Discipline and Encouragement
Hi Friends,
This past week has been exciting with two great answers to prayer. One of my prayer partners just received two very good job offers. The one she decided to take, had the Lord’s signature on it! When we started praying for a new job, she did not know that two years prior, her former boss wanted to offer her a position, but had difficulty finding her. What a wonderful blessing to know that someone appreciates our work and is willing to go the extra mile to find us. God’s timing is always best.
Another prayer partner, whose husband had prostate cancer, has now been cancer free for two years. God is good. When we receive answers to prayers we should share with others to encourage them to keep praying until something happens!
When we come to the realization God wants to save, heal, and deliver - all people in all circumstances, then we simply come into agreement with the Lord. (There is an exception and it is “sickness unto death.” God can choose to heal as he did for Hezekiah, giving him 15 more years. But there is an appointed day for each person to die.) When we come into agreement with the Lord’s will that all would be saved, that all would be delivered, and that all would be healed, we know that what we pray for is his perfect love in action. Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” John 5:19
That is really a key to having faith. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit gets stirred up in us, and he pours out a supernatural faith that causes us to believe for miracles. The result is powerful, and full of God’s glory. Hallelujah! The more time we spend with the Lord, the more the Lord will trust us with his authority and power.
The visions I am sharing today, are for instruction, for believers. The Lord loves us as we are, but wants us to grow and to change. “The Lord disciplines those whom he loves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:12
This is a three part vision:
First I saw a shanty on the sand, near the ocean’s edge. It had a shed roof with the taller side of the house treated with creosote (a distilled coal tar product that preserves wood from pests, molds, fungi and wood rot). The shorter side of the house and its two ends are finished with white siding above and grey driftwood siding below. The house was oriented perpendicularly to the water’s edge, about 100 feet from the shore.
Next I recognized the letter A, written in my own handwriting. The A was surrounds by two concentric circles.
Then I saw a cube with a bright light coming from the lower edge of the cube. The light is bright and it spreads out in all directions.
This is what I believe the vision means:
The shanty
The house was placed on the sand near the water’s edge. This reminds me of the Lord’s parable: “A foolish man builds his house upon the sand.” But the Lord was not just saying “Don’t be foolish - find somewhere else to build your house.” He was using the misplacement of the house as an example of foolishness, in order to make a point. It was about the importance of his teachings, to take his words of instruction to heart. “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:26-27
The shanty’s tallest side was covered in creosote. This is yet another sign of foolishness. Creosote preserves wood from rot and pests, so it appears that the builder of this house was at least thinking of preservation. However, creosote is so harmful to the body that it is unfit for home construction. It is fine for telephone poles and railroad ties that are exposed to wood rot and pests. Working with creosote and disposing of treated wood, is dangerous. Cutting it, burning it and burying it - all have ill effects. Toxic gases are given off when cutting. More powerful chemicals are created when it is burned, and when it is buried, it contaminates groundwater.
The upper portion of the remaining sides of the house was white siding. Here again, I am reminded of yet another scripture: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean.” Matthew 23:27
The white siding was on three sides of the house where it would normally be seen from the street. The back of the house was in creosote, an ugly black finish. We want others to see our “good side.” We want others to note our abilities, our talents, our intelligence, or our attractiveness. We want to hide anything about us that is not admirable. The Lord referred to the Pharisees as hypocrites because they were giving people a false impression of who they really were. The airs or put-on’s were merely to impress others. This is also foolishness: because Jesus points out that “They have received their reward in full.” Matthew 6:16 The honor they sought to win, was all they were to receive. There would be no eternal value for their actions.
The lower portion of the exterior walls was made of driftwood. Each piece of driftwood is unique. They differ in species of wood, and place of origin. After catastrophic events like hurricanes, or heavy storms, the accompanying high winds, topple trees. Those trees, branches, logs, and lumber falling near rivers, and flooded areas eventually find themselves in the open waters of the ocean. Some driftwood, may have come from wooden ships broken apart by the waves. Once these pieces of wood are set adrift, they are carried by currents to far off waters and eventually washed ashore. We can find driftwood along the coast of any and every continent.
What seems remarkable, is that after being beaten, and battered for months or years, driftwood may find its final place of rest as a decorative object, a piece of furniture, or artwork. (The Inuit people used driftwood in making kayaks.)
It is equally remarkable, how God uses hardship and trials to create something beautiful in us. “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4
We are made in the image of God, but his character is formed in us one day at a time. We overcome difficulties and trials with the word of God and with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Lord shows us his mercy in our trials, by sending his Holy Spirit. “...to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:2-3
If we look at the shanty or house in total, we see that whoever was the builder was concerned for appearances. The white siding shows the builder to have a desire to appear holy or righteous. The driftwood grey in color, could also represent wisdom. So the driftwood, could be considered a thing of beauty and wisdom, But we must keep in mind that these finishes are only placed on the three visible sides of the house, as merely a facade. So in effect, wisdom, beauty, holiness, and righteousness are facades, made to look good.
