|
Sandy Warner ~ ~ swauthor@usa.net ~ ~ www.thequickenedword.com
PREPARATION FOR GLORY: CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART
TABLE OF CONTENTS {this file is 133 pages}
PART 1: THE WINDS OF CHANGE 1] His Wind is Coming 2] Responses to His Wind is Coming 3] Before The 2nd Wind 4] Winds Of Change 5] Responses To Winds Of Change 6] Preparation for Divine Visitation 7] Safe Passage to Gilgal 8] 2nd Generation Circumcision 9] Circumcision and the Cross
PART 2: TRAINING - GETTING OUR ATTENTION 10] The Cally Story, Surgery & Gilgal 11] Between The Blessings & The Curses 12] The "D" Word 13] Responses To The "D" Word 14] Training: Tough Love Vs Tender Love 15] Trade off - to those who are willing 16] Circles 17] Habits 18] I Want A Pure Bride 19] Rebellion 20] Thought Life 21] Chastening Brings A Life Of Peace 22] Crossing Over 23] Independence 24] Jacob 25] Decision
PART 3: SURGERY 26] God Weeps When He Spanks 27] Responses To God Weeps When He Spanks 28] When We Suffer Loss - Bitter or Better 29] Responses to When We Suffer Loss - Bitter or Better 30] Repentance 31] Resist Presumption 32] Pointing The Finger 33] Surgery in the storm 34] Forgiveness - Preparation for Glory 35] Intimidation
PART 4: REMOVING THE LAYERS 36] Lazarus, Come Forth! 37] Lazarus part 2 38] Responses to Lazarus posts 39] Band-Aids & Barnacles 40] Responses To Band-Aids & Barnacles 41] Making Room for Change 42] Grace to this Mt
PART 5: RECOVERY 43] Three Little Pennies 44] A Penny For Your Thoughts (Pennies Part 2) 45] Responses To Three Little Pennies Posts 46] Rebellion left behind 47] Purity 48] Conscience 49] Maintaining 50] Miscellaneous Words To Ponder
PART 1: THE WINDS OF CHANGE
1] His Wind is Coming From Sandy Warner
7/29/99
Years ago I was earnestly waiting upon the Lord for some specific direction and was hearing nothing. He finally said, "A set of directions depends on the wind going to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:21) I suddenly realized the reason I wasn’t receiving any directions was because He wasn’t changing direction! He was not moving, therefore His wind was still.
A couple weeks ago I was reading some notes from a friend who had gone to a conference in June 99. A prophetical Word came forth to get ready for God to blow upon us. When I read the notes I prayed, "Oh Lord come breath upon me! Come Lord!" The next morning at prayer meeting an intercessor was sitting on the ground praying over my feet and suddenly she turned around, looked up and started blowing puffs of wind into my face. I knew EXACTLY why she was doing this! The Lord was confirming, "Yes I will blow upon you!" That following Sunday one of our elders got up and said that he felt the Lord was bringing the winds of change. Three confirmations in one week - get ready for His wind, His breath to bring us to new places!
Since then I have been thinking about the wind and want to share some of the thoughts. Perhaps the Lord will quicken some of them to your heart. Greek & Hebrew (numbers) are recorded in the verses, and the accompanying Word Study definitions are included at the end, for those who are interested.
1. WIND IS INVISIBLE We cannot control the wind and it blows where it will. Neither can we see it. (John 3:8) But we can feel it. The wind invades our senses. Get ready, He wants to invade our senses.
2. WIND MAKES NOISE Wind has a language all its own. It whispers gentle stirrings and yet also speaks loudly in mighty blasts. Let His wind stir your heart to be in tune with His Presence, for He comes when we least expect it. And yet gather together with others in one accord, and He will come like the roar of a freight train… loaded with His glory signs.
"Day of Pentecost had now arrived. As the believers met together that day, suddenly there was a sound like the roaring of a mighty windstorm (4157) in the skies above them and it filled the house where they were meeting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on their heads. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in languages they didn't know, for the Holy Spirit gave them this ability." (Acts 2:1-4 TLB)
3. WIND IS A SIGN OF HIS SPIRIT If you are a dry bone, or know of one in whom you’ve lost hope… start prayin’…. He’s getting ready to blow on the bones and bring them back to life. And if you’ve lost hope, remember those poor bones didn’t do a thing, but lay in a big pile of rubble — and God breathed His Spirit upon them and they became His great army.
"Again He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath (7307) to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath (7307) in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD." (Ezek 37:4-6 NKJ)
"Then he told me to call to the wind and say: "The Lord God says: Come from the four winds, O Spirit, and breathe (5301) upon these slain bodies, that they may live again." So I spoke to the winds as he commanded me, and the bodies began breathing; they lived and stood up-a very great army." (Ezek 37:9-10 TLB)
"Jesus breathed on His disciples to receive the Holy Spirit. "Then he breathed (1720) on them and told them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:21-22 TLB)
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed (5397) into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." (Gen 2:7 NKJ)
4. WIND MOVES THINGS Wind carries things from one location to another. It scatters seeds and pollinates. It drives the chaff away. It brings changes in the climate or weather patterns. Get ready for a change.
"Come, north wind, awaken; come, south wind, blow (6315) upon my garden and waft its lovely perfume to my beloved. Let him come into his garden and eat its choicest fruits." (SS 4:15 TLB)
5. WIND UNDER-GIRDS Wind under-girds the birds to fly. It brings them to new heights and enables them to rest and soar with its currents. Get ready to move up and onward.
In 1984 I had a most awesome experience when in a vision I felt the Lord literally fill my lungs with His breath. In the vision I took a deep breath and could feel His mighty wind rushing past my nostrils and down my throat. He opened my ears and I heard its very loud sound as it rushed into my lungs. As my lungs filled, it took several minutes to fill them to capacity. I could feel the Lord's Presence as this occurred and thought what a mighty pair of lungs He has! When I finished inhaling, I held it a brief moment. He opened my eyes and I gazed at multitudes of little blue and pink baby carriages. Each baby carriage carried a baby wrapped very snugly in a blue or pink blanket with a matching blue or pink milk bottle. My heart was filled with such tender feelings and a great nurturing for these babies. I started to exhale upon them, gently at first. Like feathers in the wind, these babies arose and were carried upon the breath of God. Still exhaling, I watched them float ever so gently upon the breath of God. The breath grew stronger and they flurried around like snow flurries in the wind. This vision seemingly lasted a very long time as His exhale continued to blow.
I believe this is His promise for our children, the chosen generation whose feet will evangelize the world. I also know it is a promise of the harvest yet to come - multitudes of newborn children He will supernaturally carry upon His wind. However, He said, "I tell you as seriously as I know how that anyone who refuses to come to God as a little child (3813) will never be allowed into his Kingdom." (Mark 10:15 TLB) I may hang over the edges, but when His wind hits, I plan on climbing into one of those carriages, snuggling up to His precious cargo, and going for the ride of my life!
Lovingly, Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WORD STUDY: The following Greek & Hebrew study is taken from: The Online Bible Thayer's Greek Lexicon and Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon, Copyright (c)1993, Woodside Bible Fellowship, Ontario, Canada. Licensed from the Institute for Creation Research.
Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.
Greek # 4157 (Acts 2:1-4) pnoe-- a) breath, breath of life b) wind
Hebrew # 7307 (Ezek 37:4-6) ruwach -- a wind, breath, a mind, a spirit
a) breath b) a wind 1) used of heaven 2) a quarter (used of the wind), a side 3) a breath of air 4) air, gas 5) vain, an empty thing c) spirit (as what breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigor 2) courage 3) temper, anger 4) impatience, patience 5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 6) disposition (used of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 7) prophetic spirit d) spirit (used of the living, breathing being in man and animals); as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, a disembodied being e) the spirit (as the seat of emotion) 1) desire 2) sorrow, trouble f) the spirit 1) as the seat or organ of mental acts 2) rarely used of the will 3) as the seat (especially) of moral character g) the Spirit of God 1) as an inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 2) as an impelling prophet to utter instruction or a warning 3) imparting a war-like energy and executive and administrative power 4) as endowing men with various gifts 5) as an energy of life 6) an ancient angel and later the Shekinah
Hebrew # 5301 (Ezek 37:9-10) naphach (naw-fakh'); a primitive root; to puff, in various applications (literally, to inflate, blow hard, scatter, kindle, expire; figuratively, to disesteem):
Greek # 1720 (John 20:21-22) emphusao-- a) to blow or breathe upon
emphusao (em-foo-sah'-o); from NT:1722 and phusao (to puff) [compare NT:5453]; to blow at or on:
This word used only once by the Septuagint translators in Gen 2:7 where God breathed on Adam and he became a living soul. Just as the original creation was completed by an act of God, so to the new creation was completed by an act from the Head of the new creation. (compare John 20:22)
Hebrew # 5397 (Gen 2:7) neshamah --
the breath, the spirit a) the breath (of God) b) the breath (of man) c) every breathing thing d) the spirit (of man)
Hebrew # 6315 (SS 4:15) puwach (poo'akh); a primitive root; to puff, i.e. blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff: KJV-blow (upon), break, puff, bring into a snare, speak, utter.
Greek # 3813 (Mark 10:15) paidion (pahee-dee'-on); neuter dimin. of NT:3816; a childling (of either sex), i.e. (properly,) an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian:
~~~~~~~~~~
2] Responses to His Wind is Coming
VISIONS Date: 07/30/1999 From: Karen
Sandy,
I read the word you sent on the winds of change. I wanted to share with you a vision I received on 2/14/99 while in worship at church.
I saw a church full of people, all standing. I then saw to the right of the people above them the face of the Lord. It was very large. The Lord then blew on the people and His breath caused a great wind. The wind blew to a degree that it stirred up a mighty storm. All kinds of dirt and garbage was flying around and being blown out of the church along with many of the people with it. Some of the garbage was trying to cling to some of those that were standing and they would throw it off in order not to be carried away with it. When the storm ceased there were only a small number of people that remained standing, but the church was clean. (This reminded me of a word I got several years ago from the Lord that "A storm was coming from the East to wash away all the wickedness in the church.") The scripture that came to me at this time was Prov.10:25 that says, "When the whirlwind passes the wicked are no more, but the righteous have an everlasting foundation."
The Spirit of the Lord then spoke to me and said, "These are the remaining remnant." Then from behind the Lord there was a set of huge wings. They began to flap which caused a soft wind to blow upon the remaining remnant. Then I saw that those that remained standing had wings also. The wind continued to blow softly as their wings expanded. some of the wings were damaged and some were all wet, so they were unable to fly. As the wind blew from the wings of the Lord, their wings were being healed and those that were wet were being dried. (There is healing in His wings came to me at this point.) The wind was also flowing through them coming out of their nose, mouth, ears, etc. They were just standing there allowing the winds to heal, refresh and strengthen them. After this was over the Lord once again blew upon them. They then spread their wings and began to be lifted by the wind of the Lord and started to fly. There were going in all different direction throughout the world. The remnant was small in number, like Gideon's army.
Now, I did not understand the part of the wings being wet at first. But, in intercession while praying for the Bride to be, I received a revelation of this. I saw a Butterfly fighting its way out of a cocoon. Of course many know that if you help the butterfly get out of its cocoon, it will not be able to fly. Also, when it does come out, it then clings to the branch until its wings dry from the wind blowing upon it because its wings are all wet. I found that the caterpillar inside the cocoon turns to liquid first before it begins its transformation. Then the liquid begins to flow from the abdomen toward to head. (The Holy Spirit flows from the belly) Depending on the type of butterfly that is being produced depends on the amount of time it stays in the cocoon. The Lord showed me that we have to fight our way out of the cocoon and that in this battle, that we will never forget, we will then be able to fly. He will give us the strength to do this as we are dependent on Him. We often want people to help us fight our way out and if we do this in this time of transformation, we will be crippled and not able to fly on our own.
I pray this blesses you as it did me. It so reminded me of your word today. When I read how the winds are going to effect our senses, I understood why the winds was flowing through the people in every way.
God Bless Karen
~~~~~~~~~~ BLOWING IN PRAYER Date: 07/30/1999 From: Claudia
Hi Precious One, I read your words with awe this morning. It's as though you have been looking over my shoulder. My dear brother crossed over last Thursday. I had prayed with him personally for more than a year. Each time I prayed, I would breathe upon him-blow on him. The Lord would send his peace on us in a special way. Last week when I rubbed his back for the last time, I blew on his back. Then when he was crossing, he said blow on me. I leaned over and blew on him and asked his wife to blow on him. The last words he spoke were "I Love you". I felt like I had experienced a great love from the Lord.
The next day I told my husband about it. My brother was the only one who could have known that I always blew on him when we prayed. My husband was raised a Catholic and he told me that as the priest ministers last rites, he blows on the person. We also shared that when Jesus left his disciples-he breathed on them.
Love Claudia
~~~~~~~~~~
SUDDEN STRANGE WEATHER Date: 07/30/1999 From Heather
What a word. This past Tuesday in our paper "The Windsor Star" the headlines read "Ring of Fire Over Windsor." The weather environment office had called this. We know that prophecy has been given that the Lord will again visit Windsor and the surrounding areas. On Friday, the 23rd, it was very hot and humid here and a storm came up so fast the sky went from sunshine to black and green. There was a couple of tornadoes reported but the wind was so tremendous the rain was coming down in sheets from the north to the south. On Saturday the 24th, just after 5:00 p.m. there was a sudden rumble. The sun was still shining and it shook everything. It sounded like something coming up from the basement but when I looked outside the wind was again very strong. Then it got dark and the rain came again, but not as long as on Friday. Then on Sunday, the 25th again the wind came but not as strong this time. No rain accompanied this wind, but looking out in the park behind the house the dust from the ball diamond again blew. On Tuesday at intercession a word came forth that the Lord was coming and things were going to change. We are not used to this kind of weather pattern here. It is usually further south. But as I looked it up in the bible in Zec. 2:5, it states that the Lord will be a wall of fire around it, and He will be its glory within. The paper stated that this ring of fire was over Windsor and the eye was centered right over Windsor. We have also been told that suddenly things would happen. No warning. Praise God. We are so excited here. The anticipation in our spirits is growing so we just show up to see how the Lord will move. Bless you for the timely word.
In Him, Heather
~~~~~~~~~~
PRAYING FOR HIS BREATH Date: 07/29/1999 From: Angel
Sandy, I want to thank you and bless you for the wonderful work you are doing - I KNOW I'll get the Rhema when I open your letter. I wanted to share in light of this "word" that I've found myself praying for the Breath of God or the Wind of HIS Spirit - OFTEN lately. It's awesome to see how we all ARE ONE In HIS SPIRIT and distance doesn't matter.
God bless, Angel
~~~~~~~~~~
THE BREATH OF HOPE Date: 07/30/1999 From: Dorothy
Dear Sandy,
It was VERY VERY VERY blessed by the short mention of praying God's wind for those who have lost hope. My husband is one of those who have lost hope.
Gotta run and start praying, Dorothy
~~~~~~~~~~
SMELLING HIS FRAGRANCE IN HIS WIND Date: 07/30/1999 From: Jeanne
Dear Sandy,
Just wanted to say, "Thank you," for sending me "HIS WIND IS COMING." We often experience His Wind during ministry times at our home meetings, and every now and then we inhale a whiff of His sweet fragrance as it passes under our nose.
His handmaiden, Jeanne
~~~~~~~~~~
A REVELATION ABOUT THE WIND OF HIS TREASURIES Date: 08/03/1999 From: Cindy
Dear Sandy:
I too have been hearing the Lord about his wind for over a year now. In fact, I had been thinking about it just the night before. I often see myself standing before congregations asking for the Lord to send us His wind.
Several months ago I got the following verse and it seem to attract me like a jewel from the Lord;
He brings the wind out of his treasuries (Ps. 135:7)
This was such a beautiful image to me but more than that I found myself interceding over and over again for the Lord to send us the wind from his treasuries as opposed to the image of the wind that we neither no where it comes from nor where it is going. Like your post, it had direction.
However I was somewhat puzzled by this request of David. Why from the treasuries? It is beautiful imagery and has direction but why "treasuries".
A couple of weeks ago I believe I received revelation concerning this.
In 2 King 20:12, King Hezekiah is ill and receives envoys from Babylon bearing gifts and letters which would be likened unto our "Get Well" cards. While they were there, King Hezekiah showed them EVERYTHING including his storehouses/treasuries. When Isaiah heard about this he questioned Hezekiah about it and in turn prophesied that because of this, everything Hezekiah's family had accumulated would be carried off to Babylon!
My understanding of this is that the storehouses/treasuries in ancient times evidenced a kingdom's strength because they not only housed the family jewels but spoils and trophies of war as well. I think that in this context and taking into consideration the request "to send winds from the treasuries of heaven" illustrates for us that the wind of the Lord not only represents his life but his strength. Think about how when we are really tired from really running a race we say we are "winded".
In light of the preceding, I believe that the Lord is not only telling us that he wants to give us is life but he is going to give us his strength. I think as 20th century Christians (particularly those in the Western world) we should be careful to presume that he is only speaking of life or power (because in our flesh it is what we desire). If the Lord is desiring to give us his strength then it is his promise to us and if it is a promise, then there is a need.
Blessings, Cindy
~~~~~~~~~~
3] Before The 2nd Wind A Word to Ponder By Sandy Warner
5/21/00
O My dove, let Me hear your voice; for I have set My Name upon you and chosen you for My very own. My wife, My dear one. I hear your sighs by reason of heavy taskmasters. Your weight is heavy. The burden of your load is extremely difficult. I groan as I know and feel your pain!
Dear Father I pray for My beloved. I love My bride! I want to breathe upon her a second wind of refreshing. Even as in the days of Your first wind, I want to endue her with power. The battle has been long and under the strain of her load she has fallen, not knowing which way is up. Hear her cries for help and send her mercy. For I long to send her mercy, I long to bless her with My second wind of refreshing.
Father help her to choose the right path — the pathway of holiness. For only in that path can she overcome the insurmountable odds sent against her. Even now the deceiving antichrist spirit is in the world. The only way she can overcome this is to cut off its luring passions and lusts. My bride has been lured into carnal entertainment and this deceptive spirit is stealing the heart of My wife! Instead of being washed pure by the water of Your Word, she has fallen into compromise through the brainwashing of carnal filth.
Give her mercy and operate on the cataracts that blind her vision. Let her see the deception and return to Me, her Husband. Give her grace to turn from her appetites for self gratification. For the pain from her taskmasters is great and she knows no way out but to comfort her own flesh. Oh Father she is so close to death! Help her to sever this, for this same spirit that is mesmerizing her to sleep and compromise is also the same spirit that will one day trodden her under foot. The only way to escape that day is the pathway of holiness.
Even now We are measuring the temple that encompasses those who dwell in My most holy place; those who have separated themselves from the outer courts of the world. Even now You are offering this same grace to others, to cut off the death grip of carnality. And even now You are offering access for those to come into Your most holiest place.
My bride can not hunger for the spirit of the world and also hunger for the Holy Spirit. She can not have one foot in the outer court and one foot in the holy place. She must choose. I long to endue My wife with My power! Help her to choose the One Who loves her with eternal passion!
I long to endue My wife with My power! I longingly wait for My bride! I want to roll away the reproach of her sins. I want to empower her for service. I want to breathe upon her and send her reversal — where she is no longer the tail but the head. Where she tramples on the head of the enemy and she delivers the captive and heals the sick! She longs for My touch! She longs for My wind of refreshing. She longs for My power! Father hear My prayer and give mercy to My beloved bride. Please help her to climb up upon the highway of holiness and come to Me. And as she chooses Me, breathe upon her and let the enduement of Your power come!
~~~~~~~~~~~~ "A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.
The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray." (Isa 35:8 NKJV)
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God." (Isa 40:3 NKJV)
"Go through, Go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, Build up the highway! Take out the stones, Lift up a banner for the peoples! Indeed the LORD has proclaimed To the end of the world: "Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Surely your salvation is coming; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.'" And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD; And you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken." (Isa 62:10-12 NKJV)
"Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:49 NKJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
4] Winds Of Change From Sandy Warner
6/9/00
Hi Loved ones,
The following is a Word about the winds of change. I have included my personal comments following.
A Word given to Rich Hughlett Rich’s email: rich@ev1.net Received March, 2000
At the beginning of this prophecy I saw the winds of a great storm blowing debris everywhere, and towards the end of the message I saw in my mind a great eagle hovering above her nest violently flapping her wings.
"Winds of change, Winds of change," Saith the Lord. "For I am releasing mighty winds of change from the four corners of the earth, for the demolition of the old for the rebuilding of the new. Winds of change for the uncovering of the hidden, winds of change for the revealing of the truth. There shall be winds for re-evaluation, winds for relocation, winds for restoration, winds for refining, winds for realigning, winds for refreshing, winds for blessing, winds for repentance, winds for salvation, winds for prosperity, winds for healing, winds for deliverance, winds for consecration, and winds for sanctification."
"To those who resist, the winds will bring destruction, but for those who yield to My Spirit they will be winds that will propel them on the course that I have prepared for them. So seek My face to set your compass, and spread your wings and allow the currents of My Spirit to bring the changes that must be made to bring you higher and closer to Me," Saith the Lord.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM RICH When I came to the word sanctification, the Holy Ghost spoke these words to me which I feel are not part of the prophecy, but are for counsel and instruction especially to those in leadership: "A greater circle of influence requires a smaller circle of sanctification."
I am not a teacher but I will try to explain what the Holy Spirit taught me about sanctification. The word sanctification means to be set apart to God. Most Christians don't understand that there are different levels of sanctification just as there are different levels of the anointing.
One day the Holy Spirit spoke to me through a prophecy and told me that He was calling me to a deeper level of sanctification for a closer walk with Him. He soon began to prune my relationships and my circle of fellowship got smaller. Joyce Meyer expounded a little one day on this. She said that the hardest thing for her to deal with is loneliness. She influences a lot of people but God requires a deep level of separation for her to carry the level of anointing that her job requires. I see a lot of people in the ministry that don't allow the Holy Spirit to have full control of their lives. It is very crucifying to the flesh to be set apart but there is a price to pay for us to follow Him and come up higher. ~~~~~~~~~~~~
COMMENTS FROM SANDY When I read this Word, several things came to mind. First, in Bobby Conner’s Shepherd’s Rod 2000, it says in the Table of Contents, "God is Getting Our Attention to Change." [Bobby’s site: http://www.bobbyconner.org/] Secondly, the Lord gave Mahesh’s wife, Bonnie Chavda a vision in 1995 about the refreshing but also violent wind coming upon the land. In this vision the Lord told her, "Everything that can be shaken will be shaken. Everything in which you have found safety or comfort but not from Me will be exposed and uprooted. There will be those who will call this wind "demonic" because of what it will make manifest. Demons will be stirred up, the flesh will be made obvious, things formerly hidden will be exposed and seen as they are in relation to My Spirit: BUT THIS WIND IS FROM ME!" [Mahesh’s site: http://www.watchofthelord.com/]
FELLOWSHIP WITH THE WORLD When Rich emailed me his comments about hearing the phrase, "A greater circle of influence requires a smaller circle of sanctification," I noted that the Lord often speaks to His prophets in riddled speech. (Num 12;6-8) Rich connected it with what the Lord was doing in his life of sanctifying his fellowship.
I was reminded of the passage, "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." (Matt 7:13-14 NLT) There are many sources of unholy fellowship including fellowship with the world.
PERSONAL CHANGES I have to say that since the beginning of this year, I have never had so much "change" occur in my home and personal habits. The Lord in His loving but serious way, finally managed to get my attention by throwing me into that violent wind. It was quite perplexing at first, because I was being thrown back and forth between soaking in His Presence, to being beat up by principalities. I had been involved in heavy warfare before, but this was different. It was as though the weapons that worked before were not effective. The Lord in His infinite patience was training me and putting me into obedience school.
OBEDIENCE SCHOOL I recently came across several stories about dog obedience school. They were from different sources and I did not feel it was an accident that the Lord brought these to me. I really believe they reveal the Word of the Lord.
One was a story about a fellow teaching his hunting dog to hunt. First the dog was to learn to heel and stay by the master’s side. On command his dog ran forward for the find, but in the process got lost. He was running to the right, then to the left, sniffing and frantically searching all over the place - occasionally looking back for the next command. At each command, the dog was getting more and more confused. Finally his master told him to come back and heel. Sometimes when we are sent on an assignment, we get lost in the process of understanding His Words and need to return to His side until we can figure out what He wants.
The other dog training stories all agreed that the master needed to be consistent, firm, patient, and loving. It was quite humorous to hear of these dogs being told over and over again the same command, and the dogs doing everything but the command!
After unrelenting and repeated commands, finally a dog would do what was commanded. At that moment, the master breaks out in overwhelming praise and positive feedback, to confirm the dog’s actions. This is the moment of communication. The master speaks, the dog responds correctly, the master says YES, and the dog finally understands! CONNECTION.
I couldn’t help but think of my being thrown into that violent wind and not knowing the difference between heads and tails. (Heads, I made the right choices and enjoyed the Lord’s Presence. Tails, I made the wrong choice and got slimed by demonic garbage in my sleep.) Back then, I kept having the suspicion that my choices on TV were opening a demonic door. It seemed strange to me that if I watched something like a craft show or an animal show I would not get slimed. But if my conscience was twinged for even a moment in channel surfing, I would get dumped on at night with demonic dreams, etc. Somehow through God’s grace, just like the poor dumb dog, I finally got the message. We cut off cable TV and since we could not get the local channel, we just turned it off.
The Lord brought me a confirmation as I listened to an old tape called, "Bob Jones in Atlanta." I do not know the year, but I think it was in the 90’s. I was amazed. He saw demons that were going to be released by watching movies. Some people would become demonized and others would get slimed through what they were watching. He said that this would be an immediate thing that would happen as soon as one looked. He said there would be a quick repercussion for what ever we do. This included lingering too long in turning the channel. Bob said satan is being cast down to earth at this time, and we can’t get away with things we did in the past. He said, "Glean your own TV. Get it out of the house. Is there anything more important than your children and your family? This is the year that if you want a devil to live in your house, that will happen. Come into a separate and more restrained life style. Get rid of excess baggage. Being a friend of the world, makes you an enemy with God. God is going to deal with the church about entertainment." [end of Bob Jones notes] [Bob Jones site: http://www.bobjones.org/]
I was quite amazed, it was like he read my mail! The Lord brought back to memory one of my main prayers last year. When all of the terrible prophesies of judgment were coming out on the Internet, I prayed, "Lord it doesn’t do a bit of good to spank someone if it is for something they did a long time ago. We have little memory of truth or consequences. How are we going to make the connection?" I started asking that He would give us immediate feedback to our decisions, so that we could understand what He was saying.
I was overwhelmed by the confirmation of listening to this tape after we cut off our TV. I kept thinking, "Where was this Word when I needed it?" Something gnawed in the back of my mind that I HAD heard this tape before. Then the Holy Spirit brought to remembrance that I had heard it, and when I did, I had filtered it with compromise. I thought the Word was just about horror movies and since I had never seen a horror movie and the Lord had rebuked me about other carnal movies years before, and I was trying to obey, I had a mind set that it did not apply to me. Now after the fact, I realized that compromising holiness had blinded my eyes and deafened my ears towards hearing the warning of the Word of the Lord. He told me, but I did not listen. I had to learn the hard way.
