He who Overcomes
Hi Friends,
I hope you are all well. A lot is going on in the world right now - we really need to be in prayer! Two days ago, I received a six part vision and later the next day, I received the last part. I am so thankful that God is so willing to speak with us in this way. This vision is about revival and the Lord’s return. I had been asking him to encourage us, because the times are so wicked, we need to build our faith and hope in him.
The Vision
First I saw a mylar bag whose seam was not sealed. Somehow it had opened up. The bag was similar to a “family size” bag of chips. It had a vertical seam on the back of the bag, and its top and bottom edges were sealed and crimped. I was trying to close and seal up the back seam by pressing down on it. The bag appeared to be empty.
Next I saw a man sitting behind a table. He looked at me and said, “You need two,” holding up two fingers. “I’ll get them for you.” He stood up and turned to get them. Somehow, I believe that they were two tickets or passes to an event.
Then I saw a small, rectangular piece of batting, about 2.5” x 4”. It was held up in front of a plastic castle, which was at the bottom of fish tank, filled with water.
After this I saw a can of tomato soup.
Next I saw a picture frame with a mat cut in rectangular openings to accommodate 4”x6” photographs. It had the appearance of window panes. In the lower right hand corner, was a photo of three ballet dancers in tutus. The view zoomed in, and became “live.” The girls were dancing together.
Then I saw a soccer player wearing a black shirt, black shorts and socks. He was on his back holding his shins and rolling left and right in pain. He was wearing kelly green shoes with white ties and while soles.
The last piece of the vision, was of a girl’s dance bag. The bag was very old, having seen a lot of use. It was a faded pale pink, dirty and a bit ragged, but still useable.
What I believe this vision means:
The Mylar Bag
If you found this bag, you would expect that the contents might be stale, or even missing, because the back seam had popped open. I was trying to re-seal the seam, but without any success. The top and bottom edges were still sealed, showing that no one had attempted to open the bag in the normal fashion. It is possible that if outside pressure were applied to the bag, the seam could have been forced open. It is also possible that the original seam was never sealed properly.
What I believe the vision describes is a breach. When Jesus spoke of a sheep pen, he said that he was the gate. “Anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber……..Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” John 10:1, 7-9
The mylar bag was not opened at the top, but the contents were removed, or fell out because the seam was open. The bag may represent the church. The contents are the members. I believe that many churches in America are closing their doors, because the enemy has come in to cause division, offense, discord, and disappointment.
The American churches who do not hold to Biblical truths, but have accommodated the social norms are powerless churches. They rely on loud music, and “feel good” messages to entertain their audiences. They are social clubs that allow the people in the community to gather and have coffee and talk about their jobs, their sports, their interests and their children.
If you think this is not the case, I ask you, “Is corporate prayer offered at your church more than once or twice a month? How many attend those few meetings? Only a handful out of hundreds? Does anyone get healed? Does anyone get delivered?” Didn't Jesus say “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations?” Matthew 21:13 Shouldn't prayer be the main focus?
What about the services? Do they keep to a rigid schedule of 3 songs, announcements, a sermon, a parting song, and time to socialize afterwards? Is it really worship of the Lord, when there is obviously no time to wait on the Lord? No time to allow the Holy Spirit to move? What is the focus? It seems to me that the focus is to make church a pleasant, happy experience. Get ‘em in and get ‘em out on time! And don't forget to make it convenient to get their money - "Give online!"
I have seen “successful social clubs” parading as churches. They may have provided a service to the community, and people may truly enjoy going there, but what are their motives? Do they speak of lingering in the presence of the Lord? Do they come early and stay late, because the presence is so powerful? Are they truly seeking the Lord? Or are they really coming to see someone else, or to be seen by those in the community? Is the motive to meet a future husband? To make friends? To pass out business cards? Is it to connect with people to develop their private businesses?
In the vision I was trying to seal up the seam by pressing on it. It was not possible to seal it in this manner, for the mylar needs to be sealed with heat. The Lord said, “I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” In the first century, it was fierce persecution that provided the heat “to seal” the church. The church grew stronger the more it was persecuted. People knew that the stakes were high. They had a choice: to live for the Lord and die a martyr’s death, or follow the ways of the world, and be condemned to hell for all eternity. There was no room for indecision, and complacency.
Because of earlier visions the Lord has given me, I believe that the heat will be turned up, that persecution will come to this nation. Those that are merely playing church, will come to a rude awakening. Their faith will be tested. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken, because “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” Hebrews 12:27
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, ‘for our God is a consuming fire.’” Hebrews 12:28-29
“The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10
The Man behind the Table
I believe the man behind the table is an angel. He tells me that I will need two, holding up two fingers, and then turns to go get them. I believe that the man is going to get “tickets.” I have been praying for years, as many of you have, for friends, family members and loved ones to be saved. I believe that one ticket is for me, and the other ticket is for my husband. Hallelujah! God had shown me years before, that we would be on the same page. I believe that what God had shown me, will soon come to pass. The Lord wants us to co-labor together. We just need a little patience and lot more prayer - we’re not quite there yet.