The creosote, quite ugly in appearance, was used to face the back side of the house, but because the builder placed his house perpendicular to the water’s edge, it is not hidden from view. Furthermore, the house was placed on the beach, no less than 100 feet from the water. Truly this is foolishness at it worst.
So knowing God’s word but not putting it into practice, is sheer foolishness. Unfortunately, if one is unaware of this - failure and destruction are certain outcomes.
The Letter A
The next part of the vision showed a handwritten capital A, written in script. (My children would call it ”cursive.”) There were two concentric circles surrounding the letter. I knew right away what I believed the Lord was showing me. My name begins with the letter A. If I am represented by the letter A, for Amelia, then I am in the center of “my world” and everything, (the two concentric circles), revolves around me. This is not a good testimony about myself. This is the epitome of self-centeredness. Pretty bad - Pretty pathetic…. I know I have told you before that the Lord said to me, “I keep my angels around you, but you go your own way!” I guess, I am self-centered, or egocentric. I am ashamed.
I tell myself all the time, “You are not your own, you were bought at a price.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 We are not captains of our own ships, as we sometimes think. No, not at all. Not if we belong to the Lord. He is God. He is king. And, He is the boss.
Do you remember what the vision above referred to? “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:26-27
So it is foolish to disregard or minimize God’s instruction through his words and his revelations to us. If he points out something that needs to change: an attitude, (self-centeredness), a priority, a point of view, a bad habit, a lifestyle sin……... then it would behoove us to change.
When God becomes the center of your life, everything changes. What I want, what makes me happy, what pleases me, what is important to me all changes. We draw close to God and ask him, What should I do? How can I please you? What is most important to you? How would you like me to see this?
The focus changes. suddenly our priorities become God first. Our families needs, hopes, desires, plans etc. take a second place to God. Then after this would come our work, our jobs, and our employment. Suddenly life becomes more simple. The Lord said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Regarding priorities the Lord made another essential statement: “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:37
The Cube
The vision of the box or cube with light emanating from its base, I believe represents an invitation. Light is synonymous with God. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
The cube is a geometric shape with six sides. The Biblical meaning of the number 6 is “Man, and man’s weakness. It represents man’s existence without God, and so his work is less than perfect, or incomplete.
But there was a great light coming from within the cube. I believe the cube and its light also represent the believer that is born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. The cube itself was dark, but the light was brilliant.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Light also refers to revelation. wisdom, and knowledge. These are things which also are sourced in God. When the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, light, revelation, wisdom and knowledge become available. Once again, it is about seeking, searching, and actively engaging God, that these gifts, and treasures are revealed and given to us. So this is an invitation. If you want more of God, seek him and ask him to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit and with Fire!
“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.” Luke 11:10-13
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13
Jesus would like all believers to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit. His last words to his disciples were these: “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5
When I see this vision, I believe that not only do we receive revelation, wisdom, and knowledge, but we receive also the power to testify, to heal the sick, to cast out demons and to raise the dead. The Lord promised us that, “whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:12-14
God is simply inviting us to go deeper with him. It is in intimacy with the Lord, where we gain understanding of God’s heart and his ways. It is in a close relationship with him that he shares his love for others, with us.
If we want a deeper relationship with the Lord, we need to seek him. For an increased desire for his presence, his word and to live for him, comes with the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. All you need to do is ask - ask to be baptized with fire and the Holy Spirit. This baptism is given to us, so that we can move in the Lord’s power: power to overcome the trials and tests of life, to overcome our flesh and its desires, and to have the power to witness and preach the gospel to the lost. With the Holy Spirit’s power, we can believe for miracles, signs and wonders, that are to accompany the preaching of salvation and his kingdom.
If you have already received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, but have not walked in the Lord’s power, God may be asking you to fast, or to get up in the night to pray. Have you made yourself available to God? Are you putting him first in your life, or has he taken 2nd or 3rd place in your busy schedule? Are you obedient to what he has called you to do? Is there compromise in your life? Perhaps you need to ask him: “Lord, will you use me for your glory?”
God’s invitation is for all to come to him, not for what he can give you, but so you can know his heart. The Lord wants you to seek his face, not just his hands.
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes, take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelations 22:17
“Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me.” Revelations 3:20
“Taste and see that the Lord is good!” Psalm 34:8
Be blessed today! And be a blessing too! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Please share this message with a friend if you have been blessed! Thanks!