Did I learn? After all was said and done, I had to go around the barn another round. I rented a nice old fashioned musical video tape. However at the counter, I found out it was rent one, get one free. As I looked over the selection I kept thinking, "This is burn time, if you disobey." So I asked both counter people to recommend a true life drama that was inspirational without questionable material in it. I brought it home with the intention of turning it off if something came up. In the 2 hours, there were 2 short sentences spoken in humor that stung my conscience. I dismissed the two phrases, because the movie was very good. I felt like I was home free. Then the final scene, lasting about 30 seconds, blasted me with filth. That night during sleep, I got slimed with demonic filth - big time.
When I woke up, His Word finally came through, "When you are involved in warfare, you have no business touching the unclean thing." I thought of the following scripture:
"Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you. Get up, sanctify the people, and say, 'Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says the LORD God of Israel: "There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you." (Josh 7:12-14 NKJV)
One might ask why would the Lord suddenly become so strict? I was asking the same question for a lot of weeks. It is because of His love. In one of the dog training stories, a dog was being trained as a guide for the blind. During a heeling session, she was a couple of inches ahead of the master, instead of at his side and the trainer seriously rebuked the dog. It appeared too constraining to require such strict obedience, but then the explanation came. It only takes one car to hit the dog. It only takes one moment for the dog to run out of control and lose her life. The training is not for appearances, it’s for the dog’s safety.
So Beloved of the Lord, as we view our daily lives, I share these things that we might consider that the Lord is bringing us into a lengthy season of change where He will be unrelenting until we finally "get it." Time is speeding up, and we are now receiving His quick feedback to personal choices. I am also noticing on a positive side that when I make a right choice, like pray for someone, that He downloads me with His Presence at the time I pray, as a YES confirmation. I may be like a dumb dog and not know heads from tails at times, but I sure like positive feedback!
Lovingly, Sandy
PS - The Lord often speaks to me when I make typing bloopers. I typed the following sentence, and once again, He amazed me! "It only takes one moment for the dog to fun out of control and lose her life."
~~~~~~~~~~
5] Responses To Winds Of Change
A DARK PRESENCE VIA TV Date: 6/18/00 From: Neysa
A couple of weeks ago, I was reading my Bible and a thought came into my head to turn on the TV. I didn't really recognize the thought as the Lord's, but thought maybe it was him trying to give me a message. Anyway, I turned on the TV and flipped through the channels, I saw something I had never seen before (a new show, that looked like it would be Charlie's Angels only with new actresses.) I said, "Oh brother!." Thinking this is stupid (only had it on for about 45 seconds) and then I turned the TV off realizing there was nothing on for me to see that would glorify God. Almost immediately after turning the TV off, I felt a dark presence. I prayed, went to bed, still feeling this dark presence. I, in a very low voice (not wanting to wake my husband) prayed against it. I fell asleep and was awaken within the hour with the sense that I was being choked. For the next few days, I kept wondering "What did I do to bring on that attack?" Reading your comments about TV and movies helped to confirm what it was. Although, I didn't see anything that seemed bad (by man's standards), it must of been unholy. It has also confirmed my desire to get rid of certain videos as the Lord has revealed to me a higher calling and level of holiness that most people can not understand.
Thank you, In Christ Jesus, Neysa
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~
AFTER PRAYER OUR TV BLEW UP Date: 6/18/00 From: Kathy
Dear Sandy, I agree!!! I stopped looking at/living with a TV in 1969. One time in 1988 my sister gave us a TV and 6 months of cable because I had a severely burned child who was recuperating at home. I prayed that if it was the Lord, OK, but if not, it could blow up and go to ...... The TV blew up!!! while the kids were watching Santa on 34th street, an old timey movie about how a 'real' Santa gets a job and visits real children and gives them what they want for Christmas. Once in 1990 my son's Christian teacher gave us a TV because she wanted the kids 'to be normal' and thought that 'being normal' was being impinged by no TV. We gave it back after 3 months. Once while reading Revelation I was struck by the fact that everyone glued themselves to every word that the antichrist said. Then I looked at how prominently people place their TV in the home, and it hit me. "THATS THE IDOL THAT TALKS!!!!!" I never did hear about Bob Jones tape, I just raised my four and took in ten others to live without a TV.
THANKS FOR THE FAITHFUL WORD! The Lord bless you. Kathy
~~~~~~~~~~
DIMINISHING TV Date: 6/18/00 From: Katy)
This message is So true! I've pretty much been used as a prophet to the larger body as individuals, meaning to those who do not feel an especially high calling on their life. When I tell them to be careful in their lives about the details I'm a legalist. They say I'm am not understanding grace. I never had a tv of my own for a long time, but after I got married I thought it would be ok. I'm watching things now that are anathema to what I believe. I was led astray by seeing what other Christians seem to be able to do. Horror (or any Science fiction) especially and my walk has diminished. I will not do that anymore. Thank you for this word.
In Christ, Katy
~~~~~~~~~~
WINDS OF CHANGE CONFIRMATIONS Date: 6/18/00 From: Timothy
You may have already read it, but on Bob Jones web site he has an article called the Spirit of Nicalaitians. This has to do with angel he saw that declared the "Winds of Change".
Nita Johnson also has a book called, "Preparing for the Winds of Change."
~~~~~~~~~~
FROM A DOG TRAINER Date: 6/18/00 From: Lisa
Dear Sandy,
I'm a dog groomer, have to train my dogs to stand on the table and let me groom them for an hour or two, plus have had to retrain a rescue dog that was very neurotic. I found your reference interesting, and wanted to ad that strict training is for protection as you say, and also, for the Master's pleasure later. Dogs that are well trained and trustworthy get greater freedom. They are the one's that get to go where the Master goes. Just a thought.
Lisa
~~~~~~~~~~
WINDS OF PASSION Date: 6/18/00 From: Deborah
Thanks for your input on "Winds of Change". Change is an understatement. Father turned my life upside down at a prayer retreat March 1st weekend. I had a "Holy fire" encounter. Since then, my whole schedule has turned upside down. Discipline, training my five ones (children from 13 to 2), restructuring, reviving, hungering for God as never before. Even my 13 yr. old child took a week off to seek God, for her own self just recently.
~~~~~~~~~~
VISION ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT AND DEMONIC Date: 6/18/00 From: Irving
While in malaysia I stayed in the house of a deacon and his family. One day I noticed the little 2 year old boy watching a VCD. I also was curious what the little boy was seeing and I watched for a little while and thought "I don't like this movie but I don't know why". There was nothing I could put my finger on but on the inside I could not rest having no peace. After the movie had played for 30 minutes I came out again and checked the movie. What were harmless scenes before had now turned into demonic. So I called the father and I said "do you have any idea what your son is watching and he just smiled and wanted to return to what he was doing but I insisted on telling him that this was demonic but it seemed to be blur, right over his head.
Later that day I prayed for someone and they went into an open vision lasting 2 hours in a car parked outside. This woman had no idea of what had happened in the house that I was staying that very morning and she began to weep and cry with shrieks as the Lord was showing her a vision of the children being the targets of demonic impartation as she saw demons coming out of the T.V.'s, computers, books, videos, VCD's and cinema movies, games and attacking them in their minds. As we listened to her step by step narration of the vision we became burdened to pray for an awareness and discernment to come upon Christian and non-christain families that the Lord would open their eyes to see the horrors coming into their homes. The older brother of the 2 year old boy had to have a deliverance the week before and we found that the source was the computer. I suggest to you a book written by Phil Phillips called "Turmoil in a toybox" but massive intercession must rise according to Lamentations 2:19 for the children of all nations as satin is beginning to give it his best shot. Save us Oh God Joel 2:17 Lord send your arrow of Deliverance
Blessings Irving
~~~~~~~~~~
TV & COMPROMISE Date: 6/13/00 7 From: ND
Sandy,
OUCH!! I heard the LORD say last year to cut the TV off and I compromised. I said it would be okay to watch two of the evening sit coms on Disney to relax after getting home from work....talk about demonic commercials....whoa! every movie Disney is putting out has some level of occult in it.
Thanks for the word.
~~~~~~~~~~
CONFIRMATION VIA THE PROPHETIC Date: 6/13/00 From: Karen
Dear Sandy,
This word is right on. A lot of change is going on in my life and my close friends lives as well. Do you know Bill and Marsha Burns in Colorado? They have a similar word on the net today also, as the Lord is speaking to His prophets and confirming through others.
Love in Christ, Karen
~~~~~~~~~~
TURNED OFF CABLE Date: 6/11/00 From: Carol
Today I shared with my husband about your shutting down the TV. Well, after church he told me that we were getting rid of our satellite input and he would be putting up an antenna. As he had planned to stop by a yard sale for a washer, guess what was there? An antenna and pole! She threw it in for free! It is now up and working and I will cancel the sat. tomorrow. Will I miss A&E, Discovery and WAM? Yes, perhaps, but WOW what a move of GOD today!!!
Love and blessings, Carol
~~~~~~~~~~
RESPONDING AND NOT RATIONALIZING TV Date: 6/11/00 From: Pat
WOW! Thanks for sending this. I need to keep rereading it. So many of the things God has spoken to me, too. In the area of television, I thought I was careful, but more and more He spoke to me and I had to learn to RESPOND when that uneasy, questionable feeling came around. In the past I used to rationalize that it was just a quick, hardly noticeable thing. But we all know that one small thing leads to bigger things.
~~~~~~~~~~
6] Preparation for Divine Visitation 3 Visions & Promises Of His Coming Glory Cloud Compiled by Sandy Warner
2/22/00
It’s been a couple of weeks now since I returned from a Bob Jones & Bobby Conner conference. At the conference I received an experience of a visitation from the Lord’s glory cloud and want to share it with you. I believe the experience and the environment in which it happened is a Word of the Lord for us all.
This Pacific Northwest conference gave wonderful promises of the Lord’s coming glory and that was very encouraging. Among the Words given, one said that the Lord was getting ready to visit His people. He said this would be individual and personal visitations, (rather than corporate visitations, for those would come at a later time) and many would see angels and even Jesus!
However there was a strong theme from each of the speakers of a need for the circumcision of our hearts, repentance and a return to holiness. At the end of one such meeting, there was a call for repentance and intercession over the sins of our forefathers. There was weeping and mourning at the altar. (Joel 2:11-18) I was repenting over identified generational sins passed down in my family blood line. Afterwards I felt empty and saddened at the sins and I heard the Lord say, "I forgive you. I forgive you. I forgive you." I knew it was for the 3 generations I had been praying about and His forgiveness put the matter to rest and I was comforted. I had been especially concerned about this being passed onto future generations and knew that it had been broken in Jesus Name.
Immediately following, Pastor Dale Howell announced He felt impressed that the Lord was saying, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow I will visit you." (Joshua 3:5) He suggested that we would not waste away if we forwent the trip to Denny’s after the meeting, but instead kept the same heart and quietly returned to our rooms to seek the Lord. As I quietly left, I noticed the walkway and halls back to our rooms were filled with people all walking in silence. This in itself was a work of the Lord. As I silently climbed into bed I noticed that the clock said 11:56 PM. I realized that it was 4 minutes until "tomorrow" and I felt the Lord was going to visit me, just as Pastor Dale had said. My parting words to the Lord before falling into an exhausted sleep: "Lord it’s only 4 minutes until tomorrow. Please come!"
I was not disappointed. At 4:45 I was awakened with a vision. I saw the cloud of the Lord rolling in on the same glory train tracks I had seen in previous visions. This cloud was moving like the speed of a train down these tracks. I perceived that the train was inside the cloud and being covered by the cloud. Since 4:45 AM was quickened to me as important, I immediately thought that 4:45 represented Ezekiel 44:5, although I could not remember what the passage said.
As I lay in bed quietly worshipping the Lord, I realized His cloud was in the room. I literally breathed the vapor into my nose and lungs. I began to breath very deep as Bob Jones had suggested in an earlier meeting, and then after a while the humid vapor turned into strong incense. It was the same smell of incense that I smelled at Mahesh’s Watch at a conference last year when the Lord had opened my sense of smell.
While I was smelling His incense, my right hand had a surge of His power go through it, then it began to tremble. I heard the Lord say, "Lay it upon your shoulder." I remembered that Bob Jones had said that the shoulder represents the government of the Lord. (Isa 9:6) It was quickened to me that the Lord was about to place His right hand of power upon the shoulders of those whom He has called into His divine government or rule. I felt that the right hand also represented His 5 fold ministry being endued with His power and going forth in His authority.
It was impressed to me that this vision and prophetic experience was somehow related to the environment of the conference meetings: the need for circumcision of our hearts, repentance and a return to holiness, as well as the Word, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow I will visit you." However it was not until a few days later, after I had pondered the experience and interpretation, that I found time to look up Ezekiel 44:5. The passage fit exactly.
Ezek 44:4-9 4Also He brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; so I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD; and I fell on my face. 5And the LORD said to me, "Son of man, mark well, see with your eyes and hear with your ears, all that I say to you concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD and all its laws. Mark well who may enter the house and all who go out from the sanctuary. 6Now say to the rebellious, to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "O house of Israel, let us have no more of all your abominations. 7When you brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in My sanctuary to defile it--My house--and when you offered My food, the fat and the blood, then they broke My covenant because of all your abominations. 8And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but you have set others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you." 9'Thus says the Lord GOD: "No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart or uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter My sanctuary, including any foreigner who is among the children of Israel.
The life stories in the Old Testament were written for our admonition (or warnings), even for our time today. (I Cor 10:11) They teach us as parables or examples of what He is wanting to teach us in our time. The above Ezekiel scripture clearly tells us those who may enter His Presence. If you note, verse 4 said that the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord. His Presence is waiting to fill us! However He will not fill our temples when we have uncircumcised hearts… hearts that feed upon unholy things.
On 5/13/97 I had another experience with His cloud. I heard the Lord say, "A matter of time." Then I saw a 3-D cloud coming to me. It was hazy and I could see through it. Somehow I recognized that He was inside the cloud and I cried out, "Jesus!" Like a magnet, the cloud came immediately into my pores all over my body. It was like being quickened in all of my cells. I heard Him say, "Cloud. I AM with you. Follow Me." Although I literally experienced His cloud coming into my cells, since I had heard just prior to the vision that it was a matter of time, I believe this was a promise of what was literally to come. We will literally be experiencing the Presence of His cloud, not just in visions!
Annie Schisler, a missionary in Uruguay had numerous trips to the throne room 30 years ago. In her visions, she experienced many aspects of Him in His glory cloud. With her permission, the following is one of her visions.
Note that the Lord spoke to her in "now" language, which is customary to prophets. He is not limited by our slow sense of time. It is so easy to get our prophetic time mixed up because of this. However, I really do feel that with the pieces of the puzzle written in this post, (and more that I do not have space to record) that the time of His visitation is VERY CLOSE. He is hovering over our heads and waiting to visit us and fill us with His glory!
THE CLOUD DESCENDS [quoted from Annies Visions Book One, page70]
Again I was taken into the realms of the Spirit and lovingly welcomed by the Lord. After covering me with His love He especially told me that I need not have any fear because He would not abandon me. Then He showed me Himself as the Glorious Cloud of Fire and Light. The Cloud was the most excited and exceedingly exalted that I have ever seen it save in anger and wrath, but this time He was not in His wrath. Mighty power and all kinds of rays and emanations were upon all sides. In a most marvelous and tremendous manner He was filled with violence and activity yet it was not in wrath. I cannot describe at all what He was like in the Cloud.
Then there came out from Him in a huge wave something that appeared to be His very own self in mighty glory and in the Cloud yet He did not leave His high place in the heavens either, yet He did. He was in so much activity and moved about over the heavens that opened below Him. This great wave of Himself in the Cloud also descended with tens of thousands of mighty angels down towards the earth. It did not descend slowly nor softly but in great haste and speedy activity. When it was as yet some distance from the earth it hovered there for a while suspended over the heads of the people, but they did not see it nor did they know it was there. And there it rested.
After a while this other Cloud that was Himself - so much so that it seemed that He had partly left the heavens - became again very active and then with another speedy movement it descended again. This time it went clear on down to the earth and was covered from my view.
Then He spoke saying, "This which you see will not take my loving sons by surprise because they are waiting for it to take place. They are already knowing and have been advised and are waiting for Me to come to them in love, for they will love My appearing." He also said that His hour had been fulfilled and that it was now the time that these things must shortly take place." [end quote]
We have so much to look forward to! May we search our hearts and ask Him to cleanse us from the sins of compromise and mixture.
For those interested, I have had the books of Annie’s Visions for many years and have been greatly blessed and enriched by them. The books are now reprinted and available to purchase at my site.
Lovingly, Sandy
swauthor@usa.net Website: www.thequickenedword.com
~~~~~~~~~~
7] Safe Passage to Gilgal From Sandy Warner
1/4/00
Hi Loved Ones,
At the turn of the century as I watched millennium celebrations all over the world, I saw several things that truly gripped my heart. For the first time in mankind’s history, the world witnessed a most incredible 24 hour period:
1. In cities all over the world, seas of faces joined massive gatherings. 2. Whether in public events or watching TV, the masses gathered to celebrate. 3. With so much potential for evil and tragedy, the gatherings were peaceful and joyous. 4. Within a 24 hour period, there has never been such a massive display of united celebration in all of the world’s history. 5. The world has never been so populated…6 billion souls.
Behind the scenes, how did this incredible event take place? The simple answer is two fold; warnings were advertised and people responded. The celebration was certain to happen. The calendar needed no advertisement, as everyone knew of the turnover. But to make this one day a true celebration with no tragedy, it had to be coupled with warnings. The world warned of Y2K. The prophets warned of coming judgments. The warnings crossed world wide barriers of language and religion and it was enough to get the masses attention. As a result, one by one, people from all walks to life, joined in purpose and turned their focus towards fixing potential problems.
One of the efforts became prayer. Never in history has there been so much prayer over the turnover of one day on the calendar. People started praying and preparing over a year ahead of time. No one had to tell people to pray. They prayed because suddenly their very existence became threatened. People voluntarily talked to God about Y2K and the turn of millennium.
In another effort, businesses, industries and governments all over the world turned their efforts towards fixing problems. This took massive money, man hours, planning and follow through.
I would like to thank all those who had the courage to give warnings. Without the warnings, their advertisement and the belief in such, the celebrations could have become world wide tragedy on a massive level. I would like to thank all who played their part, from prayer to planning to implementing. Within a short 24 hour period, world-wide history witnessed an unprecedented miracle.
As I watched city after city pass over in peace I could see the fulfillment of the prophetic scriptures in Joshua 3 & 4. To save space, these are excerpts of the story from The Living Bible. Bracketed sidebars are my comments:
"Early the next morning Joshua and all the people of Israel left Acacia and arrived that evening at the banks of the Jordan River, where they camped for a few days before crossing." [We were camping, waiting on the banks of the Jordan for a few years, waiting upon the Lord to occupy our promises, our inheritances.]
"On the third day officers went through the camp giving these instructions: "When you see the priests carrying the Ark of God, follow them. You have never before been where we are going now, so they will guide you." [Historically, we are now in the 3rd day. We are going to experience new things and events that history has never recorded before. If you do a Bible study on the 3rd day, you will see almost every place that 3 days is recorded is a prophetic Word from the Lord about the parable of coming 3rd day events.]
"Then Joshua told the people to purify themselves. "For tomorrow," he said, "the Lord will do a great miracle." In the morning Joshua ordered the priests, "Take up the Ark and lead us across the river!" And so they started out." [The prophets gave warning, calling for repentance and holiness. They went before the masses, obeying His command to move forward and stand against the floods.]
"Then Joshua summoned all the people and told them, "Come and listen to what the Lord your God has said. Today you are going to know for sure that the living God is among you and that he will, without fail, drive out the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites-all the people who now live in the land you will soon occupy. Think of it! The Ark of God, who is Lord of the whole earth, will lead you across the river!" [When we inherit our promises, we will do so by warfare, overcoming and driving out God’s enemies.]
"When the priests who are carrying the Ark touch the water with their feet, the river will stop flowing as though held back by a dam, and will pile up as though against an invisible wall!" Now it was the harvest season and the Jordan was overflowing all its banks; but as the people set out to cross the river and as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river's edge, suddenly, far up the river at the city of Adam, near Zarethan, the water began piling up as though against a dam! And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was empty. Then all the people crossed at a spot where the river was close to the city of Jericho, and the priests who were carrying the Ark stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan and waited as all the people passed by." [Now in the season, we have never been so close to the Great Harvest as we are now, neither have we been so vulnerable to enemy floods. For a brief time in history, intercession has stood in the gap, causing the demonic floods to roll back even as far as Adam… giving us a brief glimpse that what Adam lost will become manifest.]
"Meanwhile, the people had hurried across the riverbed, and when everyone was over, the people watched the priests carry the Ark up out of the riverbed…."Come up from the riverbed," the Lord now told him to command them. So Joshua issued the order. And as soon as the priests came out, the water poured down again as usual and overflowed the banks of the river as before! This miracle occurred on the 25th of March. That day the entire nation crossed the Jordan River and camped in Gilgal at the eastern edge of the city of Jericho…"
[Gilgal will now be our home for a while. At Gilgal, we will experience: 1) The circumcision of the flesh of the spiritual children, as bought and paid for by Christ Jesus. (Josh 5:7 & Col 2: 11-15) 2) Abiding until all recover from this. (Joshua 5:8) 3) The rolling away of the shame and guilt caused by generational & personal sins —and the rolling away of the reproach and condemnation from our enemies. (Josh 5:9) 4) Finishing the last of the old bread. Old prophesies of God’s future promises will have become old bread. God’s children will have become manifest to the world, and will be walking in signs and wonders… as He rains His Spirit upon all flesh. (Josh 5:12, Joel 2:28, Rom 8:18,19) 5) New promises, new food in a new land will be gathered and eaten. 6) Preparations for war - moving out to encircle Jericho, and the returning to Gilgal each day. (Josh 6:11) 7) The first conquest in warfare as the walls of Jericho fall and a return to Gilgal. 8) Gilgal is the headquarters for war (Josh 9:3, 10:6, 10:15, 14:6) until the move to Shiloh (Josh 18:1)
When I first heard of the Y2K bug and the potential "meltdown" of society, I understood that it was an act of mercy from the Lord. This so shook the world that for those who believed the warnings, whether righteous or unrighteous, they prepared for coming hard times. I knew that no matter what the outcome of Y2K, God had mercifully prepared the people. For you see, those who did not follow the priests and cross over the Jordan, they are still on the other side. The flood waters will rise once again. They must now pass through the floods to find the promised land.
A week before Y2K the Lord gave me a dream where He had taken His people on a fire drill and they were practicing their preparations and training. For those Christians who gathered supplies you have obeyed the Lord. Historically, we are now walking out the story of Joshua. If you remember, waiting to cross the river Jordan while they camped for 3 days, the scripture says, "Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, "Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.' " (Josh 1:10-11)
I write this letter as a memorial stone, to be passed down to the children of promise. One day they will hear the story of how so many people in so many lands, gathered together to celebrate a day in passing, with joy & peace and without tragedy. As I watched the multitude of faces gathered in so many cites, I wept. I said, "Lord You LOVE all those people." I became jealous for God, that one day these same multitudes will celebrate Jesus. (Isaiah 11:9)
Lovingly, Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~ 8] 2nd Generation Circumcision
2ND GENERATION CIRCUMCISION BY Lori Hankins Date: 2/21/99
THE 2ND GENERATION CIRCUMCISION There is coming soon a new circumcision for a new generation of believers. There is an army that is being established in the wilderness. It is an army that has seen the many mistakes and atrocities committed by the previous generation.
This previous generation did not teach them about the true circumcision even though they themselves had received circumcision. They were not taught by the previous generation because that generation had been swallowed up with the flesh and unbelief. In fact, there was so much unbelief that they never left the wilderness of doubt, they never saw hope fulfilled because they couldn't see beyond the dirt at their feet. Power was something they experienced in their salvation and yet it was not at the basis of their faith.
They had more faith in the world around them, than the unseen. Their circumcision was outward, plain and simple. There is a new circumcision of truth coming. As the army of God begins to arise and cross over the cleansing river of God, and as they stand in plain view of their enemies of the flesh, they will embrace the pain and surrender of true circumcision. This true circumcision will be as a rolling away of the stone and an opening into the well of Living water, it will be performed in the place of Golgotha for it is an embracing of the cross.
Yes, the flesh will be cut away, and the arm of the flesh disconnected forever, never to be fed again. No longer will there be those who tout their own names, for these will have pure eyes of truth that see the Truth Himself. The shine of their armor will mirror the Son of God in reflection to all who are not blinded by the truth, but have opened their hearts to receive. And receive they will, even as Rahab and all her family received salvation by the scarlet cord.
This army will be the end time army that is full of true government, in fact the whole government rests on the shoulders of the Commander of this army of the Lord. This army numbers 12, times 12,000 in the fullness of government. They are pure and undefiled because of the circumcision that they have embraced. Their fight will be for the King of Kings Himself, and they will usher in His Presence. Many in this army will wear the martyr's crown. Many in this army will be mere children in the sight of men but great warriors in the true sight of their Leader.
There are men and women in this army, equally bearing arms, carrying a banner of truth and light to the nations. Wherever they go there will be fire. As they come forth the fire of God will consume and prove that which is gold or that which is false god. You will know where they have been because a flame is left behind as a burning testament of truth, for their God is a consuming fire. The vision before them is a garden of hope, it is as the garden of Eden where the battle began, and they are marching toward victory over the enemy of all time.
In unison they cry out victoriously: "SATAN, GET OUT OF OUR GARDEN, NO LONGER WILL YOU DECEIVE AND LIE AND STEAL AND KILL. YOU ARE CONQUERED!!!"
Behind them will be a desolation as the deceiver's lies are unveiled to those who have trusted in false gods. Every false hope, every proud hill will be brought low along with those who have followed the lies.
Great men and women who have built babbeling towers of deception based on a confusion of mixed truth will run with fear as they see their kingdoms fall. They will hide their faces in shame as they see this mighty army so unapproachable, so unified that no strategy will divide them. This army is truly unified in purpose. They have overcome the flesh, they have overcome the enemy, AND THEY HAVE OVERCOME THEMSELVES!! They are not individuals seeking an earthly kingdom, they are an army wholly devoted, fully given, undeniably unified in Truth. When asked individually who they serve, in corporate unison will come one name, one truth, one hope- "THE LORD JESUS CHRIST"
"The Lord gives voice before His army. For His camp is very great; for strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; who can endure it?" Joel 2:11
PROPHETIC WORD--THE TIME HAS COME FOR MY ARMY TO ARISE "The time has come for My army to arise. You who have been raised in the wilderness of barrenness-- COME FORTH! You who have decided that death would soon be knocking at your door, and yet have declared, "I will die in my faith rather than give up", I say to you NOW IS THE TIME, THE DAY OF SALVATION IS AT HAND. I am now calling forth My army. You who have ears, who have learned to hear the small still voice in the midst of many storms- ARISE!!