The Lord wants unity in the home. He wants us to support one another. Do you remember when Jesus sent his disciples out? He sent them two by two. I believe this is important, because where there is agreement in prayer, there is power. Sometimes when we minister in two’s, one person may connect with another more readily, having something in common with that person. One may witness, and the other shares the gospel, one may lead in the prayer of salvation and the other prays for a miracle. Supporting and encouraging one another is important throughout the body of Christ. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
The Batting and the Castle
The small piece of batting I believe is to be used as a filter. Someone holds it in front of a tiny white castle, under the water, in a fish tank.
In a secure castle or fortress, the gate may be open to those bringing in goods to sell, or those leaving on business, but in times of danger, the doors remain closed. The watchman, seeing someone approach, acts as a filter. “Who goes there? State your business.” If the watchman deems it safe, he will allow the gates to be opened. If not, they remain shut.
Who are the watchmen? Intercessors, prophets, and those who seek the Lord. “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself.” Ezekiel 3:17-19
We will be held accountable for every word that comes from our mouths. We will be held accountable for the things we have done, as well as the things that we should have done but failed to do. It is a scary thing, but that is what the fear of God is all about. And as I said above, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10
Jesus will stand at the gates of heaven. The filter he uses to judge those who are allowed through the doors, is whether he knows them. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21-23
Another story about the Lord standing at the gate, letting in some and refusing others, is the story of the ten virgins: “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish one took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.”
“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’”
“‘No, they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’”
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Matthew 25:1-13
In both of these stories, the Lord refused them by saying, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” We know that it is not, in going to church, that we are saved. It is not by being baptized that we are saved. It is not by doing great feats for the Lord that we are saved. It is only by knowing him. “Only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Many people claim that there are other scriptures that tell them that not much is really required:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
But James causes us to consider: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.” James 2:19
Our belief must be more than fact, because the demons know who Jesus is. Our salvation is based on having a relationship with the Lord. Yes, we must declare that “Jesus is Lord.” But we must also believe and have a true understanding and an appreciation for what he did on the cross to atone for our sins. If we only express this idea in a prayer, with someone leading us in what to say, but never really intend to make him, Lord of our lives, then we are merely fooling ourselves. The apostle Paul said, “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12
The Lord warned us about complacency, and falling away. He spoke of seeds that never really take root. He warned us about honoring him with our lips, yet our hearts stray far from him. Yet, for those who seek him - they will find him.
These are the promises the Lord gives to those of of the seven churches, who by obedience and commitment overcome sinful temptations and live holy lives unto the Lord:
"To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” Revelations 2:7
“He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.” Revelations 2:11
“To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” Revelations 2:17
“To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations--He will rule them with an iron scepter, he will dash them to pieces like pottery--just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star.” Revelations 2:26-28
“He who overcomes 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 3:5
“Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. 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
“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelations 3:21
We are to overcome the sin and the temptations in our lives. We are to resist the devil, and to finish hard this race toward heaven. “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
A Can of Tomato Soup
A can of tomato soup is considered a lunch food, although not served alone. Soup is usually served with a sandwich, or a salad, cheese and crackers or perhaps a muffin. No one would consider it a meal in itself, like chilli or another hearty soup. The contents of the can, is also incomplete. Since it is a concentrate, it must be diluted with an equal amount of water, broth or milk. I believe the soup represents half of something. It represents something incomplete.
We can be like the can of soup. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit, apart from me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5
For us to manifest the character traits we call the fruit of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit must dwell within us. It is in abiding with the Spirit of God, that produces this character in us.
However, when we follow the world, and give more room to the flesh, than living according to the Spirit, we can lose our spiritual focus and become distracted. What we are asked to do for the Lord, can become delayed or shelved indefinitely. Jesus found the church at Sardis to be so distracted as to be sleeping, and their works incomplete. “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.” Revelations 3:2
If the Lord is showing me that something is incomplete, we must ask ourselves, “What is it that God has called me to undertake? A ministry, to tithe, to feed the poor, to fast, to look in on those that need help, or is it that we are not giving God time to fellowship with him? Everyone has a calling. Are we doing God’s work or are we simply content to sit in our pews?
A Collage of Photos - Three dancers
The vision begins with a frame and a mat which has cut-outs for photos. The picture in the lower right hand corner was of the three dancers. In an earlier vision, one for which I named my blog "Forsythia," there was another dancer, a small girl dressed as a ballerina. She came into the church through the front door by the cafe. Then she stood by the door waiting. I knew she was waiting for her dance to begin. It was a dance that began with two teams one in red and one in white. They showed their disdain for one another with harsh glances, leading ultimately to a fight with staffs. But in the end, it became a dance of acceptance, love and unity. The small dancer represented the spirit of unity, a very necessary element for revival.
In this vision, I believe that each photo within the frame represents one of the necessary components to having a visitation of the Holy Spirit as a revival. This last photo was of three dancers. These were older girls, all dancing together. These girls also represent unity as they were accustomed to working together. They were strong, and well trained, they worked together with precision. They were unified. If the Lord is showing us that unity exists, is revival just around the corner? Is there anything that still holds it back?
