know if there even are such religious customs to lament a death of a husband in this manner. Though it does reveals an interesting truth of the fruitlessness andimpotence (inability to produce offspring) of both erroneous religious works and the practice of homosexuality.
The Compound was ground zero for a terrible disaster, yet on the outside everything seemed normal. All of my experiences there were anything but normal.
The Room with all the junk displayed in haphazard fashion seems to reflect our culture's way of hording things, particularly things that don't work! See Matthew 6:19-21
The Three Clocks represent how we measure time. They remind us of the importance of time and our limited supply of it. A clock that does not work represents death. So it would seem that trying to tell time by a clock that does not work could bring (premature) death.
The Woman from Church is symbolic of people who go to church void of a personal relationship with Jesus. Without this precious relationship, the witch clock was able to deceive and manipulate her into believing that it worked! She was looking to it to tell her the time when it obviously was not working! The hands never moved. What she had heard was the chiming from the Grandfather clock hidden behind it. It truly troubled me that she did not see that it clearly had occult images on its face. There are clear and direct warnings in the word of God that we are not to take direction from those practicing witchcraft. How many who claim they are Christian take advise from the astrology columns, palm readers, psychics, mediums, and the like? This is all idolatry. Also if you look in Romans 1:18- 32 it clearly tells us this is also the root cause of homosexuality. If you have a problem with this, please don't write me. Take it up with God. It is His word, His ways, and His judgment. He'll make it known to you if you seek the truth. The woman's interest in this clock led me to Galatians 3 and Romans 6. Paul writes about the church being bewitched into believing its salvation was through living by the law. Both of these chapters are worthy of your study time. Working to gain God's favor is a slap in the face of Jesus who died on the cross to bridge that gap between us and God the Father. The Cross of Christ is the only provision we need for our salvation. The Word of God tells us that God will supply all of our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) Any works that follow after accepting the perfect work of the Cross is done out of love and devotion to God the Father and Jesus Christ. It is accomplished with the help of the Holy Spirit. Would this woman looking to the witch clock reveal how the American church is looking to sources outside of God to give her direction? Since rebellion is as witchcraft and stubbornness is as bad as idolatry, are much of our churchy efforts being rejected by God? See 1 Samuel 15:23
It was clear that when she suddenly showed up on the floor with me while I was in travail, that she was trying to ?look' spiritual. I asked God to get her away from me because I couldn't move and she kept hitting me. Most know that a woman in labor is not the most congenial person to be with. Her being there at that critical time for me was like trying to give birth to a child with someone else in the same bed! This reminds me of much of the ?spirituality' in the Charismatic church. (Not all of it, but all too often.) If God truly moves on a person in a specific way, the church wants to imitate it and continue to give it life LONG after God is finished with it. They will use CPR and any other means necessary to keep their ?pet move of God' alive and anyone wanting to stop it is accused of being against God. This is witchcraft in the church. Though witchcraft is a real religion, I am referring to those who call themselves Christians who are seeking their own way through domination, manipulation and intimidation. God Almighty never dominates, manipulates or intimidates; so if any of those are going on in our homes, churches or jobs, it is this evil spirit at work. God draws us to Himself with overwhelming love. How could God be righteous, holy, trustworthy, giving, and yet be intimidating? That does not compute! We must rid ourselves of the Greek mythology that permeates our thinking. God is not standing ready to throw a lightning bolt our way. That is not the God of the Bible! God always warns us to turn from sin. This is because sin is what brings the judgment.
The Green Clock would only work for awhile and then it would wind down and either stop or give the incorrect time. Green can be representative of growth, but since the copper was oxidizing and it was in a decrepit state, it is more likely to represent envy, striving for recognition, or trying to establish independence. Thankfully, this is something the Lord will frustrate our every effort to do. He has made it clear in His word that it is Jesus alone who is worthy to receive all glory and honor and praise. See 1 Corinthians 1:29 and Job 5:12. He has also made it plain that we need to be completely dependant upon Him. See Proverbs 3:5-7. I believe that is the message concerning the green clock. It is time to build God's kingdom and not our own; it is time to be dependant on the Lord Jesus and not on our own accomplishments, talent, gifts or credibility. God has rendered those things dead works. I believe the green clock is symbolic of the church-era that is winding down. It just takes too much effort to try to keep it working! God has given us the keys to the kingdom, but they are not to open doors for our own gain. This is an era where the church has exalted itself and replaced the Holy Spirit with the ?Hand of Ministry.' It has put its hand over Christ's face so that people look to them for help instead of looking to God for help. In doing this, church leadership has concealed God's face from the people. The head of the church is Christ Jesus. This is a solemn warning to those who are seeking to build a name for them selves. It is TIME for the hand of ministry to serve and care for the Body as is directed in Scripture, so that she can accomplish the original plan of God. It is time for the Body to be in unity and mature in faith. See Ephesians 4:11-16 for more understanding.