I have taken out My flint and will cut away the flesh that you cannot remove of your own accord. I AM the master surgeon. Will you surrender yourself to the final cutting away of your flesh, to the circumcision of your very heart? My army has crossed the Jordan river, they have followed the Ark of My Presence into the river and now you are waiting for my command. It is time for CIRCUMCISION!! You cannot go farther without it. You cannot perform it on yourself. This circumcision only comes to those who surrender and come forth asking for it; to those who are willing to have even their names removed from themselves and willing to lie down everything they have totally for the sake of My Kingdom. My army is nameless and faceless, and yet they have the greatest name of all for they are ARMY OF GOD, and their commander is JESUS CHRIST Himself!"
~~~~~~~~~~
9] Circumcision and the Cross
Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999 From: Hankins88@aol.com
THE CROSS AND CIRCUMCISION By Lori Hankins
Today I am wondering just exactly what this cross is that God wants me to embrace. It really does go beyond my own understanding. Each of us gets our own interpretation as to what we are supposed to do when picking up our cross.
I once knew a man who was so desperate for freedom from an area of sin in his life that he went to a doctor and had a circumcision. He told me that it was not the circumcision that would free him, but the willingness that he had before the Lord to do what he felt would show sincerity on his part. It was his own way of tangibly taking that cross and bearing it.
Maybe that is what we all need, I am not speaking of an outward circumcision, but an inward one. A cutting away of the flesh, especially in the areas that we sin. If we are given to over-active imaginations, do we shut off the TV and get rid of bad, or worldly reading material. If we are given to loving food a little too much, do we take that lust by the arm and fast. If we are given to gossip and speaking negative stuff, do we fast from talking and learn to listen more. If we are tight fisted with money, do we increase our giving until joy supersedes selfishness. The list goes on........
I know that "It is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit, saith the Lord", and yet it seems that there is an activity required to "pick up your cross". To pick up something requires 3 things: 1) Identification 2) willingness 3) action
So then, we are called to find that cross by identifying the areas of our life that are not dead yet. Areas that need to be nailed to that cross until there is no more life of its own. Then we are to show the willingness on our part by finding the action that will begin to cause us to take up the cross.
When I was a child my dad used to do something that seemed really strange to me. We would all be engrossed in some television show, and right in the middle of it he would walk away. I asked him why he did this, and he would say, "I don't want anything to control me to the point that I cannot get up and walk away from it." He let me know that he was very interested in the outcome of the show, but wanted to have an active part in restraining himself.
It was a type of exercise for him. I remember trying to do it too, but it was too hard. I couldn't fight my flesh that way as a child. One of the things that makes us a mature Christian is the ability to put away childish things. Could some of those childish things be the inability to control our fleshly desires?
In each of our walks, we all come to the point where the Lord Jesus turns and says, "If you want to follow me, you must pick up your cross". In turn we must each define "cross". I close this message now because it is time for me to pray and seek the Lord about some areas that need to die.......
Blessings, Lori Hankins Moravian Falls, North Carolina
~~~~~~~~~~
PART 2: TRAINING - GETTING OUR ATTENTION
10] The Cally Story, Surgery & Gilgal A Prophetic Parable from Sandy Warner
4/12/00
Hi Loved Ones!
The following true story happened to me in 1994. I knew the funny story was an obvious and confirmed parable from the Lord and it was quickened to me at the time as something spiritual that I had experienced in the 80’s. But His Word is eternal and He circles His Word until we finally "get it." So this story once again comes to life. This time I got it…
THE CALLY STORY (1994)
Our cat Cally had kittens who are now 5 months old and I just found out that cute little boy kitties can impregnate little sister kitties at this age. Uh oh… I also heard of a good family willing to adopt them if we have them ‘fixed.’ Time has run out and these little furballs are now scheduled for surgery. They are supposed to fast 12 hours before surgery so two bowls have mysteriously disappeared. Oops, scratch that idea. Normally mother cats wean their babies at about 6 weeks but someone forgot to tell Cally. I am looking out the window, and those precious little bundles are nursing! Try again...
Cally is now in exile away from her babies, food and water. The babies are crying at her shed door, and she is crying at them. It’s going to be a long night.
Well it was. I didn't sleep hardly at all last night as every dog in the neighborhood was barking and I kept thinking about the kittens. This morning I quietly squeeze through the shed door so Cally won’t dash out. I manage to get her in the carrier and when I open the door the kittens scurry to her cage and they all cry at once. Cally is now crying and the kittens are alerted.
We pick up the kittens and put them in the box. But before we can get the lid down, we have lost one. No, make that two. Try again. And again. This is crazy, we are chasing kittens in every direction! After 5 scampering attempts, we simply can not entice them to come to us. These are now very educated cats. Suddenly two bowls mysteriously appear. They run to the food. We got em'.
Now we are all packed in the jeep and it sounds like a traveling cat zoo. Cally is howling. She is banging her head and body at the door, she scratches to no avail. A frightened baby pops her head through the little hole in the box. Her eyes are literally bugging and she squeaks. By the time I stop on the freeway shoulder, she has managed to stretch the hole and get her stomach stuck. She is dangling half way in and half way out but at least her eyes are back in her sockets and she has a hardy meow. I carefully tug and pull her out the hole without lifting the lid, lest I have kittens making a wild escape. Now Cally’s window is snug against the box’s enlarged hole and maybe they can comfort one another by being close. I drive into the clinic, harried and feeling like I had lived a full day and it is only 7:00 AM.
Who is that lady with the clipboard and why is she waiting for me in the parking lot? "Excuse me, are you Mrs. Warner?" I have this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. "Yes, I have cats scheduled for surgery." "I am very sorry Mrs. Warner but we are going to have to cancel and reschedule. I tried calling you, but you had already left." "Oh no — I have to go through the whole thing again....this time with educated cats!"
On the way home I am thinking about the scriptural principal of something being repeated twice. (Gen 41:32) I know this is a God story. "Lord what are You trying to tell me?"
This next appointment is vital because their new owners are coming into town next week. I am sure they will love living on a farm, with all the freedom and fun any cat would want. No matter what, I have to keep this appointment!
Well, it is now once again the night before surgery. Not a creature is stirring, and especially not even a mouse. We have no mice. I have locked Cally and her kittens in together. It’s better to nurse and have surgery, then not at all. I think I have slept, but that clock says 4:45 AM. I am wide awake wondering how the little family is doing. Maybe I should separate them into the cat carrier since 4 hours of no food is better than none at all. It’s dark and cold outside, but I am determined to follow through on this appointment. I rush out in bare feet and pajamas and jump into the shed, slamming the door behind me. The kitties are contentedly sleeping next to Cally! I separate the sleepy little furballs from her and place THEM in the cat carrier. It was so easy! All is perfect! Now I can go back to bed and get warm.
I reach for the latch on the shed door and it is gone. The door won't open! The little wire thing that is attached to the latch on the outside of the door is missing. It had fallen off when I slammed the door. I am trapped inside the dark shed with Cally and her kittens, and I have this strange knowing that God is definitely speaking to me. This story isn’t just some parable that the Lord is wanting to tell me, He is talking to me about ME. It’s me in this shed.
I am now in exile, in a cage with all the tools for pruning anyone could ever want. I sit down on an ice chest and take note of what I have. 2 handsaws, electric pruners with electrical cord and outlets intact, an ax, and other misc. items. I push a wire through the little hole where the missing wire used to be. I put a metal tent stake through it, I put a stick through it. Nope, I’m definitely trapped.
OK, my son's alarm is set for 7:00 and I am supposed to leave at 7:00. I don’t know if he will even know I have not left the house when he wakes. Will he realize the car is still in the driveway? He probably won’t make the connection since it’s there every morning. My beloved husband gets up much later depending on what time he finally falls asleep. I could ax my way through the door, but he would really be upset having to build a new door. It’s 4:45 AM so what else is there to do? I can lay the camping tarp on the floor, unroll the sleeping mattress, use 2 life jackets for my pillow and unfold a plastic tablecloth for my blanket. Sounds good to me. I am now camping out on the floor of our shed in the dark, surrounded by purring kittens. I start to laugh. "OK Lord, You got me. Do you have anything You would like to say to me?"
I must have snoozed some because I just heard the thunk of the newspaper in our driveway. I wildly shake and kick the door. "Help me, can you HELP me? I'm stuck in here!" I am yelling like my life depends upon it — I still want to make that appointment. Silence. Nothing. He must have thrown it from the street and not heard a thing. Back to camping. Let’s see, the newspaper usually comes about 6:30 AM. I wonder how much longer I get to stay in here!
It’s about 7 AM and I hear footsteps coming up the sidewalk, stopping in front of the shed. Silence. "Is someone out there?" "Yes" "Could you PLEASE open this door, I am stuck inside." "Uh, yes." Door opens. A pale and scared paper boy is staring at me. "Are you all right?" "Yes, I accidentally locked my self inside, because the little wire thing fell out of the hole." He is looking at me like I am a little crazy standing there in my pajamas. I don’t blame him a bit. I am so happy to be out and besides that, I don’t have the time to worry about it — I have an appointment to make. He is rambling on as he walks away, "I wasn’t sure what I’d find behind this door, and I went to get help. I wasn’t sure about calling the police. And someone drove me back here." "Well Thank you VERY much for coming and helping me. I really appreciated it!"
Cally is now outside happily eating at the food dishes. At this point I don’t care how much she has eaten, but back in the shed she goes. I need a clean shower and to get warm after camping. "Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong!" The door bell is ringing incessantly at 7 AM and I am dripping wet. "John, please wake up and answer the door. Don't be upset, it may be the police. I was locked in the shed and the paper boy rescued me. Tell them I'll be out in a minute." My son answers the door in a stupor. Two sheriffs question him. "We heard there was a disturbance. Was there a fight? Is everything all right?" "Yeah, my Mom just locked herself in the shed." They grin. In my robe and wet hair I come to the door. "I accidentally locked my self inside the shed, because the little wire thingy that is attached to the latch fell out of the hole." I don't know if they knew whether I was talking straight or not. I don't know that I was. My face is turning bright red.
Totally mortified that the sheriffs had come to our door, I realize I don’t have time to think about that now. I have just enough time to eat a bowl of cereal, catch Cally and stuff everyone in the car. I go outside, jump into the shed and my son is right behind me. SLAM! John has just slammed the door shut... I AM LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY. I roar. I laugh so hard I am crying. I am holding my stomach, with hilarious tears rolling down my cheeks. All I can think of is this thing is repeated twice, it is of the Lord. Two times for the cats, two times for me.
"Mom you are scaring me, you are hysterical!" "Well if you had gone through what I have gone through with these cats, you would be hysterical too!" I am laughing even harder while watching my son frantically take inventory of everything in the shed and do exactly the same things I had tried. He didn't think it was funny at all.
Finally, I decide to forget my husband having to build a new door, I AM NOT GOING TO MISS THIS APPOINTMENT. The only way those cats will have their new home next week, is if they are fixed. We have run out of time. Warning, crazy women with ax in hand. Slam, thud, pow, a chip at a time. 20 minutes of repeated blows with the bull’s eye changing upon each swing. Sweat, panting... My son takes a few swings and hands it back. I take a few then give it back to him. I am determined to get out of there.
Footsteps. We hear footsteps! The door opens and a very undressed puffy eyed husband looks incredulously at me. My normally very kind and gracious husband appears to be quite perturbed. He grumpily says he just got to sleep at 4 o'clock and what are we doing axing the door? "Well excuuuussssseee me!" I wasn't mad until then. Now I am mad. I march out, rescue Cally, who is now enjoying a banquet and stuff her and the kitties in the car. Normally-kind-and-gracious husband is standing at the door in his altogether, muttering, "May I go back to sleep now?" That made me madder. Here I had just been through world war 3 and all he can think about was that we disturbed him? I am so mad I don’t even say goodbye to my son. I smolder all the way to the appointment.
I am now home and my back-to-being very kind and gracious husband reminds me that last night he had recommended that I bang on the shed door loudly to scare the cats, so they would hide and not try to run out as soon as I opened the door. I am feeling very humble for my anger. He thought all we were doing was scaring the cats with all that noise and wondered why we were inside with the ax! I guess our neighbors came by also, since they heard the ax. What a day.
Surgery went fine, in spite of their eating. When I picked up the cats, they told me to put them in a dark and quiet place. I left them in the shed with the door slightly open knowing they would come out when they were ready. But instead of sleeping, the journey had stimulated them and they wobbled out the door totally drunk! You never saw such precious sights as Cally and these little creatures trying to find their legs. Looking cross-eyed and with rubber legs they were wandering around bumping into each other. Their brother, cold sober with no surgery, hisses and runs away. When they found their mother, Cally immediately weaned her babies, having no desire whatsoever to be touched and they were all planted in their new home one week later.
INTERPRETATION
Over the past 10-20 years God has had a plan to bring us into a place of enlargement and be lovingly adopted into a new life. This is known as coming out of the wilderness and crossing over into the land of promises. (Deut 1: 5-8) However, pruning or surgery needed to take place in our carnal flesh, in order for this adoption to take place. (Josh 5:7)
In preparation for surgery, some time in the last 10-20 years we were placed in exile - separated from our promises (2 Chron 6: 36-39), went through a personal famine of hearing and experiencing Him (Amos 8:11), were spiritually put to sleep in dark circumstances with dogs howling outside (Psa 35), and confined to a circumstantial cage with hand saws, pruning sheers and axes looming over our heads! (Isa 45:9)
This was a dark place where the enemy was allowed access, confined to the limits of using isolation, blindness, outside intimidation, cold and uncomfortable circumstances and unrest. We were quite miserable in those God-allowed circumstances, and with inevitable surgery looming in the future, we became master escape artists, thinking we had escaped the enemy, when in reality we were running from God and His circumcising our heart and its desires for carnality. (Col 2: 11-15)
During our many attempts to escape the inevitable, time ran out. Shepherds of the day were still hand feeding the milk of the Word. They were doing all the work and their children were growing up passive and inactive. Their ‘crop’ was close to having adult sized bodies but were still nursing. (I Cor 3:2) It was time to learn to hunt for themselves, find their own sustenance in the Lord, and become active participants in the maintenance of an enlarged territory. (Heb 5:12)
These children were in danger of passing on family sins of unpruned flesh if they spread their seed (fruit) prior to surgery. Through out the years between several blunders of back-in-the-cage syndrome, children and shepherds were in prison using battling axes to war their way out. Time had run out and God sent messengers to rescue all with the good news of coming glory just in time to make the appointment with Gilgal. (Josh 4:18-19)
This caused all kinds of commotion. Judgment (the law) knocked on the door to check things out. We were sent to get cleaned up and dressed for a new day. (1 Pet 4:17) Neighbors heard the noise and wondered. And after one last blunder, Big Father God - whom we have known as kind and gracious, shows up with a stern look on His face and opens the door. We come out of the cage in a mass of tangled emotions. Ouch. It’s time for surgery. (Josh 5:2)
The beautiful part of this story, is that after He cuts away the flesh and even though recovery hurts, if we wake up early enough, we will still be intoxicated with His Presence! The joy of His Presence helps alleviate the pain of our sinful nature when we displease Him. He promises to roll away the shame and reproach caused from our carnal pleasures. (Josh 5:8,9)
ENDNOTE
Even though the original Cally story took place in 1994, I want to say I suffered a very difficult winter this year, both in warfare and in personal life. After one last horrific time in that cage, (see the Quickened Word post on 2/7/00 "Between the Blessings and Curses" at my site) I faithfully used my battle ax with courage and at times I even laughed, thanks to His intoxicating and wonderful Presence. In the end, it was the Lord Who showed up and let me out. And only because of His grace, did I finally understand that I had been arguing with Him for a very long time in trying to escape the circumcision of carnality. It was He Who put me in a bind, He Who let me out, and He Who sent me to surgery.
What IS that surgery? It is pure, raw repentance. Beloved, as a forerunner, I know that we are headed for a time of massive repentance. When it happens, I can tell you it will be Daddy God Himself Who convinces us that we have been running away from His dealings for years. He is a Holy God and does not change. He says yes to the enemy only for our own good. He will have the last Word, and we will finally be convinced that the same unholy issues He has been dealing with us for years is still on the operating table staring us in the face. (1 Pet 4:12) The most loving part of this story is that this surgery is available now more than ever before in history, through the novocain of His awesome Presence. I found out that even though I could not escape His dealings, the pain of anything I finally yielded to die on the cross, was worth experiencing His awesome and loving Presence!
I hope this story makes a difference in your life and you take time to ponder and see if you have unknowingly walked the same path these past 10-20 years.
Lovingly, Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~ 11] Between The Blessings & The Curses A transparent testimony and prophetic experience from Sandy Warner
2/7/00
Hi Loved Ones,
I came across an interesting section of scripture the other day. The spiritual and prophetic parable leaped off the page and grabbed my heart.
Prior to crossing into the promised land, Moses told the people they would be given the choice between God’s blessing or God’s curse. To make the point very clear, he told them that after they crossed over, 6 tribes would stand upon Mt Gerizim proclaiming blessings and 6 tribes would stand upon Mt Ebal proclaiming curses. (Deut 11:26-32, Deut 27:11-14, Josh 8:33-35)
These two mountains stood one to the north and the other to the south of a narrow valley cutting through the mountain range. This valley carved a main north-south road that ran between the two mountains making Mt Gerizim (about 2500-2800 feet) a strategic military importance. This valley of Shechem between was about 3 miles long and narrow enough to hear voices between the two mountains.
In this valley between the divided tribes stood the ark of God and the Levites, the priests. They were to literally stand between the blessings and the cursings, shouting the curses and blessings of the law. As I read this suddenly something very personal and very prophetic became quite clear.
A FORERUNNER IN BATTLE
As a background to what I am about to share: in 1984 when I received my supernatural calling from the Lord (15 years after I became a Christian) the Lord planted in my heart a burning and passion to pursue Him. He launched me into dreams and visions and my life became a red-hot pursuit of Him. I discovered in the process that I had an enemy that did not want me to succeed in my pursuit and suddenly opposition came from every side.
It has been a very long uphill journey overcoming a step at a time. The Lord has kept me safe within His hedge allowing allotted degrees of warfare. He gave me the understanding and the faith to stand upon the scripture: "For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might utterly destroy them, and that they might receive no mercy, but that He might destroy them, as the LORD had commanded Moses." (Josh 11:20 NKJV) I didn’t like this, but I accepted it, grateful for the enlightenment.
It is important to note that as an intercessor, I do not go after principalities and fight offensive battles. To do so is sure presumption and certain doom without the command of the Lord. In certain seasons I have had intercessory assignments where principalities have opposed me at night time. I have stood in these incidents and seen some wonderful dynamic clashes of lightening as opposing forces fight, while in my weak flesh I merely speak His Name or Word, or take simple authority over such. We are called to do our part and the warring angels do the rest as we stand in faith. On a number of occasions I have wrestled in hand to hand combat with these rulers ("For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Eph 6:12) and have come to appreciate that Paul certainly knew this wrestling experience.
In all of these assignments, they have lasted for seasons, some longer than others, always sprinkled with blessings and the keeping power of Him Whom I love, and intimacy with Him. I have learned to trust that He totally equips us with exactly what we need to stand and stay within Him. Every assignment, although some very difficult and lengthy, has ended in victory as He has commanded it. Such is the background for what I am about to tell you.
Within the past year I have had 3 occasions, lasting a total of several weeks, where a principality of cursing opposed me. It was like nothing I had ever stood against before, for this was a blatant attack during the daylight hours directly against my thoughts. My spiritual ears would open and I could hear him curse myself and others, hundreds and hundreds of times, over and over again. It got to the point where as I walked in public places I knew who was a Christian and who was not, merely by hearing the curses hurled against them! It was the most difficult battle I have ever faced. I did everything to stand against this horrific onslaught. I want to briefly share some of the ways I stood, to pass on some tools, but this is not the point of this posting.
I bound him in Jesus Name. I said whom God has blessed, you cannot curse. I told him he had no authority against Jesus Christ. I poured the blood of Jesus Christ all over his head. I commanded double portion blessings upon each and every person he cursed. I said he had no authority except what God Himself had ordained, in order that he might be destroyed by God. I did self inspection, repenting of any unknown sins, searched my home to make sure there was nothing offensive to the Lord, and fasted the ol’ flesh. I submitted to the covering and prayers of those whom the Lord has called me to be personally accountable to. I called upon the Lord’s help, I loosed the warring angels to stand strong against this big dude. I commanded the curses to be null and void in Jesus Name. I sent the curses to be chained in the abyss to await their judgment. I sent the curses to the feet of Jesus to be held captive. I placed the curses under my feet in Jesus Name. You name it, it did it.
TAKING THOUGHTS CAPTIVE
Paul understood the spiritual battle: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, BRINGING EVERY THOUGHT INTO CAPTIVITY TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Cor 10:3-6 NKJV)
I tried to command every thought, every curse I heard to be held captive in Jesus Name. Sometimes they came so fast and furious, it was literally impossible, and so I would take authority over all the curses since the last time I sent them to be judged. Many, many times I felt as though I was getting nowhere. But I knew that when my obedience in warfare, intercession and my own walk was fulfilled, these curses would receive their punishment.
THE REWARD
As the days turned into weeks I became very weary. In the final week of battle some interesting things took place. I started wondering how tall this dude was. I knew he was at least as tall as a mountain. And once again, I said it didn’t matter how tiny I was, he was doomed. That night I was taken up into hand to hand wrestling with him and the Lord opened my eyes. We were miles above ground. Somehow, it didn’t matter to me. I knew it was only a matter of time, he was doomed. That week something wonderful happened. I began to get very discouraged! I started to complain to the Lord and said, "Lord where is my reward for having to hear all of this terrible cursing?" I suddenly thought that He has given us the nations for our inheritance, if we ask.
Psalms 2 (NKJV)
"Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His anointed, saying, "Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure: "Yet I have set My king on My holy hill of Zion." "I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. ASK OF ME, AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE NATIONS FOR YOUR INHERITANCE, AND THE ENDS OF THE EARTH FOR YOUR POSSESSION. You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.' "Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him."
As I pondered this, I began to get very excited. I asked the Lord for 100 souls for every curse I had heard! I immediately heard another barrage of curses. Each and every curse, I stood against and said, "That’s 100 souls in Jesus Name!" "That’s another 100 souls in Jesus Name." "There’s another 100 souls!" In a few minutes I had over 1000 souls. My heart leaped and I started rejoicing. I was seeing a sea of faces. I became so excited at every curse I heard, that I actually started thanking the enemy for another 100 souls! I became a fanatic for souls, rejoicing with every curse!!!! I have to tell you, with no bells or whistles the curses fizzled out that week as I stood against their dwindling numbers, with my rejoicing of each 100 added to the list. In a few short days, all became quiet.
THE PARABLE
In the past year as Words of the Lord have come through various sources, we have heard the voices of coming judgment and glory. These are the curses and the blessings. The intercessors have stood in between declaring, "Oh God how we have fallen! Turn us around and let us enter Your glory!"
In the day of Joshua, the divided tribes were in the high places declaring blessings and cursings. This was going on over the heads of the Levites in the valley, those who carried the ark of God. I consider this a parable, where the high places are the spirituals where the blessings and curses are spoken and the angels and demons bring to pass the spoken Words. The Levites had a Word war going on above their heads!
OUR CHOICES IN THE DAYS TO COME
What I went through was a parable and a forerunner of what is to come. In the days to come, we each will have our portion of warfare and battle. Together we fight against common enemies and together we will utterly destroy these giants. For truly at the turn of the year, I knew we had come into the land of giants. This one of cursing opposes us day and night, whether or not we hear. I wish I could say this giant is dissolved and completely destroyed. He is not, for even though the Lord has closed my ears and hedge to his barrage, I can still feel him behind my invisible shield. His authority to curse the body of Christ comes from our disobedience! As we come into this new land of promises, depending upon our own choices, we will receive blessings or curses.
Deut 28:1-10 TLB
"If you fully obey all of these commandments of the Lord your God, the laws I am declaring to you today, God will transform you into the greatest nation in the world. These are the blessings that will come upon you:
Blessings in the city,
Blessings in the field;
Many children,
Ample crops,
Large flocks and herds;
Blessings of fruit and bread;
Blessings when you come in,
Blessings when you go out.
"The Lord will defeat your enemies before you; they will march out together against you but scatter before you in seven directions! The Lord will bless you with good crops and healthy cattle, and prosper everything you do when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you. He will change you into a holy people dedicated to himself; this he has promised to do if you will only obey him and walk in his ways. All the nations in the world shall see that you belong to the Lord, and they will stand in awe."
Deut 28:15-21 TLB
"If you won't listen to the Lord your God and won't obey these laws I am giving you today, then all of these curses shall come upon you:
Curses in the city,
Curses in the fields,
Curses on your fruit and bread,
The curse of barren wombs,
Curses upon your crops,
Curses upon the fertility of your cattle and flocks,
Curses when you come in,
Curses when you go out.
"For the Lord himself will send his personal curse upon you. You will be confused and a failure in everything you do, until at last you are destroyed because of the sin of forsaking him. He will send disease among you until you are destroyed from the face of the land you are about to enter and possess."
Beloved of the Lord, if ever there was a more serious time to get our lives in line with Him and become holy people set apart unto Him — it is now.
Lovingly, Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~
12] The "D" Word Understanding the Times, By Sandy Warner
5/20/99
For the past several months the Lord has been circling a theme, a "word" if you will, to my attention and it isn’t exactly my favorite! The word is "Discipline." (Ouch.) There are 2 kinds of discipline. The first is self discipline. Mature believers have developed a measure of self control, temperance, and an ability to exercise their own behavior and attitudes properly. When one is not self controlled, he must be trained to be so, and so the "self" is deleted from self-discipline and it now becomes the "D" word! In other words, if one can not discipline himself, then he is disciplined until he can discipline himself. (Again I say "ouch!")
Years ago, as a baby Christian, I remember complaining to the Lord about how unfair it was to be spanked or disciplined by Him, when I wasn’t sure if the painful things occurring was His discipline. There was always this nagging doubt, "I wonder if God is trying to tell me something?" I was always very repentant when I suffered the consequences of wanting my own way, but I lived with the doubt as to whether I REALLY had been disciplined. Because it was never quite solidified, I somehow justified the same behavior or attitude once again.
Years later, when I began to intercede about judgment, the same thoughts came back. I felt a measure of frustration because I knew there was a lack of understanding and blindness upon God’s people and it doesn’t do a whole lot of good to be spanked when we don’t know what we did. It’s even worse if we don’t even realize that we ARE being spanked! I was thinking about training a cat (ha, ha) and the fact that a cat’s memory is so poor, its feet so fast, that you can’t catch it quick enough to discipline it in time for the cat to even realize that it is receiving feedback about its behavior. I identify with the cat.
