Pride and Obedience
Hi Friends,
Today I am sharing about a six piece vision. It covers several topics: Authority, Forgiveness, Obedience, and Pride.
The vision begins:
First I saw myself serving a green salad from a large bowl. I used tongs and served a generous amount into the first bowl. As I began to fill the second bowl, I saw that there was only a very small portion left in the serving bowl. There was not enough to put into a third bowl, and the remaining amount would not have even filled the second bowl.
Next I saw a waiter in a fine restaurant, wearing a white apron. He had just finished packing a large paper bag with handles for someone to take as a carry out order. The front face of the bag had a two dimensional map of the world.
Then I saw a black and white film clip of two boxers in a boxing ring. Their arms were up protecting their chest and face. They were “dancing” around the ring. No one had yet laid a punch on the other.
Then I saw a hamburger with its lower bun. Too much ketchup was being poured out onto the top of the hamburger.
Next I saw a soldier who was highly decorated. He was perhaps a general. I only saw the torso of the person. There were two full collections of ribbons on the uniform, the first collection was on the person’s right side high on the chest and the second started about 2-3 inches below the first group of ribbons. Suddenly there was a quick jerk on lower part of the jacket causing all the ribbons in the second collection to fall off. Immediately the dress uniform was changed into army fatigues.
The last part of the vision must be most important, because God showed it to me three times, for I had nearly forgotten it. I saw a blue electronic button, with a black rim or ring around it, It was not attached to anything. It was completely wireless.
The meaning of the vision as I believe it to be:
The Salad
In the salad bowl, there was a large serving of salad. It looked as if it could easily fill three to four bowls. As I used the tongs, I overfilled the first bowl, so that it was piled much higher than the rim of the bowl. In the next bowl I put in average amount of salad. However, I was surprised to find that there was not enough left to fill a third bowl.
Now I know that I could have easily rearranged the contents of the bowls to make three reasonably full bowls. But I was surprised, that the large quantity of salad that I had originally, did not fill at least three bowls, if not four. The salad seemed to have disappeared, even taking into account that I had overfilled the first bowl.
What happened in the vision, reminded me of the passage in Haggai: “Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.’ This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways...You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house.’” Haggai 1: 5-7,9
I expected there to be more salad, but there was not enough. It seemed to have disappeared. When we are asked to give careful thought to our ways, God is asking us to look at our priorities. In this passage, the people who received lumber to rebuild the temple of the Lord, decided to build houses for themselves first, and even paneled them, because the lumber was so plentiful. However, the lumber was to be used to build the temple, and the Lord was angry with them. “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come for the Lord’s house to be built.’” Haggai 1:2
God is displeased when we spend our money on pleasures and luxuries and yet are unconcerned about what pleases him. Jesus tells this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’”
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21
I believe this vision is meant as a wake-up call for us to check our priorities. Are we generous towards God, or are we spending what we have on ourselves? God will provide for us when we make his priorities ours. “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10
The Waiter
A waiter is one who serves, or waits on others. The waiter in the vision, wore an apron, reminding me of Jesus acting as a servant washing the disciples feet. Jesus taught his disciples with parables, and examples. And In this case, he demonstrated his love to them, through his actions. "so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that , he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet. drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:4-5
Peter was too self-conscience, and embarrassed to have the Lord wash his feet. But the Lord answered his objection, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." John 13:8
'Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.'" John 13:14-15
In the vision, the waiter held a bag of food for a carry out order. On the bag was a map showing the world in 2-D. I believe the bag and the map show that the Lord's desire is to feed the world. Jesus is caring, and full of love for all people. He fed the four thousand on one occasion, and a group of five thousand on another occasion. "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way." Matthew 15:32
But as much as he is concerned for their physical well being, he is even more concerned for their salvation. That is why he said, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35
It is also why Jesus told Peter to "Feed my sheep." John 21:17 He was not asking him to actually feed them with food, but instead to fill them with "The Bread of Heaven," and with the Word of God. This command was really a commissioning to Peter to be an apostle. “Then he said to him, 'Follow me!'" John 21:19
This same command he gave to all believers as he departed from us. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18
The Two Fighters
The scene of two fighters in the boxing ring, was shown in black and white, rather than full color. At first I thought that the fighters represented good and evil. But as I prayed about the fight, I saw that there was no real, perceptible difference between the two fighters. Everything was mostly grey tones, not sharp contrasts of black and white. I believe that the fighters were ordinary people, perhaps those of us in the church. Neither was better than the other. But, where there are people - there will be conflicts. No two people are alike, and no two people think the same way or share the very same values. Conflict is inevitable.