The Witch Clock would seem to reflect how our culture is bedazzled by supernatural powers and seeks power by gaining control. I have had the nagging impression that the Witch Clock is also representative of the Gregorian calendar we presently use. Discern for yourself. It would seem that we follow a calendar with a questionable background. http://webexhibits.org/calendars/year-history.html It doesn't mean we need to swing the pendulum the opposite way and tell people they are in sin if they follow the Gregorian calendar. That wouldn't be prudent or practical. Remember we are to, "Be in the world, but not of the world."
This has led me to wonder; if we aren't gauging our time accurately, who is? I was thinking we need to look to our roots - our ancestral line. This points me to the Grandfather clock.
The Grandfather clock has deeply intrigued me. Grandfathers represent generational lines, wisdom, love and security. Abraham is known as our father (see Romans 4). He is the father of faith. Abraham is Jacob's - Israel's grandfather. So I am persuaded that the Grandfather clock is symbolic of the Jewish calendar year. You may find this site interesting http://www.jewfaq.org/calendar.htm
Maybe that is what we need to be looking to for direction. Not to be bound in legalism, but to consider the times. Since The Days of Awe are upon us, starting at sunset October 3rd to nightfall 13th 2005, maybe that is a good starting place. This is ten days of introspection, prayer and fasting. They end with Yom Kipper and this is the beginning of the New Year! At nightfall on October 13th it will be the beginning of the Jewish year 5766. http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday3.htm In fact the year that we are in presently, 5765, is known as a ?pregnant' year as it has an addition month. I find this interesting since I was in labor pain.
One thing really peculiar that I noticed mathematically is that the year 5766 = 12 and 12 (5+7=12 and 6+6=12). Even stranger than that is that if you add all the numbers of this New Year date 10/13/2005 they all equal 12! (1+0+1+3+2+0+0+5=12) I don't even know how I noticed this! I do know however, that 12 is the number of ?perfection of government'. There are 12 patriarchs, 12 sons (tribes) of Israel, 12 apostles, 12 foundations in the heavenly Jerusalem, 12 gates, 12 pearls, 12 angels, 12 legions of angels, and Jesus was 12 when He first appears in public and utters His first words, "Why were you looking for Me? Didn't you know I must be about My Father's business?" (Luke 3:49)
Also 12+12 = 24 and there are 24 thrones and 24 elders (Revelation 4:4) Also 12x12=144 cubits which is the radius of the New Jerusalem. Then there are the 12 tribes x 12,000 = 144,000 who are sealed (Revelation 7:3-8). So if you are inclined to study numbers you may want to discern this further. I would welcome any input if you believe the Lord is showing you something in all of this. I see it, but I don't have full understanding of what it means. We prophecy in part and know in part!
My father's fraternal twin sisters, my aunts represent theological differences. They have been split into two different church denominations for the past 50+ years because of marriage. The one who didn't think anything was wrong with Harry Potter stayed in our ?family denomination' and it tends to be accepting of superstitions and is venerable to deception. If for some reason you are like I was, and don't believe such things are real, cautiously do an ?occult' Google search. Don't get lured in though! It is quite abundant.
The other sister that was arguing with her married into a Bible based church. This clearly illustrates how beliefs get passed down through the generations, but thankfully, false teachings can be stopped by the word of God and the Blood of Jesus. This is an excellent article about Harry Potter and explains further why I made the comment I did. http://www.reachouttrust.org/articles/occult/hpotter.htm
He then moved me onto the more important thing which was to reveal a mystery.
Seeing the cross-section of the floor as I went into the workroom below seems to reveal how God allowed me to be aware of thedivide between the natural and the spiritual realms. This in itself is a mystery! This small ?war-room' in the basement reminded me of the many secret underground bunkers that exist with and without our knowledge to protect the heads of countries in times of conflict.
