A New Day
Hi Everyone,
I am sharing a vision that I have prayed about much. I hope you will benefit by its message, for it is speaking of a new season. God is doing a new thing, he is beginning a shaking that will start at the household of God. These are sober times, not a time to be complacent or distracted. It is a time to draw close to the Lord and gain insight into what he is doing. It is time to separate from anything that holds back our devotion to God and causes us to compromise with the world’s values.
The Vision
I was in a car off to the side of road, wanting to make a left hand turn onto a four lane road. All four lanes were going in the same direction, however, I needed to be in the far right hand lane, and in order to get into that lane, I had to cross three lanes of traffic. I can’t imagine why I needed to be in the far lane, except that there may have been an exit that was coming up soon. But whatever the reason, I was able to make it across all lanes.
Then I saw a long 24” zipper attached to a fabric garment. First I saw it being zipped all the way closed. Then I saw the zipper being yanked on and ripped from the garment. It left a grey strip, the length of the zipper, where it had been attached. It must not have been sewn in, but put in with Velcro or perhaps an adhesive, because it became detached too easily, for it to have been sewn in.
Next I saw a small square calendar, resembling 3.5” x 3.5” “post it notes.” The calendar is displayed on a small easel. The first page says April first, then the page is peeled off from right to left and exposes the next date which is April second.
Then I saw a small rectangular “homemade” sachet, like one my daughter would have made as a young girl. It was made of a colorful print with turquoise blue, among other colors. It was displayed on a small white shelf and lit from above. It is rectangular in shape resembling a small pillow, 2” x 4” x ¾”.
Next I saw a small pile of clean white clothes. Within the pile was a white shirt which was pulled from the pile and held in front of me. I saw a gold emblem or design on the front of the shirt, just to the left of center. The gold design had swirling lines, similar to an ornate monogram. However, I could not see a letter that I would have recognized.
Then I saw a white tube with a red cap in the bottom of a woven straw colored basket. There were several papers and a few other items in the basket. These items concealed the lower portion of the tube, so only about two inches of the tube and cap were visible.
What I believe the vision means.
The Four Lane Road
The road was four lanes wide and every lane going in the same direction. I wanted to cross over the first three lanes, and enter the far right lane. It must have been that I wanted to exit immediately, for any of the other lanes would have been far more convenient. There were not many cars on the road, so I don’t believe this was “the road that leads to destruction, (for many find it.”) Matthew 7:13 Nor do believe this to be “the narrow road that leads to life, (because only a few find it.”) Matthew 7:14
I believe that this is the road of mediocrity. No one is driving fast, not much is happening on the road. This is not the road to travel on, but it is the road we must cross over, and leave behind. Mediocrity will get us “nowhere” fast.
The Lord hates mediocrity: The Lord says, “So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelations 3:16
The hot ones are those who are pursuing him, seeking the kingdom and his righteousness. They are the ones of whom God will say, “Well done good and faithful servant, you have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23
The cold ones are those who could care less about God, or anything having to do with Jesus or even the church. They freely admit, that they have no time for such “nonsense.” The Lord will see to their fate: "And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30
But the lukewarm, Jesus grieves over. “How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks, under her wings, but you were not willing.” Luke 13:34
It is a pity. The Lord wants everyone to love him, as he loves those he has created. But he gives us freewill. We have the freedom to love him and obey him gladly, and we have the freedom to blaspheme his name. We also have the freedom to give lip service. “They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely rules taught by men.” Matthew 15:8-9
The Zipper
A zipper is considered a closure. It opens and it closes. It keeps two sides together that would otherwise not be joined. The zipper represents both unity and separation, and at the same time opportunities and closed doors. We are all given choices. We can choose to be united with the body of Christ, and we can choose to divide and go our separate ways. Sometimes when we are reluctant to change, or fail to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, God may step in and bring about the change he wants to see.
I believe that the zipper started in a half open position. It was neither entirely open nor entirely closed. But God stepped in and closed the zipper, and then ripped the whole zipper out of its place. The fact that the zipper, came off the garment easily, meant that it was purposefully attached in a temporary fashion, knowing that at some point in time, it would need to be removed. The action of ripping however, was a hard, violent action. And it left its mark behind.
The zipper can represent several things. It can represent judgment against a nation. For example the Lord weighed the Babylonian king, Belshazzar, on his “moral scale,” and found him wanting, so overnight, the Babylonian king was slain and the Medes and Persians took over. This is why we pray for the leaders in our nation. We pray that they would be directed by the Lord himself, and that we would “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:2
The zipper could represent judgment within the local church body. The Lord spoke to the seven churches in the book of Revelations, saying that if they did not repent, that he would remove their lamp stands. Today there are many churches closing across America. I believe now is a fine time to pray for revival. We need God’s blessing on the American churches, but that blessing may be contingent on seeking God earnestly, and turning to him with repentant hearts.
In the vision, the zipper was ripped from the fabric. The zipper left a long mark behind, that was the color grey. Grey can represent, “destruction, purification, mourning, and repentance.” God wants a holy church, and he will do whatever it takes. I believe that both our nation, and the churches across America are going to experience a shaking. It will probably be described with those very four words: "destruction, purification, mourning, and repentance."