I prayed, Lord we need to know IMMEDIATELY if we have grieved You and have IMMEDIATE feedback about our behavior, so that we can remedy it and not sit around and question if You are trying to tell us something!" Well, sometime around the turn of this year, His feedback has become quicker, stronger and more obvious. If you are questioning whether the Lord is trying to tell you something about issues He has been dealing with you about for a long time, chances are He has turned up the heat, and His answer is "Yes." The good news and mercy side of this is that He loves us and He wants us to understand, to comply and be formed into Jesus’ image. The bad news is that sometimes this hurts. The good news is that it doesn’t have to hurt if we can discipline ourselves. The scripture says, "Behold then the kindness and severity of God." (Rom 11:22 NASB) We are now entering a time in history when God will no longer blink at sin. And the closer we are to Him, the more our rationalizing minds will yield, and choose to re-define sin according to His Word. If it’s disobedience, it’s sin. If it’s not of faith, it’s sin. (1Sam 15:23 & Rom 14:23)
We long for the glory of God. For our God is a consuming fire. (Heb 12:29) The closer He comes to descending upon us, the hotter the fire is going to get. That is because He is HOLY and He dwells in the holy places. We can be consumed by the passionate heat of His anointing and glory, or we can be consumed by the heat of His fiery judgment. The good news is that He is the loving Father that looks into our hearts. If He sees the fiery passionate heart burning for Him, His fiery judgments will pass by and reward the heart of passion! In the days to come we will see both great blessing and anointing, and great judgment and discipline.
The following is a story that was forwarded to me. It portrays so well, the training of the Lord:
The Fence (Author unknown)
There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Then it gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence! Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all... He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us." [end of story]
No matter what the sin, it leaves a hole in ourselves, in others and in the kingdom. Sin is never worth the consequences. Our loving Heavenly Father loves us so much that He is about to train us afresh that it is easier to discipline ourselves than it is to suffer the consequence. It is our choice.
In the midst of transition and unstable times, let us remember the following passage:
And have you quite forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his child? He said, "My son, don't be angry when the Lord punishes you. Don't be discouraged when he has to show you where you are wrong. For when he punishes you, it proves that he loves you. When he whips you, it proves you are really his child." Let God train you, for he is doing what any loving father does for his children. Whoever heard of a son who was never corrected? If God doesn't punish you when you need it, as other fathers punish their sons, then it means that you aren't really God's son at all-that you don't really belong in his family. Since we respect our fathers here on earth, though they punish us, should we not all the more cheerfully submit to God's training so that we can begin really to live? Our earthly fathers trained us for a few brief years, doing the best for us that they knew how, but God's correction is always right and for our best good, that we may share his holiness. Being punished isn't enjoyable while it is happening-it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and character. " (Heb 12:5-11TLB)
Oh Lord help us to be willing and yielded to Your heart’s call to discipline ourselves. Prepare us for Your glory, Lord! Kindle our hearts with a burning passion for You! In Jesus Name, amen.
~~~~~~~~~~
13] Responses To The "D" Word
Date: 5/22/99 From: Richard
Discipline in Greek is related to instruction.
~~~~~~~~~~
JESUS FILLS THE HOLES IN OUR GAPS Date: 5/25/99 From: Diane
Dear Sandy,
When I got your story of the board with the holes. I saw myself and how my sins had hurt many people in my life. I began to catch myself when I got angry and found that I was against that old response.
I saw those holes. I saw how they were there from sin.
But just now I saw another story. I saw how Jesus can break any curse. I saw how the Blood of Jesus can restore those holes and make a new piece of wood that has no holes at all!! By faith I saw a piece of wood riddled with holes restored brand new - with not even a hint of a hole!!!
I saw my own life. I saw the consequences of sin in my life. I saw my angry self with vestiges of my mother's yelling ways in me. Then I saw a gentle and quiet spirit.
Restoration. Deliverance. Forgiveness.
I saw my body - 100 lbs of gluttonous flesh - melting away with not a stretch mark and not the least bit of sagging skin. Restored like new. Better than new. The Blood of Jesus heals even the consequences of sin.
I saw my home whole again. Clean and remodeled.
I saw our finances restored. All debts payed.
I saw only sweet words coming out of my mouth - no more gossip - no more boasting - no more self pity either.
Jesus paid it all - salvation means wholeness.
Sandy, Jesus is taking this hole riddled piece of wood and reforming and refashioning me into His own new piece of wood - so complete that all will marvel and even remark how this is a new work - the old is passed away.
I just keep putting my life into His Hands each morning for our walks.
And I keep my eyes on Him and watch as He changes me.
And it is SO easy - It is so hard when I try to change myself.
Hope - I have hope that one day all the holes will be filled with the Blood of Jesus and others will only see His nail scarred Hands at work in my life.
Thank you again, Sandy, for your wonderful stories and for the anointing you have to help me. You are very special to me.
God bless, Diane
~~~~~~~~~~ 14] Training: Tough Love Vs Tender Love From Sandy Warner
1/28/00
Hi Loved Ones,
A few weeks ago while I was speaking in tongues the Lord gave me the instant interpretation of 3 of my words in a particular phrase. I immediately said, "Uh oh…" I was stunned and He had my attention. Those words were: "Training. Error. Correction."
Right at the turn of the year I had been hearing that we had entered a new year of training. The Lord wanted to train us or teach us. I was excited about being trained in new giftings and at that time He immediately starting teaching me in new gifts so I knew I had understood the season.
However later when I heard those 3 little words, "Training, error and correction" it put a greater perspective to the word "training." In one short week I felt like I had been put through a blender and turned on high for a crash course. During that week, I passed by a sign outside a neighborhood church. It was obvious from the scaffolding and workers that they were in the midst of construction and enlargement. The sign read, "Lord, please turn this mess into a message!" It made me chuckle and I identified with the concept that sometimes when we are in the process of growing into spiritual promotions that it can look like a mess. The next day I was feeling that the blender had been turned up even higher. As I passed the same sign again, the Holy Spirit nudged me to turn around and look at the other side. It said, "Lord please turn this test into a testimony!" I thought about those signs and prayed, "OK Lord, what is Your message through all of this? This is obvious a test from You, so please help me pass it and learn from it so I never have to repeat it again!"
After a lot of prayer, changes in attitude, choices, and mercy from Him, I am feeling as though the blender has stopped and I am coming out the other side a lot smoother. I would like to pass on some of the things He has shown me since the first of the year about this year of "Training."
1] GOD IS SAYING YES TO DISCIPLINE Sometimes we become so immersed in the love of God and His grace, that we forget He is sovereign and actually gives the enemy permission to "pulverize" us. Much of what we consider demonic attack is allowed from God as chastisement. "If troubles come upon them and they are enslaved and afflicted, then He takes the trouble to point out to them the reason, what they have done that is wrong, or how they have behaved proudly. He helps them hear His instruction to turn away from their sin." (Job 36:8-10 TLB)
2] REPAIR YOUR OWN HEDGE: CHANGE We are in the days where the accuser of the brethren is operating a full scale battle against God’s own. (Rev 12:10) The first target the enemy uses is our sins, faults, mistakes, rebellions, and our weaknesses. These accusations are hurled against us from all directions, (even when we do not hear of them) and as a result there are demonic assignments sent to torment us. If we are quick to close our broken hedges by true repentance with changes in behavior, attitudes and choices, then this gives the devil less inroad. "But now You have broken down our walls, leaving us without protection." (Ps 80:12 TLB) "Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up." (Hos 6:1 NKJ)
3] RESIST CONDEMNATION The devil wants to brow beat us with our weaknesses. If we have repented and are willing and teachable in whatever area the devil is accusing us, then resist condemnation. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Rom 8:1 NKJ)
The Lord will allow us to fall to get our attention, but it is His intent to repair and build us again. "On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, and repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old." (Amos 9:11) "After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the LORD who does all these things." (Acts 15:16-17 NKJ)
4] RESIST TURNING INWARD The enemy will do everything he can to divert our focus away from worshipping & intimacy with the Lord. There are many, many pitfalls he uses. One of them is ourselves, such as: naval gazing, soul searching, focusing upon our circumstances, needs & feelings.
Almost 30 years ago I heard a traveling evangelist speak a warning. I was very depressed at the time and he looked straight at me as he spoke about the black hole. He asked the audience if we understood how a black hole was created in the universe. He went on to explain that black holes were once stars whose spiraling gravity was so strong, that the star turned inward and lost its light. He said that if we turn inward and focus upon ourselves then we are in danger of losing our light! This pierced my soul and I never forgot it.
If the Lord is wanting to get our attention through chastisement, it only takes our prayer and His quickening power of the Holy Spirit to spotlight a need for change. We don’t have to spend hours of self analysis, miserable thought life and emotions to find answers. We really can learn to pray about it, dump it in His lap and wait upon Him for answers. Until the answers come, we can worship Him and enjoy His Presence. When we are soaking in the Presence of the Lord, every care, every circumstance, every need fades away and only He matters!
5] TOUGH LOVE VS TENDER LOVE The manner in which the Lord teaches us, trains us is totally up to us! If we are unwilling, stubborn, unyielding, unrepentant, resisting His voice by following our own ways, then we give Him no choice to but use tough love.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you." (Ps 32:8-9 NKJ)
That scripture is power-packed. I have read it many times, but happened to turn to it in my "pulverizing blender" week. I thought about it in relation to my circumstances of demonic invasion and I suddenly understood what He was trying to tell me: "Sandy, I love you so much that I want to answer your requests for understanding with just a look in My eye. I don’t want to have to put a bit in your mouth and force you to the right or the left and coerce you into making adjustments. Rather I want to merely look your way and your heart be so tuned to Me that you know without My ever saying a Word, that you are in need of some fine tuning."
Many times when I have spoken out of turn (or too long), the Holy Spirit has nudged me to silence and at the same time I have noticed the look in my husband’s ‘eye’. After I have mentioned it to him, he nods in agreement that he had been thinking the same thing. My husband does not raise his voice with me and I cannot remember when he has ever condemned me. I know he loves me and wants only God’s best for me. But to see that eye... It’s the kind of eye that no one else may notice, but I know. It’s that look that says, "Sandy you are treading on dangerous ground. Be very careful and watch your words!" That’s how the Lord wants to teach us. Would that we all become so sensitive to His heart, that we know without a single rebuke where we need to adjust our course!
6] FINE TUNING If we are yielded - teachable and pliable to the Lord, He has no desire to train us with sludge hammers. It is more a process of fine tuning things that are not quite in harmony with Him.
This year, as you pray about your circumstances and make decisions about what the Lord is doing, consider the possibility that He is wanting to use them to train you in the way you should go. Tough love or tender love, the choice is ours.
"Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword"; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." (Isa 1:18-20 NKJ)
Lovingly, Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~
15] Trade Off - To Those Who Are Willing Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
10/16/00
I have assigned My angels charge over those I love. But when they are determined to have their own way, My angels are only allowed to intervene, not interfere. They may intervene on behalf of one’s safety, and haul one away from danger. But they will not interfere with man’s free will to choose. It is in that place, that I give mankind My gift of freewill. For I will have a loving, willing people. I will have those who would gladly serve Me. I offer them a trade off of trading their pain, their sorrow and their all, for the joy of My Presence. It is all there ready and prepared.
However, if one insists on going his own way, then what choice have I? It is in the weakness and kicking of mankind, that I long to hold them near. I give them the freedom to choose the right path. And yet they choose to run from the very One Who can help.
Remember that the anointing is not the man and the man is not the anointing. Man has freewill and can walk into sin at any time. Never place man on a pedestal, for in the doing, it places false hopes that he can not uphold. Keep watch over your own soul, lest you also fall into temptation.
"For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone." (Ps 91:11-12 NKJV)
~~~~~~~~~
16] Circles
Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
How long will you be content to walk in circles? These same patterns emerge in your life over and over again. How often do you come to the end of the circle and then cry out to Me? Frequently, I have picked you up and given you another chance. How many times around the mountain until you finally yield your flesh to Me? Circles do not become you. Let’s move on.
I have spoken, but you have not heard. I have sent help, but you have not received. This time, I want your participation. I want you to ask Me what I have been saying all these years through these same emerging problems. Take time to analyze the pattern and ask yourself, what sin am I committing that brings me to this same place?
This sin may not be overt, and that may be the reason you have not heard. It may be a motive or an attitude. It may be a false doctrine wherein you expect Me to abide. But whether stubbornly on purpose, or unintentional, we need to move forward. It’s getting late and I need you out of this restraint because I have assignments for you that can not take place as long as you continually resist My voice in this area. Please give heed to this.
"And the LORD spoke to me, saying, 'You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north…" (Deuteronomy 1:2-3)
~~~~~~~~~~
17] Habits Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
It is a season to let go of the hindrances, the heaviness that robs your strength. Put it aside. Retrain your habits to healthy choices. You are delivered. You do not have the idolatrous heart and impure motive. It is not a bondage, but a choice in which you have free reign. Yet, your choices feed obstacles and hindrances.
I will keep you in circles until you let go. I do this because what I have planned for your future must have full freedom. Excess baggage will slow you, fatigue you, hinder you and ultimately exhaust you. I have worked with you for years about this. Let it go and move forward. Circles do not become you.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1)
~~~~~~~~~~
18] I Want A Pure Bride Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
4/17/00
It is time to leave the old ‘mind’, the old ‘will’ behind. I have not changed. My heart is plainly written in the Bible. I write to you "PLEASE!" Please come to Me and leave compromise behind. I give you My helper, the Comfort of My Presence and together we shall help you overcome the sins that so easily beset your flesh. I give you My delivering power, but you must change your mind and will and align it with My own. A holy life is what I want from you. Nothing has changed, I want you, all of you, separated from the world and consecrated to Me. I want to sweep you into My arms and dance a never ending dance of ebbs and flows. I want to dress you in sparkling white as we swirl and twirl to the music of My Presence. I want you, My bride, for eternity.
"…that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." (Eph 5:26-27 NKJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
19] Rebellion Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
Tomorrow is sooner than you think, and your day of accountability is near. Why must you continually seek your own way? What is there about Me that you would continually run away and rebel? You know deep down that I AM a good Father and want only the best for you. Why, My child, why? I desire your affection, not your fear. And yet, when you outwardly defy Me, what choice do you leave Me? Do you want to be turned over to satan for a season? Would you rather serve the other side and know Me from afar?
The taming of the shrew is not an easy schooling. Nor is it desirable. All that you demand can be taken from you; you can be stripped until you give heed to the One Who provides all good things. Would you seek this disrobed life? Would you seek My heavy hand upon you?
Do not think My mercy will dwell in good gifts forever, for whom I love I also chasten. Severely, if the case needs be. I would rather strip you of everything, so that your soul is not lost to the one who would seek to destroy it, rather than lavish you with merciful gifts and have you live as though there is no tomorrow.
You have many praying for you. But the choice is yours. All hands off. You make your own choice about your own destiny. This is a serious matter. Do not take it lightly.
"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD." (1 Samuel 15: 23- 25)
~~~~~~~~~~
20] Thought Life Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
The enemy would seek to erode any given environment. Take effort to nurture your thought life with creativity birthed from My Spirit. Use discipline to turn from thoughts not edifying. At the same time, search Me to view that thought from My perspective. You’ll be surprised what I can reveal to you if you give Me this time.
I will give you guidance, wisdom, understanding, revelation, peace, freedom, deliverance and anything you need in one flash moment of remembrance of Me. I AM with you always, but I do not control. You give Me access by recognition of My silent Presence. It is in the brief moments of every day that our joy will be more complete if you can retrain your thinking to include Me.
This is not something you can do on your own, for it takes two of us to have a relationship. I need your effort and you need My help to establish this practice.
There are seasons and times when I draw close to My people. I want to draw closer to you and will place in you My yearning to draw closer to Me. If you give heed to My gentle call we will be given many precious bursts of life together in a new and meaningful way. I await your responses.
"Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ..." (2 Corinthians 10:5)
~~~~~~~~~~
21] Chastening Brings A Life Of Peace Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
4/20/00
I AM calling you to make a commitment. A commitment of your will, of your purpose to serve Me and allow Me to become Lord of your life. I know your flesh is weak and feeble. But do not look back. Have courage, for My Helper is here. I give you MY Presence and I shall be your support and I will confirm and uphold you. Be comforted with these Words.
Study My Word. Keep My Word. Search My Word and know Me. For I AM training you. You whom I love, I chasten. I say, rewind the old video tapes and put them away. For I will do a new thing in your midst, and that is Ezekiel 44:4! I will bring you to the gate of My Temple. You shall see My glory fill the Temple that is consecrated to Me, and My Presence will be so strong that you shall fall on your face.
How long will you vacillate between two opinions? Carnal choices in your life, open demonic doors. I use these demons to train you with bits in your mouth when you heed nothing else. Praise Me, for I do this in My mercy and love for you. I have passion for the places where you seek another to fill your voids. Be blessed, for blessed are the ones I chasten. Chastening will yield a fruitful life of peace and you will learn to keep your own doors closed against carnal choices. Then keep it closed!
I assure you, I will help you do this as you cooperate with Me. I will help by sending you the rain of My Presence. You will welcome Me and so want to please Me that you will allow nothing to steal the joy of My Presence from your life. And that is My blessing and My mercy. Again I say, blessed is the one I have chastened.
Right now you think that your trials are demonic resistance and they are. However they are allowed by Me so that you will learn to say no to your flesh. The only way you can rebuild your life with peace is with holy living. The building bricks are holiness, and in that lifestyle will I send My Presence to fill your temple.
These holy stones are holy ones that will go in the spirit and power of Elijah. Much gain has come to them through their loss. Much seed has been sown and sprouted. Blessed are they that come in the name of their Lord. They will stay committed and be the leaders of a generation who will face the antichrist. The Father stands as Judge banging His gavel. He is the One and only true God. He alone will these holy ones worship. A stranger they will not follow.
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." (Rev 3:19 KJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
22] Crossing Over Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
You stand before the river Jordan, wringing your hands in indecision. Your heart knows the risk, it feels the unseen dangers. Yet I AM on the other side beckoning you to come. Come. Come. Here My voice like the wooing of the dove, calling you to follow Me into a land of new beginnings.
In order to cross over, you must let go of all that is precious to your heart, every last thing, person, dream and goal on earth. You must leave it all behind and pray that only that which is of eternal value follows you over to the other side. Be willing to give it all up if need be to follow Me.
I AM there on the other side, willing, wishing, wanting you to come. But the decision remains yours. No one can make this decision for you. It is My gift of choice to you, for I only want those who will serve Me in love. I do not want obedient robot-like slaves, but dedicated, willing, desirous hearts to be one with Mine. Will you partner with Me in what I long for on this earth? Will you be a part of that which I have prepared to usher in on earth? There is a place for you if you want to join Me.
Crossing over the river Jordan is 100% commitment. Total dedication. Total surrender to the One Who loves and cherishes you, but also Who has a last day plan to defeat all the works of the devil. There will be sacrifices to be made. I would not ask My children for such without their own desire to be so. Understand this is totally your choice. And no condemnation will be upon you either way. None whatsoever. You will always belong to Me. I treasure you exactly as you are.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5)
~~~~~~~~~~
23] Independence Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
I have raised you with such devotion. And yes, I am proud of your accomplishments. But I never intended that you would do them apart from Me. You do not realize that all your gifts, all your talents, are from My grace and what I personally have spoken over your life. I could take them away in less than a blink, so do not take them for granted. Only understand their source and look to Me.
"...Till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will." (Daniel 4:25)
~~~~~~~~~~
24] Jacob Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
My special chosen one. You have known the flow of My anointing and My blessing. Why do you persist in striving with Me? In spite of all that you have gone through, you have yet to let go and accept that I AM your God. Yes, I bless My children, yes, I give them good gifts. But I also request they go through the door of the cross and die to their own ambitions and their own interpretations of Who they think I AM.
You wrestle greatly with Me in holding up My good promises as though shaking them in My face. I have heard every word and every thought. You are not arguing with yourself, you are arguing with Me. Let it all go - your doctrines, your interpretations, your philosophies, your stand. Only acknowledge I AM the One Who allows evil to touch your door. I bless and You do not hear. I bring discipline and yet you do not hear My voice. Your continual arguments stand between us. Stop your striving, die to your beliefs about Me and give Me room.
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." (Job 13:15)
~~~~~~~~~~
25] Decision Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
You stand at the cross road of decision. Waiting. Standing. Wavering. Waiting. Reluctant to move, reluctant to wait. A wavering vessel receives nothing. You must choose. I will not walk it for you. I told you it was time to move, I told you I gave you a green light. Why do you hesitate? Egypt knocks on your door and would pull you back to its magnetizing grip.
I need your willing heart to leave Egypt’s memories, Egypt’s habits. They will forever hinder if you bring them with you. Let it go and seek a new life and all it encompasses. Make no association with the bricks and burdens of yesterday. Only in letting go will you move freely in all I have prepared. One Master, not two. One destiny, not two. The roads cross and separate. You must choose one.
"...The law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness..." (Romans 2:15)
~~~~~~~~~~
PART 3: SURGERY
26] God Weeps When He Spanks From Sandy Warner
2/11/99
DREAM - DAVID COME HOME
Hi Loved Ones,
The last week of January 99 a historical conference (National School of the Prophets) took place whereby approximately 16 prophetic people/ministries joined together, standing as one voice to declare the state of our nation. In compiling and reading 58 pages of testimonies, I saw a serious intercessory theme in which God is speaking to the prophetic at this hour: repent and leave carnality behind then return to kingdom business which it to stand in the gap for our nation and our children.
The same week as the conference, my husband Wayne was given the following prophetic dream about David in the Old Testament. While pondering the dream, I realized that God was not speaking about the lost who will come in the great harvest — He is speaking to David — the king, the leader, the prophet, the intercessor, the worship leader, the anointed one, the warrior! God is weeping over His chosen ones who are entangled in carnal entertainment.
DREAM: I was in a palace that looked like a palace in Napoleon’s day. There was a great sadness throughout the whole palace. I am standing before some kind of a booth and there was an angel who was working a video game controller really fast. Many other angels were standing around him and they all had on long white robes. When the angel was done, he handed it to the angel who was in control of that station. That angel said, "You have 200. David at his very best only got 15." They were speaking of David of the Old Testament. The angel started to hand me the controller and said, "No, I just can’t do that, it belongs to David." He had been David’s teacher and he walked off crying for David.
Another angel came by and said, "Jesse is coming home." At that moment I knew in my spirit that David had been wounded in battle by a sword. I walked out on the portico and I could see a big long fountain in the courtyard. The whole palace belonged to David and it was filled with many angels, all dressed in long white robes. All these angels were dedicated to David’s service. I could see that God had done all this for David while he was a young man, and now he had left the palace and gone out into the world. The angels had been waiting for David a long time, and had nothing to do but wander around the palace. They were all extremely grieved and at the point of tears.
As I looked down the long courtyard, I saw a jeep driving into the palace grounds. Two children angels were with the jeep. One was driving and the other was laying on top of the hood. David was in the passenger side. As I watched David coming down the driveway to the palace, I knew David had been living with the Romans and partaking of the debauchery of their world.
The jeep stopped where all the angels were standing. David got out and climbed on top of the short wall surrounding the fountain. Dressed in a fool’s outfit like the court jester, he began to talk about all the wine and the women and the song and joys of living in the debauchery. I could see a wistfulness in his demeanor and eyes — that he still wanted to live that life. When he finished talking about his longings of the world, he said, "A sword has brought me home."
I looked at his body and he wasn’t wounded in a physical sense. David, with great submission and even compassion, said, "The sword of the Spirit." At that moment, all the angels in the courtyard raised their hands in unison to the Lord in heaven and began worshipping God. I did the same thing and could not see anything because I was sobbing so much.
[end of dream]
I recently read someone’s revelation a while back (I am sorry not to have the reference for this) that said the word "tain" in entertainment meant to hinder or restrain. The Lord gave the revelation to this person that entertainment was hindering people from entering into God’s Presence. In the conference some of the testimonies said that Cindy Jacobs was given visions of warring angels waiting to be summoned to fight for America. They had been waiting a long time. She saw God deal death blows to "entertainment spirits" in New Orleans, Hollywood, and Las Vegas. She called for those in bondage to sin -- especially sin of a sexual nature, ie. pornography, masturbation, lust, porno on the internet, etc. -- to come forward and confess their sins and repent. There was an enormous response from the crowd, going forward, confessing, repenting. When I read this testimony I grieved so deeply because this was a conference message to the school of the prophets! I said, "Lord how can we be involved in pornography and be prophetic????" I was shocked at the answer - movies.
Also stated at the conference was ‘what we got away with in the outer-courts will get us killed in the holy place.’ We are about to adventure history’s most unprecedented hour whereby the glory of God will fall upon earth. The Holy One is going to visit us. Are we going to be killed? Are we going to kill our children because we, the kings, the leaders, the prophets, the intercessors, the worship leaders, the anointed ones, the warriors have caused a breech in the covering over our nation?
Recently I read an article called "The Pride Virus" on grievous prophetic "Words" that are on the Internet. The article talked about the prophets apparent boastfulness and pride in prophesying coming judgments. Like the author, I too have spent countless hours reading the prophetic on the Internet sites and came to the same conclusion... a deeply grieved spirit. In addition to witnessing the prophetic pride emanating from such "Words" I have also deeply grieved over the anger behind so many. I have received dreams from the Lord about these things and His heart is that mercy still triumphs over judgment. And even within judgment, it does not mean that He is angry with us. He can weep when He spanks.
What the prophetic people do not understand is that we have authority in our vote. And every time we speak anger and judgment we are casting our vote for such to occur. On the contrary, those who are prophetic intercessors are standing in the gap, asking for forgiveness and weeping for the sins of a blind nation. They are still begging that even in severe chastening, God will have mercy and release us from our blind eyes and help us come to a quick repentance. May the Lord have mercy upon us all.
"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 will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJ)
Sandy Warner
~~~~~~~~~~
27] Responses To God Weeps When He Spanks
REPENTANCE FROM EVIL MOVIES Date: 2/11/99 From: Christiaan
It's strange but at the beginning of this year I felt the Lord speaking to me about movies. Last year me and my wife watched movies quite regularly, and most were good (as one tries to go and see a movie that is not evil), but there in a way it always has a negative influence - even animations nowadays are filled with evil.
So at the beginning of this year we went to see a movie that, judging by the preview, seemed to be a fun comedy - it was so vulgar/disgusting/carnal that we walked out before it was halfway. And then I just felt a strong, firm conviction from the Lord as I was praying - to cleanse myself, and stop watching the movies. Since then I haven't seen any movies - I believe in this year the Lord wants to call us out of the evil traps of entertainment, some of the prophetic words - like the one you sent - is confirming it all the more.
Bless you Christiaan
~~~~~~~~~~
SOME ENTERTAINMENT IS NOT PROFITABLE (Prophet-able?) Date: 2/11/99 From: Stephanie
I have also been aware of a 'narrowing of the way', where I sense that God is asking me to take a closer look at my choices in entertainment, not because they are bad in and of themselves, but because He has something better for me to do with my time. (For example, playing a board game with my kids instead of playing a computer game alone, reading or praying instead of watching T.V.) Some things may be permissible, but not profitable. (Prophet-able?)
Thanks for sharing your insight. Blessings to you, Stephanie
~~~~~~~~~~
OVERCOMING ENTERTAINMENT & LONELINESS Date: 2/11/99 From: Jim
Dear Sister,
Just read your dream and commentary and I have to say that I agree. The reason is that not more than six months ago, the Lord made it perfectly clear to me that I desired to hear from Him, that I needed to never go to movies again. That may seem like not a big deal to others, but the fact is that some of us " prophets " ( I hate writing that as I think it is just wrong to announce it ? ) are simply LONELY. I was and still am, and the fact is that movies became my friend. Sitting in a movie, any movie, was an escape from the crowd that reminded me that I was alone, especially for me as my work schedule separated me from any persons that could even be a friend. My wife has never desired to spend an hour in a dark theater watching junk.