When the Holy Spirit unrolled the blueprints of the compound, He drew my attention to a specific area that had been ignored. The blueprints would seem to be symbolic of the mysteries God has entrusted to His Body. See Matthew 13:11, 1 Corinthians 1:7-16 and 1 Corinthians 4:1. God showed me the small overlooked building then The Goat. A goat in a dream can represent being bullied or being gullible. Since this is a warning of a judgment on America, it would seem that it is America as a nation that is being naïve and bullied into complacency. Remember when it was said that September 11, 2001 ?Woke the Sleeping Giant'? I saw many bumper stickers that told us to "REMEMBER" and "NEVER FORGET" yet we seem to have lost interest and gone back to our slumber. A goat symbolizes the ones separated from God. See Matthew 25:33, 41. A goat may forewarn of an enemy trying to lay a hold of our plans. Since the goat is a common image for Satan, it is fair to say he wants to bully and intimidate us into giving up God's plan for our lives - both individually and corporately. This metal goat specifically symbolized a boiler which generates power and heats large areas. It was helping itself to the grain. Grain biblically is shown to be times of plenty and a time to accumulate wealth. It also represents the hard labor to bring forth the harvest. The enemy desires to eat our harvest! He is going mostly unsupervised, and because of our lack of humility before God and our lack of vigilance to keep watch, there could be a great catastrophe. Just today as I was working on this interpretation, and I still did not understand what The Goat could be, I saw a news clip about Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) that is brought into our country on huge cargo ships. My spirit jumped when I saw the video of a huge ship being brought in because of the riveted metal, the cargo and the subject the news was focused on. The reporter was doing a special about areas venerable to attack in our country! Up until then, I had wondered if The Goat was an oil refinery, a nuclear bomb, meltdown or what, but this seemed to ring true to my heart that the goat is likely LNG ships. Please pray for our country's penitence, first with leaders and then with the masses. Let's also pray for those standing guard to be diligent. Let's not wait until something even more horrifying happens to us before we find ourselves on our knees.
The Special Need's Child is someone most people would not look to for wisdom or prophecy, but God chooses the foolish and weak things of the world to confound the wise. Children are very sensitive to Jesus and this is why He tells us to come to Him as a child. See Matthew 18.
When the child spoke of the judgment coming to America, my spirit instantly knew the truth of it and reacted with travailing in the spirit. Travail in Scripture generally refers to birth pangs (hard labor), but can also represent sorrow, worry, or from agony of trials. I felt all of those things. America as a country and a political force is prematurely killing the life and purpose that God gave her.As we know, this is being done in great numbers in the natural to our unborn children. I know it grieves the heart of God - who knows each of those babies by name, knows their futures, but sees them being pulled apart inside the womb. Life that has been knit together in God's sight is being unraveled. As it is in the womb, so it is in the country. The life of this nation which God knew and approved of is prematurely dying - just like an abortion does to an unborn child. We are literally, as a country, being torn apart politically, socially, racially, denominationally, and financially. For example, in the name of good new stories, we have seen the media rip this country apart with sensational journalism for the sake of sales and ratings. They are manipulating the politicians, the poor, the rich, the young, the old, the broken-hearted, the lost and this industry is shameless about it. It is so graphic in nature and in so many ways like a physical abortion. Then we have the opposite problem that renders America unable to conceive new life. What is taking place in the lives of individuals in their lifestyles of homosexuality is impotence. Even today we come yet another step closer to tearing down walls of protection around this country because CT became the first state to legalize ?civil unions' without being forced by the courts. In spite of all of this we need to remember who we are in Christ. We are fearfully and wonderfully made! We cannot hide from God's Spirit. Let pray for our country instead of joining the enemy in tearing it apart! Let us not become ?accusers of the brethren.' Let us not use manipulation to further our cause! The Lord called us to love one another and to pray for one another.
Galatians 5:13 For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don't use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.
Since I am not an activist against homosexuality, abortion, or witchcraft, I knew this was not coming from my own agenda. I know these sins grieve the heart of our Father in heaven, but I believe these wounded souls will be won to God's saving grace in the intercessor's closet and with outstretched arms. I do not believe quarreling and having screaming matches with pro-choicer's and the homosexual community will make the eternal changes we truly seek. Nor will it speak to those involved in witchcraft.The Bible doesn't say that any of these sins are worse than other works of the flesh like adultery, theft, strife, jealousy, hatred or greed- which is all too common in the Body of Christ. See 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Galatians 5:19-26. Sin separates each of us from God. All sin. It is God's word written on our hearts that make true changes, not getting into tit-for-tat battles with the lost. Heaven forbid! Jesus died for such as these! We need to be delicate and godly as opposed to self-righteous and judgmental. We have eachfallen. We have each been forgiven. Are we not asked likewise to show that forgiveness to the world?