What do the other photos represent? What are the things needed to welcome the Holy Spirit? Could it be the desire for the presence of the Lord? Could it be the desire to live a holy life? Could it be obedience to the commands of God? Could it be the willingness to forgive? Could it be letting go of material possessions and choosing to live for the Lord? Could it be the desire to see others set free? Could it be the willingness to give ourselves fully to the Lord? Could it be that we must spend time seeking the Lord with prayer and fasting?
There is no doubt that we need a revival in our nation. Will you join me in praying and fasting for our nation? We need to seek the Lord and by that, we will see the Holy Spirit come with healing, restoration, deliverance and salvation!
The Soccer Player
The soccer player was wearing black all over with the exception of kelly green shoes with white ties and white soles. He was curled up holding his shins and rolling back and forth in pain.
The colors he was wearing are keys to understanding the vision. Black represents darkness, sin, Earth, affliction, humiliation, calamity, death, and mourning. He was experiencing some type of trauma. A soccer player falls, gets kicked, or collides with another player.
Green represents immortality, resurrection, new beginning, praise, growth, prosperity, flourishing and restoration. Even though the player was experiencing pain, and trauma, the shoes promise a new beginning, and restoration.
The color white represents truth, and purity. So the white shoelaces and the white soles show that acknowledging the truth, and being purified by the blood of the Lamb, make restoration and a new beginning possible.
So the soccer player may represent those who are lost, as well as those who have left the Lord to follow their sinful desires. At this point in their lives they are considered dead in their sins. Because of their sins, if they were to die today, they would not only experience the natural death, but they would go on to experience eternal death, which is separation from God. Looking again at what the color black represents we see darkness, affliction, calamity, and mourning. These are attributes of hell. But when we turn from sin, and look to Jesus for forgiveness, he promises new life.
Even as believers, as we look at these meanings of black, we see how these describe the fallen world in which we live. Black can mean Earth - living on the earth, in our mortal bodies, we experience pain, suffering, humiliation, affliction, calamity, mourning and death. “In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
So even in this world, as we experience these negative and painful circumstances, the Lord gives us hope. The green represents those things which the Lord has promised us:
Immortality: to live with him forever;
Resurrection: “If we have been united with him (Jesus) like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.” Romans 6:5
New Beginning: We are born again, born of the Spirit of God. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the past is gone, all things have been made new.” 1 Corinthians 5:17
Flourishing and Prosperity: “I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
Growth and Restoration: “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10
Praise: In the Lord’s parable, to those who are faithful to the Master (God), will hear these words: “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 white represents truth and purity. We must be able to acknowledge the truth, in order to receive the new life and the promises of God. For those who are blinded by sin, we continue to pray, because it says in the word, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’” Mark 4:11-12
We pray for them because: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:44
So we must pray to the Father, that he draws our loved ones, friends, family, and all the lost souls to Jesus. Salvation is available to all who believe: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
The Dance Bag
The dance bag, which is basically a tote for shoes, (tap, ballet, jazz, modern, lyrical) is a soft, faded pink. It is very worn, given hard use, year after year. The bag has been a faithful companion to a girl, who is now after many years of training, an accomplished dancer. A well trained dancer is highly focused, and disciplined. She represents a mature Christian, one who is skilled in handling the word of God, one who has been tested in the fiery trials of life, and disciplined by the Holy Spirit, one who can trust in the Lord, and is willing to be the Lords hands and feet to those around her.
The bag was old and worn, but it was still useable. As Christians, we go through seasons, we will have days when we feel we have not done all that we could have done for the Lord. There may be days when we question what is in store for us, and for those around us. But we know that we must keep our eyes on the Lord. We must stay close to him. I believe that we are in the last days because of certain visions the Lord has given me. But even if the Lord tarries, we are still limited by the number of days we have here on this earth.
I have told many people who live in nursing homes, or are limited by sickness, poor health, and can’t walk or drive, that they can still be useful to God. Just by praying for others, praying for the nation, for the church and the world, they can make a difference. God can hear their prayers.
Just yesterday, the last of the boys and their soccer coach was rescued from the flooded caves of Thailand. There is no doubt in my mind, that it was through our prayers, that they were rescued. They were in a damp and dark cave for over two weeks. It is truly a miracle, since none of them had ever swum before, and certainly knew nothing about scuba diving. A professional diver, interviewed on the news, likened the attempt to rescue these kids from a cave, to climbing Mt. Everest. He reminded us all, that many of those who have attempted it, have die.
But through prayer, God kept the boys safe, and helped them to do things, we would never be willing to do ourselves. One of the divers placing oxygen tanks along the way died. God gave wisdom and direction throughout the mission. Four Navy Seals remained with the boys in the cave, to help them keep their focus, not on fear, but on the things they needed to know, to make the dangerous journey through the cave. God answered our prayers with their safe return to their families. I am also hoping that they have come to experience and know the love of God through this ordeal.
We can pray, and God can move mountains. Remember, “apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 We are incomplete without him. "But with God all things are possible!" Matthew 19:26 Let’s partner with God and see mountains move in the lives of our family, our nation and the world!
