By the Spirit
Hi Friends,
I am finally writing about a vision the Lord gave me on Sunday last week. This is a message about trusting in God. He has called us to serve him, and he will make sure that we are well equipped for the days ahead.
This vision is in five parts.
An Army Truck
As I am praying Sunday afternoon, the 24th of June, I see an army truck coming from the right crossing in front of me and making a turn to come in my direction. My view of the army truck is as if I am looking from a two or three story window about 50 yards away. Then the view zooms in to where I can see directly between the front and rear axles. I see several men, maybe seven or eight, in army fatigues and boots running behind and along one side the truck, They were hidden from the previous view. Perhaps they were using the truck as a shield. I see the men only from the knees down.
A few days later, while praying for the interpretation of this first vision, I turned on worship music. The first song to play was: “Whom shall I fear.” At that time, I just knew the song as “The God of angel armies,” for those were the words of the chorus. Then I realized that this song came in answer to my prayer. The army in the vision represented the Lord’s army, not a physical army.
As I continued to pray, I received three more pieces to the vision:
A Green Tattoo
First, I saw a man’s right foot. It was covered in a fluorescent neon green tattoo. The design was made of swirls and random shapes. It seems that the design was only visible when viewed under a black light.
Words in Red
After this I saw in red letters, the words: “Young Designer.”
A Barefoot Shoe
Then I saw a single black shoe that was behind a barrier made of random objects, nothing recognizable. It was brought out from behind, then over the barrier and placed in front of me to view in profile. It was a left “barefoot” shoe displayed with the toe-box to the left and the heel to the right. (A barefoot shoe has no rise under the heel, but the same depth of sole, from toe to heel. It is highly flexible, with a very thin sole.)
A Barrette and a Ring
Then, while in conversation, with a neighbor, I suddenly remembered a vision God had given me just a few days before. One item was a bar about 4” in length, and only ¼” wide. It was decorated with a single row of dark stones, cut and polished without edges, somewhat spherical. A few diamonds were included in the design. Then I saw a ring made of white gold. A single dark stone was the centerpiece, with two smaller diamonds on either side.
What I believe the vision means:
The Army Truck
The vision of the army truck, bothered me at first. I began to consider that the vision suggested war, or a civil situation where the army would be called in to keep the peace. As I reviewed the vision in my mind, it caused me to remember the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I had seen a computer rendered re-enactment of the event. The vantage point of the vision came from a location across the street and about 2-3 stories up. The sniper would have been where I was, and the Presidential car would have been where the truck was.
However, I was greatly relieved, to hear the song of “angel armies,” when I was praying regarding this vision, because I realized the the army that I saw, was a spiritual army and not a natural one. God dispatches his angels when we pray.
The view of the army truck came from a point higher than ground level. Similarly, a watchman on the wall, sees at an elevated level, so as to see further. When we pray, God may takes us up to see from a higher point, for he wants to reveal his plans and have us pray according to his will. “Surely the Lord God does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7
The Lord spoke to the prophet Ezekiel saying, “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.” Ezekiel 3:18
“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” Ezekiel 22:30
Going higher with the Lord involves trust, and obedience. It involves seeking God and placing his will first in our lives. When anyone of these things is lacking in our walk with God, we may be hindered from seeing all that God would have us see.
Then the vision changed to a close up of the truck at below eye level, to see the men running behind the truck. The angels were hidden from the view above. But they were visible from a lower vantage point. To see things that are otherwise hidden, we must be able to get low. I believe this represents two things: humility, and submission. When we remove pride, arrogance and our desire to be self sufficient, when we submit to his authority and his ways, we can see more of what the Lord would have us see. When Jesus' disciples questioned him as to why he spoke in parables, he replied, “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn and I would heal them.’” Matthew 13:13-15
Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” John 9:39
I was reminded of the story about the prophet Elisha asking God to open the eyes of his servant, so that he could see the armies of God. “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked.”
“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’”
“And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17
God wants us to know that we are not alone in our conflicts, and difficulties. We are not alone when we face situations that overwhelm us. For God has said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Even though we may not see God’s angels around us, they are there. The Lord spoke once to me saying, “I keep my angels around you, but you go your own way.” I wish that I didn't go my own way, but obviously that is what happened. But, I realize, that in spite of my disobedience, the Lord shows his love to me, by keeping his angels around me.
These messages are never just for me - they are for all of us. The Lord loves us all, and he keeps his angels around us! We are so blessed, that he hears our prayers and dispatches his army when there is a battle to be won. Let’s pray continually: “Pray without ceasing!” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
The Barrette and Ring
The 4” bar with dark stones and diamonds could be a barrette used to secure a woman’s hair. It is highly ornate, and very expensive as a barrette, but then so are tiaras, and crowns. Women of wealth flaunt their jewels on special occasions when they are trying to impress others. The ring, which matches, is also worn to impress others.
The Lord is not pleased when we try our best to impress others. Jesus was highly displeased with the Pharisees of his day, whose lives were all about appearances. They wanted to be known as “super spiritual - pillars of faith!” So everything they did was for the purpose of impressing others and to convince others of their worth. Jesus condemned them for their hypocrisy. “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the market places and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.” Matthew 23:5-7
We as Christians today, can do the very same things. I am sure the Lord hates it today, just as much as he did then. The idea of impressing others, or doing everything for show, is natural to the natural man. But we are to live our lives in the spirit, rather than the flesh. Both men and women want to be known for what makes them particularly attractive, their beauty, their physique, their intellect, their skills and talents. Some want to be known for their physical strength, their athletic abilities, Others want to be known for their social standing, or their political clout. Some are proud of their achievements, their careers, the properties they own, and the material possessions that display their wealth.