This was not in the dream but I feel it must be addressed because it contributes to our impotence as a country. Too many men who are able to conceive are taking their ?seed' and wasting it on fantasies - something that is not real; something that does not legitimately belong to them. Jesus said that if we lust in our heart we are guilty of the sin of adultery. See Matthew 5:28. If we turn to idols, including money, we are in adultery. So as a nation we are adulterous. We need to apply God's ointment to our eyes so we can clearly see. We think we are rich and we think we are in need of nothing, but we are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. The Bible tells us all this in Revelation 3:17, 18. This also relates to our grain - our prosperity, our work, our fruitfulness. This is the grain that the enemy of our soul has free access to eat.
May the church hear what the Lord is saying.
In His peace,
Judy
Dream given 7/18/02
Interpretation July to October 2005
(This vision was shown to me in 1998. My website only goes back to 2003)
There he was standing in my kitchen dressed in a fine black tuxedo with tails, black tie, white shirt and gloves, and a regal-looking face. He appeared and acted just as one would expect the finest and most refined butler to look and behave.
In his left hand, he held out a very large silver platter covered by an exquisite dome. It was ornate around the edges, and he smiled as he held out the impressive and decadent piece. I leaned towards him in anticipation to see what was being presented to me. It was surely to be something wonderful. The distinguished man smiled as he slowly lifted the silver lid off the platter and presented it to me. I smiled back at him with eager expectation and looked intently under the dome at the contents of the fine plate.
What I saw so deeply shocked me that I gasped and stepped back. I looked up to take another look at the face of this man who at first seemed to be there to serve me. He stepped toward me and again presented the silver platter and beckoned me with his smiling eyes to take it. I took another step backward and refused his offer. This was much too costly of a 'meal' for me! Then, just as quickly as he had appeared, he vanished. (See James 4:7) I pondered what I had just witnessed.
Under the dome lid on the silver platter was a 'kingdom' in all its splendor. The “kingdom' that was under the dome was "Christian Fame." At that moment I realized that when Jesus was standing on the mountain being tempted by Satan this was one of the kingdoms presented to Him. (See Matt 4:9)
Because I have always thought of kingdoms as large areas of land with rulers and riches, this was a kingdom that I had never considered. I could see that it might have been the most tempting for Jesus, as well as to His church. The Lord showed me how this 'kingdom' is being presented to many Christians, and this meal is being prepared specifically for them according to the call on their lives. A short little scene was played out for me in my kitchen that day to illustrate how the devil uses 'Christian Fame' to lure many of God's children out of God's timing and will for their lives.
Understand clearly that this does not mean that persons famous in the Christian realm have taken the bait of Satan. God has called some to evangelize, teach, sing, prophesy, encourage, and gather financial support for orphans, homeless, and widows through television, radio, book writing, tapes, CDs, and the like. However, there are many that the devil has come to holding out his silver platter and they are either not called to that arena or they get out ahead of God's timing.
Do not be misled by the teaching: "God is no respecter of persons - He has to do for you what He has done for others!" That is only a half-truth. (See Deut 10:17; Acts 10:34) Yes, God does not respect man because of position, skills, class, wealth, or those types of things; however, God is not obligated to do for me what He has done for someone else. We have many examples of that in Scripture. Not everyone is called to be a teacher or a prophet. Not everyone is an apostle or a pastor. If I have the gift of evangelism, I can't stomp my foot at God and demand He make me a TV evangelist because He did it for Billy Graham. He may want me to evangelize in children's church, a prison, or in a nursing home. God made David king but didn't permit everyone to be king. David wanted desperately to build the temple, but was not allowed – that honor went to his son, Solomon. Many times we are not permitted to do something we want to do, but we must trust God anyway. Unless God is the author of the vision then we labor in vain struggling to accomplish something He will never bless. (Ps 127:1)
My prayer is for you to be only what is shown to you by God's Holy Spirit, and not get poisoned by partaking in this fatal meal this 'Butler' hopes you will eat. As 1 John 4:1 warns, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
~End~
It is the purpose of this ministry is to bring the healing power of the Father’s love to the nations. If “Jewels” are a blessing to you, please remember us in your giving.
Though this vision and word was given on July 12, 2000, only now do I believe I am released to share this with you. I do so with the permission and blessing of our elders.