But, God said, no matter what the problem, choose what you will do this day. I chose to hear from Him, and in the process of course, found once again that He was my only Friend. In the meantime what He wanted to do was clean and renew my mind from all the carnal entertainment and corruption that has infiltrated our minds.
I, like many others had convinced myself that I could overlook the crud that persists in the world's offerings. The fact is that no believer should contaminate his temple with what the world has to offer. We of the charismatic / Pentecostal persuasion have come to think that we are above sin. We are not, and many only think that they hear from God, and He quit speaking to them years ago, for He cannot abide the sin in His temple that he has been subjected to for so long.
Jim
~~~~~~~~~~
THE GOD OF MERCY Date: 2/11/99 From: Ralph
Sandy,
Your message stressing the God of mercy seems to ring true with my bible, Holiness is only achieved and maintained through him.
We also know that he desires mercy, forgiveness, and obedience. We don't achieve this by strife but through knowing our Savior to the point that all else pales in contrast to His Holiness.
I two am grieved not only by myself but by the fact that as I fellowship with other brothers I learn the truth about their (and my) struggles. I also am comforted in the fact that, as brethren we can and do grow when we have true fellowship one with Him, TOGETHER, and we HONESTLY and HUMBLY pursue Him together.
YBIC Ralph
~~~~~~~~~~
REPENTANCE IS A CHOICE TO TURN AROUND AND WALK AWAY Date: 2/11/99 From: Don
Dear Sandy,
Thanks for this word. I believe it is true, but I wonder if God has any more to say on the subject of HOW we are to disentangle ourselves from the world.
Many of us, in our hearts, are grieved by our sin and desire to repent and leave carnality, but we find that something inside us keeps returning to the desire to satisfy our flesh. We are simply not ABLE to do it with an act of sheer will. (Otherwise, we wouldn't need GRACE!)
Don
~~~~~~~~~~
HUSBAND SMASHED THE TV Date: 2/11/99 From: Carolyn
Dear Sandy,
I appreciated the word you sent in, it sure hits home with what God has been speaking to our hearts. After reading Judges about Gideon tearing down the altars of Baal, my husband smashed our T.V. It has been a stronghold in his life that I've prayed about for our 16 yrs. of marriage. I've hated the T.V., it is such a bondage.
Humbly and ever-learning, Carolyn
~~~~~~~~~~
HE WAS WEEPING Date: 2/12/99 From: Joanie
Dear Sandy,
This touched me deeply as I, too, have felt these same things. Back in July I had an experience that will (hopefully) forever change me. I had been hearing many words of coming judgment and God's wrath, etc etc and I needed to hear from God about this. And I prayed and prayed - not in fear, but needing to know what HE was saying. And one day I came under a tremendous awareness of His presence but it was heavy. I could not stand up - I was so weak. He was weeping. I thought my heart would break - seeing Him Whom I love weeping so. And He began to share with me his heart on this matter ....and opened my eyes to see exactly what you mentioned about how in joyfully proclaiming this judgment they were coming into agreement with that. And, unfortunately, I, too , have seen a "pride" arise. God help us. I write to encourage you in what you shared - and to let you know that I am standing with you before the Lord on behalf of this land - seeking repentance and mercy. I'm not sure how you got my name, but I'm glad you did. Please forward the conference notes to me. I've read some of the testimonies, but this sounds more thorough.
Lovingly, Joanie
~~~~~~~~~~
FEAR OF THE LORD IS COMING Date: 2/13/99 From: Kay
Dear Sandy,
Thank you for your e-mail. I wept through the night, prayed God would take my anger and give me forgiveness and healing to minister to some in the church I attend as a church function of "entertainment" was exactly what you were talking about. God has been telling me and preparing me that the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord is returning to His church first, and then the world as the Glory begins to fall in this last hour. I have been crying out that the Fear of the Lord would move mightily upon His church to bring repentance so that we could stand in His Glory when He moves in a greater realm than Acts 2.
Your relaying that dream and what God is saying ministered to me. We can all see the sin, including our own weaknesses and sinful lusts and are repenting for ourselves and the entire church but what I saw last night was like a dagger to my heart and I am sure to the heart of God. Your letter came just in time to confirm, bless, help heal and also stir up the zeal. God bless you.
Kay
~~~~~~~~~~
COMPASSION OVER OUR SNARES Date: 2/15/99 From: Michael
Thanks for the article. Its good to hear a heart for compassion, not just a trite word of judgement. Its very easy indeed to point out the obvious. We are a sinful nation addicted to entertainment. However we who know, have the greater condemnation if we do not pursue love and repent of our own entertainments. We might have more compassion if we look at our own feet which are so easily entangled in this net of sin, entertainment and snap judgements. We can't lead if we aren't what they need to become.
Michael
~~~~~~~~~~
DAVID’S SINS AND THE CHURCH Date: 2/14/99 From: Thando
Hello Sandy
I am really blessed and challenged by the vision of David - coming home from debauchery, wounded in the spirit. This is so indicative of many of God's children who are actively involved in the church, today. But, he whom the Son sets free is free indeed.
Thando
~~~~~~~~~~
CHILDREN AND ENTERTAINMENT Date: 2/19/99 From: Kath
Dear Sandy;
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on entertainment hindering us. I have been feeling this very strongly in my spirit for some time now. We have a few young men in our body that we have been praying for and we have been encouraging them to get rid of everything that distracts from our walk with God. I cannot tell you how many times the movie thing has been brought up. TV is a major distraction as far as I am concerned. And it has taken me a long time to get to this point. I have seen how I have allowed my own children to get into the wrong mindset too. When we are bored we watch TV.
My 12 year old daughter has a friend who loves to read. Her mother pretty much allows her to read only Christian books. But the last time we were with this girl, she talked all weekend about what was going on in the books she had read. It just grieved my spirit. We are teaching our children to live in "Fantasy worlds" instead of the world of the Spirit. I know God is calling us to come deeper and that means things of the flesh need to go. I guess "entertainment" must go if we want to get in tune with Him
Kath
~~~~~~~~~~ MERCY TRIUMPHS Date: 4/12/99 From: robin
Thank you for your word to the church in regards to intercessors weeping and begging for mercy instead of agreeing with judgement and wrath. I know the FATHER as Abba, daddy and I know HE has every right to smote us, but I also know HIS love and HIS arms of mercy when we cry and truly repent of our ways("if my people......") so amen to your word sister!!!!!!
shalom, robin
~~~~~~~~~~
28] When We Suffer Loss - Bitter or Better A scriptural study by Sandy Warner
9/28/99
Hi Loved Ones,
Sometimes when we suffer loss it is a result of our own mistakes. Sometimes it is a result of undeserved injustice. Recently I was faced with an injustice, was not able to fix it and as a result I suffered loss. When we suffer loss, responding correctly does not mean that we do not hurt, cry, mourn, and even grieve. However within the pain, God gives us a choice. We have the choice to become bitter or better.
As I was driving on the way to the meeting to ask for justice, I heard the Lord say, "Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord." I was really startled when I heard this, because I have the gift of mercy and do not think in terms of retaliation and getting even. I was so unfamiliar with the concept I wasn’t even sure what He meant by that. After the appointment (and my silently begging for the Lord’s help all the way through it), I walked away convinced that this man had a very hard heart. Confused, I walked away, lost my peace, was hurting and angry at the injustice — and knew I had a choice. I could become bitter or better. I cried to the Lord to help me through the process and not choose bitter!
As I was thinking about the phrase, "Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord" I felt somewhat comforted by it. Even though I did not know what He meant, I felt He was My BIG Protector, and He was not very pleased with this man’s treatment of me - and furthermore He knew ahead of time that this man would not budge.
When I came to grips with the fact that I had suffered loss and there was no way to repair it short of divine intervention, I looked up the word vengeance. It meant punishment. I was comforted by His fierce love for me, but I said, "Lord I forgive this man!! If I do not forgive him, he will do the same thing to someone else, and furthermore he may become worse because of the spirits loosed when someone judges. And Lord, it sure doesn’t do me any good if You put this man out of business, it doesn’t change the fact that I still have been ripped off. And Lord, if I do not forgive, You said in Your Word that I would be given over to the tormentors. I FORGIVE LORD, PLEASE DO NOT HOLD THIS AGAINST HIM. IN FACT BLESS HIS BUSINESS LORD!" I found my peace through this prayer even though I still faced the loss. At least I was at peace.
When I got home I started looking up scriptures on the justice of God. The following is what I found and it helped me face the disappointment of the loss. When it came to the bottom line, the scriptures are very clear and I had the choice to believe God or not to believe God. If I chose to believe God, then my heart would be better and not bitter, and furthermore I would receive 7 times the repayment for what I had lost! WOW.
1] GOD IS JUST - HE WILL BALANCE THE SCALES The scripture says, "A just balance and scales belong to the LORD; All the weights of the bag are His concern." (Prov 16:11 NASU)
Just like in the gold rush days where they measured their weight of the gold on balance scales - God measures everything. He sees when the scales tip towards injustice and He delights in balancing the scales.
If we try to balance the scales ourselves and fight for our rights, then we tie His hands to fight for us. If we give it to Him, it becomes His battle and He tips the scales for us. We fight for ourselves when we lash back and we take on the following characteristics: revenge, anger, bitterness, slander, gossip, accusation, debate, deceit, lies, backbiting, intimidation, control, unforgiveness, etc.
[Scriptures on just weight and balances: Job 31:6, Lev 19:35-36, Deut 25:13-15, Prov 11:1, Prov 20:10, Prov 20:23, Ezek 45:10, Hos 12:7, Amos 8:5, Mic 6:11]
Question: Do I really believe God is just? If so then:
Key to a better heart: Lord, You delight in balancing the scales. If I tried to fight the battle myself, I would botch it up. Please balance the injustice and make it right.
2] GOD WILL REPAY 7 FOLD The scripture says, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Rom 12:19 KJV)
"For we know him who said, "Justice belongs to me; I will repay them"; who also said, "The Lord himself will handle these cases." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Heb 10:30-31 TLB)
Recently someone sent me their vision while spending ‘floor time’. He said the verse appeared, "I will repay you seven-fold for the years the locusts have eaten..." When he got up from the floor, he looked up the verse and was puzzled as to the missing word "seven-fold." It was then that he realized he had received a vision from the Lord. (Joel 2:25-29)
It is scriptural that the enemy pay back 7 fold what he stole. (Ps 79:12, Prov 6:31) It is also scriptural to be punished 7 fold. (Gen 4:15, Lev 26:21, Lev 26:28)
Question: Do I really believe God will repay? If so, then:
Key to a better heart: Lord thank You for Your promise! I trust in You to repay me 7 fold for what has been taken from me.
3] GOD IS SOVEREIGN When David was being cursed by one of Saul’s family. Instead of retaliating, David said, "No! If the Lord has told him to curse me, who am I to say no? My own son is trying to kill me, and this Benjaminite is merely cursing me. Let him alone, for no doubt the Lord has told him to do it. And perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses." (2 Sam 16:10-12 TLB) David was so humble and so trusted in God’s defense, that he believed the Benjaminite could not curse him unless the Lord had told him to do it!
Jesus believed the same thing. When He was replying to Pilate at His trial, Jesus said, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." (John 19:10-11 NKJV)
The scripture says, "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things." (Isa 45:7 KJV)
Question: Do I really believe God is in control? If so, then:
Key to a better heart: Lord I believe You are completely in control of my life. Nothing happens without Your permission. I trust that You know what is best even if I do not understand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WHY DOES GOD SAY YES TO SUFFERING?
There are many kinds of losses: physical, spiritual, emotional, people, dreams, hopes, financial, health, time, etc. It is not important whether the loss was caused by the devil, people, natural circumstances, judgment or our own mistakes. In the end, what is relevant is that just like the book of Job, God said, "Yes." So why does He say yes? The following are some of the scriptural reasons why He says yes:
1) So that we become like Jesus. (Rom 8:29) 2) So that we follow in His footsteps (1 Peter 2:21) 3) So that we will embrace the cross. (Matt 16:24-25) 4) So that we will bear more fruit. (John 15:2) 5) So that we will overcome (Rev 12:11) 6) So that our faith will be tried (1 Peter 1:7) 7) So that we will be purified (Mal 3:3) 8) So that we develop character (Rom 5:3,4) 9) So that we will become patient (James 1:2-4) 10) So that we will receive the crown of life (James 1:12) 11) So that the Spirit of glory will rest upon us (I Peter 4:14) 12) So that we can enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22) 13) So that we may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God (2 Thess 1:5) 14) So that we may reign with Him (2 Tim 2:12) 15) So that we yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:11) 16) So that we will be separate from the filthy things (2 Cor 6:17) 17) So that which cannot be shaken will remain (Heb 12:26-29) 18) So that we will wait on Him (Prov 20:22) 19) So that our hearts will be known (Jer 17:10) 20) So that we will be corrected (Jer 10:24) 21) So that our motives will be examined (Ps 7:9) 22) So that our hearts will become pure (Prov 17:3) 23) So that we will reign with Him (2 Tim 2:12) 24) So that we will be comforted (2 Cor 1:6) 25) So that we may know Him (Phil 3:10) 26) So that we may rejoice when His glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:13) 27) So that we will be made perfect, established, strengthened & settled (1 Peter 5:10) 28) So that we will be chastened (Heb 12:7) 29) So that joy will come in the morning (Prov 3:5) 30) So that His time & purpose will be fulfilled in our lives (Eccl 3:1) 31) Etc., etc. etc., etc., etc.!
In closing I would like to share a dream my husband had a week ago. He saw the top of someone’s head, with a full crown of hair. Then he saw the enemy come up and spit a big glob on top of the hair. The person felt thoroughly unclean and vile. Then as he looked, the spit turned into a large pearl. He knew the Lord had changed this curse into a large pearl of great price. Then he had a brief vision of a crown that was made of precious stones. It was not a crown of gold with stones attached to it, rather the crown was being created from adjoining jewels: large stones, rubies, sapphires and the pearl.
Lovingly, Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~
29] Responses to When We Suffer Loss - Bitter or Better
HOUSE SAVED BECAUSE OF CAR TROUBLE Date: 09/29/1999 From Gina
For some years we traveled every Sunday afternoon to the nearest good church (in our opinion), which was 40 minutes' drive away at least from our home. Always the devil contrived a way to delay us, and even the twice-yearly hour-change from summer-time to winter-time caused us to arrive late once. Anyway, on one Sunday we managed to get the children ready in reasonable time and set off in the old Toyota Hiace van to drive through the country roads to the main toll-road going south to Coimbra. It was late summer and the inside of the van was like an oven. Outside a hot, south wind blew up from the Sahara across the sea, and we were not in the mood for any silly business.
As we drove I heard a strange noise coming from the underneath of the van, and as my husband's hearing is not so good, I told him of it, thinking that we might be in for some mechanical trouble. He stopped at the side of the road, before we reached the main toll-road, and bent over to peer under the chassis. Just then his trousers ripped up the seam at the back and put him into a real temper. Angrily he declared that it was all my fault, and that he couldn't see anything, and now we had to return home for him to change his trousers. I didn't want to enter into an argument in front of the children, and anyway, I felt that it wasn't at all my fault that his trousers had ripped.
I retreated into a weepy metaphorical corner and remained silent, feeling exceedingly hurt by the unfairness of his attitude to me. After all, hadn't I only been trying to help save us from a mechanical disaster (which was not an uncommon event with us)?
So, I called out to God, in silence. "Lord, I know that You don't really take sides with Your children, as You love us all equally, but right now I think this attack on me is so unfair and so unwarranted. In Your Word You say that Your Spirit is our Lawyer (paraclete). So, I ask You for a defense lawyer in this case."
On the way back to the house, my husband noticed that the van was so low on fuel that we would have run out of it while on the toll-road, and we would have been stranded. In contrast with my silence, he exclaimed that it was perhaps just as well that we had turned back, as he could fill up the van while we had the opportunity. Point number one scored for me - and all with no pain to him.
Then, as we drove the last few yards towards our house, we noticed that the edge of the neighbour's field was on fire. The flames would be fanned into a real blaze by the brisk southerly breeze, and then our neighbour's house and eventually our own would be consumed. So, we were able to put out the flames and save both houses.
Finally, with new, unripped trousers, my husband gave thanks to God for His protection and provision, and drove us all down to the church service in Coimbra. Interestingly, on the second trip away from the house, there was no strange noise from beneath the van.
Needless to say, we arrived late! He asked the pastor for an opportunity to give this little testimony to the Lord's help, and called it something like this: "The Lord can use anything - even ripped trousers!" At the end of the testimony he gave thanks to the Lord for a wife who was used by God that afternoon.
I hadn't opened my mouth after his trousers ripped. It was a lesson to me in silence, and in pleas for justice from the Lord. Justice was granted, and without pain and real suffering to my husband. How often I forget that lesson nowadays!
Gina
~~~~~~~~~~
POETRY OF COMFORTING PROMISE Date: 09/28/1999 From: Ted
Brother Theodore's Journal
And the Lord was awake while she slept and dreamed a dream that made her cry over something that had happened so very long ago.
And He said what word of comfort can I send to her?
And He looked through his book the one He had written long ago and He said, Yes, this will be the first:
And so He first sent this --
weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
And then He said, there is yet another, and so He looked and He found this --
Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.
And then He said There is yet another.
And He looked and then He found it.
And He said, Yes this is the one I wrote for her before she was even born.
For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
And He said, Yes, this is the one I wrote for her before she was even born, and now it is the time for this to be fulfilled.
And then He reached through time and space and wiped away her tears.
And then He took her tears and put them in the bottle which He had prepared just for this one moment. And He cherished them.
And then He read what He had written so very long ago
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Ted copyright 1999 t.f.boushy,jr
~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~
A BRAND NEW FREE TRUCK Date: 10/02/1999 From: Deborah
<< As I was driving on the way to the meeting to ask for justice, I heard the Lord say, "Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord." >>
Dear Sandy,
The Lord also spoke those same words to me several years ago. We were having our car repaired by a man who said he knew about diesel engines. When we pulled up to his place of business, the Lord spoke those Words, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay". It startled me at first, because I also have mercy and didn't understand what he meant. Then I immediately had an understanding that this person did something wrong. He messed our engine up even worse, in fact, he blew it up. He wasn't even sorry for it. He just acted like it was our problem. It took me several weeks to get over it. Christian friends told us to take him to court. God said to let it go. So after many prayers and tears, we did. We didn't have the money for another car, so we had to depend on friends until we were able to get one (very humbling). We heard a year later that this man lost his business. Then the Lord spoke a word to my husband, "I'm going to bless you". It came in the way of a brand new Toyota truck. We received a key in the mail and it happened to be a winning key. It took a couple years for God to repay us, but the timing was perfect. I didn't delight in this man losing his business, but I knew God was going to judge him because we weren't the first people he's treated unjustly. God truly watches over His people. I just had to share that testimony. If God says "vengeance is mine", He means it!
In His Love, Deborah
~~~~~~~~~~
DO NOT SUE AND PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES Date: 09/29/1999 From: April
May the Lord bless you in a special way today!
I read your email today and was very blessed by it, as I have been from your other emails. Thank you!!
I wanted to reply to this one because one time the Lord said to me "Vengeance is mine". The circumstances were that I had been hit by another car, in the side, which totaled my car and gave me some neck and lower back problems. But the Lord was so good, I could have been much more seriously hurt.
The other driver had run a red light and he and his wife did not have their seat belts fastened. However, there were no witnesses that could affirm that he ran a red light and that I had a green left turn arrow. Since I was the one in the intersection, I was charged with 60% fault for the accident. His car was much bigger and heavier than mine, and did not suffer nearly as much damage. His wife and I rode in the ambulance to the hospital together. She had some cracked ribs. While in the ambulance I heard her tell the EMT that she knew that she shouldn't have let her husband drive, as if she could have stopped him. He had just found out that his mother had died. A month or two later I was served with a notice that they were suing me for $30,000 -- $15,000 for her injuries and $15,000 for his loss of "conjugal services".
I got SO angry. I had not once considered suing them, and since I knew that I had the green arrow (I saw it just as I turned under the light to go left), and that they didn't have their seatbelts on (which would have prevented her injuries), any way I was livid! For two weeks I was livid!
Everyone that I talked to told me to countersue. My doctor gave me the number of a lawyer and told me that he would testify for me. Christians were telling me to sue. My children wanted me to sue. But suing was not something that I would have thought of if they hadn't sued me first, so I hesitated, and prayed.
One night, and so far this is the only time something like this has happened to me, God spoke words to me. Not in an audible voice, but they were words and I KNEW that they were from Him. (Usually, if I get something from Him it is a picture, and that is not often.) I was in the bathtub, not particularly thinking about the law suit. Then, suddenly, I heard, "Vengeance is mine". I also heard, "Do not do as the heathen do," which I knew was related to a comment to someone that I had spoken to about this country being "sue happy". I knew immediately that I was NOT to countersue, but to leave all of it to Him. So I agreed immediately that I would not countersue. Then I heard, "Pray for your enemies". To that I replied, "That is a lot harder to do." But I did pray for them. I have to admit that I didn't spend hours praying for them, or that I prayed for them everyday. But I did pray, and mostly I prayed that they would come to know the Lord.
Well, we went through depositions and all that kind of stuff for a year (my car insurance was taking care of it). It never came to court, and the other couple settled for $3500. Probably only enough to pay their lawyer.
I'm so grateful that the Lord was so clear and that I was obedient. I don't know what would have happened if I had decided to countersue, but I'm sure it would not have been pleasant. At that point in time I had not been Spirit-filled for long, and the thought of even actually hearing from the Lord was still pretty new.
God bless you, and thank you so much for the emails that you send out. They are wonderful!
April
~~~~~~~~~~
30] Repentance Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
REPENTANCE
To turn judgments from a nation, I do not ask that wicked sinners repent. I ask that My people repent and turn from their wicked ways. For you are the salt of the earth. Yet, if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall the earth be preserved? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. For you are the light of the world set upon My holy mountain for all to see. You alone flavor, enhance and preserve the earth, and you alone stand in the gap for your land.
I AM a holy God, and I do not change. What was once sin, is still sin. Why do you have fellowship with darkness? Why do you choose to feast your eyes and hearts upon the ways of the world, and think that I look the other way? You have strongly tested My grace and My goodness. You choose to fellowship with the imaginations of Hollywood, and turn your hearts away from My Holy-woulds. I would that you return to Me and humble yourself and pray. I would that you seek My face and change your wicked ways. Only then, will I hear your prayers and forgive your sins and heal your land.
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
~~~~~~~~~~
31] Resist Presumption Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
7/12/00
My people have taken a course that carried them away. - Beyond their limits to be able to pay the ramifications. As a result, things are now blown out of proportion. All I wanted for them was to relax in the ministry of being in My Presence, offering bowls of prayer and hearts of worship. But now they have bitten off more than they can chew. It was all so simple they thought. "Let us try this path and see what God does." Opinions, trial and error. Your opinions are not My opinions. Now your foot is stuck as the enemy has brought charges. You’re unable to back track. I give you My warning that from now on - earnestly pray and seek counsel before testing your opinions.
I have heard your cry, acknowledging your weakness. At this point what matters the most is that you now obey My call. Remember that charges, judgments and criticism are all tools to bring you to Me anyway. They have no life of their own, unless I allow them. What matters is that You please Me. It is better to fall into the hands of the Living God than the hands of men. You are safely within My shield, and I AM your glory and lifter of your head.
My call upon your life is to come out from among the carnal, unholy, ambitious, fast paced, striving, world and be separate. Even though the enemy has tried to tackle you, I promise that no matter how the numbers tally, no matter what the scoreboard says, you are a servant of victory.
I promise you a daily portion of the bread of My Presence. I will never leave you. Yes there must be a temporary surgery to help pay for the excess spent in your account. I know it hurts, but lawlessness must go. Not a trace in your heart must be left. Your confidence is shaken and now you question your ability to see, to discern appropriately My will for you. You feel inadequate for the job and unable to be a prophet to the prophetic. You feel twisted and pathetic and totally inept. Shame has done this, and shame is not My way. Rise like the eagles and devour the serpents of shame under your feet. For you are My chosen one, and I delight in you!
Your weapons of warfare are not carnal, but mighty to the pulling down of strong holds. You shall be healed. I hear your heart, I forgive and heal. Tarry here and watch. Search the scriptures daily and give the children your bread. I see you serving faithfully. Only watch closely and exercise the greatest care. Because you have humbled yourself and acknowledged Me, I will keep you in perfect peace, as your mind is stayed on Me. My grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in your weakness.
I know you are bruised. I will loose you from the chains which were upon your hands. I will give you rest from your adversity. I will finish my work and use you to build My family name.
"And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD." (Josh 9:14 KJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
32] Pointing The Finger Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
When I asked Adam if he ate the forbidden fruit, Adam blamed it on Eve. When I looked at Eve, she blamed it on the serpent. Have you ever asked yourself what would have occurred that day if Adam had repented of his own sin and asked forgiveness? What if Eve heard Adam’s plea and had fallen down on her own knees casting all the blame upon herself? What if each had loved the other so much that each took the entire blame?
What kind of judgment would have taken place? Am I not a merciful and reasonable Father? Consider that possibility the next time you want to point the finger to cover your own sin. Remember, when you point one finger, there are always three fingers pointing back at you. But if you repent, it may drastically change judgment because love covers a multitude of sins.
"The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 18:11-14)
~~~~~~~~~~
33] Surgery in the storm Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
4/14/00
One by one you come out of rough waters. Clean, washed clean from the waves. And the troubled waters became still. It was My work. I sent the storm to serve My purpose and you knew it not. But now you see, for within its midst you cried out to Me and finally yielded. You said, "Not my will, but Thine be done." And I heard. And I drew you out.
Now after the surgery of yielding your carnal ways, what now? Under the stormy waters I built a fine foundation. An apostolic one, a holy one, prepared and ready for service. This mantle, and the authority that comes with it is yet hidden. I AM keeping it for the 11th hour. In the mean time, We will circle and gather more who are yet striving with Me in the rough waters. They cling to their lives as though it will save them. I give them additional time to come out.
"Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me." (Ex 4:25 KJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
34] Forgiveness - Preparation for Glory By Sandy Warner
10/27/99
Hi Loved Ones,
God’s glory and awesome Presence is going to descend upon earth and among the great shaking of the earth and shaking of all that is dark, we are going to experience glorious things that our eyes have never seen and our ears have never heard before! (I Cor 2:9) I live and breath this anticipation and my heart pants for the fullness of His Presence. In my recent prayers I have been saying, "Oh Lord, prepare us for You! Anything left in our lives that is yet keeping us unprepared, please bring to the surface now. Deliver us from our blindness so that we may comply with Your wishes and be prepared to be used as Your vessels, bringing salvation, healing and deliverance!" The following are 4 pieces of revelation He brought to me in answer to that prayer.