How are we to deal with conflict in the church? Are we just to get angry and vow to never speak to them again? Are we to tell our side of the story to everyone we know in the church that will listen? Are we to gossip, or spread rumors about the other person? Or should we take our offense to the Pastor and ask him to resolve it? What does the Word tell us about the appropriate action to take?
“Therefore, If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
“If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints?” 1 Corinthians 6:1
“Therefore, if you have a dispute about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church.” 1 Corinthians 6:4
“Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.” 1 Corinthians 6:7-8
One way to resolve a conflict is through prayer. Ask God to change your heart. And ask God to help you forgive them, "Forgive them Father for they no not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34 In this way, you do not become bitter or resentful and risk bondage due to your in ability to forgive. Next time you see a conflict, help your brothers to forgive each other. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
The Hamburger and Ketchup
The hamburger on a bun was ordinary, nothing special about it. The ketchup was ordinary as well. However, as I saw the ketchup being poured out, it seemed to be way too much. I would have yelled, “Stop!” if that were actually taking place in real life.
What I believe the scene depicts is a manner of behavior that I would call, “majoring on the minors.” The ketchup is meant to be an enhancement, or flavor-accent for the hamburger. But what is seen is reversed. One might jokingly say: “Do you want a little hamburger with your ketchup?” What should be minor in substance, (the ketchup), becomes the primary focus. And what is normally considered the major element, (the hamburger), is overshadowed by that which should be smaller and less significant.
From God’s perspective, we can “strain out a gnat and swallow a camel.” Matthew 23:24 We can give our attention to a particular teaching, from the Bible, and make it the hallmark of our faith. For example, Some people could place the focus on a particular teaching, say the observance of the Sabbath, and worship on Saturdays, rather than Sundays. Another group may think that women should wear only dresses and hats, so that becomes the distinguishing feature for a church. God wants us to focus on the major concepts of his teaching and let the disputable things remain between the individual and God.
“So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” Romans 14:22
These are Biblical examples the Lord gives:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-- Justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” Matthew 23:23-28
The Lord hates hypocrisy. And the Lord wants us to know that going our own way, majoring on minor things, and foregoing the more important things does not make him happy.
I understand that these visions may carry strong messages, but God loves us and wants none to perish. I had a close sister in the Lord who read a few of my posts, and then asked me, “Why do you not have anything good to say? Why are these messages so hard? Doesn’t God ever give you anything positive to say? I think your messages should be balanced.” "Where is the grace?"
After receiving this criticism, I took it to the Lord. I happened to have a favorite book of devotions in my hands at the time, so I asked God to show me how I should receive this criticism, and how did he feel about it.
This is what he showed me: “I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was…” Galatians 1:1:16
“Beware when you want to “confer with flesh and blood.” or even your own insights, or understandings--anything that is not based on your personal relationship with God. These are all things that compete with and hinder obedience to God.” (My Utmost For His Highest, March 30).