THE SETTING
Morning Prayer took place at 5:30 a.m. at the home of our elders, Sam and Linda Jackson. It lasted about 5 months and this specific morning was the culmination of that time. Once in awhile others had made the 14 mile trek from town, but generally it was just Sam, Linda, my husband, Jeff, and I who regularly attended. This particular morning it was appropriately only the four of us, as we had that day completed a 50 day time of consecration. It was a very difficult time of testing to prepare us for hard days to come. When we arrived that morning Linda was preparing the Lord's Supper. It was so joyful because the Lord had also spoken to me en route to end this 50 day period by sharing the cup and the bread, and here Linda was already setting the table when we arrived! It was a wonderful confirmation for us both. She had been impressed to use her wedding glasses. The groom's glass was there, but we all drank from the bride's glass. The air was charged with expectation. It was a very solemn and reflective time.
THE VISION OF THE CROSS
After we had taken the bread and the cup we each quietly wept as we worshipped. There was such a sweet and powerful presence of the Lord. Suddenly, I heard a deep rumbling like an earthquake, but it seemed to be centered in the table. I opened my eyes and looked around to see if anyone else had heard it, but they were quietly praying. Thinking I had imagined it, I shut my eyes. Again the rumbling started. This time I kept my eyes shut and 'saw' as in a vision, coming up from the middle of the table, the Cross of Christ. It was very craggy, dirty and rugged. I was afraid to look at it; afraid but compelled to look anyway. As I saw the cross coming up, I saw the top of Jesus' head and the Crown of Thorns smashed onto His bleeding head. Knowing what was to come next, I turned away as I didn't want to see anymore. The rumbling continued and I knew the cross was continuing to rise up. I could hear the Lord Jesus gently asking me to look at Him. I glanced over in time to see His chest and extended arms on the crossbeam. When I saw His hands nailed into the Cross I was so grief-stricken and terrified, I turned away again. I wanted to see Him - but I didn't want to see Him like that! By this time the rumbling had stopped as the cross was completely lifted up straight above me in the center of the table. The Lord again tenderly yet firmly spoke to my heart, "Look at Me." As I slowly opened my eyes to look up, I first saw His feet and then I saw His legs. They were muddy and cut up with a mixture of dried and fresh blood running down them. Then I saw the face of Christbeaten to a bloody pulp. His eyes were swollen shut and bruised. I didn't want to look; I couldn't bear it. Then His sweet voice resolutely commanded, "Look at Me." I looked straight at His beaten and disfigured face and wept. He slightly opened His left swollen eye and looked long at me. It broke my heart to see Him in such terrible pain and so close to death. Even at such a dark time, there was a light in His eye that compelled me to gaze at Him. Then He did something that shocked me. He mustered a grin and winked at me with that swollen eye. He said, "Watch what happens next, Toots!" Then there was a brilliant flash of light that appeared to go from one end of a horizon to the other. The vision ended. I knew what I saw was the light of His resurrection. At first I wasn't sure if I had imagined this whole scene or what had just happened, especially when He called me ?Toots' - something that my uncle used to affectionately call me when I was a child. That totally caught me off guard! Then we all spontaneously started to pray and worship together out loud.
(I will add here, to the glory of God, that this vision happened four years prior to Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ. When I saw that movie I was so stunned, not only because of its content, but because the actor portrayed had the exact face the Lord showed me that morning on the Cross!)
In the front of an empty church between the two front pews, and in front of the communion table, dangled an electrical outlet. It was suspended in the air from 1" thick, gray, flexible conduit. The wire came into the top right side of the electrical box and exited the bottom left side.
A man's hand with an extension cord in it appeared and he tried to plug it into the outlet. The outlet only twisted and turned away from him. He tried this over and over again with no success. Unsuccessful, he finally went away frustrated.
I asked the Lord what this meant. As I prayed, the scene replayed in my mind. I noticed that the outlet was not affixed. It just dangled there in mid-air. It was not firmly framed into the structure of the church. Because it was not anchored, when pressure was applied to push the cord into the outlet, it could only twist and turn. There wasn't enough stability to allow the person to plug in their extension cord.
I believe what the Lord was showing me was that the Outlet was representative of the Holy Spirit. The man was representative of a believer trying to get plugged into God's power and authority, and to gain a greater understanding of His ways. The Holy Spirit was in the front and near the communion table, but He wasn't given a fixed place. He was not anchored in the church. It points to the reason some churches are empty and not experiencing growth is because the Holy Spirit of God is not given a firm foundation to which people can plug into and get charged up. So they leave.
Unless the Holy Spirit is given a secured place in the church to love, save, guide, teach, build, confirm, comfort, empower, fill, speak, renew, bear witness, convict, sanctify, anoint, correct, heal, counsel, rebuke, send, and give joy to the believers - that church will not be permitted to experience lasting growth. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Amen.