(1) FORGIVENESS IS VITAL I listened to a series of old tapes from Derick Prince’s deliverance ministry, and also a recent Colorado conference on deliverance. Between all the speakers and the tapes, there was a consistent theme for those needing deliverance, those needing to keep the deliverance they have received and those needing healing ….. Forgiveness is a foundational key.
The demonic world is governed by spiritual laws in which they must comply, and they also receive their legal rights within those laws. Listen to the following permission given to the tormentors!
Matt 18:33-35 "Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and DELIVERED HIM TO THE TORMENTORS, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
SO LIKEWISE SHALL MY HEAVENLY FATHER DO also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."
The Greek word for tormentors (930) comes from a word meaning to torture, pain, toil, torment, toss, vex. Jesus said our heavenly Father will deliver us to the tormentors if we do not forgive. These tormentors are demons given full legal permission to vex our lives when we have unforgiveness in our hearts!
When we forgive someone, we do not point a finger against them, we do not criticize them, we do not speak ill of them, we do not slander their reputation, we do not desire their punishment, we do not judge them, we do not accuse them…. etc!
The Greek word to forgive (#863) means the following: aphiemi (af-ee'-ay-mee); from NT:575 and hiemi (to send; an intens. form of eimi, to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow): cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up. (From Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
When we forgive someone, we lay aside their crime, we forsake their debt, we yield up their punishment, we omit pointing our fingers, accusation and back biting, we leave the offense behind us.
(2) RESISTING THE ACCUSER IS VITAL On 7/17/99 I had a "gazing wonder" vision, and I saw 2 beautiful identical white eagles in the sky. They were wondrous to my eyes, as they were extremely huge. I had never seen a white eagle before, and they were pure like doves, but I sensed in my spirit as I gazed at them that they were eagles. They were very big and not even in the dinosaur days did we have birds this size. They were much bigger than our largest airplanes.
Suddenly out of nowhere I saw a dragon swoop down and grab the birds and the 3 of them were connected and wrestled in the sky. The dragon was about twice the size of the 2 birds connected. His intention was to cast the eagles down to the ground and make them fall. It was a powerful struggle, but the birds did not fall.
As I was gazing into the sky watching this, suddenly I was swept into a very fast flowing river with strong current. I saw Keiko the whale swimming past me. Keiko’s size was huge and even though it was very intimidating, I knew he was kind and had no intentions of hurting me. Keiko seemed preoccupied with something upstream. Suddenly Keiko took off in a dead heat swim downstream. I looked upstream and noticed there was a great number of identical whales coming downstream like torpedoes. They were going so fast that they were like a blur.
I realized that the dragon was no longer fighting the 2 white birds, but had gone into the water to find the "hidden" whales. As soon as I realized this, I came out of the vision and I saw a picture vision of the dragon’s face right in my face. I had just enough time to say, "I bind you satan" and it disappeared and left.
In my past rhema, Keiko the whale (and his story) is a prophetic parable, and although I don’t have space for his story and explanation here, he represents the called and chosen leaders who have been hidden away and prepared for leadership. They received their training in captivity, received a spiritual enlargement in the past couple years and are waiting the Lord’s promised enduement of power and to be released into an even greater promotion. Personally I think that Keiko represents the coming government/foundation of the apostles and prophets.
Pondering the vision it was apparent to me that the dragon was the accuser in Revelations 12, and his intent for this season is to chase after and accuse those anointed ones. As a sidebar warning, it is vital for these people to follow their conscience very carefully, so as not to give the accuser any ammunition. He has enough without giving him fuel and making things worse.
As the body of Christ, we are in desperate need for holy leaders to bring forth the unpolluted Word of God to help prepare us for the pressing, yet glorious times. We need to pray for them, not agree with the accuser. If we hear accusations against one of these chosen vessels, no matter how true, it is our place to forgive them and ask God for mercy. The scripture says that if we do not forgive others, then neither will our heavenly Father forgive us. (Mark 11:25-26)
(3) FORGIVING OUR LEADERS IS VITAL As I was thinking about the fact that our leaders are facing the accuser and they are our spiritual "parents" so to speak, the Holy Spirit brought back to memory an interesting connection I heard in the deliverance tapes. They mentioned that the most common place of unforgiveness was the need to forgive one’s parents. Then yesterday I read the following interesting story about forgiving President Clinton.
This story is re-posted with permission from: Kevin Matthews RAPHA Christian Ministries www.rapha.org
"I was ministering at a large AG church in Duluth, Minnesota a month ago and was approached by a lady there who related the following story:
About two or three years ago, this lady had begun a small business that became very successful in a short space of time. As a result, she was invited to attend the White House along with several others from around the country to receive a commendation from the First Lady. This was during the time of the scandal. The lady related to me that when news of the scandal leaked out she was disgusted with the President. However as time went on a prophetic word came in the church that 'instead of throwing the first stones the church ought to be the first to lay them down and pray for forgiveness and reconciliation.’ The word had such an effect upon the congregation that many began right there to pray for the President instead of accusing him.
Shortly after this, the lady went to the White House. She decided to take with her a small stone as a gift for the President, in the unlikely event that she would have the opportunity to talk with him. After being honored in the ceremony the First Lady and then the President came and talked with her. As the President took his leave, she addressed him, "Mr. President, I would like to give you a gift from my church" and proceeded to take out the small stone that was in her pocket. She said to him, "This is from our church, we just wanted you to know that we have no stones to throw at you, rather we are giving you this stone, we'd like you to accept it as a symbol of forgiveness with the hope of healing." She related that tears began to run down the President's face as he quickly thanked her and turned away. Shortly afterwards, an aide came to her and said, "I don't know what you said to the President, but I've never seen him so moved. The stone that you gave him has now been placed prominently on his desk." [end of story]
As I read this story, I could see so clearly the Lord had answered my prayer for Him to reveal anything that is keeping us from the final preparations of receiving His glory when He visits earth in His awesome power. We need to forgive our leaders.
4. FORGIVING GOD IS VITAL Everyone at some time in their lives has suffered loss, when God tells them "No." As the times are shortened, the enemy will be accusing God of not being a good God and we need to understand God’s fierce love for us. In Hosea 2 it speaks of our Beloved stripping us of our worldly lovers and idols, bringing us through the valley of troubles and exchanging our old relationship with Him. He wants the old slave/master kind of relationship, where He tells us what to do and we obey, to be replaced with a passionate marriage love for Him — where we return the kind of fierce devotion and passion that He has for us. The following is a Word to ponder from "Words to Ponder, Volume 2." It describes what the mature believers have been going through for over a decade and what the young believers will be going through.
SONGS IN THE WILDERNESS
Your songs are precious to Me. I hear the longings of your heart as I woo you into My arms. One by one I watch the passions in your life drift away as you turn your heart toward Me. Step by step My Spirit calls to you, and you leave other loves behind.
Even so, I ask you a question. You obey Me, you serve Me, but do you love Me? Your obedience pleases Me. Your service is responsible and even your sacrifice is faithful. But do you love Me? "Of course I love you!" you reply. Even still, I ask, "Do you love Me?"
Our union is not complete until you call Me Husband, instead of Master. I want to share a love that only comes through an undivided passionate heart… a heart of yearning, a heart of unquenchable longing to be satisfied. A heart that comes back for more and more and more and more, still wanting more. I want all of you. Do you want all of Me? How much do you want? How much is too much?
For Myself, I want ALL of you. Sing Me another song and let’s dance the wind together. Listen to My Spirit call you with wooing from My heart.
"Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Will bring her into the wilderness, And speak comfort to her. I will give her her vineyards from there, And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; She shall sing there, As in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. "And it shall be, in that day," Says the LORD, "That you will call Me 'My Husband,' And no longer call Me 'My Master,' For I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals, And they shall be remembered by their name no more…."I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the LORD." (Hosea 2:14-17, 19-21 NKJ) [end of Word to Ponder]
In these days to come, it is vital that we forgive God for any losses we have suffered. Whether the loss is labeled judgment, chastisement, the enemy, mankind’s injustice, consequences of sin, or whatever: Our Beloved has one purpose in mind... that we turn to Him... with every fiber of our existence.
He wants to prepare us for His grand finale with His awesome visitation upon earth. The closer He comes, the stronger the earth, the darkness and His beloved Bride will react. Are we prepared? We have come a very long way in our faith, expectations and hope. But I also know there are still issues that remain that are holding Him back. I believe unforgiveness is one of them. Father, please be merciful and teach us to forgive. Please give us grace to let go of the offenses and leave them behind.
Lovingly, Sandy ~~~~~~~~~~
35] Intimidation Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
The enemy has displaced much in your life by way of intimidation. I have had longing compassion for you all these years as you have struggled to overcome in spite of it. But now, through its abusive hold, it has placed a vulnerable spot within your life that competes with My purposes. It now stands between us and My ability to work freely in your life, to use you and to bless you in ways unperceived. This spot is called "fear of man." I understand your fear, but you must put it aside and move on. You can not serve Me and fear man at the same time. Either follow Me or follow man, you can’t have both and go where I AM taking you.
"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe." (Proverbs 29:25)
~~~~~~~~~~
PART 4: REMOVING THE LAYERS
36] Lazarus, Come Forth! Prophetic promise given to Sandy Warner
5/31/00
Hi Loved Ones,
Sixteen years ago the Lord gave me a promise about Lazarus. He said, "I will raise him up." Now is the time! I want to tell you about Lazarus and his long journey, for you may have loved ones who fit this category. The following are the scriptures the Lord gave me at the time of the promise. They dove tail together to tell his story.
1) The story of Lazarus is likened unto the 200 men who stayed behind at the brook of Besor where David was told to take back what was stolen from them. When others were moving forward in the Lord and flourishing, "Lazarus" was too tired to go on.
"And the LORD told him, "Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!" So David and his six hundred men set out, and they soon came to Besor Brook. But two hundred of the men were too exhausted to cross the brook, so David continued the pursuit with his four hundred remaining troops." (1 Sam 30:8-10 NLT)
2) As the years grew, "Lazarus" grew dryer and without refreshment.
Besor was a dry water bed, and with the cloudbursts, it became a torrent. This is symbolic of where "Lazarus" has camped since the 80’s, totally dependent upon the mercy of God’s rain.
3) In the process of waiting for God’s refreshing touch, "Lazarus" grew sick and hopeless. But the Lord gave "Lazarus" a promise.
"Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." (Hos 6:1-3 KJV)
4) "Lazarus" grew so sick that his loved ones made desperate pleas to the Lord on his behalf. But even though the Lord heard the pleas, He delayed answering.
"So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, "Lord, the one you love is very sick." But when Jesus heard about it he said, "Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God. I, the Son of God, will receive glory from this." Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days and did not go to them." (John 11:3-6 NLT)
5) In the process of waiting, "Lazarus" became so weary that he and his calling were finally put to spiritual sleep.
"Then he said, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up." (John 11:11 NLT)
6) This sleep caused great disappointment for those that loved "Lazarus." But the Lord continued to reassure with His promise.
"When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask." Jesus told her, "Your brother will rise again." (John 11:20-23 NLT)
7) When the day came, God sent His Word and the door of hope was opened. The tomb door opened by removing the stone of hopelessness. Hope was once again stirred among disappointed and waiting hearts.
"And again Jesus was deeply troubled. Then they came to the grave. It was a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. "Roll the stone aside," Jesus told them. Jesus responded, "Didn't I tell you that you will see God's glory if you believe?" So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so they will believe you sent me." (John 11:38-44 NLT)
"But I will court her again and bring her into the wilderness, and I will speak to her tenderly there. There I will give back her vineyards to her and transform her Valley of Troubles into a Door of Hope. She will respond to me there, singing with joy as in days long ago in her youth after I had freed her from captivity in Egypt. "In that coming day," says the Lord, "she will call me 'My Husband' instead of 'My Master.'" (Hos 2:14-16 TLB)
8) "Lazarus" rises to the Word of the Lord. He hears the Word, he obeys the Word, even though he is still bound in personal captivity.
"Then Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" And Lazarus came out, bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, "Unwrap him and let him go!" (John 11:43,44 NLT)
9) The company of "Lazarus" is bound in grave clothes.
"Lazarus" face is bound. He can not see what is going on, even though he knows something radical is taking place, for suddenly God is speaking into his life and he is once again responding. No one can see him either, for even though he is rising up to the Lord’s Word, his calling is hidden to himself, and to the world.
He is wrapped with grave clothes symbolic of death and preservation. "Lazarus" followed the Lord’s will even to the point of death to self. In the process of death, in order to preserve "Lazarus" from his own self destruction during the wait, "Lazarus" was allowed captivity, enough to severely restrict his movements.
10) And the Lord said, "Loose him and let him go!"
BINDING AND LOOSING: The following scriptures use the same Greek words:
And he that was dead came forth, bound [1210] hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose [3089] him, and let him go. (John 11:44 KJV)
And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound [1210], lo, these eighteen years, be loosed [3089] from this bond on the sabbath day? (Luke 13:16 KJV)
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind [1210] on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose [3089] on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matt 16:19 KJV)
TO BIND: NT:1210 deo (deh'-o); a primary verb; to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively): KJV - bind, be in bonds, knit, tie, wind. See also NT:1163, NT:1189.
[note the word wind here… as though to wind around like graveclothes.]
TO LOOSE: NT:3089 luo (loo'-o); a primary verb; to "loosen" (literally or figuratively): KJV - break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-) loose, melt, put off. Compare NT:4486.
11) The reward given to Lazarus for waiting.
Just like the men who waited by the brook of Besor, the "Lazarus people" shall be given everything that was lost back to them and they shall have a part in the increased spoils of war.
"David got back everything the Amalekites had taken, and he rescued his two wives. Nothing was missing: small or great, son or daughter, nor anything else that had been taken. David brought everything back. His troops rounded up all the flocks and herds and drove them on ahead. "These all belong to David as his reward!" they said. When they reached Besor Brook and met the two hundred men who had been too tired to go with them, David greeted them joyfully. But some troublemakers among David's men said, "They didn't go with us, so they can't have any of the plunder. Give them their wives and children, and tell them to be gone." But David said, "No, my brothers! Don't be selfish with what the LORD has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the enemy. Do you think anyone will listen to you when you talk like this? We share and share alike--those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment." From then on David made this a law for all of Israel, and it is still followed." (1 Sam 30:18-25 NLT)
12) What is the purpose of "Lazarus’" journey?
Why the miserable journey of sickness, is it only to be raised up healthy once again with the addition of spoils? NO. We find the purpose of "Lazarus’" sickness hidden in both Jesus’ promise and the meaning of Lazarus’ name.
First, Jesus promises that the testimony of Lazarus’ life, death and raising will be for the glory, honor, and testimony of Jesus Christ. "Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." (John 11:3,4 KJV)
Second, his purpose is found in his name. We can see that its meaning is a direct opposite of his sickness. Lazarus’ name comes from a Hebrew word that is built upon several layers of words, all based upon an original word. Following is a Word Study for you to see for yourself. However, for simplification, here is a condensed version:
The Hebrew words and origins of Lazarus literally means: God (is) helper; strength; mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity): strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a ram (from his strength); a pilaster (as a strong support); an oak or other strong tree: to twist, i.e. (by implication) be strong; the body (as being rolled together); also powerful: to surround, i.e. protect or aid.
The origins of the word Lazarus is translated as the following words: - God (god), goodly, great, idol, might (-y one), power, strong. mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree, mighty, strength, help, succour.
So now we see the true calling and nature of "Lazarus." He was called to be a mighty one in the Lord’s temple, and his very name was a challenge to the enemy. Because his calling and purpose are so important in last day events, his flesh had to be stripped so that he trusted not in his own strength, but the Lord.
13) Word Study
HEBREW LAZARUS OT:499 'El`azar (el-aw-zawr'); from OT:410 and OT:5826; God (is) helper; Elazar, the name of seven Israelites: KJV - Eleazar.
OT:410 'el (ale); shortened from OT:352; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity): KJV - God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might (-y one), power, strong. Compare names in "-el."
OT:352 'ayil (ah'-yil); from the same as OT:193; properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a ram (from his strength); a pilaster (as a strong support); an oak or other strong tree: KJV - mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree.
OT:193 'uwl (ool); from an unused root meaning to twist, i.e. (by implication) be strong; the body (as being rolled together); also powerful: KJV - mighty, strength.
OT:5826 `azar (aw-zar'); a primitive root; to surround, i.e. protect or aid: KJV - help, succour.
If you are among the statistics or have loved ones that fit this description, have hope! For Lazarus is stirring, as the Lord is calling, "Lazarus, come forth!"
Lovingly, Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~
37] LAZARUS - part 2 From Sandy Warner
6/1/00
Dear Loved ones, There were so many responses to the Lazarus post and so many gripped my heart that I want to share with you some additional revelation that the Lord has shared with me concerning the last stages of Lazarus’ deliverance. I hope that it will be helpful for your own healing, or the healing of your loved one. "Lazarus" has come SO VERY FAR to get to this final stage!
1) HOPE Loss of hope comes with a numbness that so shrouds the heart that it puts the pain of expectation to sleep. This is the flesh’s natural response to "bury" the pain and find a way to adapt and survive through the pain of loss.
When hope has been cut off and you have learned to live with the word "No," it takes courage to hope once again. It takes more courage than anyone could even imagine unless they have been there. And when you begin to hope, hurt bubbles to the surface at the risk of once again facing more disappointment and more pain just because you dared to hope.
There are many things that were buried in the process of putting expectation to sleep and one of them was the fear of not having enough faith. As I thought about the many times the Lord healed someone and said, "Your faith has made you whole," I pondered why faith could have such a powerful anecdote to one’s misery. I thought it unfair that someone so bound in hopeless conditions, who had already tried everything, would somehow have to muster up enough faith to be healed. The Holy Spirit came to me in that moment and revealed something as I was reading the following passage:
"As they approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was going by. So he began shouting, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" The crowds ahead of Jesus tried to hush the man, but he only shouted louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. Then Jesus asked the man, "What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord," he pleaded, "I want to see!" And Jesus said, "All right, you can see! Your faith has healed you." Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too." (Luke 18:35-43 NLT)
This poor blind man had no idea what all the commotion was and when he found out, he probably had no idea if Jesus would see or hear him. The Holy Spirit suddenly imparted the understanding that because he could not physically reach Jesus, naturally he did not have the faith that Jesus WOULD heal him, rather he believed that Jesus COULD heal him if he could get His attention. We think that our faith must believe that He will, when all He is asking is for us to believe that He can. I saw that all it takes is a tiny mustard seed of faith. Healing of hope is like that, it doesn’t take some huge mountain of hope, all it takes is a glimmer or a response. Lazarus was dead, all he did was respond when the Lord called him.
2) OBEDIENCE "Then Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" And Lazarus came out, bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, "Unwrap him and let him go!" (John 11:43,44 NLT) In this passage, Lazarus rises to the Word of the Lord. He hears the Word, he obeys the Word, even though he is still bound in personal captivity.
It is important that when you hear the Lord begin to call your heart to renewed passion, that you respond, regardless of your personal circumstances. Lazarus was wrapped so tightly he could barely move, all he could smell was death, it was dark and it was cold. Yet Lazarus stood to his feet and began to move forward at the sound of the Lord’s voice. Notice this happened before he was loosed. This stage stirs you awake, it rattles the weary bones and brings you to your feet, regardless of how miserable you are. Be willing to stand and see the salvation of God on your behalf! (2 Chron 20: 15-17)
3) UNWINDING As I was thinking about Lazarus’ natural strength as a leader and his calling, and everything that the enemy had been allowed to do to "kill" it, I suddenly understood something about the process of unwinding. If the Lord had a purpose in the unwinding process, what would happen if He chose to do the process backwards? In other words, what would happen if Lazarus is free from captivity first and suddenly all the restraints upon his life are gone in one instant? Then the Lord says, "Stand still, I want to take you through a process and unwind some things that have hindered you on the inside." Knowing Lazarus’ gifts and natural strength prior to the captivity, he probably would shoot out of that tomb like a rocket, grab the nearest ambitious idea at hand, and not even be around to hear the Lord say, "Please stand still for a moment and let Me work upon you!" I smile as I write this, for I know it is true, by the very nature of Lazarus’ name (explained in the previous post).
The Lord in His infinite wisdom knows exactly how to work on Lazarus! He speaks hope, stirs him awake, makes him stand, and calls him to move forward, still bound and restrained — for His purpose.
There is some "stuff" to work through and that stuff is stinky grave clothes. Have hope in your heart that you ARE going to be healed and set free, and each moment from now until that day, He will be taking you through a process unwinding the layers. You may have to work through fear of believing, fear of failing, shame, shame of loss, shame of falling, shame of stinking, unforgiveness towards God, unforgiveness towards others, anger, bitterness, resentment, rebellion, stubbornness, control, judgment, criticism and thousands of other fruits that will come to the surface, a layer at a time. Remember when you are working through these things, that it is a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit in your life, and that you are becoming more and more free. As you comply with releasing these layers, you are getting lighter and your healing is coming to the surface.
There are yards and yards of material in grave clothes. It took years to be enshrouded in the dying process. It will not take years to unwind, but it will take time to be unraveled because it is a process. This is a process of waiting upon the Lord.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isa 40:31 KJV) The word wait in the Hebrew is an interesting concept. It means to bind together by twisting… like a 3 stranded cord, or like a vine on fence… or perhaps even something like the twisting of Lazarus’ grave clothes.
OT:6960 qavah (kaw-vaw'); a primitive root; to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e. collect; (figuratively) to expect: KJV - gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon).
Over and over again you will circle these layers and be given many chances to "get it right". It comes through repentance and yielding the stinky stuff and sloughing it off a layer at a time with each circumstance. If you are willing, these layers will begin to spin you around so fast that all you will smell for a while is your own stench. Rejoice, the closer you get to that old dead flesh, the smellier it will be and the Lord will be able to get to that stuff and clean it out! This is a supernatural work. It will start slowly, then move forward faster and faster as you begin to catch onto what the Lord is doing and comply with these layers.
4) HOW TO RELEASE THE LAYERS
a) Keep the hope of your calling and healing before you and do not get caught up in the miles of unwinding, smelly grave clothes. Resist wallowing in a layer, rather confess it, pray over it, yield it, repent it, and move on. (Col 1:27)
b) Forgiveness is a foundation principle that is totally necessary in healing. Read the following as a promise: "And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Matt 18:34-35 KJV) This is a scriptural law that the devils are allowed access to those who do not forgive! If you are not able to forgive, then ask the Lord to teach you how to forgive. Forgiveness is releasing another from all debt, or penalty from debt; it is asking for mercy for another, because the penalty for their debt is very terrible. Learn to forgive as though your very life depended upon it. — Because it does.
c) In each layer that comes to the surface, find a way through it with faith, hope and love. These things remain when all else burns. The greatest, most powerful, and yet simplest of these is to love. Love covers a multitude of sins, and love for Him, for others, and even for yourself as you see yourself through His love, will help slough off the dead weights. (I Cor 13:13)
d) Wash yourself with the water of His Word. Pray that He will once again breath new life into it. Pray that your appetite will return, after a long famine of not hearing Him. Pray that He will give you new revelation as you search Him. (Eph 5:26)
e) Resist the world’s answers to inner healing. This work of reviving the dead and sloughing off the grave clothes is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a supernatural work occurring as He brings you through circumstances whereby suddenly something "smelly" in your heart comes to the surface, and you wonder where that came from! It is in that moment of struggle that there is grace for the healing. You do not need to spend money and extensive time in counseling and books, you need Him. Take it to Him at that moment, and let Him do the surgery.
You may need some deliverance prayers, but even those will not work without your first going through the same process of yielding and letting go of the dead stuff. I believe that some of this smelly stuff is demonic infiltration, and these tormentors will leave on their own, simply by your going through a) and b) above.
f) Be willing to wait a while longer through this process, for you have waited years already and in comparison, this wait is much shorter. At least now you know you have a purpose and God is taking you to freedom. Moving forward is a whole lot better than lying dead in a dark cold tomb.
Thank you for all that shared your responses to the Lazarus post and for the many confirmations. I pray the Lord touches those of you who have died the long slow death of disappointment and that He releases you from the tomb to freedom.
Lovingly, Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~
38] Responses to Lazarus posts
Date: 6/14/00 7 From: Kathy
Sandy an interesting tidbit for you...in reference to Lazarus Part 2 when you were mentioning about having faith the size of a mustard seed in believing that He Can...I heard Charles Capps say that the Lord revealed to him and to make sure he checked it out with the Agriculture department of the University of Alabama I think that the mustard seed is the only seed that cannot be a hybrid, it cannot be mixed, it is pure THEREFORE IT IS NOT THE SIZE THAT THE LORD WAS COMPARING OUR FAITH TO BUT THE PURENESS OF IT NO MIXTURE... isn't that good?!!
Kathy
~~~~~~~~~~
39] Band-Aids & Barnacles Thoughts from Sandy Warner
8/8/00
Hi Loved Ones,
Band-aids — which do you prefer, the slow peel or that fast rip? The past couple of weeks I have been seeing a lot of band-aids in strange places. Now I must admit, maybe these have been popping up in unexpected places because I had a cut finger and suddenly my finger became paramount because it was pulsating to the rhythm of my heart for a few days. But my finger is healed now, and I am still seeing band-aids. When I saw one lying on the floor at a Mahesh conference a couple weeks ago, I decided this band-aid idea was DEFINITELY anointed. (What could be more anointed than a discarded band-aid at a Mahesh healing conference?)
This year I have been going through a stripping process where the Lord is peeling away layers of heart (t)issues that do not glorify Him. Now when He told us at the beginning of the new year that He was going to circumcise our hearts and give us new ones, I never thought it would be like THIS. Yeeeeeeee - ouch. The slow peel or the fast rip? Well I want it over really fast, and my heart is willing but my flesh is weak. I am sure I have heard that somewhere before. (Josh 5:8, Deut 10:16, Matt 26:41, Rom 7:18)
Band-aids usually mean blood. And when it comes time to peel the band-aid off, exposing a somewhat healed wound, it sometimes reopens a fresh wound. And if not, then the peeling causes its own pain. This is exactly what I have been through this year. It is like He is taking me through my past, exposing layers of band-aids. Last month, painful heart issues of 30 years ago, (that I thought were totally and long gone from my life) were suddenly surfacing.
Band-aids are flesh colored, they pad really well, they cover over a wound and they protect us from outside pain. Sometimes when we have been wounded in our past, we turn to fleshly comforts that cover our wounds, pad us from the pain, and soothe our hearts. God gives us good gifts and He does use band-aids. But something goes awry when we begin to rely on the band-aids and not the One Who tenderly placed them there. "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify." (1 Cor 10:23-24 NKJV)
When that band-aid becomes too important, it becomes an idol. Through this process, He revealed to me that when we rely on anything other than Him, and it becomes a support structure in our lives, it becomes an idol. He was stripping me of idolatry! And in His mercy He took me past the sin to its starting place. He pinpointed the wounding of where it all started. It was His way of telling me that He understood, and He looked beyond my faults and saw my need. Wow, what love.
I was in this stripped and vulnerable place when I attended the Mahesh conference. One of my desires was to talk to a prophetic intercessory friend of mine and ask him what the Lord was doing in his life since the turn of this year. I was secretly hoping that whatever he told me, would confirm me and let me know that I was not going loony and that even though things felt like they were out of control, God was still at the helm!