When God gives us messages, they are not always received. Yet the Lord wants us to be obedient. Many of the prophets in the past were killed because of their messages. John the Baptist lost his head over his message to Herod. And Christians today, must stand up for what they believe. Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” John 15:20
When Jesus faced opposition, he spoke fearlessly, “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word.” John 8:37
And, when Paul met with opposition, the Lord decided to remove him. “Quick! He said, ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’” Acts 22:18
The Calendar
The calendar was on a small easel. The first page showed “April 1,” which is Easter. It is the day of the Lord’s resurrection. It was the first day of the new covenant. The new covenant, holds the promise of eternal life, for all those who acknowledge the cross, and the Lord’s atoning sacrifice for their sins. This covenant is for or those who choose Jesus - their Lord, their Savior, and their God and King. Jesus was the first to be resurrected from the dead - And we like him will be raised from death to everlasting life.
The first page of the calendar was peeled off and the next day, April 2, was displayed. April 2, happens to be my birthday. For me this represents a new day, a new year, and a new season. God is bringing the supernaturally, born again believer, into a new day. This means new beginnings, new opportunities and new ministries. These are plans the Lord will bring about, once the tearing away has been accomplished.
We must pray for God to have his way in our nation and in our churches. If we want to see revival, then we must pray for changed hearts. We must start with ourselves, to experience a personal revival. When there is a true inner revival, Jesus becomes our joy and our song. He is the one in whom we delight. Our thoughts are of him throughout the day. We talk with him often, and we ask for his opinion, and for his favor. He gives us peace and divine rest. We accomplish much with less time, for he works to make our paths straight, and he is our rear guard!
So we pray for a new day for our nation, to return to the Lord in repentance. We pray that justice and mercy, truth and goodness will flow as a river and that the people of our country will again say, “In God we trust!”
The Sachet
The sachet is resting on a small white shelf. It is lit from above. I asked myself, “Why would anyone put a small sachet on display?” A sachet is meant to be placed in a drawer where its fragrance perfumes a woman’s clothing. If the sachet were on display in a large room, its fragrance would be so subtle, as to go unnoticed.
We are to be like the sachet, not on display, but to be hidden in Christ! We are to bring glory and honor to God. "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them, If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven." Matthew 6:1
On this same theme, we need to pray behind the scenes, Jesus spoke of this in his sermon on the mount. “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:5-6
We are like the sachet, hidden in a drawer. When we pray to the Father in the secret place, we become the fragrance of God. When we are on display, to be noticed by others, the fragrance of Christ is no longer there. It is simply the smell of flesh, that is exalting itself above God. This is a stench to him. So let us be careful how we do anything, just as Jesus said about giving: "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." Matthew 6:3 When we humble ourselves, and conform to the Lord's will, he will be exalted!
What should others see in us? The light within. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
What is the difference? We are to display the glory of God, and not display our own “holiness,” for we have none of our own! It is only the Holy Spirit living within each of us, that is holy!
The White Shirt
The white shirt was hidden in the small pile of clean laundry. It was pulled out and was held up in front of me, so that I could see the emblem, or monogram. The gold design was placed on the front of the shirt, to the left of center, over the heart. The shirt represents the white robes of believers. “Yet you have few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.” Revelations 3:4-5
The gold design, I believe, is a monogram of the Lord’s name. I did not recognize any symbol or letter, but somehow I believe it to be his own signature. “I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.” Revelations 3:12
“When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession -- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
We are Christ’s own. We belong to him, and just as an animal is branded with the symbol of its owner, we carry the seal of the Lord, over our hearts. We freely give ourselves to the Lord, and he makes us his treasured possession.
The Tube and its Red Cap
The tube of ointment was placed in a natural straw basket. The red cap and part of the white tube was visible among the papers and other items in the basket. I believe that the red cap represents the blood of Jesus. It is "by his wounds you are healed." 1 Peter 2:24
The ointment is perhaps a healing balm or anointing oil. "Is anyone of you is sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.” James 5:14-15
The basket represents the world of medicine and healing. The papers are the research of scientists and doctors - the wisdom of men as it is applied to health and healing. The items in the basket, may be folk remedies, or medicines and therapies. But what was in the center of the basket and partially hidden was the tube of ointment or oil.
The Lord’s healing is available to those who believe. Somehow, it is not the first choice for many, but often the last choice in a person’s search for healing. Why do we not go to God first? Our independence and stubbornness may cause us to believe or say, “I got this one! If I need your help, I’ll ask for it!” This attitude comes from a lack of trust in the Lord, or comes by not having a close relationship with God.
If one has nothing more than a headache or a splinter, then it is a simple matter to be quickly remedied. But when cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease or a major chronic condition manifests or persists, then we turn to God.
As this part of the vision relates to the whole, I believe that God wants us to be volunteers of his power. He wants us to bring out the oil and pray for the sick, whenever there is an opportunity. We need to act in faith for the glory of God to be seen. “And these signs and wonders will follow those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mark 16:17-18
In Summary
God is asking us to cross over to the side of belief, and to avoid the trap of mediocrity. He wants us to be ready to move out in faith, and be separate from the world. We are called to pray for our churches and our nation that they would not fall into judgment. And we must be willingly to separate from things and people that the scripture clearly demands.
Let's embrace God's directives, and enter a new season with confidence that he is with us. We are to seek intimate fellowship with God in the secret place. When we spend time with him, we will become the fragrance of Christ.
The Lord has written his name on us. We belong to him, having been bought with his blood and sealed with the Holy Spirit. “For you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelations 5:9
And Lastly, God wants us to demonstrate his power to heal the sick. Through faith in the Word, “by his stripes we are healed,” and by anointing with oil, and praying in the name of Jesus, we will see miracles, signs, wonders and the glory of God!
I hope and pray that you encourage others to seek God with all their heart. Perhaps we will see revival in our churches, in our nation and in our families, as we place God in the highest place. “That at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!” Philippians 2:10
And we all said “AMEN!!”