In the Church we must be careful to check our motives. Do we do things to impress the pastor, the worship leader, the teachers or elders? Paul made a point to instruct Timothy to teach modesty in the church. “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10
Could it be that we actually believe that we are better or greater or more talented than others? This is perhaps worse, for we deceive ourselves, and treat others as if they had less worth. “For by the grace given me I say to everyone of you : Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3
One day I was in the women’s restroom of our church. I was putting on my makeup, when I heard the Lord speak to me, “Is it for me that you do this?” I immediately thought, “No…. I am doing this to please myself.” If we are to do everything as if unto the Lord, then putting on makeup before I was going to workout, was simply vanity. Why do we need to impress others? What is it about us that causes us to need to feel accepted? Are we so insecure that we need others to love us or admire us? I believe this deserves some real thought and prayer.
The Green Tattoo
I believe the green tattoo represents a mark, or even a signature. The green design covered only one foot and was fluorescent. The image would be detected only under a black light.
I was reminded of the marks that are placed on currency to show that they are genuine. Certain watermarks and ghost images appear by holding a bill up to the light. Some marks, seen only under a black light, can verify authenticity.
I believe that this vision is about what determines the authenticity of the believer. Paul and other apostles spoke of false teachers and false brothers. It is important to us as believers to have discernment. We are to test the spirits. Do the words, and actions of a pastor, teacher, evangelist, or television minister, line up with the word of God? Can we be lead astray by a believer who entices us to do something which compromises our faith? Can we be lead astray by a teacher who misrepresents scripture or the will of God, by teaching half-truths?
I believe the design was placed on the right foot of the person, so that we can see that the test for authenticity is the person’s walk. Which path is the person taking? The narrow road that leads to life? The wide road that leads to destruction? (Matthew 7:13-14)
If we choose to follow another believer who is not on the right road, we have a serious situation. “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?” Luke 6:39
Jesus warns us: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:15
It is important to choose who we follow, and with whom we agree. “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20
The Words in Red
The words in the vision were: “young designer.” That was who I was. I was a young designer. Where was I headed at that time in my life? I was not in a good place, the letters were in red, which can often represent sin. However, I eventually became to despise materialism, finding it to be so wasteful and without purpose. But before I had reached this point, I would often say to my friends, “It is a shame that those who appreciate good design sign, cannot afford it.” And, “I would rather sit on a cardboard box, until I can afford what I want. I don’t want to settle for something else.” Now it seems hard for me to believe but that was where my head was. That is youth, and life according to the world and the flesh - NOT according to the spirit.
What is God showing us with these words? For me he is showing me passion. Where is our passion? When we choose a career for ourselves, it should be a passion, particularly if we want to be successful at it. A passion is something that is hard to leave behind at night, and excites you to get up in the morning. A passion is something that drives you. I was passionate about design, and to a degree I still am. The challenge of a project or any problem that needs a solution causes me to work on it until the problem is solved or the project is finished. The drive to accomplish a task can overtake me. Eating and sleeping are pushed aside in order to finish a job once started. At one point in my career I regularly did two “all-nighters” a week. That is why the Lord asked me to give it up.
God wants us to be passionate about him. He should be the first thing on our minds in the morning and the last thing on our minds as we fall asleep. We should rather spend time with him than anything else. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
If you do not currently have such a passion, it is something the Lord will happily help you cultivate. “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8
The Barefoot Shoe
For me the barefoot shoe is the ideal footwear. It is comfortable in every respect and provides a thin sole for flexibility, and a natural gait. The generous toe box allows room for every toe to move freely. There is no elevation to the heel (zero degree lift). This allows the foot to experience a true heel strike and loads the bones vertically optimizing bone development. The backs of the legs and buttocks are used for walking on level surfaces. This never happens in an ordinary shoe with even the slightest of heels. The proper gait builds the pelvic floor and reduces unnecessary stress to the knees. The barefoot shoe allows for natural body alignment , which improves body mechanics of the neck, shoulders, back, hips, knees, and feet. It is truly an example of form that allows and supports proper function.
Why is God showing this to us? As the shoe was designed to accommodate the natural movement and form of our bodies, God has designed a plan suited to fit each one of us, as we live to fulfill his purpose. I believe it was always God's plan to place the Holy Spirit within us, to help our spirit to do his will. I believe the written word of God, is part of that plan. It provides a framework for our lives, like a manual for living in God's kingdom.
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see God’s heart demonstrated through his actions, his instructions, his warnings, his declarations and laments. With the Holy Spirit and his precious word, our hearts can empathize with his heart. We can see his frustration with mankind, in all his attempts to capture our hearts.
“I will put my dwelling place among you and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. Leviticus 26:11-12
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." Ezekiel 36:26-27
“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds." Hebrews 10:16
“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations." Matthew 12:18
God has provided a way for us to have an abundant life in him. He has written his word on our hearts. He has given us the precious Holy Spirit to indwell us.
But we have been a heartache to him. Why can we not simply return his love? Why can we not simply be obedient? Why does our will and self-interest get in the way? This is our flesh, our will, our sinful nature. We are told the desires of the flesh are contrary to the spirit and that the desires of the spirit are contrary to the flesh. They are at war with one another. This is a battle that needs to be fought on a daily basis. We must give preference to the Spirit. There is no other way to have the peace, the love and the fullness of his presence with us.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Galatians 5:16-18
We are not alone. The Lord is our guide, and our help in trouble. Let's live according to the Spirit. Let's walk in the Lord's peace and love! Be blessed!