When I asked him, he shared a dream that someone had sent him:
DREAM I am looking at a wide ocean bay, and see an oil tanker coming into the river. As it moves forward into the locks, the slots are narrowing. A close up view of the tanker reveals rust spots, streaks of rust and barnacles. Just ahead the locks are still narrowing and the water is becoming turbulent.
Finally one side of the tanker begins to scrape the sides of the concrete lock. There is a harrowing sound as it propels forward. Narrowing even more, the other side of the tanker grinds into the concrete, still moving. The sound is horrendous as concrete, barnacles and metal clash! Metal shrieks are deafening as barnacles are stripped away. Men appear on the deck, throwing old equipment and gear out, and the noise is almost unbearable.
The tanker is riding higher and lighter now. Clean, shiny metal is appearing all over the ship. The water is calmer, as the locks are widening and the ship glides forward. It leaves a huge, violent white wake behind as it glides into another bay, surrounded in lush green jungle. [End of dream]
As I heard this dream, I was overcome by the joy of knowing that all this screeching I was making was godly, and that the Lord was removing all my barnacles! And to think that we are sitting on the power and enduement of all that oil… Oh boy are we coming into some great times. When my friend finished sharing the dream, he prophetically stated that the next assignment for the ship was to be painted in all gold. I had waves of the Lord’s Presence when he shared this.
As I ponder the barnacles, I am reminded of the verse, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." (Heb 12:1-2 NLT) Barnacles are attachments that hang onto our lives that weigh us down. He wants them stripped off. It’s going to be a slow peel or a fast rip, either way God is behind this!
When the Lord told me at the beginning of the year (and He has told many prophetic people this) that He was bringing us into circumcision, (Joshua 5) I had no idea what that meant. I do now. He is wanting to cut away our carnality, flesh nature, excess baggage, idolatry, old habits, old life, old attitudes, opinions, demons, sins, giants… you name it, if it doesn’t glorify Him He wants it stripped away. I am thinking of that tanker shrieking and I don’t know who shrieks louder — the demons or our flesh. When we are in the middle of it, we can’t tell who is what, but what matters is that God is in control and He is having His way. He is preparing us for an awesome, new day.
Deut 30:5-6 NKJV Then the LORD your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
The following is a prophetic Word to Ponder the Lord gave me in the 80’s. It is simple, but if you are in that wounded place, I pray it encourages your heart like it recently touched mine, when I needed it the most.
WOUNDED I wound and I heal. I tear down and I build up. What is being fashioned you have not seen. Rest assured it is I Who have brought you to this place. A new thing is in the making. But I will also restore your walk to a smooth path without shame. Your confidence shall return. Be of good cheer. (Deut 32:39)
Lovingly, Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~ 40] Responses To Band-Aids & Barnacles
Date: 8/12/00 From: Debby
Dear Sandy,
Thanks for sharing about Band-Aids. God has been doing a similar work in me. I am letting Him remove some of the Band-Aids that cover the wounds. I saw a picture of me, as a little girl, climbing into His lap and showing Him my booboos. He has been quite gentle, and I am learning to trust Him with more as we learn to relate more each day. And the freedom that comes when the wounds are healed is fantastic!
This story is not about a Band-Aid, but it is similar. The Lord reminded me of this incident when I read your message on the Net:
This story, from my life, is not about a Band-Aid, but it is similar. Once, when I was in my twenties, a contact somehow chemically burned my eye. I remember waking up screaming. Friends came and rushed me to the emergency room at 6AM for help. But when the doctor came in and tried to look at my eye, it hurt so bad that I was afraid to let him touch it. I covered my eye with my hands and refused to let him near it. So, as brave and grown-up as I was at 26, he had to "pry" and force my arms away from my eye to be able to put in medicine that would numb the eye and stop the pain, so that he could work on it. My pain was so great at that time, that I didn't hear him say that he could stop the pain immediately, and that I wouldn't feel him work on it. I didn't wnt to hear it. I just reacted in fear. When he finally worked on my eye, I felt only a little bit of pressure, nothing like the pain I expected. I think, looking back on it, that my fear came from those past Band-Aid experiences: Blowing on the wound when the medicine burned, the slow, drawn-out pulling of tissue if I tried to inch off the Band-Aid, accidentally ripping the scab off so it would bleed again, or even the ripping sound from a fast pull. Well, the outcome was that I got to wear an eye patch and put in eye drops for a few days, but my eye healed just fine, with no lasting side effects. Praise God!
Thank you again for sharing.
In Him, Debby
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 8/10/00 From: Elaine
Sandy,
Thank you so much for the message. I can relate to it very well. The Lord showed me that the stripping away He was doing was like an onion. There are many layers to an onion. And as He peels away each layer, the issue doesn't always go away at that moment. That's why it takes days or months or years to complete the peeling process. But each time He peels away a new layer, the onion gets smaller and smaller. Clear down to the heart of it. Then even the scent of the onion is gone. The only fragrance left is that of Jesus Himself.
That is what He is doing in me. Peeling away all those things that are not pleasing to Him. Painful it is, but rewarding and definitely necessary. Not only is He a beautiful fragrance to me but I just want to be a beautiful fragrance to Him. I am my Beloved's and He is mine.
Elaine ~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 8/10/00 From: Bonnie
Hello Sandy,
I received your Band aids and Barnacles word. I am in awe! This word is exactly what God has spoken to me, over me and through me!
I live in Richmond, VA and in December we had prayer meeting with a group that we call the Richmond Intercessors. It's for anyone who wants to intercede for Richmond. It's not organized by any one church so tons of people come out. The meeting was a gathering to seek out a word from the Lord before Y2K!:) We sat worshipped until we were silent for about 20 minutes. During this time the Lord showed a picture of the United States.
Since I live in VA, I saw VA and the division that there is in this state.
The division of denominations and races. He showed me the state lines and they were fading away because of the blood that was being shed. (I hope this makes sense). In essence, He was showing me the circumcision of our hearts that was going to take place. It was starting in each city around the US.
The blood flowed so heavily by the end of the vision you could not tell distinctively where the states were. It was pretty incredible. So I can confirm the circumcision of the heart!:)
But the band aid word, this has brought clarity to something that was spoken over me. A woman I had never met before spoke over me as if she new my very heart. She was so right on that I was embarrassed. She spoke about the wounds and the hurts that I have endured and that God was going to put a band aid on it. Well, I have listened over and over to the tape of the prophecy. I've written it down and read it and re-read and I never understood why God would put a band aid on something that hurt me so much.
Why wouldn't he just heal it and that's that. Your word has truly helped me understand a personal word that was very perplexing. Thank you so much. The stripping process is definitely happening to me! I had to tell you this, because it speaks so clearly to my spirit. Especially since, even this morning crying out to God for understanding. So again a million thanks for sharing this!:)
Have a great day! Bonnie
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 8/9/00 From: Donna
WOW SANDY!!! Did this ever speak to MY heart!!! Wow!!
A little history...I live in Calif. My sister, her daughter, husband and two children came to visit me the end of June (they live in Michigan). The middle of June, (prior to the visit) I started having heart palpitations, shakes, headaches, pressure....stuff.....went to the dr. EKG came back fine, blood, thyroid...everything came back fine. Doc told me it's "stress" and put me on medication. I took it for about a week...then, after everyone went home, on July 6th, I wound up going to my regular doctor...while waiting for her....along with the palpitations, shakes, light headedness, etc. I developed a twitch under my right eye. My heart was pounding so hard in my chest....I couldn't get enough air....she told me that I am suffering "panic attacks" due to stress. Although I don't have the "fear", I do have the physical symptoms that are all to real. She put me on a different medication, which I have been on ever since. BUT....what she said to me was this, "This medication is only a BAND-AID. It will not cure you."
God bless you!! Donna
~~~~~~~~~~
41] Making Room for Change From Sandy Warner
9/9/00
Hi Loved Ones, This week two Words came to me that were significant and I want to share them with you. One was, "A change is coming." The other was, "A changing of the guards." When the Lord breathes upon His Words, there are as many applications as there are people to apply them. His Word is alive and bears witness at so many levels that we can barely touch the surface. However, I would like to share with you what these Words mean to me, in hopes that it will touch and encourage some of you.
This year the Lord gave Bobby Conner a Word that said something like, "Brace yourselves, the hand of God is coming down to uproot everything He has not planted, in order to establish His government." This has proven true in my life, for it is as though He has been peeling away layers of old, dead and buried things. I made mention to this in 4 other postings this year. (Circumcision at Gilgal, stripping Lazarus’ grave clothes, and peeling away band-aides and barnacles.) As He carefully exposed old wounds it was as though He gave me a 2nd chance to respond to them appropriately with forgiveness when necessary, and also personal repentance. He has even taken me back to my foundations before I was born, to repent for the sins of my ancestors.
Sometimes when we are in the midst of a cleansing process, the enemy confuses us, and we are overcome by dirt and grime and can’t see the forest through the trees. I was ready for a change. I have a friend who has been house cleaning after years of collection, and has taken several trips to the dump. I kept telling her the Lord was removing the garbage from her life, so that she could have room for the new when it comes. She had a dream this week that was quickened to me concerning a prophetic experience I’d just had.
In the dream she saw this horse running around whinnying to all the animals in the field. It was beautifully free as it shook its head. Then in the next scene she saw this huge, pile of excess baggage being carted off. Above and below the baggage were moving captions like on the tail end of a movie. She kept trying to read the captions, but they were moving too fast to read them.
I felt the Lord was saying that we were trying to focus on the old garbage, and it was already being removed. We wanted to linger and figure it all out, but He was already moving on towards this coming change. A few days ago, I was feeling quite slimed from the enemy. I was more upside down then right side up, after having so many layers removed this year. This brought me to a place where I was starting to flinch… Sometimes when we go through a great battle, we come out the other end, gun shy and jumping at the least little thing. That is how I was feeling. So this strange experience occurs….
I was at my desk and needed to go to the restroom. I grabbed my reading glasses to put them on my desk. My hand was in midair before I realized my glasses were not on my face. I stared at my empty hand, wondering why I would do such a strange thing and started to giggle. A couple minutes later in the restroom I grabbed the toilet paper and pulled it down. Only the toilet paper is not there either! My husband had torn out the bathroom floor a few days before (layers peeled away, exposing foundations) and the toilet paper roll had not yet been remounted on the wall. I stared at my empty hand and laughed as I understood the Word of the Lord, given to me with such clarity.
WORD TO PONDER "I have removed the old dead layers in your life. I did not expose them for you to linger over them. They are GONE. They are but filthy rags and they are GONE. You are still trying to see though old lenses, but they are GONE. You are shadow boxing with nothing. They are GONE. You are wincing. They are GONE. You are trying to figure it all out. They are GONE. Your past is GONE. Yes, it takes time for you to make the adjustment while old patterns repeat themselves. But you will soon see they are just empty motions.
For I have brought you into a new place. A place of freedom. A place of purity, where the dry rot of flesh has been purged, where the smelly places have been removed. You remember the shame, the filth, the slime, and yet I have already installed a new foundation beneath your feet. It is already in place and you have yet to realize it.
Even now, I want to bring a new change to your door. Places where you have been the tail, I will make you the head. And where you have been trampled upon by the enemy, you will suddenly rise and place him beneath you. The enemy thought he could take advantage of what I have been stripping in your life. But I AM Sovereign and nothing, no not anything shall by any means hurt you! I AM the Master Surgeon, and I restore, making all things beautiful. Fear not, for I have done a good thing. Let the past go, remove it. For now I bring to you My change. If you wince and stay buried in the past, it hinders this new thing I want to do in your midst. Rejoice with Me, and laugh hilariously, for all of heaven laughs with Me as we see the enemy beneath your feet.
"The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." Ps 2:2-4 KJV [end of Word to Ponder]
So how does this fit with a changing of the guards? I believe this powerful change is going to filter down from the very top levels of government to the very bottom of our personal lives. In the spiritual realm, in the places where we have stood in the heat of battle, where we have earnestly interceded and humbly repented, we are going to see long standing, territorial enemy occupations being moved away and these places suddenly being occupied by angels. The ramifications of such will filter down through every area of life. He is moving out the old, making room for the new. He is cleaning the filthy house, to fill it with His righteousness. He is removing the dross and keeping the gold. He is blowing away the chaff to harvest the grain.
"But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like launderer's soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the LORD an offering in righteousness." (Mal 3:2-3 NKJV)
Even so, come Lord and do Your work among us. Lovingly, Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~
42] Grace to this Mountain Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
6/3/00
I know you are fighting discouragement from the clear revealing of the strongholds within your own heart. As you see them with open eyes, their removal seems impossible. But I have heard your cries from the bitterness of your own weakness and I shout grace, grace, grace! In exchange for your weakness, I offer my heart to you. I give you a brand new heart. For I give good gifts and will enable you to be strong in Me. I will add sweetened lemon to that which has curdled and soured and you shall be comforted and be encouraged.
"Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of "Grace, grace to it!" (Zech 4:7 NKJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
PART 5: RECOVERY
43] Three Little Pennies A story by Sandy Warner
9/3/99
The Lord often speaks to me through daily life parables. I love it when He speaks to me this way! It is true when one has a full grown language of interpretation that anything in life can have a symbolic meaning, but He says, only what is quickened by His Spirit gives life. "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63 KJV) And so I have learned to tune into those little daily true life stories that He quickens as His Word. Usually when these kind of "Words" happen, I walk them out, then suddenly He breaths life on them and I realize the spiritual significance to what just occurred and how it applies to what He is saying to me. Even more fun is when I get a word of knowledge that something about to occur is one of those kind of Words. Recently I had one such Word.
As a background to this story, He had told me that He was bringing me into a training time in deeper levels of certain gifts. His key Word was "training." The story begins as I am pulling my cart up to the long grocery store lines and trying to figure out which line is the shortest. I glanced at the shortest line and noticed the sign that said, "Checker in training." The Lord imparted to my heart that He had a parable for me. Now I had some preconceived ideas about this checker in training! He had the shortest line because he was so slow. He would take forever looking up the fresh food. He would make mistakes and have to call the manager. He would not make mistakes and still have to call the manager.
All my life I have been given the wonderful gift of watching, listening and analyzing people’s lives, learning from their hard life lessons, and adjusting my choices so I didn’t make the same mistakes. This is a part of having a teachable spirit. I had it all figured out ahead of time that the Lord was about to give me one of those negative parables for my own good. "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged." (1 Cor 11:31 NKJV)
I cringed as I took my place in line, watching this checker carefully. Soon it was my turn and I watched every move he made! He greeted me pleasantly. He didn’t hesitate, he didn’t void out an entry, he didn’t call the manager and he made it through the vegies just fine. I had been so expecting him to make a mistake I was disappointed when nothing was quickened to me! While I am writing the check, I asked, "Lord, I don’t get it, what was the parable?" I handed him the check and waited for the receipt. He handed me 3 pennies with a smile. Incredulously I stared at the pennies. "You mean I wrote the check for 3 pennies over????" He smiled graciously and said, "Yes." I thanked him and felt like they had been 3 million dollars.
As a child I used to hear people say, "A penny saved is a penny earned." Nowadays pennies don’t buy much and no one really cares about pennies. But God still cares about pennies.
He was telling me that in my season of training, He wasn’t interested in how slow it took me to catch on, how many mistakes I made, how many times I had to stop everything and call on Him to bail me out and whether or not I had all the correct answers in memory! What He was asking was that I be faithful in the little things and He would take care of the rest. I felt so loved when I left that store.
I pray that if you are carrying loads that are too heavy, you will find your way back to the Lord’s lap and ask Him to help you to be faithful in the little things.
Matt 11:28-29 TLB "Come to me and I will give you rest-all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke-for it fits perfectly-and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens."
Matt 25:21 TLB "His master praised him for good work. `You have been faithful in handling this small amount,' he told him, `so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Begin the joyous tasks I have assigned to you.' "
Lovingly, Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~
44] A Penny For Your Thoughts (Pennies Part 2)
9/10/99
Hi Loved Ones,
Since my posting last week on pennies, it seems that there are others out there who also delight in little things like pennies from the Lord and their spiritual penny jars are growing! I was intrigued by some of the responses and felt you would enjoy some of the insights shared.
Lovingly,
Sandy
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Sandy,
I loved the word and teaching the Lord gave you and my spirit is soaring as I write. You see Sandy, the Lord began to teach me a valuable lesson about pennies that started 15 years ago. In the early Morning I would begin my time with the Lord, walking and praying. This way, no one could disrupted our time together. It would make my time with Him so meaningful as I walked my 3-4 miles.
One morning as I walked, I spotted a penny. The Lord prompted me to pick it up...which began 15 years of teaching. He told me not to despise small beginnings and menial tasks. Just as the penny seemed like mere nothings.. add them up and they become worthwhile. I looked forward to our walks and again as I walked very early I began to find more pennies. I would know that these pennies were placed there for me to find and so I began to praise the Lord for each penny I found. He told me not to spend these pennies and so I got a jar and one day my jar became full of wonderful reminders of our times together and His Words to me.
One time I was watching TV and a show had an experiment to see if people would pick up pennies on the sidewalk. Funny, how the majority looked at these pennies but kept walking. It wasn't worth bending over. Some Christians are that way to certain ministries. They want the prestigious work but don't want their hands dirty.
The Lord taught me many things because of the pennies. Just the other day they had a call for pennies because they were getting so scarce. Funny, how valuable something as small as a penny can become.
In His love,
June
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sandy,
Has the Lord said anything else to you about pennies? He is driving me crazy with pennies...has been for over a year...Last year it was one...then in 99 He started giving me two at a time....three days I have had 5 in a day...different places and 5 is Benjamin's portion....
I had 15 in one day last week...a dime and 5 pennies...in different places. I am a nurse and I am finding them at my feet when I get out of the car...at the thresholds of houses I walk into and at my feet at a bedside while caring for a patient.
I have had people say they mean:
One sent
In God we trust
Liberty
I went to the house of one of my patients today...I had shared with her about the gold from Silvania's hair and had shown it to her...I got some when she was here in Atlanta. On my home visit last week, I had told the Lord I would pray for her if He would give me a penny on my way to the car to get my Bible...and He gave me two pennies. I was able to show her the gold and tell her of the miraculous healing of cancer that Silvania experienced.
Anyway, she has cancer too and had been told she had two months to live in February. I asked if I could come back today. It was a glorious time of asking for forgiveness for the sins of the white against the black. She was able to release some past hurts as a result and was able to embrace me as she forgave....as did her sister and daughter.
Since the other day, she has not been in pain and is no longer on pain medicine. Long story short, the pennies are giving me boldness to step out as ONE SENT.
Betty
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you Sandy. It is so amazing to think that God really does care about the little things, and so often we don't even take the time to pray about the little things because we don't want to "bother" Him with these little things. and yet...it is His desire to show us HOW much HE cares even by giving us those little things.
Hazel
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sandy,
Thanks for the really encouraging modern parable about the "CHECKER IN TRAINING and the 3 PENNIES".
One thing that stood out as soon I read it was the freshness of the attitude of the young trainee. Sweet, simple and done with excellence and genuineness. This was an example of his stewardship of his responsibility. This is often how it is with someone who is just starting off in some ministry area for the Lord Jesus.
The 'old-hands" sometimes stand-back, be skeptical, think new ones can't do the job adequately maybe not even "stand in their queue". However the Lord knows genuine hearts and we sometimes need to be challenged that He gives the grace to do anything in his Kingdom - be it preach, give a word, serve the tables or sing a new song.
In fact as we stand back, release, open the way, facilitate and believe along with the
young sheep, we can have the great joy - with the Lord of the Harvest of seeing the
sweet genuineness of fresh new, keen service - TO HIM.
Mark
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Sandy,
I was VERY blessed by your word on the Elijah List.
Another way you could see your event...was that even though we are in training, God is faithful to bring us through in confidence and professionalism. He is there even when we do not know what we are doing and at the same time turn the table on those who may be prejudging us to be a certain way.
I also noticed that #3, as in 3 pennies, is a "divine" number and copper is listed under brass which can represent judgment against disobedience. You were faithful and obedient to support those in training and now He has placed His divine judgment in your hands.
Much Love to you. Thank you again for sharing.
Ginny
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Sandy,
Thank you for your three pennies story.
Some time ago the Lord told me to never let the devil steal a single penny from me. That very same day someone shortchanged me a penny in a convenience store, and my soul felt a little awkward and foolish asking for the penny. But I did, and it was given to me.
The Lord cares about the very little things in our lives, and He is also especially concerned about some of the very little ways in which some compromise and give the devil his way.
He reminded me of the verse:
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
~Song of Solomon 2: 15
We may do well at obeying what we perceive to be the larger things and yet lose the battle through doing or not doing the small things. Incomplete or delayed obedience is still disobedience. He used the penny to show me that I was careless in small matters and that some very small matters carried great consequences.
Thank you for your faithfulness in relating this story. God used it to remind me and warn me of certain things in my life.
Ted
~~~~~~~~~~
45] Responses To Three Little Pennies Posts
Date: 09/03/1999 From: Betty
Sandy,
Has the Lord said anything else to you about pennies? He is driving me crazy with pennies...has been for over a year...Last year it was one...then in 99 He started giving me two at a time....three days I have had 5 in a day...different places and 5 is Benjamin's portion....
I had 15 in one day last week...a dime and 5 pennies...in different places. I am a nurse and I am finding them at my feet when I get out of the car...at the threshholds of houses I walk into and at my feet at a bedside while caring for a patient.
I have had people say they mean One sent In God we trust Liberty
I am not convinced that is what He is saying...so I am listening for people, such as yourself who have had "penny experiences".
Don't feel like you have to answer this, I know you are busy...but if you do have something, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks Betty
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 09/03/1999 From: Ted
Thank you for your three pennies story.
Some time ago the Lord told me to never let the devil steal a single penny from me. That very same day someone shortchanged me a penny in a convenience store, and my soul felt a little awkward and foolish asking for the penny. But I did, and it was given to me.
The Lord cares about the very little things in our lives, and He is also especially concerned about some of the very little ways in which some compromise and give the devil his way.
He reminded me of the verse:
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
~Song of Solomon 2: 15
We may do well at obeying what we perceive to be the larger things and yet lose the battle through doing or not doing very small. Incomplete or delayed obedience is still disobedience. He used the penny to show me that I was careless in small matters and that some very small matters carried great consequences.
Thank you for your faithfulness in relating this story. God used it to remind me and warn me of certain things in my life.
Ted
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 09/05/1999 From: June
Hi Sandy,
I loved the word and teaching the Lord gave you and my spirits is soaring as I write. Thank You for sharing it...because it meant so much to me. You see Sandy, the Lord began to teach me a valuable lesson about pennies. That started 15 yrs ago.
In the early Morning I would begin my time with the Lord, walking and praying. This way, no one could disrupted our time together. It would make my time with Him so meaningful as I walked my 3-4 miles.
One morning as I walked, I spotted a penny.
The Lord prompted me to pick it up...which began a 15 year of teaching.
He told me not to despised small beginnings and menial tasks. Just as the penny seemed like mere nothings...add them up and they become worthwhile.
I looked forward to our walks and again as I walked very early I began to find more pennies.
I would know that these pennies were placed there for me to find and so I began to Praise the Lord for the penny I found. He told me not to spend these pennies and so I got a jar and began to fill that jar...some days were more profitable then others. One day, I found $5.00 and then, I found quarters and other change.
My jar got so full of pennies before long.
There was a time I was watching tv. and there was an experiment on some show to see if people would pick up pennies that they laid out on the sidewalk. Funny, how the majority looked at these pennies but kept walking. It wasn't worth bending over. Some Christians are that way to some ministries. They want the prestigious work but don't let their hands get dirty...after all they were above the call to clean up afterwards.
The Lord taught me many things because of the pennies. Just the other day they had a call for pennies because they were getting so scarce. Funny, how valuable something as small as a penny can be.
In His love, June
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 09/05/1999 From: Mark
Sandy,
Thanks for the really encouraging modern parable about the "CHECKER IN TRAINING and the 3 PENNIES".
One thing that stood out as soon a I read was the freshness of the attitude of the young trainee. Sweet, simple and done with excellence and genuineness was his stewardship of his responsibility.
I just wanted to confirm with you that this is often how it is with some-one who is just starting off in some ministry area for the Lord Jesus.
We as 'old-hands" can sometimes stand-back, be skeptical, think they can't do the job adequately maybe not even "stand in their queue". However the Lord knows the genuineness of the heart and we sometimes even need to be challenged and "humbled" that HE gives the grace to do anything in his Kingdom - be it preach, give a word, serve the tables or sing a new song.
In fact as we stand back, release, open the way, facilitate and believe along with the young sheep. We can have the great joy - with the Lord of the Harvest of seeing the sweet genuineness of fresh new, keen service - TO HIM.
Blessings and trust that this encourages your spirit as your story did mine,
Mark
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 09/05/1999
Dear Sandy,
Thank you so much for sharing the word God gave you. My wife and I have been going through some really hard times lately, and I really needed the encouragement your word gave me. There are times, like the checker, I wonder if I will ever get it right. I am thankful that God uses people like you to give encouragement and remind me that God is not looking for perfectionist, just people that will keep on doing what God has asked them to do, no matter whether they look successful or not. Thank you, I needed the reminder that God is still working in my life, and that I haven't been forgotten. I know that God is still working on me, I just needed the reminder.
Thanks to you again for your obedience to the word God gave you,
Thumper
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 09/07/ From: Ginny
Dear Sandy,
I was VERY blessed by your word on the Elijah List. I know a number of the people I attend church with have subscribed to the Elijah list. I do the bulletin and the ministry section of the bulletin for our church. God uses "highlighted" events in my life that I walk through to show me things and I can in turn use it in the bulletin to hopefully help someone else. I wondered sometimes if people in the church were skeptical or thought I was making the stuff up. I feel like God just vindicated me. I am not weird or the only one God speaks to this way. Yeah!
Thank you so much for sharing. It is so important to know at times that we are not alone or the only ones.
Another way you could see your event...was that even though we are in training, God is faithful to bring us through in confidence and professionalism. He is there even when we do not know what we are doing and have others that may be prejudging us to be a certain way...Well. God turns the table and what they prejudge us to be and do they actually do. #3 is a "divine" number and copper is listed under brass which can represent judgement against disobedience. You were faithful and obedient to support those in training and now he has placed His divine judgement in your hands. (If this is helpful for you fine. If not, have mercy on a person in training
;-))).) Much Love to you. Thank you again for sharing. Ginny
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 09/15/1999 From: Ann
Dear Sandy,
May I add one more story on pennies? Years ago I found out that the End-Time Handmaidens have a 'penny collection' at their annual meeting.
We are encouraged to pick up and save pennies from year to year, and bring the collection to the meeting. The money is used to print their "Who is Jesus?" tract (I don't know how many languages it is printed in now, but over a hundred, I know) I have not gone to the meeting in a couple years but continue to search for pennies and put them in my penny jar. Each one is a treasure!
**I have begun to pray over them to represent a soul coming to salvation. If I find one in a store, I pray over the people in the store, or a home, or on the street, etc. A penny is so despised, overlooked, and disregarded, I felt the Lord spoke it represents the souls who are despised, overlooked, and disregarded ... yet so BELOVED by Him!