In effect, what God said to me, was to not be concerned for the comments, but be faithful to write what he was showing me. Through the Word of God, occasionally through his voice, and more often through these visions, he expresses himself. At first glance, these words seem hard, but it is his love for us, and his desire that none would be lost, that these warnings, strong statements and messages are given. It is not through our striving that we can simply live a godly life, but it is in fellowship with the Spirit of God that lives within each of us, that allows us to "live and move and have our being in him." Acts 17:28
Highly Decorated Army Man
The torso of the dress uniform was all that was seen. There were two groupings of medals or ribbons. One large group of ribbons was placed high on the right side of the chest, and another large group of ribbons was placed about 3”below the others. Someone grabbed the lower edge of the jacket and gave it a quick jerk and the lower group of ribbons fell off. When this happened, the uniform changed from the dress uniform to a camouflage field uniform.
As I have prayed about this, asking God what this part of the vision represents, I finally received the meaning. The dress uniform represents pride. An officer, so highly decorated, wears all of his accomplishments, and awards for everyone to see. Everyone who meets him, can readily see that he is a man of action, a man of success, a man of influence and power. He is a man who carries authority. Those who meet him might feel humbled in his presence. The ribbons are like trophies, awards and citations given him for service to his country. These create pride, loyalty, and ambition to perform even more heroic feats.
It says in the Word, that “God resists the proud but give grace to the humble.” James 4:6
In the vision, the jacket is shaken and the medals and ribbons fall off. In that same moment the dress uniform is replaced by army fatigues. I believe that it was God who shook the jacket, and removed the ribbons.
The ribbons falling can represent a demotion. A prideful person, may use his authority and power to have his way with other people. As I was praying about this vision, I thought of what a demotion represents. While reading of recent demotions, I discovered that many high ranking military men have abused their authority, and used their power to gain (sexual favors) from military women of lower rank. By these abuses, these high ranking officers have been demoted two and even three levels. The demotion is a direct hit to their pride and to their pay. God can exalt the humble and God can bring down the prideful!
Nebuchadnezzar, a king who personally experienced the power of God to humble man, said in praise to God, “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’ At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” Daniel 4:35-37
The dress uniform was changed to army fatigues. A soldier’s everyday clothes are the fatigues, because he needs to be ready for battle. A military man practices drills, that prepare him for war, so that he is ready when the order comes.
As Christians, we also need to be battle ready. When we realize that there is a constant battle raging in the heavens, we should be at our stations, praying continually, and praying in the Spirit. We may not wear army fatigues, but we are encouraged to put on the full armor of God. We carry the word of God as our sword, and the shield called “Faith.” We place on our heads the helmet of salvation, and on our chests, the breastplate of righteousness. Our feet are shod with the readiness of the Gospel, and we cannot forget the belt of Truth.
No one enters a battle, carrying all his trophies, awards and ribbons. These objects of pride must be put down, or else they will bring about one's defeat. If we are prideful when we pray, God will not listen to our prayers. If we are prideful when we are praying for deliverance the Lord will see to it that the enemy gets the upper hand. God will not fight on our behalf if we are relying on ourselves, our talents, and our abilities.
There is no place for ribbons and the dress uniform in the army of God. If we want God’s help to win the battles, we must know that even the battles, do not belong to us. Everything, including the battles, belong to God. There is no place for pride in the Christian heart.
“Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” 1 Peter 5:5
The Button
For me it was worth noting that God had to show me the button three times. Because it is small, I could have overlooked this piece of the vision. This week, in a hospital parking garage, I saw a button very similar to the one in the vision. It was on the entrance gate to the garage. By pushing the button, a ticket was dispensed, and the gate raised to allow entrance.
I believe that the button represents our prayers to the Lord. In the vision, the button was the color blue, which often represents God. In the parking garage the button lifted the gate and made a way to enter. Through prayer, and with humility, we connect with God. The Lord may respond to us as the king responded to Esther. “When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.” Esther 5:2-3
However, when we are disobedient or are living in sin, the gate can be closed. The Lord waits for us to ask for forgiveness. When we truly humble ourselves and seek the Lord’s pardon, he lifts the gate and invites us to enter his presence.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4
This message has been one of the hardest for me to write, because I did not understand its meaning. God wants us to seek him, in all things. "Call to me and I will answer you, and tell you wonderful things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
Call to him. Let him reveal his heart to you! Be blessed!