My whole family gets into it with excitement whenever we find one! This year the Lord had me give the pennies (and all the change I find) to an inner city ministry that I am part of ... sowing, sowing, sowing! I felt like the widow putting in her two mites, of giving all of what has become so precious to my heart for what they represent!
Blessings, Ann
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 09/12/1999 From: Dodie
I read your first post about the 3 pennies and later that evening I was watching "Decorating Cents" on HGTV. They always have $500.00 to spend on a room. That night they spent $499.97. Yes, 3 cents left over! God got my attention that way.
God's blessings on you...I love your posts! Dodie
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 09/11/1999 From: Joyce
Dear Sandy:
Thank you for adding me to your list. Concerning the pennies, I have not read the penny story, but can say that whenever I see a penny on the floor or ground I often feel convicted or pick it up. Truthfully, I have probably passed up many, but I'm not one to throw them away, and I've had at least some conviction about not letting a penny go to waste, though it seems small. Well, thank you, because you've confirmed to me that God is trying to teach me something, and with His grace, I'll be picking up more pennies!
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 09/11/1999 From: Steve
I really enjoyed this, and I just had to tell you, after I finished reading this, I turned around in my chair and there was a bright, shiny penny on the floor!! I picked it up and I have it sitting beside my computer to remind me of God's promises to me. Wow!
Steve
~~~~~~~~~~ Date: 09/11/1999 From: Karen
Dear Sandy,
Thank you for the parable about the pennies. It brought clear revelation as to what the Lord is doing in my life as He has me picking up pennies and other change as well. Praise the Lord, and thank you that we know He sees even the smallest things. May God bless you and keep you in the shadow of His wings. Love in Christ,
Karen
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 09/11/1999 From: Linda
Morning, Sandy.
Just now was able to read your second mailing on pennies. Thank you so much. I believe God is using you to make me more sensitive to His voice in everyday circumstances. I, too, am being taught about pennies. I mostly find them on the floor of our utility room where they have fallen out of pockets, etc. Almost daily I find them on the kitchen floor where my husband has been a little careless taking them things out of his pockets. Those I am quick to pick up but the ones that are on the floor in the utility room, I am quick to want to sweep up and pitch, thinking it is just a penny, what can a penny do today. Many times, I will feel convicted and cannot pitch that penny out. You are causing me to think and to reflect on what He is saying. Thank you so much.
Blessings, Linda
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 10/03/1999 From: Ada
Dear Sandy,
Thank you so much for these wonderful morsels of encouragement.
I too have been picking up pennies for a long time and putting them in different little piggy banks. I save them for my grandkids. I may not have a lot to leave, but I can encourage them with some of my little penny stories and the little piggy banks I've gathered.
After your story I went to one of the piggy banks and found a very old penny. I immediately thought about how we all get older and sometimes feel discarded, but we have more value than even this penny. God gathers us one by one and saves us and puts us in His eternal bank.
Mighty Blessings to you Ada Arnold
~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 6/16/00 From: Sandee
Hello,
I was just reading the archives of the Elijah List when I ran across your article on the "Three Pennies". It caught my eye because a few years ago the Lord began speaking to me about the importance of pennies and paralleling spiritual lessons also, so when I find one I ALWAYS pick it up no matter where I am. I have noticed how often most people just ignore them even tossing them away as if there is no worth in them.....God sees all kinds of value in the spiritual lessons in pennies.
Sandee
~~~~~~~~~~
46] Rebellion left behind Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
3/2/00
My beloved one. I do forgive you for your rebellions. Yes you have sought the pleasures of carnal flesh to give you self comfort. Yes you sought sweet pleasures that you might feel good. But I have interrupted your pursuit of these, dealt with you and finally revealed to you through your blindness that your disobedience had opened a door to the demonic, as a result of your own choices. I have not only forgiven you, but have also paid a price that you might be redeemed from the persecutions of such behavior.
In the process, you have been raised up within persecutions, gone through the fire and come out the other side of the test. Your rebellion has been purged, and you have passed the testings My love.
Your test results are coming soon. For you have achieved preferred status and rewards are coming for a job well done. You have a right to an abundant life and I will give you your rewards in progressive stages, one at a time, so that you will enjoy each morsel of what is rightfully yours. Many blessings are coming you way.
In the mean time, you have chosen to lay your life down as a sacrifice and share with a multitude, the transparency of your dealings. Thank you for being My role model and pointing the way. I AM using your life and will continue to use your life as you yield to me your weaknesses and trust Me to use you inspite of them.
"Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." (Ps 68:18-19 KJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
47] Purity Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
Purity dwells within the heart, not necessarily outwardly visible. I search the earth for those whose hearts and motives are pure. Your motives are measured by the weight of your love. I place your behavior on one side of the scale and on the other side I place your motives. The motive of love always balances the scales. There is much man deems honorable, yet without love it becomes wood, hay and stubble, and thus the scales are found wanting. A genuine heart is one without guile, who gives honor to Myself and others. A pure heart places love above all other actions and reactions. If you are pure in heart, you shall see My face and know My holy place.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)
~~~~~~~~~~
48] Conscience Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
Keep your conscience void of offense. I placed it within you to be your barometer, your sounding board of My approval or disapproval. Nurture your conscience, and do not grieve it. For in grieving it, in order to cover the pain, you will eventually numb its ability to discern for you, and you will lose this precious gift. You numb your conscience by continual rationalizations. Listen to your thoughts. Inside you wrestle with them over and over again, constantly defending yourself. Listen to how your thoughts compromise the issues. Be wary of this, for your conscience is a very tender gift. If you are faithful and follow My inner nudging, you will be given greater and greater responsibilities and thus rewards.
"And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men." (Acts 24:16)
~~~~~~~~~~
49] Maintaining
Maintenance requires the fruit of temperance by way of My Spirit. This fruition is a natural offspring through your relationship with Me. As you seek to please Me and keep your life in balance, I impart to you the nature of self discipline.
Maintenance is walking in adulthood and maturity where you have learned to be accountable for yourself. Rather than being disciplined, you have learned to discipline yourself. Maintaining what you have fought to obtain, is instilled as a habit through the fighting process.
Do not let your old self rule and fall into lax habits. If you let go of maintaining your own discipline, you not only lose what you have sought to obtain, but you also lose the muscle to maintain it, and thus lose temperance. This loss is the result of letting go of pleasing Me by not walking in the fruit of My Spirit.
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things..." (1 Corinthians 9:25)
~~~~~~~~~~
50] Miscellaneous Words To Ponder
AN ARK IN WINTER Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
Even in the midst of cold circumstances, I promise to protect you. Like Noah, be diligent and prepare an ark. Keep a record of My Words, and use them to build a safe place. For My Words are a strong refuge from any storm. My Words will grasp you safely in an environment of faith. In spite of the howling winds and rain, you will be warmly nestled inside the comfort of My Words.
If you are faithful to build this ark, I will use you to provide shelter for your loved ones. They will be fed and cared for during the winter season. When the winter is over, the rainbow of My promises will shine brightly. You will look back upon the ark of My Words, and know that I have been faithful to keep them safely through to fulfillment.
"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; …" (Hebrews 11:7)
~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHORITY OVER THE ELEMENTS Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
It is time to take your rightful position and practice authority over the elements. For the hour is late, and thus the demonic world will take advantage of every opportunity to wreak havoc in your life. Natural elements, like the wind and the rain, may suddenly become governed by evil supernatural power and energy. You have been given authority to rule over the elements and over the demonic spirits who use them for their own gain.
I AM restoring all that Adam lost in the garden, and you shall once again subdue the earth. I give you dominion. It is yours. Stand firm.
"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it…" (Genesis 1:28)
"And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." (Matthew 8:26)
~~~~~~~~~~
BUILDING AN ARK Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
It was My plan that sent you ahead of your family to the hill of the Lord. Higher and higher you have climbed, each step seemingly in slow motion. In the process, unknown to you, I have sent you ahead to prepare an ark for winter. In the days ahead, you will be given My divine provisions. All that sail with you shall be saved. You and your children, you and your household will be saved.
I send you to unite with kindred hearts, those brave and gallant ones like knights of the round table — servants of sacrifice, bearing arms to serve their King. Like you, they have learned the secret of being carried by the winds of My Spirit. Search for them. They are yielded, flexible to My will, yet with strong and straight arms they send their arrows to the targets. They are consistent in their timely service to their King. Knights in My Kingdom, they are people of vision and power, anchored to My Word, energized by speaking My Words.
In the days to come, those of troubled hearts will find comfort in your Words. For you - My special chosen ones, will dwell safely in the ark you have prepared. And others will find shelter under the covering of your wings and be safe from the coming storm.
"And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." (Malachi 3:17)
~~~~~~~~~~ REJECTION Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
I was rejected. I know the pain. I was sent to My own, and they received Me not. How often I would have gathered them into My arms, to lift up, to comfort, to protect, to enfold. But in their blind pursuits, they would not.
Comfort My people. Raise a standard of nurturing shepherds. Bring them in, bring them to Me. Enfold your arms around My bruised and scattered people. Raise My banner of nurturing love. Let the winds of My Spirit blow waves of nurturing tenderness towards the lost and scattered ones.
Start with the rejected ones. For they have fallen in their pain of shame. They were scattered and have no family pasture. Bring them in. Bring them home. Let My Spirit blow through you and touch My scattered and homeless. Search for them. They dwell in the shadows. Many are numb with pain due to the coldness of isolation. They will not know the true identity of their pain until the thaw begins.
Be there, shepherds of Mine heart. Be there to warm them and comfort them through the thaw. Never let the breath of condemnation touch their shell. Embrace them. Give them My welcome covering and the warmth of My fire. Feed them, fill them. Welcome My rejected Ones...
"...So will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered..." (Ezekiel 34:12)
~~~~~~~~~~
9/24/00 HARVEST SEPARATES FALSE FROM PURE Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
Behold the harvest of all seeds are coming to fruition. It is important that as I send you forth as sheep among the wolves, who appear like sheep, that you discern their difference. You shall know them by their fruits. There is a strange woman anointing that bears the trappings of Egypt’s finery. As the twilight hour emerges, so arises this false anointing with the enticements of the supernatural which also embraces the fruit of this world.
My sheep have been greatly wounded by this false anointing and I want to bring them into a separate pasture and offer them healing by My Presence and My glory. I want to send them winds of refreshment as they repent from their sins of mixture and come to Me for restoration.
Do not fear this rising false anointing. Rather, I want you to recognize it, and pray for those you love. I shall deliver them from this subtle counterfeit as you are willing to stand in the gap for them. For I have given you a blanket to protect those you love and for whom you are standing. In the mean time, I will also bring you to a safe place among My glorious army, dressed in white and made pure and holy and separated unto Me. I shall send you forth in one massive forefront and together you shall collect the end time harvest. And I shall also send the nurturers and they shall raise the young and teach them My Ways.
"He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on the right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." (Matt 25:33-35 NLT)
~~~~~~~~~~
7/9/00 CAST YOUR SEED Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
What comes up, must come down. Even as you have scattered your seed into the winds of My Spirit, and even as it has blown away, to where you do not know… Yes even as your seed lands in other places, the ramifications of your harvest will send vibrations back to your feet. No, you are not dying, this is not dead seed as you suppose. For as those seeds land, vibrant and full of life, they spring forth with joyous praise. They spring forth into many children, passionate worshipers, hungry for everything I have! Their praise shall resound in waves and waves back to you My love. I will send the blessings back to you, of all the seeds you have thrown to Me. It will be like a giant tidal wave of My Presence and glory flooding back to your shore, and you shall rest and receive the bountiful harvest of all that you sacrificed.
"Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days." (Eccl 11:1 NKJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
INHERIT THE PROMISES Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
Who would despise small beginnings? I AM God of the seed. Everything that grows comes from a seed. I have a harvest intended for your life, if you will be willing to go through the process.
First the seed of promise is planted in the willing and yielded soil of the heart. "Now what?" you ask. "It’s dark in here, I can’t see where I am going. It’s cold and isolated. It’s damp." If you will have a little patience, I will shine the warmth of My Son upon you, and His warmth will warm your soul, as you break through your shell and grow roots downward. Look up, rise up, reach up to His warmth, and suddenly you will break through the darkness and into His light. Rejoice as He gives you eyes to see, and warms your heart with His radiant Words. "What now?" as you view this seed of promise. Growth, growth, and more growth as your hungry soul thirsts for living water and finds rich nutrients.
But through it all, the elements come and you begin to feel their resistance as you reach up into the light. The winds blow, storms rage, hot times, cold times, dry times, wet times; your soul becomes weary with the standing. Again I say, if you will have patience in the waiting process, you will live to see the fruit of all the promises I have spoken.
I promise you a fruitful harvest. But it is up to you if that harvest is 30, 60 or 100 fold. How willing are you to receive, how willing are you to stand, how willing are you to wait? A large harvest takes time. And time is My tool to build every fiber into a strong plant, one that is able to endure all that would come against it. If you are willing to be patient and wait, and give Me time, I will bring you all the way into your compete inheritance. All the way, one hundred fold. It is up to you.
"For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it." (Mark 4:28-32)
~~~~~~~~~~
RACE CAR DRIVER Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
You were specially chosen when you were born to be a leader. I raised you with a special touch. There are many ways to raise children, all unique in their own personalities and needs. For you, I chose a blend.
I did not want you to have the will of a mule that must be led with a bit in his mouth. I did not want your attitude like a child’s bumper car, bumping and bouncing off that which is sent its way; the school of hard knocks was not what I desired for you. I did not want a puppet attached with strings to take him where he must go. I did not want your posture to be like a skyscraper shadowing and looking down upon other buildings. Nor did I want your viewpoint like a darkened and lowly cave with only one direction of sight. What did I want? I wanted a son.
I raised you to make choices. I wanted you to learn to discern and thus choose the wise way. If I had made all your choices for you, I would have raised a humble and obedient son, but not one to lead My people. With you, I desired genuine relationship. I wanted to go with you through life in a healthy balance of feedback. I wanted your input as much as you wanted Mine.
I taught you choice by teaching you to negotiate. In teaching you to negotiate, I taught you to find the way out of a maze. I did not want you to go through life thinking there is only one choice. For with every obstacle, there is an alternative when you belong to Me. The enemy would limit your vision in every way, but within Me, there are no limits.
In teaching you to negotiate, I did not mean the school of debate and argument. That attitude is connected with a haughty and independent spirit. In teaching you to choose for yourself, I never desired you would make the choices for yourself and live independently from Me. You once were caught in an entangled web and I delivered you from this spirit of debate. The striving stopped, but not without pain and exhaustion.
I wanted to bring you into a closer relationship with Me. I wanted to bring you into greater depth of discernment. The school of learning to discern is a delicate balance. It is not intended to produce a wooden boy on strings, nor a slave led by chains. It is intended to produce the same kind of humility, but not one without choice. Let us go on a pretend journey in order to better explain where I have already taken you. The school of discernment is in actuality, a school of listening...
Relax, and close your eyes. I want to take your hand and move it. No, I did not say give Me your hand. You can not relax and give Me your hand at the same time. Let Me pick up your hand. Now our hands join and you feel My movement. No, I did not say I wanted YOU to move your hand, I want to move it. You can not allow Me to move it, if you are moving it at the same time. Let’s start over, we are struggling. RELAX. LET GO.
Feel the dead weight of your hand and arm carried in Mine. Listen to My movements. Bow your ear and listen. You can sense the rhythms, the smooth movements, the jerky ones. You can feel the direction I move, the speed, the patterns. You sense that the movements are made with deliberation and care. Practice with your eyes closed.
Now open your eyes and receive your sight. Let us begin again. Relax, feel My movements. You see with your eyes the direction I am moving. No, do not move your hand. Let Me move it. We are still moving in the same direction. You detect a pattern. No, do not move your hand. Though you see where we are going, do not presume or anticipate My movements. Relax, let Me move your hand...I may choose a detour, I may pause, I may speed up the music.
Do you see that it is harder to give Me your dead weight when you have your eyes open? Do you see the skill of "hearing under," and what it takes to train the ear to listen? It takes practice. It is a great strength of the proper kind of humility, of submission. It isn’t a question of control and debate, it is a question of trust and confidence. A true leader learns to lead by following.
I am not desiring a son on strings. I want your will, your feedback, your choices, your perspective on things. But in your future journey, there will be instants when there will not be time for negotiation or spontaneous understanding. The closer you are in listening, the more skilled you will become. The more skilled you become, the faster we will move. But we can not move freely when you stop the flow with endless striving. You have been delivered from a very strong force of debate, but your habit remains. I do not choose for you a bit in your mouth, a whip, or chains. You are far too mature to dwell in that school. I can turn My back on you and give you no answers, but what kind of relationship is that? I want a son.
I understand your habit. It is a conditioned response of years of training in learning to negotiate, to think, to understand, to choose. But let us move on into a more fluid relationship, one where we become one. I will not do this "to" you. It takes two to have this relationship. I need your constant guard over the habit of striving. Listen to your thought life and allow My Spirit to pinpoint areas of debate. Our walk is jerky and will halt our progress until this habit is tempered. I need your will and your effort to temper this. I will not argue with you. I will not give you answers when striving presides. And I will not move forward until this is under your own control and in its proper place. The joy of our relationship is severely constrained as long as there is debate.
I need you. I want you. I want our union to be complete, without flaw. I want us to join together, not only in fellowship, but plan, in bringing My people out of captivity. This can not be accomplished without our unity in a greater dimension than before. Understand where I have brought you, where I am taking you. I need your cooperation. I need you. Bow your ear and listen.
"Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty." (Job 5:17)
~~~~~~~~~~
UNTEACHABLE Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
My bride, I have heard your groaning and sighs for many years over your non-teachable brethren and this day, even now, My Word is dispatched to clear the matter. In your past training and discipline, you did not want to judge any one, rather, you were long suffering towards those who would not listen. I gave you that self restraint.
But your Husband has been sorely chafed by these who would take advantage of your generosity. They say I’ll take five of these, and ten of these while you stand aside and lay your life down. Indeed, they have taken advantage of the King’s generosity. They eat His pie, but do not listen to Him. Yet even now, the Judge’s gavel resounds. "Whatever it takes, do it! Cleanse this house and bring the non-teachable in." I will send this arrow to train the shrews until there is no more rebellion and disobedience. See now what your sighs can do when placed at the feet of the Judge? The matter is finished. Watch it come forth.
"They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof." (Job 24:13)
~~~~~~~~~~
WILDERNESS TRAINING Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
For years you have wandered in the wilderness. Circling in endless paths, seemingly going nowhere. Personal ambitions too heavy to carry have been dropped. Dear possessions have been left by the way side. Like the pioneers of old, your path is scattered with what was left behind. Graves of dead and buried treasures.
What you did not see during those seemingly wasted years is the beauty of character that formed in the making of such a journey. You see what was lost, I see what was gained. My image is pressed upon your heart. Pure and simple, you have become more like Me.
It is not all lost. I have had a destination in mind. Even now I am bringing you to the river Jordan to occupy a new beginning, a new land. Are you ready? Will you cross over? It’s there, waiting for you when your time comes. Think about it.
"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19)
~~~~~~~~~~
1/4/00 THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
This king of fierce countenance is a counterfeit king. He is ruler over many strange spirits in the sky. Fear not My beloved, for he shall be destroyed without the hand of man. The Lord God Jehovah I AM, and it is My hand that shall remove this evil one. You have no reason to worry, for in the blink of an eye, it shall be done.
In the mean time, I AM training you to read the signs. The signs blow in the wind and it is a trained ear that receives them through the senses. For one does not see the wind, but one does sense it. And when you understand, then you shall share your wealth. Yes, you shall feed many and make their hearts happy.
"Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." (Dan 12:10 KJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
4/20/00 CHASTENING BRINGS A LIFE OF PEACE Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
I AM calling you to make a commitment. A commitment of your will, of your purpose to serve Me and allow Me to become Lord of your life. I know your flesh is weak and feeble. But do not look back. Have courage, for My Helper is here. I give you MY Presence and I shall be your support and I will confirm and uphold you. Be comforted with these Words.
Study My Word. Keep My Word. Search My Word and know Me. For I AM training you. You whom I love, I chasten. I say, rewind the old video tapes and put them away. For I will do a new thing in your midst, and that is Ezekiel 44:4! I will bring you to the gate of My Temple. You shall see My glory fill the Temple that is consecrated to Me, and My Presence will be so strong that you shall fall on your face.
How long will you vacillate between two opinions? Carnal choices in your life, open demonic doors. I use these demons to train you with bits in your mouth when you heed nothing else. Praise Me, for I do this in My mercy and love for you. I have passion for the places where you seek another to fill your voids. Be blessed, for blessed are the ones I chasten. Chastening will yield a fruitful life of peace and you will learn to keep your own doors closed against carnal choices. Then keep it closed!
I assure you, I will help you do this as you cooperate with Me. I will help by sending you the rain of My Presence. You will welcome Me and so want to please Me that you will allow nothing to steal the joy of My Presence from your life. And that is My blessing and My mercy. Again I say, blessed is the one I have chastened.
Right now you think that your trials are demonic resistance and they are. However they are allowed by Me so that you will learn to say no to your flesh. The only way you can rebuild your life with peace is with holy living. The building bricks are holiness, and in that lifestyle will I send My Presence to fill your temple.
These holy stones are holy ones that will go in the spirit and power of Elijah. Much gain has come to them through their loss. Much seed has been sown and sprouted. Blessed are they that come in the name of their Lord. They will stay committed and be the leaders of a generation who will face the antichrist. The Father stands as Judge banging His gavel. He is the One and only true God. He alone will these holy ones worship. A stranger they will not follow.
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." (Rev 3:19 KJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
JACOB Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
My special chosen one. You have known the flow of My anointing and My blessing. Why do you persist in striving with Me? In spite of all that you have gone through, you have yet to let go and accept that I AM your God. Yes, I bless My children, yes, I give them good gifts. But I also request they go through the door of the cross and die to their own ambitions and their own interpretations of Who they think I AM.
You wrestle greatly with Me in holding up My good promises as though shaking them in My face. I have heard every word and every thought. You are not arguing with yourself, you are arguing with Me. Let it all go - your doctrines, your interpretations, your philosophies, your stand. Only acknowledge I AM the One Who allows evil to touch your door. I bless and You do not hear. I bring discipline and yet you do not hear My voice. Your continual arguments stand between us. Stop your striving, die to your beliefs about Me and give Me room.
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." (Job 13:15)
~~~~~~~~~~
MAINTAINING Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
Maintenance requires the fruit of temperance by way of My Spirit. This fruition is a natural offspring through your relationship with Me. As you seek to please Me and keep your life in balance, I impart to you the nature of self discipline.
Maintenance is walking in adulthood and maturity where you have learned to be accountable for yourself. Rather than being disciplined, you have learned to discipline yourself. Maintaining what you have fought to obtain, is instilled as a habit through the fighting process.
Do not let your old self rule and fall into lax habits. If you let go of maintaining your own discipline, you not only lose what you have sought to obtain, but you also lose the muscle to maintain it, and thus lose temperance. This loss is the result of letting go of pleasing Me by not walking in the fruit of My Spirit.
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things..." (1 Corinthians 9:25)
~~~~~~~~~~
THOUGHT LIFE Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
The enemy would seek to erode any given environment. Take effort to nurture your thought life with creativity birthed from My Spirit. Use discipline to turn from thoughts not edifying. At the same time, search Me to view that thought from My perspective. You’ll be surprised what I can reveal to you if you give Me this time.
I will give you guidance, wisdom, understanding, revelation, peace, freedom, deliverance and anything you need in one flash moment of remembrance of Me. I AM with you always, but I do not control. You give Me access by recognition of My silent Presence. It is in the brief moments of every day that our joy will be more complete if you can retrain your thinking to include Me.
This is not something you can do on your own, for it takes two of us to have a relationship. I need your effort and you need My help to establish this practice.
There are seasons and times when I draw close to My people. I want to draw closer to you and will place in you My yearning to draw closer to Me. If you give heed to My gentle call we will be given many precious bursts of life together in a new and meaningful way. I await your responses.
"Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ..." (2 Corinthians 10:5)
~~~~~~~~~~
OVERCOME THE APPETITES OF THE WORLD Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
I know that you are battle weary and gun shy. You wince at each sound, wondering if it is another round of bullets. Relax, this is Me speaking. I AM asking you to stop wrestling with Me on this issue of holy living.
Yes, continue to remain upright, standing against the enemy. He seeks to accuse you in your every weakness. I AM a Holy God and I have not changed. To walk the pathway, the highway of holiness and remain safe from the enemy, you must keep watch on your own appetites. "Put a knife to your throat if you be a vessel given to appetite." [Pro. 23:2] Instead have passion for Me and I will fill your cravings. If you continue to wrestle Me in this, the holy calling will become wounded and suffer shame and pain. The enemy is accusing day and night. It is up to you to stand in Me and keep your conscience void of offense and give him no extra ammunition.
Do you think you can arrive at a holy life without Me? It is impossible. But I still want your best effort and your own self discipline, so that I do not have to discipline you. I place before you the Mountain of your own weakness so that you will learn it is only at My feet that there is deliverance from your flesh. I have called you to divine visitation. Only keep diligent watch upon your flesh as you wait. Climb upon the holy highway and stay there.
"And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite." (Prov 23:2)
~~~~~~~~~~
4/5/00 RESTORING THE SONS OF COMPROMISE Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
You ask what is going on and why are these difficulties happening? I have not changed, and I still discipline whom I love. Ask Me, pray and seek My face and I will answer you. I will give you understanding to where your eyes are blinded to the rebellions within your own heart.
Yes, I have called you to be My warrior and fight the lies and deceptions of the enemy. But you become wounded if you fight fire with fire. Let go of the road to carnality, let go of the fleshly comforts that do not edify. Let go of the idolatrous sins of worldly entertainment and do not be caught naked in the land of the enemy. For I give you weapons that are mighty, but they are not effective when you partner in the very sins you are opposing! Your compromise and the same sins of your forefathers have caused an entire generation to miss My glory. I had to depart, for I could not dwell in the house of worldly fantasy.
Scores of loved ones watch from above as you bravely stand against this carnal one. They have rejoiced for your faithful stand knowing that at the obedience of one righteous, the same glory that departed, will come again. Now you have many children standing and waiting with you, My love. For I AM restoring Eli, the son of compromise. No longer will they tolerate unholy living. You and your children shall indeed see My glory.
"Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?" (James 4:4-5 NKJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
4/14/00 SURGERY IN THE STORM Word to Ponder given to Sandy Warner
One by one you come out of rough waters. Clean, washed clean from the waves. And the troubled waters became still. It was My work. I sent the storm to serve My purpose and you knew it not. But now you see, for within its midst you cried out to Me and finally yielded. You said, "Not my will, but Thine be done." And I heard. And I drew you out.
Now after the surgery of yielding your carnal ways, what now? Under the stormy waters I built a fine foundation. An apostolic one, a holy one, prepared and ready for service. This mantle, and the authority that comes with it is yet hidden. I AM keeping it for the 11th hour. In the mean time, We will circle and gather more who are yet striving with Me in the rough waters. They cling to their lives as though it will save them. I give them additional time to come out.
"Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me." (Ex 4:25 KJV)
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
